Today I witnessed the aftermath of a robbery of a group of tourists outside of Tim Horton's. The man walked up to the minivan where two people had fallen asleep while their family went to get food and silently plucked a bag with their wallets and passports.
Me and my co-workers were parked right next to them at the Whatcom Exit. We probably walked right by the thief. Oddly enough I made a point to lock my door.
I would suggest that one of the authors of Freakanomics, Dr. Stephen Levitt, do an analysis of the crime problem. He has an interesting way of interpreting data, and provides a novel answer to the crime drop in the 90's. Perhaps he can find a solution a little more thought-out than "More cops". No disrespect intended; I am simply pointing out that there are deeper, smarter ways of fighting a war than increasing the number of soldiers.
As a Canadian I wish to express my outrage at this evil act . I hope that you either feel my outrage that this should happen to guests in our country, or at least remain aware of thieves in Abbotsford.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
What the BCTF?
Mr. Gates has some wise words in this video clip (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/bill_gates_unplugged.html). All people should consider them, especially teachers who oppose standardized testing.
The BC Teachers Federation is vehemently opposed to data collection via the Foundation Skills Assessment (given to grades 4 and 7) and how it is used by the Fraser Institute. These data are manipulated by the Fraser Institute in various ways to gauge the effectiveness of teachers, schools and the curriculum. Opponents say that some of the claims are invalid and paint an unfair picture of a teacher’s ability.
This may be true but it is the best testing system that British Columbians have; it is not enough. As Mr. Gates suggested, we have to attack the problem of education reform with full-force.
A defensive teachers union, terrified about showing the public that it has poor workers on its roster, is counter-productive and schools like KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program, www.kipp.org/) show a truly innovative and aggressive approach to tackling an important problem of our time. The BCTF should be against the FSA and lobby for a better, more comprehensive test. Give the Fraser Institute something to work with.
The union must take an active role in properly gauging and assessing its members, because the goal is not teacher protection. The goal is to produce educated, and motivated students.
BC schools and teachers need to be tested more often, shortcomings need to be evaluated and solved, and a better overall strategy is needed in our teaching system.
The Fraser Institute is working with what small amount of information that it has, but this is not its fault. That blame belongs to those who would oppose an evaluation and fundamental change to a defunct system.
Look at the issue objectively and consider what is the harm in having additional knowledge about one of the most important social programs in the country. Consider the impact of the testing process and whether it harms students as the BCTF claims. Take a look at alternative forms of education like KIPP and consider.
The BC Teachers Federation is vehemently opposed to data collection via the Foundation Skills Assessment (given to grades 4 and 7) and how it is used by the Fraser Institute. These data are manipulated by the Fraser Institute in various ways to gauge the effectiveness of teachers, schools and the curriculum. Opponents say that some of the claims are invalid and paint an unfair picture of a teacher’s ability.
This may be true but it is the best testing system that British Columbians have; it is not enough. As Mr. Gates suggested, we have to attack the problem of education reform with full-force.
A defensive teachers union, terrified about showing the public that it has poor workers on its roster, is counter-productive and schools like KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program, www.kipp.org/) show a truly innovative and aggressive approach to tackling an important problem of our time. The BCTF should be against the FSA and lobby for a better, more comprehensive test. Give the Fraser Institute something to work with.
The union must take an active role in properly gauging and assessing its members, because the goal is not teacher protection. The goal is to produce educated, and motivated students.
BC schools and teachers need to be tested more often, shortcomings need to be evaluated and solved, and a better overall strategy is needed in our teaching system.
The Fraser Institute is working with what small amount of information that it has, but this is not its fault. That blame belongs to those who would oppose an evaluation and fundamental change to a defunct system.
Look at the issue objectively and consider what is the harm in having additional knowledge about one of the most important social programs in the country. Consider the impact of the testing process and whether it harms students as the BCTF claims. Take a look at alternative forms of education like KIPP and consider.
Conservitism in the US
It only makes sense that the US political spectrum has moved from Left and Right to Centre Right and Crazy (thank you Bill Maher), it has been the most powerful and prosperous country in the world for the last 50 years. Prosperity and power mean that life is good, and there is a direct impetus to conserve. Conserve the way of life. Conserve the easy life.
But at the moment life is not so easy for many people in the US, and they have voted-in a Democrat. There is, however, a resistance in their politics, a lag that is frustrating Mr. Obama and many left wing people. Why, if they are holding all the cards in both houses, is it so hard to get things done? Why is Obama having such a tough time?
Both the Democrats and the Republicans are being too conservative to real change, and clinging to a lost ideal. They only want to make small changes.Why?
The people are still too prosperous, too rich. There simply aren’t enough poor people to demand proper change. Maybe we will see some soon, but the conniption that happened last October was, for the most part, about people losing their computers, cars and ipods. Think about all the horrible things that happened and gauge them against each other:
Houses Lost = Very unfortunate, but you caused it my making a bonehead purchase that you can’t afford.
Solution = Rent and suck it up, take the loss, and make the best of it.
Jobs Lost = 9% unemployment means 91% of people who can, are working. Losing your job is frustrating, suffocating, and demoralizing.
Solution = Tighten your bootstraps, work like a horse to find a job, start a business or join the army. Keep that chin up, keep a roof, a full stomach, and do what ever you can. Survive.
Savings Lost = Billions of dollars lost. Remember that most can still recover and most are not destitute. Very sad, your nest egg is gone; everything you worked for all your life. I feel sad for those who lost much
Solution = Go back to work and slowly rebuild, invest what you can into a smart business, depend on relatives and wellfair.
These are all bad things, but they happened to so few people in the grand scheme of things. Most people are suffering from tough times, and things like: taking the bus, growing your own vegetables, going to the library and playing music instead of going to the movies and playing poker, camping for your vacation instead of flying to Cancun.
Most people lost luxuries, but not even that many.
And that is the crux of it: our luxuries. Cell phone sales have increased, but are they truly necessary? Professional sports players are still making massive salaries (today was unrestricted free agent day in the NHL) so their useless industry is still doing well. If we look around, can we honestly say that things are that bad?
That is why conservatism in the US is still rampant, and strong in the US.
I am: a Canadian, a centrist, a libertarian, a fiscal conservative (I save my money and don’t gamble too much), a social liberal (do what you will, pray if you choose, smoke, ejaculate, and gorge on whatever, whomever, and as much of anything you want. Just don’t harm others or society; gay men getting married does not harm you by the way), and a big proponent of free speech (You may incite hate, but don’t incite violence. If you choose to walk that line we have a Supreme Court to decide your fate if you cross it; this is still a society).
Am I really off-base from normal? I don’t really think so, but then again I live in a city, province and country divided on many issues. We are pretty good in the frozen north of Canada (by the way, a fantastic 28 C/ 82 F today) with our gay marriage, social health care, and congenial attitude. We’re not as big as the US, not really in the spotlight like our neighbours to the south. There isn’t the patriotic perception of the good life that there is in areas like Texas.
I’m not going to pick on Texas, but I’ve seen some rally’s with zealous Republicans in overalls and ball caps listening and cheering for Sarah Palin badmouthing social health care. It is literally a case where some hottie they all feel they can relate to has convinced them that the ability for every person in our society to receive healthcare should not be a right. Like the antagonist in a Teen Movie.
Is it not a noble goal to provide free healthcare? So many other countries not nearly as prosperous have managed to give every person in their society better healthcare for cheaper than the US. Could it be worthwhile to at least try it out? Give health a shot?
That does not fit the patriotic perception of the good life because it is an active societal change (ASC), one that is legislated. Americans hate legislated change. They fear that it will impinge on their freedom so rightly one in World War 2. They are much better at passive societal change (PSC), unlegislated change.
Every large PSC in their society has come from a passive flow, a trend in the population. The drift was shown to be heading towards accepting a black man as president, and thereby accepting black people as equals. Americans all saw color this past election, they perceived it, but the PSC in this case was such that color was not a negative factor for most people (note that active racists are still out there).
Small changes occur everyday, and many Americans and Canadians are so apathetic they do not notice them. Most ASCs are small changes: a tiny bill, an earmark, or a clause. There are few large ASCs, big shifts in legislation and thinking
The large ones only come if there is an impetus: American Civil War = Emancipation proclamation; 9-11 = Department of Homeland Security; Saddam Hussein = Iraq war; Economic Meltdown – $2 Trillion bailout package.
These are significant, and in your face. The last one however, the economy, was only in your face because society has grown so attached to its luxuries that we all freaked out. How can one live in a world without cell phones, ipods, vacations, cars and cheap food?
This was a pathetic freak-out. Nobody is going hungry (except junkies). The American society and system is so strong and resilient that somehow most people still all have the basic needs of life. The US still consumes the majority of the world’s resources.
That is what we all know. The US stills has it good. The threats are minor and mostly manufactured, the people are alive, generally peaceful, and well fed.
FOOD
When the food industry’s practices with one of the basic needs of life become clear and well known change will come. They are destroying the body (read Michael Pollan, In defence of food, http://www.michaelpollan.com/), but the impetus will arrive.
HEALTH
When the negative effects of sedentary lifestyle and poor diet put sickly bodies in the hospital in greater numbers change will come. The number of people without healthcare (40 million) will increase, and the symptoms and illnesses will get worse and become harder to treat. The impetus will arrive
CLIMATE
When pollution, loss of habitat and species, and the destruction of our ecosystem reaches the breaking point change will come. People need to remember that environmentalism is simply a form of humanism and conservatism. Conserve the environment that nourishes you and your children, and humanity will survive. The Earth will do just fine without us, and short of us cracking the planet in half, life will go on, we won’t. Our arrogance in our position within the environment may be our undoing.
Why does over zealous, patriotic conservatism persist? Because life is too good, and politicians exploit or manufacture the fears of a people who don’t really want things to change. Why rock the boat?
Look at it this way:
Republicans need to separate issues from threats (ex: Stem cell research versus death of species from consumption of all the resources). They need to stop worrying about issues (gay people simply deserve to be treated equally, it’s a matter of human rights). They need to stop listening to zealots like Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin who make careers from playing off their fears.
The Age of Plenty must end. The meaning of Conservatism must change in the US, and in Canada somewhat. Remember the big picture: you don’t inherit the earth from your ancestors, you borrow it from your children (First Nations Proverb).
Prosperity and power are a luxury. Food, shelter and health are a necessity.
But at the moment life is not so easy for many people in the US, and they have voted-in a Democrat. There is, however, a resistance in their politics, a lag that is frustrating Mr. Obama and many left wing people. Why, if they are holding all the cards in both houses, is it so hard to get things done? Why is Obama having such a tough time?
Both the Democrats and the Republicans are being too conservative to real change, and clinging to a lost ideal. They only want to make small changes.Why?
The people are still too prosperous, too rich. There simply aren’t enough poor people to demand proper change. Maybe we will see some soon, but the conniption that happened last October was, for the most part, about people losing their computers, cars and ipods. Think about all the horrible things that happened and gauge them against each other:
Houses Lost = Very unfortunate, but you caused it my making a bonehead purchase that you can’t afford.
Solution = Rent and suck it up, take the loss, and make the best of it.
Jobs Lost = 9% unemployment means 91% of people who can, are working. Losing your job is frustrating, suffocating, and demoralizing.
Solution = Tighten your bootstraps, work like a horse to find a job, start a business or join the army. Keep that chin up, keep a roof, a full stomach, and do what ever you can. Survive.
Savings Lost = Billions of dollars lost. Remember that most can still recover and most are not destitute. Very sad, your nest egg is gone; everything you worked for all your life. I feel sad for those who lost much
Solution = Go back to work and slowly rebuild, invest what you can into a smart business, depend on relatives and wellfair.
These are all bad things, but they happened to so few people in the grand scheme of things. Most people are suffering from tough times, and things like: taking the bus, growing your own vegetables, going to the library and playing music instead of going to the movies and playing poker, camping for your vacation instead of flying to Cancun.
Most people lost luxuries, but not even that many.
And that is the crux of it: our luxuries. Cell phone sales have increased, but are they truly necessary? Professional sports players are still making massive salaries (today was unrestricted free agent day in the NHL) so their useless industry is still doing well. If we look around, can we honestly say that things are that bad?
That is why conservatism in the US is still rampant, and strong in the US.
I am: a Canadian, a centrist, a libertarian, a fiscal conservative (I save my money and don’t gamble too much), a social liberal (do what you will, pray if you choose, smoke, ejaculate, and gorge on whatever, whomever, and as much of anything you want. Just don’t harm others or society; gay men getting married does not harm you by the way), and a big proponent of free speech (You may incite hate, but don’t incite violence. If you choose to walk that line we have a Supreme Court to decide your fate if you cross it; this is still a society).
Am I really off-base from normal? I don’t really think so, but then again I live in a city, province and country divided on many issues. We are pretty good in the frozen north of Canada (by the way, a fantastic 28 C/ 82 F today) with our gay marriage, social health care, and congenial attitude. We’re not as big as the US, not really in the spotlight like our neighbours to the south. There isn’t the patriotic perception of the good life that there is in areas like Texas.
I’m not going to pick on Texas, but I’ve seen some rally’s with zealous Republicans in overalls and ball caps listening and cheering for Sarah Palin badmouthing social health care. It is literally a case where some hottie they all feel they can relate to has convinced them that the ability for every person in our society to receive healthcare should not be a right. Like the antagonist in a Teen Movie.
Is it not a noble goal to provide free healthcare? So many other countries not nearly as prosperous have managed to give every person in their society better healthcare for cheaper than the US. Could it be worthwhile to at least try it out? Give health a shot?
That does not fit the patriotic perception of the good life because it is an active societal change (ASC), one that is legislated. Americans hate legislated change. They fear that it will impinge on their freedom so rightly one in World War 2. They are much better at passive societal change (PSC), unlegislated change.
Every large PSC in their society has come from a passive flow, a trend in the population. The drift was shown to be heading towards accepting a black man as president, and thereby accepting black people as equals. Americans all saw color this past election, they perceived it, but the PSC in this case was such that color was not a negative factor for most people (note that active racists are still out there).
Small changes occur everyday, and many Americans and Canadians are so apathetic they do not notice them. Most ASCs are small changes: a tiny bill, an earmark, or a clause. There are few large ASCs, big shifts in legislation and thinking
The large ones only come if there is an impetus: American Civil War = Emancipation proclamation; 9-11 = Department of Homeland Security; Saddam Hussein = Iraq war; Economic Meltdown – $2 Trillion bailout package.
These are significant, and in your face. The last one however, the economy, was only in your face because society has grown so attached to its luxuries that we all freaked out. How can one live in a world without cell phones, ipods, vacations, cars and cheap food?
This was a pathetic freak-out. Nobody is going hungry (except junkies). The American society and system is so strong and resilient that somehow most people still all have the basic needs of life. The US still consumes the majority of the world’s resources.
That is what we all know. The US stills has it good. The threats are minor and mostly manufactured, the people are alive, generally peaceful, and well fed.
FOOD
When the food industry’s practices with one of the basic needs of life become clear and well known change will come. They are destroying the body (read Michael Pollan, In defence of food, http://www.michaelpollan.com/), but the impetus will arrive.
HEALTH
When the negative effects of sedentary lifestyle and poor diet put sickly bodies in the hospital in greater numbers change will come. The number of people without healthcare (40 million) will increase, and the symptoms and illnesses will get worse and become harder to treat. The impetus will arrive
CLIMATE
When pollution, loss of habitat and species, and the destruction of our ecosystem reaches the breaking point change will come. People need to remember that environmentalism is simply a form of humanism and conservatism. Conserve the environment that nourishes you and your children, and humanity will survive. The Earth will do just fine without us, and short of us cracking the planet in half, life will go on, we won’t. Our arrogance in our position within the environment may be our undoing.
Why does over zealous, patriotic conservatism persist? Because life is too good, and politicians exploit or manufacture the fears of a people who don’t really want things to change. Why rock the boat?
Look at it this way:
You’re on a boat. You never thought that you’d be on a boat. It’s a nice day and you have plenty of water, a BBQ, Kanye West bouncin’ with some pigeons in bikinis at the bow. Things look good. Off in the distance somebody says that a storm is coming but the motor is broken. One suggestion is that we all stick our arms over the edge and collectively paddle ourselves out of its path.
But what about the party? What about the fun?
Some people don’t want the party to end but in this world the party has to end. Now the US has a new Captain who also thinks that everyone should perk-up and lend an arm. He’s timidly asking conservatives, and not getting the cooperation. Perhaps the parent needs to be firm with the child. The storm(s) is(are) coming. What to do?
But what about the party? What about the fun?
Some people don’t want the party to end but in this world the party has to end. Now the US has a new Captain who also thinks that everyone should perk-up and lend an arm. He’s timidly asking conservatives, and not getting the cooperation. Perhaps the parent needs to be firm with the child. The storm(s) is(are) coming. What to do?
Republicans need to separate issues from threats (ex: Stem cell research versus death of species from consumption of all the resources). They need to stop worrying about issues (gay people simply deserve to be treated equally, it’s a matter of human rights). They need to stop listening to zealots like Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin who make careers from playing off their fears.
The Age of Plenty must end. The meaning of Conservatism must change in the US, and in Canada somewhat. Remember the big picture: you don’t inherit the earth from your ancestors, you borrow it from your children (First Nations Proverb).
Prosperity and power are a luxury. Food, shelter and health are a necessity.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
My MP
This is my MP, John Weston. I volunteer with him from time to time. If you live in West Van I think that he is an excellent MP. Three things that struck me about him:
-His patriotism
-His energy (also known as hard work)
-His ethical nature.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, it is hard not to admire these traits. I think, that if you are willing to set-aside ideology and just listen, you will see reason, and honesty in the many things he does.
Take a look at the link, challenge him 0n an issue, or on a run. I dare you;)
Tongue and cheek aside, this is simply being written because I think that it needs to be said.
T.Prole
-His patriotism
-His energy (also known as hard work)
-His ethical nature.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, it is hard not to admire these traits. I think, that if you are willing to set-aside ideology and just listen, you will see reason, and honesty in the many things he does.
Take a look at the link, challenge him 0n an issue, or on a run. I dare you;)
Tongue and cheek aside, this is simply being written because I think that it needs to be said.
T.Prole
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