Last Saturday, I headed to Cinematheque to check out The Waiting Room, a documentary that takes you through a day in the emergency room in a US public hospital. As you may expect, it gets a little crazy and the film introduces us to some unbelievable people. Most importantly, there is no narrative during the film. The director tells his story with images only and I feel that is important when focusing on such a highly politicized issue as the US healthcare system.
As I mentioned, the film has some very interesting people in it. No more so than a female triage nurse who is featured throughout the documentary. Her spirit and energy in a place where many people are down and out is truly inspirational to watch. She has this demeanor about her that is infectious and she manages to keep a smile on her face throughout what seems like a 12 hour (or more) shift.
The film also follows patients who wait hours upon hours before they're able to see a doctor. We meet a carpet layer in his 50's who suffers from chronic back pain, a young man who's waiting to get a testicular tumor removed, and a young girl who has a bad case of strep throat.
Overall, the film does a good job of showing the inner workings of an emergency room; showing us both the frustrated public in the waiting room and the behind-the-scenes stuff like doctors and nurses chatting together- trying to shift patients around to different rooms to accommodate the people anxiously waiting. I don't think the film offers anything new to the general public. We all know that waiting times are ridiculous in ER's (both in Canada and the US) and that the US system is a failed one - with so many people without insurance and unable to get the care they need, and deserve. What the film does accomplish though, for me anyway, is a reminder that there are in fact wonderful people working in the ER and they do the best they can to provide service to those in need. Unfortunately, they are often stuck behind policies that they must oblige by. The film also reminded me of how lucky we are here in Canada to have the system that we do. While not perfect, it still beats paying for healthcare.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Bruno Mars: Unorthodox Jukebox
So my friend Derek downloaded the new Bruno Mars album a few weeks ago and since then, I've probably listened to it at least 10 times in its entirety. I'm as shocked as you are. I don't really like pop music and I never really liked anything from Bruno before but this album is a gem.
The album begins with Young Wild Girls - a tribute to all those girls who lure you in with those bright, innocent looking eyes and send you packing quicker than you can say 'Can I buy you dinner?' It's catchy and there's something about his voice that leaves you wanting more. In fact, that's how I would describe the entire album: catchy.
No more so than the #2 track, the hit single, Locked Out of Heaven. It sounds like a riff from the Police but I'm cool with that. Tons of bands have adapted Roxanne into their own pop-rock songs.
Next is Gorilla and it's a modern day Barry White tune in that if it doesn't make you want to get down and get funky... I don't know what will. Speaking of funky, Treasure is next and it's an extremely intoxicating tune with a fun baseline and cool lyrics about cherishing that special girl. If you haven't noticed, pretty much every song is either about having sex, or loving/hating a certain someone. They say love songs are the most easy to relate to.
There are a few other hidden gems on this album, especially on the Deluxe version which has one bonus track and four different versions of other songs on the album. The bonus track, Old and Crazy feat. Esperanza Spalding is right out of 1950 and it's refreshing to hear something different. It features a neat, little piano number and Spalding complements Bruno nicely.
Album favourites: Gorilla, Treasure, Moonshine. 8.5/10
The album begins with Young Wild Girls - a tribute to all those girls who lure you in with those bright, innocent looking eyes and send you packing quicker than you can say 'Can I buy you dinner?' It's catchy and there's something about his voice that leaves you wanting more. In fact, that's how I would describe the entire album: catchy.
No more so than the #2 track, the hit single, Locked Out of Heaven. It sounds like a riff from the Police but I'm cool with that. Tons of bands have adapted Roxanne into their own pop-rock songs.
Next is Gorilla and it's a modern day Barry White tune in that if it doesn't make you want to get down and get funky... I don't know what will. Speaking of funky, Treasure is next and it's an extremely intoxicating tune with a fun baseline and cool lyrics about cherishing that special girl. If you haven't noticed, pretty much every song is either about having sex, or loving/hating a certain someone. They say love songs are the most easy to relate to.
There are a few other hidden gems on this album, especially on the Deluxe version which has one bonus track and four different versions of other songs on the album. The bonus track, Old and Crazy feat. Esperanza Spalding is right out of 1950 and it's refreshing to hear something different. It features a neat, little piano number and Spalding complements Bruno nicely.
Album favourites: Gorilla, Treasure, Moonshine. 8.5/10
Friday, January 18, 2013
Jay. E. Tee. Ess. JETS JETS JETS!!
"Ladies and gentlemen... YOUR WINNIPEG JETS!"
I cannot express how excited I am to hear those six words tomorrow afternoon when - after months of debating, negotiating, and outright lunacy - the NHL will finally drop the puck to start a shortened 48-game season. The Sens are in town and the Jets have completed training camp. All that's left is a morning skate and the announcement of starting rosters.
Will Schiefele stick? With only 5 games to show his worth, I think finishing the season with the Barrie Colts of the OHL (and possibly another run in the AHL playoffs) will do the 19-year old some good.
Will Jokinen gel with Kane & Wellwood? The big centre is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jets but whether he can create some chemistry with his linemates remains to be seen. He's been saying nothing but the right things entering the season and says his best hockey is still ahead of him... So hopefully he's right.
Can we play good D? We gave up 246 goals last season, something exhaustively documented, yet its importance cannot be undermined. The focus is all on keeping the shots to the outside, thereby giving Pavelec the opportunity to solidify himself as the #1 netminder he's supposed to be (not to mention his salary implies he's an elite-level goaltender in NHL).
Health concerns. Already without Miettinen, Bogosian and potentially Antropov for the opener, the shortened season might pose a problem when it comes to injuries. Time will tell whether playing six games in 8 nights will take its toll on some players. Interestingly, the Jets addressed some critics who said the Jets were too small last season. This week, the Jets claimed Anthony Peluso (6'3'' , 235 lbs.) and James Wright (6'4'', 200 lbs.) off waivers. Both aren't known for their scoring touch but bring size and a physical element that could go a long way if called upon.
Will the stars shine? In order for the Jets to make the playoffs, Big Buff, Ladd, Kane, Wheeler et. al will have to be at the top of their game. No time for 2-week lulls in this short season. That being said, secondary scoring will have to flourish if the big guns take a night off (I'm looking in your direction Burmistrov, Little, Wellwood and Jokinen).
On another note...
I, along with classmates Jared Gauthier and Brendan Macgranachan started a weekly hockey show that I highly recommend you to check out. The Sin Bin airs every Tuesday at 6 p.m. on Red River Radio. radio.rrc.ca Follow us on Twitter too! @TheSinBin
As mentioned above, I will be in attendance for the home opener tomorrow. I also have the Feb. 7 game vs. the Leafs, the Mar. 22 game vs. the Caps (the second of a back-to-back w/ the Caps) and close out with the Apr. 9 game vs. the Sabres. Looking forward to them all but let's start if off with a big win tomorrow, eh Jets?
Go Jets Go!
I cannot express how excited I am to hear those six words tomorrow afternoon when - after months of debating, negotiating, and outright lunacy - the NHL will finally drop the puck to start a shortened 48-game season. The Sens are in town and the Jets have completed training camp. All that's left is a morning skate and the announcement of starting rosters.
Will Schiefele stick? With only 5 games to show his worth, I think finishing the season with the Barrie Colts of the OHL (and possibly another run in the AHL playoffs) will do the 19-year old some good.
Will Jokinen gel with Kane & Wellwood? The big centre is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jets but whether he can create some chemistry with his linemates remains to be seen. He's been saying nothing but the right things entering the season and says his best hockey is still ahead of him... So hopefully he's right.
Can we play good D? We gave up 246 goals last season, something exhaustively documented, yet its importance cannot be undermined. The focus is all on keeping the shots to the outside, thereby giving Pavelec the opportunity to solidify himself as the #1 netminder he's supposed to be (not to mention his salary implies he's an elite-level goaltender in NHL).
Health concerns. Already without Miettinen, Bogosian and potentially Antropov for the opener, the shortened season might pose a problem when it comes to injuries. Time will tell whether playing six games in 8 nights will take its toll on some players. Interestingly, the Jets addressed some critics who said the Jets were too small last season. This week, the Jets claimed Anthony Peluso (6'3'' , 235 lbs.) and James Wright (6'4'', 200 lbs.) off waivers. Both aren't known for their scoring touch but bring size and a physical element that could go a long way if called upon.
Will the stars shine? In order for the Jets to make the playoffs, Big Buff, Ladd, Kane, Wheeler et. al will have to be at the top of their game. No time for 2-week lulls in this short season. That being said, secondary scoring will have to flourish if the big guns take a night off (I'm looking in your direction Burmistrov, Little, Wellwood and Jokinen).
On another note...
I, along with classmates Jared Gauthier and Brendan Macgranachan started a weekly hockey show that I highly recommend you to check out. The Sin Bin airs every Tuesday at 6 p.m. on Red River Radio. radio.rrc.ca Follow us on Twitter too! @TheSinBin
As mentioned above, I will be in attendance for the home opener tomorrow. I also have the Feb. 7 game vs. the Leafs, the Mar. 22 game vs. the Caps (the second of a back-to-back w/ the Caps) and close out with the Apr. 9 game vs. the Sabres. Looking forward to them all but let's start if off with a big win tomorrow, eh Jets?
Go Jets Go!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Gun-control: Where do you stand?
So... The world didn't end on December 21st, the fiscal cliff was apparently resolved, and the Canadian World Juniors put together an abysmal performance against the Americans in the semi-finals and lost the bronze to the Russians 6-5 in overtime, ending a 14-year medal streak.
These events are what cross my mind 11 days into 2013. By the way, happy new year to all readers of this blog. I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my posts. I've actually received more feedback than I thought I would - from co-workers, friends, and family - who all say that they've enjoyed reading my blog. So, thanks again and all the best to you and yours in 2013.
For the purpose of this post, I'm electing to write about the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Adam Lanza, the 24 year old gunman entered the school on December 14th, killing 20 students and six staff members. He also killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, earlier that morning in her home before eventually taking his own life after the horrific shootings. It was the second-largest school shooting in American history.
This event sent shock waves around the world and opened the gun-control debate yet again in the US. It's a very heated subject as pro-gun/Second Amendment proponents argue in favour of maintaining the status quo - even going as far to say that armed police should be in every American school (the National Rifle Association [NRA] stated this in their press conference on December 21, 2012). On the other side of things, many Americans and people worldwide are asking for stricter gun-control laws or demanding the outright ban of semi-automatic weapons.
There are so many aspects to this debate. For one, anti-gun folk state that the Second Amendment (which gives Americans the right to bear arms) is out of touch with modern-day America. They're right. Thomas Jefferson never envisaged the types of deadly weapons that exist today when he drafted the Constitution. Those weapons should never have been invented in the first place, let alone be available in abundance like they are today. But they were invented and do exist and there's no going back now. Anti-gun advocates say strict gun laws or the outright ban of weapons will save lives. But I don't buy it.
I will state a pretty obvious fact; that is, criminals are the people who break the law. Speeders speed, thieves steal, and unfortunately, murderers kill people. That's something that hasn't changed since the dawn of time. Instituting gun control measures will not stop these tragic events from happening because the people committing the crimes will just do it anyway. It's already illegal for someone to kill another person but that doesn't stop it from happening. Making it near impossible to acquire a gun or banning them outright will not stop deranged lunatics from committing crimes. They will still get the guns on the black market (like many criminals do already) and will still commit their crimes. Drugs like cocaine and heroin are illegal to produce, sell, and consume yet there is still a massive black market for these drugs. Making something illegal to possess does not stop people from getting their hands on it. Of course, law-abiding citizens will comply with gun-control measures. They are law-abiding citizens. It's not those people who commit outlandish crimes such as the one in Sandy Hook. It's criminals, who don't usually obey laws to begin with.
Also relevant is the fact that the Second Amendment grants Americans the right to bear arms. Granted, ordinary citizens do not need semi-automatic weapons (no one does) but that's not the point. The intent of the Amendment was to ensure that Americans have a means to legally defend themselves against tyrannical governments. While the idea of the American military turning on the people of the USA may seem like a ridiculous idea, one only needs to look at the history books to see democracies turn into nasty dictatorships/fascists states (i.e. Italy and Germany in the 1930's).
So let me be clear. I don't own any guns. I don't think anyone should own guns... They are dangerous. But I do completely support a person's right to own a gun, especially in the United States where it is one of their most fundamental rights. I do not trust governments very much; especially one with a tract record as bad as the US Federal Government. That being said, people have every right to defend themselves and their families against enemies, both foreign and domestic (to borrow a common American term). Just because some psycho goes into a public place and shoots a bunch of people does not take away Americans rights. It's a sad reality, but these events are unavoidable. Banning guns may seem to limit or eliminate the problem but in my eyes, it will only stir up more issues with adamant Constitutionalists who will only give up their guns by having them pried out of their cold, dead hands.
These events are what cross my mind 11 days into 2013. By the way, happy new year to all readers of this blog. I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my posts. I've actually received more feedback than I thought I would - from co-workers, friends, and family - who all say that they've enjoyed reading my blog. So, thanks again and all the best to you and yours in 2013.
For the purpose of this post, I'm electing to write about the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Adam Lanza, the 24 year old gunman entered the school on December 14th, killing 20 students and six staff members. He also killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, earlier that morning in her home before eventually taking his own life after the horrific shootings. It was the second-largest school shooting in American history.
This event sent shock waves around the world and opened the gun-control debate yet again in the US. It's a very heated subject as pro-gun/Second Amendment proponents argue in favour of maintaining the status quo - even going as far to say that armed police should be in every American school (the National Rifle Association [NRA] stated this in their press conference on December 21, 2012). On the other side of things, many Americans and people worldwide are asking for stricter gun-control laws or demanding the outright ban of semi-automatic weapons.
There are so many aspects to this debate. For one, anti-gun folk state that the Second Amendment (which gives Americans the right to bear arms) is out of touch with modern-day America. They're right. Thomas Jefferson never envisaged the types of deadly weapons that exist today when he drafted the Constitution. Those weapons should never have been invented in the first place, let alone be available in abundance like they are today. But they were invented and do exist and there's no going back now. Anti-gun advocates say strict gun laws or the outright ban of weapons will save lives. But I don't buy it.
I will state a pretty obvious fact; that is, criminals are the people who break the law. Speeders speed, thieves steal, and unfortunately, murderers kill people. That's something that hasn't changed since the dawn of time. Instituting gun control measures will not stop these tragic events from happening because the people committing the crimes will just do it anyway. It's already illegal for someone to kill another person but that doesn't stop it from happening. Making it near impossible to acquire a gun or banning them outright will not stop deranged lunatics from committing crimes. They will still get the guns on the black market (like many criminals do already) and will still commit their crimes. Drugs like cocaine and heroin are illegal to produce, sell, and consume yet there is still a massive black market for these drugs. Making something illegal to possess does not stop people from getting their hands on it. Of course, law-abiding citizens will comply with gun-control measures. They are law-abiding citizens. It's not those people who commit outlandish crimes such as the one in Sandy Hook. It's criminals, who don't usually obey laws to begin with.
Also relevant is the fact that the Second Amendment grants Americans the right to bear arms. Granted, ordinary citizens do not need semi-automatic weapons (no one does) but that's not the point. The intent of the Amendment was to ensure that Americans have a means to legally defend themselves against tyrannical governments. While the idea of the American military turning on the people of the USA may seem like a ridiculous idea, one only needs to look at the history books to see democracies turn into nasty dictatorships/fascists states (i.e. Italy and Germany in the 1930's).
So let me be clear. I don't own any guns. I don't think anyone should own guns... They are dangerous. But I do completely support a person's right to own a gun, especially in the United States where it is one of their most fundamental rights. I do not trust governments very much; especially one with a tract record as bad as the US Federal Government. That being said, people have every right to defend themselves and their families against enemies, both foreign and domestic (to borrow a common American term). Just because some psycho goes into a public place and shoots a bunch of people does not take away Americans rights. It's a sad reality, but these events are unavoidable. Banning guns may seem to limit or eliminate the problem but in my eyes, it will only stir up more issues with adamant Constitutionalists who will only give up their guns by having them pried out of their cold, dead hands.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
I'm All-In
Apparently it's already December 2012. It feels like I was just getting off the plane from Aikens Lake and yet semester one is almost over, my fantasy football team failed to make the playoffs, the hockey team I coach and the other I play on are both struggling mightily, the world is about to end, the Bombers missed the playoffs and the Grey Cup was anti-climactic, the NHL still hasn't figure their shit out, Barrack Obama won a second term, and the US Northeast is still recovering from a wild hurricane. That and about a million other things.
Maybe it's because I'm in CreCom and I'm exposing myself to all kinds of different media, but it feels like SO much has happened in the last few months. More than usual. Either way, here's what I've learned at RRC this fall:
- Avoid Cliches; they are the oldest trick in the book.
- Don't write over-the-top, flowery sentences that are bursting with so much happiness and joy, they make the people of the world rejoice in the streets.
- If you can, try to write short, clear, to-the-point sentences that don't drag on, leaving the reader confused and lost because you've written so much in your sentence that the meaning is lost, misconstrued, or otherwise just downright confusing.
- If you think your design is good, think again. It's actually very bad and you should redo it altogether.
- Be confident, punctual, and thorough in your work.
- Don't wear red on camera when there's a red background behind you.
- Focus on the little things like punctuation. speling and grammar?
- Don't make any enemies. (Pretty tough with a group like Section 2!)
- And finally, unrelated to school - don't go all-in on a bluff. It rarely works out and it has burned me so many times it hurts.
-----
** Disclaimer: Percentage of satire in this post: 95%. Percentage of truth: 100% **
Maybe it's because I'm in CreCom and I'm exposing myself to all kinds of different media, but it feels like SO much has happened in the last few months. More than usual. Either way, here's what I've learned at RRC this fall:
- Avoid Cliches; they are the oldest trick in the book.
- Don't write over-the-top, flowery sentences that are bursting with so much happiness and joy, they make the people of the world rejoice in the streets.
- If you can, try to write short, clear, to-the-point sentences that don't drag on, leaving the reader confused and lost because you've written so much in your sentence that the meaning is lost, misconstrued, or otherwise just downright confusing.
- If you think your design is good, think again. It's actually very bad and you should redo it altogether.
- Be confident, punctual, and thorough in your work.
- Don't wear red on camera when there's a red background behind you.
- Focus on the little things like punctuation. speling and grammar?
- Don't make any enemies. (Pretty tough with a group like Section 2!)
- And finally, unrelated to school - don't go all-in on a bluff. It rarely works out and it has burned me so many times it hurts.
-----
** Disclaimer: Percentage of satire in this post: 95%. Percentage of truth: 100% **
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The 100th Grey Cup
The results are in from the CFL's East and West Divisional Championships... The Toronto Argonaut's will take on the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto.
The Boatmen defeated the Montreal Alouettes 27-20 in a tight game that came down to the final play of the game. WR Brian Bratton of the Als will be losing sleep for a couple weeks after missing what seemed to be a sure-catch in the endzone which would have sent the game into overtime. Ricky Ray played phenomenal, going 28 of 37 for 399 yards and is looking poised to win his second Grey Cup. Toronto's decision to bring him in is surely paying off.
In the West, Kevin Glenn led the Stamps over the B.C. Lions in a 34-29 decision. Out of the four quarterbacks that played Sunday, he's the only one without a Grey Cup. Could this be the year for Glenn? (Bombers note: Should have been in 2008 when he got injured and Ryan Dinwiddie went in his place...)
Glenn was solid all afternoon, getting himself out of trouble by quickly scrambling and then finding a receiver. No more so than a play in the 3rd quarter when Glenn dished the ball to RB Jon Cornish on 2nd and 10, extending the drive which would eventually lead to a crucial score. Stampeders coach John Hufnagel and offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson were creative all night with gutsy play calls including going for it on 3rd and 1 - play-action with your 3rd stringer, no less - and bombing it out for a major. Plays like that win football games and it's why B.C. isn't returning to the promise land.
With the Bombers out, I'm not really cheering for any team in particular. I'd like to see Glenn win a Grey Cup and I hate the Leafs so that's good enough logic to cheer for the Stamps. Although, it would be cool to see the Argonaut's win it at home. Either way, I'll be watching on Sunday and so should you. It's a Canadian staple and it's brings us together to share some drinks with friends and family. Now what's wrong with that?
The Boatmen defeated the Montreal Alouettes 27-20 in a tight game that came down to the final play of the game. WR Brian Bratton of the Als will be losing sleep for a couple weeks after missing what seemed to be a sure-catch in the endzone which would have sent the game into overtime. Ricky Ray played phenomenal, going 28 of 37 for 399 yards and is looking poised to win his second Grey Cup. Toronto's decision to bring him in is surely paying off.
In the West, Kevin Glenn led the Stamps over the B.C. Lions in a 34-29 decision. Out of the four quarterbacks that played Sunday, he's the only one without a Grey Cup. Could this be the year for Glenn? (Bombers note: Should have been in 2008 when he got injured and Ryan Dinwiddie went in his place...)
Glenn was solid all afternoon, getting himself out of trouble by quickly scrambling and then finding a receiver. No more so than a play in the 3rd quarter when Glenn dished the ball to RB Jon Cornish on 2nd and 10, extending the drive which would eventually lead to a crucial score. Stampeders coach John Hufnagel and offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson were creative all night with gutsy play calls including going for it on 3rd and 1 - play-action with your 3rd stringer, no less - and bombing it out for a major. Plays like that win football games and it's why B.C. isn't returning to the promise land.
With the Bombers out, I'm not really cheering for any team in particular. I'd like to see Glenn win a Grey Cup and I hate the Leafs so that's good enough logic to cheer for the Stamps. Although, it would be cool to see the Argonaut's win it at home. Either way, I'll be watching on Sunday and so should you. It's a Canadian staple and it's brings us together to share some drinks with friends and family. Now what's wrong with that?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Remembrance Day Ethics
News broke today in Edmonton that some students had permission to opt out of Remembrance Day ceremonies at their parent's request. Alberta Premier Alison Redford is disappointed by the decision. I hope she retracts her statement because, as Edmonton school board spokeswoman Jane Sterling notes, the decision complies with Alberta law. The Remembrance Day Act states that "all pupils shall either attend the ceremony or remain in the school, silent, during the ceremony."
It's not like this is the decision of the school. These are parents removing their children from the ceremonies, for whatever reason that may be. The students must remain in the school and still must observe the moment of silence. Or, as Sterling says, some parents do it for very personal reasons.
"We had a mom last year ask that her son not be part of it because his dad had just been killed in Afghanistan," Sterling said. "She really felt strongly that when they do observe Remembrance Day that he is with his family."
What's truly disappointing is Redford's comments on the matter when clearly she should have investigated the matter a little more before making a statement. I agree with Redford that it's our duty as Canadians to honour and respect veterans who have made the sacrifice for this country, but opting out of the ceremony does not necessarily represent disrespect. The mother who pulled her son out so he could observe Remembrance Day with family is a good example. The other few parents who pull their kids out of ceremonies are doing so for personal reasons and have every right to do so under current Alberta law.
The veterans we honour are the ones who fought for this country and the ones who gave us the freedom we enjoy. They fought for the freedom to express your own values without punishment from the state or abuse from others. As Alberta premier, Alison Redford should apologize for her comments.
It's not like this is the decision of the school. These are parents removing their children from the ceremonies, for whatever reason that may be. The students must remain in the school and still must observe the moment of silence. Or, as Sterling says, some parents do it for very personal reasons.
"We had a mom last year ask that her son not be part of it because his dad had just been killed in Afghanistan," Sterling said. "She really felt strongly that when they do observe Remembrance Day that he is with his family."
What's truly disappointing is Redford's comments on the matter when clearly she should have investigated the matter a little more before making a statement. I agree with Redford that it's our duty as Canadians to honour and respect veterans who have made the sacrifice for this country, but opting out of the ceremony does not necessarily represent disrespect. The mother who pulled her son out so he could observe Remembrance Day with family is a good example. The other few parents who pull their kids out of ceremonies are doing so for personal reasons and have every right to do so under current Alberta law.
The veterans we honour are the ones who fought for this country and the ones who gave us the freedom we enjoy. They fought for the freedom to express your own values without punishment from the state or abuse from others. As Alberta premier, Alison Redford should apologize for her comments.
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