Today a friend had a very close encounter with Canada's hospital system. His experience inspired a few thoughts.

Canada is a great country. It's as civilized as anyone could ever expect... but try being a visiting foreigner and getting sick, breaking an arm or whatever will make you go to a hospital. You pay... 250 bucks, minimum, to have someone talk with you. Just for the visit. Something more complicated? Then you'd better have plenty of cash.

So I'll put a positive spin on all this. Get special travel-related health insurance. If you end up needing it next time you're traveling abroad, you won't have to starve or sleep under a bridge for the rest of your vacation.

Oh, and don't worry about the subject of today's events: he's okay, and not even remotely in danger of any hard times.