USA: Unlimited sadness allowed

I am just one voice. A Canadian resident in Switzerland with unimpressive credentials and thus uninspiring credibility. I am far removed from the problems in America and thus unlikely to restrain America from its determination to self-destruct, a determination that is as old as the history of the United States itself. The news out of… Continue reading USA: Unlimited sadness allowed

Underdog University

“There is only one road to human greatness: through the school of hard knocks.” Albert Einstein There are moments that show me how very different at times my way of thinking seems to be from the general Swiss philosophy of looking at life. Here in Switzerland documents rule. One cannot do anything without the accompanying… Continue reading Underdog University

Victims of the Machine

I always enjoy my visits to Freiburg im Breisgau, because it means being reunited with old friends: Gregg: solid, reliable, practical Rolf: deep thinker under a devil-may-care exterior Reggie: compassionate, wise, honest Mark: the only man to be confused with Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead both in looks and attitude Jason: wild Peter Pan… Continue reading Victims of the Machine

Canada Slim and the Dickensian Moment

Two days ago my hosts in England and I did a very English thing… We visited the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, at 393 Old Commercial Road, in Portsmouth. “He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His work enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his… Continue reading Canada Slim and the Dickensian Moment

Skip to the loo

Day Two in England and I remain truly a stranger in a strange land. Today I travelled to Winchester…what a prize! First rule of travelling in England: People do NOT talk to strangers on the train, especially in the morning… Such a contrast to life in Montreal where there are bus drivers who spontaneously break… Continue reading Skip to the loo

A sense of accomplishment (my favourite SOB)

I know that I am probably not alone in this – “Why can´t you be more like (Insert name here.)?” – situation. I am certain that there are, or have been, people in your life who seem to shine brighter than those around them. They radiate success, confidence, achievement and accomplishment, and are the envy of… Continue reading A sense of accomplishment (my favourite SOB)