My Dad's Still Punk (?)

Remembrance Day -- what to Remember.

2015-11-11T07:45:00.003-08:00

Remembrance Day today, and I have some issues; in fact, I have begun to call it Revisionists Day.

Each year it seems like to the build-up to Remembrance Day gets bigger and bigger, and starts earlier. We are being bombarded with a message of how "Brave" Canadians "gave" their lives and died for our freedom. But I challenge this. Did Canadian soldiers actually "give" their lives? Or were there lives taken from them. And were they actually fighting for our "freedom?" I argue that their lives were taken, and although the soldiers may have believed they were fighting for freedom, they were actually fighting a war for something, and someone else.

"War is politics continued by other, violent means."
- Carl von Clausewitz, early 19th century Prussian theoretician and strategist.

World War I:

British historian Niall Ferguson wrote that the first World War was a war between capitalist states, resulting from their rivalry for world markets, as every state was not only concerned in consolidating its own market but also in conquering new markets.

The economic and social/political events that led up to the first World War are beyond the space I have here; but basically, world colonial players/powers (both National & Regional governments, as well as corporations) in growing industrialism, were competing for land, markets, resources, etc., leading to the war. Let's not fool ourselves, World War I was never about freedom and democracy, as Democratic nationals allied with Monarchies and dictatorships to fight against other Democratic nations allied with Monarchies and dictatorships. And the end of the war did not see these monarchies or dictatorships transform into "free" democracies.

In fact in 1914 Canada was in the midst of running its own concentration camps -- the residential schools -- as part of its genocide against the First Nations. Women were not legally considered "persons" under the law, and indigenous people, Asian descendants, women, people with disabilities, and men who did not OWN property were not allowed to vote.

Contrary to what is currently taught in our schools, the First World War came to an end when in 1917 soldiers on all fronts refused to keep fighting. Russian soldiers joined the revolution to overthrow the Tsar. German sailors mutinied and took control of their vessels, German soldiers joined the German revolution, French soldiers mutinied, and in Canada, Canadians resisted conscription. November 11 was a product of war resisters and revolution.

Again, historical analysis is beyond the space I have in this blog, but their is a common theme. Wars seeing working class soldiers fighting against working class soldiers. Arguments can be made about revolutionary wars, wars of Independence, etc, but today I am arguing that during Remembrance Day, we are being encouraged to Remember a Revisionist version of History.

So I will recognize Remembrance Day, I will wear a red poppy with a Red Fist in the middle, and I will wear a White Poppy of peace.

I will remember the millions of working people that died, had their lives taken from them--did not give their lives. I will remember the atrocities committed in the name of war. I will remember the war resisters and revolutionaries that fought to end war, fought to end poverty, and human rights abuses.

I will remember the millions of trade union activists, socialists, communists, pacifists, homosexuals, gypsies, homeless, that Hitler had rounded up and killed before he invaded other countries.

I will remember the volunteers that fought for freedom in the Spanish Civil War against Fascist Franco.

But I will remember the people that had their lives taken from them as they struggled, and continue to struggle to stop the endless series of wars drives by Capitalist States fighting on behalf of their corporations.

I will remember everyone who has struggled to end war, to prevent war, and who died in someone else's war.

Harper's Hilarius Horror House of Frightenstein

2013-10-31T03:56:00.003-07:00

Remember the old TV show The Hilarious House of Frightenstein?

It was a Canadian show made in the 70's, and continued in re-runs into the early 80's. It starred Billy Van playing the majority of characters, plus special appearances from Vincent Price.

Early every Saturday morning was like Hallowe'en for one hour. Mixture of comedy, variety, music (first time I heard Jimi Hendrix), education, and horror.

Sometimes Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Horror House of Commons reminds me of the Hilarious House of Frightenstein. A mixture of absolute comedy and utter horror. Unlike Castle Frightenstein however, Harper's House of Horror is real, with negative consequences for millions of working Canadians and their families.

The comedy: the Senate Scandal. Really? Sounds like a school yard disagreement. "he made me do it", "he told me to do it," "she did this first," No adults here, no one taking responsibility for their actions.

A mixture of comedy (for real? they can not be serious), and absolute horror about human rights: the rewrite of environmental laws, the treatment of First Nations rights, attack on women's rights, "tough on crime" laws, etc.

How ironic that the Conservative convention in Calgary launches today, on Hallowe'en. And what do we see for the future? A continued House of Horrors.

tell your people....

These foods should be banned from school...

2013-07-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Nutritional standards for schools have improved over the last few years, but there is still a long way to go. Further research studies into nutrition and learning show that many of the snacks parents are sending to school with their children are actually hindering their learning--here are some example of the high sugar junk.

Yoo-Hoo

(15.5 oz bottle)
230 calories
2 g fat (1 g saturated)
45 g sugars

I endorse chocolate milk at any age, whether it’s served as an after-school snack for kids or post-workout fuel for adults. The problem with Yoo-Hoo is that it’s not milk. It’s actually a bizarre blend of water, high fructose corn syrup, and whey—and a high-calorie one at that. If your child drank 16 ounces of chocolate milk, she would gain 16 grams of protein. Yoo-Hoo offers a paltry 3 grams.

Cheetos

(1 oz)
150 calories
10 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
250 mg sodium

How unfortunate that Cheetos—the only chips represented by a kid-friendly cartoon character—are among the worst snacks in the store. They’re high in sodium, low in fiber, and are made with neurotoxic monosodium glutamate. Plus, when the iconic orange coating fuses with fingertip oil, it forms a putty-like crud that affixes to seemingly any surface. Finally, if you’ve ever seen a kid eat Cheetos, then you know that a lot of finger-licking goes into the process. Now think about all of the pathogens in a classroom—that’s a lot of sick days on the line.

Buzz Hargrove--You've changed.

2013-01-15T07:50:00.002-08:00

Yesterday on CBC radio I heard an interview with Buzz Hargorve regarding the current labour struggles of teachers and the provincial Ontario government. I almost threw up, I was so disgusted.

When I was much younger--late teens, early 20's, I admired Buzz Hargrove and the Canadian Auto Workers. I looked at the CAW as what a union should be. Active, progressive, educating members, getting involved in big issues, social justice and political issues. Recognizing that a union should do more than just advocate for it's members at their workplace, but that the struggle of all working people is their struggle.

Then the fallout with the NDP happened....and Strategic voting happened...

Now, those of you that know me know that I am VERY critical of the New Democratic Party. I vote for them--critically--as I am even more critical of the other political parties, the former unProgressive Conservatives, the Conservative Party (a.k.a. re-badged Reform Party), the Liberal party, etc.

The NDP has it roots in the labour movement, and as historically been the most supportive of equity, and worker's rights. The Blue Scare, of conservative hysteria that lead to strategic voting to keep the conservatives out was a big mistake. Look at the history of policies and procedures of the Liberals and the Conservatives, and their is little difference. Both have a pro-business, pro-profit agenda.

But I digress (again).

Buzz was trying to tell teachers that we should resume our stoppages--go back to doing our volunteer (unpaid) activities, that we have withdrawn to protest the measures of our provincial government. He then proceeded to tell us that we should WAIT for the next Liberal provincial leader, and try to lobby that government--negotiate with that leader. Really?

Imagine the president of the CAW telling it's member's this:
"Well, our current employer has just refused to negotiate a new contract with us. They have refused to discuss it. They dictated what it is, and here it is. They will freeze your pay. You will also work 3 days for no pay (isn't that in effect a pay cut?) The will withhold a portion of you paycheck each week, then shut down for two months over the summer, and pay you what they earlier withheld. You will no longer get vacation pay. You will get less sick days than you had before, and since you did not have short-term disability (you used to used banked sick days), if you get injured on the job, or get very sick, and use all of you sick days up, you will have nothing--good luck paying your bills. You will show up early, stay late, and not get any extra pay--no over-time.

Everything that you have fought for, struggled for, over the years, you will lose. All so we can give our rich friends even more money.

And what would the members do? Probably strike, occupy, walk-out, just to start. Just look at the history of job actions by CAW members in history.

Buzz, you've changed--for the worse.

-d

Premier Dalton McGuinty--NOT a friend of workers!

2013-01-11T09:52:00.001-08:00

Grandmas and Crazy Rummy

2012-01-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

My grandmother was a kick-ass Crazy Rummy player. Apparently she was a kick-ass card player in general. I've heard stories about her Bridge prowess--she earned the nickname "Flippin' Francis" for the way she would lay her cards down when she won a hand.

I only ever played Crazy Rummy with her. A crazy multi-deck variation of rummy--too hard to explain in this Blog. Basically, the object is to empty your hand before your opponents do--they accumulate points for cards left in their hand. The "twist" to the game is that each hand you need a different combination "set, run, etc.| in order to start laying down cards. Once you start laying down cards, you can lay down cards on other players cards that they have layed down. You also draw a card each turn....

Grandma Betty was a master of this game. Whenever we played we all fought to not be in the L.o.B. seat (that's Left of Betty), as she was a master discarder....

Many a hand I would have only one or two cards left in my hand, and she would have a handful of cards, yet to open (start laying down cards)...Sure of finally beating her, she would lay ALL of her cards down, playing her "opening" they getting rid of the rest of everyone else's piles, beating me once again.

I studied her play, and decided to try her strategy--hold on to all my cards, not putting any down on the table for others to play on, and waiting to be able to lay down all at once. Wow, did that ever backfire. She still went out first, and instead of accumulating a few points for the few cards in my hand, I accumulated massive points for having a mitt full of cards in my hand...

We buried my grandmother today. She was 91 years old.

Please join me in raising a glass (real or figurative) of Red Breast Irish Whiskey to her memory, and my Finnegan ancestors.

-Devo

servant leadership in the public school system

2011-01-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Earlier I mentioned that it is report card time for those of us in the elementary school system here in Ontario.
We have new report cards this year. No major changes in layout--more space for learning skills at the beginning of the report instead of the ned--but rather substantial changes in style: more student/task specific, "parent-friendly" language.

In my board, like many boards, we use a web-based software engine to write them. We have used this interface for about 5 years now. Some minor updates needed to be made for the new reports--something the vendor apparently took care of....But they dropped the ball and there has been nothing but problems....

But that's not what is on my mind right now, servant leadership is....
In an effort to help us (teachers) change some of the language we use on report cards we have been provided with a list of other "qualifiers" and "descriptors" to use to describe student's academic progress.

"Servant Leadership" was on of the things on our list.
Oh, the irony. To lead by serving those under you, or around you.
I love my board of education--the hypocrits.

Apparently servant leadership is supposed to be important in our classrooms, something we should try to instill in them. As as children learn by example, by observation others, I doubt they will pick this up in the school system. My "superiors" are certainly not leading by serving me. Arbitrary deadlines. Refusal to acknowledge/recognize the personal, time, and financial sacrifices that we staff make....

That brings me back to the report card engine issues.

During negotiations for our current contract, we fought for and won PA days for report card writing. The board did not want to give this to us, but finally conceded. They argued that the days were unnecessary, since they felt we have ample time to write report cards during our school day, during our preps (40min/day). Apparently, they felt that teachers who wrote report cards at home during the evenings, and on weekends were "choosing" to do this....????

So our Friday Report Card writing day came...The system crashed as every teacher tried to login and write. No one managed to get anything done. So our board extended the report card deadline from a Friday to the following Monday, to allow us the weekend to write them. Apparently they do recognize that we use our own personal (family) time to write report cards... The board admin talks a lot about issues with our students--mainly to do with lack of help from parents at home....Well, I am too busy writing report cards to interact with my children....

Great Servant Leadership!

I'm in it for the money

2011-01-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

I don't care about your revolution. I just want to get paid.

Han Solo speaking to Princess Leia after rescuing her from the Death Star.

Currently watching Star Wars with the kids. Well, they are watching it, I am still working on report cards.

A line that made me think, though.

The struggle with trying to provide a nice life for my family, while staying true to my principals. I find myself thinking about doing things (investing, real estate, etc.) that I never would have thought about 15 years ago.

I think about about the time I put in at work, for how little I make per hour. The societal value of my job verses the numerical value of my job. Something needs to change.

Real estate (income properties)???? Do I become a landlord. Something I used to consider a parasite on the backs of labour? Do I justify it to myself by telling myself that I will be a different type of landlord?

Maybe I just keep hoping to win the Lottery...

Report Card Time...

2011-01-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

I really dislike writing report cards....lots of reasons. Not enough time to really express what I want to for each student. Not sure how to express...etc.

The main reason, however, is probably because I feel that I am not writing them for the parents. I am writing them for the Ministry of Education, the School Board, the Administrators (principal, vice-principal), etc.

And, of course, there is the question of how to write them. There is very little clear and accurate direction given about the expectations of report cards. Little consistency from school to school, principal to principal, term to term.

We have a new report card initiative from our ministry. On paper, I like it. Two report cards (plus a fall progress report) instead of three report cards. Language that is supposed to be more parent friendly, more clear about what students are learning, and how they are doing, instead of quoting provincial curriculum expectations and descriptors/qualifiers on their academic level.

In practice, however, they are not turning out so well. We are being told to write them a "new" way but have not been provided with any models on how to do this.

I hope the irony is not lost here. As a teacher, when introducing a new concept, when teaching a new skill to my students, I always model what I expect. Model how to do it, model what it should look like. I model how to write in paragraphs. I model how to use describing words, I model how to interact with others. Modelling what is expected is a cornerstone of good teaching practice. Yet here our Ministry of Education, and our boards, are telling us we need to just use our best judgement to write them, and if the reports are not written the way that they want them written, we will have to re-write them...

The other issue is time. I want to write a personalized, "parent-friendly language" report card for all of my students. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of understanding how my child is doing in school, and what I can do at home to support this learning. But where do I find the time. During the 1-2 weeks of report card writing time I tend to spend over 40 hours outside of school hours writing report cards. And that is the old way, and doing the minimum to get by. I have never happy with them, and wish I had more time to write better ones. I am not willing to sacrifice my time with my own family, with my children. I am tired of hearing "we are teachers, it is what we do" when the topic of all we do on our own time comes up. The more we do on our own time, the more the government, and the boards expect us to do.

Happy New Year...

2010-12-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year.
It is about 45 minutes into the new year, and I sit here doing something that has become a bit of a tradition for me. Something that my Grandfather instilled in me when I was around 10 (??)...Can't really remember how old I was, but I was definitely in elementary school, and I know this because of the house we were living in at the time.

I am reflecting, contemplating, and sipping.
Reflecting on my past year.
Contemplating my future year.
And sipping some Whiskey.

My parents used to host a New Year's party when I was a kid. Shortly before Midnight, when the adults had enough booze in them that the either did not mind, or did not notice, I would come downstairs and "join" the party. I remember fantastic snacks and food at these parties. My mom would make a chili two days in advance and let it sit. All the guests would bring food, and the dining room table would be covered.

The morning after the parties, my parents would sleep late (hungover...) and my brothers and I would feast on the leftover food. We would also raise the furniture for loose change. You know, between seat cushions....

At one of these parties, my grandfather told me about the importance of New Years. A time to reflect on you past--what did you learn. A time to contemplate the future--what do you plan to do, hope to accomplish. A time to sit some whiskey as you ponder where you are in your life, and what kind of person are you. He encouraged me to do this, as he did it, and we sat in silence for a few minutes--the only sound was the sound of the ice cubes in his tumbler as he sipped his Scotch Whiskey. After a few minutes, he told me that it was important to make some resolutions based upon one's contemplation. He encouraged me to do the same. I though for a moment, then responded. Probably something about studying more in school, trying to get along better with my brothers, etc. Good goals, he said, but encouraged me to think bigger as well. To think about small things, and how those small things can influence big things. I thought some more..."Maybe challenge other kids when they make racist jokes, maybe volunteer with a community development group", I said. He smiled.
I then asked him about his goals and new years resolutions.
He responded with something about spending some more time at the seniors centre, spending time with those with no family, and something about keeping the fight against our conservative government.
He also said something that surprised me: to not drink any more. He then took another sip of his scotch.
"But Grandpa," I said, "it is after midnight and you are drinking?"
'That's right," he said, "and I'm not going to drink any less, either!"

That was my grandfather. Very serious at one moment, and a clown the next.

That being said, ever since then, I have reflected, contemplated, and sipped.
Now my drink has changed, I prefer the Irish Whiskey (Red Breast to be exact), to the Scotch. But that might not be the scotch so much as the flavour--he drank Glenfiddich.
But the rest I do, right down to the corny resolution joke.

So, what can I reflect on. I "official" time at work by 40 minutes to I could pick up my son from Kindergarten. Definite good choice. A lot less stress for both of us from last year with someone different always picking him up. I've tried to change my 'mindset' at work. I can't save them all, I can't really save any of them, but I can do the best with what I have.
Contemplate: Is it time for a job change? Or perhaps a shift. (I almost called it a "career" and not a job--but that is a discussion for another day.)
My job is burning me out. Not as bad this year, but still happening. Working within a messed up system is eating me up. Definitely need to take some steps to change this...
Resolutions:
- Exercise a lot more--helps with the stress, help with how I feel about myself, and also helps with the lovin'
- Spend better time with my kids. Out, active, thinking, talking, exploring, etc.
- Improve the work situation....get some more qualifications, and look for a transfer.
And last but not least, I am not going to drink any more.
(sip, swallow...)
But I am not going to drink any less, either!

Canadian Conundrum

2010-12-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

I went to an 'interesting' party in Toronto last night. 70th anniversary/double 40th birthday party for friends of my mother. She was not going to go--the long drive, her health conditions, etc.--so I took her. She really wanted to go, this couple means a lot to her. She has been friends with these two for over 40 years.

The 'interesting' part, though, were the guests. There was a lot of money at this party. The hosts were a vet to the wealthy and a psychiatrist. The guest probably spend more money over the holidays than I make in a year. Mr. Glitter--hairstylist to the stars was in attendance. Professional service people to the wealthy: dentists & vets to the rich and famous, power stock brokers and financial planners, etc. Christ, their personal trainer was there, and from the sounds of his client list, he's probably making at least twice as much as me a year. Almost all the guests were over 50.

So, there I am at this part, feeling rather out of place, and knowing no one beyond the hosts, who I only really know who they are. But the affair is catered, servers walking around with trays of delicious food, and an endless supply of win, so I found a secluded corner to stand in, drank my bottomless glass of wine, munched some snacks, and observed people. The sociologist in me was actually rather enjoying this, watching how people were interacting. Throughout the night, different people came over to me, introduced themselves, and we chatted for a little while. Much of it was older women (and gay men) trying to feel good about themselves, flirting with a younger, attractive man. And they made sure I knew that they thought I was attractive....no worries.

One women in particular stands out though. Wealthy, and flaunting it. At first the usual small-talk: how do you know the hosts? How have your holidays been so far? etc. As the familiarly increased, however, so did the depth of conversation. She started complaining how Toronto had no good shops. Right, like I have a clue, or care. To illustrate her point she told me that she had been in Paris over the summer and bought an Armani jacket. Coming back to Canada, she regretted not buying the matching pants with the jacket, so she went to Holt Renfrew. They did not have the pants, nor did they have any pants that would suffice. She asked them to pull out the Armani catalogue and she showed them the pants that matched her jacket. Holt Renfrew did not carry those pants, because apparently in their words, it was too sophisticated for Toronto shoppers....

So where's the conundrum? Hold on, I'll get there...

So, the woman I am talking about is complaining about not being able to spend exorbitant amounts of money on excessive clothing. Her next topic of conversation? Poverty and wealth disparity in our country. Pardon me?

That's right. In her words, the levels of poverty in our country are disgusting. But worse than the poverty it the inequitable distribution of wealth. "How is it we can have people that are so rich, living such lavish lifestyles, while there are people who are struggling just to meet their basic needs?" she asks me. The conversation continued discussing social-political agendas of government and the influence of corporations on public policy, a comparison of Scandinavian counties with much lower levels of poverty, and a smaller gap between the rich and the poor, etc.

As is normal during party conversations, we went our separate ways shortly to mingle with others.

Really, I stayed in my corner, and she move on. In solitude once again, observing the guests, I started thinking about good old Canadian social democracy politics. Here is the Conundrum. Perhaps dialectic, or conflict would be better. But as a society, we, the people want more money, to make more money, to spend more money, to live in bigger houses, wear fancier clothes, have more toys, etc. But we also want that for others. Sometimes we feel guilty that others do not have what we have. We recognize that there is a very distinct discrepancy of wealth in our country, and recognize the contradiction that some, many really, can live in extreme poverty, while many other can live in extreme wealth. We donate money to charities, we talk about the poor and criticize some government ministry/department as being part of the problem.

But do we talk about a solution? A real solution?
That's probably a topic for another post....

Joan Jett Barbie!

2010-12-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

My daughter (3) wants Barbies for christmas. Krap. What am I to do. Before I had kids, the decision was easy: "My kids will never have Barbies!" "No Barbies in my house!"
Now, it is not so easy.

It's not so much "Barbie" I detest, but what Barbie represents. Unrealistic body image, subservient women, focus on fashion, not function, etc. A toy industry that as part of a greater capitalist society markets toys to kids with the sole purpose of selling as many as possible, and making as much money as possible, with little or no interest in constructive childhood development.

Barbie is just one part of the larger picture, though. Through mass media, advertising, and a society as a whole that functions on the division of people and labour in order to keep afloat.

The other night my partner Jill and I were lying in bed discussing Sidney's Christmas wish of Barbies--princess Barbies no less; where did this girl come from???

At first I was arguing against Barbie, and rather surprised with Jill that we were even having this discussion, as she used to detest Barbie more than me...But a case was made: Sidney plays with (donated) Barbies and other dolls at daycare. To her, they are just dolls to play with. It is our (her parents) job to help her develop a positive self-image, and to be an advocate for women's right to self-determination, as she will be bombarded with negative messages all multiple medium throughout her life.

One more point really struck home: my son Rowan plays with the barbies at daycare, but in the storage room, as he is embarrassed to play with them in the play room. He is only 5 and has already started to develop a sense of stereotypical gender roles. He is starting to think that it is "wrong" to play with dolls, and is afraid some of the other kids will make fun of him, but he really enjoys playing make believe & dress-up.

My only rebuttal: Dolls yes, Barbies no....
I would sleep on it....

The next day I get a text from Jill at work: JOAN JETT BARBIE!
Jill was at a toy store and found it.
My reply: "BUY IT!!!"

I love Joan Jett. She is a major influential personality in the beginnings of music I love--Punk Rock.
Now some may argue that she "sold out." Krap, 5 years ago I would have curses her name as a "sell-out".
But now, I can't wait to play with my daughter and her Joan Jett Barbie in black leather, with her guitar hanging over her shoulder. To play some Runaways on the stereo and do some air guitar, to create a doll punk band. To pull out my own guitar to play along, and teach my kids some of the music.

So, I caved, I sold out, whatever, my daughter will receive Barbies for Christmas. [celebrating christmas--there is a whole other topic of conflict for another time]

But maybe in a few years, her barbies will have purple mohawks, safety-pin piercings, anarchy tattoos, and Sidney will be having a make-believe women's rights protest in our living room, demanding abortion on demand, equal pay for equal work, subsidized daycare, and repreentative unions!

Happy Holidays,
Devo

Kindergarten Christmas Concert

2010-12-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Went to Rowan's christmas concert this afternoon. What a blast!
The class lost three days of rehearsal due to the snow days that started our week.

That being said, it was a hit. Damn these kids are cute.
Rowan is hilarious. Very tentative. A little stage fright by the look on his face.
Once the music started and he started singing, though, he loosened up--well, a little bit at least.

After the concert there was a reception in the gym--coffee, baked goods, juice for the kids.
I think the kids enjoyed this more than the singing--running around with their friends, eating treats, etc.