There has been a small amount of unusual activity around our house these past few days. Believe me, this is nothing compared to what it will escalate next weekend.
You see TLATO (Sheryl) will be flying to Florida the following Monday morning for the next 10 or so days so preparations are being made now for the grand event.
A spare bedroom has been converted into a holding area. Summer clothes are being looked out and occasionally paraded for a puzzled audience of cats and the dog. Not for me, you understand. Always wishing a quiet life, my standard response would likely be, “Yes, that looks great you should take it with”. Of course, I may never have raised my eyes from a computer monitor, Sports Illustrated or the newspaper to do so, but usually the above response is the safest course of action.
As always happens when any undertaking like this is about to occur, a neatly typed checklist is prepared and taped to a door. Various pieces of luggage are retrieved from the basement and lined up like disparate soldiers on parade.
For at least a couple of weeks beforehand, more attention than usual is paid to the intake of food – and fluids. To me, it’s barely enough to sustain life, never mind maintaining a specific caloric intake. However, I’m told, repeatedly I might add, it’s important to look good in a bathing suit (one of about six or seven that will no doubt be packed) while lounging poolside reading the latest John Grisham tome.
And let’s not forget this exchange: “I can’t eat that – it’s fattening.”
“It’s a carrot. A raw freakin’ carrot”
“Yes, but it’s a root vegetable and there are more calories…”
“Than what – paper?”
For days, I swear Sheryl displays talents rarely seen in mere mortals: she morphs into the Project Manager from hell. No detail is too small; organization skills increase exponentially. Orders are barked out – I often look at the dog and ask, “Is that one for you or me?” “Where’s the iron?” “Have you seen my off-blue beach wrap?” “Why is that cat lying on my clean clothes?”
A quick glance into the holding area was indeed, for me quite the eye opener. I saw neat rows of piles of clothes, organized by layer, colour and yes, style. I saw shoes of every description laid out – I swear some of which I have never seen before. And purses; don’t get me started on the purses…
Anyway, it’s all starting to come together now, I’m told. There will be a dry run packing this weekend to determine the appropriate piece(s) of luggage – and then, once that decision has been made, everything will be washed, ironed and folded all over again.
When we go away, I pack the night before. A suitcase is opened and a couple of drawers are emptied into it – voila! Anything I have forgotten (and there is always something) I can always buy at our destination. A half hour – tops as opposed to the military maneuvers that occur for weeks when it’s only Sheryl traveling.
By the way, has anyone seen my toothbrush?
This post brought to you by zoomzaa
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Africentric...
For many months debate has raged across the Greater Toronto Area about the education system, specifically as it relates (or not) to black youth.
Last night, January 29, 2008, a vote was taken by the trustees of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
By a vote of 11-9, a black-focused school is now on – although it should be noted that there is, at this time, no guarantee of funding from the government of Ontario to see this to fruition.
One mother whose son was shot and killed in a tragic school incident last year made an impassioned plea against the motion: "If black kids need to graduate, let's get teachers in there and learn how to interact with black kids," she said. Others warned that an Africentric school would amount to a dangerous step back toward racial segregation. That strange sound we might be hearing could be Martin Luther King turning over in his grave.
What does the word “Africentric” mean? As I understand things, it would be an environment where the majority of thoughts, educators, teachings, etc. would be predominantly black. OK, fair enough.
The TDSB says 40 per cent of Caribbean-born students drop out, (as do) 32 per cent from east Africa. Are there statistics available from the Caribbean or East Africa that Toronto taxpayers and the TDSB might make a comparison? What are the statistics for kids from eastern Europe, for example? Or perhaps native Canadians?
Can anyone truly say that it is the education system that is at fault if stats from abroad either match or, heaven forbid, exceed the above quoted figures? If that is the case, then is it the education system there that may be blamed as a contributing factor?
Consider this; how many young adults of Asian background are in this very same school system? What is their drop out rate? As a generalization, many young people of Asian origin excel in the very same system where apparently so many youth of colour fail.
Why is that?
Perhaps many Asian families are focused on getting the best education possible from the public system so their children may go forward in life and make a contribution to society’s melting pot?
Perhaps there are fewer fingers being pointed outward?
Perhaps there is a greater acceptance of responsibility by many of those families – their socio-economic environment notwithstanding?
Sure, there are and will continue to be cultural differences. Understand, I’m not for one moment suggesting the present system is perfect. However we're Canadians; can we not reach a more amenable compromise? Is a 180 degree change necessary?
Collectively, we all need to be more responsible; more accountable.
Otherwise, where does it all end?
Last night, January 29, 2008, a vote was taken by the trustees of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
By a vote of 11-9, a black-focused school is now on – although it should be noted that there is, at this time, no guarantee of funding from the government of Ontario to see this to fruition.
One mother whose son was shot and killed in a tragic school incident last year made an impassioned plea against the motion: "If black kids need to graduate, let's get teachers in there and learn how to interact with black kids," she said. Others warned that an Africentric school would amount to a dangerous step back toward racial segregation. That strange sound we might be hearing could be Martin Luther King turning over in his grave.
What does the word “Africentric” mean? As I understand things, it would be an environment where the majority of thoughts, educators, teachings, etc. would be predominantly black. OK, fair enough.
The TDSB says 40 per cent of Caribbean-born students drop out, (as do) 32 per cent from east Africa. Are there statistics available from the Caribbean or East Africa that Toronto taxpayers and the TDSB might make a comparison? What are the statistics for kids from eastern Europe, for example? Or perhaps native Canadians?
Can anyone truly say that it is the education system that is at fault if stats from abroad either match or, heaven forbid, exceed the above quoted figures? If that is the case, then is it the education system there that may be blamed as a contributing factor?
Consider this; how many young adults of Asian background are in this very same school system? What is their drop out rate? As a generalization, many young people of Asian origin excel in the very same system where apparently so many youth of colour fail.
Why is that?
Perhaps many Asian families are focused on getting the best education possible from the public system so their children may go forward in life and make a contribution to society’s melting pot?
Perhaps there are fewer fingers being pointed outward?
Perhaps there is a greater acceptance of responsibility by many of those families – their socio-economic environment notwithstanding?
Sure, there are and will continue to be cultural differences. Understand, I’m not for one moment suggesting the present system is perfect. However we're Canadians; can we not reach a more amenable compromise? Is a 180 degree change necessary?
Collectively, we all need to be more responsible; more accountable.
Otherwise, where does it all end?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Signs...
As Ottawa’s own Five Man Electrical Band said:
“Sign sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don’t do that can’t you read the sign?”
Four or more times a week, I like to go the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre to put my maturing body through an often interesting, always invigorating work out, invariably in the facility’s pool – thanks Melissa, Terry, Jodie, Jonathan et al!
This is a facility that is pretty much adjacent to Fleming College. IMany students take advantage of the centre and all it has to offer. Regrettably, some appear to have little regard for paying members, staff, equipment and the building itself.
And that, dear readers, is where we begin.
Posted throughout are many signs asking everyone to comply with some pretty straightforward "guidelines". For example, “This is a fragrance free facility”; “Please refrain from using cell phones in the dressing rooms”; “Youths under 16 years of age should use the family change area”; “Remove all outer footwear before entering dressing rooms, work out areas, etc.”; and, “Use a padlock if using a locker”. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the general idea.
The other evening as I was changing for an early evening class, a few lockers from me were a couple of young lads. Their age? I have no idea; but to me, they appeared to be of similar vintage to a nephew. So for the sake of argument, let’s say they were 15. One was chatting on his cell phone to someone (who may have had some kind of pedigree since he was referred to as “Dawg”) while pulling on an unlaced pair of wet, grubby work boots that were leaving slush prints on the dressing room floor. His compadré, who may possibly have been suffering from a medical malady, likely gastronomic in nature (his chum was calling him “Arsehole”), was spraying clouds of some pungent scent into the air and the lungs of anyone in the immediate vicinity (collateral damage?), and leapt into said cloud to get full advantage of the olfactory benefits of this made-exclusively-for-posers product. You have to love this; work out, presumably sweat, change back into street clothes – and all without the apparent benefit of a shower.
Naturally, there was not a lock in sight – that crumpled sign was in Arsehole’s hand.
“Sign sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don’t do that can’t you read the sign?”
Four or more times a week, I like to go the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre to put my maturing body through an often interesting, always invigorating work out, invariably in the facility’s pool – thanks Melissa, Terry, Jodie, Jonathan et al!
This is a facility that is pretty much adjacent to Fleming College. IMany students take advantage of the centre and all it has to offer. Regrettably, some appear to have little regard for paying members, staff, equipment and the building itself.
And that, dear readers, is where we begin.
Posted throughout are many signs asking everyone to comply with some pretty straightforward "guidelines". For example, “This is a fragrance free facility”; “Please refrain from using cell phones in the dressing rooms”; “Youths under 16 years of age should use the family change area”; “Remove all outer footwear before entering dressing rooms, work out areas, etc.”; and, “Use a padlock if using a locker”. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the general idea.
The other evening as I was changing for an early evening class, a few lockers from me were a couple of young lads. Their age? I have no idea; but to me, they appeared to be of similar vintage to a nephew. So for the sake of argument, let’s say they were 15. One was chatting on his cell phone to someone (who may have had some kind of pedigree since he was referred to as “Dawg”) while pulling on an unlaced pair of wet, grubby work boots that were leaving slush prints on the dressing room floor. His compadré, who may possibly have been suffering from a medical malady, likely gastronomic in nature (his chum was calling him “Arsehole”), was spraying clouds of some pungent scent into the air and the lungs of anyone in the immediate vicinity (collateral damage?), and leapt into said cloud to get full advantage of the olfactory benefits of this made-exclusively-for-posers product. You have to love this; work out, presumably sweat, change back into street clothes – and all without the apparent benefit of a shower.
Naturally, there was not a lock in sight – that crumpled sign was in Arsehole’s hand.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A North American reality
I cannot claim this as my own, but I do think that it is definitely something well worth repeating and reading...
A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri river. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.
Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.
They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.
They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.
Sadly… The End.
However..., here's something else to think about:
Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages.
Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US.
The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in (apparent) losses.
Ford folks are still scratching their heads.
And we wonder why North America has some pretty serious issues??
A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri river. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.
Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.
They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.
They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.
Sadly… The End.
However..., here's something else to think about:
Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages.
Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US.
The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in (apparent) losses.
Ford folks are still scratching their heads.
And we wonder why North America has some pretty serious issues??
Friday, January 11, 2008
Anniversary...
January 11. It was on this day, several years ago that we were married. In Las Vegas. Not in a cheesy Elvis-type room. But in a chapel by a fellow called Father Dan. Neither Sheryl or I are especially religious: she was brought up in pseudo-Jewish home and me in a kinda Presbyterian environment. Two very good friends from Detroit stood up with us, Deb and Frank Nash. 
It was a great day. An hour before the service (the Platinimum package, I believe), we were on a roller coaster flying through the newly-opened New York, New York, laughing and screaming out loud. A short time later, dressed in our finery, I cried a tear or two as we said our vows.
To mark the occasion, we have an album of photographs, tickets from a Siegfried and Roy Show and a video of the complete ceremony -- including opening scenes of pirates storming a galleon on the high seas.
Our lives have changed over the years, but this date remains, a celebration, albeit low key, of our union.
Coincidentally this date also markes the birthdate of our youngest niece, Samantha (Sammy) McKee.
It was a great day. An hour before the service (the Platinimum package, I believe), we were on a roller coaster flying through the newly-opened New York, New York, laughing and screaming out loud. A short time later, dressed in our finery, I cried a tear or two as we said our vows.
To mark the occasion, we have an album of photographs, tickets from a Siegfried and Roy Show and a video of the complete ceremony -- including opening scenes of pirates storming a galleon on the high seas.
Our lives have changed over the years, but this date remains, a celebration, albeit low key, of our union.
Coincidentally this date also markes the birthdate of our youngest niece, Samantha (Sammy) McKee.
Ground rules...
OK, so now it's official; I have my own personal blog, my own forum to do with as I please.
Although I have blogged in the past about pets and home renovations, this time content could be on just about anything -- including sex, politics and religion. If you have any suggestions for topics or even wish to add your own comments to any posts, please do so.
Please note, as much as possible, I'll stand back and allow discussion to occur. If at any time I feel that someone has overstepped my mark (it is my blog, after all), I will use my power (very Darth Vader-like or even Victor Newman-like, depending on your demographic!) and will yank offensive content in a heartbeat.
So, there you have it, my first official post. However, as Pink Floyd stated on Dark SIde of the Moon, "...Thought I'd something more to say."
Although I have blogged in the past about pets and home renovations, this time content could be on just about anything -- including sex, politics and religion. If you have any suggestions for topics or even wish to add your own comments to any posts, please do so.
Please note, as much as possible, I'll stand back and allow discussion to occur. If at any time I feel that someone has overstepped my mark (it is my blog, after all), I will use my power (very Darth Vader-like or even Victor Newman-like, depending on your demographic!) and will yank offensive content in a heartbeat.
So, there you have it, my first official post. However, as Pink Floyd stated on Dark SIde of the Moon, "...Thought I'd something more to say."
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