While many have already commented on the futility of this exercise, all I'll add is that I was one of many who observed little if any change in energy consumption. Before anyone tries to correct me, I am fully aware that the purpose of the event is not necessarily to solve the problems. I have heard (ad nauseam) the continued defense of this activity as a means to show solidarity and increase awareness of the plight humanity finds itself in. I still call "Bull sh#t!".
A quick overview of the comments at CTV about half an hour ago revealed the continued assertion that the air we breath is a very poison to the planet. So called 'Earth Hour-keteers' need to quit referring to carbon dioxide as a pollutant, period. Have people really (in)conveniently forgotten/overlooked that people exhale a lung full of carbon dioxide every few seconds? That some of you are still arguing that a natural biological process is part of problem is absurd and does nothing to lend credibility to your cause. It's not too unlike me saying that you can't drink water because I'm concerned about the overall supply. Get yourself some credibility and start using real evidence to convince me that the problem is real. Don't bother with the Gore's and Suzuki's of the world, either. Limit your citation to actual climate scientists and not Sham-Wow type salespeople.
I started showing two documentaries in my social classes to paint a significantly less one-sided argument about so-called climate change: 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'The Great Global Warming Swindle.' Discussions with my students, and without prompting from me I might add, reveal that more of my students are less inclined to buy the greener alternative. When asked why, most of my students say that they simply don't trust the message of fear pandered by environmentalists.
I note one example from my childhood. When I was in the third grade, my teachers told our classes that the 'hole' in the Ozone was so bad that by the year 2000 we'd only be able to go outside by wearing spacesuits and fur coats. Yet another in a long line of scare tactics designed to frighten us into action. Climate Change is no different. We are presented with the alternative of living in a peaceful and healthy planet but ONLY if we act in the next 100 months, or next few hours depending on who you talk to.
Can we be more responsible? Sure. Is it absolutely necessary to avert disaster? I don't believe so, no. You have to do more than scare me in order to get me on board. You want people like me joining your cause, not laughing at it.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Look what the boredom turned up...
Those who have known me for a long time might recall the fact that I faithfully used my Big Wheel until somewhere around the age of 5 or 6. For whatever reason I figured that there was no rush to enter the dimension of two-wheeled transportation.
While counting down the days until the return of my wife and children (they've been away this week) I came across this little nugget that spurred the memories of days long since past. I appreciate this clip more having spent a couple of years in San Francisco (absolutely phenomenal city but way too loopy for permanent exposure).
Enjoy!
While counting down the days until the return of my wife and children (they've been away this week) I came across this little nugget that spurred the memories of days long since past. I appreciate this clip more having spent a couple of years in San Francisco (absolutely phenomenal city but way too loopy for permanent exposure).
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Things have been busy for the past couple of nights which leaves little time for posting. I enjoy meeting and visiting with those parents who clearly care about what their kids are up to. I wish more parents would come and talk to me, though instead of just getting mad at me when it's their kids who are lazy and/or stupid. Signs of the times, I guess...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Mrs: 311... Me: 14
It's finally happened. Despite months of opposition and denial, my wife has 'convinced' me to indulge in a little Twilight, sparkly vampires and all. If there are any husbands/boyfriends with any survival tips, please let me know.
Hope touches the Iranians
How's that smile and handshake working for ya? What? They're not buying it?
Another glorious victory for 'shiny-happy-people holding hands' diplomacy.
With sincerest apologies to REM.
Another glorious victory for 'shiny-happy-people holding hands' diplomacy.
With sincerest apologies to REM.
My ongoing journey through Alberta Labour Law
Last summer, and similar to many before it, I did landscape construction while in Edmonton. In many ways, it's an ideal job for a student: I wanted to focus on my studies during the school year and therefore needed to make pretty good money during the break. And what started as a summer job in 2004 eventually became a viable career option. Or so I thought.
In May of 2007, my employer contacted me and offered me a permanent full-time position that would be available at the end of the year. I spent a lot of time thinking about my options. Sure I liked teaching, but I was a little deflated after a less-than-stellar student teaching practicum a month before. I had also really come to enjoy the work. There's an immense satisfaction that I got from being involved with some of these projects. It was rewarding to see the changes from empty lot to something quite the opposite. After a few weeks, I informed my employer that I was interested in the position.
Skip ahead to the end of 2007. I was finishing my second practicum and my days as a student were quickly coming to an end. My boss was trying to contact me to figure out the plan and I swung by the office one day. He told me that money was a bit sparse, which was understandable as it was the winter (not the most ideal time to landscape). It was explained to me that he would be unable to pay me my full salary but that once the spring had arrived my pay would be pro-rated and I would get all my money. I'd worked for the man for three summers and figured that shouldn't be a problem. When asked about a contract, I was told that he'd put it together in good time and run it by his legal counsel.
Jump to May 2008. I was working between 70 and 80 hours a week, hardly saw my wife and kids, and had become very disenchanted with the job in general. When I told my boss that I needed to leave, he understood my reasons and I figured we were on the same page. When I brought up the unresolved pay which was then about $10,000 dollars, his demeanor changed entirely. He told me that he would pay significantly less that I was asking for because he "felt he was being robbed." Needless to say, I was pretty crushed.
While I was sending out teaching applications, I worked at another landscaping job to pay the bills. My former employer frequently contacted my new boss to check up on me and see what I was up to. We were accused of trying to poach some of my former co-workers, and I distinctly remember being on site at my new job and seeing my old boss drive by for no apparent reason. I was also threatened with a lawsuit for breach of contact, although my old boss had never quite gotten around to finalizing said document.
I filed a complaint with Alberta Employment Standards back in June with the hopes that I would be able to get what I worked for. That initially being denied due to lack of evidence, I am currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal which went through this past December. Conversations with Alberta Employment's officers have revealed that they lack the capacity to do too much digging and can only work with that documentation provided by employers and employees. Should the appeal fail to turn up anything concrete, I'll take him to court and see if we can't resolve the matter there.
Why I wrote this little history in a blog posting is primarily to be a bit therapeutic. Every now and then I have occasion to come across something directly involved with my former employer, even here in Slave Lake. Every time I look at credit card bills and student loan balances I'm reminded of how much more I could have done with the money I worked for. All these reasons make me really appreciate my current position as a teacher. Sure there are frustrations and challenges, as is the case with any job. But aside from the immense value I place in education and the merits of the profession in my life and in the lives of my students, my employer treats me with respect.
Right it isn't even so much about the money. It's about letting the guy know that you can't keep screwing with people as a way to get ahead.
In May of 2007, my employer contacted me and offered me a permanent full-time position that would be available at the end of the year. I spent a lot of time thinking about my options. Sure I liked teaching, but I was a little deflated after a less-than-stellar student teaching practicum a month before. I had also really come to enjoy the work. There's an immense satisfaction that I got from being involved with some of these projects. It was rewarding to see the changes from empty lot to something quite the opposite. After a few weeks, I informed my employer that I was interested in the position.
Skip ahead to the end of 2007. I was finishing my second practicum and my days as a student were quickly coming to an end. My boss was trying to contact me to figure out the plan and I swung by the office one day. He told me that money was a bit sparse, which was understandable as it was the winter (not the most ideal time to landscape). It was explained to me that he would be unable to pay me my full salary but that once the spring had arrived my pay would be pro-rated and I would get all my money. I'd worked for the man for three summers and figured that shouldn't be a problem. When asked about a contract, I was told that he'd put it together in good time and run it by his legal counsel.
Jump to May 2008. I was working between 70 and 80 hours a week, hardly saw my wife and kids, and had become very disenchanted with the job in general. When I told my boss that I needed to leave, he understood my reasons and I figured we were on the same page. When I brought up the unresolved pay which was then about $10,000 dollars, his demeanor changed entirely. He told me that he would pay significantly less that I was asking for because he "felt he was being robbed." Needless to say, I was pretty crushed.
While I was sending out teaching applications, I worked at another landscaping job to pay the bills. My former employer frequently contacted my new boss to check up on me and see what I was up to. We were accused of trying to poach some of my former co-workers, and I distinctly remember being on site at my new job and seeing my old boss drive by for no apparent reason. I was also threatened with a lawsuit for breach of contact, although my old boss had never quite gotten around to finalizing said document.
I filed a complaint with Alberta Employment Standards back in June with the hopes that I would be able to get what I worked for. That initially being denied due to lack of evidence, I am currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal which went through this past December. Conversations with Alberta Employment's officers have revealed that they lack the capacity to do too much digging and can only work with that documentation provided by employers and employees. Should the appeal fail to turn up anything concrete, I'll take him to court and see if we can't resolve the matter there.
Why I wrote this little history in a blog posting is primarily to be a bit therapeutic. Every now and then I have occasion to come across something directly involved with my former employer, even here in Slave Lake. Every time I look at credit card bills and student loan balances I'm reminded of how much more I could have done with the money I worked for. All these reasons make me really appreciate my current position as a teacher. Sure there are frustrations and challenges, as is the case with any job. But aside from the immense value I place in education and the merits of the profession in my life and in the lives of my students, my employer treats me with respect.
Right it isn't even so much about the money. It's about letting the guy know that you can't keep screwing with people as a way to get ahead.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Obama: Fun with numbers
Even someone in the special olympics could figure out where this is going.
I somehow find the above graph very soothing. It's almost like millions of people are collectively smacking their own heads in disbelief over what they've done.
I somehow find the above graph very soothing. It's almost like millions of people are collectively smacking their own heads in disbelief over what they've done.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The man cold
While my wife would never let me get away with this, there were many times today when I felt a lot like this.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Visit from Brian Jean, MP... RECAP
Last month I sent a letter to my MP, Brian Jean asking about the possibility of having him come and visit students at my school. I was pleasantly surprised to get a response the next day informing me that he was be very happy to stop on by the school. His visit is scheduled for tomorrow and I, for one, am looking forward to it.
The principal liked my idea so much that he has asked for all high school classes to attend the hour-long assembly. The only real challenge for Mr. Jean is that he has to compete with the recent visit by a fire-dance just last week. Guess we'll see what happens...
I'll see about taking and posting some pictures tomorrow, along with a brief report on how well his visit was received.
UPDATE:
The visit went well. Most of the high school students were able to turn up and there were some really good questions asked. The only dark mark was a not-so-serious question about Marijuana, which I felt Mr. Jean handled more than gracefully. Thank you very much, Mr. Jean.
I'm not a huge fan of how I look in the bottom photo. Truthfully, it's one of the reasons I've been going to the gym lately. Like many in my age group, I miss the days when I didn't have to worry about that kind of thing.
The principal liked my idea so much that he has asked for all high school classes to attend the hour-long assembly. The only real challenge for Mr. Jean is that he has to compete with the recent visit by a fire-dance just last week. Guess we'll see what happens...
I'll see about taking and posting some pictures tomorrow, along with a brief report on how well his visit was received.
UPDATE:
The visit went well. Most of the high school students were able to turn up and there were some really good questions asked. The only dark mark was a not-so-serious question about Marijuana, which I felt Mr. Jean handled more than gracefully. Thank you very much, Mr. Jean.
I'm not a huge fan of how I look in the bottom photo. Truthfully, it's one of the reasons I've been going to the gym lately. Like many in my age group, I miss the days when I didn't have to worry about that kind of thing.
Cue the sympathy
So Chrysler is looking at leaving Canada. Maybe I'm cold and heartless but I don't think that this is that difficult of a choice here: potentially keep my job albeit at a lower wage, or likely lose the job.
When times get tough, most reasonable people make sacrifices. Why does the auto industry, or more particularly the unionized employees think that they're above that? Have they somehow deluded themselves to think that they can escape these economic challenges completely unscathed? Sure seems that way...
When times get tough, most reasonable people make sacrifices. Why does the auto industry, or more particularly the unionized employees think that they're above that? Have they somehow deluded themselves to think that they can escape these economic challenges completely unscathed? Sure seems that way...
The dirty work of education
This semester I teach about 70 students across three different classes with one spare,usually reserved for recovery meaning I lock my door, play some music, and down a diet Dr. Pepper. Report cards are due out at the end of the week . This is an extremely busy time for all staff as all marking needs to be completed, and other documents like IPPs (Individualized Program Plans) are meticulously filled out and completed.
Back in January I revised my late policy. Last semester I would take any assignment that came in no matter how late. This time around I expect work in by the assigned deadline but offer a maximum of three additional days, with a minor late penalty, until I refuse to accept the material. Last night, I plugged in a lot of zeros and watched my class averages drop like a rock. It is extremely frustrating for me.
What bothers me most is that for too long, too many of these students have refused to take real initiative when it comes to their learning. Most of them are good kids who are not much different than I was at that age. The common problems, though, remain extreme laziness and a general lack of concern for their own academic welfare. I am hoping that the report cards sent home at the end of the week serve as a wake-up call to the nearly 20 students that I have that are now failing their respective courses.
I was venting with a colleague last night and we both came to the conclusion that our education systems have been too quick to give passing marks to those who don't deserve them. We have become unwilling to 'hurt the feelings' of students who fail so we avoid giving them the crushing news that they're lazy, clearly don't understand the material, and shouldn't be in the course. Too many teachers feel sorry and rather than do what needs to be done, they pass these kids through the system and on to future teachers who rightfully demand more than what their new students know how to offer. And so on.
I love my job and I hate being the bearer of bad news. But I have to ask myself if I don't do it, who will?
Back in January I revised my late policy. Last semester I would take any assignment that came in no matter how late. This time around I expect work in by the assigned deadline but offer a maximum of three additional days, with a minor late penalty, until I refuse to accept the material. Last night, I plugged in a lot of zeros and watched my class averages drop like a rock. It is extremely frustrating for me.
What bothers me most is that for too long, too many of these students have refused to take real initiative when it comes to their learning. Most of them are good kids who are not much different than I was at that age. The common problems, though, remain extreme laziness and a general lack of concern for their own academic welfare. I am hoping that the report cards sent home at the end of the week serve as a wake-up call to the nearly 20 students that I have that are now failing their respective courses.
I was venting with a colleague last night and we both came to the conclusion that our education systems have been too quick to give passing marks to those who don't deserve them. We have become unwilling to 'hurt the feelings' of students who fail so we avoid giving them the crushing news that they're lazy, clearly don't understand the material, and shouldn't be in the course. Too many teachers feel sorry and rather than do what needs to be done, they pass these kids through the system and on to future teachers who rightfully demand more than what their new students know how to offer. And so on.
I love my job and I hate being the bearer of bad news. But I have to ask myself if I don't do it, who will?
Monday, March 16, 2009
100 Things aka Mini-Bucket List
Got this from a friend. Might as well fill it out while readership is low.
Bold the things you've done:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait drawn
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - a tiny little Wetaskiwin made movie that played at the Reynolds museum. I was the piano player in the background.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a cheque
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Been in a commercial or other ad
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Auditioned for a reality T.V. show (like American Idol...)
h/t The Laytons
Bold the things you've done:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait drawn
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - a tiny little Wetaskiwin made movie that played at the Reynolds museum. I was the piano player in the background.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a cheque
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Been in a commercial or other ad
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Auditioned for a reality T.V. show (like American Idol...)
h/t The Laytons
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Raising awareness... one step at a time
With Earth Hour approaching once again, I openly ask supporters of this exercise in feel-goodery just what it is you are hoping to do? Try as I might (and I really don't, admittedly) I fail to understand the whole movement to 'raise awareness' about a particular issue. What exactly does this achieve? How do you know when said awareness has actually been raised? Why settle with mere awareness when it would be far better to advocate for real, lasting change?
The logic appears the follow this general trend:
-note an important or so-called global issue
-claim we have too much (or too little) of something
-do without that something for a designated period of time
-move on with life feeling better about yourself and the belief in your cause
Using this same logic, I am proposing the following international campaigns.
White Hour. Canadians have too much winter in this country. On February 15th, simply close your blinds, throw on your Hawaiian duds, and refuse to acknowledge the very idea of the season in general.
Calorie Hour. Yet another in a long line of diet fads. I can raise awareness about excessive calorie intake by not eating anything for the space of 60 minutes. The goal is not too necessarily lose weight, but to let people know that there's a problem.
OxyHour. One could argue that more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be depleting the overall oxygen in the atmosphere. People around the world can choose a designated hour and collectively hold their breath for about a minute. Alternatively, we could breathe helium mixtures instead which would be way more fun.
Any takers?
The logic appears the follow this general trend:
-note an important or so-called global issue
-claim we have too much (or too little) of something
-do without that something for a designated period of time
-move on with life feeling better about yourself and the belief in your cause
Using this same logic, I am proposing the following international campaigns.
White Hour. Canadians have too much winter in this country. On February 15th, simply close your blinds, throw on your Hawaiian duds, and refuse to acknowledge the very idea of the season in general.
Calorie Hour. Yet another in a long line of diet fads. I can raise awareness about excessive calorie intake by not eating anything for the space of 60 minutes. The goal is not too necessarily lose weight, but to let people know that there's a problem.
OxyHour. One could argue that more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be depleting the overall oxygen in the atmosphere. People around the world can choose a designated hour and collectively hold their breath for about a minute. Alternatively, we could breathe helium mixtures instead which would be way more fun.
Any takers?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Reason #14 that I don't really like Obama...
Most politicians know that any sense of private life is sacrificed when elected to office. When it comes to being the President of the United States, you are going to be followed and chronicled wherever you go, period. However, when was that last time you remember seeing the current president in the tabloids so often? And no... Bill Clinton doesn't count.
The fact that more people look to the man as more of a celebrity instead of an actual leader doesn't exactly inspire.
The fact that more people look to the man as more of a celebrity instead of an actual leader doesn't exactly inspire.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A new Rennaisance?
You'd be surprised how often I see reactions like this in my classroom. Funny at times, but sad.
h/t Penny Arcade
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Hope returns for one potential home-buyer.
I lived in Edmonton for about 5 years while I completed my studies at the University of Alberta. At no point were my wife and I ever able to seriously consider to possibility of purchasing a home: it was just too expensive. And overpriced to a tee.
I'm not trying to be unsympathetic here but reports like this don't really bother me. I knew far too many people who jumped head-first into the real estate market without really having the means to pay for it. When asked why, the main reason was simply so that they wouldn't have to pay more later. I could maybe-sort of get the point, but it was perhaps a bit impractical.
Now prices are returning to more normal levels and I, for one, couldn't be happier. This increases the likelihood that I'll be able to purchase a home in the not-too-distant future. And I know I'm not the only one.
Home ownership shouldn't be some unachievable luxury item. That being said, the principle shouldn't be cheapened by rewarding and/or making it easier for those who are seemingly unable to make responsible financial decisions.
I'm not trying to be unsympathetic here but reports like this don't really bother me. I knew far too many people who jumped head-first into the real estate market without really having the means to pay for it. When asked why, the main reason was simply so that they wouldn't have to pay more later. I could maybe-sort of get the point, but it was perhaps a bit impractical.
Now prices are returning to more normal levels and I, for one, couldn't be happier. This increases the likelihood that I'll be able to purchase a home in the not-too-distant future. And I know I'm not the only one.
Home ownership shouldn't be some unachievable luxury item. That being said, the principle shouldn't be cheapened by rewarding and/or making it easier for those who are seemingly unable to make responsible financial decisions.
Another brave victim comes forward...
As if the global economic uncertainty weren't enough, a poor university student lost his X-Box on a recent flight. Clearly, it doesn't matter whether the console was taken from his luggage or not. What matters most is doing everything possible to make Mr. Maiman whole again.
It would be a weak and feeble gesture, indeed, to simply replace the console. The most expensive model retails for a mere $400 dollars US. It would only be proper for the airline to award Mr. Maiman the $1,700 dollars for the console with the 'specialized hard-drive' PLUS the $1,000,000 in additional damages, likely caused by the anxiety of the separation from a noble, electronic companion.
Pathetic.
It would be a weak and feeble gesture, indeed, to simply replace the console. The most expensive model retails for a mere $400 dollars US. It would only be proper for the airline to award Mr. Maiman the $1,700 dollars for the console with the 'specialized hard-drive' PLUS the $1,000,000 in additional damages, likely caused by the anxiety of the separation from a noble, electronic companion.
Pathetic.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Martin and Obama, sitting in a tree...
While this point has likely been made by some more eloquent that myself, I can't help but dwell on the similarities between two would-be saviours in North American politics. While the tale of St. Obama has yet to be told in its fulness, it has been remarkably similar to another former messianic figure from this side of the border: Paul Martin.
I loathed Jean Chretien. It was his so-called leadership that guided me in my quest towards the political right. When he announced that he was (finally) stepping aside, there were many Liberals who espoused the god-like virtues of their leader-in-waiting. Heck, there were times when I even thought that he might not be so bad. He was certainly no Chretien, and he did so some decent work with the federal budgets as Finance Minister.
What many Canadians soon found was someone who, and I can't remember for the life of me where I first heard this, worked so hard to become Prime Minister that he didn't figure out what he would do when he actually got there. He soared into power on the wings of his glorious promises. He wanted to be everything to every possible Canadian. Surely he would lead the country into a new era of prosperity. Instead, he fell flat in a matter of 2 years; his opportunity squandered by his own selfish ambition.
It wasn't that long ago when a euphoric citizenry propelled The One into power on promises that were not all that dissimilar from our very own Prime Minister. And while his support remains high, the questions appear to be coming more frequently. Instead of the glowing reviews I got so tired of seeing on a daily basis, I read more and more questions about the ability of Mr. Obama to actually lead the United States through this economic crisis. It would appear that the power of his promises is beginning to lose steam as reality has slowly returned to the masses.
It's still early in his term but I am not expecting miracles from this man. I never did, to be honest. While I don't necessarily want him to fail per se, I am hoping that his ability, or lack thereof, to actually enact the change he promises will wake people up to the very nature of the philosophy he and his admirers cleave to. Society cannot thrive on the mere peddling of easy answers to the public.
I loathed Jean Chretien. It was his so-called leadership that guided me in my quest towards the political right. When he announced that he was (finally) stepping aside, there were many Liberals who espoused the god-like virtues of their leader-in-waiting. Heck, there were times when I even thought that he might not be so bad. He was certainly no Chretien, and he did so some decent work with the federal budgets as Finance Minister.
What many Canadians soon found was someone who, and I can't remember for the life of me where I first heard this, worked so hard to become Prime Minister that he didn't figure out what he would do when he actually got there. He soared into power on the wings of his glorious promises. He wanted to be everything to every possible Canadian. Surely he would lead the country into a new era of prosperity. Instead, he fell flat in a matter of 2 years; his opportunity squandered by his own selfish ambition.
It wasn't that long ago when a euphoric citizenry propelled The One into power on promises that were not all that dissimilar from our very own Prime Minister. And while his support remains high, the questions appear to be coming more frequently. Instead of the glowing reviews I got so tired of seeing on a daily basis, I read more and more questions about the ability of Mr. Obama to actually lead the United States through this economic crisis. It would appear that the power of his promises is beginning to lose steam as reality has slowly returned to the masses.
It's still early in his term but I am not expecting miracles from this man. I never did, to be honest. While I don't necessarily want him to fail per se, I am hoping that his ability, or lack thereof, to actually enact the change he promises will wake people up to the very nature of the philosophy he and his admirers cleave to. Society cannot thrive on the mere peddling of easy answers to the public.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Warm fuzzies all around?
Am I the only one who's just a little uncomfortable with this?
Of course it's nice to think that we can all sit down over your beverage of choice by the campfire and hug it out and POOF!!... the problem has been solved! I'm not naive enough to think that combat alone is going to save Afghanistan but this doesn't seem all that unlike the Sudetanland.
The article goes on to talk about reaching out to those who leave the Taliban and renounce their former violent tendencies. What about those who still don't want to leave? What's the plan for them? Uninvite them to your birthday parties?
Of course it's nice to think that we can all sit down over your beverage of choice by the campfire and hug it out and POOF!!... the problem has been solved! I'm not naive enough to think that combat alone is going to save Afghanistan but this doesn't seem all that unlike the Sudetanland.
The article goes on to talk about reaching out to those who leave the Taliban and renounce their former violent tendencies. What about those who still don't want to leave? What's the plan for them? Uninvite them to your birthday parties?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
In Like a Lion...
A reluctant and hurried peak out our balcony revealed this pleasant scene yesterday. Needless to say, we kept the kids inside to play.
Education Review: Who's to Blame?
The high school where I teach recently went through a comprehensive review this past week. The review team would identify where improvements could be made and provide direction to assist us in our quest to improve the education that we provide to our community. As a first-year teacher, I've become accustomed to a near-continual state of assessment that surrounds me so I didn't really concern myself too much with the whole process.
The findings were nothing surprising: students 'appear' to demonstrate some disrespect towards teachers, academic performance could be improved, etc. The recommendation, though? In addition to the general 'do a better job' schtick, it seems as if the school will be adding an additional four instructional days to the upcoming school year. Wow. It's not really too unlike simply throwing more money at a problem to make it go away.
The big problem I have with this is that it reflects the continued knee-jerk response of society to look for the problem in 'the system.' What about the economy? Oh, the government should do more to fix it. And education? Well, obviously the teachers should be doing more to reach out to our students. In very few circles is it okay for me as a teacher to say that the big problem is that too many of my students are too lazy to actually be bothered to care about their own learning.
I've been eagerly reading America Alone by Mark Steyn (very interesting albeit a bit pragmatically bleak) and a frequent theme addressed in his work is the inability for too many in our 'modern' societies to wean themselves from the collective trough and hindering collectivist mentalities. It's one thing to identify with certain groups, whether it be your Canadian nationality, church, or bowling club. This constant big-picture denial of individual responsibility is going to get us into more trouble if we can't even admit that we screw up as people from time to time.
The findings were nothing surprising: students 'appear' to demonstrate some disrespect towards teachers, academic performance could be improved, etc. The recommendation, though? In addition to the general 'do a better job' schtick, it seems as if the school will be adding an additional four instructional days to the upcoming school year. Wow. It's not really too unlike simply throwing more money at a problem to make it go away.
The big problem I have with this is that it reflects the continued knee-jerk response of society to look for the problem in 'the system.' What about the economy? Oh, the government should do more to fix it. And education? Well, obviously the teachers should be doing more to reach out to our students. In very few circles is it okay for me as a teacher to say that the big problem is that too many of my students are too lazy to actually be bothered to care about their own learning.
I've been eagerly reading America Alone by Mark Steyn (very interesting albeit a bit pragmatically bleak) and a frequent theme addressed in his work is the inability for too many in our 'modern' societies to wean themselves from the collective trough and hindering collectivist mentalities. It's one thing to identify with certain groups, whether it be your Canadian nationality, church, or bowling club. This constant big-picture denial of individual responsibility is going to get us into more trouble if we can't even admit that we screw up as people from time to time.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
New Blogging Commitment
I've lived up in Slave Lake for the past 5 months. It is a beautiful corner of our magnificent province. But, I'm not gonna lie... things can get a bit lonely here. This is even more true during the slightly longer, colder, and darker winter that I've experienced thus far.
I teach social studies, by far the BEST subject in my opinion. This gives me ample opprtunity to read about the issues that I care about, and more importantly, that more of us should be caring about. I try to teach my students a little bit more about how they can find out about the world around them, and how they need to actually do something about it. Simply put, I need to do something a bit more for myself and that means that I need to take this blogging thing a bit more seriously.
This is not a ploy merely to increase readership, which for all intents and purposes is non-existent. If nothing else, I can outline my opinions a bit more than I normally can in the classroom.
When I started this second blog, I reluctantly avoided joing the BloggingTories blogroll because I hoped to have the potential for a wider audience. However, this has achieved the opposite effect and left this space alone in the corner for too long.
So, here's to regular posting, and a proper reemergence into the blogosphere.
I teach social studies, by far the BEST subject in my opinion. This gives me ample opprtunity to read about the issues that I care about, and more importantly, that more of us should be caring about. I try to teach my students a little bit more about how they can find out about the world around them, and how they need to actually do something about it. Simply put, I need to do something a bit more for myself and that means that I need to take this blogging thing a bit more seriously.
This is not a ploy merely to increase readership, which for all intents and purposes is non-existent. If nothing else, I can outline my opinions a bit more than I normally can in the classroom.
When I started this second blog, I reluctantly avoided joing the BloggingTories blogroll because I hoped to have the potential for a wider audience. However, this has achieved the opposite effect and left this space alone in the corner for too long.
So, here's to regular posting, and a proper reemergence into the blogosphere.
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