PHS Dailies

2012 Most Significant Event!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Scoop very Proud!

2010 Audi Q5 - The Scoopmobile!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:52:00 +0000

With the end of 2012 and the arrival of 2013 the Scoop family has to prepare for some good news.?? (more to follow) Welcome the Scoopmobile: 3.2L 270hp Q5 loaded! Starting the year with style and panache!...and yes very high safety ratings! lol Welcome back to car payment land! Scoop

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:41:00 +0000

Punta Cana in the DR 2012.....it is always good to take a break from it all.....:):) Being Scoop is hard work! Thank you Scoopette!! Scoop

Turkey - February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:32:00 +0000

On assignment in Turkey in February I was able to spend time in the capital of Ankara and learn of Ataturk. His story is remarkable - a man ahead of his time. Then onto the markets of Istanbul...the center of the world where East meets West. Bringing home the most expensive spice in the world "saffron" from Iran was an experience all on it's on...haggling in the Spice Market...getting a lesson from a gentleman whose family has been selling it for generations...and then the weighing and sealing. I bought three grams for about $50.00 Canadian. You should taste Scoopette's rice now! Scoop.

Scoop returns with movie reviews: Cloud Atlas & Argo

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:13:00 +0000

We went to Argo yesterday. Last weekend we saw Cloud Atlas. I would recommend Argo over that complex and "mystical" borefest in which everyone played multiple roles at nausea Then there was the baby talk! disguised as an evolved (devolved) language. Perhaps an over simplification but only a linguistics major might embrace this approach that I am sure every parent with toddlers found familiar.

Re Argo, thankfully Ben Affleck role was very stoic which prevented his challenges connecting with an audience from taking away from a good story and a well directed ride. Listen, hang around long any team long enough and despite your role, bat boy or pitcher, and eventually you will seem to belong and perhaps collect a World Series ring whether you are the bat boy or pitcher!!

Scoop is back!

Russian Honeymoon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:59:00 +0000

Hello all from behind the iron curtain! A wonderful trip as we visited OMSK in Southern Siberia, took the Trans-SiBerian Train to Moscow and then up to St. Petersburg. More to follow....Scoop!


Red Square, Moscow

Mr. and Mrs. SCOOP

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:41:00 +0000

Well folks here it is!! The big day, Sept. 18th, 2010 in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia we became formally Scoop and Scoopette!.
Yes dreams do come true!
Scoop

Scoop Covers the G8

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:43:00 +0000

Scoop never knows where the assignments will send him and this was not an exception. Traveling to the G8 and representing "the people" was a formidable task but as expected....I delivered. There was an incident or two like sitting in the wrong seat and causing a stir with the protocol team but all was smoothed out over a few shots of vodka and some Canadian maple sugar. The toughest part was leaving the Scoopette having to go this one alone and....missing Tuesday night summer hockey!!!
Scoop out!

Oil- The World is to Get Smaller - But later!!?

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:17:00 +0000

Greetings,
I just finished Jeff RUBIN's book "Why Your World is about to Get a Whole Lot Smaller." Very thought provoking read with solid insight into all the issues surrounding oil. I found, like most extreme positions, you should not absorb it on it''s face value but use it to keep things in perspective as you continue to absorb other arguments. Time lines are extremely subjective. I remember the electricity generated in investment circles around David FOOT's 1996 book "Boom Bust Echo." Demographic trends and the aging population was the focus. Valid arguments in their own right! Many went out and invested in Funeral Homes and Elderly Care Facilities. The Lowen Group was held out as an industry leader. It went on within five years to suffer serious losses due to American civil litigation and as a result had a slow painful fall into insolvency taking with it all the demographic exuberance. So the argument may, few deny the impact Zoomers will have on the Canadian economy though the time lines are very unpredictable. The book may have been 20 years ahead of it's time which would be longer than the investment horizon for many. Should I walk down the road of global warming to further emphasize time lines.....I think not!
Scoop out!t

Scoopette

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:50:00 +0000

Welcome the Scoopette!!!!! Engaged in Vancouver, BC on May 6th, 2010 at Voya Restaurant. Yes the Scoop was in desperate need of a full time Editor for his work and this beauty offered a level of service that went beyond a passionate commitment to her work. So the permanent partnership should become official in Halifax in September at a private family event. Stay tuned as Scoop builds his team!!! lol
Scoop out!

Scoops goes to the Olympics!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:15:00 +0000

Scoop here....sorry but I had computer issues and had to buy a new Macbook!! I am back. Played hockey all winter except for a break which took me to Whistler, BC for a month. Aside from losing my camera after too much hospitality at the Austria House and Women's Luge it was a successful trip. Seeing all the countries come together and each as fiercely proud of their origin as Canadians was awe inspiring. The medium is the message as Marshall McLuhan famously stated and that continues to be the hidden agenda of print and video! A great experience to ski up to the women's downhill and here the cow bells...the universal sound of support....that was until the Soccer World Cup vuvuzela horn that mimics that of a swarm of bee!!! lol
Scoop out.

The Legend Returns!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Hockey fans take note! After 14 years in hibernation nursing a psychological injury that denied the sport of hockey a gift, I have returned. Unknown to the sporting world a conspiracy led by Gretzky and Lemieux tampered with both the NHL scouting and drafting regimes compromising what should have been the coming of passage of most prolific goal scorer in history of the game . My sense of destiny and Canadian pride have brought me out of retirement...aside from the Rocky movie marathon on Sunday :) Is it possible I am able to take on Crosby as the true Nova Scotia hockey phenomenon? Humbly...I take this challenge on, not for me but for you those seeking inspiration in these down economic times.
I am playing in a work inter mural league wearing a Russian professional hockey jersey "quietly" preparing. I have a young Russian female trainer who is dedicated to me day and night! and day! and night! :)To you the dedicated fans of Scoop I will do you proud. Stay tuned....Scoop.

Paris, France 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Salut....literally this time Salut!!!!! Life some times get's tough and tougher...like last week when I had to go to Paris for work. The business class electric bed almost ate my pocket novel, the constant attention from stewardess', the constant confusion of which outdoor cafe to eat at or historic sight to visit. I was so glad to get home from all the pressure of international travel...oh how does my little sis do it!!! The first picture is at stage one of the Eiffel Tower, though my favorite visits were to Mon Marte and the Louvre.

Thelma & Louise and their Mother on the run...

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Salut,
August 2009 Thelma & Louise and their Mother roll into Ottawa. A great visit was had as Lia and I hosted these three trouble makers for the week. I still can't believe they made it here and back without offing one or the other!! This family continues to push the boundaries of sanity lol.

Of course we did have our moments, though when you have hosts and meals like this...how could you not fall in love with Ottawa...

Scoop & Scoopette

New Condo!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:01:00 +0000

Salut,
Well I was adamant I was not going to buy but then everything kind of fell into place. The new home is called "The Cranleigh" all the suites are named after districts in England?? Go figure :)...all I know is I am really in debt now to the Queen!! and sure to end up in a debtor prison. Stay tuned as the move I am sure will be eventful!
Scoop

Mont-Tremblant Fall Golf Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Greetings,
Met up with six lads from Halifax to play four days of golf in beautiful Mont-Tremblant. The weather and scenery was spectacular especially on this day at the signature course, Le Maitre. I played great on this day shooting an 85 on a very challenging course I had never played before. Great little community about an hour north of Montreal. I found it very much like a mini Whistler.

Nick and Jamie from my Halifax Nesbit Burns days joined me with some of their friends. It was an excellent escape from Ottawa into the Quebec country side....no chicks or wives...just lots of masculine bonding...except the pajama party got a little out of hand after too much candy!!!
Scoop

Gateneau Hot Air Balloon Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Salut,
The balcony of the apartment has a great view of the city. You just sit back and take in the Snow Birds flying by in formation on Canada Day or events such as the Gateneau Hot Air Balloon Festival. Great fun just sitting back and taking it all in safely contained in the VIP box of Champlain Towers. Gonna miss this view??....stay tuned :)
Scoop

East Coast Road Trip 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Greetings, I know I have disappeared off the web for some time but life has been getting the best of me with the transfer, work, Lia's arrival and discovering and reconnecting with the Cenntral and Eastern Canada. I took my little Russian for her first trip to Eastern Canada in August. We spent time in Nova Scotia and PEI visiting with family and friends. Here is a familiar face I am sure you recall??

Howard, you never looked better. Welcome to the Blog! We loved PEI with it's fertile and green valleys and sandy wind swept beaches.....hmmmm some day...?? :)
Scoop

Ottawa Remebrance Day

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Salut, Scoop here with an Ottawa update. It is hard to believe I have only been here a week but with moving, unpacking, setting up my place and starting work it feels like a month. It is good to be busy as it is a challenge both physically and emotionally but I persevere! I have made considerable progress and now it is important to take the time and reflect on this, such a significant day. Remembrance Day sure makes you appreciate what we have and ponder how it could have been had the allies fallen in either World War. I walked down and back to the service. It was pretty cold with the wind chill. I like to take it in personally rather participate with my organization as everything work related seems to take on a more of a self importance flavour. This is a day for me to think about how I have had the great fortune to live in freedom. Rather than die fighting, my generation has has the opportunity to live beyond our teens and early 20s, unlike those who sacrificed their lives and health. My life has not turned out as I had expected but it all becomes so moot when you take into account the big picture on such an occasion. Do I believe in war? Depends on the war. Enough said on this day dedicated those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

On a political level it should be an interesting next year with Barrack Obama at the US helm as his ideologies and policies differ significantly from the Bush administration and many moderate democrats. Personally I think he was the best choice though the expectations on him are surreal. I have heard many say that many people of colour will expect too much of him but I feel that he has already met their biggest expectation, winning the election and thereby taking by storm the highest office in the US and arguably in the world. It is the mass media and their expectations and hidden agendas that I suggest will be his greatest challenge. Though for now they are still in love with him and like any relationship of extremes great drama is always prevalent. Scoop out.

Ottawa

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:05:00 +0000

Hello there :) Safely into Ottawa and after some sleep and a hot tub I am checking out my new apartment. Not bad, lovely architecture though I have to do something about those nosy neighbours wandering all over my yard. A least my bar-b-que is working!! :) As you see below my security is on the job!

Well, this journey is over. I have much to do as the movers arrive tomorrow and I am out of this hotel and into my pad. Thanks for accompanying me on my journey. Check back for my post analysis of the U.S. Presidential election . Scoop out.

Arrived in Ottawa, Cananda!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:47:00 +0000

Stand by for wrap up over the weekend....
at Marriot 613-231-2020 rm 1412
going to bed :)

Sarah Palin

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, addresses a campaign rally in Erie, Pa. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

??? What is this all about.....

So I experience a true day in the life of a republican. The morning begins with coffee than outide to shoot a variety of my friends guns which ranged from hand guns (dirty harry's 44magnum) to an AK 47.

Then off to go flying in a small single prop airplane all over the county. As it happens Palin was in Erie and I was taken to my first U.S. election campaign rally. It was only a 40 minute drive from Meadville but we chose to fly in and cab t0 the convention center which was situated right on Lake Erie. It was quite a show. I was in the heart of republican country in a vital swing state five days before the election so you can imagine the emotion. Great experience...great day. Though I forgot my camera so you will just have to take my word for it :)

Up early today and headed to Ottawa.

Scoop

Chicago to Pennsylvania

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Greetings, I made it too Pennsylvania but it was a tough day driving. Passing through Chicago was a treat as it took over an hour to get through the city. I delayed my departure to be after rush hour but it was still very congested.

I just got clear of the city and passing into and through Indiana I ran into an unusual delay. If you look closely in this next picture you will see the light bar of an Indiana State Trooper vehicle!! Get this, I am on toll highways. The previous one excepted my credit card at the toll booth. So leaving Indiana I hit obviously another toll booth. They tell me they only take American cash. I see a credit card machine but it has an inoperative sign on it. They will not take Canadian cash. They call the State Troopers. I have to wait for the police to arrive. Believe it or not the State of Indiana passed a law that it is illegal to travel on toll highways without US cash. I think the trooper is as disgusted as I am as he gives me a warning and sends me on my way. He hands me the toll receipt and asks me to mail the funds to the address on the toll receipt. Right! I will get right on that. Jeesh...only in the U.S.! Bye the way, at the very next toll in Ohio...they took credit cards!! :)

Finally on my way I make my way through Ohio and see my first snow of the season. I thought this picture came out pretty well considering it was a moving shot through my passenger side window.

I should have realized this was a sign of things to come as the weather progressively got worse as did the lighting conditions. I ended up getting lost outside of Cleveland but my GPS got me back on track. Though I had to short cut through an angry looking suburb. I stopped to get gas and thankfully, at the same time, as did a Cleveland police officer. I have to say he was a rough looking as the locals!! :) I paid in cash and quickly got the hell out of there! :)

I soon crossed the state line into Pennsylvania and as Fred lived in as small town I found myself on rural roads for the first time in many years. I could not believe how dark and disorienting the driving became but at the same time there was something very familiar and thus comforting about it as it reminded me much of time long since passed in rural Nova Scotia. The stormy weather, the leaves from late fall, the wind...it was the perfect set up for a horror movie just waiting to happen :) The GPS sure comes in handy when your tired, feeling lost and in the middle of nowhere. You just put your faith in that little electronic device and it brings ya home! Made it to Fred's after about 10hours of traveling where I warmly greeted by he and his wife, two dogs and two cats. The ominous thoughts driven by a pending Halloween were for not as the dark spirits were averted...at least for the moment :)

The next morning I woke up to more snow and found poor Casper in the following condition...

All is well. Casper continues to be a warrior! I am taking a few days off here in the north east part of rural Pennsylvania in Meadville. Along my journey I have had the opportunity to hear from the Democrats and now my friend the Republican and member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) one of the most powerful associations in the U.S. driven by the right to bear arms. I have had many political discussions on this journey all driven by the build up to the Presidential election come Nov 4th. It has been truly insightful to hear about the views from the people living and working with the issues every day and coming to realize how distorted the messages are by the time they make their way through mainstream media and into Canada. This has been a real opportunity to re-connect with old friends, share political ideologies and together bash the media whose bias is at unprecedented levels. We'll...we do talk about lighter subjects as well...like the similiarities and differences between Americans and Canadians and I always asure them we are much cooler in every regard! :)

More to follow...

Scoop

Chicago, Illinois

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:28:00 +0000

I am here in Illinois approximately 40 minutes north of Chicago on Lake Michigan which is one of the great lakes. The town I am in is called Lake Bluff and it is the quintessential wealthy American neighborhood with it's large brick homes and seasonally styled decorum. Fall is brilliant here.

This has been about visiting with an old friend and getting some rest. I was able to do a wash, re-stock Casper and get some much needed rest before the trek to Pennsylvania.

Casper, he is doing great. He could have kept going I am the one that couldn't handle the pace. I hit the road tomorrow (Tuesday) and will be at Fred's by night time. From Pennsylvania it is only about 8 hours north to Ottawa.

Take care...another Scoop moment comes to an end!

South Dakota to Wisconsin

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:19:00 +0000

Just completed an approximately 26 hour journey across Montana into South Dakota. Then carried on through Minnesota, Wisconsin and down into Illinois. About 2000km. Casper held up pretty good, better than me as it was exhausting. As you can see the exciting lay of the land in South Dakota! was of little help as far as distraction. The only things I found worthwhile to photograph was the GPS and my rear view mirror...I think you go a little crazy after awhile. As I drove into the night I saw many deer and elk. I had to be very sharp as tumble weeds would blow across the highway and after too many driving hours they would look like animals. The startle responses did help keep me awake :) One stunning sight was, just off the road, a full size dead white tail deer with an eagle resting on top of it looking very triumphant. It appeared to be basking in the glory of a kill. But I could tell he knew I knew :) that a tractor trailer had taken down the deer..quite symbolic never-the-less. Speaking of tractor trailers...as I traveled along at the speed limit of 75 mile and hour I would be passed easily by tractor trailers loaded with live cattle....terrifying if you think too much about the "what ifs" out here on the open road. Another way I found it useful to stay alert was to finish an audio book I had been saving for such a trip. It was so bad it was quite effective. It was called NetForce by Tom Clancy. It was so full of stereotypical American ego I felt ill at times. One character I can take...but all of them!!! lol...thankfully my American friends share similar views regarding both American and Canadian stereotypes.

Just after crossing the Mississippi River in Wisconsin I pulled over for a few hours rest in a Rest Area. As long as there were other cars I felt okay, though as I closed my eyes all I could vision was a serial killer making the rounds. Then the light from a flash light filled the car interior. Casper was on the job...ready to attack...it was just the good old State Police on the job. Relieved and too tired to care I ignored them, let them do their license plate checks, pulled my sleeping bag over my head and drifted off to sleep for a very restful five hours...Casper stayed awake keeping watch.

Scoop out.