Thank you, Mr. Hill

I just finished reading 'The Book of Negroes', by Canadian author Lawrence Hill. A Damn Fine Book, if I've ever read one. Sweeping in scope, sharp in observation, and profoundly, thoroughly researched. Of course, his main character, Aminata Diallo, an incredibly strong-willed, honest and loyal woman (especially to herself) makes this story so much more vibrant. She is a locus around which all these fascinating historical events spin. By no means the cause of these events, she is at times swept up in them, and at times an influence. But always, she's the humanizing element, making them so much more vivid and real. Bravo to Mr.Hill.

One of the main reasons I'm glad I read this book is the world it opened up to me, regarding the history of slavery, and the Black Loyalists who took up residence in Canada. I was a little too young when Alex Hailey's 'Roots' came out to take up that hefty read (although I watched one of the mini-series associated with the book -- still at a pretty young age). On a vague, intellectual level I understood what had happened, but I was more detached from its horrors. I have a much more empathetic reaction now.

Obviously, I'm a white chick from a peaceful and relatively privileged background. I haven't been tossed about by violent forces beyond my control like Aminata. I am acutely aware of my luck. So even if I experience it vicariously, I'm glad for the opportunity. It humbles me, and makes me want to know more. Thank you, Mr. Hill.

The IDIOT Rant

Why are some people such stupid-risk takers? Yes, I typed that right. There are risk takers, calculated-risk takers, and then there are stupid-risk takers. Case in point: two men buried in avalanches at Whistler/Blackcomb , and a third snowboarder found alive after three days in the cold on Mt. Seymour in North Vancouver THEY ARE IDIOTS!!! Not only that, Mr. Outdoorsman-Snowboarder-Dude didn't even follow the basic rules of being rescued which include: stay where you are and make yourself noticeable. He SAW the damn helicopters and waved? Among all the hemlock and fir trees? In blowing snow? IDIOT!!! He kept thinking each day that he'd wander out and find his way back???? IDIOT!!!! I used to work on Mt. Seymour as a snowshoe guide and even I got lost a few times. Not seriously, because it was always in areas where the trail looped and I would cross it eventually, plus I had a very good sense of direction and orientation, but still... He told no one where he was headed and when to expect him back???? IDIOT!!!!!!!!!! The only reason people knew he was missing was that some alert resort staff members noticed his abandoned truck in the main parking lot for more than one night. He can thank his sorry ass they were on the ball.

Having worked among people who skied and snowboarded every day, and occasionally went off-trail, I know the allure of biting into fresh powder, of going where there is no one else, of tackling truly challenging terrain. But, for god's sake, with all the warnings, the absolutely perfect avalanche conditions in those areas, and the knowledge that you might not know what to do if you got lost, WHY would you take such a stupid risk???? Not only would you be risking your own life, but those of the Search and Rescue crews that are sent out to find you. Then there are the friends and family waiting for you, not knowing your fate and fearing the worst, or hearing the worst and facing life without you. How pointlessly stupid and selfish. Want thrills? Look elsewhere IDIOTS!!!!