Linda's Journal
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Prince Philip
Friday, April 24, 2026
King Charles III visit to the USA April 27 - 30
When I first heard that this visit might actually happen, I was genuinely appalled. After all the harsh things the U.S. President has said about Britain, the idea of a state visit felt jarring and deeply disappointing. It didn’t sit right with me at all.
Then I learned something important: this wasn’t the King’s decision. The request came from the UK Parliament. That shifted my perspective. It made me pause, step back, and think about what might really be happening behind the scenes.
Once I had a moment to reflect, I began to see another possibility. Perhaps the King intends to use this visit as an opportunity to mend strained relationships. He has always been someone who values diplomacy, dialogue, and stability. Maybe this is his chance to help ease tensions and encourage a more respectful tone between nation
What I truly hope is that he also stands up for the rest of the Commonwealth — especially Canada and Australia. We have our own identities, our own values, and our own place in the world. We have no desire to become the “51st state,” and it’s unsettling when the U.S. President casually refers to our Prime Minister as a “Governor.” Comments like that may be meant as jokes, but they carry an undertone that many of us find dismissive.
So while my initial reaction was frustration, I’m choosing to hope that something constructive might come from this visit. If the King can help steer the conversation toward respect, understanding, and genuine partnership, then perhaps this moment — uncomfortable as it is — could lead to something better.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Mark Carney, what has he done in the last few months?
- Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
- Darryl White, CEO of the Bank of Montreal.
- Lisa Raitt, former Conservative cabinet minister.
- Tracy Robinson, president and CEO of the Canadian National Railway.
- Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.
- Ron Bedard, president and CEO of steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
- Ken Seitz, president and CEO of fertilizer giant Nutrien.
- Dennis Darby, president and CEO at Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
- Lana Payne, national president of Unifor.
- François Poirier, president and CEO of Calgary-based TC Energy.
- Émile Cordeau, CEO of Agropur, the largest dairy co-operative in Canada.
- Luc Thériault, CEO of Pulp and Wood Products, and president of Domtar Canada.
- Magali Picard, president of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec.
- Jonathan Price, president and CEO at Teck Resources Ltd., a mining and resource company based in B.C.
- Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO of Canfor, a large forest products company based in B.C.
- Michael Harvey, executive director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.
- Tabatha Bull, president and CEO of Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.
- Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Valérie Beaudoin, expert in U.S. policy and politics at the University of Quebec.
- Erin O’Toole, former federal Conservative leader.
- Jean Charest, former Progressive Conservative leader and Liberal premier of Quebec.
- P.J. Akeeagok, former premier of Nunavut.
- Ralph Goodale, former Liberal finance minister and high commissioner to the U.K.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Sweet Caroline
Most people know that Neil Diamond wrote "Sweet Caroline," but almost no one knew the real story behind the song for nearly four decades. In 1969, Neil Diamond was sitting with a photograph of a little girl riding a pony, her face glowing with pure, unbothered joy, and something about the image stopped him completely. That little girl was Caroline Kennedy, captured on the White House grounds with her pony Macaroni, and the photo moved him so deeply that he sat down and wrote what would become one of the most beloved pop songs in American history. He never told a soul. Not his record label, not his closest friends, not even Caroline herself. He carried the secret quietly through the decades, watching the song become a cultural institution, hearing it played at stadiums and ballparks and birthday parties across the country, and still he said nothing.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Troy Van Vliet for Mayor of Surrey
| South Surrey's Troy Van Vliet Founder of Saint John Paul II Academy |
Last month I went to a function and sat beside Troy. I knew he planned on running for mayor but until it was public, I would not say anything. He spoke about his wife and two daughters. His oldest daughter has a learning disability. Trying to get her the help she needed the Surrey Schools let him down. He was so upset about the way these children were being neglected, he built a school! He said "now children will get the education they deserve". His daughter has graduated, but other children with learning disabilities will have a better education.
I've heard about his platform from others but I will go to his launch to find out from him. Troy isn't a career politician. He's a builder, a father, and a community member who believes Surrey deserves better. With five other people running for mayor this will be an interesting race.
https://surreynow.ca/priorities
There is an interesting article in the Surrey Now Leader:
Monday, April 20, 2026
Canada Just ENDED 15 Years of Dependency — And What Rolled Out in Winnipeg Changes Everything
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Strait of Hormuz - closed again!
Five cruise ships were able to sail through the Strait of Hormoz before it was closed yesterday. I am not sure if there are still any cruise ships being detained. All passengers have departed and only the crew needed to sail are on board. I know one more Celestyal ship was able to leave the strait that's not on this map.
I did a search and found this:
1. At least 14 ships stopped by Iran (India‑bound)
A PTI‑sourced report states that 14 India‑bound ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz were stopped by Iran, with one vessel hit by gunfire.
2. More than 20 ships turned back by the U.S. blockade
NBC News reports that the U.S. military says 21 ships have been turned back to Iran since the blockade began. These are vessels prevented from exiting Iranian ports or proceeding through the strait.
3. Some tankers forced to turn around after being fired upon
TankerTrackers.com reported that vessels—including an Indian‑flagged supertanker—were forced to turn around after Iranian gunboats opened fire.
4. A few tankers have transited despite the blockade
CBS News confirms that at least several tankers, including the crude oil tanker Alicia, successfully transited the strait overnight, even under blockade conditions.
Prince Philip
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