Merry Christmas!

For the longest time, Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Apart from the holiday traditions, it just seemed that most people were a little bit happier than they might normally be. While the trend continues to this day, I have to shake my head at the seeming attempts to slowly rid ourselves of Christmas.

I don't know how many times I've read stories like these in the papers. In short, I think the whole mentality is stupid. In our quest to appear inclusive and welcoming, vocal 'crusaders' have made it their responsibility to ensure that we don't even mention the true nature of our holidays. Oh sure, its fine for you to bring whatever traditions you want to our country. They propose we sweeten the deal and avoid the risk of hurting anyone's feelings by getting rid of our own.

While I'm all for being a tolerant nation and I am proud to belong to a country that is by and large a very welcoming one, what gives anyone the right to dictate the very words I say as a means of a holiday greeting? If you are too thin-skinned to handle a simple 'Merry Christmas' thrown your way from a sincere well-wisher, then you need to suck it up and move past your tattle-tale response. I don't throw a hissy-fit if someone wishes me a 'Happy Hanukkah' (spelling?). Instead I recognize that this is what it is: a way to share a little bit of happiness with someone else regardless of their creed or religion.

Think for a second about the outrage we would hear if Christians started making the same kind of noise about other celebrations as they are often afforded. There is no way in the world they would get away with that sort of campaign. What is it then that makes Christmas such a vulnerable target? What is it that makes it okay to target this particular holiday and not others?

So to all you whiners who despise the diminishing displays of holiday cheer, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I hope you're happy.

6 years later...

Today is the final day of my student teaching at McNally High School in Edmonton. Not only does this mark the end of my practicum, but it signifies the completion of my degree in Education. I can honestly say that there have been few events in my life that I have looked forward to as much as this one.

With school behind me, I'm eager to enjoy a relaxing Christmas break with family and friends throughout the province. No deadlines to worry about, and certainly no anticipation of yet another semester on campus.

This is a new phase for my family and all of us are eager to get started and see how it plays out.

The Sky is Falling!!

I can not for the life of me understand how this kind of arrangement is a problem.

"Canada wants the international community to reach a deal by 2009 so that it can be implemented by the time Kyoto expires.

However, Canada is refusing to apply its own binding targets until the big emitters such as the U.S., China and India do so first. "

If Climate Change is such a huge problem that requires this immediate response, why is it such a bad thing to demand that everyone contribute to the solution? If we are really dealing with a global catastrophe, why would we in our right minds allow these kinds of emissions to continue?

We're constantly bombarded with the idea that we're killing our planet, and ourselves, faster than we realize. A problem on this kind of scale would require a global response, period. What's with the wiggle room?

I, for one, am glad to have a government in power that isn't going to sign off on the latest in a series of feel-good-while-doing-nothing accords. It's refreshing to hear the recognition that everyone, and not just the wealthy nations of the world, do its part. No one is arguing that anyone needs to do more than their fair share. But demanding drastic action from one party, while excusing inaction in other more problematic areas of the world, is about one of the most ridiculous things I've heard in my life. That is, next to the whole idea of catastrophic man-made climate change.

Apartment living sucks!

My wife and I have lived in no less than 5 apartments during our three-and-a-half year marriage. It's certainly a reasonable step while I finish the last remnants of my post-secondary education, but its the neighbors I've often had to deal with the make the experience so much more rewarding.

I could write several entries on pleasant encounters I've had as a building manager. Rent dodgers, lobby migrants, neurotic tenants who insist on recognition of their B.Sc., and so forth. Our most recent dealings involve, why, our very own private garage band! Can you believe it?! How I was so fortunate as to secure a continual source of freshman-laced musical expression is beyond me. It's the perfect ingredient to our noisy neighborhood stew: the Whyte Ave Special with a hint of bass, and a lingering aftertaste of booze. And they're on YouTube!! (I won't bother posting the link... they get no advertising from me)

I suppose its all part and parcel of the life I live. But I can tell you that I will be one happy man when I can finally kiss this hole of a neighborhood goodbye.

Slow news day...

It's always nice to know that even when things get a tad slow, we can almost always count on stories like these to fill the void.

Speaking of good ideas...

There seems to be much hullabaloo over the recent mini-budget/economic update from the Conservatives today. Personally, I don't care if they're Tory or Liberal cuts. If this means a little more money for me and my family, I'm all for that. I know what's best for me and my family, not some former Liberal environment minister, just as an example.

And about the GST cut, I can guarantee to anyone who refers to the savings as merely pennies: I've seen a difference. Yes, it isn't much, but it is a difference I can see. Deciding down the road that these kinds of tax savings are worth rescinding just might be seen as kind of a step back and certainly not a way to get anymore popular with the people.

Sinking to a new low

I've never been the type to hop onto the whole climate-change train and this article here gives great insight into why this whole debate can't be taken seriously. Perhaps more amusing to me is the fact that there are people who are actually this intent to show just how much trouble we're in.

Why I love cynicism

There's a mailbox not far from my apartment. It could be argued that it makes a provocative point about democracy. Truth be told, though, it's just another reason why I hate living in Old Strathcona: there are no shortages of noisy opinion with which to drown yourself in rhetoric and negative commentary.

The sign reads thus:

"Your lifetime supply of democracy: X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X"

It's a rather bleak view of democracy, admittedly, but I feel that than pointing blame at the system itself, it highlights the general misunderstandings about what it really means to be an active citizen in this country. Generally speaking, I think that far too many people are just too lazy than do anything more than cast their vote every few years. If they don't like what they see, they have to realize that they actually do have the ability to make a difference. If they can't take the time to find out how, it's no one's fault but their own.

Bachin' it!

Katey has taken the boys down to Kananaskis for a few days while I toil away here in Edmonton. Truth be told, I am glad that they will be able to get a bit of a break. There will be a few more helping hands around to help with the kids and they get to bask in the splendor of the gorgeous Alberta mountain scenery.

It's times like these where I struggle to come up with things to do in the little spare time that I have. Sure, I have plenty of things to do at home but with everyone gone, things just seem a little more empty. I hope they have fun but I'll be glad to see them at the end of the week.

Dad's Super Awesome Boys!!

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures. These are my two boys, Ben (almost 2) and new addition, Brigham. I love being a dad!

The "Lazy" Days of Summer

Ah... what an age to be in where your mom can get on your case for not updating your blog often enough. I definitely did not see that coming anytime soon.

I've been super busy working once again in landscaping. I've been doing the job now for 4 summers and while I have my crummy days, I really do enjoy it. The company I work for has been involved in some pretty impressive projects as of late and I've always liked seeing them come together in the end.

In addition to a busy job, my home life has also become a little more hectic... although in a pretty awesome way. My wife and I welcomed our second son to our family back on July 7th. We heard plenty about how lucky he's going to be be but we also figure that we'll have a pretty nice time remembering when he has his birthday.

I'll try and post more regularly should my schedule permit. In the meantime, "Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat!" Otherwise you might end up with a farmer's tan as horrendous as mine.

Funny ad

Although maybe not the most appropriate, I do find this ad absolutely hilarious. But in the words of Levar Burton a la Reading Rainbow, "don't take my word for it."

Could this be the beginning?

I'm encouraged when I see news like this as it redeems my general faith in humanity. It's maddening that we now live in the kind of world where a story like this will almost certainly be glanced over my many in the MSM. You can read about more former Kyoto supporters turned skeptics here (and the list is growing!!), as well as read about an upcoming report on the foolishness of man-made climate change.

h/t to Small Dead Animals

Tuesday Traffic

First, I'd like to congratulate the Medicine Hat Tigers on their recent victory for the WHL Championship against the Vancouver Giants. Not a huge deal for a lot of people I'm sure, but it is a connection to my hometown that I like to see doing well. Best of luck in the Memorial Cup!

. . .

Normally I don't care much for celebrities and the foolishness that so often follows so many of them. This story, though... what can you really say? I wouldn't want to spend 45 days in jail which is why I don't do stupid things like drive while drunk. I have a real hard time imagining how this impending sentence has made Ms. Hilton so vulnerable that she is unable to testify in a civil suit against her. Oh the horror!! Suck it up, princess cuz life has a tendency of catching up with us sooner or later and that means taking a little responsibility for what we do.

. . .

Those who know me have often heard my anti-Edmonton rants. Don't get me wrong because this really is a nice area to live. What bugs me so much about this city is just how whiny everyone is. Right now, everyone is yakkin' about the sorry state of our roads and just how many potholes we have to deal with. While it is annoying and I'm bothered just as much as anyone else about how little the city seems to be doing about it, it's appalling how when push comes to shove too many Edmontonians can go no further than make a bunch of noise about their problems. The mob demands more and better services but retaliates with mock outrage at the very suggestion that it could mean paying a little bit more for them. Shocking! This is a problem not just limited to Edmonton, though, and it disgusts me that we have become so self-centered and unwilling to do our part to make things a little bit better for everyone.

Well, that was quick...

One day after announcing that he would seek the leadership of the Parti Quebecois, Gilles Duceppe announces that he is withdrawing. I haven't seen potential leadership bids this short since the federal Liberal race last year.

New Feature: Tuesday Traffic!

In what I hope will help me to make my posts more regular, I have decided to try a new weekly feature entitled Tuesday Traffic... yes, I know... a rather cheesy attempt to fit in with the general theme of this blog. In any case, what I'd like to do is share a few juicy tid-bits I've recently come across or have been thinking about. The whole idea is not to write some huge assessment of major issues. Instead it is a way to address a few key points and keep the blog active.

As time moves along, I would like to invite and encourage what few readers I may have to contribute points of their own. But, I get ahead of myself.

. . .

Warner Brothers, makers of such upcoming film delights as Harry Potter and Ocean's Thirteen, have declared that they will no longer permit advance previews of their films in Canadian theaters. The move is designed to put pressure on the Government to criminalize movie piracy. I say it's about frikkin' time!!

I really love movies and I've amassed a fairly decent collection of over 100 DVDs much to my wife's not-so-much delight. I don't want to sound preachy, but it does kind of bug me when I hear, and sometimes even see, blatant attempts to steal. I for one hopes the government takes notice and takes action. As a proud Canadian, I really don't want to see our country placed on lists like this. Nothing against the other nations joining Canada on the list but one might think that Canada seems a tad out of place.

. . .

Mother's Day is coming up. If you're like me and you are well intentioned yet somewhat forgetful, get started fairly soon. There are a few wonderful moms in my life and I know that it really makes a difference when they are given the appreciation to rightfully deserve. Do something special for them... they've earned it.

I did hear a rather amusing ad on the radio this morning, which got me thinking about Mother's Day in general. It talked about gifts to our mothers and how as we age, we aren't really able to get away with what we were used to doing as kids. I heard next a deep male voice saying, "I hope you like the necklace I've made you. I made it out of dried macaroni. Oh, and here's a pretty rock I found in the park." I thought it was pretty clever but it might have been one of those times you just needed to be there.

The True sign of Parenthood

My wife and I have been in the market for a mini-van as of late. With our extremely excitable son in tow, along with the fast-approaching arrival of a second son in only a few months, we figured it would probably be wise to try and find something with a little more space.
The transition to mini-van ownership is perhaps a misunderstood venture. Some might laugh when a friend or acquaintance brings up the fact that they need to buy one. What these observers should be sympathetic to is the idea that most people don't necessarily want a mini-van: this is instead a needed purchase to more readily accommodate a family-oriented lifestyle.
Truth be known, though, I do kind of look forward to cruising the pot-hole riddled streets of Edmonton sitting upon my wheeled throne letting the world around me know that I am a dad.

Update: My wife and I, having procured a Nissan Quest, are now looking to get rid of a 95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. If you live in the Edmonton area and are looking for a decent deal on a car, drop me an email at jasonandkatey@hotmail.com. I'm not really looking to make a huge profit... just a few hundred bucks for a pretty well maintained vehicle.

Student Teaching

It's been far too long since the last post mainly because I have been swamped with my student teaching at Spruce Grove Composite High School. My usual schedule consists of a wake-up call somewhere between 4:30 and 5:00 am to get some work done. I leave for school by 7:30 and come home by about 4:30 in the afternoon. After an evening dutifully preparing lesson plans and other joyous labour, I crash at about 12:30... eager to begin the day anew in but a mere 4 hours.
Kind of whiny, I know. But if I've learned anything from this practicum, its that I have gotten into a profession that will be much more demanding than I have anticipated. Not a bad thing necessarily, but I have gained a perspective into what made my favorite teachers so enjoyable. They literally put their heart and soul into their work.
There's still much more to learn, even in my final week, but I am grateful for the time I ahve had to be a part of the learning community out at the comp.
With school winding down, regular updates should be more forthcoming. Not like you've never heard that before.

Happy Easter

If you're like me, life sometimes gets in the way of taking the time to think about what it is that we're really celebrating. For my family, Easter is a time of reflection where we can focus on the life and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I can in no way hope to give adequate credit to all He has done for me. I hope that in some small way I can acknowledge Him in my life and follow His example.

However you may celebrate, or whether you even do anything at all, enjoy it with those whom you love.

This Just In...

With all this talk about a possible election in Canada, I can certainly understand the attacks coming from both the Liberals and the Conservatives. What I find so amusing about this whole thing is this trumped-up Liberal moral outrage whenever the Tories take what might be called a cheap shot. Liberal leader Stephane Dion has consistently reminded the press that he won't go negative, but will instead push a positive message for all Canadians.

This is just rich.

TORONTO -- Pre-election sniping continued Wednesday as Liberal Leader Stephane Dion attacked Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a short-sighted hypocrite.

In a well received speech to about 750 Liberal supporters, Dion accused Harper of having nothing positive to show for his year in office.

"Never before has a Canadian government done so little with so much," Dion said, as some 30 members of his Toronto-area caucus looked on.

"Never before has a Canadian government missed such an opportunity."

Dion criticized the recent Conservative budget as "written by a pollster" that panders rather than builds a strong economy.

The budget, he said, did nothing for the poor or children, while the scrapping of the tax-free status of income-trusts was a broken promise for which "a million Canadians paid the price."

Even Harper's declaration on Wednesday of a wait-times guarantee for one health-care service in each
province can be considered a "failure," Dion said.

That's because Harper promised such guarantees in five different kinds of surgery.

"Delivering a guarantee in only one of five promised areas is not delivery, it's failure," Dion said.

"We need a wait-times guarantee for Conservative wait-time promises."

Dion, a former environment minister, accused the prime minister of cloaking himself in green now that polls show Canadians want action on climate change.

The Conservatives, he said, are running a "con job" on Canadians when it comes to the environment.

"Stephen Harper has no conviction," Dion said.

At one point in his speech, Dion accused Harper of "blackmail and electoral manipulations" in a quest to strip the federal government of its powers. (emphasis added)

This is politics and all politicians do it. It may be a low-blow but at least the Conservatives aren't pretending to spread a message of love, joy and world peace. If the Liberals want to whine and throw their collective hissy-fits (boo-hoo, they're so unfair) only to turn around and use the same tactics they gripe about, they only expose themselves as the hyprocrites that they are.

New Beginnings

Having spent at least part of the last year-and-a-half on the good ship S.S. Blogger, I've at least learned a thing or two about what I want to be able to do with this. I love being able to talk politics and had some fun spending a little bit more time with conservatism in Canada. The challenges in sharing a more unique take on things later became a deterrent for writing. Why blog when who knows how many others have written about pretty much the same thing.

This is merely my attempt to start things anew and broaden my perspective. Politics will undoubtedly rear its ugly head on these pages, but I want to be able to address other topics of interest without feeling constrained to follow a certain framework or pattern with my writing. For those few choice souls who share this little stroll with me, I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback where possible.

In the mean time, don't forget to look both ways and hold out your arm.