In Search Of Spock

    Leonard Nimoy's death has created a void in the Star Trek world and a ripple effect in expected and not expected ways.  As one of the more proactive and progressive featured players (politics, civil rights, developing film scripts that dealt with substantive issues) there is a sadness (it's okay to show emotion!) that lingers.  This will add to the community of the Star Trek Vegas convention this year and in Canada, the reappearance of the Leonard Nimoy $5.  See here. I must get one of these.  So for me, it's Back to Winnipeg! (Simpsons reference)

Spock $5

The image which is legal to do in Canada but not a very nice thing to do (official government position) is of
former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier but the newer editions of the bills don't really allow for this type of alteration. I'm not sure if I can obtain an old $5 but since I'm heading up this way anyway, I'll see if I can.

I've  enjoyed some odd films of a Winnipeg director and here's a review of one by Roger Ebert,
"My Winnipeg" Another is called, "The Saddest Music In The World"
My Winnipeg, Guy Madden

Historically Winnipeg is a fascinating town dating back to the 1800's, a gateway to the west where waters  crossed and connected this great land. Prior to this, the area was a place where many Aboriginals gathered to trade. At the point where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers met, it was different tribes met to trade (the Forks) The people that were originally of the land have been called the First Nations, mostly tribes of Aboriginals, indigenous people of Canada.  When the first group of Eastern Canadians came along, both groups able to trade and co-exist peacefully and cooperatively.  Although they were not supposed to mate, they did as people do. The children of this union became known  as the  Metis (mEE-tis) When the later Eastern Canadian government sought to take over the lands of the Metis (they also ruthlessly expelled the Acadiens), a leader named Louis Riel  (who may have been a little crazy) led a brave battle to stop them.  His initial success led to the founding of province of Manitoba, and Winnipeg now exists where the Forks hosted was so crucial to the establishment of this part of the country.

I am fascinated with the connection from the  Winnipeg General Labor Strike of 1919 with the 1934 San Francisco Waterfront strike; the lessons learned,some of the beginnings of the American Labor movement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_General_Strike, along with the 1890 Pullman strike.  Many public officials and police officers supported the strikers- almost all were fired.  The business leaders were able to classify the strike not as a labor issue but called it a revolution, allowing them to call in Mounties, and hire thugs to beat the strikers
Bloody Saturday http://winnipegtimemachine.blogspot.com/2007/02/saturday-bloody-saturday.html.  I just want to stand in the area where this occurred, and reflect on the sacrifice of the brave.

By 1934 when San Francisco had the Waterfront Strike- although it did not turn out as a clear win for workers rights, I have to believe that organizers had learned from the Winnipeg Labor Strike, and that some of the victories in '34 can be linked to the efforts of 1919 Winnipeg. Here is information on the '34 strike:
http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=The_Waterfront_Strike

On a lighter note, some cool neighborhoods to visit, a new Human Rights Museum (well there goes the lighter note) especially as it relates to Canada, Winnipeg's French Quarter, Goldeyes baseball and just exploring a land no one has told me to go to, and a land no one has told me not to go to. Winnipeg is now a very mixed and diverse city, possibly because of it's incredibly long winters (7 months) and definitely under the radar.

Here's a resident's point of view with some great pictures.
http://winnipeglovehate.com/

Winnipeg is in the province of Manitoba. Up north in are polar bears and  Beluga Whales.  My first plan was to explore there but I chickened out. Perhaps a drive part way to find some bison. Or just some friendly people.