...is a hallmark of a character community...is something you should think about a lot if you work in the public sector...
I heard on CBC this morning that Coretta Scott King has died. I saw her once, in a church in downtown Toronto, it was probably about 1990 or 1991. I have to admit I had very little idea of who she was at the time. And believe it or not, I had never heard "We shall overcome" until I sang it that day. Since then I've watched the entire "I have a dream speech" and become teary thinking about how things were, and how things might have been if not for the restraint of people like Martin Luther King, and the strength lent to him by the people he trusted as his advisors.
And speaking of personal integrity...there goes Catherine, off to make it happen for herself...
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
fall down go boom
I once met* Paul Martin...
*if met means sat in the back of a big lecture hall and shook his hand after a speech
...It was when I was in university, maybe 1994 or 95. I don't remember much about what he said, but I'm thinking the word deficit figured prominently. I also remember noting how all the Young Liberals around him in the pulpit were wearing either red pantsuits or red ties. The new uniform.
I later had this dream where I was sitting on an ugly shag carpet next to Paul Martin who was sitting in a completely unfashionable chair watching a 70s type television set. He turned to me and said "Why don't they understand?". As people are wont to do with dreams, I always wondered if this meant anything about my life. Now that he's on the outs, confirmed by the only poll that really matters, I wonder again.
I think maybe it's about the seductive nature of politics. I think most people go into the biz expecting to change the world. It doesn't really work that way. I guess as in life you make the best decisions you can with what you have at the time. As in life it never seems to be enough.
And now Stephen Harper is PM. Ironically, I once wrote a story, I think it was called "A Privy Council" and while mapping out the story line I guessed he was Reform's best bet for PM (this was around the same time as the Martin event, mentioned above). Can't remember the year I guessed him at...it wasn't part of the story, just a vehicle to understand things in my mind before committing them to paper. I do think it was a good story too, but it could never fly now, in the post-9/11 era, since in it, the PM gets killed while in Parliament.
Anyway, I think I somehow thought that if Harper won, his party would have become a lot more centrist than they are, or they seem to be, or I have been led to believe.
Have to keep an open mind about these things. I've gotta find that story again...
*if met means sat in the back of a big lecture hall and shook his hand after a speech
...It was when I was in university, maybe 1994 or 95. I don't remember much about what he said, but I'm thinking the word deficit figured prominently. I also remember noting how all the Young Liberals around him in the pulpit were wearing either red pantsuits or red ties. The new uniform.
I later had this dream where I was sitting on an ugly shag carpet next to Paul Martin who was sitting in a completely unfashionable chair watching a 70s type television set. He turned to me and said "Why don't they understand?". As people are wont to do with dreams, I always wondered if this meant anything about my life. Now that he's on the outs, confirmed by the only poll that really matters, I wonder again.
I think maybe it's about the seductive nature of politics. I think most people go into the biz expecting to change the world. It doesn't really work that way. I guess as in life you make the best decisions you can with what you have at the time. As in life it never seems to be enough.
And now Stephen Harper is PM. Ironically, I once wrote a story, I think it was called "A Privy Council" and while mapping out the story line I guessed he was Reform's best bet for PM (this was around the same time as the Martin event, mentioned above). Can't remember the year I guessed him at...it wasn't part of the story, just a vehicle to understand things in my mind before committing them to paper. I do think it was a good story too, but it could never fly now, in the post-9/11 era, since in it, the PM gets killed while in Parliament.
Anyway, I think I somehow thought that if Harper won, his party would have become a lot more centrist than they are, or they seem to be, or I have been led to believe.
Have to keep an open mind about these things. I've gotta find that story again...
Friday, January 20, 2006
Commercial Intent
That last one was just a test for Catherine. I never got around to deleting it before, and since I haven't gotten to it yet....well, it'll stay.
So the Conservative Party has an ad for BC only that superimposes Jack Layton's moustache on regular people while they say things like "I want higher gas prices". You can see it from here, just look for the one called "Jack Talk".
Aside from the fact that I don't think it's true, what they say about the NDP that is (and it's also not true what "they" say, at least to a lesser extent, about the Conservatives and the Liberals), where are the people crying out against this open discrimination against the mustachioed?!?!
I said "to a lesser extent" in parentheses up there because I'm a little weary when the Conservatives don't let some of their candidates see the light of day. One would suppose it's because under the light of day, and closer examination, they are just not so pretty and "evolved" as they might seem. Yes, being an evangelical Christian is a protected Charter right, but people have the right to know how you would vote about things. And hiding like that is, well, just plain suspicious. And it's okay to let him about because democracy may be sexy but it's so not pretty sometimes, but that's kinda what makes it sexy. It's a mess. That's what makes it what it is.
As for the Liberals, well, the attack ads against them talk about being under investigation for violating the trust of Canadians. I think that might be true, eh?
I noticed that someone has added a new sign among the mountain of others at a particular intersection on my way to work. It's a lovely coloured paper, hand made job that says simply "Apathetic". Funny thing is I don't think one could spend time making such a sign if one were truly apathetic. But it's entertaining.
So the Conservative Party has an ad for BC only that superimposes Jack Layton's moustache on regular people while they say things like "I want higher gas prices". You can see it from here, just look for the one called "Jack Talk".
Aside from the fact that I don't think it's true, what they say about the NDP that is (and it's also not true what "they" say, at least to a lesser extent, about the Conservatives and the Liberals), where are the people crying out against this open discrimination against the mustachioed?!?!
I said "to a lesser extent" in parentheses up there because I'm a little weary when the Conservatives don't let some of their candidates see the light of day. One would suppose it's because under the light of day, and closer examination, they are just not so pretty and "evolved" as they might seem. Yes, being an evangelical Christian is a protected Charter right, but people have the right to know how you would vote about things. And hiding like that is, well, just plain suspicious. And it's okay to let him about because democracy may be sexy but it's so not pretty sometimes, but that's kinda what makes it sexy. It's a mess. That's what makes it what it is.
As for the Liberals, well, the attack ads against them talk about being under investigation for violating the trust of Canadians. I think that might be true, eh?
I noticed that someone has added a new sign among the mountain of others at a particular intersection on my way to work. It's a lovely coloured paper, hand made job that says simply "Apathetic". Funny thing is I don't think one could spend time making such a sign if one were truly apathetic. But it's entertaining.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Do they really believe this bullshit?
I think the answer is no, but the problem is that you might.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the Toronto Star is aiding and abetting the Liberal Party. And if you've read any of my previous posts, you know I'm saying this as a person with a mightily overdeveloped left wing. What I'm saying is that it would be easier for me to support my arguments if I argued that the Star wasn't biased.
But I'm beginning to think that's just bullshit.
Today's headline is "Tory Win = Swift Change". When the article continues on page 4, the headline is "Tory plan 'incompetent:' Martin". What made them choose to put one on the front page, and one on page 4? I think if I wanted to sway soft Tory voters I'd do what they did; it's like saying "Attention People: Things will change big time and you know how you hate change". But will things really change? I mean history hasn't really indicated that this is the case. If the Liberals promised to ditch the GST, and they didn't, will the Conservatives really lower the GST after they're elected? And I'm not even really sure that I care that much at this point.
So the truth is that I don't really want a Conservative government. Not, as the Liberals warn, because I actually think that, if given a majority, they will proceed to ban abortion, illegalize same-sex marriage and the like, but because I wouldn't want to live in a place where the people in charge simply pondered such things.
When I was at Disney, there was a guy in the training who, when I said I was Canadian, seethed a bit and asked if I knew a lot of people who smoked pot. On another occasion when I was in the sunny state, two women announced to me that they were lesbians upon discovering I was Canadian, as if it meant that it was okay to talk about such things in the presence of a Canadian. Maybe they assumed I wouldn't be judgmental. And that's cool, I'm not. But fortunately for them it wasn't a Tory backbencher at that bus stop with them.
I guess my point is that I kinda like the reputation. And I wouldn't like a different reputation. And it's all about the reputation because I really have no idea how to get my hands on some marijuana even if I wanted to. But I guess now the right-wingers of this fine land want a little time to enjoy the kind of rep they prefer.
But the problem is that their kinda rep doesn't piss off Americans as much as I personally find enjoyable.
But I guess that's all just bullshit anyway. 'Cause no matter what happens, I will not be waking up on the 24th of January worried about Armageddon.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the Toronto Star is aiding and abetting the Liberal Party. And if you've read any of my previous posts, you know I'm saying this as a person with a mightily overdeveloped left wing. What I'm saying is that it would be easier for me to support my arguments if I argued that the Star wasn't biased.
But I'm beginning to think that's just bullshit.
Today's headline is "Tory Win = Swift Change". When the article continues on page 4, the headline is "Tory plan 'incompetent:' Martin". What made them choose to put one on the front page, and one on page 4? I think if I wanted to sway soft Tory voters I'd do what they did; it's like saying "Attention People: Things will change big time and you know how you hate change". But will things really change? I mean history hasn't really indicated that this is the case. If the Liberals promised to ditch the GST, and they didn't, will the Conservatives really lower the GST after they're elected? And I'm not even really sure that I care that much at this point.
So the truth is that I don't really want a Conservative government. Not, as the Liberals warn, because I actually think that, if given a majority, they will proceed to ban abortion, illegalize same-sex marriage and the like, but because I wouldn't want to live in a place where the people in charge simply pondered such things.
When I was at Disney, there was a guy in the training who, when I said I was Canadian, seethed a bit and asked if I knew a lot of people who smoked pot. On another occasion when I was in the sunny state, two women announced to me that they were lesbians upon discovering I was Canadian, as if it meant that it was okay to talk about such things in the presence of a Canadian. Maybe they assumed I wouldn't be judgmental. And that's cool, I'm not. But fortunately for them it wasn't a Tory backbencher at that bus stop with them.
I guess my point is that I kinda like the reputation. And I wouldn't like a different reputation. And it's all about the reputation because I really have no idea how to get my hands on some marijuana even if I wanted to. But I guess now the right-wingers of this fine land want a little time to enjoy the kind of rep they prefer.
But the problem is that their kinda rep doesn't piss off Americans as much as I personally find enjoyable.
But I guess that's all just bullshit anyway. 'Cause no matter what happens, I will not be waking up on the 24th of January worried about Armageddon.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
I'll cover you?
Firstly, I haven't read it, this now nefarious "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. I confess I have read a few Oprah picks and I have found them all to be fairly sappy. And they all seem to have the same story. I'd heard about this one, and it sounded like it might be different, but it's still far from the top of my list. At least it was, maybe not that far any more.
So even though I don't agree with her book club choices, I think Oprah has done a great service to the American people in promoting the concept of *reading*, and sadly, most of them seem to rather desperately need egging on in this regard.
But it would now appear that James Frey lied. His "memoir" is somewhere between personal recollections, exaggerates truths and outright fabrication, depending on who you listen to. Here's the thing...we all know that Mordecai Richler was writing about his life and the lives of those he knew. He just changed the names. Oh, and one more thing, he called it *fiction*. I don't understand why it would somehow work better to call it *nonfiction*. I mean I like memoirs too, but that wouldn't make me change my mind and buy it if I wasn't already inclined to do so.
But so what if he lied, at least in this scenario. It was a good story right? Granted his publisher might have legal recourse or something, but for the average reader, does the knowledge that a story wasn't true (or totally true) after all make you enjoy the book any less in hindsight?
I think the truth is that Oprah can only get so far with most Americans. Maybe the book was good, but money is always the bottom line. And if there's a refund available....why not?
For the record, I did buy a Milli Vanilli cassette and no, I did not return it for a refund when the truth was revealed. They lied, but, at least at the time, I still like the music.
So even though I don't agree with her book club choices, I think Oprah has done a great service to the American people in promoting the concept of *reading*, and sadly, most of them seem to rather desperately need egging on in this regard.
But it would now appear that James Frey lied. His "memoir" is somewhere between personal recollections, exaggerates truths and outright fabrication, depending on who you listen to. Here's the thing...we all know that Mordecai Richler was writing about his life and the lives of those he knew. He just changed the names. Oh, and one more thing, he called it *fiction*. I don't understand why it would somehow work better to call it *nonfiction*. I mean I like memoirs too, but that wouldn't make me change my mind and buy it if I wasn't already inclined to do so.
But so what if he lied, at least in this scenario. It was a good story right? Granted his publisher might have legal recourse or something, but for the average reader, does the knowledge that a story wasn't true (or totally true) after all make you enjoy the book any less in hindsight?
I think the truth is that Oprah can only get so far with most Americans. Maybe the book was good, but money is always the bottom line. And if there's a refund available....why not?
For the record, I did buy a Milli Vanilli cassette and no, I did not return it for a refund when the truth was revealed. They lied, but, at least at the time, I still like the music.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Just smile
In my humble opinion, January is not the most stellar of months. So why anyone would name a child after it is beyond comprehension to me. On the other hand, it is sort of a pretty word, independent of the snow and cold and hibernation.
When my mom was at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute she roomed with one woman who had a daughter named January. Once, in this woman's presence, my mom told me that she had met her daughter (probably about the same age as my mom), and that her name was Jan, short for January. I turned to this woman and remarked about how nice a name it was and the most peaceful smile came over her face and her eyes immediately brightened. I don't remember her name. I don't remember her specific challenge--though it was in the neuro-rehab section, so that would give you some idea. But I do remember that smile.
When my mom was at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute she roomed with one woman who had a daughter named January. Once, in this woman's presence, my mom told me that she had met her daughter (probably about the same age as my mom), and that her name was Jan, short for January. I turned to this woman and remarked about how nice a name it was and the most peaceful smile came over her face and her eyes immediately brightened. I don't remember her name. I don't remember her specific challenge--though it was in the neuro-rehab section, so that would give you some idea. But I do remember that smile.
Monday, January 02, 2006
gonna be a happy new year
As you know, I really despise several of the holidays (specifically their baggage) so it's probably not surprising that I think of the new year more as a September-after-labour-day thing and not January 1. Nonetheless, new beginnings are often hard to come by, so why not. This year I rang in the new year with Anderson Cooper (mwah!).
Things I should be doing, right now and for ever:
Posting more often, the promise of 98% of the bloggers out there, in case you haven't noticed
Cleaning
Writing
Cleaning
Making a dentist appointment
which reminds me, I need to clean the house more
and I should also be eating healthier
and cleaning
Just as all things are possible on opening day (hey, even the Cubs could be World Series Champions) so are things at the dawn of a new year. Which is really just an artificial construction anyway, made all the more clear by this controversy over 2005 having an extra second, but, whatever...
Things I should be doing, right now and for ever:
Posting more often, the promise of 98% of the bloggers out there, in case you haven't noticed
Cleaning
Writing
Cleaning
Making a dentist appointment
which reminds me, I need to clean the house more
and I should also be eating healthier
and cleaning
Just as all things are possible on opening day (hey, even the Cubs could be World Series Champions) so are things at the dawn of a new year. Which is really just an artificial construction anyway, made all the more clear by this controversy over 2005 having an extra second, but, whatever...
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