(no subject)

To all my American friends:




HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'll take a helping of freedom to go with my democracy, please...

Another distressing bit of news, which I got from dewline's link.

Funny: a few years ago I'd hear about how the Net is censored in China. Now China is opening up and Canada is trying to close down.

How can anyone think this is good for Canadians?

(no subject)

From November 27, 2008:

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.

1. I am thankful I can walk. Six months ago, I couldn't. I complain because my broken ankle still hurts sometimes, and I can't walk as well or as quickly as I used to, but really... The joy of mobility fill me with wonder and gratitude every day.
   
   
2. I am thankful for all my wonderful friends.
   
   
3. I am thankful for the joys of reading and writing - whether it's LJ or fanfic or books or magazines or any of the many other ways words have brought me such pleasure. I am thankful for fandom - for the slash community and the TV shows that deliver it; for the movies and books and plays and other delights that have enhanced my life beyond my own experiences, and which have brought me all these interesting people to share it with. I am thankful for my favourite authors: Shakespeare, Dunnett, Bujold, Kay, Lowachee, Turner, Parker, Tolkien, Turner, and so many others. I am thankful to have three new Torchwood novels to read, just delivered by the Post Office. Joy!
   
   
4. I am thankful that I can pay the rent this month without worrying that my cheque will bounce. I am thankful that I'm not overdrawn. I've been so worried about money for so long that it was a constant, invisible worry. Now... it's a relief not to have that burden.
   
   
5. I am thankful to live in a country that, whatever its problems, has more freedom than most, and gay marriage, and OHIP, fresh water, a low crime rate, public libraries and multiculturalism, public transit, and a lot of good people. For this, I can put up with hockey mania.
   
   
6. I am thankful for the budgies singing beside me.
   
   
7. I am thankful for John Barrowman.
   

And generally speaking, I'm thankful I am not living in the midst of war, or starving, or seriously ill, or depressed. All those things.