<div align="justify">The other night I decided I was going to add a couple add on programs to see if it would change my game play a bit. I'm surprised by what kind of information you can get about another players character by just mousing over their character. One of the ones I added gives you the gear score a character has, and I must say that is awesome.<br /><br />I also added a damage counter. This one lets me see what kind of damage per second (DPS) another player is doing. I like this one as well, as the person who fills the roll of a tank, I cannot do enough DPS on my own to kill one of the bosses in the heroic dungeons I have been running. It is important to have people who can do 2-3k DPS to run through most heroic dungeons quickly and with minimal deaths. When you need to farm heroic badges...high DPS is a must!<br /><br />Anyway...I will leave you with that little tidbit and will return in a day or so with a tip for any new Paladin tanks. Later!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-4947203866980558831?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/D8Yi7voiJAE" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">80. Its just another number, except in WoW. My paladin is finally reached level 80. It took a while but now I can fill the roll of tank for heroic dungeons. What a difference!<br /><br />I have had to re-spec to be able to tank in most heroic dungeons. I took some time to read up on Paladin tanking. One thing I do need to work on is how much health my Paladin has, getting closer to 30k health. My next post will have a tip or two from my own experiences as a tank. Hope you'll come back for it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-2849831486155361652?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/Viqib_xVIQ4" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">As most of you have noticed, I've been away from the blogging world. I've been playing World of Warcraft trying to level a paladin. The only reason I decided to roll a paladin was because I was tired of trying to find a tank to run through some dungeons. I've been trying to get his defence rating up to 540 so he can be capped, but unfortunately he's only level 77 and has a defence rating of 526. Its good to be close to the cap while leveling because it makes it easier to fulfill the role of a tank while striving for level 80.<br /><br />Anyway, the only problem I've had while running through dungeons as a tank is with other players that like to pull the groups of enemies while I'm trying to replenish my mana. Hopefully I will be able to get some really nice gear soon, max level isn't that far away when you are level 77. As always your comments are welcome, and if you have any tips for someone learning how to tank in the game, feel free to drop me a comment. Later!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-3145853943255359180?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/DL7bx9UHP1k" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">The new patch is out and so far I'm enjoying it. They have added more dailies for the Argent Tournament which is awesome considering I lost four dailies when I completed the Valiant series of daily quests. I've tried the new instance, Trial of Champions, and it is tough. Hopefully I will get another chance to try that one out.<br /><br />They have changed the way you start the battle for Wintergrasp Lake. I like that change, it is better for me to queue up for the WG battle then to try and get a raid invite.<br /><br />Speaking of raids, I hope the raid I am joining tonight will be a success. As long as they don't advertise the raid in trade chat we should be successful. Anyway I have to run, have fun everyone.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-7503606100456025625?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/tgjTbK3Y4Vc" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Well my company has just moved buildings and I am ready for my first day off in the past three weeks. There has been so much chaos associated with moving a warehouse from one city to the next that I do not even know which day it is. I know that I finally get a day off but only because my supervisor told me that we do not have a shift tomorrow. Maybe now I can spend some time writing and just working on getting some rest.<br /><br />Anyway I'm off to get some sleep...I need it! See you all soon.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-2309308592854367781?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/x0ls6khixH4" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Wow what a change from about this time last year. Last year their was a primary that seemed to drag on and now the winner President Barrack Obama is working to help America out of the global recession. Peoples outlooks have changed and consumer confidence is non-existent. The big three are trying to do everything to get bail out money just to survive the recession.<br /><br />Who's fault was the recession anyway, should we even place blame? To me it doesn't matter who's at fault, what matters to me is how and when are we going to get out of the recession? I'm not an economist but I do think that if we are to make it out of this recession some concessions are going to made. What kind of concessions, pay cuts, work share, or more lay offs? If the markets are deflating some of that deflation should be seen in the cost of living but I haven't seen any reductions.<br /><br />One thing I'm sure of is that the cost of living has increased and a lot of wages have not been increasing. But is cutting jobs and begging governments for bail outs the answer? My opinion is that the cost of the items we need to purchase a new car is far to high and I'm not just talking about Canadian prices. On the whole the price of items have increased and other than retailers offering a lot more sales on their products. But anyway my opinion is just a drop in the bucket of what is the cause of this recession.<br /><br />What do you think? Would lower prices on almost all goods and services help us out of this global recession?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-6986031910046917138?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/LDjq6NAxhdw" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Hello again. Some of the few readers that I have may have noticed a complete lack of new posts on this blog. Well I am addicted to playing World of Warcraft. My brother bought me the game for Christmas and ever since I got it home I have had trouble pulling myself away from the game. It's not that it is the be all and end all of PC Games but for me; it's the role playing in the game that is the most fun. I will be trying to pull myself away from the game more often and trying to get something up here for you to read considering that Parliament is now back in session and the old power hungry politicians are singing the same song they were singing before the Governor General Prorogued parliament.<br /><br />Anyway, I am sure that some interesting story is going to break soon about the Canadian government, hopefully we will be going to another election if there is a no confidence vote. Michael Ignatief has said that he will take time to go over the new budget, at least that was what I read in the paper. We will have to wait until tomorrow to find out what is happening.<br /><br />Till the next time I can pull myself away from the game, adios Amigos!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-8040704292251112772?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/HltAer_eHbI" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SURFTwx5TNI/AAAAAAAAAk8/-74NuOdRejA/s1600-h/Ignatieff-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SURFTwx5TNI/AAAAAAAAAk8/-74NuOdRejA/s200/Ignatieff-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279420868999072978" /></a><div align="justify">A new face for the coalition, but is the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/10/ignatieff-caucus.html#http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/10/ignatieff-caucus.html">coalition</a> good for Canadians? I really don't think so. I don't want a new PM right now, the whole no confidence vote in parliament shows me that the people we voted into parliament can only get along when they have an opportunity to steal power away from the Canadian voters.<br /><br />The Canadian people showed the Liberals that we don't want their kind leading the country by only voting them into one of the lowest ever recorded number of seats in parliament. So why would the rest of the 75% of the country that did not vote for liberals want another Liberal Prime Minister? I still think that this whole coalition is nothing more than a power grab at the expense of the Canadian voting public.<br /><br />Just because the liberal party has a new leader does not mean that I am more likely to accept a coalition government that has separatists in power. If Quebec decides that it will separate from Canada, we could see a civil war in the near future. If this coalition is not smothered then we would be looking at a nation divided in a time when we need our elected officials to stand together and get things done. These hard economic times are putting even more strain on the unity of the country with threats from other provinces to separate if the coalition government is allowed to take power.<br /><br />I am trying to find the time to put a letter together for my elected official and a letter to the Governor General. I would much rather the Governor General dissolve parliament and call another election than have to deal with a PM that is willing to steal your vote and take power just because they are acting like sore losers. This whole political crisis that has reared its ugly head in the ashes of our last election is giving other nations a reason to laugh at us and our political system. These power hungry MP's must be stopped; even if it means we have to have a conservative majority government.<br /><br />In my opinion; changing the leader of the coalition does nothing to change my mind about whether or not it is good for Canada. How many votes would have been stolen by the coalition if the Governor General allows the coalition to take power? How many people feel like they have been betrayed by the liberals and the new democrats? If you are against the coalition, then stand up for your vote and tell these power hungry losers that you are opposed to the coalition. The person that was elected in my riding who I voted for is in on this coalition and I cannot help but feel like he has betrayed my vote. I did not vote for him to have him steal power; I voted for him because his platform was the one that was best for my riding.<br /><br />Maybe it is time for a drastic change to the Canadian political system. Instead of having a multiparty system, maybe its time we took a page from the Americans and went to a two party system, the right versus the left. I do think that there is much change needed to our electoral system especially if a party can win 50 seats in the house of commons from only one province. One thing that I firmly believe is that if your party does not allow people outside of one province to vote for you; your party should not be allowed to take part in federal elections involving the other 9 provinces and 3 territories. Well that's just my opinion, what's yours?</div><br />Image: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ignatieff-1.jpg">Wiki Media Commons</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-4437861730201310578?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/dootPb4NFq8" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Today was a big day for Jean <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/quebecvotes2008/story/2008/12/08/qv-electionleadall1208.html">Charest</a> of the Liberal party winning a majority government. Jean Charest is good for Quebec and as an Ontarian I am glad that Quebec elected a party with out a sovereignty platform. Is this good for the Harper government like some analysts have said?<br /><br />What is good for country is the leadership race to replace Stephane Dion. Michael Ignatieff appears to be the leader in the race. Dominic Leblanc, an MP from New Brunswick has dropped out of the leadership race and is now backing Michael Ignatieff for the new leader of the opposition. Bob Rae, a former NDP provincial premier is also in the race for leadership of the federal liberal party in Ottawa. Both offer a better alternative to Stephane Dion but support for the coalition is coming more from Bob Rae than Michael Ignatieff.<br /><br />My opinion is that a new leader of the liberals will help settle the crisis in the house of commons and our elected officials will be able to get back to work on our economy. The economy is a headline maker and right now some of the reviews are very poor; we need our officials back in office to move forward and work together to tackle the economic issues of today. The federal liberals headed by Dion seem to be acting like sore losers and that is a very unprofessional attitude when your country's economic future is hanging in the balance. All Canadians should stand behind our PM and next election send a clear message to the liberals that backdoor politics is bad business for Canada!<br /><br />What are your thoughts about the liberal leadership race?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-5166971723626305845?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/3eB8B2R_WGk" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Last Wednesday Stephen Harper convinced our Governor General to prorogue parliament. The Liberal and New Democrat coalition are trying to convince the general population that delaying the no confidence vote was running <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/06/political-rallies.html">away from</a> the issues. Rallies for both pro and anti coalition have been held across the Nation, Stephane Dion should not be allowed to grab power with a coalition including a party that only one province is allowed to vote for.<br /><br />The Bloc Quebecois is not a national party, only residents of Quebec are allowed to vote for them. This makes them in my opinion a provincial party in the wrong level of the Canadian government. If I were allowed to vote for the Bloc Quebecois I might have a different opinion of them, but I really can not see the Montreal Canadiens as a team that is not part of Canada. Having the Bloc as part of the coalition makes me believe that the coalition is not good for country, never mind the fact that it is being lead by a party that 75% of the country did not vote for.<br /><br />I still feel betrayed by the Liberals and NDP; I am standing by my PM and hoping that cooler heads will prevail. The budget which will be the first thing tabled after parliament resumes in January should be interesting. The PM has called for a meeting with all of the provincial leaders to try and put the best budget forward that is in the interest of all Canadians. As for the coalition, I would rather have another election then have Stephane Dion as my PM; my vote counts too. What about you, are you pro or anti-coalition?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-9187883646232066077?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/phGdV4oDDls" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">I just watched PM Stephen Harper address the nation today. After hearing what the PM had to say to the Canadian people I watched and listened to what Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe had to say in response to the PM's address. I was a little skeptical about what a coalition government would do for Canadians, but mostly I felt betrayed by the officials we elected.<br /><br />Let me elaborate a little, seven weeks ago Canadians decided that they wanted a conservative minority government with a diverse opposition to represent them in the house of commons. When I first heard rumours of a coalition government consisting of Stephane Dion as the new Prime Minister and supported by Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Quebecois; my first thought was I don't want a Liberal Prime Minister. It seems the people who had told the Canadian people on election night that they would work with the new minority government to make change for the Canadian people are certainly making change. They are flip flopping to gain power. Did we all say back in October that we did not want Stephane Dion as our PM?<br /><br />I don't know a lot about politics but I do know who I voted for and it was not Mr Dion. I really feel like we need a "do over" on the last election. Should we stand together with our PM even if you didn't vote for him, after all he is the face of Canada; our representative to the world. Or do we let <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/03/harper-address.html">'backroom deals'</a> set a new precedence in Canadian politics and allow this coalition government headed by some one who is stepping down and allowing its own party to elect a new PM from its own members in May?<br /><br />My opinion is that this coalition government is bad for Canadians because all of those who voted against Dion and his plan for the economy and the environment; which was a small stimulus check and a new tax that would have everything overpriced; would now have a PM they did not vote for which is about 75% of Canadians. I do not want Dion and some one who is 'yet to be determined' run my country regardless of whether or not the official I elected is taking part in the coalition. Who really wants a PM who encourages inflation; don't we pay enough for our goods and service? I really don't like the idea of a coalition government and talking about the current one leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. What's your opinion about the current Canadian political crisis?</div><br />More about the Canadian political crisis: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/03/jean-crisis.html">Dion coalition would 'weaken' Canada: Harper</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-8144722975286524826?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/B05uXEzfMGo" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">As most of you have noticed, I have not been updating my blog recently. This is not due to abandonment, it is due to a problem with my operating system on my home computer and a few changes that I have been dealing with. The biggest change is that I now have a roommate and lets just say that not much gets done around the house unless I do it.<br /><br />I haven't given up on blogging I just have not found much time to blog now that I have double the amount of daily chores. Working for 8 hours a day and then coming home to about 2 to 3 hours worth of chores does not leave much room for blogging. I haven't quite worked out whether or not I will have some kind of posting schedule; so my posts will be more sporadic. I have decided that I will not turn this blog into a political blog, but I will keep looking for current events that strike a chord with me.<br /><br />For every one who has faithfully been reading my blog, THANK YOU! For those who are just discovering my blog, take a look around and thanks for visiting. Until next time, later y'all!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-9136931169211308487?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/BF7NZNX3y0M" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SPaTclWqVPI/AAAAAAAAAck/MMAg_9Phxk0/s1600-h/ENG-FRN005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SPaTclWqVPI/AAAAAAAAAck/MMAg_9Phxk0/s400/ENG-FRN005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257551734274413810" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Yesterday October 14^th Canada went to the election booth and voted for another Conservative minority government. Stephen Harper will lead another slightly stronger minority cabinet into the coming year and will put Canada's economy at the forefront of this new government. Some gains were made by both the Conservative party and the New Democrat Party. The New Democrats broke ground in Quebec with their first ever seat in a Quebec riding.<br /><br /><i>Hier le 14 octobre Canada est allé aux cabines d'élection et a voté pour un autre gouvernement de conservateur minorité. Stephen Harper mènera un autre coffret légèrement plus fort de minorité dans l'année à venir et mettra l'économie du Canada au rang de ce nouveau gouvernement. Quelques gains ont été faits par la partie conservatrice et Les Neveaux Democrats. Plus de gains ont été faits par la partie conservatrice dans Ontario mais pas au Québec. Les nouveaux Democrats ont cassé la terre au Québec avec leur premier siège dans une équitation du Québec.</i><br /><br />In Quebec the majority was for the bloc de Quebecois. The Bloc held onto their 50 seats in Parliament. There were really no big surprises which disappointed many voters. Although there was not much change in the political landscape of the House of Commons, a larger contingent of New Democrats will put more focus on Canadian Industry. For full election results please visit <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/">CBC</a>'s webpage.<br /><br /><i>Au Québec la majorité était pour le bloc de Quebecois. Le bloc s'est tenu sur leurs 50 sièges au parlement. Il n'y avait vraiment aucune grande surprise qui a déçu beaucoup d'électeurs. Bien qu'il n'y ait pas eu beaucoup de changement du paysage politique de la Chambre des communes, un plus grand contingent de nouveaux Democrats mettra plus d'accent sur l'industrie Canadienne. Pour de pleins résultats d'élection veuillez visitent le site Web du <a href="http://enr.elections.ca/National_f.aspx">Canada d'élections</a>.</i><br /><br /> <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-6124951551628629579?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/hPEM4gOjLxI" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SOx8_YN5JsI/AAAAAAAAAcc/-levZTjgxmQ/s1600-h/NAU.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SOx8_YN5JsI/AAAAAAAAAcc/-levZTjgxmQ/s200/NAU.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254712293508851394" /></a><div align="justify">With both Canadian and American elections right around the corner I could not help myself from drawing the conclusion that the North American Union (N.A.U.) is clearly on the horizon. I have no idea as to what the flag of the N.A.U. might look like but what you see here is my opinion on what it should look like if political leaders were to push for it.<br /><br />The current elections in Canada were called not that long ago and we will be going to the polls before the U.S.; but if we elect a majority government we will again be going to the polls a month before the next U.S. election four years from now. Right now the polls seem to be fluctuating quite a bit and the last few days of attack ads will be running. Liberals, New Democrats and Greens do not want a Conservative majority or minority saying that the changes that Stephen Harper has made with a minority government are bad for the economy and that we should all panic over the economic mess south of the border and assume the worst for our own economy.<br /><br />I hear a lot of talk about change coming from the U.S. media and a lot of talk about how Stephen Harper is killing the economy from Canadian media. U.S. politics are more partisan than Canadian considering the left and the right have more than one party running. It can be difficult to decide which party to support when you have to choose the lesser of four evils (I say four because there are four major parties I can vote for, Bloc Quebecois only runs for seats in Quebec).<br /><br />Anyway, with both elections relatively close in terms of dates within the election year one could draw the conclusion that the Canadian electoral system is being reformed. The possibility of a Harper majority government does not seem likely from the polls I saw today but there still are a few days before the election where that could change. With a majority government Canadians would not be going to the polls again for another four years; coinciding with the 2012 U.S. election...makes me think that the N.A.U. would do more than reform the currency across the three nations.<br /><br />I can only speculate about the N.A.U. but there are treaties in place that are precursors to the N.A.U. right now. The Security & Prosperity Partnership <a href="http://www.spp.gov/">(S.P.P.)</a> is just one of the precursors that I am aware of. I am sure there are more, and more will come to light in the coming years ahead. Only the coming days and months ahead will be able to reveal what will happen.<br /><br />What's your take on the North American Union?<br />Are you for uniting the three separate currencies into the Amero?<br />What's your say?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-7153491125698394968?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/gZ0fE-KmP9s" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SOlvcadUXVI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TH4L3UOmR1o/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SOlvcadUXVI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TH4L3UOmR1o/s400/025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253852974233705810" /></a><div align="justify">Okay, this is what happened...three years ago I called in a roofing company to strip all of the shingles off the roof and fix the leak that I had that was minor. The roofing company came in shingled over the existing shingles and did not put any flashing where water might pool. I noticed the leak earlier in the year as the drywall on the ceiling was bulging down. May I remind you that I am only one person and trying to get a hold of friends for longer than half an hour has been difficult for the past four years.<br /><br />One of my really good friends moved back from British Columbia this year and when he came by to visit and catch up on what has been happening since he left pointed out a musty smell. Well the smell was coming from the mold that was growing on the ceiling behind the drywall and insulation. We pulled the moldy ceiling down about a week ago and found a hole about the size of a tennis ball in the roof decking. The picture above was taken after we had started to replace the damaged roof decking and found that there was nothing to attach it to.<br /><br />I called the number from my paperwork for the roof to see if they would come in to fix it. <i>You'll never guess what comes next...</i> They went bankrupt! With such poor workmanship it really was not much of a surprise. At least the bankruptcy trustee said they would send me some paperwork to file a claim against the defunct company. <i>Now what am I going to do?</i> So I have been trying to get some quotes to get the wall fixed so I can fix the roof as soon as possible. It is getting cold and I certainly do not want to get the problem fixed in January.<br /><br />Have you ever had a similar problem?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-1680602344420353476?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/J3Izt0587lY" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">When I woke up today, I had completely forgot about the English debates tonight; but I did get a chance to watch some of the French debate last night. My French is not the greatest but I was glad that the network airing the debate translated for me. Anyway, I just remembered about the debate just in time to catch a few questions from reports after the debate.<br /><br />Maybe I needed a break from politics for today. I was watching some television earlier today; specifically on the History channel and I just was engrossed by a program that was uncovering buildings from the time of Henry VIII. It was quite interesting and took my mind off of politics for the time being.<br /><br />I will have to get back to the political folly that is the up coming election on October 14^th. I am definitely going to vote that day. I haven't seen any good commercials encouraging voting this time around, maybe we'll get a better turn out this time...who knows? Anyway, I'll catch up with campaigns and have some more in the coming days.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-6492797579004183353?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/LgtCw_B1-AA" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SNxmu4tuqFI/AAAAAAAAAcM/JmavUv2w4Ds/s1600-h/layton_official.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SNxmu4tuqFI/AAAAAAAAAcM/JmavUv2w4Ds/s200/layton_official.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250184221291358290" /></a><div align="justify">One thing that is very important to many Canadians are home grown jobs. Recent times have seen our manufacturing jobs shipped overseas as well as across the border. One thing I like about Jack Layton's approach to the economy is to invest in Canadian manufacturing. I think that's a pretty good angle to go on considering there are rumors being generated that our Canadian banks could follow suit with many financial institutions in the US.<br /><br />Layton is approaching the economy by making a push to keep Canadian jobs...Canadian. It is important to note that other candidates have opposed the idea of helping Canadian companies to stay Canadian and keep pace with what should be a growing economy. Foreign companies have been either buying up companies or luring companies to out source their production in a sometimes dangerous work environment rather than producing the goods on our own shores.<br /><br />Another thing the New Democrats are pushing for are greener jobs. In other words they are pushing to invest in renewable energy production with a goal of replacing 35% of Canada's current energy needs with renewable green sources of energy. A tall task indeed; but with emphasis on creating jobs that could fill the void of the recent closures and US companies moving back to the US as the dollar is too high for them to do business here. A push towards a greener and cleaner Canada to finally get close to reaching targets from the Kyoto agreement.<br /><br />Our political system has been run by either Liberals or Conservatives throughout most of our history as a sovereign nation and it is time for a change. Polls have shown the Conservatives gaining ground moving forward and the New Democrats are gaining ground on the Liberal party. Although the polls may have changed since the last time I saw any numbers, it was good to see another option gaining popularity. Who do you think would be best to lead our country?</div><br />Image: <a href="http://www.ndp.ca/ndp-drupal/files/layton_official.jpg">Official Party Photograph</a><br />New Democrats platform: <a href="http://www.ndp.ca/platform">Take a look for yourself</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-6771748098216701311?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/kOUgLblPLlc" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Yesterday this blog turned One. I was busy watching a hockey game instead of posting about blogging for one year. Since I am a huge hockey fan I just had to watch the first preseason game last night, my team won the game which made watching the game seem a little sweeter. Anyway, I spent a few minutes reflecting on the past year.<br /><br />Some of my previous posts have been coming to mind recently. The current elections in both Canada and the US remind me of a post I wrote back when I had first started blogging...<a href="http://majik2903.blogspot.com/2007/10/brave-new-north-america.html">A Brave New North America</a>. The recent changes to the electoral system in Canada which now has a set date for Federal elections reminds me of the US electoral system where you have a federal election every four years. The possibility of a Majority Government getting in this election seems imminent and would set our next federal election to be held in four years mimicking the US. If one was looking to create a North American Union similar to the European Union, one could speculate that this would be the first step.<br /><br />Last November I wrote a post about some technology that is changing the face of travel in the US. <a href="http://majik2903.blogspot.com/2007/11/big-brother-is-watching.html">Big Brother is Watching!</a> is my reflection on the eerie similarities between George Orwell's 1984 and our current society where there is a camera almost every where you turn. One of my favorite books in school was the Orwellian classic.<br /><br />I did not just write about grim subjects either. I wrote a post about the <a href="http://majik2903.blogspot.com/2008/07/birth-of-nation.html">Birth of a Nation</a> an informative piece about Canada written on July 1^st. I really enjoyed writing that piece and was thankful for all of the comments I received on that post.<br /><br />Another thing I started was a photography corner, although recently I have not been able to find the time to get some pictures. <i>I'll have some soon I think.</i> My favorite one was <a href="http://majik2903.blogspot.com/2008/07/majiks-photography-corner-1.html">#2</a>, one of the best photo's I have taken with an aging camera. But I think that is enough reflection for now...elections are right around the corner and there are a few things I would like to call attention to before they take place. I'll mostly be delving into Canadian politics which I have a better understanding of than US politics. I hope you have enjoyed reading some of my blasts from the past and hope you will comeback to see what the future brings here at "Majik's Thoughts."<br /><br />Before I finish this post and <strike>run</strike> go to bed I have to ask; how old is your blog?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-5245916075974113099?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/m9wNYqJHnp0" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SNB2QEffK7I/AAAAAAAAAcE/viDyPVOx56M/s1600-h/dion_official.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SNB2QEffK7I/AAAAAAAAAcE/viDyPVOx56M/s200/dion_official.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246823584342420402" /></a><div align="justify">The <a href="http://www.thegreenshift.ca/default_e.aspx">Green Shift</a> plan...is it a comparable plan to meet our commitment to the Kyoto Protocols or just another tax grab? With fuel prices soaring regardless of the actual trading price of a barrel of crude would imposing a tax on polluters to force them to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions actually be beneficial to the average Canadian? I spent a few moments looking over the "Green Shift Plan" and how it will put money back in your pocket to pay the higher prices it will create. The theory behind the plan is to force industry to reduce their emissions by taxing them for the amount of pollution they spew into the environment; I'm glad politicians are keeping the environment in mind but at what cost to the Canadian economy?<br /><br />Stephane Dion's "Green Shift Plan" on the surface sounds and looks a lot like a tax grab. <i>Something I'm sure a lot of Canadians are familiar with...Goods & Services Tax (GST/HST) for example.</i> But after I saw one of the Liberal ads promoting the "Green Shift Plan" and not attacking other candidates I started thinking about what that would do to our manufacturing sector. Increasing the cost to run a manufacturing plant in Canada could be disastrous. How many jobs have gone south of the border thanks to the stronger dollar increasing operational costs to businesses?<br /><br />I've been watching a lot of Canadian politics this past week and I have had a chance to delve into what the candidates are proposing. In terms of the environment I am still looking for the best proposal. I have seen very little information on the New Democrats plan to reduce pollution and even less from the Conservative Party. As for the Green Party's take on pollution I am still in the dark on that one; the media coverage of the Green party has been overshadowed by the larger party's plans. <br /><br />As for my opinion, the "Green Shift Plan" that Dion is proposing is a big thumbs down. The cost of manufacturing in Canada is already too high; why would big business go for a plan that costs the organization more money just to reduce pollution and put more money in the pockets of Canadians to offset their price increases? I do not think this plan would be beneficial to Canadians because cutting income taxes to offset the immediate price increases across the board caused by taxing major polluters; who will just in turn force the cost on to you. What do you think Canada?</div><br />Image Source: <a href="http://www.liberal.ca/glance_e.aspx">Official Liberal Party Photo</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-9132120106941984507?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/C-_3xqLwIv0" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SMhtOmtSUcI/AAAAAAAAAb8/YmsOveJZFmY/s1600-h/800px-Colline_du_Parlement.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-4qzgJYStrs/SMhtOmtSUcI/AAAAAAAAAb8/YmsOveJZFmY/s400/800px-Colline_du_Parlement.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244561863749030338" /></a><div align="justify">Earlier today I was watching the news and learned that Elizabeth May and the Green party would be present for the debates that some of the other party leaders have been calling for. In the past Conservatives and New Democrats opposed the inclusion of the Green party's leader because of support for the Liberal party and said it would be unfair to have two people represent the Liberal view point in a federal election. So far the debate over whether or not Elizabeth May would be present for party leaders' debate has become so much of a distraction that it is important to include them in the debate so the issues at hand do not get lost in controversy.<br /><br />This is a small victory for the Green party and a victory for the people. Now the people will now get five different view points on the issues during this years election debates. The political mud slinging contest is still just getting started, I have not seen very many attack ads yet but there still is a whole month before the election. Plenty of time left for ever more creative political attack ads. But what will the inclusion of the Green party into the party leaders' debate do to the face of Canadian politics?<br /><br />The addition of the Green party to the debates will give Canadians a larger view of the issues from more than one point of view. The role of our military in Afghanistan will certainly be on the hearts and minds of many eligible voters; the economy going south and our environment are also on the priority list. I am sure that like a large majority of Canadians I am not alone in saying that I really don't know where the Green party intends to go with respect to the economy slowly being moved south as American companies find it too expensive to do business in Canada while our dollar trades well on the foreign exchange markets.<br /><br />The coming weeks ahead will give us all a clearer view on where the parties stand; I just hope that the American election does not over shadow our own election. I watched coverage of the nominee's campaign for the white house before any coverage of our own elections and I was a little disappointed. I hope all Canadians can take a few minutes out of their day to see where the parties stand on the issues and make an educated vote. This has been my opinion, care to share yours with me?</div><br />News Brief: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/09/10/elxn-may-debates.html">Green leader allowed into debates, networks confirm</a><br />Image source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Colline_du_Parlement.jpg">Wiki Media Commons</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-7930733623517323123?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/8xasGsIA7Gg" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">I noticed today that in 14 days my blog will One year old. Wow, I never thought I would still be blogging after one year, I did not think that blogging would ever bring such enjoyment when I first started. I am a little weathered now that I have been blogging for almost a year but I am not the brilliant blogger who lives off of his blog that I would like to be. Reflecting back I did not even think I was going to make 100 posts on this blog, now I am aiming much higher.<br /><br />I have been doing some thinking and surfing through other blogs recently and I am amazed at the staggering number of political blogs that are out there. I have been spending some time looking through them and I have seen a lot about Barack Obama and a lot about John McCain and I've even seen a blog devoted to McCain's pick for Vice President, Sarah Palin. But what I haven't seen is any Canadian politics, there certainly is quite a bit of entertainment with Canadian politicians, just look at our last four Prime Ministers.<br /><br />I've been enjoying giving the few readers that I have my opinion on current events but the lack of Canadian politics in the world of blogging is bothering me. Even if I do not dedicate my blog to Canadian politics I certainly will be focusing on them as the election trail wears on. It certainly will not be one soon forgotten by many Canadians, Jack Layton has already applied for Harper's now vacant position. Elizabeth May is fighting the Canadian media to get air time to promote the Green Parties take on the issues, and Stephan Dion is trying to sell his Carbon Tax to the people while discrediting the steps that the former Harper government made towards building a better Canada.<br /><br />It is true that Canadians like the Americans are thirsty for change but this fall election is only a surprise to those that have not been following the news in this country. For months now Stephen Harper has been warning Canadians that liberals blocking the changes he is making to better our country will result in an election. Well from the outside looking in; it does seem like the Liberals thirst for power has been in the way of necessary changes in our country. <br /><br />Right now a lot of jobs are going south because it is too expensive to do business in Canada. If that doesn't tell you that our economy needs to be the focus of this election and not stabbing the other candidates in the back. <i>Although listening to the attacks and watching the advertising can be entertaining.</i> Jack Layton is paying attention to the economy and the environment; the Green party appears to be focusing on both as well. <br /><br />Now I have to go and catch up on some EC drops and some more searching through political party pages so I will leave things open for discussion. There definitely needs to be a Canadian voice bringing "Canadian Politics" to the world of blogging but who will it be?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-5154089944350339863?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/f8RbNnBK7hc" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">I've had a busy week and it feels like it should be Friday and its only Wednesday. Has anybody else felt the same way on a Wednesday? This past weekend I've had a room mate move in and I just have not had the time to just stop for a minute or two. At work the new contract between the union and my company was voted on and we decided not to strike (although there were a few that wanted to). Working for an American company just has its ups and downs. The United States seems to be falling into a recession and Canada's economy is not. <br /><br />I found out this week <i>like many other Canadians</i> that we will be going to vote in another federal election. I'm pretty sure every body already knew about that with the number of commercials running supporting Harper to be re-elected. I have not heard anything from the Liberal party yet but if your plan to get elected into a majority government by introducing a carbon tax at a time when a lot of people are screaming for lower prices; I would not want to be in that party. <i>I no vote for you!</i><br /><br />I'm waiting to see what the other parties are saying before I decide in October. The political machines are only warming up; there are bound to be some more commercials on their way. At least the battle for PM in Ottawa will help keep our minds off of the American election the following month. At least our elections will be over before the American election. If you are old enough to vote go out and make your voice heard when it counts. <br /><br />That has been my opinion, what is yours?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-6890865806705854491?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/XJgUioPrBhY" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Majik's Thoughts is a blog written by me offering my opinions on current events. Every day I am looking for something new and current to share my Canadian point of view with you.<br /><br />I started this blog in September of 2007 to alleviate some boredom. I originally was going for a personal blog, but my muse continued to be the events that shape our world so it evolved into a news and media blog. Sponsored posts have been taken and will be separated by more posts as there really are few opportunities that I can be creative with the post instead of writing a generic text ad.<br /><br />Now in my second year of blogging I am looking forward to spend more time delving into Canadian politics and other news worthy topics. I hope that you will join me and offer your opinion on "A Canadian View"</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-3161559083989040462?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/bYVjtewoBVc" height="1" width="1"/>

<div align="justify">Even in my absence while dealing with a problem with Vista I find out that people enjoy reading my blog. Finding out about receiving a blogging award is somewhat of a humbling experience. Chilly has honored me twice already and as much as I appreciate it when I am recognized for my writing (even though it is only on a blog) I always feel humbled.<br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://onthebricks.blogspot.com/">Chilly</a> for picking "Majik's Thoughts" as one of the seven blogs you enjoy. The company I have in that list almost makes me feel out of place as the other six on the list are also really good blog websites. Although I will not be passing the award on, I do feel it necessary to thank Chilly for awarding my blog. If it were not for the friends I have met while blogging I would have given it up a long time ago. Thanks for all of your comments and all of your visits even if you don't leave me a little token of your visit.<br /><br />Happy Blogging Everyone!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7120164772064323030-2936813272732253964?l=majik2903.blogspot.com'/></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MajiksThoughts/~4/tOy_yXTir6o" height="1" width="1"/>