Nov
15
Vancouver: NO ON H8
Filed Under Canada, Gay, Immigration
This morning we got up fairly early for a Saturday because a very important event was taking place downtown, a rally against the passing of Proposition 8.
All over the US and various Cities around the world Rallies took place to protest the passing of Proposition 8 in California recently. Prop 8 takes away the equal rights of LGBT people to marry each other in that State. This is a vile piece of legislation that takes the US one step back into the dark ages. See Join The Impact for more information on events that took place today.
The rally started about 11am and included an introduction by Vancouver organizer Roger Chin. There were quotes from Martin Luther King. People and couples told their own very emotional stories on their struggle to be together and how the passing of Proposition 8 has effected their lives. Some people had already got married in California when legislation had passed allowing them to do so and they spoke of how devastated they felt after the election when just overnight same sex marriages were denied. The personal stories particularly touched many audience members as they reflected their own personal struggles to be together. Even though they were so thankful to Canada, being able to come into the country where they can settle down, they still want to have the opportunity to go back home to the US.
Many couples were in the same situation as us, bi-national - one US citizen, the other from another part of the world. Most of them are hoping for the quick passage of the Uniting American Families Act as it will allow the US partner to sponsor their partner to enter and remain in the country based on their relationship. However, this is not the solution to everything, it still won’t give them all the rights they deserve i.e. as a marriage would, and in the meantime will still be treated like 2nd Class citizens.
Even though we are so happy to be in Canada, away from the craziness that was inflicted upon us in the UK, our true wish later on is to return to Denver, what we consider our home. The old saying is so true, there is no place like home.
More pictures I took from this event are on my Facebook page.
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Nov
12
Boycott Prop 8 Supporters
Filed Under General
Afterellen.com has produced a list of those companies who have pumped money into supporting Prop 8, now that has passed could eventually see the banning of same sex marriage.
Please do not spend your hard earned money at these places. I am sure they will be happy to take your money and pump it straight back into huring us again.
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Nov
10
What Makes the British…British
Filed Under General
Today’s Telegraph listed 50 Typical British Traits so I thought I would go through them and see how I score. These are the ones that I plead guilty of:
1. Talking about the weather
2. Great at queueing
3. Sarcasm
4. Watching soaps
10. Moaning
17. Working long hours
24. Pandering to political correctness
26. Being unhappy with our weight
30. The ability to laugh at ourselves
33. Asking people about their journey
So if we do this mathematically I am only 20% British as I only have 10 out of 50 typcial traits. I guess other people might beg to differ (?).
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Nov
9
Thank Goodness Obama Won
Filed Under General
From what I have been reading in the press this morning it is so good that Obama won the election.
On Press TV it is reported that the Secret Service are blaming Palin for the rise in death threats against Obama due to the unacceptable level of rhetoric during the campaign. If this was her attitude towards him what would she have been like with diplomatic relations with other countries. Its a scary thought isn’t it.
I just stopped by the Governor of Alaska’s website and was surprised to see some personal stuff giving visitors the ability to suck up and pass on well wishes to Palin’s family. I don’t see this on other Governor’s websites. I thought a Governor’s website would be an official rather than personal resource. If she has made it to Vice President would the White House website have turned into a family photo album?
The Bush administration has decided today to cut Medicaid to the poor, as seen on AmericaBlog from a story by the NYTimes. In this time of rising employment and a very poor economy I would have thought that more people would rely on the Medicaid system, doesn’t this sound a bit irresponsible?
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Nov
8
UK Bigot of the Year
Filed Under General
The 2008 Stonewall Awards took place yesterday and the proud winner of Bigot of the Year fell to Iris Robinson. I had heard about her offensive remarks about gay people earlier in the year but just having read more into it has made me discover how truly vile she is. Looking at her career as recorded by Wikipedia her track record isn’t very glowing anyhow, she seems a bit off her trolley, and really needs to be severly reprimanded or sacked. See Pink Paper article.
Robinson is like a UK version of Marylin Musgrave, the worst possible of public servants. The only reason why they get into politics, it seems, it to spread their ungorgeousness round the world. The US seems to have so many of them and have just gone through the list of those in Colorado who didn’t vote in favor of any LGBT legislation in the 110th Congress, list follows, call it my Colorado Bigots of 2008:
Senate
Wayne Allard, Republican
Introduced constitutional amendment in Senate banning gay marriage. In 2006 Time magazine named him as the most ineffective Senator. He will retire in January 2009 and hopefully will be replaced by Mark Udall who has backed every piece of same sex legislation. Definitely the bigot’s bigot!
House
Marilyn Musgrave, Republican
Another one of those ultra-conservative Republican’s who introduced constitutional amendment in House banning gay marriage. She spent more time on social issues when she should have been working more for the good of her community. In 2006 the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington named her one of the 20 most corrupt politicians. Rolling Stone named her in their 10 worst politicians. Thankfully Colorado residents have become wise of her bigotry and corruption - she was not voted for another term in the 2008 election. In true Musgrave style she didn’t even have the decency to give a concession speech.
Doug Lamborn, Republican
Don’t know too much about this guy and doesn’t seem to have the same controversy surrounding him as Musgrave and Allard. However, he gets funded by the usual conservative suspects such as the National Rifle Association - I would have thought it been non-christian to be associated with guns that kill people and animals, aren’t they supposed to cherish life? Or is it only when its conveniant politially?
Tom Tancredo, Republican
Well, this is another conservative toss-pot, where do I begin with this guy. He has been very vocal on his stance with undocumented immigration to the point where he is anti-immigration. He protested introduction of Spanish language books at Denver Public Library. Tried to run as president but pulled out (thank goodness!). Sponsored legislation to restrict H1B visa’s for temporary workers. Proposed a 700 mile fence on the US Mexico border. Criticized for accepting $20,000 from Federation for American Immigration Reform. Supported ban on gay marriage. He said that Miami was a Third World Country (referring to immigrant population no doubt). Due to speak at Rotary Club of Miami but was canceled as the restaurant it was due to be held up didn’t want him there as it might have ruined their reputation. Accused the Pope of encouraging illegal immigration to the US. Yes, a true plonker!
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Nov
6
First day at work for 2 months! Found it to be a bit of a struggle getting up and felt really tired tonight, a lot to take in, but everything is cool. Some surprises today though. There was some stuff that I have been asked to do that wasn’t on my job description. Canadian’s get paid twice a month. Anyway, office seem to be quite posh, much better than my last job!
The Obama excitement hasn’t died down over the internet yet, many people writing how excited they are. I found these interesting: Obama speak with Gene Robinson and Obama Grabs Headlines.
Found it really motivating that LGBT people are demanding rights now by rallying their cause (source LATimes, another LATimes article, Good As You includes video’s). The community is getting the message across well and the public need to know that its no longer acceptable to discriminate against us. This is 2008 not the dark ages.
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Nov
5
Election and Gay Immigration
Filed Under Gay, Immigration
What does the election mean for bi-national couples?
This story, in the Sydney Star Observer, is very typical of the situation that many couples find themselves in. Some scenario’s can be:
- Foreign partner has to enter the US in some other way, either through work or studying. It’s probably more the case that they cannot afford to study or don’t have the skills to get sponsored for an H1B visa
- The US partner has to uproot themselves and move overseas. Why should they do this having paid their taxes and been good citizens all their life? Why should they be exiled from their own country because of who they fall in love with?
- Partners have long distance relationship, traveling constantly between countries, sometimes for many years waiting for the UAFA to pass.
- The couple splits up because there is no solution in being able to live together.
So where does Obama stand on the Uniting American Families Act? This article on the Immigration Equality blog pretty much sums up his view. This is one issue that he lost points in on the recently published HRC Scorecard, HRC has a page on International Rights and Immigration. So, there is some tidying up to the bill that Obama requires, and there does seem to be a difference of opinion on these with Immigration Equality, hopefully the next Congress can see some action but with all the problems left to Obama by Bush who knows when it will be addressed.
Couples have been waiting too long for progress to be made and incovenienced too much costing them thousands upon thousands of dollars just to be with the person they love. How much longer do we have to wait for this to happen?
We still consider Denver our home. I would like to have the opportunity to move back there. Will this happen while we are young enough to make the move? This is something I will be seriously judging Obama’s performance on and I am hoping he won’t let us and ten’s of thousands of LGBT couples down.
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Nov
5
Two Steps Forward One Step Backward
Filed Under Gay
Just waking this morning and went on the internet to make sure last night wasn’t a dream. Well, it wasn’t, so that is very cool.
I am very disappointed to learn that it looks as though, at this point, Proposition 8 has gone through. This would ban gay marriages in the State of California. It was a very close race by the looks of it, 52% to 48%. Similar ballots were also voted for in Arizona and Florida, unfortunately both those lost as well. Latest news on the ballots an be found on the CNN website.
I wonder if they were voting on Civil Union’s how much a difference to the figures that would have made? Most evangelical people in the States want to ensure gay people remain as 2nd class citizens no matter what the legislation was however there might have been enough “unprejudiced” and fair minded people to vote to make it happen.
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Nov
4
Election Night Blogging
Filed Under General
Here are my thoughts as the evening goes on.
18:22
Just had my dinner, leftover from our Chinese last night. According to the BBC Obama is 175 and McCain is 76. Some other news media have different scores…but round about the same. It looks like Red is remaining red and blue is remaining blue so far. So lets see if anything interesting else happens.
18:30
Looks like Obama has taken Ohio which was a red one last time. Yay.
18:39
Typical me, I go out and make a cup of coffee and it all happens. Obama has just won New Mexico but didn’t quite make it for Texas.
18:41
I must not forget that I have to do some clothes washing tonight!
18:55
Ewww, there are a lot of red’s appearing on the BBC map. That is most ungorgeous. People are talking about Florida a lot with 60% of the votes in and Obama marginally ahead. Actually, the BBC World graphics are so camp, I love it.
19:14
John Bolton is making a complete ass of himself on the BBC but he isn’t getting away with it.
19:24
Thank goodness, the BBC have got rid of that old tart John Bolton off the stage.
20:00
Thanks goodness. Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States of America. A sense of relief has taken possession of my body.
20:16
Colorado has gone blue too! Yay!!!!!
20:20
Well, as exciting as this is I need to do my clothes washing.
20:27
Nice speech by McCain. My respect has gone up for him because of it. Not sure about the jeers from the crowd though.
20:34
Really surprised Florida went to Democrats, but pleased too!
20:41
Nevada has gone blue! Another change since the last election. Trying to find out what is happening with Prop 8.
20:46
How camp is this, BBC have got ticker tape in their studio!!!
21:17
Inspiring speech by Obama, he certainly has a big job before him….and I thought my job was gonna be tough!
21:29
Musgrave, one of the founders of amending the constitution to define marriage between man and woman, looses her GOP seat in Colorado. Good riddance. She sooooo needed to go.
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Nov
4
Latest Status of UAFA
Filed Under Gay, Immigration
There has been some significant movement on the Uniting American Families Act since I last wrote about it.
This issue is still very close to my heart as I think we would be living in Denver if it wasn’t for these archaic rules. Denver is still like home for us. However, now that we have found a place where we can live and settle in peace it is not at the forefront of my daily thoughts any more.
Anyway, here is the latest situation regarding the Uniting American Families Act in the House and Senate:
HR2221
This now has 118 co-sponsors, quite a significant rise which commentators have concluded is due to some interest in the bill by Obama (but not completed undying love for it). Last time I talked about this, in August, there were 100 co-sponsors. The one that I found interesting was Mark Udall of Colorado, he always waits to the last moment before co-sponsoring unlike his colleague Diana DeGette who is usually on of the first.
S1328
This has reached 18 co-sponsors, 4 up since August.
Other News
People who are living with HIV are still not able to travel to the US. Why is this? There is a good article explaining why in Canada’s XTra periodical.
HRC has released its 110th Congress Scorecard, a summary is here and the full report can be downloaded in PDF format. McCain got big fat zero but Obama got around 94, falling short of 100 due to him not really wantin to support UAFA - naughty him.
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Nov
3
Got The Job!
Filed Under General
Great news today - I have got a new job.
My ex boss at London Metropolitan University wrote me a wonderful reference for the interview I had a couple of weeks ago. This morning the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association called me up offering me the position….and of course I accepted!
I am so lucky, this was the first job interview I had here and got the position! A similar thing happened at London Met as well. I still think I perform badly at interviews but at least I must have got the message across.
I start my new job on Thursday!
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Nov
2
US Election a Farce
Filed Under General
Certainly feels as though my life has been taken over with US election stuff as it has been extremely difficult to avoid it. So I will discuss my take on it…which is more like a bit of a rant really!
It seems that the US election is based on the perception of the individual i.e. what Obama is like as a person rather than what his policies are and whether he has the skills to achieve them. I don’t really want to know what church he goes to, what his children are like, what his complete family history is…I just want to know what his policies are, judge if I agree with them and find out if he has the skills to achieve what he promises.
When I get interviewed for a job its actually none of the companies business what I get up to in my personal life and I respect that for the President or any politician. I don’t actually give a toss. For example, Tony Blair is not known to be gay friendly however it seems he can see beyond what he believes in and pass the right legislation that is right for all those people who deserve a piece of the pie. I can’t say that of the Republican’s as their policies are based on their belief’s rather than being good civil servants and doing the right thing for all citizens. Excuse me McCain and Palin - but doncha think that all people, every tax payer who pays your salary to hear your verbal diarrhea, should be treated equally?
The commercialization of politics is also a joke. Stupid adverts slagging off each other, buying 30 minute time slots that come across as bad Disney movies with supposedly cuddly tear jerking music - it just doesn’t sit right with me. Just give me a bit of respect that I can understand what you are talking about, explaining your policies, without giving me the whole Little House on the Prairie crap.
Proposition 8 is another good example of a farce. How dare the Yes on Prop 8 campaign use children in their campaign without getting the written permission of parents, to compare same sex marriage to hitler, to send out mis-quotes from Obama. They deserve to loose based on this, why can’t they just get their argument across like decent citizens? Are they running scared that much that they have to use these scare tactics to achieve what they want? Please respect the public!!!
Gee, and don’t get me started with Sarah Palin. Whether I agree with her policies or not she is just so not the right person for the job. I actually feel sorry for her because she obviously can’t hack it and that is not the position I would like to be in at all. So I have some sympathy for her…but not a lot. I think its pretty horrible how the public have involved Palin’s children in their attack’s, they cannot answer back which is not fair.
My “conspiracy theory” about this election is that the Republican’s knew they would loose with the mess Bush got them in, they get McCain and Palin to run as “sacrificial king [and queen]” and when it does go belly up for them at least no well respected members of the party will be embarrassed.
I was always so excited to go to the US but the way it portary’s itself to the world being “land of the free”, “land of opportunity and diversity” is not really true, just a bunch of BS. Certainly not as a gay person do I or my friends have access to the same fair treatment as the majority, thats why we are here in Canada and I’m sure McCain and Palin are pleased we are no longer there to infect their nation.
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Oct
29
Forget the Election…Dr Who Quits!
Filed Under General
Could not believe this story when I accidentally came across it this evening, that David Tennant has quit Doctor Who and will finish in about a year’s time. See this BBC story.
I always used to watch Dr Who, in the good old days, but didn’t really hold much interest for me compared to other Sci-Fi such as Star Trek and Lost in Space. However, the present re-incarnation and in particular with the current team of producers and writers and especially David Tennant I am pretty much hooked on it…to the extent where I have even listened to fan podcasts.
I would have written a letter to Auntie Beeb to let them know of my availability to be the next Dr Who however now that we are in Canada I don’t think its going to be possible. Sigh.
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Oct
29
Marvel Comics 16% Increase
Filed Under Comics
This weeks comics again was the motherload and I expect not to be eating for another couple of weeks as a result. Seriously though there were some great issues out this week including Thor #11 (which hits #600 next month), Amazing Spider-Man, Secret Invasion titles, Front Line…the list goes on!
Just recently I wrote about the difference in prices between US and Canada, this week there appears to have been another flutuation in prices. For a little while Marvel has been charging CAN$3.05 for its US$2.99 comics but this week a big jump up to CAN$3.50. I almost needed medical attention when they guy in the comic store told me how much this weeks issues would cost me. DC are a different story who are still holding back their prices at CAN$2.99 for US$2.99 comics.
At today’s rate of exchange CAN$3.50 acutally equals US$2.86 so I guess I am saving US0.13 buying in Canada. I guess I can’t complain too much. However, with Bush’s economic policies reaking havoc across North America and beyond who knows what it will be next week.
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Oct
28
UK Bans Preachers of Hate
Filed Under General
Following my moan yesterday about how our ungorgeous ex-next door neighbors are being lavished with an apartment re-fit I am here today to say something positive about the UK.
A very welcome policy from the Home Office, see their Press Release, to ban stirrers of hate and extremism. The release states there has already been a number of those that have been refused entry but this decision seems to outline how they are going to take that forward even further.
Hopefully this would include many homophobic evangelical nut jobs from the US as well. One of the concerns I have recently was the rise in pretty obvious preachers from the US booking out large venue’s to spread their message of hate.
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Oct
27
UK Rewards Criminals
Filed Under Camden
Following my recent post concerning our old next door neighbors I have learnt some interesting news today.
After all these people have done (disrupting the neighborhood, criminal activity, prevent owners of the place we were renting to re-rent or re-sell due to their horrible behavior) they have been rewarded for creating hell for everyone. Their housing association, Circle Anglia, and the Department of Social Security, have completely re-fitted their apartment at no expense to the residents. So after all the abuse and disruption they caused to our lives they are have been rewarded from the taxes I have paid.
This is particularly poor from the housing association who have done nothing to improve things for the community, in fact made things worse. Rather than do something to help victims in the neighborhood they throw their money at the criminals. Typical of the UK these days.
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Oct
23
I Hate Inteviews
Filed Under General
Today I had my first job interview in Canada. Just like everyone else I am sure I really do not like interviews at all and can think of a million things I would rather do! I feel as though I make a complete idiot of myself at them.
My interview to today was with a non-profit in Burnaby, to get there took one hour and was a combination of bus and Skytrain, probably longer than I envisaged traveling to work but that’s ok. Everyone there seemed to be very nice, the organisation turned out much smaller than I envisaged. What I did find interesting is they already contact my referee’s shortly after the interview, in UK they don’t do that until they have made you an initial offer. Other than that the interview process was very similar to that in the UK.
Don came with me to the interview and waited in the Brentwood Shopping Mall until it was over. We then went to Happy Valley restaurant for Dim Sum, you can see my review of this on the Dine Here website.
The picture shows me in a suit in Happy Valley, now I rarely wear a suit!
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Oct
22
Down to the Beach
Filed Under General
Today was more of a relaxing day for us but it was especially nice to go down to the beach. That is one of the fantastic things about living in Vancouver, beaches and fabulous views.
We took the short bus ride down to West Broadway and walked down to Kitsilano Beach from there. The beach is quite big and has wonderful views of the mountains and downtown Vancouver, as you can see from this picture. There wasn’t many people around as it was a work and school day I guess so we pretty much had the beach to ourselves.
After some time at the beach we walked back up to 4th Avenue and had lunch at the Cosmic Cafe. This is a really interesting place with lots of great decorations on the walls, the food was good but the plate was piled high just a little too much. In fact my lunch was also my dinner as well. I guess it was value for money but sometimes a ton of food on place really puts me off.
Just a couple of doors away was The Comic Shop, never been here before and it was quite a large comic store, plenty of things in there. Much larger than Elfsar that I normally go to. I feel kind of devoted to Elfsar but since this is much closer maybe I will be tempted to call Comic Shop my local.
Also in the Kitsilano area we found a Whole Foods and lots of other quaint little shops. Really nice to have these so close to us.
For the rest of the day I studied up for my interview tomorrow.
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Oct
19
Canadian Customer Service
Filed Under General
Some time ago I wrote a blog entry about UK Customer Service upon ending our services with various companies. Here are some experiences with Canadian Customer Services!
First I have to say that it is so much more easier dealing with companies when you know your call is FREE. Oh yes, no more 0845 or 0870 (especially yuk) premium rate numbers to content with. Usually a call is local (and free) to the same exchange or companies use an 800 or alternative free access number i.e. 877. So lets get down to details:
HSBC
I certainly like the personal touch with HSBC Canada that you just don’t get (or I never received) in the UK. You can deal and sit down with a real person, not just wait in line on a phone number. We have never called a call center with HSBC, just go straight to our Account Manager. Score: 9/10.
Shaw
Their phone system was quite clear and got through to a representative almost immediately. He was very helpful and answered my questions within a couple of minutes. Score: 9/10.
Rogers
We have a cell phone with this company and its a free call to customer services. They get a very poor report for getting through to them. I tried phoning several times and once was on hold for 35 minutes when I lost the will to live at that point. I even tried to go to one of their stores to ask the question but they seem to handle sales but not Customer Service too well unlike Vodafone in the UK. I called about the 10th time and got through almost immediately and the rep I got was really helpful, quick and polite. Sounds like Rogers need to get more call center staff to cope with the demand. Score: 5/10.
BCHydro
Again very quick at answering the phone, I did find however the rep spoke so fast I couldn’t understand what she was saying and had to ask her to repeat a number of times. This could be me not used to Canadian accents I guess. Score: 8/10.
Staples
Didn’t need to phone them but went to the store and they were more than accommodating. Extremely friendly and nothing seemed to be a problem. Score: 9/10.
Ikea
Oh my gosh. They are simply the worst ever customer service we have ever experienced anywhere. I could write pages, talk about thick as two short planks. That sounds rude but if you had been through what we had you’d be saying worse!! Score: 0/10.
Mastercard
I phoned to activate my new Canadian Credit Card and all seemed to go ok until I tried to use if in a store three days later…I got rejected!! I called back Mastercard and they said it was never activated in the first place. It is very embarrassing when your card is rejected in a store because I get the feeling people look at you as though you are in debt. Score: 3/10.
I found this useful site about 8 Rules for Customer Service, based on those rules I would say I have had a better experience here than in the UK so far but they aren’t without their faults!
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Oct
18
US Election
Filed Under General
Have to admit that the US election is driving me nuts, all the slagging off and so on. However the funniest part is watching the creative talent on YouTube and other video sites making fun of…well…mainly Sarah Palin. Seems like she has left herself wide open to these pranks due to her inexperience in this kind of role and with politics by the looks of things. My all time favorite is by Terry Tate who is absolutely hilarious but the clip below is just brilliant, enjoy!
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Oct
17
Vote No on Prop 8
Filed Under General
You know what to do! Don’t let the right of same sex couple’s to Marry taken away from them in California.
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Oct
16
Price of Comics in Canada
Filed Under Comics
Noticed recently that finally the price of comics in the US and Canada are finally becoming the same, however I have just realized this is only for certain comic companies.
DC Comics for example seem to charge the same. This weeks issue of Justice Society of America was $2.99 in the US and Canada. However, Marvel title pricing seems to be a bit erratic, as follows:
Captain Britain - US $2.99 - CAN $3.50
Secret Invasion Inhumans - US $2.99 - CAN $3.05
Amazing Spider-Man - US $3.99 - CAN $4.50
Mighty Avengers - US $2.99 - CAN $3.50
I am not sure why a $2.99 comic in the US could either cost $4.05 or $4.50 in Canada. It is probably something to do with the popularity of the comic i.e. the Secret Invasion story arc would more than likely be more popular than Mighty Avengers.
It looks as though this has been argued around the interent for some time, example here.
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Oct
15
Camden Hell is Over
Filed Under General
Haven’t really talked so much about the last two years or so we lived in Camden, London, as I was quite concerned about what effect this would have on the situation. I am so relieved to be out of there, it is a tremendous weight off my shoulders.
The problem was with our next door neighbors. They were completely disruptive to us and the whole community. The constant shouting and swearing at themselves and their children was not only disturbing to hear but also disruptive to anything we wanted to do. I achieved nothing because I could not concentrate not because of just the noise but the uncertainty of what they would do next.
It wasn’t just the noise but the dirt, drugs, other criminal behavior, threats to us (usually when they were high/drunk) and so on. I lost count the number of times I phoned the police. Their housing association were completely useless, the worst issue was allowing the male owner to keep his dog despite enticing it to attack someone doing serious damage to them and being given a suspended sentence for it. The association knew it was against the lease to allow them to have a dog yet they knowingly gave them permission to do so. They refused to ask them to remove the dog because it would upset them too much, despite the criminal record. What about the children - 5 to 6 years of constant verbal abuse probably means this is what they think life is all about for the rest of their lives.
The local council did a noise analysis from the apartment however their “educated” conclusion was “that’s just the way they are”. The social services had a long list of complaints against them - did they do enough about the situation as it just kept on and on over the years? The local government councilor tried his best to do something about it but couldn’t, the police recognized the law class drug situation and kept reporting them to social services but there were more important crimes to do with in that area.
The only conclusion in this I came to was that the welfare of criminals are above that of law abiding citizens. If the authorities continue to let good people be vicitims in these situations what does that make them? The system failed for us and I am pleased to be away from many people are saying is a Britain that deteriating fast.
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Sep
19
More Running Around…
Filed Under General
Copious amounts of chores again today.
Well, the first one wasn’t really a chore…that is go to Elfsar to pick up my comics! Then onto HSBC who wanted something else signed, seemed to be spending a lof ot time in there!! Went to a nearby Chinese restaurant which was….ok, not ok enough for us to go to again though! Went to the Royal Centre to see if we could pick up a BCID, a piece of ID to prove who you are if you haven’t got a drivers licence - which Canadian’s seem to rely on a lot for…didn’t have a PR card yet so they wouldn’t let me have one. Picked up some instant Tim Horton’s Hot Chocolate, three tins in fact - I love that stuff! Then back to Kerrisdale to register for my Library card and unfortunately I forgot to turn my cell phone off and it went off in there! Currently my cell phone plays Dr Who theme music very loudly too! Oh dear oh dear.
We were near a beach earlier today and took a picture, see above.
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Sep
18
Another busy day! We liked the Real Canadian Superstore so much we decided on an early morning trek just as it opened at 7am! It was brilliant, hardly anyone in there. Dropped off the rental car downtown and came back to Kerrisdale. Found a store locally called London Drugs, wish we had been in there before, lots of cool things in there.
This afternoon a guy from Shaw came to connect us to the world i.e. telephone and internet. Felt so good to be able to communicate with the world again. The guy was really efficient! Frozen pizza for dinner, food on the go while we set up our home!
The picture show there are a lot of wires above certain streets in Vancouver for the buses to connect to, to supply them with electric I guess.
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