Here we go, one more year winding down and a new one fast approaching. As is custom at this time of year we look back at what was and look forward to what might be. It is a time where we celebrate our past victories and resolve to have more in the time to come. In church today I learned that January is named after the mythological god Janus, the god of the doorway with two faces. One face looks back and reflects upon the past while the other looks forward into the future. Quite appropriate (and now I have taught you something, and on my vacation from teaching no less!). As I look back and forward I am struck by the reality of the present moment and wonder. I wonder about what I have learned and how it might be used to face whatever is coming.
To say that 2013 has been anything less of interesting and event-filled would grossly inaccurate. Much has happened in the world. There were new discoveries made, of which the ancient platypus was one of my favourites. Politics proved entertaining, usually for the wrong reasons. Nenshi proved to us in actions what makes a great mayor, while over in Toronto their Chris-Farley-Tribute-Mayor has given our country international attention of the most undesirable kind. Justin Trudeau came out in favour of marijuana legalization (the dope) and Harper's government is being rocked for a Senate scandal. South of the border we saw the government shut down because neither side wants to play nicely with each other, and people overall became even more disillusioned with politics. The entertainment world brought us more of the same in music, movies, and TV. We had the Boston marathon bombing, a royal prince born, and we paid a sad farewell to Nelson Mandella, undoubtedly one of the 20th century's greatest champions. The old pope resigned, and a new perspective came with the new pope. Lance Armstrong fessed up to cheating in the Tour de France (another dope). Floods hit southern Alberta with a vengeance. Syria continues to be embroiled in civil war. The Parti Quebecois proposed a Charter of Values that is as discriminatory as they come and ignited a national debate on secularism vs freedom of religion. Yet with all this going on, the world pushed forward. We saw heroes emerge from many of these tragedies. We watched people come together in peace and understanding. Still, I have to admit that on a global scale I think 2013 took as back a few steps as a society.
On the personal side, 2013 was a great year. Barbara turned 1 and went from crawling to walking to running. She is talking more and more each day. The best experience of the year with her was at teacher interviews earlier this month where Heather brought her by so we could have dinner together, and when Barbie saw me across the gym called out "DADDY!" and started running towards me. I went to the temple almost every week (several times twice a week), and visited the temples in Salt Lake City, Oquirrh Mountain, Jordan River, and Las Vegas. The zoo was shut down by the floods and several animals from the South America building had to find homes in other zoos, so I was forced to say good-bye to the male white faced gibbon Tunku who was a key piece in my personal healing when I first moved to Calgary. School went great, church has been wonderful, and I have had great reunions and experiences with friends and family. Most notable of those was my trip to the Vegas Star Trek convention with Matt Harker, where we met almost the entire DS9 cast and had our photo taken with William Shatner. I met Weird Al Yankovic, Wil Wheaton, Garrett Wang, and others at two comic expos. My gal bladder sad "adios" in May and put me out of commission for a few weeks, and I was able to live a dream by playing Chef Louis in my school's production of "The Little Mermaid" just a few weeks ago. Heather and I were happy to announce the impending arrival of our second sometime around May 13 next year. So while the rest of the world stepped back a bit, our lives went forward in so many great ways.
So as I look back at what was, I turn to what I would like to see change. Here is my Top Ten List of Things I Saw in 2013 That I Don't Want to See Again in 2014 (and yes, I know that we will see these things, or at least similar things, and that I personally have no control over it. It's simply a wish list).
10. Bro Country. I am a country music fan, and I must admit that this year much of what I heard was disappointing. From a hip-hop tone to every song sounding the same I find this new "Bro Country" as it is called lacks the soul and heart that drew me to country music initially. I have actually begun listening more to CBC Radio than Country 105. What was wrong with mainstream country music this year? Well, I could make a list, but this video sums it up for me:
Suffice it to say, I do not identify much with much of what's on country radio these days. Yeah, I feel this way because I'm getting older.
9. YOLO, which in case you did not know, stands for "You Only Live Once". While the slogan itself is not at issue, it is how I have heard it used, usually by teens. They use it as a reason to justify doing stupid things. They will make a decision that they know is wrong and brush it off with a casual "YOLO". Well, guess what, it's true, you only live once, but why intentionally make so many stupid choices that leave you with regret and pain. you are not being funny or clever. You are admitting that doing the wrong thing has no consequences. I would rather you use YOLO to justify making the right decisions. Standing up to the bully, telling the truth, holding back unnecessary harsh words, those are the things that you should do because you only live once.
8. Reality Show Offs. There are too many reality shows that give an unrealistic representation of reality. If I see one more Honey Boo Boo, I'm going to lose it.
7. Miley Cyrus. Enough said.
6. Miley Cyrus. Yup, I repeated myself. That's how much I want to see her disappear.
5. Proper Top Billing in movies. Last Saturday I saw the Hobbit with my wife. Ian McKellan, who plays the important role of Gandalf, was only in the film for what seemed to be a fraction of the time that Martin Freeman, who plays the title character, was, and yet Sir Ian was the first name in the credits. Forget that Armie Hammer plays the Lone Ranger in this year's movie of the same name, Johnny Depp who plays the sidekick is better known so give him top billing. Please. I get it that in Hollywood image is everything, but I find it cheapens the movie a bit when the bigger stars in smaller roles are listed before the actors that play the main character. Of course, this is not new. In 2010 Alice in Wonderland the actress who played Alice was listed FIFTH after all the bigger stars, even though she was in the most scenes and played the title character. Ah, the egos of Hollywood.
4. Cyber-bullying. I have struggled for many years to come to grips with the effects of the bullying that I faced as a youth. I have made much progress, much of which came from helping students with bullying that they face. As I look back at this year, I am so grateful that there were no cell phones or the internet that could have been used against me the way I see it used today. There were some high profile suicides of teens who were bullied. As I listened to the debate, there are still some who feel that bullying and suicide are not connected. It saddens me that some will shut their eyes to the pains of bullying, and the internet allows many bullies to remain anonymous. And sadly it is more than the young who involve themselves in this. The way people treat each other in comment sections, chat rooms, etc. cause me concern for the future. I wish that all of us would use the internet with respect and compassion.
3. Profanity is Everywhere. I get it, people like to swear and cuss. Fine. For some, it is a habit, other times it is used to make a "point", and for some it is a part of who they are. What I am having issue with is that we are becoming more acceptable of it in places that used to be "kid friendly". I could turn on the radio and listen to music without having to hear certain words. The list of words I don't hear is getting shorter, and it seems that some artists just don't care anymore. Of course, that is because we as society are having more acceptance of it. People are allowing it, and when someone complains they are told that they are being too old fashioned. Hey, just because manners is old fashioned does not mean it is outdated.
2. The Idea that Uncouth is Cool. TV shows, music, comedy, movies, art, literature, etc. is become more ripe with envelope pushing. This ties into my #3, but encompasses more than just language. I have had people tell me that it is all about freedom of expression and against censorship. I get that. Does it mean I have to agree that it is acceptable to up the level of sex, violence, gore, vulgarity, etc., just to stay "On the edge" or "relevant?". Point in case, Miley Cyrus. To keep her career relevant, she needed to be controversial. Forget about relying on talent and ability, she felt that she needs to get rid of all self-dignity and become the anti-Disney. It shocks people, which gets attention, which then has us thinking that these things are acceptable, so that 5 years later some other up and coming talent has to raise the bar higher (or should it be lower) to make a name for themselves. When this becomes society's focus, is it any wonder that the world seems a bit murkier?
1. Strength Isn't What It Used to Be. Over this year, I have noticed that some societal voices have tried to redefine what strength is. There have been many different examples over the last few years of people who believe that to be strong means to be rude, belligerent, and to beat down those who oppose you. Yes, this is not a new idea, but it has become more than just the good guy rides into town and beats up the bad guys when they attack him. Look into the political ring, and you will see debate has degenerated into the exchange of insults and put downs. No new ideas are proposed, only degrading your opponent. I am tired of those who try to tell us what strength is. This new year, I want to get the message out that qualities like KINDNESS, HUMILITY, COMPASSION, and TENDERNESS are STRENGTHS, not weaknesses. There is more than enough crass in the world; what we need is more CIVILITY. There is plenty of disrespect with those who differ in opinion, belief, and culture; we need more HONEST RESPECT. There has been more than enough action taken without the care of consequences when what is needed is more THOUGHT and RESPONSOBILITY.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Merry Christmas to All
It is one of my favourite times again, the winter holiday season. I love Christmas time, and having a little girl who is truly experiencing it for the first time is adding so much of the magic again. Yes, last year Barbara was happy to have presents to unwrap, but she is really getting into the swing of things this year. She loves the rocking polar bear that moves as "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" plays, she recognizes Santa, she loves the German Christmas cookies I got at the Edelweiss Village, she thinks all Christmas lights are "pretty", and she enjoys reading the nativity books Heather bought for her. It brings much joy to my heart to see her pure innocence and happiness that this season is bringing. It truly is a joyful time.
To be honest, I have also found Christmas this year to be more hectic than usual. I'm not sure how it happened or why. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and I am finding that my own pace is a wee bit slower than I would like to remember. Maybe it is the extra things that I added onto my plate this year. Maybe it's that little bundle of energy that learned to take her first few steps a few months ago and has been running around ever since. Regardless of which I need to take some time to remember the real reasons that make this time special for me.
For me, Christmas has mostly been about family. As mine is growing (just under five months for the newest little Andrews to enter the world) I find that I must make the most of family not just during these festive times but all year long. I plan on avoiding the stereotype of a father who does not have time for his kids or wife. My best memories of Christmas past has always included family. The great food my mother used to make was often made with us kids. Buying the right gift for a brother or sister was always a careful ordeal. Having the entire family together for Mom's last Christmas was so very important, even though we did not know that it would be her last. It is one of the many blessings that I found looking back that we were able to do that for her. Since Heather has entered my life there have been many great Christmas memories with more family. I realise that many of us look back with a bit of hurt and pain at Christmas memories with family no longer with us. I volunteer at Zoo Lights, and this past Friday I spoke to a woman who was at the wishing tree. She said her family felt she was foolish writing down a wish that she knew she couldn't receive. She lost her son six years ago and wanted him back. She slipped away before I could say much more than I was sorry for her loss. I wanted to give her a hug from her son. I hope someone else will be able to do that for her.
Christmas has also been about looking for the best in things and people. It is about reaching out to those that are all around us with a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a donation, or just a listening ear. It is about going a little out of your way to perform a small act of kindness. It is about finding that little bit of forgiveness to someone who wronged us that we just have been thus far unable or unwilling to give. Christmas is to bring about joy to the world through our actions and our words. It is about bring to pass the peace on Earth and goodwill to men that we sing about but often do little to comprehend. There is love and sweetness that should be woven into the fabric of this holiday season if we are to truly to get the most out of it.
Yes, I have some silly Christmas traditions. I now own every single Muppet Christmas special (although I cannot find the disc for the Muppet Christmas Carol for some reason) that exists, including the before ever elusive Muppet Family Christmas. I cannot have a good Christmas without some lebkuchen, of which now that I know where the prime place in Calgary to acquire them will ever be a staple again. I need to listen to as many parodies of the 12 Days of Christmas I can find (my favourites being the 12 Pains of Christmas and the classic Mackenzie Brother version). That's all well and fine. At the end of the day (or the season as it were), I offer in my Top Ten List the Ten Most Important Traditions of Christmas.
10. Give a little something to those who serve you. There are many ways to do this. I personally try to give a little something to the people in retail and the service industry at this time. Those three-pack Lindt truffles are just about perfect for that. I try to make sure I always have some when I am Christmas shopping and then leave one behind when I make a purchase.
9. Give back to the community. For me, this is where Zoo Lights comes in, but it can include supporting any charity or non-profit organization. It includes shoveling sidewalks for neighbours and strangers.
8. Singing traditional Christmas carols/hymns. Yes, "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" are fun, but they would all be meaningless if there hadn't been that "Silent Night" where that special child was found "Away in a Manger". When I buy a Christmas album, there must be a few of those songs on it. If they are all party-type fun stuff with no mention of Christ, then it just is not for me.
7. Ward Christmas party. I have been fortunate enough to go almost every year. My church family is so integral to the success that I have had that I relish the opportunity to celebrate an important event with them. The fact that there is usually a great turkey dinner involved is great too.
6. Talking to strangers. Totally in the face of what my elementary teachers taught me, but this means offering a friendly hello and Merry Christmas to those around us.
5. Respecting all holidays, regardless of religion. I made a special effort this year to recognize the religious and cultural holidays and observances of many faiths. I know that there are many people who are not Christian, and while this is a country that was created largely by Christian people, it was created for all people of all belief, even if that belief is none at all. I make no apologies for wishing people a Merry Christmas, but there is no reason to pass along a desire for people to have a Happy Chanukah or a Habari Gani.
4. Forgiveness. We need to find forgiveness in our hearts, for He is willing to forgive us. This includes finding forgiveness for ourselves. We can give ourselves a gift in allowing us to move beyond the mistakes that we make.
3. Tell my wife how much she means to me. Yeah, this is a year long goal, but Christmas includes gift giving, and every day she gives me love, understanding, acceptance, support, peace, joy, and my children. She brings out the best in me and completes my life.
2. Spend time with family. I hope my children will be able to look back when I'm gone and be able to say that I was always there for them, not just at Christmas but always. I hope the activities that we turn into traditions will be fond memories for them.
1. Keep the first six letters in Christmas the main focus.
A last little gift to you all, one of my favourite more modern Christmas songs.
To be honest, I have also found Christmas this year to be more hectic than usual. I'm not sure how it happened or why. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and I am finding that my own pace is a wee bit slower than I would like to remember. Maybe it is the extra things that I added onto my plate this year. Maybe it's that little bundle of energy that learned to take her first few steps a few months ago and has been running around ever since. Regardless of which I need to take some time to remember the real reasons that make this time special for me.
For me, Christmas has mostly been about family. As mine is growing (just under five months for the newest little Andrews to enter the world) I find that I must make the most of family not just during these festive times but all year long. I plan on avoiding the stereotype of a father who does not have time for his kids or wife. My best memories of Christmas past has always included family. The great food my mother used to make was often made with us kids. Buying the right gift for a brother or sister was always a careful ordeal. Having the entire family together for Mom's last Christmas was so very important, even though we did not know that it would be her last. It is one of the many blessings that I found looking back that we were able to do that for her. Since Heather has entered my life there have been many great Christmas memories with more family. I realise that many of us look back with a bit of hurt and pain at Christmas memories with family no longer with us. I volunteer at Zoo Lights, and this past Friday I spoke to a woman who was at the wishing tree. She said her family felt she was foolish writing down a wish that she knew she couldn't receive. She lost her son six years ago and wanted him back. She slipped away before I could say much more than I was sorry for her loss. I wanted to give her a hug from her son. I hope someone else will be able to do that for her.
Christmas has also been about looking for the best in things and people. It is about reaching out to those that are all around us with a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a donation, or just a listening ear. It is about going a little out of your way to perform a small act of kindness. It is about finding that little bit of forgiveness to someone who wronged us that we just have been thus far unable or unwilling to give. Christmas is to bring about joy to the world through our actions and our words. It is about bring to pass the peace on Earth and goodwill to men that we sing about but often do little to comprehend. There is love and sweetness that should be woven into the fabric of this holiday season if we are to truly to get the most out of it.
Yes, I have some silly Christmas traditions. I now own every single Muppet Christmas special (although I cannot find the disc for the Muppet Christmas Carol for some reason) that exists, including the before ever elusive Muppet Family Christmas. I cannot have a good Christmas without some lebkuchen, of which now that I know where the prime place in Calgary to acquire them will ever be a staple again. I need to listen to as many parodies of the 12 Days of Christmas I can find (my favourites being the 12 Pains of Christmas and the classic Mackenzie Brother version). That's all well and fine. At the end of the day (or the season as it were), I offer in my Top Ten List the Ten Most Important Traditions of Christmas.
10. Give a little something to those who serve you. There are many ways to do this. I personally try to give a little something to the people in retail and the service industry at this time. Those three-pack Lindt truffles are just about perfect for that. I try to make sure I always have some when I am Christmas shopping and then leave one behind when I make a purchase.
9. Give back to the community. For me, this is where Zoo Lights comes in, but it can include supporting any charity or non-profit organization. It includes shoveling sidewalks for neighbours and strangers.
8. Singing traditional Christmas carols/hymns. Yes, "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" are fun, but they would all be meaningless if there hadn't been that "Silent Night" where that special child was found "Away in a Manger". When I buy a Christmas album, there must be a few of those songs on it. If they are all party-type fun stuff with no mention of Christ, then it just is not for me.
7. Ward Christmas party. I have been fortunate enough to go almost every year. My church family is so integral to the success that I have had that I relish the opportunity to celebrate an important event with them. The fact that there is usually a great turkey dinner involved is great too.
6. Talking to strangers. Totally in the face of what my elementary teachers taught me, but this means offering a friendly hello and Merry Christmas to those around us.
5. Respecting all holidays, regardless of religion. I made a special effort this year to recognize the religious and cultural holidays and observances of many faiths. I know that there are many people who are not Christian, and while this is a country that was created largely by Christian people, it was created for all people of all belief, even if that belief is none at all. I make no apologies for wishing people a Merry Christmas, but there is no reason to pass along a desire for people to have a Happy Chanukah or a Habari Gani.
4. Forgiveness. We need to find forgiveness in our hearts, for He is willing to forgive us. This includes finding forgiveness for ourselves. We can give ourselves a gift in allowing us to move beyond the mistakes that we make.
3. Tell my wife how much she means to me. Yeah, this is a year long goal, but Christmas includes gift giving, and every day she gives me love, understanding, acceptance, support, peace, joy, and my children. She brings out the best in me and completes my life.
2. Spend time with family. I hope my children will be able to look back when I'm gone and be able to say that I was always there for them, not just at Christmas but always. I hope the activities that we turn into traditions will be fond memories for them.
1. Keep the first six letters in Christmas the main focus.
A last little gift to you all, one of my favourite more modern Christmas songs.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Hmmmm, What to Write
You know, one of the things that I have found to be the most frustrating is deciding what to write about in this blog. I thought once to have a special blog to write about political views (being a staunch independent), but unless there is an election or scandal going on, the topic gets boring for me (and when those things are happening, it is depressing more often than not). I have no problem writing about everything that happens to a person, but I prefer to do that in a journal as opposed to online. quite frankly, I doubt my day-to-day ramblings are of any interest to anyone except those who are descended from my and want to learn more after I'm gone. I could write about all the funny things that Barbara does, or all the amazing things that Heather does, or all the trials and triumphs of my students, but I would not have the time for anything else after that. I could pick interesting little topics to write on, but unless something particular strikes me, I find myself looking at the keyboard and blank screen wondering what I could write about that could possibly be interesting enough for other people to spend some time reading about. So here I am, doing exactly that.
I made a goal to post a blog once a month. It is December 1, and I this will only be my 9th of the year. Oops. It is not like nothing significant happens to me ever. Why, just this past week I began rehearsals with my school's drama team (I play Chef Louis in "The Little Mermaid"), but I think I want to wait with writing about that until my journey is completed (and when I have a cool picture of me in my costume). I know some people who have very little blogging once a week let alone once a day, but for me it's different. As I get older, I feel less like making a big deal out of everything. It's great that people can and do blog like that, it just is not my style these days. With teaching, raising a daughter, helping out two wonderful step-sons, supporting the most amazing woman a man could have as a wife, church duties, etc, time is limited. I am not sure that this goal is attainable to me this year.
So how do I rectify this issue I have with setting a goal and then not reaching it? I teach my students and children that failing to reach a goal can be a positive thing. Perhaps what I need to do is find a better way to find topics to write on. Perhaps I can ask you, the two or three of you that actually read this, to provide me suggestions (just leave them in the comments). Perhaps I could start brainstorming at night a bunch of different topics, write them down, and then the first weekend of every month draw one at random. Or perhaps I could just write my frustrations at not being better at blogging...oh wait. Shucks, just did that. Oh well.
Here is the Top Ten list for this entry:
Top Ten Things I Hate About Being Sick (last week I had the flu, today a bad cold):
10. Sleep. No matter how much I get, it never seems to be enough.
9. The taste of medication. Come on Buckley's, tell the truth. You make sure your product tastes so horrible that people lie about feeling better so it is never used again.
8. My body using orifices as waste disposal (more than just the usual kind)
7. Missing work. I hate planning for a sub when I cannot even think straight.
6. Going back to work. I usually have to spend at least a day making up for all the problems caused by being gone because I couldn't make up good sub plans due to not thinking straight (see #7).
5. Getting the rest of the family sick. Not the kind of thing I like to share with my loved ones.
4. Daytime TV. Enough said.
3. Tissues become an endangered species.
2. Food tastes...sick, and not the definition of "sick" that today's youth use incorrectly. I mean everything I taste reminds me of being sick.
1. Feeling like an old person because when I get sick, I start complaining about how today's youth do things wrong, like using the wrong definition of "sick".
I made a goal to post a blog once a month. It is December 1, and I this will only be my 9th of the year. Oops. It is not like nothing significant happens to me ever. Why, just this past week I began rehearsals with my school's drama team (I play Chef Louis in "The Little Mermaid"), but I think I want to wait with writing about that until my journey is completed (and when I have a cool picture of me in my costume). I know some people who have very little blogging once a week let alone once a day, but for me it's different. As I get older, I feel less like making a big deal out of everything. It's great that people can and do blog like that, it just is not my style these days. With teaching, raising a daughter, helping out two wonderful step-sons, supporting the most amazing woman a man could have as a wife, church duties, etc, time is limited. I am not sure that this goal is attainable to me this year.
So how do I rectify this issue I have with setting a goal and then not reaching it? I teach my students and children that failing to reach a goal can be a positive thing. Perhaps what I need to do is find a better way to find topics to write on. Perhaps I can ask you, the two or three of you that actually read this, to provide me suggestions (just leave them in the comments). Perhaps I could start brainstorming at night a bunch of different topics, write them down, and then the first weekend of every month draw one at random. Or perhaps I could just write my frustrations at not being better at blogging...oh wait. Shucks, just did that. Oh well.
Here is the Top Ten list for this entry:
Top Ten Things I Hate About Being Sick (last week I had the flu, today a bad cold):
10. Sleep. No matter how much I get, it never seems to be enough.
9. The taste of medication. Come on Buckley's, tell the truth. You make sure your product tastes so horrible that people lie about feeling better so it is never used again.
8. My body using orifices as waste disposal (more than just the usual kind)
7. Missing work. I hate planning for a sub when I cannot even think straight.
6. Going back to work. I usually have to spend at least a day making up for all the problems caused by being gone because I couldn't make up good sub plans due to not thinking straight (see #7).
5. Getting the rest of the family sick. Not the kind of thing I like to share with my loved ones.
4. Daytime TV. Enough said.
3. Tissues become an endangered species.
2. Food tastes...sick, and not the definition of "sick" that today's youth use incorrectly. I mean everything I taste reminds me of being sick.
1. Feeling like an old person because when I get sick, I start complaining about how today's youth do things wrong, like using the wrong definition of "sick".
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Realisations & Reflections
Realisations. I see my little daughter walk towards me for the first time and realise that she is growing up. I hear about people in my own country being persecuted for the clothing that they wear and I realise that in some ways our progress as society has been more shallow than I had hoped. I watch people make sacrifices for those displaced by the floods in June and realise that perhaps we have progressed more than I thought. I teach a biology course for the 20th time and think I've heard it all, and this week I had a kid ask me a really insightful question, and I see things in a brand new light again.Oh, the power of realisation. Sometimes it almost feels like it is revelation.
My biggest realisation this week was the fact that I have started my twelfth year of teaching. I have taught across the spectrum, and I have had many ups and downs. For some reason, I thought it was only ten years. I guess time goes more quickly at my age. I suspect that I am entering the last year of my first third of my education career. Looking back I find myself reflecting on what has changed the most. Each year I grow and change. Each year comes with new challenges and revelations. As I focus on the first part of my career, I find that there is one thing that permeates throughout all of the many different schools that I have worked at. That one thing is the impact of my students on my life. I have had some that have been amazing, and some that were a severe trial, with a range in between. Through all the good times and the bad I have had students that lifted me up, most often in ways that they did not realise were of benefit to me. I know that I have forgotten many of their names, especially in the early years, but their impact has been a buoy even years after they sat in front of me. At Centre High in Edmonton, I remember fondly the students who treated a brand new shiny teacher that they were hopeful for my success. I still to this day have the Farming Game that one class chipped together to get me for Christmas. I also remember one young lady who when she learned that due to budget reasons that I would not be employed by Edmonton Public any more, she wrote me glowing reference letter. I wonder if I still have that letter. I hope so.
In Radville, Saskatchewan, I had my first experience with students who hated me. I grew a lot from them. I also had a lot who loved me, and I discovered that the real reason I go to work every day is for those kids. I learned that I can't please everyone, and sometimes my perceived short comings are the problems of those who choose it to be so, not my own. I remember well a group of students who would find out what mischief students in another grade were going to attempt in my class, then let me know so I could be prepared for them. I wonder if that other group ever realised how I knew their every move.
After Radville I went to Thunderchild First Nation. Talk about a learning experience. My students their taught me how crucial resiliency is. I watched as kids who were on the cusp of adulthood be thrust into parenting roles within their own families due to circumstances beyond their control. I saw some falter while others flourished. I watched students get knocked down again and again and again, and each time they got up and pushed forward. I saw how drugs and alcohol ruined promise and hope. I saw violence that tore at a community like a frenzied wolf, and then saw the community come together. I saw children respond to a firm and steady voice, and it was here that I came to know how important a teacher can be in the life of a child. I went through the worst part of my personal life with these kids, and to hear so many positive things about myself from these kids was my life preserver. There are a handful who have eternally etched themselves into my soul. I keep track of them via Facebook, and things look good.
Moving back to Calgary I found myself subbing with FFCA, mostly in elementary schools. I loved having a group of Grade 2 students who I was with the day before run across the hall to give me a massive group hug. I feel much more comfortable with teens than elementary, but those little tykes were great. A hug from a child is always welcome. I then spent a few months at Sir Winston Churchill high school. I will not forget a group of six students who were so different and yet very tight. They reminded me of a stereotypical cast of one of those teenage horror movies, where a killer stalks a group of friends and bumps them off one by one (wow, how morbid). What was special about them was how diverse they were in ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, and so on, yet they worked so well together. they could teach us all a few lessons on inclusion and acceptance.
Finally, I found myself in my current assignment. I have been at this school the longest (unless you are talking about campuses, and then it's a tie with Radville at three years), and as far as I am concerned I will be here until retirement. I marvel at what these kids have taught me. To find a school where character and leadership are such an integral part of their educational practices creates a special kind of student. I have been honoured in so many different ways by these kids, and I have felt a desire far greater than with any other school to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have been inspired by these kids in their character, their responsibility, their humour, their art, and their spirits. I have had the great pleasure of seeing some amazing kids walk these halls and they are heading out into the world reading to leave their mark. What is interesting to me is that most of them have not yet realised that they have already left their mark. I take lessons from them and pass those on to the next batch of students.
So as I reflect and realise the wonders that exist in my students, I feel that my top 10 list is dedicated to them. If tonight was my last night on Earth...wait, that's a bit over dramatic. How about: "If today was my last day in front of the classroom...". Ah, yes, much better. If today was my last day in front of the classroom, here is the list of what I want my students to know.
10. What is failure? Failure is a choice. Failure is a chance. Failure is an opportunity. Failure is a possibility. Whenever you fail, you decide how it will effect you.
9. To thine own self be true (Catchy, huh. Belongs in a play or something). I have always felt that a person is successful whenever they are true to themselves.
8. Change your perspective from minimum to maximum. Stop thinking about how little work you need to achieve your dreams. Start looking at it as how much you can do to achieve your dreams. In school, stop wondering what the least amount of work you can do to get a good mark, but start trying to see how much you can learn. Whatever your job is, stop doing the bare expected minimum. Do the most you can to be the best at your job. You will have more success than you could ever imagine with that attitude.
7. Don't sweat the petty things... There is so much in life that we can get caught up in that in the grand scheme of things are unimportant. Don't let the little things bring you down. Don't let them sway you from what is important.
6. (continues from #7)... and don't pet the sweaty things. There is too much garbage in the world. Don't get involved in it. If you are involved in some of it, get out of it. There are people out there that will tell you if you smoke this substance, or look at this material, and listen to this hate that you will feel good. Those are lies. Stay away from them. Oh, and to the Class of 2013, that was from me!
5. Love is strength. If you want to change someone, love them. If you want to change your life, love more. If you want to overcome hate, use love, not more hate. Nothing beats love.
4. You never stop learning. At least, unless you do not believe in life after death. Then, you only stop learning when you die. Stop fighting it and embrace the learning. Knowing stuff and wondering about things are powerful. It can be the best part of your day.
3. Smile at strangers. You never know what your smile will bring to them. You may be the brightest part of that person's day. Also, you may make some people wonder what you're up to!
2. Always be yourself, but always be your better self. We all have good things and bad things about ourselves. We are all imperfect. Sometimes we justify our bad actions and poor choices because we are being "true to ourselves'. That's a cop out, and you know better. Be yourself, yes, but be the best self you can be.
1. How do you make a difference in the world? It does not matter how much money you make or how many people know your name. It makes no difference how many papers or novels you publish, nor how many followers you have on Twitter. Positions of power and authority do not equate with influence. If you want to make a difference in the world, then focus on the relationships you have with people. If you focus on relationships, then you will be a major power of change.
Good night.
My biggest realisation this week was the fact that I have started my twelfth year of teaching. I have taught across the spectrum, and I have had many ups and downs. For some reason, I thought it was only ten years. I guess time goes more quickly at my age. I suspect that I am entering the last year of my first third of my education career. Looking back I find myself reflecting on what has changed the most. Each year I grow and change. Each year comes with new challenges and revelations. As I focus on the first part of my career, I find that there is one thing that permeates throughout all of the many different schools that I have worked at. That one thing is the impact of my students on my life. I have had some that have been amazing, and some that were a severe trial, with a range in between. Through all the good times and the bad I have had students that lifted me up, most often in ways that they did not realise were of benefit to me. I know that I have forgotten many of their names, especially in the early years, but their impact has been a buoy even years after they sat in front of me. At Centre High in Edmonton, I remember fondly the students who treated a brand new shiny teacher that they were hopeful for my success. I still to this day have the Farming Game that one class chipped together to get me for Christmas. I also remember one young lady who when she learned that due to budget reasons that I would not be employed by Edmonton Public any more, she wrote me glowing reference letter. I wonder if I still have that letter. I hope so.
In Radville, Saskatchewan, I had my first experience with students who hated me. I grew a lot from them. I also had a lot who loved me, and I discovered that the real reason I go to work every day is for those kids. I learned that I can't please everyone, and sometimes my perceived short comings are the problems of those who choose it to be so, not my own. I remember well a group of students who would find out what mischief students in another grade were going to attempt in my class, then let me know so I could be prepared for them. I wonder if that other group ever realised how I knew their every move.
After Radville I went to Thunderchild First Nation. Talk about a learning experience. My students their taught me how crucial resiliency is. I watched as kids who were on the cusp of adulthood be thrust into parenting roles within their own families due to circumstances beyond their control. I saw some falter while others flourished. I watched students get knocked down again and again and again, and each time they got up and pushed forward. I saw how drugs and alcohol ruined promise and hope. I saw violence that tore at a community like a frenzied wolf, and then saw the community come together. I saw children respond to a firm and steady voice, and it was here that I came to know how important a teacher can be in the life of a child. I went through the worst part of my personal life with these kids, and to hear so many positive things about myself from these kids was my life preserver. There are a handful who have eternally etched themselves into my soul. I keep track of them via Facebook, and things look good.
Moving back to Calgary I found myself subbing with FFCA, mostly in elementary schools. I loved having a group of Grade 2 students who I was with the day before run across the hall to give me a massive group hug. I feel much more comfortable with teens than elementary, but those little tykes were great. A hug from a child is always welcome. I then spent a few months at Sir Winston Churchill high school. I will not forget a group of six students who were so different and yet very tight. They reminded me of a stereotypical cast of one of those teenage horror movies, where a killer stalks a group of friends and bumps them off one by one (wow, how morbid). What was special about them was how diverse they were in ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, and so on, yet they worked so well together. they could teach us all a few lessons on inclusion and acceptance.
Finally, I found myself in my current assignment. I have been at this school the longest (unless you are talking about campuses, and then it's a tie with Radville at three years), and as far as I am concerned I will be here until retirement. I marvel at what these kids have taught me. To find a school where character and leadership are such an integral part of their educational practices creates a special kind of student. I have been honoured in so many different ways by these kids, and I have felt a desire far greater than with any other school to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have been inspired by these kids in their character, their responsibility, their humour, their art, and their spirits. I have had the great pleasure of seeing some amazing kids walk these halls and they are heading out into the world reading to leave their mark. What is interesting to me is that most of them have not yet realised that they have already left their mark. I take lessons from them and pass those on to the next batch of students.
So as I reflect and realise the wonders that exist in my students, I feel that my top 10 list is dedicated to them. If tonight was my last night on Earth...wait, that's a bit over dramatic. How about: "If today was my last day in front of the classroom...". Ah, yes, much better. If today was my last day in front of the classroom, here is the list of what I want my students to know.
10. What is failure? Failure is a choice. Failure is a chance. Failure is an opportunity. Failure is a possibility. Whenever you fail, you decide how it will effect you.
9. To thine own self be true (Catchy, huh. Belongs in a play or something). I have always felt that a person is successful whenever they are true to themselves.
8. Change your perspective from minimum to maximum. Stop thinking about how little work you need to achieve your dreams. Start looking at it as how much you can do to achieve your dreams. In school, stop wondering what the least amount of work you can do to get a good mark, but start trying to see how much you can learn. Whatever your job is, stop doing the bare expected minimum. Do the most you can to be the best at your job. You will have more success than you could ever imagine with that attitude.
7. Don't sweat the petty things... There is so much in life that we can get caught up in that in the grand scheme of things are unimportant. Don't let the little things bring you down. Don't let them sway you from what is important.
6. (continues from #7)... and don't pet the sweaty things. There is too much garbage in the world. Don't get involved in it. If you are involved in some of it, get out of it. There are people out there that will tell you if you smoke this substance, or look at this material, and listen to this hate that you will feel good. Those are lies. Stay away from them. Oh, and to the Class of 2013, that was from me!
5. Love is strength. If you want to change someone, love them. If you want to change your life, love more. If you want to overcome hate, use love, not more hate. Nothing beats love.
4. You never stop learning. At least, unless you do not believe in life after death. Then, you only stop learning when you die. Stop fighting it and embrace the learning. Knowing stuff and wondering about things are powerful. It can be the best part of your day.
3. Smile at strangers. You never know what your smile will bring to them. You may be the brightest part of that person's day. Also, you may make some people wonder what you're up to!
2. Always be yourself, but always be your better self. We all have good things and bad things about ourselves. We are all imperfect. Sometimes we justify our bad actions and poor choices because we are being "true to ourselves'. That's a cop out, and you know better. Be yourself, yes, but be the best self you can be.
1. How do you make a difference in the world? It does not matter how much money you make or how many people know your name. It makes no difference how many papers or novels you publish, nor how many followers you have on Twitter. Positions of power and authority do not equate with influence. If you want to make a difference in the world, then focus on the relationships you have with people. If you focus on relationships, then you will be a major power of change.
Good night.
Monday, August 26, 2013
An Eventful Summer, a New School Year, and Everything In Between
So again the time gets away from me, and I find myself two months gone and no blog entries. So much for making the most out of my summer this year. It was fairly eventful, at least. A quick update to get people caught up with what has been happening.
Barbara had her first birthday party. It was great to have both sets of grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins come. Beyond anything else, it amazes me how much joy our little Barbie-Lou brings into the lives of those who know her. She is growing by leaps and bounds. During the summer she has started to walk (with us holding her hands, of course), had her second bottom tooth and first top teeth come in, and has started saying a few more words. "Mum", "Dad", "No", "Jesus" (when she sees a picture of Him), and "Star Trek" are common. Just in the last few days she has added "Up" and is almost at other words. She opens cupboard doors, then looks at Heather or myself. We tell her to close them, and she does, then immediately starts to clap her hands with joy. It's as if she does it just so we will praise her. It is one of the many adorable things that she does. She laughs out loud when others laugh, she can tell us what chickens, dogs, and cows say (but only when she wants to), and she enjoys just about all kinds of food. In July we went to Vancouver for our anniversary, and for one of our meals I ordered a root beer float. I gave her a little taste of it, and she was hooked. She would pound the table and yell to get my attention for more root beer float. Well, it runs in the family I guess.
Speaking of Vancouver, we had a great time. We reconnected with our friends the Barbers, saw both the Aquarium and the zoo there, and watched fireworks on the beach. It was a great time. We drove there, and I was impressed with how pretty British Columbia is. We drove out in one day, but decided to take two days to come back. I think we will likely be making this trip more often.
The flood cleanup continues, and little by little the area recovers. Much of the big work is done, but much that is easy to overlook remains. I did help out in High River for cleaning up, and was saddened by the amount of destruction that had occurred there. The Stampede went on, but the concerts that are associated with it were either rescheduled, relocated, or cancelled. The Saddledome is still being worked on, as are many homes. Thousands of people are likely going to have to move, and the province is helping with the finances of that. Of particular note to me is the Calgary Zoo. Happy to report that the loss of animal life was low (four peacocks, one pot-bellied pig, and the tanks of tilapia and piranhas died), but the South America building was beyond repair, and all of their animals were relocated. That includes little Tunku, the male white-handed gibbon that I had become so attached to. He and his mate were sent to Safari Niagra, and it is a good home there. Much of the zoo is still closed, but they did open the northern part on July 31. The best part of this is the feeling of support that has been coming from so many people and institutions who are reaching out to the zoo. The Vancouver Aquarium had a bake sale as a fund raiser, the Discovery Wildlife Park (which we went to on July 20) had a day where all gate proceeds went to the zoo, numerous zoos across the country took in our displace animals, kids sold lemonade, and countless of hours were contributed to the clean up and rebuilding. It is sad, but heart-warming at the same time.
The biggest event for me this year was attending the huge Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas. I loved it! I went with my oldest and one of my dearest friends, Matt Harker. We had a great time (though I missed Heather and Barbara terribly). We met many great celebrities and fans alike. For the Top Ten, I thought I would give you the Top Ten Personal Moments for me at this convention:
Barbara had her first birthday party. It was great to have both sets of grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins come. Beyond anything else, it amazes me how much joy our little Barbie-Lou brings into the lives of those who know her. She is growing by leaps and bounds. During the summer she has started to walk (with us holding her hands, of course), had her second bottom tooth and first top teeth come in, and has started saying a few more words. "Mum", "Dad", "No", "Jesus" (when she sees a picture of Him), and "Star Trek" are common. Just in the last few days she has added "Up" and is almost at other words. She opens cupboard doors, then looks at Heather or myself. We tell her to close them, and she does, then immediately starts to clap her hands with joy. It's as if she does it just so we will praise her. It is one of the many adorable things that she does. She laughs out loud when others laugh, she can tell us what chickens, dogs, and cows say (but only when she wants to), and she enjoys just about all kinds of food. In July we went to Vancouver for our anniversary, and for one of our meals I ordered a root beer float. I gave her a little taste of it, and she was hooked. She would pound the table and yell to get my attention for more root beer float. Well, it runs in the family I guess.
Speaking of Vancouver, we had a great time. We reconnected with our friends the Barbers, saw both the Aquarium and the zoo there, and watched fireworks on the beach. It was a great time. We drove there, and I was impressed with how pretty British Columbia is. We drove out in one day, but decided to take two days to come back. I think we will likely be making this trip more often.
The flood cleanup continues, and little by little the area recovers. Much of the big work is done, but much that is easy to overlook remains. I did help out in High River for cleaning up, and was saddened by the amount of destruction that had occurred there. The Stampede went on, but the concerts that are associated with it were either rescheduled, relocated, or cancelled. The Saddledome is still being worked on, as are many homes. Thousands of people are likely going to have to move, and the province is helping with the finances of that. Of particular note to me is the Calgary Zoo. Happy to report that the loss of animal life was low (four peacocks, one pot-bellied pig, and the tanks of tilapia and piranhas died), but the South America building was beyond repair, and all of their animals were relocated. That includes little Tunku, the male white-handed gibbon that I had become so attached to. He and his mate were sent to Safari Niagra, and it is a good home there. Much of the zoo is still closed, but they did open the northern part on July 31. The best part of this is the feeling of support that has been coming from so many people and institutions who are reaching out to the zoo. The Vancouver Aquarium had a bake sale as a fund raiser, the Discovery Wildlife Park (which we went to on July 20) had a day where all gate proceeds went to the zoo, numerous zoos across the country took in our displace animals, kids sold lemonade, and countless of hours were contributed to the clean up and rebuilding. It is sad, but heart-warming at the same time.
The biggest event for me this year was attending the huge Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas. I loved it! I went with my oldest and one of my dearest friends, Matt Harker. We had a great time (though I missed Heather and Barbara terribly). We met many great celebrities and fans alike. For the Top Ten, I thought I would give you the Top Ten Personal Moments for me at this convention:
10. Anthony Montgomery. He played Travis Mayweather in Enterprise. He had us doing the Harlem Shake. He is funny, kind, goofy, and a superhero fan like myself.
9. Rick Worthy. He played a few Trek characters, my favorite being the Arboreal Xindi leader Jannar. He was so funny and yet so humble as well. I had the opportunity to talk to him in the hallway and the elevator. He became one of my favourites easily.
8. Getting my picture taken on the bridge of the Enterprise. I took the first officer's seat, Matt was in the Captain's chair, and we had anyone else who was in costume come.
7. Being a part of the record attempt to have the most people in Trek Costume in one place. Terry Farrell brought us to 1085.
6. Getting my picture taken with Richard Kiel, who having never been in Trek, was still invited. He played "Jaws" in two James Bond movies. My mother raised me on Trek, and my father raised me on 007. Roger Moore will always be my favourite Bond, and Jaws was my favourite villain. Richard was super nice, and suggested he put us in a headlock for the photo. We loved it!
5. The DS9 panels. Having the main cast and guest cast reunite on stage was wonderful. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of DS9 was one of the main reasons we went. They were all great, and I got to meet most of them and get their autographs.
4. Armin Shimmerman. I must admit that he was one of the best experiences. He took time to talk, get to know me a bit, and was such a genuinely nice person. His wife of 33 years was also there, and they were a really sweet couple. I hope he comes to Spock Days.
3. Meeting people from around the world! Made new friends from New York, Ohio, and England among other places.
2. Photo with William Shatner! Three seconds of delight!
1. James Darren, who played Vic Fontaine, was such a delight. He even recorded a message for Heather. A real class act.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Of Birthdays and Water
What a week. Last Thursday, amid all the rain that we have had this year, parts of the province started flooding. It began in Banff and Canmore, then on Friday it hit Calgary, High River, and area. Dad and Violet were in Spray Lakes managing their camp site. They were able to phone me and let me know that they had an opportunity to be airlifted to Canmore, but that they were in a safe location with plenty of food and fuel to last them a couple weeks. They did not have a place to take the animals (2 dogs and 2 cats) to, so they chose to weather the storm (pun intended). By Saturday night, almost 10% of Calgary neighbourhoods had been evacuated, as had much of the other communities mentioned. The zoo was flooded, and they lost one peacock and their piranha and tilapia fish. Downtown Calgary was under water, and schools were closed. Diploma exams were made optional, and all finals were cancelled. It was a crazy time here.
Dad and Violet were contacting me daily from the pay phone. They were eventually airlifted, with the pets, to the Nakota Resort east of Canmore Sunday morning, so I was able to go and get them. They are borrowing our Ford Focus for the time being while they wait to be able to get back to the campsite and collect their motor home and van. So far there have been 4 deaths related to the flood, all in the High River/ Okotoks area. One was a father of six, who died when his ATV flipped as he was riding to check on his neighbours. Waters have receded, most Calgarians are back in their homes, and the long clean up process has begun.
This challenging week has left me with many thoughts. First and foremost, I am grateful that the losses incurred, especially the loss of life, were not nearly as bad as they could have been. I grieve with those who were are dealing with the loss of a loved one, but rejoice that there were only a handful. I am disappointed in the actions of some vandals, looters, and stores who started gouging their customers (including the Travel Lodge at the airport which doubled their rates overnight because of the flood - guess which hotel I am asking people to boycott). Mostly, however, I am so proud of my fellow Calgarians and Albertans for the supreme acts of charity, service, and strength that are being demonstrated. People are being patient as we come together to help clean up. Countless have opened their homes for those forced out. Edmonton and other communities are sending support in supplies, money, military, RCMP and police officers, firefighters, and so much more. Our mayor, Nehed Nenshi, has been a superstar and an amazing leader during this whole time. He has led with such compassion, wisdom, strength, and common sense. He won my vote before this all happened, but he has won the hearts of Calgarians and Albertans now, and he deserves it. Let us hope that as the flood waters move east, that they will dissipate and all will be prepared.
On a happier note, birthdays this week! Little Barbara turns 1 tomorrow, I turn a year older the next day, and both of Barbara's grandfathers have birthdays (26th and 29th). As I look back on this last year, I am so blessed to have this little angel in my life. Fatherhood has been such an amazing adventure, and she is so precious to me. I am so thankful for her mother and my wife, Heather, for all she does for our family. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.
I am tired, so I will do a quick Top Ten List. As I prepare for the Vegas Convention in August, I give you my Top Ten favorite Trek Characters:
10. Morn. The brown lumpy alien in Quark's bar that I actually had a small hand in naming.
9. The Doctor from Voyager. we met Robert Picardo at Spock Days in Vulcan a few weeks ago, and he was great. The Doctor was a wonderful character who showed great depth. Mostly, he was a very pleasant surprise. I thought I would hate a holographic character. Who knew?
8. Shran. The Andorian from Enterprise played wonderfully by Jeffery Combs just made the show so much fun when he was guest starring.
7. Geordi La Forge. I loved this character because he showed that handicaps are only what we make of them. Plus, only in Trek can a blind man fly the flagship.
6. Scotty. Yes, my ancestry has something to do with this. I loved his humor and wit, plus his genius.
5. Q. My favourite TV villain. His cocky attitude and impish wit made him a favourite, and I wonder if he is truly a villain.
4. Jake Sisko. By far the most realistic child character on the series. He was one that I identified most with, and found to be the most human.
3. Benjamin Sisko. My favourite captain. He was a diplomat, a soldier, an officer, a father, and an explorer. He was the ultimate leader.
2. Kes. My deepest Trek crush. Often ignored by many top ten lists for "Hottest Trek Babe", but she was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.
1. Miles O'Brien. The everyday man who does his job and then goes home to his family. This guy is the one who Iidentify the most with.
Honorable mentions go out to (in no particular order) Picard, Data, Phlox, Kirk, Sulu, McCoy, Quark, Odo, Ezri, Vic Fontaine, Neelix, Archer, and Porthos the Beagle.
Dad and Violet were contacting me daily from the pay phone. They were eventually airlifted, with the pets, to the Nakota Resort east of Canmore Sunday morning, so I was able to go and get them. They are borrowing our Ford Focus for the time being while they wait to be able to get back to the campsite and collect their motor home and van. So far there have been 4 deaths related to the flood, all in the High River/ Okotoks area. One was a father of six, who died when his ATV flipped as he was riding to check on his neighbours. Waters have receded, most Calgarians are back in their homes, and the long clean up process has begun.
This challenging week has left me with many thoughts. First and foremost, I am grateful that the losses incurred, especially the loss of life, were not nearly as bad as they could have been. I grieve with those who were are dealing with the loss of a loved one, but rejoice that there were only a handful. I am disappointed in the actions of some vandals, looters, and stores who started gouging their customers (including the Travel Lodge at the airport which doubled their rates overnight because of the flood - guess which hotel I am asking people to boycott). Mostly, however, I am so proud of my fellow Calgarians and Albertans for the supreme acts of charity, service, and strength that are being demonstrated. People are being patient as we come together to help clean up. Countless have opened their homes for those forced out. Edmonton and other communities are sending support in supplies, money, military, RCMP and police officers, firefighters, and so much more. Our mayor, Nehed Nenshi, has been a superstar and an amazing leader during this whole time. He has led with such compassion, wisdom, strength, and common sense. He won my vote before this all happened, but he has won the hearts of Calgarians and Albertans now, and he deserves it. Let us hope that as the flood waters move east, that they will dissipate and all will be prepared.
On a happier note, birthdays this week! Little Barbara turns 1 tomorrow, I turn a year older the next day, and both of Barbara's grandfathers have birthdays (26th and 29th). As I look back on this last year, I am so blessed to have this little angel in my life. Fatherhood has been such an amazing adventure, and she is so precious to me. I am so thankful for her mother and my wife, Heather, for all she does for our family. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.
I am tired, so I will do a quick Top Ten List. As I prepare for the Vegas Convention in August, I give you my Top Ten favorite Trek Characters:
10. Morn. The brown lumpy alien in Quark's bar that I actually had a small hand in naming.
9. The Doctor from Voyager. we met Robert Picardo at Spock Days in Vulcan a few weeks ago, and he was great. The Doctor was a wonderful character who showed great depth. Mostly, he was a very pleasant surprise. I thought I would hate a holographic character. Who knew?
8. Shran. The Andorian from Enterprise played wonderfully by Jeffery Combs just made the show so much fun when he was guest starring.
7. Geordi La Forge. I loved this character because he showed that handicaps are only what we make of them. Plus, only in Trek can a blind man fly the flagship.
6. Scotty. Yes, my ancestry has something to do with this. I loved his humor and wit, plus his genius.
5. Q. My favourite TV villain. His cocky attitude and impish wit made him a favourite, and I wonder if he is truly a villain.
4. Jake Sisko. By far the most realistic child character on the series. He was one that I identified most with, and found to be the most human.
3. Benjamin Sisko. My favourite captain. He was a diplomat, a soldier, an officer, a father, and an explorer. He was the ultimate leader.
2. Kes. My deepest Trek crush. Often ignored by many top ten lists for "Hottest Trek Babe", but she was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.
1. Miles O'Brien. The everyday man who does his job and then goes home to his family. This guy is the one who Iidentify the most with.
Honorable mentions go out to (in no particular order) Picard, Data, Phlox, Kirk, Sulu, McCoy, Quark, Odo, Ezri, Vic Fontaine, Neelix, Archer, and Porthos the Beagle.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Lessons Learned Through Pain
Last Thursday night, literally minutes before it was officially Friday, I awoke with the most excruciating pain I have ever had (yes, more painful than the time the cow jumped on my back). It was in my abdomen. Heather was able to take me to the ER at the Foothills Hospital. After several tests I was given pain killers and sent home. less than 48 hours later, I was back in the ER with the same intense pain. Without going into the whole story I ended up having a surgeon tell me Monday afternoon that I was likely going to need surgery and have my gal bladder removed. Not even two hours later, I was in the operating room and going under. The surgery was a success, and by Tuesday afternoon I was at home for my recovery. Laura Hack will cover my classes for the next two weeks as I mend myself. the official diagnosis: inflamed gal bladder with no stones (they gave me a fancy-schmancy scientific name, but I am having a hard enough time spelling "schmancy").
Recovery is going fine. In the last two days I have been able to take my pain killers only a few times. I pooped today (apparently the pain killers and anesthesia makes one constipated), so I guess that is a small hurdle. It hurts to cough and get up, so I tend to find something to do for a couple hours at least (writing, computer, TV, etc). Life in recovery is...well, boring. There is a lot I would like to do (such as be at work), but I can't. I am being mindful of not pushing myself too hard, so tonight we are taking a short walk to the end of the block and back to see how that goes, then a little more each day. The most challenging thing is that for the next 4-6 weeks I cannot lift my little precious girl up. Both of us are having a hard time with that.
I suppose that when one has an experience like this we can benefit greatly from it by looking for the lessons that are being taught to us. This is where today's Top Ten list is coming into play:
The Top Ten Things I Learned From Having My Gal Bladder Removed:
10. Laughter is not always the best medicine. I do not like how much laughing hurts right now. And of course, people like to make me laugh. And when they know that it hurts, it often leads to #9...
9. When most people know that laughing hurts, they will still crack jokes. Why do these people enjoy my suffering so much?!?!?!
8. I really like my job. Yup, one thing I really miss is work. I enjoy going every day, teaching my lessons, interacting with students. I am grateful to have such a career where when I am gone from it, I truly miss it.
7. You don't know how good pooping is until you go over 24 hours being unable to do so. Yes, it's the little things in life you miss.
6. What our medical professionals go through on a regular basis. During my second stay in the ER there was a young man who was drunk and high in the curtained off area next to me. Heather and I could not help but overhear what the staff went through to restrain this kid. He was rude, belligerent, cussing, spitting, etc.
5. Mothers have it the worse. The kid I talked about in #6 had his mother there to see him while he was still out. I heard her talking to the staff and felt for her as she acknowledged what her kid had been doing. We are often critical of parents in society, and I could not help but think that sometimes we are unfair. Whenever someone does something stupid, there is very likely a mother somewhere punishing herself as she wonders what she could have done better.
4. How many muscles does it take to sit up or sit down? Not sure on the number, but I can tell you that most of them hurt right now.
3. I have the best wife in the universe. She has been so patient and supportive, not only with me but with Barbara who has been very upset these past couple days with a bad cold and not having her Daddy whenever she wants. Heather has kept this place going well. The boys have also been a great help and have made extra efforts to be helpful.
2. What mothers experience. My wife tells me that I know have a better understanding as to what she went through giving birth to Barbara.
1. Enjoy every minute with your children. I think I have done well at maximizing my quality time with Barbara, but wow, do I miss picking her up, tossing her in the air and catching her again. I miss having her crawl all over me as we play. I miss being able to pick her up whenever she wants me to.
Recovery is going fine. In the last two days I have been able to take my pain killers only a few times. I pooped today (apparently the pain killers and anesthesia makes one constipated), so I guess that is a small hurdle. It hurts to cough and get up, so I tend to find something to do for a couple hours at least (writing, computer, TV, etc). Life in recovery is...well, boring. There is a lot I would like to do (such as be at work), but I can't. I am being mindful of not pushing myself too hard, so tonight we are taking a short walk to the end of the block and back to see how that goes, then a little more each day. The most challenging thing is that for the next 4-6 weeks I cannot lift my little precious girl up. Both of us are having a hard time with that.
I suppose that when one has an experience like this we can benefit greatly from it by looking for the lessons that are being taught to us. This is where today's Top Ten list is coming into play:
The Top Ten Things I Learned From Having My Gal Bladder Removed:
10. Laughter is not always the best medicine. I do not like how much laughing hurts right now. And of course, people like to make me laugh. And when they know that it hurts, it often leads to #9...
9. When most people know that laughing hurts, they will still crack jokes. Why do these people enjoy my suffering so much?!?!?!
8. I really like my job. Yup, one thing I really miss is work. I enjoy going every day, teaching my lessons, interacting with students. I am grateful to have such a career where when I am gone from it, I truly miss it.
7. You don't know how good pooping is until you go over 24 hours being unable to do so. Yes, it's the little things in life you miss.
6. What our medical professionals go through on a regular basis. During my second stay in the ER there was a young man who was drunk and high in the curtained off area next to me. Heather and I could not help but overhear what the staff went through to restrain this kid. He was rude, belligerent, cussing, spitting, etc.
5. Mothers have it the worse. The kid I talked about in #6 had his mother there to see him while he was still out. I heard her talking to the staff and felt for her as she acknowledged what her kid had been doing. We are often critical of parents in society, and I could not help but think that sometimes we are unfair. Whenever someone does something stupid, there is very likely a mother somewhere punishing herself as she wonders what she could have done better.
4. How many muscles does it take to sit up or sit down? Not sure on the number, but I can tell you that most of them hurt right now.
3. I have the best wife in the universe. She has been so patient and supportive, not only with me but with Barbara who has been very upset these past couple days with a bad cold and not having her Daddy whenever she wants. Heather has kept this place going well. The boys have also been a great help and have made extra efforts to be helpful.
2. What mothers experience. My wife tells me that I know have a better understanding as to what she went through giving birth to Barbara.
1. Enjoy every minute with your children. I think I have done well at maximizing my quality time with Barbara, but wow, do I miss picking her up, tossing her in the air and catching her again. I miss having her crawl all over me as we play. I miss being able to pick her up whenever she wants me to.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
What I Believe
Today I thought I would take a slightly different approach to my blog. Instead of having my thoughts and ramblings followed by a Top Ten list, I thought I would make this post a Top Ten List in it of itself. Quick update, and then the list. Yesterday at the Comic Expo, I met some great people. Old friend Levi Godfrey, Star Trek's Walter Koenig and Wil Wheaton, and my long time hero Weird Al Yankovic! More later.
Today's post has to deal with some thoughts that have come out of many tragic events over the last several months. I hope that any who read this will take it with the respect that it was intended with.
Today's post has to deal with some thoughts that have come out of many tragic events over the last several months. I hope that any who read this will take it with the respect that it was intended with.
Top 10 Questions I would like to answer and not have
to apologize for.
10. How can you believe in a God without there being
any proof?
I get thrown this question often my atheists, and
unfortunately there is no answer that I can offer that seems to satisfy the
majority of them. I simply put it as my belief that there are things in this
world that cannot be proven yet. I cannot prove to anyone that God exists, nor
would I want to. I will say that I am skeptical of some who seek proof, for if
God were to provide that proof, they would simply try to find an explanation
explain how that proof was not really proof. A belief in God is something that
is personal and is based on faith. Faith does not require proof, but for me it
led to my own personal proof. Does that make me naïve? For some, yes it does.
For me, not at all.
9. How can God allow bad things to happen?
In all fairness, whenever I am asked this question,
I have to ask them one in return: what would you have Him do? Shelter us and
protect us from every bad thing that happens or could happen? How often have
we, growing up, wished our parents would give us some more freedom and opportunity?
If the alternative is to have God take away all the bad, how can we fully enjoy
all the good? Most of the trials I face are things that allow me to grow. This
includes the death of loved ones to disease, loss of job, loss of marriage,
etc. yes, God could have taken away all of those trials, made it so that I did
not have to endure them, but where would my growth be? I would not be the
person I am today, and I would not give up what I have learned for the easy
road. Besides, I do not see this life as the only thing we have. I believe that this is but an act in a grander
play, and by doing my best to stay on God’s good side I feel that I am setting
myself up for a happy ending. If someone were to murder me tomorrow, then so be
it. I don’t want to die, but I don’t want God to interfere in everything.
8. Where was God when
happened?
This is closely related to #9. The difference in
this question is that often it is accepted that God won’t stop bad things from
happening, but that He should be there when they do. Well, my answer is simple:
He was there. He was there when all bad things happened, but usually in ways
that we cannot easily perceive. He is there in the form of others, usually. He
is there in the form of a friend who calls you out of the blue to see how
things are, in the EMT who arrives at the scene of an accident, or the hug from
a stranger to you when all hope is gone. He is there in the knowledge that
prayers and thoughts from others are with you, which does give you relief and
comfort. God is there. I would counter with why you don’t see him.
7. Why do so many people do such evil things in the
name of God?
Inquisitions, terrorist attacks, genocides, wars,
suicides, and persecutions have all been used in the name of God by one group
of people or another throughout time. I find a bit of a paradox in this
question. Quite often this is a reason why people choose not to believe in God,
or at least follow religion in general. For those who do not believe in God, I
find it amusing that they choose not to believe in a supreme being because He
takes away our right to choose for ourselves (see question #6), and yet in the
next sentence they take away all accountability for those who commit these
atrocities and say “They did it in the name of God, so it is God’s fault that
these things happen!”. I look at what the major religions of the world teach,
and nowhere do I see justification for these acts of wickedness. If someone
blows up a building, kills and wounds hundreds of people, and then says “I did
this in the name of Bryan Andrews!” does that automatically make me the one
responsible? If I have not done or said anything to condone this, or if people
choose to misinterpret my words to excuse their acts of violence, then am I
culpable? Not in any court of law that I am aware of. The moment that you start
blaming God for these actions you are acknowledging His existence.
6. Why does God want to take away our freedoms with
so many rules?
God does not take away our freedom with His rules
and commandments. Instead, He is simply telling us what actions will make us
the happiest, and which actions will bring us the most pain. He tells us what
we should or shouldn’t do, and then allows us to choose for ourselves. If we
touch a hot stove, then we get burnt. If we take someone else’s life in murder,
then we lose a bit of our goodness. In my particular religion we are instructed
to not consume alcohol, coffee, or tobacco products. Does this mean that I have
no freedom? Nope. I choose whether or not I partake. I choose to abstain or
indulge. The way I see it, addiction is a loss of freedom. People who cannot
function without a cup of coffee in the morning or a cigarette every two hours
do not show me freedom. My religion also teaches us to abstain from sexual
activity outside of the bonds of marriage. My wife and I believed that this was
important. We have great joy in our intimacy at all levels. By waiting, we
entered into our marriage without the threat of STDs and we did not have to
worry about altering my wife’s wedding dress to fit her pregnant belly. We did
not have the regrets of past one-night stands with people we would not want to
be intimate with. So often I hear regret from people’s sexual encounters. By
avoiding such regret, does that make me a slave to my God? Does it make me a
square? So what? I am happy with my choice.
5. Why do you believe you have to convert everyone
else?
Easy answer! I don’t believe that. Did I serve a two
year mission for my church? Yes. I did not do it to convince everybody in what
I believe, but instead to share what I have found to bring me such love and
happiness with others. Do I feel disappointed when I am turned down? Yes, but
not because I feel that I failed. Do I feel hurt by some of the rejections? Sometimes,
but again, not because I have failed but instead because of how the other
person reacted. I often wonder why people are so upset with me for sharing what
I believe in with others. One person told me “Why do you think I care about
what you believe in?” My response was “I didn’t know if you cared or not, so I
thought I would give you the chance.” Please don’t be mad at us for wanting to
share. Now, if the person becomes pushy and won’t take no for an answer, then I
understand your frustration. I feel the same thing when I meet an atheist who
continues to hound me for believing in a fictional God.
4. Why are religious people so hypocritical?
I love this question. When I first heard it, I will
admit that my initial response was “we’re not!” or “Not all of us!” lately,
however, my tune has changed. Yes, we are hypocritical people. I go to church
on Sunday, and then during the week I do things I know I shouldn’t do and don’t
do things I know I should do. So yes, I am a hypocrite. That is why I go to church.
Church and religion is not meant for people who are morally perfect. It is
meant for all of us who are not perfect, who make mistakes, to help us do
better. Yes, some of the hypocrisy is frustrating, such as when a person makes
a big deal about being a good person at church, and then deliberately does some
pretty awful things, but then that person has a pride problem. Where is the
best place to go if we are struggling with a pride problem? How about church!
3. Why would anyone ever want to raise children in
this terrible world?
In
light of the recent bombings in Boston and the many tragic events that have
occurred involving horrific acts of a few individuals against innocents, I have
seen the question asked again as to why anyone would want to raise children in
such a world. Upon thoughtful reflection, I looked at my little girl this
morning and couldn't help but think that the world needs every precious child
it can get..., for in them is such sweet innocence and love. My daughter's
innocent love inspires me to be a better person. This world needs her, and it
needs me to raise her to rise above the hate and the evil that frightens so
many of us. It needs me to raise her to be loving, compassionate, forgiving,
and caring. Why raise a child in this world? Because this world needs that hope
and love that my daughter offers.
2. Why are your beliefs so intolerant of others who
are “different” from yourself?
My beliefs are not about people, they are about actions
and behaviours. I believe that there are actions called sins. I do believe that
people are inherently good. While I do see certain actions as sinful, I do not
use that to judge the person. I believe that people will be judged accordingly.
I have been taught to love the sinner and hate the sin. I too am a sinner, and
my sins are many, therefore I see those who sin to be no different than myself.
Having said this, I cannot simply say that certain actions and behaviours are
not sin. This does not make me intolerant. The definition of tolerance is to
accept the existence of something that is contrary to ones beliefs. When people
say that by believing something is a sin makes me intolerant, they forget that
to tolerate something means that there must be opposition to it. Quite often, I
find those that demand tolerance are among the most intolerant people. This
does not excuse the hatred and persecution that some who believe in God inflict
upon those who do not believe. I believe that one can separate their love for a
person from their actions without compromising their beliefs.
1. Do you have a problem with those who do not
believe as you do?
This is the one question that I actually hear in
many different ways. It comes from those who do not believe as I believe as
well those who do not believe in God at all. It is also a question that often
comes with sincerity as opposed to the other questions, which are more often
accompanied with s touch of scorn or sarcasm. Basically, the answer is simply “no”.
Sometimes, I do feel frustration when others cannot or will not see things the
way that I do. I admit it that if everyone shared my beliefs, it would be
easier, but in all honesty, it will never happen, and I am fine with that. I
appreciate anyone who is true to their beliefs to the best of their abilities,
as this is often the way that good people are. What I do have a problem with are
those that choose to not respect my beliefs as I try to respect the beliefs of
others.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Greetings from Utah
Today I write from cloudy yet warm Riverton Utah. We are staying with Anika Ferguson and her family. Anika and Heather are really close friends, and their family seems like an extension of ours. While we have been here, we have seen the Family History Library (where I found some information on some of my great grandparents), shop a little, walk around Temple Square, visit the Brigham City and Jordan River temples (just took some pictures on the outside), and visit the Living Planet Aquarium. It has been a nice break so far, and we are looking forward to seeing the Hogle Zoo, visit Chad Robinson (an old mission companion), and do a live session at the Salt Lake City temple. Barbara has been loving the Fegusons. She acts as if they have always been there. Incidentally, today is Barbie's 9 month mark! She has developed very nicely. No crawling yet, but lots of scooting and rolling to get herself around. She has a great sense of humor and is loving to eat "real" food. She is becoming quite the little person, and we are loving every minute we have with her.
Back home things are fine. Annie is getting older, and I often am reminded that the day is soon coming that my faithful companion will pass on. It is sad, but it will not be the first beloved pet I will have lost. Work is going well, and I have another student teacher who is doing a phenomenal job. Last week we had the annual ski trip for the school, and it was an absolute blast. Even though I do not ski, I had a lot of fun and relaxation at the lodge.
Along with work comes the latest news from the government that they are freezing the salaries of teachers in the non-charter public system for the next three years. That seems a bit of a problem, but I must admit that this time around, government cuts do not worry me as much. The last time that there were cuts in Alberta, I ended up in Radville for three years. Then there were cuts again and I was at Thunderchild for another two before heading back to Alberta. Each time that there were cuts, the province was actually doing well financially. This time around, money is definitely tight. I am OK with the idea of having my salary frozen, if that is what will happen with FFCA. The way that I see it is that my school board has been absolutely wonderful to us teachers ever since I arrived here. They have always worked hard at getting us the best salary possible. They know many of us by name and vice versa. We are more like a family, so if they are to say that they cannot find it in the budget to give us a raise this year, then I know that they truly cannot. During hard times it is important for everyone to pull together. I know that I am not speaking for all teachers or even all teachers within FFCA, but I can say that this budget I am perfectly fine with the economic shortfalls. I feel safe in my job and I am happy where I am.
Today's Top Ten List: Things I Wish I Could Change But Know I Cannot
10. Ads on the radio. Too many dumb and boring ones. Makes me switch to the I-Pod.
9. R-Rated movies. There are so many really good looking movies that when I check the rating on them find out that the F-bomb has been dropped too many times, or there is a sex scene that is nowhere close to necessary for the story's plot line.
8. Students who will not see the value in pushing themselves or challenge themselves. Not all are like this, thankfully, but there are too many who honestly do not push themselves. They are content with mediocrity and less than their potential. Sad.
7. Ads at the beginning of a movie. I like going to movies so I don't have to sit through 15 minutes of commercials in an hour. Well, movie theatres are no longer solace from such advertising. They hit you all at once at the beginning. Of course, the upside is that you can now be 15 minutes late for the movie and have not missed anything important (except possibly a good seat)
6. Drivers in Calgary. There are so many nuts and nitwits on the road it drives me crazy! People who think that speed limits are suggestions and then glare at you for driving the limit.
5. Olives. I HATE OLIVES!
4. Pets getting old. See above for my thoughts on Annie.
3. Ads on Youtube videos. Really? I have to wait 30 seconds to see my silly cat video and sit through a car commercial? Yes, ads bug me a lot these days.
2. Politicians, or more precisely, political parties that will never cooperate with each other. I have often felt nauseated by politics because they will only criticize each other. Opposition parties rarely seem to offer anything of substance to each other.
1. Uninformed opinions. Yes, I know that some would point out that all I have to do is inform these people and their opinions can change. Trouble is that all too often these opinions are so deeply entrenched that there is no informing them. For example, a person is dead set against any type of gun control. No matter how well you may argue a point, they refuse to even consider your different position.
Back home things are fine. Annie is getting older, and I often am reminded that the day is soon coming that my faithful companion will pass on. It is sad, but it will not be the first beloved pet I will have lost. Work is going well, and I have another student teacher who is doing a phenomenal job. Last week we had the annual ski trip for the school, and it was an absolute blast. Even though I do not ski, I had a lot of fun and relaxation at the lodge.
Along with work comes the latest news from the government that they are freezing the salaries of teachers in the non-charter public system for the next three years. That seems a bit of a problem, but I must admit that this time around, government cuts do not worry me as much. The last time that there were cuts in Alberta, I ended up in Radville for three years. Then there were cuts again and I was at Thunderchild for another two before heading back to Alberta. Each time that there were cuts, the province was actually doing well financially. This time around, money is definitely tight. I am OK with the idea of having my salary frozen, if that is what will happen with FFCA. The way that I see it is that my school board has been absolutely wonderful to us teachers ever since I arrived here. They have always worked hard at getting us the best salary possible. They know many of us by name and vice versa. We are more like a family, so if they are to say that they cannot find it in the budget to give us a raise this year, then I know that they truly cannot. During hard times it is important for everyone to pull together. I know that I am not speaking for all teachers or even all teachers within FFCA, but I can say that this budget I am perfectly fine with the economic shortfalls. I feel safe in my job and I am happy where I am.
Today's Top Ten List: Things I Wish I Could Change But Know I Cannot
10. Ads on the radio. Too many dumb and boring ones. Makes me switch to the I-Pod.
9. R-Rated movies. There are so many really good looking movies that when I check the rating on them find out that the F-bomb has been dropped too many times, or there is a sex scene that is nowhere close to necessary for the story's plot line.
8. Students who will not see the value in pushing themselves or challenge themselves. Not all are like this, thankfully, but there are too many who honestly do not push themselves. They are content with mediocrity and less than their potential. Sad.
7. Ads at the beginning of a movie. I like going to movies so I don't have to sit through 15 minutes of commercials in an hour. Well, movie theatres are no longer solace from such advertising. They hit you all at once at the beginning. Of course, the upside is that you can now be 15 minutes late for the movie and have not missed anything important (except possibly a good seat)
6. Drivers in Calgary. There are so many nuts and nitwits on the road it drives me crazy! People who think that speed limits are suggestions and then glare at you for driving the limit.
5. Olives. I HATE OLIVES!
4. Pets getting old. See above for my thoughts on Annie.
3. Ads on Youtube videos. Really? I have to wait 30 seconds to see my silly cat video and sit through a car commercial? Yes, ads bug me a lot these days.
2. Politicians, or more precisely, political parties that will never cooperate with each other. I have often felt nauseated by politics because they will only criticize each other. Opposition parties rarely seem to offer anything of substance to each other.
1. Uninformed opinions. Yes, I know that some would point out that all I have to do is inform these people and their opinions can change. Trouble is that all too often these opinions are so deeply entrenched that there is no informing them. For example, a person is dead set against any type of gun control. No matter how well you may argue a point, they refuse to even consider your different position.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Insane to Complain
OK, I need to vent a bit here. Yesterday was the Super Bowl, and Baltimore won (I think), and the biggest things I am hearing about it are the power outage, that it was a close game (which I think is good), and that there was a "racist" Super Bowl ad for Volkswagon. The add in question? Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0xPWAtaa8
So, now that you watched it, you can understand my venting a little bit better.
As far as I can see, a white guy is talking with a Jamaican accent, turning anything that is negative into something that is positive. So, where is the "racism"? Is it the fact that it is a white man speaking with a Jamaican accent? Is that racist? Only black people can use that accent? So, by that reckoning, only white men in kilts can speak with a Scottish accent. Really? Is it the idea that it stereotypes Jamaicans as being fun-loving, happy people? Does this mean that I can no longer say that Chinese respect their ancestors, or that First Nations people care about the environment because it is racist? It boggles my mind a bit to think that people are so uptight about being politically correct about things that some harmless fun needs to be analysed beyond sanity?
When Valkswagon was asked about the ad, their representatives said that the ad was screened in front of hundreds of people, including 100 Jamaicans, and not a single complaint was made. The country of Jamaica seem to be cool with the ad, and people all over the internet are typing their frustrations at the insane complaints and accusations of racism for this ad. So I decided to get to the bottom of this and find out why it was deemed racist by some. Believe me, I am strong in my views against racism and all other sorts of prejudiced attitudes that infects our culture, so I wanted to research the other side before weighing in.
Guess what? When I searched for the ad on Google, it was very difficult for me to find any of the sources of the people who think that this is racist. Instead, I found people of all creeds and colour as flabbergasted as I am about the supposed controversy. So it gets me wondering where the outcries are coming from, and what the true motivation is. The conspiracy theorists out there might place the blame on VW themselves for cooking up or embellishing the controversy to further advertising effectiveness (the ad cost them $8 million to air during the Super Bowl, and this debate is getting them countless free advertising). The cynic is likely stating that this is the act of some narrow-minded party poopers who are only looking to get attention. Still, when someone says "controversial", it gets people talking. No, this ad is not racist. Some may be offended or uncomfortable, but maybe they just need to stop thinking about it, and then they just might realize that this is by far a non-issue. VW will sell some cars, get some publicity, and then we will move on to the next big non-issue.
My Top 10 list comes from Flickchart, a site I discovered a week ago where you can rank your favourite movies. According to their rankings based on my choices, my Top 10 Favourite Movies of All Time are:
10. Star Trek: First Contact. I know, many of you are expecting all of them to be the Top 10. No, I am a little more diverse than that. This is my favourite TNG film, and I saw it several times in the theater. I love the effects, the dialogue, and the hat tips to the franchise in general.
9. The Lion King. I think that this is one of the greatest films for animation, and has Disney's best musical score. It has action, comedy, romance, redemption, betrayal, and seems oddly Shakespearean. A must have for any movie fan.
8. The Incredibles. I love super heroes. I love most Pixar (not Cars, though). This movie is my favourite so far of all of the amazing Pixar films out there. So much to see, yet not overwhelming. I pick up new things each time a watch it.
7. The Muppets. A great movie, and I liked it even a bit better than the Muppet Movie. It was made by true fans, and Henson would be proud of it.
6. The Dark Knight. Not just a great super hero movie, but a great action movie. Heath Ledger gives a brilliant performance as the Joker, and it has enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I only wish Ledger had not died so he could have been in Dark Knight Rises.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This is the best of the Tolkein based movies, and it is just so amazingly well done. Best of all, the LOTR series got people reading the books again, and that is always a good thing.
4. The Princess Bride. I can watch this again and again. It is a timeless classic, that is perfect for the whole family. I still giggle at the dialogue, and found the writing to be sharp and precise. The story-telling does not get much better than this.
3. Star Trek (2009). Yes, this is a reboot, but it is done with so much care and detail to not only satisfy the die hard fans like myself, but also bring many more fans into the fold. I am looking forward to Star Trek: Into Darkness this summer.
2. The Avengers. People who normally hate super hero movies enjoy this film. Yes, the fact that it is recent may play a big part into its ranking on my list, but it is a truly great movie and encases everything that a summer block-buster should have.
1. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. No big surprise here. If I could only keep one movie from my collection, this would be hit. Trekkie or not, I would be hard-pressed to find someone who could effectively argue that this movie is not a great film. Revenge, sacrifice, friendship, and the no-win scenario all rolled into one. By far my all time favourite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H0xPWAtaa8
So, now that you watched it, you can understand my venting a little bit better.
As far as I can see, a white guy is talking with a Jamaican accent, turning anything that is negative into something that is positive. So, where is the "racism"? Is it the fact that it is a white man speaking with a Jamaican accent? Is that racist? Only black people can use that accent? So, by that reckoning, only white men in kilts can speak with a Scottish accent. Really? Is it the idea that it stereotypes Jamaicans as being fun-loving, happy people? Does this mean that I can no longer say that Chinese respect their ancestors, or that First Nations people care about the environment because it is racist? It boggles my mind a bit to think that people are so uptight about being politically correct about things that some harmless fun needs to be analysed beyond sanity?
When Valkswagon was asked about the ad, their representatives said that the ad was screened in front of hundreds of people, including 100 Jamaicans, and not a single complaint was made. The country of Jamaica seem to be cool with the ad, and people all over the internet are typing their frustrations at the insane complaints and accusations of racism for this ad. So I decided to get to the bottom of this and find out why it was deemed racist by some. Believe me, I am strong in my views against racism and all other sorts of prejudiced attitudes that infects our culture, so I wanted to research the other side before weighing in.
Guess what? When I searched for the ad on Google, it was very difficult for me to find any of the sources of the people who think that this is racist. Instead, I found people of all creeds and colour as flabbergasted as I am about the supposed controversy. So it gets me wondering where the outcries are coming from, and what the true motivation is. The conspiracy theorists out there might place the blame on VW themselves for cooking up or embellishing the controversy to further advertising effectiveness (the ad cost them $8 million to air during the Super Bowl, and this debate is getting them countless free advertising). The cynic is likely stating that this is the act of some narrow-minded party poopers who are only looking to get attention. Still, when someone says "controversial", it gets people talking. No, this ad is not racist. Some may be offended or uncomfortable, but maybe they just need to stop thinking about it, and then they just might realize that this is by far a non-issue. VW will sell some cars, get some publicity, and then we will move on to the next big non-issue.
My Top 10 list comes from Flickchart, a site I discovered a week ago where you can rank your favourite movies. According to their rankings based on my choices, my Top 10 Favourite Movies of All Time are:
10. Star Trek: First Contact. I know, many of you are expecting all of them to be the Top 10. No, I am a little more diverse than that. This is my favourite TNG film, and I saw it several times in the theater. I love the effects, the dialogue, and the hat tips to the franchise in general.
9. The Lion King. I think that this is one of the greatest films for animation, and has Disney's best musical score. It has action, comedy, romance, redemption, betrayal, and seems oddly Shakespearean. A must have for any movie fan.
8. The Incredibles. I love super heroes. I love most Pixar (not Cars, though). This movie is my favourite so far of all of the amazing Pixar films out there. So much to see, yet not overwhelming. I pick up new things each time a watch it.
7. The Muppets. A great movie, and I liked it even a bit better than the Muppet Movie. It was made by true fans, and Henson would be proud of it.
6. The Dark Knight. Not just a great super hero movie, but a great action movie. Heath Ledger gives a brilliant performance as the Joker, and it has enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I only wish Ledger had not died so he could have been in Dark Knight Rises.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This is the best of the Tolkein based movies, and it is just so amazingly well done. Best of all, the LOTR series got people reading the books again, and that is always a good thing.
4. The Princess Bride. I can watch this again and again. It is a timeless classic, that is perfect for the whole family. I still giggle at the dialogue, and found the writing to be sharp and precise. The story-telling does not get much better than this.
3. Star Trek (2009). Yes, this is a reboot, but it is done with so much care and detail to not only satisfy the die hard fans like myself, but also bring many more fans into the fold. I am looking forward to Star Trek: Into Darkness this summer.
2. The Avengers. People who normally hate super hero movies enjoy this film. Yes, the fact that it is recent may play a big part into its ranking on my list, but it is a truly great movie and encases everything that a summer block-buster should have.
1. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. No big surprise here. If I could only keep one movie from my collection, this would be hit. Trekkie or not, I would be hard-pressed to find someone who could effectively argue that this movie is not a great film. Revenge, sacrifice, friendship, and the no-win scenario all rolled into one. By far my all time favourite.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A Year of Change
Last year saw many changes in my life, and this year seems to be no different. The biggest change from last year was the birth of my beloved daughter Barbara, and I expect that her changes to be the highlights for this year as well. I look forward to the first steps, the first tooth, the first words, and especially the first time she says "Daddy". I love watching this little person grow. She laughs often, smiles a lot, and is managing to keep most of her food down. Her eyes almost beam when I walk in the room. I hope the day where that changes never comes.
At the end of January I always face the change of a new semester. I am going to be teaching Science 10, 20, and 30 this next semester, and for the Science 30s it is my biggest class yet. I look forward to the new challenge of Science 20, and it will be interesting to teach all the classes at the same time as it gives me the opportunity to see the three curriculum at the same time, and I'll be able to make connections between them.
Church saw some changes today. Six wards had their boundaries reorganized. 3rd and 8th wards are gone all together, and a new ward, Arbour Lake, was created. Our ward had some of Bow Valley and 8th ward added to us, and I am looking forward to the new members of the elder's quorum. I think I'll finally be able to find a new 1st councillor. I look forward to working with the new ward members and making new friends. In addition to that, the temple is going full tilt still. One new change I like is having it so close so I can go weekly instead of monthly.
Big exciting news for my geekiness. There are some great movies coming out this year that are exciting for me (Iron Man 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness being the top two). New episodes of "Once Upon a Time", "The Big Bang Theory", and "Person of Interest" have my PVR ready. A new Brad Paisley album is due out this spring. Most of all, I am going to the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas this August with Matt Harker! They are hoping to have 80 celebrity guests, and have announced 71. I am very excited to see William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, and almost the entire cast of DS9 (only Colm Meany is not going to be there). It is going to be a lot of fun. Heather and Sharon might also be joining us, which will mean little Barbie will be coming along. I have never been to Vegas, and I look forward to the experience.
So, with the theme of change, I give my Top 10 Things I Hope Will Never Change:
10. Volunteering at the Calgary Zoo will always be fun.
9. Teaching at FFCA will always feel like something I was born to do with some of the greatest colleagues in the world.
8. Facebook will always let me hide annoying posts from my friends.
7. The platypus. Why mess with perfection?
6. The temple in Calgary will always be a priority in my life.
5. CISN FM will always be on Edmonton's airwaves when I visit.
4. Being able to find the chocolate covered licorice logs at Wal Mart
3. Saturday morning snuggles with Heather
2. That watching Star Trek will always remind me of my mother.
1. The look my little girl gives me when I walk into the room.
At the end of January I always face the change of a new semester. I am going to be teaching Science 10, 20, and 30 this next semester, and for the Science 30s it is my biggest class yet. I look forward to the new challenge of Science 20, and it will be interesting to teach all the classes at the same time as it gives me the opportunity to see the three curriculum at the same time, and I'll be able to make connections between them.
Church saw some changes today. Six wards had their boundaries reorganized. 3rd and 8th wards are gone all together, and a new ward, Arbour Lake, was created. Our ward had some of Bow Valley and 8th ward added to us, and I am looking forward to the new members of the elder's quorum. I think I'll finally be able to find a new 1st councillor. I look forward to working with the new ward members and making new friends. In addition to that, the temple is going full tilt still. One new change I like is having it so close so I can go weekly instead of monthly.
Big exciting news for my geekiness. There are some great movies coming out this year that are exciting for me (Iron Man 3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness being the top two). New episodes of "Once Upon a Time", "The Big Bang Theory", and "Person of Interest" have my PVR ready. A new Brad Paisley album is due out this spring. Most of all, I am going to the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas this August with Matt Harker! They are hoping to have 80 celebrity guests, and have announced 71. I am very excited to see William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, and almost the entire cast of DS9 (only Colm Meany is not going to be there). It is going to be a lot of fun. Heather and Sharon might also be joining us, which will mean little Barbie will be coming along. I have never been to Vegas, and I look forward to the experience.
So, with the theme of change, I give my Top 10 Things I Hope Will Never Change:
10. Volunteering at the Calgary Zoo will always be fun.
9. Teaching at FFCA will always feel like something I was born to do with some of the greatest colleagues in the world.
8. Facebook will always let me hide annoying posts from my friends.
7. The platypus. Why mess with perfection?
6. The temple in Calgary will always be a priority in my life.
5. CISN FM will always be on Edmonton's airwaves when I visit.
4. Being able to find the chocolate covered licorice logs at Wal Mart
3. Saturday morning snuggles with Heather
2. That watching Star Trek will always remind me of my mother.
1. The look my little girl gives me when I walk into the room.
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