OUR GANG

CROSS CANADA BIKE TOUR 2010
ARE YOU UP FOR IT?

For Mom

Starting July 1st , 2010, Charles Lage will drag his 53 year old carcass across Canada by bike to challenge and incite others to excellence for the purpose of helping those that can't or won't help themselves. He wants to challenge you! Are you up for it? Who is Charles Lage?

PRESS RELEASE -- for immediate release -- Cross Country Bike Tour news release

The “Our Gang” bike tour across Canada is to raise money for an endowment for a world class, national, teaching and research facility. Bird House will be the home of The National Centre For Music and Classroom Therapy and A Joyful Noise School, our local program. This will subsidize our programs within Canada and some day the world for Autism and other learning or physical disabilities using Music and Classroom Therapy including Social Skills and other subjects beneficial to managing the challenges of daily living. All in an effort to give HOPE AND REASSURANCE to parents, children and adults affected.

Join OUR GANG and be a Rubber Noser!

     OUR GANG

ARE YOU UP FOR IT?

Check back for news and updates on this page and please donate.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, RELATIVES AND EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK TO GO TO: www.ajns.net

~ Charles Lage Blog ~

2010 Tour Blog

-4 and counting

We started off boosting the van at home. We thought it was Matthew's fault But ultimately I think we're wrong. -C

-3 and counting

Got to Swift Current and stayed the night at a nice little camp ground called the Ponderosa. I didn't see Ben, Hoss, Little Joe or Adam. But there was a guy there who looked a little like Hop Sing except he wasn't Chinese. We'll be heading into the mountains today. Matt left the cooler plugged in over night. We're waiting for CAA. We'll be fine. - C

-2 and counting

Hi everybody,

The sun is warm and comforting here in Field BC as I wait for the tow truck to come. The van needs something so I await the news if it will be a belt or alternator or what. So I wait for the driver to get from Golden. It's nice to be stuck here as it could be worse. It could have been worse. I could have started cycling already. But at least we are working out the bugs on the van and trailer. We found out that the fuse box connection and not number 2 son Matthew's fault. He's been great this trip. I wish he was this good and helpful at home. Rick was hit in the head by the tent trailer top and caused him some bleeding and pain. The trailer's ok though.

So the tow truck arrived and had some trouble boosting us and so we waited for another truck to fix the first truck because although new, the truck, a Freight Liner had some troubles which is understandable. The new truck gave us the double barreled approach attaching two sets of cables to two batteries and found the problem wasn't battery at all.

Today we will get to Salmon Arm when Rick wants to swim! Good luck with that one buddy! Anyway I have no doubt that he will. Rick Gagnon is our driver and fixer.
For my seriousness and perhaps your amusement here is a letter I wrote to my fearless leader, Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 

My dear fearless leader,

My name is Charles Lage, 53, piano Technician of 34 years, and Autism survivor from Hazelridge, Manitoba. I am cycling from Vancouver to St John's and cycling to your doorstep for a very important reason.

The challenged I serve need a national facility based in the centre of Canada so that parents and adult survivors can come and utilise the extreme power of music combined with classroom therapy such as social and cognitive skills so that they can enter in on decent relationships and become contributing members of society. 

This of course requires money (about 20 million) and the challenged can't afford somebody to fill out the forms or decipher the instructions. But we do know how to deliver the services and what objectives we want to achieve. Unlike others, I will tell you my intent before I get there rather than hiding my intent. We also need the arts tax credit.

And, unlike Jack, I will actually ride my bicycle to your doorstep instead of getting a ride to a block away pretending to have cycled there. We need your help. Will you rise to the challenge of being our champion?

I understand you are busy but could you please clear some time for lunch when I arrive? I will leave Vancouver on July 1st. I don't know precisely when I'll get there but I do plan to break the record of 27 days across the country.

Help us make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people who are challenged in some way that makes them become or remain under the care of the state when they can lead productive, assisted  - and perhaps independent lives. You may find out more by visiting the website: www.ajns.net

In closing, I hope at the very least that you have personally read this letter as John Diefenbaker would have and respond in the affirmative. Thank you for your time, Sir and God bless you. - Charles Lage.

-1 and ....

Found a great beach to start from. Border Park is in Tsawwassis, Delta, BC, right close to the ferry. It seemed appropriate. We spent the day in town getting the van fixed. It needed a new battery and we also bought a booster pack just in case. Richard, Matthew and I are preparing for the long journey by packing what food stuffs we'll need during the day and evening in separate locations and charging what needs to be charged.

Last night we ran out of gas and power and a nice tow truck driver got us a little gas and gave us a boost. Funny that we coasted down hill picking up speed twice for over 3 kilometres!  He also recommended the booster pack, just in case. We hope all of the bugs are worked out of the van and Karen has a great vehicle to drive when we get back.

I don't feel nervous right now but my stomach feels a little unsettled. I will write you from the beach tomorrow morning after I dip the tires. Even if you're not prone to doing so, say a little prayer for me; your friend, Charles

+1
 
It is a typical winter day here in Vancouver which is not unusual for summer. It's raining and cold. You can see the USA from the beach and deep down you think, yeah, you should be so lucky. But what do I know? I'm just a fat guy on a bike.
 
Let's roll! It's a good day to die. -C

+1 epilogue

Hi everyone,
 
Beautiful British Columbia they say is heaven. Most likely because
it's up hill no matter which direction you go and of course being as
it's the middle of winter with the frigid rain and wind in your face
it adds a certain pleasure you only get certain special days of your
life. I can't think of any right now but ....

On our first day we have done what everybody, I don't know who really
- couldn't be done. Nestled in the volcanic cordillera near a place
where there was a big avalanche back in the 1960's. Just a few km's
outside of Hope my sit bones gave out and shortly after that the van
had a flat tire and it's sitting on a doughnut until tomorrow. It blew out real good!
 
We are really having a wonderful time. I went 200 k but all uphill in
the dead of a Vancouver winter. People passing me on the TC were very
supportive as well, giving me a toot on the way by some longer than
others showing extra strong support. One man even called out to me
saying that he didn't own the road. Rather nice I thought. People have
been downright friendly.
 
We have a press conference tomorrow and maybe somebody will show up.
We'll be here until noon and perhaps one more night. These mountains
require less k's a day. - C

+2
Hi all!

I'm sitting with Matthew and Richard in Kal Tire right now getting the two rear tires replaced. Before this we stopped in at The Hope Standard newspaper today and the reporter was ill today and tomorrow we'll be gone to Merrit via the Coquihalla because the TC is treacherous there.

The folks here at Kal Tire and at the Hope Valley camp ground have both given us discounts for which we are grateful. Today I don't feel worse for wear. I could've gone today but we'll dry our clothing and such because of the humidity. That's another nice thing about BC is that when you need a drink of water, just stick out your tongue. -Charles

+3
Hi, Everyone. I had a bad day today. Lots of problems. We think the van may need a radiator so we have an appointment tomorrow morning at Canadian Tire. Part way up the Coquihalla I injured my knee from pushing to hard against the incline and the brakes are still rubbing. I'm still going harder and faster because that's what gets attention. But yet I don't think I'll finish. The pain is too big. Ice is cheap though. I have gone rather quickly. I do average about 25 kph. 
I feel bad for you, the kids and the mission and I'm waiting for guidance. But I feel I've let you all down. I will try again after the van is fixed. We are now in Kamloops. I wish there was some humour in all of this. - Charles

+4

Hi, everybody!

We are in the road again! My knee is better and ready to go. Lots of ice. We spent all morning at Canadian Tire waiting for the vehicle to have the rad flushed. Essentially we have to leave the mountains quickly so the head gasket isn't blown. What does that mean for me?

Well, Canada is a big country but the object is to get the message out so in order the engine doesn't over heat and die and that I don't do myself permanent damage we are forced to cut some corners. We were told that the mountains and our vehicle with a pop up tent trailer don't mix so we both need to be safe and that is a lower altitude.

I'll admit, it didn't go so well yesterday but things look a lot brighter today. We will bring our message to Salmon Arm today. It feels really weird to be ignored by the media as I haven't spoken to a single member nor after months of trying to contact the different societies with the message that we can help.

I was told that Terry Fox had the exact same problem. So I don't feel alone. In fact their silence will help me spread the message further and faster than had they started out by applauding my effort. I don't see that what our group is trying to do is competitive in any way to existing efforts. Music works on a micro level. All attempts thus far have been on a macro level. Combining the two can only serve to the much greater good. Far greater than today I would say.

This in addition to the arts tax credit - which will remove a huge financial burden from parents of challenged children or even parents of said children that couldn't afford it in the first place.

As for the Movement Centre of Manitoba I hope that the therapies they provide can be considered sports or arts because otherwise that group of parents is doomed without support. HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE NOT BEING SERVED BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS ARE POOR? Sorry I had to yell there. - your friend, Charles

+5

Well, everyone, it's day 5 and we've spent the night in Kicking Horse Camp Ground and still no reporters. We are well rested but we still have high altitude problems with the van. We'll get to Canmore, find us a reporter, and get the bike fixed. Then my leg will be healed enough to cycle again, through Calgary to Medicine Hat.

I keep telling myself that Rick Hansen is better looking than I with a huge entourage, more time and much younger. But he's still amazing to do it all. So if I do most of a province with just our Rick and Matt then I think that's quite alright. Still no entourage and police escort but alright.

Thank you for all of your very kind letters. They are very much appreciated. Your generous support means the world to me. Even if it's just prayers.

I had a chance to see the website and noticed that since we've started our tour there have been at least 1500 hits. I hope that translates into donations. That won't be known until after the tour ends because Canada Helps issues the cheques at the end of the month, I think.

Since this is a moment I can spare and this for the blog too, let me tell you how you can support us.

Please send a letter to your Premier, MLA, Prime Minister, MP and all media and tell them you support the Arts Lessons Tax Credit as they instituted the Sports Tax Credit.

They can do this federally and provincially. As well, they can provide us someone to help us fill in the forms Federally and Provincially because if the feds can give Paul Martin's massive shipping company a reported 11 million per year in our tax money then they can give it to us.

In fact, Paul's a billionaire, God love him. I'm certain he'd say, "yeah, Charles, I believe that I don't need that money, I'll support you with that 11 million a year!", "fer sure".

And he'd be honest about it too. He'll call me himself and tell me he is doing this on a yearly basis. I'd tell him straight out, " thanks, Paul, but just like I tell everyone else; take that sum and divide it into 12 and do it that much every month."

Now he'll probably ask me something like if he could take out a massive insurance policy if, God forbid, something untimely should occur happen to him that the challenged children would continue to be supported in perpetuity.

But he probably won't believe he's done near enough because of the blessings God has bestowed on him and so he'll say, "Charles, you're one of my bestest buddies and I'd like to hang out with you several times a year and I'll invite my other pals like Gerry Schwartz and Heather Riesman, or Bill and Melinda, Bono, or", you get the picture. Because you see, Paul's just that kinda guy. You may not be as blessed as my buddy Paul but you might go in increments of $20 bucks a month or set up fundraisers to help the challenged children and adults we serve.

And after an interim location, central to Canada, employing the best Music Therapists, Occupational Therapists, classroom teachers and music teachers we may be able to build Bird House. The home of The National Centre For Music and Classroom Therapy and A Joyful Noise School, our local but scattered program.

If you support those parents that can't afford treatment for their kids to be subsidised, support our program where those who can afford it to pay, and support the Arts Tax Credit so that the cost of treatment or just getting our kids smarter as a necessity then please support us and don't let our campaign be ignored. Write your paper, write your politicians. Let's Roll. It's a good day to die. - your friend, Charles

+6

Hi Gang!

I have good news and I have bad news. We were going to go through Calgary today but the van is still over heating. This may now mean a head gasket. But the object of the tour was to get the question out: Are You Up For It?

What does that mean? I'm trying everyday to get that message out any way I can. With my knee we already made the accommodation that I would cycle and ride instead of just cycling. Everyday I make the choices to refine my life to get that message out.

What can you do? You can ask yourself; "am I doing all I can to help those that can't help themselves?" Could you meet the challenge of re-organizing your life to help others in anyway you can with time and money. Do that reassessment with your financial advisor, family, friends, spiritual advisor, or maker. We all believe we do enough but; the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. We can all do better if we just put our minds to it.

My question always was, "how do I get the message out about the millions of suffering in Canada and what we can do to help them?". The object is to start the National Centre in the heart of Canada and to provide the service necessary to give families hope and reassurance that when they go home they have a course of action to follow when they get home. A facility that is constantly refining its' methods as to what works for each individual child and adult.

Since my trip is pretty much over it's now up to you my friends. If you read my blog thus far you know what to do. I can't do this alone. We need the millions of children and adults to rise up and be counted. We need them to write letters through their care givers and tell the media and politicians that we need the tax credit and that we need the National Centre.

We need the "normal" people to get on board as a matter of daily life to help others because the greatest thing they will ever do is to help those that can't help themselves. If we don't think that way then who are we anyway?

The good news is I still have interviews in Moosejaw and in Regina on the way home and the way things are going I can't continue. I will go home and continue to restore old pianos and give them away to the challenged and sell them with the "profit" portion as a donation to those who can pay. The school will continue to be virtual and scattered until we fund raise enough for a location.

Please get everyone you know to get this message out. There is no other way. Hundreds of thousands of parents rely on the passing of the arts tax credit (Matthew's Law), and to receive hope and reassurance at the National Centre.

I honestly believe that going out and making personal contact is the best way for me. And I'll do it until I get home. Thank you for your kind and generous support. - your friend, Charles

+7

Hi, everybody!

It's day 7 and we are in Strathmore and getting the head gasket replaced on the van. Very expensive. I can't risk using my wife's van anymore. The strain on the engine made growing problems worse. I am awaiting a miracle in order to get past Winnipeg with my message.

Are the challenged ready to stand up for themselves to lead better lives? Would people take stock in themselves and support our efforts to offer significant help so the poor and suffering won't be passed over ever again. Or do our prejudices still run and ruin our lives?

+8

Hey Gang!

We are leaving Strathmore today with a repaired vehicle but still scetchy on whether the rad will hold. We will be stopping a few places to talk with reporters. I might cycle today as the knee permits. Lots of ice and Menthacine yesterday and some walking. We think its a torn muscle or ligament. Meanwhile I've been reading Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson. Great book.

+9

Hi Gang!

It's day 9, July 9th and my leg is actually fine. The pain is gone but in the abundance of caution I will continue to cycle through cities.

Today I'm supposed to have an interview with the Regina Leader Post. Yesterday in Strathmore I met with the local paper The Times and Mario took pictures of Matt and myself at the van. A lady is supposed to phone us for that interview. In Canmore I was interviewed by Dave the editor of The Rocky Mountain Observer.

Aside from this I have been completely ignored. And on the way I've seen only one challenged person and I've looked. We should all be out enjoying the rain and sunshine. Where are my people? The challenged deserve to be out and shine like the sun. Are they all inside being kept?

+13

Hi Everybody!

Well, here we go. After a brief break we are back on the road! Only I can't cycle like I wanted to. Tomorrow is Wednesday and I have a press conference at the Terry Fox memorial in Thunder Bay.

We got more signage on the vehicle so that people see more than just "are you up for it?". Meaning the challenge of helping those that can't help themselves. Some have said that I am an advocate for Autism and the challenged in general. I'm just doing what I can. The real advocates are all of the rest of you. Only you can make a difference.

Let's talk about music. Music verifiably in scientific terms can make the difference in maintaining or recovering from anything that is not too far gone. This is new, however and it will take a while for the general public to latch onto. Things my mother knew anecdotally. Things that Michael Remenyı in Toronto, John Shivoletto in Edmonton, and my dad Len in Winnipeg have always known.

Seems I'm always preaching to the converted. They have all seen the power and the effect of music not only in performance, but in the lives of ordinary people. It makes a huge difference that we don't realise. We don't see it so therefore it doesn't exist. In quads, the brain dances! Wakes up! And is capable of so many cerebral pursuits. I know what you're saying, Charles, this happens to everyone.

You're right! Yet we choose to ignore it. Fight it in fact. So what if some people are intelligent without taking music. All people who take music lessons do very well at whatever they choose to do. We don't take music lessons to become good at it. Being able to play music is a very tiny by-product of playing - or just listening to music.

In fact it does far more than just stuffing info in our brain. It also relaxes you enough to break down anyone's natural resistance or pre-disposition to not accepting info. That's how church works however you look at it. Whether it is a beautiful brainwashing or a negative brainwashing for evil, it works. We propose to use the effect of music in learning for the common good. But it does enforce and fortify the brain in a foundation that allows cumulative intelligence rather than the generally accepted 10-15% of our brain we normally use.

Pushing that boundary past the point of exhaustion every day for two weeks causes permanent positive change in the brain and over time each generation increases their chances for high intelligence.

Music is the only thing we have to evoke that type of change in both the short term and long term.

Music is a global (both sides of the brain) process, which is the only thing we will ever do that does. Whether just hearing it (no need for appreciation) or playing it (which is more infinitely more beneficial) the results are in and they point to success.

Can you imagine the positive impact correctly applied music can do for anyone? By this logic it's only a matter of time that the intelligence level of society is raised and the individual becomes a normal functioning member of society with a life, a job, and perhaps a family.

So you can't say that providing our type of service is a socialistic idea when it creates more taxpayers and more revenue. And you can't say that it's wrong or untimely to provide the tools and tax incentives to do so. It is an investment in our challenged children and adults that pays off big! We simply cannot afford not to do it now.

+13 Supplement

An open letter to
Prime Minister Harper

My Dear Fearless Leader,

It's your friend Charles Lage, piano technician and Autism survivor  again. Since I have not heard from you in response to lunch next week sometime in the middle of the week I'm still coming to see you so it's not like I'm coming unannounced. 

I think I have to present my case in order that it makes sense to institute the Arts Tax Credit sooner rather than later.

In our country the cost of drugs is prohibitive to many families. The cost of non medical therapy that is even more beneficial is also prohibitive financially. Yet one treatment stands out far more than any other in terms of effectiveness. Ten years ago we had no scientific evidence for the utilisation of Music as therapy or therapeutic purposes. Now, however, the science is overwhelming!

So to help all of the millions of children and adults in Canada in addition, all of the millions of challenged children and adults it could only lead to a stronger, healthier and more intelligent nation. But this means the Tax Credit promised to come sooner rather than later and research and development of cognition tools as an investment with private and federal dollars would be part of a good, solid and sound economic stimulus plan.

Let's talk about music. Music verifiably in scientific terms can make the difference in maintaining or recovering from anything that is not too far gone. This is new, however and it will take a while for the general public to latch onto. Things my mother knew anecdotally. Things that Michael Remenyı in Toronto, John Shivoletto in Edmonton, and my dad Len in Winnipeg have always known.

Seems I'm always preaching to the converted. They have all seen the power and the effect of music not only in performance, but in the lives of ordinary people. It makes a huge difference that we don't realise. We don't see it so therefore it doesn't exist. In quads, the brain dances! Wakes up! And is capable of so many cerebral pursuits. I know what you're saying, Charles, this happens to everyone.

You're right! Yet we choose to ignore it. Fight it in fact. So what if some people are intelligent without taking music. All people who take music lessons do very well at whatever they choose to do. We don't take music lessons to become good at it. Being able to play music is a very tiny by-product of playing - or just listening to music.

In fact it does far more than just stuffing info in our brain. It also relaxes you enough to break down anyone's natural resistance or pre-disposition to not accepting info. That's how church works however you look at it. Whether it is a beautiful brainwashing or a negative brainwashing for evil, it works. We propose to use the effect of music in learning for the common good. But it does enforce and fortify the brain in a foundation that allows cumulative intelligence rather than the generally accepted 10-15% of our brain we normally use.

Pushing that boundary past the point of exhaustion every day for two weeks causes permanent positive change in the brain and over time each generation increases their chances for high intelligence.

Music is the only thing we have to evoke that type of change in both the short term and long term.

Music is a global (both sides of the brain) process, which is the only thing we will ever do that does. Whether just hearing it (no need for appreciation) or playing it (which is more infinitely more beneficial) the results are in and they point to success.

Can you imagine the positive impact correctly applied music can do for anyone? By this logic it's only a matter of time that the intelligence level of society is raised and the individual becomes a normal functioning member of society with a life, a job, and perhaps a family.

So you can't say that providing our type of service is a socialistic idea when it creates more taxpayers and more revenue. And you can't say that it's wrong or untimely to provide the tools and tax incentives to do so. It is an investment in our challenged children and adults that pays off big! We simply cannot afford not to do it now.

+14

Hi everyone!

Today at the Terry Fox Memorial in Thunder Bay I had the honour of meeting Rodney Stafford, whose young daughter Tori,  endured the unspeakable and was murdered thereafter. He cycled to Edmonton last year in memory of his daughter and this year with his 12 year old son Daryn. God bless them.

Rod came and introduced himself and honestly, I'll never forget it. Here's a picture of my new friend and our sons. - Charles

Charles with Rod Stafford, founder of the child safety awareness group, Kilometres for Kids, along with sons Matthew and Daryn

We stayed at a very nice KOA last night owned by Kristie an Michael Kuper. I highly recommend it. - C

+15

Hello!

Today I did a fantastic interview with Carol from the Soo Today, an internet newspaper that has word wide distribution and is more well read than printed media there.

We will pass Sudbury with a nod to Mr and Mrs Levesque and their son who gave us a generous donation in front of The Human Rights Museum at The Forks in Winnipeg.

I also called Michael Remenyi of Remenyi's House of Music who will roll out a red carpet for me when I get there tonight. Michael is an old friend of Dad's who, after working four months at Lesage Pianos in St Thérèse, near Montreal, building pianos from the bottom up, gave me my first professional tuning on Christmas of 1976 and a letter of recommendation which I wish I never lost. Without that letter I would not have gotten work at Lage Bros. Pianos.

It made me better and stronger to prove to Dad I was better than anyone he could hire. If you knew dad the you'd know I'd have to be.  

+16

Hi everyone!

We had a good day today. Claire Chisamore from Market Wire, our news release experts took us to lunch before the press conference at Remenyi's. 

Back in 1976 I started piano technology. By Christmas I had a tutor in March with Harold Gandy, 4 months of factory training at Lesage Pianos in St Thérèse from September to December. I went to Toronto the visit my aunt Heidi Redekop and uncle Ralph Hedlin. It was there that I went to see an old friend of dad's, Michael Remenyi.

Michael has Remenyi House of Music, a up scale but economy minded store that sells the very best and quality inexpensive pianos, and other instruments, sheet music, etc. This day just before Christmas was a day of reckoning that culminated a year of work into one test. Without my own tools - very short tuning hammer, bolster cloth for a mute, and one plastic mute to do my first professional tuning.

He wasn't going to test me though. There was someone else he wanted to test me and he doesn't remember whether it was the president of the guild or Boris Berlin of the university. One thing I can say is the man was wearing a big balloon sleeved shirt with big cuffs and open to his navel with grey, curly chest hair. He was bald on top with a shock of white hair on the sides. All I know is he loved my work and was surprised that a 17 year old could tune so well.

To take home, Michael wrote a great letter which prompted dad to use my services.

Now it is 34 years later and we had a press conference at his store. Besides his hair, which is white, he hasn't changed. His staff is friendly and courteous and he has mastercraftspersons crafting violins and performing expert tunings and repairs on pianos.

Michael gets it. Although he has families to feed and bills to pay, the prices are very reasonable. The industry used to mark up product at 33% and now that margin is about 10-15%. So there comes a point when you need to say that they are there for a higher purpose. In this blog, we have discussed the necessity, power and value of music as the way to kick start the brain on the micro level and raising the intelligence of individuals and hopefully all of society. And that will raise the GNP, and that makes good, solid economic sense paying off real, tangible dividends.

Real pianos are the tool that creates the greatest amount of stimulus of anything humans have invented.  I say divinely inspired. Therefore, your greatest asset to learn how to learn. But music in general will raise the level at a lower but measurable rate.

Music stores need support by customers wanting to give themselves or their children a better and more fruitful life. The Arts Tax Credit will start to make this possible. It is the best investment we can make in our country because people will make the proportionately tax deductible investment in the life of Autistics, and all challenged, and all Canadians.

+17

It was a quiet day in Toronto terms. We are staying at the dorms at Victoria College in the University of Toronto. The whole place looks like a scene out of Harry Potter!

+18

Hi All!

As you might imagine, I'm a little nervous. But, as Bernie and His Excellency Ed taught me, everyone puts on their pants one leg at a time. The goal is clear. My aim is true.

My only sadness is that I never got to see one group of parents with challenged kids. And they are the ones I'm doing this for. Forget the media that ignore me. God bless the ones that ran my story and those that interviewed me to date. I do feel like Henny Penny in that few wanted to help me bake this cake. But I'm sure everyone will be there to eat it.

+19

Hi Gang!

Both knees were gone as I carried the bike up the steps of Parliament. They gave me a special place to put my bike and escorted me in through security and to reception where I met ADM Thomas Coughlan and a scribe from the office in a very rare opportunity. I'm sorry I don't remember the name. Greetings in the name of our patrons, you know 'em, gang.

We had an honest talk about the Arts Tax Credit having everything to do with raising the level of intelligence within society in general making good solid economic sense and paying off big. Then moving to the fact that it would help Autistics and all of the challenged to become productive citizens, raising the GNP and paying huge dividends. Did I tell you that we won? We Won! The kids won!

+20

Hi Everybody!

Today was eventful when we left Ottawa. I've been on the phone doing interviews with several Eastern daily papers and it's a nice day. I'm tired and I'm sore. We'll be in New Brunswick today, and PEI tomorrow. A few Premiers have emailed me and are trying to schedule me into their busy lives this week and we'll be seeing the NDP critic for the disabled, Tony Martin in Sault Ste. Marie.

Yesterday, while I was inside at my meeting, Richard Gagnon, our driver and Director Public Relations spent some time with a very pleasant Stephane Dion who seemed sympathetic to what he had to say.

+21

Hi Everyone!

Today we travelled to PEI. Yesterday I did an interview with The Fredericton Gleaner. Today we did an interview in front of the birth place of Confederation, the PEI Legislature. Tomorrow I will end the tour in Halifax at the Atlantic Ocean. There I'll do an interview with the Herald/Chronicle.

+ 22 & + 23

Hi, Gang!

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday but it was rainy and not too nice with the weather. We got into Halifax late on the 21st (day +21) and slept in and went to do the Halifax tour. Take it if you're ever here. You'll learn about the history of the city from the days of pirates - and the one who started the Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce, to the terrible voyage of the Titanic with its' burials here, and the great explosion between the Emo and the explosive laden ship, the Mont Blanc which killed 2,000.

Today is a beautiful day! We went through Halifax to Point Pleasant Park to end our journey. The paths were fine and I was elated when I saw the ocean! So much so I took a picture while I was cycling on the grass and re-holstered Ziggy. Then went over the rocks to the shore. When I awoke, the boike, I mean bike (did I really say boike?) made it to the water before me so, by rights, the bike got the first picture.

When I asked a lovely young woman named Sarah leading a pre-school group to take my picture I didn't know how much blood there was or how badly my legs were scratched up, just how sore I was. I built an inukshuk on the shore and told the kids it was to warn the kids to stay away from the shore.

I waited a bit for Matthew and Richie but couldn't see them so I hobbled down the path to see Matt frantically pointing to where he wanted me to land. So I went to the beach for more pictures. We then left for Peggy's Cove at Karen's behest to show Richie a very popular spot.

The story doesn't end in Halifax though. There's some opposition MP's we need to see like Tony Martin in the Soo to ensure safe passage of The Arts Tax Credit.

We have lots of work to do when we get home. With what we've accomplished (credibility and the Arts Tax Credit), we should have an easier time than we would have. The Arts Tax Credit is essential to doing business with the parents and guardians of the challenged we serve. The building, which is the interim building to Bird House, will likely be and old building or school.

Then again, we may never leave it. We will honour Tannis somehow for paying the ultimate price for what she tried to do. All of the challenged need us, not just Autistics.

Music is the way to reach the unreachable. The way, the light, to make the lame dance, the heart sing and the spirit soar. Music is the way to teach the unteachable. Music is our experience of God manifest. 

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