Ms.Thérèse Tanguay–Dion died on January 17, 2020. She was 92 years old.

Her funeral will take place in Montréal in a few days.

What a lady! Bambi admires her for two main reasons: (1). She is the mother of 14 adult kids (one passed away years ago). For that, she is Bambi’s hero (whose ambition at age six was to have “12 kids, 6 boys and 6 girls”, as she used to say. OK, only at that young age, she must add. Luckily as this is far from the reality!) and (2). Likely related to # 1, she is a great cook (again, very far from Bambi’s own reality ?). She published books and had a TV show.

Ms. Tanguay Dion has always known that she wanted to have children and raise a large family, it seems. She even succeeded in convincing her spouse who did not want to become a dad at first.

Together, they had beautiful talented kids, including our own Canadian pride, Céline. If only for that, thank you Ms. Tanguay-Dion.

Now, what is the link to the Magdalen Islands ( “Îles-de-la-Madeleine”), you may wonder? Well no apparent logical link whatsoever! Indeed, it is simply because, in her mind, Bambi associates this place with Mme Tanguay-Dion. Indeed, about 8-9 years ago, Bambi, her spouse, and her dear parents (visiting Sackville from Beirut) took a ferry from Souris, PEI (along with their car) to the Magdalen Islands, which are composed of 8 islands that are part of Québec.

This small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence is a piece of heaven, as you can see below:

https://www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com/en/

Anyhow, to come back to the story above, as soon they arrived at their hotel in the first island, Bambi bumped into Ms. Tanguay-Dion (also waiting to check in, along with other senior ladies).

Bambi got excited. Without wanting to be a pain to the lady who may have been perhaps tired of always being in the public eye, she greeted her politely yet quickly, just wishing her a happy journey on the islands. Ms. Tanguay-Dion thanked Bambi, giving her a nice smile, even nicer than all her TV smiles.

Funny enough, the next day, Bambi and her family bumped into another famous person from Québec. This time, it was a politician, perhaps not too famous in the end of her mandate, despite her admirable long career (plus a mother of four children)! Ms. Pauline Marois is a former PQ politician who was at the time campaigning on the Magdalen Islands.

Here is a picture of Ms. Marois. She is wearing pink and guess who is that beautiful lady next to her? Well, it is Bambi’s mom, “Robine Azar” ?!

Bambi cannot think of the Magdalen Islands now, without having a thought to yet another famous television and radio broadcaster as well as former politician with the Liberal Party of Canada (who was alive back then). Bambi will name Mr. Jean Lapierre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lapierre). He was a sharp and friendly character to watch and listen to. Bambi used to think highly of him. She liked him too. He sadly died in 2016 “on a private plane that crashed on approach to Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport. Seven people died in the crash, including four of his family members; they were travelling to their father Raymond’s funeral. Both pilots died”.

All this being said, on a more personal level, that trip to the Magdelan Islands will forever be associated in Bambi’s heart with HAPPY family moments. Her parents and her spouse united. Plus… she was pregnant back then (her first time). She was SO happy beyond words. She also had a sort of a silly baby brain ?. If you do not believe it, ask her spouse! Ok, more seriously now, that happiness was short-lived. A few weeks later, they (= she) had a miscarriage (their first) :(.

To conclude this post, may Ms. Tanguay-Dion rest in peace.

As for the Magdelan Islands, they are highly recommended! In addition to the wonderful beaches, landscape, and people, the food is absolutely delicious!

Last but not least, here is a joyful song about those Islands by an Acadian singer, Mr. Pierre Robichaud. Bambi would like to dedicate this song to her family as well as to the memory of Ms. Tanguay-Dion, and Mr. La Pierre/his family. Bambi wonders sometimes what happened to his mom who lost all her children at once, at a life moment when she needed their love and support.

Anyhow, Bambi would like to also dedicate this song to that potential of life that she carried whilst touring the Magdalen Islands. VERY brief moments of her life in the grand scheme of things yet unforgettable… likely until her own death, at least in her heart.  

On a happier note, Bambi adores this song (below). She feels like dancing whilst listening to it. She hopes you will enjoy discovering or re-appreciating it ?!

Once again, censorship had its last word. This time, the story happened in Qatar, as described in the following article entitled “U.S. university in Qatar cancels Lebanese band talk after anti-gay backlash” (https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/u-s-university-in-qatar-cancels-lebanese-band-talk-after-anti-gay-backlash). Before that, the same saga happened sadly in Lebanon (which is perhaps one of the most open-minded countries in the region) and earlier in Egypt.

The target of this intolerance is a talented Lebanese rock band called “Mashrou’ Leila”. Why? Because one of its members is openly gay. Yes, we are in 2020 and this is the reason, imagine.

This band has earned international success and acclaim for its music and lyrics, that tackle sectarianism, gender equality, and homophobia, among other issues.

By the way, where are our own activists here to denounce such social injustice abroad?

Anyhow, this band was supposed to give a talk at the Qatar campus of Northwestern University on media revolution in the Middle East. The event was cancelled for security concerns.

Northwestern University and this band mutually agreed to move the event to its U.S. campus.

To conclude this post, here is a short video showing their music, sub-titled in English. Enjoy ?!

According to National Geographic, “orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world’s most powerful predators. They’re immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white coloring. Smart and social, orcas make a wide variety of communicative sounds, and each pod has distinctive noises that its members will recognize even at a distance” (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/o/orca/).

Below is a video posted by Lebanese fishermen; story from An Nahar and reported in the media from Cyprus in both Greek and English:

https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/orca-sighting-caught-on-video

https://www.sigmalive.com/news/local/609853/entopistike-falaina-orka-anoixta-tis-kyprou-entyposiako-vinteo

In the video, we can hear the voices of Lebanese guys, chatting at one point in Arabic, and saying “WOW” every time they are admiring the beauty of that orca, namely at 0:57-1:02, 1:35-1:45, and 1:57-2:04 minutes of the video.

According to Dr. Michel Bariche, Marine biology professor at the American University of Beirut (https://www.aub.edu.lb/pages/profile.aspx?MemberId=mb39), “orcas are absolutely harmless. They usually live in cold waters, namely oceans. It is unclear whether this particular orca is the same one seen in Cyprus or one of the same family. He may be lost, sick, or was deviated from his path because of the sound of boats or even submarines, etc. He hopes he will find his way to Gibraltar safely…” (https://www.annahar.com/article/1117399-).

This story made Bambi recall memories from her teen years when she was enjoying her time on a paddle board in the Mediterranean sea. She bumped into 5 giant turtles! She was so excited and also concerned as they looked like still. She paddled as fast as she could to the shores, asking for help. It turned out that the five of them were all dead :(, perhaps from the earlier shelling, she has been told.

To conclude this post, Bambi would like to join her voice to Dr. Bariche to wish this cute orca (and his family, if any?) safe travels back home! Thanks for visiting :).

A small analogy between Beirut, Lebanon and Sackville, NB, Canada:

In Beirut, behind this wall (“of shame”, as called by the citizens), politicians are “hiding” from the protestors in the Parliament of Lebanon.

In the town hall of Sackville (NB), the clerk working with our municipal politicians is hiding behind a “$7,800 glass partition” as the “the aluminum and tempered glass barrier is needed for greater security” (https://warktimes.com/2016/11/10/sackville-councillors-set-to-tighten-security-at-town-hall/).

Politicians may sometimes share similar characteristics across countries or jurisdictions. Populations may differ. For example, perhaps the people of Lebanon also began by being apathetic. However, the surrealistic level of corruption over the last decades provoked an unprecedented economic crisis. The people woke up from their “coma”, to use words they use themselves. They revolted in the streets.

Lebanese politicians may be afraid of them because they are like a mirror reflecting their own vices.

Instead of cement walls, they need “concrete” bridges of communication to truly reassure the population and find solutions to problems.

This being said, will the Lebanese financial rescue plan expected tomorrow from the new government succeed in reforming the country, as aspired by its population?  

Bambi would like to comment on the following article in NB Media Coop by Ms. “Hannah Moore”: Universities funding planetary destruction.

If readers from the Middle East or from another “hot” part of our planet see this title, they would imagine that Canadian universities fund nuclear wars, armed conflicts, or deliberate physical destruction of nature or property ?. Hopefully, this would not be a turn off for them, if they are dreaming of immigrating to our beautiful country or to come to study here.

OK luckily, this is not what this article is about. It is “just” about St. Thomas University’s endowment fund of about $1 million in fossil fuel industry stocks.

First, Ms. Moore’s article starts by pointing out to the hypocrisy of higher education institutions. Indeed, she wrote that “higher education teach the science of climate change and the social and economic aspects of environmental degradation and yet they continue to invest in fossil fuels and profit from these industries”.

The author seems to have a valid point here. However, perhaps this apparent hypocrisy would have been mitigated had (1) our schools produced more critical (and creative) thinkers, and fewer trendy activists, to address critical issues in a broader way, that is without falling into the trap of dogmatic thinking and (2) our funding agencies supported more research on important matters such as environmental problems. Yes, more science based on rigour, ethics, and diligence, without risk of radicalization and roboticization of the producers or consumers of that science.

Indeed, scientists are researchers, not politicians. They are supposed to translate scientific knowledge to decision makers (and other audiences). Students are critical learners first and foremost, that is before resorting to or beginning a career of activism. Their critical thinking is essential as it is their natural antidote to the eventual risk of becoming bullies of political correctness.

Second, despite the funny title of this article, it is generally well-written. Perhaps, the paper would have been stronger had it included references, especially in lines 5-7 (to show us the scientific evidence).

It would have also been informative to stop to think about the cited UN statement about global heating that must be kept to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Why 1.5? Why not more? Why not less?

Bambi is not an expert in neither climate change science nor politics. She just uses her rationality to question scientific (or so-called scientific) claims in order to understand matters.

This being said, let’s assume that 1.5 degrees Celsius is the magical number indeed. How would we ensure concrete solutions to the problem of global warming? Even if we divest tomorrow morning, how will this translate into actual solutions?

Third, the article states that “the student-led campaign at STU has gathered unanimous support from the Students’ Union and the Faculty Association. Both groups agree that STU should discontinue funding, and profiting from, the fossil fuel industry.” Great but is the word “unanimous” the most accurate term here? Precisely, what was the voter turnout and what was the precise result”? It would be informative to have this information.

Fourth, Ms. Moore talks about how our oil companies are so powerful and influential. There is for sure some truth in her claim (although there are usually small, medium, and large companies in any sector). Despite this, should we kill our whole economy in our aspiration for a cleaner, greener planet? Can’t we aim to diversify our economy instead whilst working on our research and renewable energy commercialization?

Finally, Bambi could be wrong, but her understanding is that the Irving Oil Refinery is not a publicly traded company. Ms. Moore talks about the significant economic and social power that makes many New Brunswickers afraid of speaking against it. Maybe for some, who knows? But how about all those who do not wish to speak against it (even if it is far from being a “business angel”, so to speak)? Those who earn a living from it or because of it? Or those who care for both our environment and economy, even without any ties to this company?  

The latter may include some people who, like Bambi, may have mixed feelings at times: On one hand, they are fond of the success of such a Canadian giant. On the other hand, they may sometimes question some of its practices or influences. Regardless, Bambi has always hoped to see us diversifying our economy to make room for more competition. Healthy competition would foster the success of new entrepreneurs in our province, ideally even in a sustainable renewable energy sector.

Bambi would like to quickly comment on the following article by Mr. Rex Murphy in the National Post and the video by Mr. Ezra Levant:

Rex Murphy: Ezra Levant wrote a book critical of the Liberals. Now he’s being investigated

It is shocking for Bambi to read this story and watch the video below. Why? Because it is absolutely against the essence of her blog, which is all about freedom of thoughts.

We seem to be living in a soft dictatorship, if we stop and think about it. Today the Liberals are in power. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Indeed, governments come and go. However, countries stay. To do so, national institutions must remain independent and at equal distance from all citizens (e.g., Commissioner of Canada Elections, etc.). Bambi is saying this, regardless of the colour of the actual government. This is secondary to the main issue here: FREEDOM.

Mr. Levant has the right to write any book he wants. We are free to purchase it or not, to agree with him or not.

The last time Bambi checked the world’s map, Canada was in North America, not in the Middle East (thank Goodness). So, why is the current behaviour dangerously similar to other practices elsewhere? Why don’t we keep on setting a good example of tolerance and freedom to populations that so desperately look up to us?

There are times when collective life becomes too difficult. One of them is when we hopelessly see the economy of one’s country suddenly beginning to collapse (i.e., its supposedly strong banking sector). This what happened in Lebanon on October 17, 2019.

As a result, people panicked; a bank run occurred, which means that people tried to withdraw more money than the banks can provide them. The population took the streets, revolting against ALL their corrupt politicians; with the clever slogan of “Everyone means everyone”. Frustrated by capital control, some turned their anger on the banks.

Three months later, no serious measure seems to have been officially taken (yet?) by Lebanon to navigate its way out of the crisis.

Even with a new government in place, the situation remains ambiguous as Lebanon’s debt clock ticks (March, 2020).

How do the people of Lebanon keep hope alive? How do they keep faith in their country in such circumstances? Bambi wondered when reading the news. With this question in mind, she received two interesting links from her sisters living in Beirut.

In the first one, she enjoyed the lucid explanation about the Lebanese bank run by Mr. Pierre Jovanovic (French content), even if it is sad to hear:

The second link is a brief video, by Ms. Dana Hurani, more fun to watch called “Do not worry. This is Lebanon”.

To conclude this post, Ms. Hurani’s artistic production reminded Bambi that hope is a choice. Hope is process (re-choice over and over, even after moments of despair). Hope is a risk… yet it is a must.

Bambi has said it before. She sadly thinks that the Israeli-Palestinian peace may perhaps see the light when her grand-children will die (P.S: Bambi does not have kids).

After reading the latest developments, namely Trump’s so-called deal of the century (https://www.whitehouse.gov/peacetoprosperity/), Bambi decided to present a counterplan to it as follows:

1. Enough of hatred, blood, and stupidity. Both parties must commit to peace and justice immediately, despite the tragic history/actual reality.
2. Two separate states: Israel AND Palestine.
3. Israel should stop the colonization NOW, period (not just freeze it for the next five years).
4.  Jerusalem will be the capital of neither Israel, nor of Palestine. This is necessary to extract the religious component from the conflict, to be fair to everyone, and to calm down all the religiously overzealous folks on all sides. If need be, Jerusalem may be put under UN administration (from neutral countries) for the next five years to calm everyone’s spirits. If both parties are mature enough, no need for such a measure.
5. All the Palestinians abroad (refugees) will have the personal choice of: (5a) Returning to Palestine, if at all realistically possible and if they wish so; (5b) Deciding to become citizens of their host countries (including Lebanon); or (5c) Immigrating to North America OR Europe, if they prefer.

End of Bambi’s peace counterplan ?.

Bambi would like to quickly comment on the beautiful article in the Sackville Tribune by Ms. Katie Tower entitled “Brother reunites with refugee family in Sackville after three years apart”:

https://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/news/local/brother-reunites-with-refugee-family-in-sackville-after-three-years-apart-403767/

“Mabrouk” [= Congratulations] to the Hussein family for this happy reunion! Bambi is happy for them! Once again, she says welcome to Nokar, wishing him all the best.  

Bravo to the “Sackville Refugee Response Coalition” and the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for making this story a happy one.

The generosity of Sackvillians (and by extension Canadians) is to be commended.

As for the Middle East that Nokar left behind, Bambi’s heart aches when she stops to think of the sad catch 22 reality of that region of the world, at least in several of its countries. What is the lesser evil: Dictators or Islamists? Is there a way of fixing the Middle East’s issues at the source to avoid human suffering?

 

The beautiful picture above was published in the following article:

https://www.saltwire.com/weather/cindys-snapshot/cindys-snapshot-a-deer-enjoys-the-truro-snow-402569/

This post is of personal interest to Bambi (it is always nice to see relatives featured in local newspapers :)). More seriously, Bambi is always fascinated by wildlife. We are well served across Canada, especially in our beautiful Atlantic provinces.

As of Truro, in the nearby Nova Scotia, Bambi loves this place: https://www.truro.ca/ .

It is hard for her to put a finger on the exact reason but she often finds herself literally “dreaming” of visiting this town with her spouse. A couple of times, she has convinced him to do so and they had a great time there. No, it was not only because of Truro’s delicious fish and chips (Murphy’s!). It is a charming place to discover. Plus, they have wonderful memories with Bambi’s parents there. They also enjoy the town even when they have to drive there to visit its hospital. Last but not least, it is the half-way point between Sackville, NB and Halifax, NS. What a nice stop to refresh, whether we are driving or commuting by bus or by train.

All this being said, deer do not really distinguish between provinces and territories. They are all over a natural habitat by definition. Sometimes sadly, they are dead bodies on highways, hit by cars or trucks. Other times, they are delicious meat on our plates.

To conclude this post, Bambi would like to thank all the deer of the world for their existence. Mind you, her (human) mom and dad also appreciate deer. After all, they chose her own name (the real one), based on an Arabic poem honouring a deer that a hunter (the poet) could not kill. Because he found it too cute, he preferred to set it free at the very last minute. This is how he ended up writing a famous poem about it.