The Satisfaction Quotient

Canadians live in a pretty decent country. Physically it is beautiful and much of it remains uninhabited and pristine, our economy is reasonably stable compared to the rest of the world and except for the odd gang shooting downtown or hockey riot in Vancouver, we’re a pretty safe and stable society.

We have national healthcare and while it is in trouble thanks to years of government dithering and stupidity, it does still provide some measure of health services to anyone who needs it and who is prepared to sit in the emergency room for a few hours waiting for their name to be called.

Canadians are, by and large, a fairly tolerant people although lately we’ve been getting a bit impatient with each other. I think a lot of it has to do with a rising level of frustration with politicians and government but I don’t believe that is the only cause. In fact, I don’t believe it is even the primary cause.

I believe that there is an inability to be satisfied that has gripped too many of us, especially on the left. I call it the Satisfaction Quotient.

Paris-Day 5: Montmartre

Originally a notorious cabaret,
Chat Noir closed in 1897 .
The name and heritage
of the once famous nightclub
now graces a small hotel

Despite the fact that my limp is getting more pronounced from all of the walking we’ve done, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Paris but it is today that I have been looking forward to above everything else we’ve done. Today, when Maggie gets back from the last morning session at her conference, we’re off to Montmartre and if the Latin Quarter is Maggie’s favourite section of the city, Montmartre is mine.

In a city that measures its history in terms of centuries, Montmartre is old and has seen war and the arts in equal measure. Montmartre became known as the bohemian part of Pairs and was home to writers and famous artists like Lautrec and Cézannes.