RESEARCH IS MORE THAN A QUICK INTERNET DEFINITION

Too often a topic will come into a conversation. Someone looks up a quick fix on a cell phone. Now that's all is needed. Actually be careful as it is always important to validate the information with the source where it was obtained. Family historians or amateur genealogists know this. One must connect oneself with the ancestor by valid links and sources. Who did the research? What documents were used? Always cite your sources. Even when I wanted the certificate for the World War One ancestor from the OGA- Ontario Genealogical Society- I had to submit documents proving the link from me to the person. Research can be found everywhere- live people, libraries, books, articles and even the Internet. For this researcher many historical links have pamphlets and documents from obscure sources. Those primary references are so vital to research. Not just the quotes from them. Recently for example found a book online- History of Upper Canada by Caniff written in the 1800s with vital first hand information of the time- over 300 pages so difficult to print but can be accessed as needed. Books or documents for historians with primary resources are ways to check and validate information. Taking the same event and trying to find as many quotes and information linked to it. Archives will give a list of the resources but one must actually go to the archives to view them. There is something about seeing an original source. Fortunately for us the Internet does bring a "library" to one's desktop or laptop. The census records for example are accessible and with a click the original writing can be viewed. Why is this important? Too often the writing has been misinterpreted so viewing it and judging for oneself, for example, whether it is an r or s helps with the research. Experience teaches that indexes can be faulty too. So go back to the original source. The same principles apply to scientific, medical, psychological, business, english or any other discipline. Read the references of any source first hand and make your own conclusions. Quick definitions can be useful sometimes but if it becomes a habit be prepared for someone in the crowd to correct you with the deeper meaning. If there is someone who knows a topic perhaps put down the cell phone and ask intelligent questions of a live person. I have a scientist in my family group so I would rather ask him about certain topics then just the quick fix! How about you? What do you use for research? Who would you ask? Someone with experience can be a invaluable resource!!

CANADA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS BUT NOT FOR SALE

Is a sign I would like to put on my front lawn. As I listen and watch business reports and hear of yet another billion dollar offer to buy yet another Canadian company or resource, I always wonder once done will the profits stay in Canada or go to the foreign ownership? Yes, trade between nations keeps economies flowing and workers employed, but are they our Canadian workers? Some of our Free Trade agreements work like with the United States and Mexico. We have expenses here- Health Care! Are these foreign owners taxed so the money goes back to keep Canada afloat? If our resources are profitable, why not keep them Canadian with Canadian owners? Does foreign ownership give those individuals a say in our politics and our health and social services which are in place? We are a democratic country with wonderful human rights. Do I trust other nations are the same? No! Money talks and the one with the biggest wad, often speaks the loudest! Reciprocal trade-yes! Ownership- please think before you sign the dotted line! Canada may be at stake! What do you think? Do you feel there are enough safeguards in place to protect our future? The future of our grandchildren?

NANA SAYS HELPING CHILDREN DEAL WITH CRITICAL ISSUES IS TOUGH

It is emotional enough for adults to deal with stressful and life threatening situations. Knowing how to support and deal with the feelings of our little children becomes tough. Death means different things to children of different ages. Including them in the process, takes careful judgement on the part of parents. There is a lot of literature helping with strategies and considerations for parents- use these resources and then think about who your child is and what would be best. Parents know their own children better than anyone else. Remember there is no right or wrong answer on what to do! Just have the courage to do what you think is best!  Having children visit sick family members is important. Involving them in the process if only for a short time helps the sick person as well as allowing the child to know they did something. A beautiful handmade card! Some flowers! A box of chocolates! Or sometimes just a High Five from a grandson! Or better yet a hug and a kiss!