Crying Wolf

The news this morning is that the US government has more proof that the bombs used in Iraq have Iranian origins. Haven't we heard this sort of thing before? I doubt the world would fall for this pretense again.

Defeat

They lost.

The feeling is the same as it was when the University of Illinois men's basketball team lost in the final a couple years ago. Am I sad, disappointed, or upset? Just a little, but in the end every game has a winner and a loser. Each team was deserving enough to win it. To get that far in the season says something already considering the all the other teams that season who didn't make it.

So now it's time to throw my support behind the Chicago Cubs. For them it has been 98 years since they won it all. With a sizable change of personel over the winter it looks to be a different team this year. Let's hope they can do it.

Go Bears!

Sunday evening we'll be camped out in front of the television eating Maison du Roti sausages and chili I threw together during the last football game. We'll be suffering through the commercials and faux billboard advertisements from the local feed for what will hopefully be a Bears victory. I'll also be keeping an eye on the shots of people in the stands because this guy will be at the game.


This is a shot of my father (left) and my cousin (right) at a past Bears game. They are probably the most diehard Cubs and Bears fans that I know. My father scored tickets to the game in Miami and will be there in one of the upper corners. He's quite a sports fan and it's great that he'll be there for what can only be described as nirvana for a fan like him.

The guy in the center is an off-the-bench mascot or cheerleader. I think he started coming to games wearing a football uniform and the head of a bear that was obviously taken from a bear skin rug because it tapered to a flat point at the back. So he would spend the game walking around the stadium having his picture taken with everyone and giving high-fives. Then I guess someone in charge decided it would be great to have him on the field. Soon after he was there and waving one of those huge 10ft x 20ft flags that they have at college games. Then at some point during the game he would come back into the stands and do what he was doing before. I'm curious if he will be on the field during the game.

And here's a shot that my sister took of one of the lions in front of the Art Institute including the flag of Chicago. You should go and see her and her boyfriend's photos here. They are both quite good.


The city really has been going nuts for this game. I can't imagine what's it is like to be hearing the hype constantly on every newscast. I've gotten a taste of it when I check into the Chicago Tribune's webpage or that of ESPN. It's always the head story along with a dozen supporting ones. I kinda remember past years seeing how much coverage was given to the game along with the preceding week. For those years, I just flipped the page. But you really get a grasp of how much coverage there is when it's your team. It's really quite something.
Well, the big game is coming. It looks to be an evenly matched one and should be fun to watch.

Go Bears!

Chicago Bears - NFC Champions

The Chicago Bears are going to the Super Bowl! I was 14 yrs old the last time they did that. And it looks like they may be facing the same team.

Although I am a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan, I have learned over the years to hold back really getting my expectations up when the teams start doing well. It has happened all too often that you get your heart set on them going to the final game and they come up short like the Cubs in '84, '89, and especially '03 or the Bears in '84, '86, '87, '88, '90, '91, '95, '01, and '05. So it came as much as a relief as a joy to see the victory and advancement to the Super Bowl become a reality as the fourth quarter wore on and the team pulled ahead.

Time to enjoy this accomplishment then look forward to the big game in two weeks.

Bear Down

There's a big game on Sunday at 3pm for those of you not following American football. The Chicago Bears will play the New Orleans Saint for a chance to play in the Superbowl. And they'll be playing in my favorite stadium.

The song this opera singer is singing is the Chicago Bears fight song. It used to only be known by die-hard fans. Back about ten years ago, my father would pass out the words to the song at the game. So we had a mini-choir singing along in our corner of the stadium. I'm sure they post the words on those two wonderful cantilevered scoreboards.

Go Bears!

Hello Winter

You're fashionably late this year. Though I'm not complaining.

Last year you came to the party a month earlier.

Lets hope for a relatively easy commute home.

Nation?

Yesterday, the Canadian Parliment passed a resolution recognizing Québécois as a nation within Canada.

Now when I first moved here I was a bit confused when I was told that the Féte de Saint-Jean-Baptiste (St John the Baptist Day) is Québéc's national holiday. "Shouldn't it be a provincial holiday?" In my mind the words nation and country mean the same thing. Consulting the dictionary, a country is a whole territory or the people of a nation. A nation is a stable community of people with a territory, history, culture, and language in common. While nation specifically states history, culture, and language, country still refers to people or territory as part of a nation. Either way, I'd say that Québéc does qualify as a nation by definition due to it's distinct cultural differences that tend to fall along the lines of language.

But the reason for this post is to talk a bit about the reaction after Prime Minister Harper proposed the resolution. For those of you who don't know, the Québéc sovereignist party, the Bloc Québécois, was planning to propose a resolution stating that Québéc should be recognized as a nation outside of Canada. Harper beat them to the punch to say that it should be a nation within Canada. Now mass media has been debating this nonstop ever since. It is the variety and difference of answers that have surprised me.

Some are saying Harper was an extremely shrewd politician for stating it. Also saying that it will appease the Québécois to be acknowledged as a nation within Canada. That this will be enough for them to forget the idea of becoming a sovereign nation.

On the another side, people are appalled that someone of Harpers intelligence (by the way, that's his redeeming quality over his counterpart down south) could totally miss the boat and open the door to Québéc sovereignty. How could he commit such a gaff?

Even the sovereigntists are divided. I've heard some say they are happy enough to be recognized as a nation. Others are assuming new rights within Canada will come from it. And others are saying this is the first step towards sovereignty.

Who's right? Who knows? Where do I stand? Well, I've said it before. Basically if they can pull it off and nothing changes, more power to them. That is unlikely, but if there is minimal change and there isn't a Montréal airlift of anglophones out of the province the day after a referendum is passed, I'd be OK with it. I like it as a place where anglophones and francophones can peaceful coexist. Like at our house.

And lastly there was talk today about how Harper and his lackeys specifically stated Québécois instead of the anglophone version Quebecers. When pressed about why one word and not both, he in no specific terms stated it primarily directed toward the one group.

This is all quite important, but also quite dramatic.

Really makes you wonder what the future holds.

I Love Republicans

I must get something off my chest. I love the Republican party. They have done so much for the US and it's reputation around the world. Under their leadership they have shown the world that the United States is a caring nation concerned about citizens of other countries around the world regardless of the financial consequences. They bring to justice ruthless dictators who threaten the peace of the world or those who do harm to their own people. Others may be looking out for their own personal and financial gain, but the GOP's highest concern is the welfare of those at home and abroad.

Within the states, they have been the driving force in drawing the nation together. No longer are there ideological extremists who are ultra-conservative or ultra-liberal. America is a united force with shared values working together towards the same goals.

Today, there are so many people who's actions are dictated by an interest in amassing wealth. For themselves, their families, or their cronies. The Republican Party is a shining example of what these people should be doing instead. They fight for those less fortunate. Those people who need a helping hand when times are tough. They work toward creating a government to aid these people despite whatever burden it may have on big business. Their aim is to work for the common man and not those with expensive cars in gated communities.

Their glowing record of good deeds has won them the hearts and minds of voters across the nation and the citizens of the world. Again, others might say they share the same values as a certain segment of the population just to win votes. Praying on the faith of those who already practice faith more regularly than others. But no, the GOP genuinely shares those values and those values would be an integral part of their campaign regardless of the political fallout. They are the most morally upstanding individuals in the political arena.

They have been battling forces that may do harm against America. It has been done in secret so as not to disturb the psyche of the citizens. And they have been winning this battle. After September 11th, the forces wishing bad against the US practically disappeared. Even Ancient Babylonia and the surrounding areas, an area of conflict since the beginning of time, calmed down to where people of all backgrounds now live in peaceful proximity. After 9-11, those in power and their party could have orchestrated a massive response alienating everyone else on the planet, but those Republicans have nurtured the sympathy that the world showed the states after those horrible events.

Now, I'm not saying to blindly vote Republican. Within any group there are some less than shining stars. Take that black sheep John McCain. A man who strictly votes in a conservative mindset. We need leaders who are more free-thinking. Could you imagine if he had won the 2000 Republican primary over he who became our glorious leader?

So when you go the the polls on Tuesday, be sure to seriously consider voting Republican. They are the only honest party out there. They have won my trust.

Public Consultation

For those of you not living in Montreal, the hot topic of the last week has been the mayors decision to rename Parc Avenue along with Bleury Street to Robert Bourassa Avenue. Many people are furious for a variety of reasons. Some are upset because they feel Parc is an integral part of the collective memory. Some are upset because another avenue is being renamed for a politician. And others are unhappy because they don't feel Mr. Bourassa was deserving enough to have a major thoroughfare named after of him. But the biggest reason people are upset is because the mayor made the decision without public consultation. He did not consult the general public, nor the local community leaders, nor the local elected officials. He decided it within his administration then announced it to the public as a fait-au-compli.

While I completely agree with this last point, I also feel a tinge of guilt. You see, seven years ago I was on the other side of the coin. One day my supervisors came up to me and asked if I was interested in working on the New Chicago Bears Stadium. Growing up as a Bears fan, it was a dream come true. The only thing that could top it would be a worlds tallest building or work on Wrigley Field. It was very beginning stages so I could have the chance to see the building from start to finish.

As with other projects, it is not always in the best interest of the project for the public to know about it until the development reaches a certain point. Many times the goal is to have a well thought-out project before it goes under the microscope of public scrutiny. While other times it is to advance a project to a point so that the public could not prevent or distort the project from being built. Sometimes this is done for the developers financial gain, and sometimes it is done to prevent a good project from being designed by committee. A perfect example of this is the site of the World Trade Center. Daniel Libeskind designed a wonderful soaring building that has now been completely redesigned by David Childs and pressures from every possible person connected to it. It will still be a good building, but quite likely not a great building.

This was the worry with the Adaptive Reuse of Soldier Field. The concept and design of the project were extremely bold. Gutting a classical lakefront landmark and placing an ultra-modern stadium situated in and spilling over the existing facades. The project was quietly developed over a couple years, then when it was getting close to ready for construction, it was opened for some public hearings. But the mayor and his connections helped get the project approved with some additional funding. Many in the public were furious, particularly those who did not like the mayor to start with. The project went through the wringer of public opinion only after it had been approved and started construction. It was called the "mistake by the lake" and an ultra modern toilet bowl. People were generally polarized as either loving it or hating it. Even to this day.

Personnally, I'm not proud of that aspect of the project. Though I had no part in ramming it through the approval process, I did keep my mouth shut about it for a couple years. Why? I felt it was a great project. Something the city would be proud of. A better stadium than any other in the league. Plus it was so unique with an unconventional layout and design. And I still feel very strong it is a great building. Not only for the spectators, but also the guy walking or driving alongside it.

After it opened, the camps were still divided. But it seemed that many, especially the spectators, liked the new stadium. Though the one thing that remained and remains a sore point with so many was the lack of public consultation. In very rare instances, something good can come of it, but for the most part the public must be able to have their voices heard. Who knows how many more people would like the project had they not felt it was shuffled in behind their backs?

Get Out

I have felt that the US should stay in Iraq until the civil unrest has finished. I don't feel that it was right to go in and take Hussein out of power. But now that the forces were there, they should finish what they said they were going in there to do. To pull out would show that the country would not follow through on what they set out to do. Or an impression could be made that a withdrawal was done solely due to popular opinion.

That was until I read this story.

OK. That's enough. Get out. That behaviour is unacceptable and it is multiple times worse than any occupation or withdrawal. If any group wanted an event as a rallying cry to fight against the US and their occupation of Iraq, this is it. It is such an abhorable act that it staggers my mind. I'm at a loss for words. And 24 hours after it was breaking news, the story is nowhere to be found. My cynical side says the story was shuffled to the side in order not to influence public opinion for the upcoming election. Yes, it is possible this was an isolated incident. But it is more likely that there have been and likely will be more like it. Regardless, I see it as a sign that this needs to be over.

While we are on the topic, the government used to tell everyone that they would only stay long enough for local personnel to be trained to keep control of the country on their own. How long does that take? We have seen zero progress. I've also noticed that they haven't been saying that lately. Now the rhetoric has returned to the war on terror.

Your plans to "finish the job" are not working and no progress is being made. Your "staying the course" is proving to be more detrimental to the so-called "war on terror". Your suggestion that we must not "cut and run" is becoming the less sensible option. Yes, it may mean a civil war with a less than favorable faction taking power. But what is the other option. An endless occupation with no progress toward peaceful democratic rule. It is time to accept that your decision of a military enforced regime change was wrong. Our reputation as a country will be damaged and it will lay heavy on our conscience. But the best action at this point is to pull out and allow the country to find it's own way.

We Are a Community

I was contacted last week about a post I had written for Metroblogging Montreal by Cecilia Jamasmie, an editor for Orato, an online journal "True stories from REAL people." She was wondering if they could repost one of the posts I had written about the Dawson shootings in their journal. I checked it out and Ed's article had already been posted. I procrastinated over the weekend and gave her a response early this evening (Tuesday). And it was up in a couple hours.

Rereading the post I'm kinda surprised that I had written it. Not for content, but that I managed to convey what I had on my mind fairly well. I had wondered if I may have written it telling people to act instead of suggesting. Rereading posts and realizing that they did say what I wanted to has happened before on this blog also. And seeing something that I had written on something that resembles a newspaper was also a bit odd. As I've said before, I was good in math and science in school, not english and writing. It was the subject that kept me out of 'honors' class. So whenever these recent recognitions by other bloggers or newspapers comes along, it's quite a pleasant surprise.

I'd also like to take a second and thank all of you readers. I enjoy writing this stuff and it's a bonus to see that you like some of it too. And thanks also to those of you who have linked to this blog. I keep coming across blogs that reference back here that I had not known about. I'm flattered and I apologize for not linking back. To tell the truth, I've been bad at creating the links back when I find them. Then I have trouble finding them again. Feel free to drop me a line. I'm interested in reading more of what you have written.

Also regarding their reprinting, I don't know if I agree with the title they chose. I didn't really talk about guns or fear in the article. It was meant to bring the focus back on what we could do in a positive way. I could have spruced up the original title "A Concerned Parent" to be more newspaper worthy. As it was, I kinda questioned whether "parent" should be in the title since "community" was the major subject. I'll ask if they can change it. And they reprinted my juvenile bio that I created for Metroblogging. I was trying to be funny and now I look like I have no credibility. I guess it's just another kick in the pants to grow up. You're not a teenage goof off anymore. So nothing more than dry serious monotone recollections from here on out.

And More Thoughts on Dawson

I have written a post over a Metroblogging Montreal with even more of my thoughts on the recent shooting at Dawson College.

This is one of the best aspects of blogging. Sharing eyewitness accounts and thoughts on tramatic events such as this.

More thoughts on Dawson.

So many thoughts... where to begin.

Since yesterday I've been listening to 940 News on the radio constantly while I'm in the car. I listened for over an hour this morning due to the all the traffic. I normally don't like talk or call-in shows, but there is good information and viewpoints to be heard after an event like this. Even if it means wading through so many other viewpoints that seem off subject or biased. Here are a couple examples.

One person called in and blamed it on long waiting times for psychological care and the long waiting times for medical care in general. When the host pointed out that the shooter had no previous record of trouble and had not asked for psychological care, the caller suggested it was because the waiting times frighten people away from seeking care. The host politely moved on to the next caller.

Another caller stated that it was due to the internet and video games. He also stated that heavy metal music is getting a bad rapp. He's in his forties and has been listening to it all his life and he's a well adjusted person. I agree with him that a video game based on Columbine is a ridiculous idea and should banned. I also agree that point the finger at music is not the silver bullet. But I didn't see eye-to-eye on the internet. The host pressed him on this subject and he explained that he hates the internet and has only limited access to it. He said he didn't understand it. It's an interesting point because it always seems to be the things that are less understood that the general population points the finger at.

Another topic brought up was that someone should have seen it coming by reading his blog or looking at his photo page. They could have notified the authorities before. I'm not so sure about that. First, take a look at his photo page (if it is still available). In my eye, nothing screams that this is a violent person. It comes across as posturing. There is no shortage of people out there that do this, but should we investigate everytime somebody makes a threatening gesture in a photo or on the street. Yes, he has many pictures where he does this, but it does follow along with punk/goth subculture. And some of the captions are less than threatening. On a picture where he has his fist cocked to punch the camera, the caption says:"I'm gonna punch you... kidding, but I'll hug you (and poke you in your belly) hee hee" On another where he has his trench coat on and holding the rifle, the caption says "Where are my boots?" since he is in his socks. I'm only pointing this out because with my untrained eye the joking around takes away from the suggestion that he is about to go out and do what he did. There's not enough for me to notify the authoritied immediately. But again, I am not trained to recognize these things.

Ben at the Instigator brought up the topic of policing the blogosphere. The morning radio also asked if administrators or fellow readers could check their patrons to guard against it. But this was the case even before the internet. The internet is no different that the real world, it's just a new extension of society. People have missed the signs when they work alongside someone. It has always been, "Johnny always seemed a bit depressed and he had those satanic tattoos, but I never thought." That's the thing. At what point does characteristics like those suggest someone capable of something like this. And if we point out to authorities everyone with some of those characteristics, we would become a paranoid society.

I'm not suggesting these types of events are not preventable. Nor am I saying we can prevent all of them. But these knee-jerk silver bullets are not the answer. Vigilance, keeping our eyes open and informed would be the best route. We may all be a bit jumpy for a while like after 9-11, but common sense needs to be taken if any measures are taken to try to prevent something like this happening again.

Lastly, as far as fortifying our schools. I think this is the wrong approach. As an expert on the radio stated, it only provides a false sense of security. He suggested the best line of defense was for teachers and parents to get to know the children they interact with. Maybe those of us in the work world can heed the same advice. Get to know those around you. Talk to that quiet guy in the corner. Or even out in public. There are angry people out there, don't let them get to you and don't propogate that anger. It can be a vicious circle. Show courtesy and kindness in the face of aggression. If someone is less than polite, let them go. Water off a ducks back. Or even when you don't encounter anger or aggression. Everyone walks away feeling good about each other.

OK, enough rambling. Back to work.

Dawson College Shooting

For my readers who are not in Montreal and do not read Metroblogging Montreal, fellow author, Jay, has written his first hand account of the events. Quite an amazing recollection.

Personnally, I don't know what to say about the events. For some reason I feel quite empathetic to what he went through or the other witness recollections and I can't put my finger on why. Is it because they sounded so similar to those at Columbine? Or some other experience? I don't really know.

And I also have that yearning to know more about the shooter just to try to figure out Why?