These days, I only listen to or watch the headlines. Over time, I read about a news item, but I cannot stand the constant theorizing of the experts, the pundits who offer opinions on the latest disaster or tragedy. I want the facts. Besides, people around me follow the details of the news which haven't been good in many parts of the world.
Meanwhile, in Canada this past month, a ban on kids' road hockey in Toronto was a news item across the country. Generations of young Canadians grew up playing hockey on streets and roads all over the country.
"Car," one would shout as the kids moved to the side of the road. Today, nets are moved too, a new addition to the game. Years ago, rocks or pieces of ice marked the goal, no need to move them.
Road hockey in Canada is a part of the culture, as much as ice hockey. Many kids progress to ice hockey from road hockey or in addition to it. Others practise what they see in professional hockey on the road, never playing on skates. The uproar in Ontario meant the ban was scrapped. Canadians breathed a sigh of relief.
The second news item which was discussed across the country was about a children's lemonade stand in Ottawa, Ontario. Two young sisters, selling lemonade to raise money for summer camp were shut down because they lacked the proper permits.
Following the publicity, the girls had numerous offers of money for camp. Their parents could afford camp however and wanted the girls to learn to work for things they desired. Eventually, after a national discussion, the federal agency which shut down the stand, gave the girls permits to sell lemonade for a charity supporting a camp for children. The sign on their stand had to be in the two official languages.
In Summerside, Prince Edward Island, news this week involves our yearly homage to that tasty crustacean, the lobster.
A parade is part of the festivities and various events highlight the week which includes a diverse city festival, sponsored by the Newcomers Association. Our city has immigrants and refugees from around the world. We celebrate them this week as well.
Oh Canada...it's been a good month!
20 comments:
I can see why things are banned. It's for our own good and also because the country is full of useless state employed jobsworths.
Gosh, your news sounds just like what my soul needs. Can I come live with you? :-)
I hope that giant lobster had a permit.
If we skip the news, it's been a good month.
What a fun post. You could do small town (and big city) news stories like that for a living. My kids grew up on a dead-end court in Mississagua. Anyone and everyone called "CAR!" countless times a year. How heartbreaking it would be if those neighbourhood-bonding games couldn't endure. Now, I'll have a glass of lemonade and ponder the possibility of a lobster dinner sometime soon. ;)
Sigh.
I avoid a lot of the news. It is often horrible, and out of my control.
Love that a permit was (finally) granted for the selling of lemonade. That, and parades are both things which we really don't see here...
Or a lot of hockey. Plenty of backyard cricket, but not a lot of hockey.
I am pleased people reverse decisions when they are wrong, Adrian. Better to bend than break.
There's always room for one more, Jan.
Lol. It did, consdiering it was a city parade.
We all have months like that, Joanne.
We will have lobster this week for sure.
Our traditions in Canada are wonderful, aren't they?
I love how each country has its traditions and culture, letting us know what is important to the people of that country. I have always loved Australia but don't know a lot about it, though I have been there. I know it as a beautiful, vast country and the people love short names for things, Sad I know!
Some beaurocrats have too much time on their hands. In our rurual ON community town council has decided to put water restrictions on watering lawns etc. and decided people on their own well had to obey too. What a joke that was and it was quickly rescinded. Good heavens, no road hockey or lemonade stands? Typically Canadian childhood past times.
I thought the US was the country known for throwing people in jail if the spit on the streets. As populations grow we get more restrictions and regulations.
Officials can get a little too officious, but it's nice when they have to recant.
I think it should be mandated that all kids must play road hockey at least once a year.
Meanwhile, we can enjoy Lobsterfest and Celtfest and all sorts of fests.
Thanks Marie. Good news from elsewhere is always welcome.
It is good that poor decisions are rescinded in this country.
It is good that bad regulations and decisions are rescinded.
It is good to celebrate who we are and summer is a good time to do it.
We have our problems as a country, but our news isn't bad when you put it in context of the rest of the world.
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