Roots of Empathy

Last Thursday, my son and I had our Roots of Empathy gig at Strathcona School. It's a great program that hopes to build peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy.
The idea is that by raising levels of empathy, you will encourage more respectful and caring relationships and reduce levels of bullying and aggression. Their program runs for 9 months, with my son being the 'teacher' at 9 different in class get togethers. I've listened to people bash the public school system, yet do nothing, and this seems like a good program, so I decided to get involved.

Someone asked me to do it when our first child was born, but I was such a mama bear back then. I was wayyyyy too over protective. Now it's fun. The kids in kindergarden are SO cute. They are all so into the baby that it's insane.

And wouldn't you know it, but the littlest E is mugging for the camera and making eyes at the teacher. It definitely leaves us both feeling positive and happy when we leave the school. I'll bet it does the same for that entire class and so on.

I've always felt this 'optimism' associated with kids. I guess it's their potential and the possibility for change that I'm referring to. Makes me glad I had kids!

Kids on GHB: wanna party?

OK, so if you haven't heard, one of the most popular toys of the year has been recalled because of it's links to the "date rape" drug.

Are you freaking' kidding me?

I mean, what are the odds of this occurring?! Could they not find any other contaminant with which to poison our kids? Is lead passe now?

I always wondered about a toy with tiny little dots being around creatures that put everything into their mouths. Two kids that ingested these things slipped into comas. Scary. This was Australia's Toy of the Year!!

Not to overstate the obvious, but remember what it did to Nick Nolte who took this while dating himself?

In Celebration of Mark Szabo

*Disclaimer: I'm not a record reviewer.

Recently, some people I know made an album celebrating the songwriting talents of local curmudgeon and hair farmer Mark Szabo. He's probably one of Vancouver's best kept under wraps songwriter. Did that come out right? And though I hardly ever see him anymore, I still enjoy the odd exchange on the streets of Vancouver.

Speaking musically, I came in around the time of Good Horsey. They were a great 3 piece that continues to inhabit my mind in the form of musical phrases.
Max Lee on drums is always a good thing.

Capozzi Park was next, with "Chocolate Covered Bad Things" and "The Record of Capozzi Park" . I think there were some tapes floating around too. Maybe there still are. It's laid back, and diverse, and cynical, and hopeful, and at this point, I'm looking back in nostalgia......so I'm drifting off...
Mark has a great way of capturing life: snapshots, snatches of conversation that transport you to a poignant place in your own history. It's urbane and emotionally universal. Or at least it seems that way to me.

Here's a version of Daytime Emmy with both Mark and Marcie on vocals. This would be ....I dunno when....almost 10 years ago? d'OH!
I'm glad that I've retrieved them from the back of my dusty CD collection which is stored away and unusable.

So all these years later, a project called Heartbreak Scene was started. Their CD is called The Szabo Songbook. I was stoked to see the number of noteworthy folks contributing: Mike Ledwidge(Zumpano), Pete Bourne(where do I start...), Mark Kleiner(Jungle), Dan Bejar(Destroyer...et al) to name a few, but not all that appear throughout.
Yes!! I know!!

There were only a couple of tracks that I didn't know, most absorbed through osmosis during blurry, happy times at Ms T's and the Anza club. Back in the salad days of indie rock......there I go again.
The Anza has always been one of my favourite places to quietly, or not so quietly get drunk and observe the mating ritual, or glasses grabbing fist fight, whatever was written into the evening by Fate.
Some day I will know who that was.
So it's no surprise that all this reflection of late has certainly made me stop and take note of the talent that is Mark. Just thought I'd say that.

One of the songs that I didn't recognize on the album is (Some Kind of)Watershed. It can hold it's own in any Pitchfork review I'd say. Don't you agree?
For $10 and with the Canadian Dollar so strong, you really should pick this up!
Franklin Bruno writes a fantastic opener that pretty much sums it all up.
That alone speaks volumes.
Do It!!!!!

Strange...

I received an email from someone that I've known a long time asking why my blog had stopped. It was hilarious, because I didn't think that anyone was reading at all. Especially not a friend from University that is living in Ottawa. Big Ups Yerself Sandra!!

Mostly I treat this as some kind of ranting therapy about my crazy neighbourhood, but I got bored, so I stopped.
Or I guess you could say that I got busy....real busy, with another life form.

If there are any Built to Spill fans out there, and there must be...as they just played here in Vancouver, I have uploaded something for you. Strange. It's not exactly the real thing, but Boise Cover Band, a side project of Doug Martsh.

We are enjoying some of that here when we're taking a break from the ska/dub.

I had something funny happen with my Flickr™ account. As is customary, I had posted a pic of some people smoking crack and carrying on in front of my house. Someone on Flickr™ identified the person by name and made some comment about how their girlfriend wouldn't be happy to see such a thing. Her boyfriend smoking crack on the street I suppose.

I decided to remove the post as I didn't feel that it was appropriate to have someone outing him by name on the internets and volunteering his personal information. After doing this, I received a self righteous angry email from the person determined to "tell his story" on my photo sharing site.

Um, no.
I don't feel too cool about creating a place for others to tell other people's stories.

This person was pissed, and said "I thought that at least one of your subjects would have the oppourtunity to have the truth told about them".
Um, wrong.
Yes, everyone has a story, but no, you cannot tell it for them. Sorry to take away your chance to tell all, but it would be better for him to do the revealing, and not some third person account of his 'truth'.

Oh the controversy!
I guess these things are to be expected.

Chain Gang. Another good cover from one of the crabbiest ladies in Rock 'N Roll. Boise Cover Band does it good!!

It's my birthday...

...and the street life's gift to me was stealing my last Iris.

I cannot explain how violent I felt towards any potential flower theif that I saw today.

I guess my only solution is to remove all of the flowering plants from my garden and return them to the nice friend who gave them to me.

It is just too discouraging.

I seriously saw myself running down the street with my field hockey stick in my hand looking for heads to crack.

Maybe this year will be the year that I mellow out, but it's doubtful! ha ha!

Gangsta Stylin'

Last night we were grilling some dinner outside and we heard a pop.
It sounded like a gun shot. Not a rifle though, which I remember as echoing and reverberating throughout the fields during my childhood years.

I said to my man, "wow, that sure sounded like a gunshot".
So this afternoon as I was walking my dog, it was confirmed.
One of our local drug dealer types was wearing his gun in the front of his pants like a cool guy, and he shot his cajones off.

Guess we won't be seeing him for awhile.

I wonder if this is the genius in quesion?!

How apropos...

Yeah, what's there to worry about really?!

the possibilities are endless....

My child had some soiled clothes come home from her daycare in one of those small shopping bags from a large department store.
When I unpacked them, I found a receipt, so of course I had a look.

How funny to find a half dozen thongs had been purchased...in cash no less.
Very interesting.

I can't imagine which parent left this bag at the daycare.
I have a sneaking suspicion that it's the mom who is always showing off her arm pits and touching her bare stomach etc, but it really could be anyone.

Gonna just leave that one alone now...

I've fallen into a K-hole...

K-Hole-The Silver Jews

I found this news nugget fascinating.


$63,000 award for drug overdose
Last Updated: Thursday, April 12, 2007 | 9:25 AM PT
CBC News

A B.C. judge has ordered the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to pay $63,000 in damages to a Campbell River man who had a near-death experience after being given an overdose of a painkiller.

Bradley Weafer, 38, got the overdose of ketamine, which is also used as an anesthetic, after undergoing back surgery at Vancouver General Hospital in 2001.

He was supposed to get three millilitres an hour of the drug. Instead he got the whole 500-millilitre bag in five minutes.

When the nurse went back to check on him after setting up an intravenous drip, she found Weafer unresponsive and making jerky motions.

In court, Weafer recalled being sucked into black tunnels. It was hot and scary, he said, adding he saw his life flash before him, felt being born and placed in his mother's arms. He also said he saw God.

Weafer also testified he had suffered brain damage.

Several witnesses including a psychiatrist supported his claim.

But B.C. Supreme Court Justice Frank Cole said the witnesses failed to establish Weafer had a brain injury.

He also ruled that they did not adequately consider the former social worker's previous health problems — everything from migraine headaches to leg pains.

But the judge agreed Weafer had suffered a near-death experience that was terrifying and caused a great deal of stress and anxiety.

He awarded him $55,000 for the psychological trauma plus another $8,000 in damages.

This is my new favourite song.....

It does the trick.



You know that once it has broken on the CBC it is old news, but I don't care.
I haven't seen the video, so I hope that it's not offensive.

ha ha!

No, The Customer is NOT Always Right

Date: April 13, 2007
Time: 09:00
Location: Superintendent's Office

"The purpose of the interview is discuss the incident on March 14, 2007, at approximately 10:35 am, on the 2900 block of Woodland Drive, when you were verbally abusive to a customer and called her a bitch while in uniform. Furthermore, at the fore-mentioned incident you also threatened to pepper spray her tied up dog."

Let me just say...BULLSHIT.
The only thing factual about this synopsis is that I was indeed in uniform.
It is tremendously frustrating when your employer would rather take the word of some jackass on the street who is obviously fabricating some tale, over their employee who they've known for years.
Or not.
Our latest boss, or commandant as some have called her is all about "respect in the work place" but refuses to hear my side of the story and would rather take the word of a total stranger and prejudge the interview process in this manner. I'm pissed that I am being called a liar, and I'm pissed that some idiot walking their pit bull off leash might have an impact of my finances should I be suspended without pay.
It's not the dog I hate, but the feckless owner who insists, "she would never bite".
Well, you don't know that, and I'm not taking any chances, so put a leash on it.
I'm a dog lover!! All dogs...and I don't support a ban or anything like that, but when I'm working, I don't need to meet your dog off leash.

This is the Kafkaesque nature of the Post Office.
Nothing makes sense, so just get used to it.

It's really not a bad job, but the poor management that makes it so.

Found a remix version of the Stars album that I played to death last year.
I particularly like Final Fantasy's cover of Your Ex Lover Is Dead.

Check it out

Road Rage

To the redneck rageAholic who wanted to run down a pregnant lady and her dog in the middle of the intersection: I know you're in a big hurry to get home and beat your wife, but it's WHORE (hoare) not WHORE (hoor)....get it right dumbass.

This is why women need to carry guns.

You certainly didn't wipe the smile off of my face though...it remains a beautiful day despite all of the underendowed men in giant trucks driving in our city.
Get thee back to Surrey, or Alberta.
Whatever.

Happy Easter Eveyone

It has been positively loony around the 'hood lately.
Early last night I heard someone screaming....so upon looking out the door, I saw a woman walking down the sidewalk hunched over and grabbing at the back of her head. She was obviously on some bad drugs, but experience has taught me that it is futile to call 911 over something like this. Especially if she is on the move. She passed a couple out for their Saturday night date, and they just carried on as though nothing was out of the ordinary. It was bizarre. The woman was letting out blood curdling screams and they didn't even bat an eye.

Later, I heard more shouting and saw the guy who has been soliciting money from people all over the 'hood by painting street numbers and Canadian flags in front of their homes for $5. He was shouting into our elderly Chinese neighbour's house and it was after midnight. Apparently, he painted their address in front of their place and was now looking for his $5. What a loon. My hubby nearly went out with the field hockey stick. It was totally uncalled for. I'm sure that they didn't ask him to paint that stuff on there, so piss off guy.

What can we expect today I wonder?

This pretty much sums up how I feel about the Olympics. As if it wasn't expensive enough living in this idyllic city of crack by the sea, imagine the debt left over after these games are done.

It's crazy!!!!

Mundanities

Dear woman at the bus stop,
I'm sorry that you have just come out of the Compassion Club and are feeling chatty, but I have to decline your invitation to conversation.

Though I am in my 'uniform' which is usually an open invitation to unload, I am wearing my headphones and listening to music.

Your opener was enchanting, "new running shoes?", but I had only a lackluster, "I guess..." in response.
Yes.



I didn't see Bloc Party when they were here recently, and have never really heard them except for this cover. I like it!

Cheque's in the Mail.....er not.

March 29, 2007 - 19:30

Urban Postal Unit Negotiations - 2007 / Bulletins

Negotiations Bulletin no. 53

Canada Post management has informed CUPW that it will not agree to the union’s proposal to extend the conciliation process for the Urban Operations Unit. In a letter to the union dated March 27, Canada Post’s Chief Negotiator did make a commitment that the corporation will not “modify the terms and conditions of employment until the results of the Union’s ratification vote are communicated or April 30, 2007 which ever date occurs first.”

The current timeline

We expect to have the official results of ratification and strike votes after the voting ends on April 22, 2007. The union will obtain the right to strike and Canada Post will obtain the right to lockout immediately following the current ratification process.

However, under the Canada Labour Code, both parties must provide 72 hours notice prior to initiating a strike or lockout.

All locals should be on “Strike Alert” for April 26

If the membership votes to accept the tentative collective agreement, it would take effect on the date it is signed with full retroactivity for wages and premiums.


If the tentative agreement is rejected, the negotiations committee will go back to the table to try to convince the employer to improve their final offer. If the employer refuses to move, a strike may be necessary.

Canada Post has stated that the language in the tentative collective agreement is their “final offer” and that they are prepared to take a strike. They have also threatened to bring back many of the rollbacks that they dropped during negotiations. We do not know if they are bluffing but we must be prepared.

All locals should be preparing for strike activity in case it is necessary. Locals should prepare picket rosters and shop stewards should prepare phone trees. All members should participate fully in the activities of the union. Contact your local and see how you can participate should strike action be necessary.

In solidarity,
Pat Bertrand
CUPW Chief Negotiator

Elliott Smith

Just doing some chores and listening to music...LOUD.
I cannot get through that XO album without losing it.
What a talent, what a tragedy, what a waste!!

Here is a fan site that someone has set up.

Here's a link for a live version of Independence Day at the Henry Fonda theatre in Los Angeles 02/01/03.

August 6, 1969-October 21, 2003

Zombies!!

My husband met with the Vancouver Police Department yesterday to talk about their plans to do a "haunted house" in the neighbourhood this upcoming Hallowe'en. I was thinking that they were going to have to dig really deep to scare some of the kids around here, considering that some of the usual suspects look like zombie extras from some bad Horror Flick. These kids aren't going to be scared by some mummy in rags, or some dirty looking malfeasant muttering to himself






















He doesn't think the house will have any sort of "just say NO" message, because sometimes they like to insert some kind of 'educational' element into the exhibition, but would it really be so bad if they did?
I guess you don't have to look far to see that drugs really aren't too cool if you're going to end up looking like this.

Probably one of the scariest things they could get into the house would be that oversized, overzealous billy club wielding cop that was filmed in the punch up with the off duty fireman and his son. In case you are out of town, this story received much press.

sick day...bleh

Now that the weather has turned and there isn't the ever present downfall, the spring colds and snotty noses have arrived. My child has had the most annoying cough for days, and finally we decided to keep her home from daycare.
Yesterday my husband was off work, and today it was my turn. I can't help but feel somewhat guilty that I'm here sipping coffee while it takes a team of at least 6 people to replace me.

Hmmm...something is wrong with that picture.
I guess I shouldn't really worry about the management failures of my employers, but it still remains on my mind. Especially after doing so much over time over the past 3 days. I obviously need the break as well.

Question of the day: What are the ethical implications of placing a phony call in to Crimestoppers? I suppose that there will be some "fiscal waste" for the investigating officers, but compared to insurance fraud or whatever other white collar crimes are occurring on a daily basis, is it really something to worry about?

I'm gonna ponder this for awhile before I make any decisions. I feel that my karmic situation has been good lately, and aside from my horrorscope which stated that "even CEOs can get the pink slip sometimes", I feel good. Hmmmmmm again.

What a mess

I heard on the radio the other day that we've lost 3 month of sunshine this winter and are on the verge of breaking another rainfall record. It just might be the rainiest March EVER!!!!
I probably wouldn't be so concerned except that I work outside and it's hard to ignore as it pounds down on you daily.
Is it any wonder that I'm going through my whole little Dino Jr mid-life crisis thing? I'm going barmy!



Guess my man and my wee tadpole will be attending this show. I've been known to jam out on such occasions, including the fantastic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a huge regret, because now he's dead...but this one will be for sure.
Original line up.
Loud.
Rockin' foetus.
You got it.
Freak scene indeed!

In case you're not converted, check out this ancient track....FreakScene.
Yes, Yes, I am old, but I can still stand in a crowd and bob my head with the best of them. Even at 8 months preggo....wonder if I can find some sort of belly muffler. Last time I was preggo I saw Arab Strap at the Commodore. It was no problem negotiating my way through the crowd. People got the hell out of the way! It was hilarious.

Wonder if I can get my hands on some sort of belly muffler.

Some times I don't thrill you
Some times I think I'll kill you
So don't let me fuck up will you,
'cause when I need a friend it's still you