Government educational bureaucracy vs. teachers' union.
I love this quote from a related article:
Union locals around the province have also proposed that the federation endorse a call for more mandatory physical activity each day, voice-care workshops for teachers in music, gym and language, and that the curriculum include information about the labour movement.
Less time on math and literacy, more time singing "There is Power in a Union".
There seems to be an abundance of time for taking field trips to the ice slides during Winterlude and demonstrating how to put condoms on bananas, but apparently when they have to prepare for some math and literacy tests, the cry goes up that "It's taking away from precious teaching time!!"
What are they doing (or not doing) every day in school that necessitates this arduous, extra-special time of preparation for basic skill testing?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Throw some cold water on this idea.
This could really alter the way we think about the universal solvent...not to mention how it would change the meaning of many common idioms:
"He's dead in the water!"
"Jack's life is water under the bridge."
"Come hell or high water...depending on whether or not you believe in the afterlife."
"Who was that blond drink of water?"
"She is now as dull as dishwater."
"Don't throw out Bob with the bathwater."
"Blood is precisely the same thickness as water."
You get the pitcher.
h/t SDA
"He's dead in the water!"
"Jack's life is water under the bridge."
"Come hell or high water...depending on whether or not you believe in the afterlife."
"Who was that blond drink of water?"
"She is now as dull as dishwater."
"Don't throw out Bob with the bathwater."
"Blood is precisely the same thickness as water."
You get the pitcher.
h/t SDA
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Dan and Anna, this one's for you, with all our love and prayers.
Here's hoping your life-long duet will be as sweet as this one!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Your irony supplement of the day.
I dropped my car at the dealership today because of a tire problem. During the complementary shuttle ride back to my home, we had to return to the dealership...because of a tire problem.
Water is also leaking into my car's hatch and out of my washing machine. And it's not even Friday the 13th yet.
Time to go and wait for the repairman.
Water is also leaking into my car's hatch and out of my washing machine. And it's not even Friday the 13th yet.
Time to go and wait for the repairman.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Is that all there is?
Andrea Mrozek at PWPL:
Certainly, it was never a critical goal of feminism to teach girls to be bubble-brained sex objects. I get that. But it seems logical that in forcing all of us to consider sexuality as the main driver of who we are (and in part, that’s what “feminism” does) then a natural response is to let sexuality drive who you are. (Modern feminism included teaching girls they have sex drives, sex lives and sexual desires that are exactly the same as a man’s.) So really, is it so surprising our world is very sexual today?
Similar thoughts cross my mind whenever I have to run the gauntlet of sex-obsessed "women's" magazines at my local Loblaws checkout. You would think women were good for (and solely interested in the 25 naughtiest ways to do) one thing only.
This is from the Maclean's article upon which Andrea comments, and to which she links in the above post:
Vonk recalls wearing satin hot pants when she was 15. “But it was a different time,” she says. “Back then there was at least equal premium put on intellect and what was in your head. It was the opposite of ‘Go out and please men.’ ”
I haven't done all the research, but I think wearing satin hot pants may not fall into the "opposite of pleasing men" category. And I doubt that boys who were impressed by her satin hot pants were thinking, "She sure looks like an intellectual." Is it okay to become a sex object as long as your user knows you're smart, too? What level of self-degradation is acceptable for a young woman?
If you're going to extend to an entire generation the license to do whatever they want, don't wonder why they act with complete and selfish abandon.
Certainly, it was never a critical goal of feminism to teach girls to be bubble-brained sex objects. I get that. But it seems logical that in forcing all of us to consider sexuality as the main driver of who we are (and in part, that’s what “feminism” does) then a natural response is to let sexuality drive who you are. (Modern feminism included teaching girls they have sex drives, sex lives and sexual desires that are exactly the same as a man’s.) So really, is it so surprising our world is very sexual today?
Similar thoughts cross my mind whenever I have to run the gauntlet of sex-obsessed "women's" magazines at my local Loblaws checkout. You would think women were good for (and solely interested in the 25 naughtiest ways to do) one thing only.
This is from the Maclean's article upon which Andrea comments, and to which she links in the above post:
Vonk recalls wearing satin hot pants when she was 15. “But it was a different time,” she says. “Back then there was at least equal premium put on intellect and what was in your head. It was the opposite of ‘Go out and please men.’ ”
I haven't done all the research, but I think wearing satin hot pants may not fall into the "opposite of pleasing men" category. And I doubt that boys who were impressed by her satin hot pants were thinking, "She sure looks like an intellectual." Is it okay to become a sex object as long as your user knows you're smart, too? What level of self-degradation is acceptable for a young woman?
If you're going to extend to an entire generation the license to do whatever they want, don't wonder why they act with complete and selfish abandon.
Because you can't spell 'arses' wihtout the letters S-E-A-R-S
I haven't seen these posters Sears is supposed to be selling, but considering that they have been hawking items stamped with the Playboy logo for several years (nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like a blanket that reminds you of pornography, right?) I don't think actual porn would be much of a stretch for them. I was also unimpressed by their use of a Rosary to adorn some model's cleavage in their fall catalog a couple of years back. Given the quality of much of their non-brand name merchandise and the level of service we encountered before we gave up shopping there, I'd say this is just one more piece of crap on the pile.
Chivalry
Brigitte Pellerin at ProWomanProLife asks and answers an important question.
I don't think chivalry is dead. Even in that state, chivalry would not be caught wearing its hat like this:
When all this transpired, chivalry was most likely waiting in line at the concession to get a beer...for a lady friend, of course.
I don't think chivalry is dead. Even in that state, chivalry would not be caught wearing its hat like this:
When all this transpired, chivalry was most likely waiting in line at the concession to get a beer...for a lady friend, of course.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Why yes, I DO want my man to smell like he could bake me a gourmet cake in the dream kitchen he built for me with his own hands!
I would also like him to do all those things, but (to paraphrase Monty Burns) alas, it is beyond the powers of a mere body wash.
I heard about the Old Spice Man Twitter phenomenon from my brother-in-law about a month ago so I am commenting on it in timely fashion. Here's my in-depth assessment of this completely original ad campaign: it's FUNNY! But the concept will only grow stale as other lame-oes try to pile on the bandwagon. So enjoy this advertising innovation before the wheels come right off.
Yes, I am on the cutting edge of social media! What can I say? I am just one ridiculously lazy person. I can't blog about everything.
If they don't think God exists, why do they seem to hate Him so much?
Read this:
I have been a Catholic for a long time and I have never heard the words "atheism" or "atheist" ever mentioned in church. An atheist prior to converting to Catholicism, I can assure you that that community is obsessed with the Church and incapable of discussing anything but the most recent reason for hating us. They never talk about the wonders and glories of atheism. They never raise virtuous atheists as models for themselves and their children. They never organize themselves to help the unfortunate. Frankly, after a couple of years, I simply couldn't take it anymore. I left atheism behind because it was snarky, sniping and moribund, revelling in its bitterness and denial. It is amazing that anyone survives the wholesale rejection of logic and reality, never mind hope, as they cherrypick data to uphold their opinions.
Then look back at this. (It's the atheism your atheism could smell like.)
I have been a Catholic for a long time and I have never heard the words "atheism" or "atheist" ever mentioned in church. An atheist prior to converting to Catholicism, I can assure you that that community is obsessed with the Church and incapable of discussing anything but the most recent reason for hating us. They never talk about the wonders and glories of atheism. They never raise virtuous atheists as models for themselves and their children. They never organize themselves to help the unfortunate. Frankly, after a couple of years, I simply couldn't take it anymore. I left atheism behind because it was snarky, sniping and moribund, revelling in its bitterness and denial. It is amazing that anyone survives the wholesale rejection of logic and reality, never mind hope, as they cherrypick data to uphold their opinions.
Then look back at this. (It's the atheism your atheism could smell like.)
Monday, August 9, 2010
In a word, "No. GOshshshsh!!"
This gave me a good laugh. I think it's both interesting and quite telling that an atheist is included in a discussion of different religious viewpoints.
I'm glad he doesn't feel like he has to recruit. His Napoleon-Dynamite-with-a mean-streak method of irrelevant pokes at Christianity isn't all that convincing.
I'm glad he doesn't feel like he has to recruit. His Napoleon-Dynamite-with-a mean-streak method of irrelevant pokes at Christianity isn't all that convincing.
The legacy continues.
Breaking News for the Ontario Human Rights Commission...
... involving a public personality named "Mark" and hurtful statements concerning a certain religious group and mosquitoes!!
(Scroll down to #8.)
Oh, wait...it's just someone slagging Christians. Never mind, OHRC. You've got better things to do.
P.S. Googling for news about the OHRC opens up this rich vein of comedy:
Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall today released the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2009-2010 Annual Report. In issuing this year's report, Ms. Hall stated, "Our work can be summed up in three words: educate, empower and act..."
I think three better words would be, "Fire. Them. All."
(Scroll down to #8.)
Oh, wait...it's just someone slagging Christians. Never mind, OHRC. You've got better things to do.
P.S. Googling for news about the OHRC opens up this rich vein of comedy:
Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall today released the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2009-2010 Annual Report. In issuing this year's report, Ms. Hall stated, "Our work can be summed up in three words: educate, empower and act..."
I think three better words would be, "Fire. Them. All."
A Story About Courage
Life Site News features a story about a Lutheran pastor who
"has been outspoken in his defense of traditional marriage and who has criticized the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for allowing individuals in active homosexual relationships to serve as clergy."
He also deals with his own feelings of same-sex attraction by devoting himself to prayer and striving to live a life of chastity. That these entirely consistent actions were viewed as hypocritical and in need of exposure highlights the profound misunderstanding many people have regarding orthodox Christian teaching about homosexuality - and about sexuality in general. Christianity says to people who experience same-sex attraction just what it says to the single man attracted to a married woman, to the man who is tempted to drink too much, to the woman who is tempted to spend too much, and to all of us sinners: choose the freedom of life in Christ instead of being enslaved by your passions.
"has been outspoken in his defense of traditional marriage and who has criticized the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for allowing individuals in active homosexual relationships to serve as clergy."
He also deals with his own feelings of same-sex attraction by devoting himself to prayer and striving to live a life of chastity. That these entirely consistent actions were viewed as hypocritical and in need of exposure highlights the profound misunderstanding many people have regarding orthodox Christian teaching about homosexuality - and about sexuality in general. Christianity says to people who experience same-sex attraction just what it says to the single man attracted to a married woman, to the man who is tempted to drink too much, to the woman who is tempted to spend too much, and to all of us sinners: choose the freedom of life in Christ instead of being enslaved by your passions.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
That pretty well sums it up.
Mr. Greydanus posts an amusing and informative illustration contrasting the creative processes at Pixar and Dreamworks.
Competite Your Level!!
This toy my son received at a local restaurant is even more fun when you flip it over and read the instructions:
(Click on image for a larger view.)
For more such fun, see Engrish.com.
(Click on image for a larger view.)
For more such fun, see Engrish.com.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Dear Mr. Butt, I am writing this to you....
Now that our Saskatchewan vacation is over, I am treating my homesickness with regular doses of Corner Gas. I love the shots that feature one of my favorite CG characters: the vast and beautiful prairie.
Nothing to get in the way and spoil your view, indeed. Thank you to loyal reader Doris Rose Jones for this lovely photo.
And thank you, Brent Butt. I love you like the ninth brother I never had. (Yes, Jeffy, you are still #8. You did give us the Corner Gas DVDs for Christmas, after all.)
And thank you, Brent Butt. I love you like the ninth brother I never had. (Yes, Jeffy, you are still #8. You did give us the Corner Gas DVDs for Christmas, after all.)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
How much is one teaspoon divided by 30 million?
And here I thought it was my job to decide how much salt I eat.
Here's the money quote:
Concern is also mounting about the federal government’s commitment to the plan, which would require significant money, time and energy over many years.
I'll say - can you imagine how many salt shakers there are in this country? All their hard work of getting the sodium out of the deliciously salty bacon double cheeseburger will be for nothing if we just come home and down a couple of shakers, as your average non-governmentally-supervised Canadian is apt to do. Our nation's salt cellars must be fitted with some kind of meter...and it'll have to be highly adjustable since salt shakers come in so many fun shapes. Maybe they could tax salt the way they do cigarettes. I can hear our beneficent caregiver, Nanny McFee, rumbling toward the nursery now.
Here's the money quote:
Concern is also mounting about the federal government’s commitment to the plan, which would require significant money, time and energy over many years.
I'll say - can you imagine how many salt shakers there are in this country? All their hard work of getting the sodium out of the deliciously salty bacon double cheeseburger will be for nothing if we just come home and down a couple of shakers, as your average non-governmentally-supervised Canadian is apt to do. Our nation's salt cellars must be fitted with some kind of meter...and it'll have to be highly adjustable since salt shakers come in so many fun shapes. Maybe they could tax salt the way they do cigarettes. I can hear our beneficent caregiver, Nanny McFee, rumbling toward the nursery now.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
crap; their goe's my carrear
Alternate tittle: "Copy and past the link bellow,"
Alternate tittle II: Howe stoopid do you thingk I am?
I opened this email on July 15 (it was sent July 3), which means I totally missed my chance at literary greatness. (Links are dead or altered for obvious reasons). I'm just disappointed that they did not misspell writing as "writting," because they were doing so well otherwise.
Alternate tittle II: Howe stoopid do you thingk I am?
I opened this email on July 15 (it was sent July 3), which means I totally missed my chance at literary greatness. (Links are dead or altered for obvious reasons). I'm just disappointed that they did not misspell writing as "writting," because they were doing so well otherwise.
Hello,
We would like to know if you would be interested in working from home in your spare time writing short articles for us. You will be paid up to $100.00 - $500.00 per hour writing these articles and stories.
We will also pay you up to $25.00 - $50.00 per hour for posing in blogs, and up to $5000 for each fiction or non fiction story we ask you to write.BTW, I wonder what "posing" in blogs entails? Not sure I want to know.
Press here if you are interested
You have a 48-hour window to claim a position before we fill it.
Press here to begin and learn more or copy and past the link bellow, into your browser
http://****************.com/
All my best,
Real Writing Jobs
Monday, July 5, 2010
Coincidence? I think NOT!!
I guess this is a good time for me to go on vacation, too, since there will be nothing out there to read for a little while ....
See all three of you later, loyal readers! But not you, Dick.
See all three of you later, loyal readers! But not you, Dick.
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