Turkey gets recognition and admiration

Turkey gets recognition and admiration example from: Kosovo, Bosnia, Albania, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, etc. because of the Ottoman Empire. 

They see Turkey as the leader in this area still, and a continuation of the empire. 

Yes, Turkey’s border is less than 1 million square metres, smaller than Alberta, Canada’s, but her history is second to none in this area. 

I’m telling you, the Ottomans are going to come back. 

What Turkey wants to do is similar to England, have the Ottoman family sit at the top, and rule the country by parliament. 

Furthermore, the old lands will be incorporated back, not by war, but by the country wanting to join Turkey. 

Will we see it in our lifetime? 

Balkans and the Ottomans

I was not knowledgeable when I first came to Canada, as the education system in Turkey is biased. 

Ataturk is god. 

Kemalism is nothing but good. 

The Turks came into existence in 1923.  There was nothing prior to this date. 

I mean it, this is how the system was. 

I hear it is better now, but 20 or 25 years ago it was not good.  Go back 50 years, and it was even worse. 

I had to leave the country to learn about my past, about the Ottomans and the prior empires ruled by the Turkic people. 

Anyway, today I was at the YMCA and met a dude from Moldova. 

Now 20 years ago I would have said, “hello bud, and walked away.”

Now, I asked him about the Ottoman Empire and how him and I today are from different counties, but only, I repeat only 100 years ago, we were under the same government.  

We had a good chat.  

The Balkans were ruled by the Ottomans for over 400 years.

People got along. 

Thank you,

Montreal in July

Montreal in July

We were in Montreal on July 23, 2017, since we were connecting to Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul at 11:05 pm.  

Montreal Airport

We stayed in Montreal for 15 hours and even though that sounds like a long delay, it did not feel as long, since it was the first time I stepped foot in Montreal airport, and everything looked welcoming.  

One very important and positive point to note was that Montreal airport was more compact (smaller) than Toronto airport, therefore we did not have to travel a long distance inside the airport to catch the next flight.   We liked this.  Sometimes smaller is better. 

Thank you,

Ahmet Kaya's Legacy

Ahmet Kaya's Legacy

I'm proud to come from the Anatolian land, however there are many troubles in this old country/area.  Here is an example.  

Ahmet Kaya was at one time the number one seller for fantasy/folk/turko rock music, and he was one of my favourite.  

The problem (for him) was he was Kurdish.   Turkey is a country of close to 70 million, and of that number about 20 million are Kurds.   

In the olden days, Turks and Kurds, and other ethnic groups within this nation fought side by side against the imperial powers.  However, since about the mid 1970s, there is an emphasis on what your back ground is in Turkey. This divide got worse, before slowly getting better now.  

But in 1999 this is what happened to Ahmet Kaya.   

Ahmet Kaya drinking tea

He went on a show, and declared that in his future album, he was going to sing a song in Kurdish, this became a big deal and eventually he was declared that he insulted the Turkish identity and was going to be jailed, therefore he took off to France.   This all happened while he was the number one singer in Turkey.  

In France, until is death only a short year later, he kept telling the Turkish authorities that he had not said anything wrong and he declared that he wanted to come back to his country as he missed his country, friends, family etc.   However, the Turkish government did not forgive him and advised him that his prison sentence would stand.   

Ahmet Kaya died in October of the year 2000 and his wife said that he died of the heartache he had for his country.   This really upset me and many folks back then and even now.   The Turkish government has not apologized for this event yet and there are repeated requests by Kurds, his family and friends.  

My son is named after him.   My side of the family does not have any Kurdish, we have a bit of Syrian from about 7 generations back and my parents can still speak levantine Arabic, I can a bit...

My wife's grandmother was Kurdish, therefore my son is one forth Kurdish now.  My son Ahmet is one forth as following: 

Kurdish, Turkish, Canadian and Arabic, I'm very proud of this.  

My son Ahmet and his Jeep

Ahmet Kaya and his daughter

Back to Ahmet Kaya, because of his stand with  the Turkish government, Kurdish language is recognized now and there is even a Kurdish radio/TV and so on.  He paved the way for many within this country.   

May he rest in peace.    

Ben here

Pepi Longsocks

Pepi Longsocks

Watching old SCTV episodes are a past time of mine.   SCTV is a Canadian show from the mid 1970s to early 1980s.  It is brilliantly funny, and I recommend this show wholeheartedly.  

I wanted to analyze and give a constructive review of one of the episodes of SCTV, titled Pepi Longsocks, here is a short link of a YouTube episode below:

https://youtu.be/epLq_DAeex4

Watching Pepi when I was a kid, I did not get the reference to other cultures.  But watching this and other episodes of SCTV now, I actually think that the references are bang-on and done very good, especially with this one.  

Here are a few points I want to make:

1, in this episode, it is supposedly Bulgaria, and me born around the Balkans, I remember watching old Turkish movies (still watching them now I must add), many of the older films are out of sink with the picture and the sound, and one learns to just accept this while watching, but in this episode/video, it is wickedly funny, done purposely,

2, outfits were nailed bang on; I have actually been to Sofya in 1988 (Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria) and they actually dressed almost like this in the country side of the capital city,

3, the name Pepi; don't know if Bulgarians have this name in use, most of the ones I know are either named Dimitri or Constantin, but only a minor issue here,

3, John Candy was in my opinion the most under-rated actor in Hollywood, watching him here brings to me nice memories of my simple childhood, he does this to me as I like him and admire him greatly.   I have nothing but good to say about him, may he rest in peace.  

Thank you for visiting, 

Ben

🤓

Hampton Pointe

Hampton Pointe

This is Hampton Pointe, located in the west-end of Edmonton Alberta.  The picture is from my living room.  Yes, it snowed again, on today's date of February 20, 2014.

Thank you for visiting, 

Ben

Chateau Lacombe Hotel Edmonton

Chateau Lacombe Hotel Edmonton

The Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Edmonton, and it is now an iconic landmark.  

The Chateau Lacombe offers spectacular panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River valley.  

It is a preferred choice for business travellers and a favourite destination for visitors from around the world. 

The picture above of the hotel was taken by me this morning, while walking in front of it on October 8th, 2014.  

Sincerely.

Editorial Letter Sent to Edmonton Sun

Editorial Letter Sent to Edmonton Sun

The editorial of Wednesday, April 8th, 2015 titled 'If you don't vote, don't complain' was rather laughable.  Please find it on the net, below is my email reply to 'Sun Media'.

          Sun newspaper 

-------------------------

Hello,

Your editorial titled 'if you don't vote, don't complain!' is rather short cited.  

As citizens of Alberta, Canada, we have been through many provincial/federal elections.   There have been many politicians which have come and gone, however the promises made and then forgotten as soon as the 'office' is secured, are numerous.  

You might not want me to bring forth many of the so called 'taxes will not go up' speeches made, and afterwards in the comfort of a government salary/pension secured, the proclamation of 'well they need to go up', scenarios are many.  

Also, an intellect such as you, a reporter/editor working for the media should figure out by now that a politician only serves the benefit of him/her self, not the constituents.   

Therefore, the media is reading the low figures of the turnout at election day, as people being lazy or comfortable. 

We the people are informed and do not buy into this game of 'elect me, I will work for you'.  This rhetoric is old now, therefore many citizens are not voting.   

But, do not insult us and state 'don't complain'.    We pay over 40% of taxes in this country, and have children/parents in the government institutions, therefore allow us to make our points heard, even if we don't vote.  

Since, my email is getting rather long, in another email, I will write to you of the alternative ways to elect and govern the people, but this format that we have is now old, corrupt and even immoral.  

Finally in yet another email, I will further explain to the editors at sun media that our province is not protected by the borders any longer.   There are other individuals who have a say in how they want to be governed.  The ruling parties in each province/country are always rotating from governing to opposition party, but the ruling elite are always the same people/falmilies/organizations; who are the pinnacle of the elite, who rule with their own agenda, and my vote counts as much as the second hand movement of the 4th dimension.   

Thank you for reading, if you made it thus far, 

Ben

Todays Temperature

Today's Temperature

Today, and the next few days are looking to be absolutely amazing, if you like 'hot' temperature.  

Enjoy, 

Ben

One Bedroom Delight in Hamptons

One Bedroom Delight in Hamptons

Hello Everyone,

I have a beautiful 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom condo for rent; it will be available August 1, 2014.

          Balcony

The condo is 700 square feet with neutral colored walls, black kitchen appliances, and a storage room with white washer & dryer available, plus there is one surface-parking stall.

The condo is located in a quiet and secure building, and it is on the first floor, facing the south/west direction.

          Living room

The rent will be $1,150.00 per month with water & heat Included in this amount.

You will be responsible for your own power, cable, and internet. 

Kitchen 

The damage deposit is $850.00

I am looking for a responsible, mature, dependable and clean individual, who is a non-Smoker.

No Pets allowed. 

Entrance into the unit 

If you have any questions or you want to arrange a viewing, please email me.

Thank you,

Ben

Marvellous Scenic and Busy Banff

Marvellous Scenic and Busy Banff

I had the opportunity to visit the city of Banff, in the province of Alberta, this past Eastern Weekend. 

As always, Banff is majestically beautiful in every corner, not a bad spot in deed, in this touristic 'hot spot '. 

Here are about a dozen pictures driving to Banff, and finally walking on the main road.  

   50 km's away, 

   25 km's away, 

   5 km's away,

   1 km away, 

   Banff, 

   Main road 1, 

   Main road 2, 

   Main road 3, 

   Main road 4, 

   Main road 5, 

   Main road 6, 

   Main road 7, 

   Main road 8, 

   Main road 9, 

Have you made it to this marvellous place yet?

Thank you for visiting. 

Ben

🤓

Average Weekly Income

Average Weekly Income

The 'average weekly income' for Canadians is now $935.00 / week, effective January 2014. 

This figure is 'Gross Income' from T4 earnings.  The yearly amount is:

$48,730.00. 

If you make more then the figure above, consider yourself fortunate.  

This is 3.0% higher then the previous years amount. 

Year-over-year T4 earnings increased in all provinces, with above average growth in the following provinces of:

Alberta, 

Newfoundland and Labrador, 
Saskatchewan, & 

Prince Edward Island.

The province of Alberta is leading the Canadian economy in paying proper wages to employees; that's very good for us 'wage earners'. 

Thank you for reading, 

Ben here

Before and After in Hampton Pointe

Before and After in Hampton Pointe

The picture with the 'sunrise' was taken on November 15, 2013.

The below picture was taken on February 19, 2014. 

Both pictures were taken from my living room, looking onto the back yard, and beyond homes. 

Reality of Amero

Reality of Amero

‘Amero’ is a proposed name for the future North American Currency, which would replace the ‘Canadian Lonnie’,  ‘American Dollar’, and ‘Mexican peso. 

This proposal is in existence and the authorities consistently meet to discuss the implementation of the ‘Amero’, as it is a way for the United States, Canada, and Mexico to collaborate on issues such as:

Customs,

Environmental and safety regulations,

Narcotics smuggling, and

Terrorism.

Implementation of the ‘Amero’ would involve the three countries named above to give up their current currency.  The new currency is modeled on the European Union Currency (Euro), and it is argued to be a natural extension of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).

Also, another major benefit stated of the ‘Amero’ is believed that it will eventually increase trade through reduced complication for transactions of currency exchange rates between the three countries, as this would be eliminated.

The biggest drawbacks of changing over to the Amero would that the 'Federal Reserve' of USA will need to give up control of the 'money supply'.  The FED of the United States would be restricted on monetary policy.  The changes would:

Interest Rates and "money printing" would now be under the control of three countries rather than one,

The USA would no longer stand alone in its trade negotiations with other countries of the world, and

The USA would be subject to the rules of the neighboring two countries which could reduce its economic power.  

For now, the ‘Amero’ is just an idea that has been kicked around and talked about with no real plans for implementation, yet.  

We will continue to monitor the developments regarding the 'Amero'. 

Thank you, 

Ben

Minimum Wage in Canada

Minimum Wage in Canada

The 'minimum wage' in Canada is set forth by 'Employment Standards Regulation'.  This document states that for example, in the province of Alberta, the 'minimum wage' is;

- hourly minimum wage of $9.95 for most employees,

- hourly minimum wage of $9.05 for employees serving liquor,

I have attached some useful links and documents to support all the figures, these are below:

Employment Standards, Rights and Responsibility at Work

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/Minimum-Wage.pdf

Province of Alberta, Employment Standards Code

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfmpage=1997_014.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=9780779733927

Order in Council

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/orders/orders_in_council/2011/611/2011_237.html

Do you feel that an increase is warranted for the 'minimum wage'?

I will write another blog in the future, as I am interested to know which province in Canada has the 'highest' 'minimum wage' currently. 

To be continued. 

Thank you, 

Ben 

10 Thousand Dollar Transfer

10 Thousand Dollar Transfer 

There is a 'Banking' amendment in the works in this country and most likely all the others in the coming years.  

          An old bank 

The Canadian government is trying to have a legislation passed into law by 2015.  The legislation would require banks to report if $10,000 or more of money is transferred into or out of Canada.  

Also, this legislation would take into consideration transactions made within 24 hour period, as one single money transfer, if this amount totals more than $10,000.

This 'New' law is proposed to decrease or stop the fraudulent banking activity by citizens.  And possibly to 'Tax' citizens further on these activities.  

More limitations for citizens? Or will it work for its intended purpose?   

We will wait and see. 

Sincerely, 

Ben

I am the Mayor

I am the Mayor

I read an article that was truelly ingenuous and witty, which I will share a part of it with you today.

The article was written by Mr Feschuk of Maclean's Magazine, for the November 18, 2013 edition.  I suggest you search it online and read it.  

What I will do is, re-write 'word for word' the last paragraph of this humorous article below.  

"My name is Rob Ford.  

I am your mayor.  

I drink to the point of stupor so often I refer to them as 'my drunken stupors'. 

I've been accused of sexual harassment, verbal harassment, pretty much all of the big harassments.  

I'm profane as hell. 

I've violated conflict of interest laws. 

Abused my power and position.  

The cops have been called to my house. 

I kicked citizens off a bus, so it could pick up my football team.  

My driver is up on extortion charges.  

Oh, and by the way, I smoke crack cocaine.  

That's my record as an elected official. 

And you know what? I still have a 43% approval rating. 

Don't ever try to tell me what's possible."

I thought it was a good read, thank you for visiting,

Ben

Roaming Charges

Roaming Charges

what is 'Roaming'?

We all have cell phones now days, and the term 'Roaming' means connecting to 'cell phone network / service' in a different location then your 'home' service area.  The term originates from 'Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) terminology use.

Obviously, as soon as we require service, outside of our home area, this will be an extra charge by your cell phone provider.

I read an article and wanted to share the highlights of the future changes that are coming in 'Europe' and then hopefully in 'North America'. 

When a person living in the city of London, travels to Paris, which is only 2.5 hours away by train, the 'Roaming' charges are as following:

- 20 minute call to London from Paris costs $10 Canadian Dollars,

- Texting a photograph costs $1.25 CD.

Due to the high costs of this service, business is declining for telecommunications companies, since consumers are using their phones less, and even shutting off these devices.

There is a proposal in the works to eliminate 'Roaming' charges by the year 2016, in parts of Europe.  I look forward to the elimination of this charge in Canada (North America) as well. 

We will wait and see, what the future has in-store for us consumers.

Thank you for visiting,

$5 Canadian Note

$5 Canadian Note

I wrote about the $20 Canadian Note and included pictures of the new / old currency in circulation today in Canada; please look for this article, in my 'history' list, of this blog, as it is titled '$20 Canadian Currency".  

Today, for the first time, I came by a brand new $5 Canadian Note, and I took pictures of this.  I  would like to write about who and/or what is on the front and back of the currency.  

Front side of the note:

There is a well drawn portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. 

Reverse side of the note:

There is a drawing of Mobile Servicing System (MSS), which is a robotic system and equipment on the International Space Station (ISS).  The 'Arm' moves equipment and supplies around the station, supports astronauts working in space, and services instruments. 

The MSS was designed and manufactured by MDA Space Missions for the Canadian Space Agency, and this is Canada's contribution to the space expeditions. 

Also, remember that the old notes will be taken out of circulation, therefore, put a few away for memory sake. 

Gracia for reading, 

Ben