Tuesday, October 21

Sad News From Brazil

Last week my dear neighbour in Rio de Janeiro died in his sleep. Marquinhos, as he was known, was 50 odd years old and was happily married to one of the sweetest girls I have ever known, Tirca.He was a very respected equine veterinarian at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro,and above all, a loving husband and father. He leaves behind a two year old daughter,Alicia.
Two days ago, another neighbour of mine in Rio was assasinated by the son of his chauffeur.Sr Artur Sendas was a very respected businessman in the community and employed thousands of people. He gave back to the people of the Alto da Boa Vista every Christmas, and his fireworks at New Years were classic.
If there is anything to learn from these two tragic lives lost, is that life is fleeting, and we must live each and every day to the maximum. It can be taken away in a snap.
My thougts and prayers go out to their families.

Thursday, October 16

Dragon's Den Canada

I just watched the show the Dragon's Den. Needless to say, I am totally impressed. To heck with Canadian Idol, Dancing with the Stars and the rest of the reality show fodder. This show is AWESOME.
For those who have been hiding under a rock, this show is basically Extreme Junior Acheivement. Would be entrepreneurs and inventors present their wares to a panel of 5'Dragon's'. Each Dragon is a successful business person in their own right, and they decide if they will invest in these new ideas that are presented. The reactions from the Dragons are amazing and make great television. My breakdown of each Dragon is as follows:
1. Arlene Dickinson. The only female panelist.A marketing executive in Calgary with a very successful client portfolio. She has her trademark streak of white hair amongst her auburn mane. She reminds me of a hip English teacher from high school. She lets the boys have their testoterone ego moments and then comes in for the kill. I loved how she teases Kevin O'Leary and how she doesn't let any of them bully her around. She listens intently to the proposals and will be in or out.She is one classy lady.Wonder if she is looking for writers and/or creative people for her company?(Hint...me.)

2. Brett Wilson. New to the Den.He is a philanthropist and an investment banker here in Calgary He sits back and watches the others battle it out and actually suprised me by investing in an acrobatic troupe that I didn't think had a shot.He looks like a guy that I could hangout and go mountain biking or skiing with. He comes across as the nicest one of the bunch, but remember, we are only on the third episode...Should be interesting to watch.

3.Robert Herjvec. He comes across as being too nouveau riche for my taste. A bit pompous,but obviously a good business person, with a good eye for opportunity when he sees it.

4.Jim Treliving. Ex RCMP,now owner of Boston Pizza(the pizza can't be beat-sa...remember that jingle?)Big into sports, especially minor hockey. I loved how he told the skating harness contestant that she had it all wrong. He was firm and relentless in his observation, with good reason. He knows hockey!!! His police background helps him sniff out the fakes( in my opinion)

5.Kevin O'Leary. This guy reminds me of an obnoxious New Yorker.He tells it like it is, yet he lacks a bit of tact. He can be a bit beligerent and he comes across as arrogant. It makes good TV, but he doesnt win any brownie points in my books. Lets just say I would never have him as a rock climbing partner. He would probably let me fall first and then if he was hurt, he would probably sue me. He just semms to be that type.

The show airs Monday nights at 8 PM on CBC here in Canada

Wednesday, October 15

Greetings From The Great White North

Hello to all of my faithful blog readers!! Due to family health issues, I am writing my blog from Calgary Canada for the next while.
That said, I will still be commenting on things about Rio de Janeiro (my home for the past 15 years) infused with new adventures of being back in the Great White North. Reverse culture shock.
I was born and raised in Calgary, yet I was spared the 'redneck' education so imminent in this part of the country. I sometines refer to myself as a caviar socialist. I like to have my 'caviar'(low taxes and free enterprise), yet I also want free education and health care for all Canadians. Is that too much to ask?
My hometown has changed from the Hicksville of yesteryear, to the great financial oil and gas industry city it has become today. Toronto is being shaken up by the fast movers and shakers coming out this town.There are more millionaires per capita in Calgary than in any other Canadian city. The unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada. If you get bad service at restaurants and such, it is because of the LACK of workers available.
But of course, the underside of this Eldorado is the increasing crime that comes along with the boom. There is an increase in gang activity related to drugs. There have been about 30 homocides this year, the majority gang related. Then of course there was the unfortunate shooting of a Brazilian foreign exchange student who was hit by a bullet while walking downtown after a dinner with his girlfriend. It outraged this city and people rose up to this young man's plight. A trust fund has been set up and a fundraiser dinner took place. An 80 year old woman even offered to donate her eyes (don't know if that is possible). It goes to show you the pure and genuine good side of my hometown still exists and that it hasn't been destroyed by lowlifes trying to be smart and take take take.