Losing Canada?

This morning on the way to work I heard that the Fairmont Hotel chain has been sold to a Saudi prince for a mere $3.9 billion. Earlier last week I noticed that the Hudson's Bay Company, the world's oldest surviving business had been sold to an American tycoon. This begs the question, what the heck is going on here? A lot of Canadians are afraid that this means the loss of Canadiana, the culture of our fair country. Others think it is a great deal, that Fairmont Hotels and HBC will be able to have the financial backing to remain a part of Canada's landscape and to be vibrant businesses.

Read the following two articles and then comment on what you think about the loss of these two companies to foreign investors. Should Canadian companies stay Canadian? What is the worry about them being sold to foriegn investors?

Calgary Herald Editorial

Hudson's Bay Article

Sickness of heart

I don't think anything could make me sadder than seeing my little daughter sick. Breaks my heart...
She hasn't been able to keep anything down for 24 hours and it kills me to see her so helpless. Even through it all she hasn't cried much, has slept well and has been much more of a cuddler. She must get this strong resistance from her mother's side. I think I would be such a whiner in her case.

All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone - Blaise Pascal

Where am I at?

That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Friday's Social Work

Today you will be spending time on your own working across the web learning about Pearl Harbour through many different means. Work quickly because you will run out of time otherwise.

Open a new tab in this window by clicking above on file and hitting "New Tab".

1. Start by doing your quick questions for the day by going to my homepage and clicking on the quiz near the bottom of the page.
(5 minutes)

2. Once you finish the quiz go to my.calgaryacademy.com/tcarlson and download to your computer the file called Pacific found in the WWII section. Work your way through the powerpoint and make an Inspiration web that shows the main points of this powerpoint. Keep the powerpoint open for the next question.
(15 minutes)

3. Go to the server and find the video in the WWII section entitled Japan's Rush for Scrap. After watching the small video answer the following question by inserting a page to the end of the powerpoint: What is ironic about America's sale of scrap metal to Japan?
(3 minutes)

4. Go to www.calgaryacademy.com/forum and click on Mr Carlson's Social Studies page. On this page you must do two assignments. First take part in the poll under Pearl Harbour. Second post a comment under "Discussion on America's decision to stay out of WWII".
(8 minutes)

5. Go to National Geographic's site on Pearl Harbour,
Click on the video on the right hand side of the screen and work through the Attack Map.
(10 minutes)

6. In conclusion post a comment on your blog today that react to today's lesson. What was good, bad, or ugly about how today went. What did you enjoy? Would you prefer more of this? Do you think this type of learning is valid?
(10 mintues)

Thanks all and I hope you enjoyed the class.

The Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember

what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to the dull and ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars and you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

--Max Ehrmann, 1927