...Got this from http://myutopias.blogspot.com/ and liked it. Anyone who knows me knows that books are my primary passion, as are discussing them!


1. One book that changed your life: L'Etranger by Albert Camus. Up until I encountered this novel in the tenth grade, I was another mass of potential wasted. Then I read this book and entered the worlds of existentialism, nihlism and the absurd hearo thinking "I'm home"!

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: L'Etranger, again, in both English and French. There are others but, with so much out there, I find it difficult to re-visit.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Ulysses by James Joyce- then I might actually read the dang thing!

4. One book that made you laugh: The Snapper by Roddy Doyle

5. One book that made you cry: Can't say I've actually cried while reading. I've come close at a few movies, but must have dry eyes.

6. One book that you wish had been written: Any account of contenscious History or Political Science that is purely objective and accurate.

7. One book that you wish had never been written: Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce - read as far as page four at least ten times and then gave up!

8. The book you are currently reading: Just a bit of brain candy as I prepare my mind for teaching - Harry Turtledove's In the Presence of Mine Enemy. It's an alternative fiction about Jews living in 2009 Nazi Germany amidst a regime change.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Too many to list!

Middle of Nowhere


This nice thing about living in a city of a million people in the middle of nowhere, the natural world is close at hand. Sadly, Edmonton is a three hour drive from the Rockies, so you have to plan on spending the night, unless the calluses on your bum are sturdy (we’re going to load up the boats and bikes and do a bit of camping there this weekend coming). Fortunately, our city boasts of a gorgeous river valley that is full of off-leash areas, hiking trails and bike paths. A half hour drive to the east takes you to Elk Island National Park where my crew and I headed this weekend for a bit of kayaking, Bison watching and a visit from a deer and her fawn plus a lone coyote. Pure bliss!

Safe?


Upon listening to the morning news today I heard that there is a nation wide manhunt for a known pedophile, Peter Whitmore, who has allegedly kidnapped a ten year old boy. The perpetrator has served ten years previously for abduction and sexual assault of a child. A few days after his release he abducted another little girl, receiving 55 months. 55 MONTHS! Unbelievable.

Having worked five years in a federal maximum security prison we had several inmates who were doing life on the instalment plan. Essentially, that’s slang for offenders who do a variety of pen bits that eventually see them in prison for the majority of their lives. That part isn’t so bad – the being locked up. The problem is that to get locked up they have to commit more crime and therefore create more victims. Six RCMP Officers and numerous civilians have made the ranks of the victims over this past year alone. Sadly, in some cases, the killers will be eligible for parole again in 15-25 years.

My point is this: if the role of our criminal justice system is to (a) protect society while (b) attempting to make law abiding citizens out of Offenders, then how can these aforementioned individuals be at large? In the case of the pedophile, he abducted a girl days after serving a 10 year sentence. Why was he ever released again? I know that we Canadians try to be compassionate and civilised people, but honestly, is our idealism such that it has made us blind that some people need to be warehoused for the rest of their lives at the very least, if not a bullet to the back of their head? I know that the latter may sound savage, but what can you do with an individual who brutally preys on children? If we can justify sending troops into war to fight the perception of global terrorism, then surely we could justify neutralising social terrorists.

In closing, most folks wait until something affects them directly before they react. We need to become more proactive in our communities. I personally tip my hat to the small community of fisherman who, last week in New Brunswick, formed a mob and went on to burn down a known drug house that was selling to the children in their community, running many of the dealers out of the community. Surely vigilante justice can quickly get turned around sideways (i.e. mob rule), but the actions of these people shows the level of desperation out there. Besides, if you are not willing to stand up for the health of your community, then what exactly is your part in the picture?

Boom


Recent events between Israel and Lebanon on top of all the other worldly woes again leaves me shaking my head. What makes our species pursue such destructive ambitions? I honestly do not get it. Perhaps I am a simple person, or perhaps it is because I don’t know the sense of poverty and sense of being attacked as those in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Still, that poverty and sense of threat is spawned from similar acts of one group attempting to call dominance over another.

What is perhaps more disturbing is how most people in the West are more caught up in the results of American Idol than they are on fellow creatures facing the destruction, poverty and hatred of war. After all, we decry Iran and North Korea’s ambitions toward becoming nuclear capable, seemingly oblivious to the nuclear, chemical and biological arsenals of our allies. If countries like the USA paid as much attention and money on their poor, environment or helping the Louisiana flood victims as they would truly be the international good guys that they seem to think that they are.

Perhaps it is all idolatry by way of ideology. Let’s face it, we are as equally brainwashed in the West as those who are strapping bombs around themselves and walking into crowded markets or buses. The Western version may be somewhat more benevolent and good willed on the surface, but, ultimately, still contains its sharp edges. Don’t get me wrong, I feel very fortunate to live in Canada and feel that it is possibly the best country in which to live all things considered, but it is not utopia. I think that there is a lot more that we should be doing and that we need to re-evaluate the way certain things are done.

If anyone were to attack my country I would also take up arms to defend it. Perhaps that’s as close to understanding what Israel is doing. Whether the establishment of the state of Israel was right or wrong can no longer be an issue. Just like the Europeans and then Asians and Africans came to North America, Israel is there and can not be expected to move or dissolve. It is clear that Israel is surrounded by enemies who do not just “hate” them in terms of nationalistic chatter the way an Irish person says they hate the English or Canadian and American, but rather seek the annihilation of the Jewish State. Still, if Israel can’t see the bombing of Lebanon as a massive recruitment campaign for Hezbollah, then they are truly blind.

Health Inspired by Smokers


You can find inspiration in some of the most unlikely places. For example, thoughts inspired to better health spawned by smokers. Let me begin by stating that I am a non-smoker myself, and there is absolutely no disputing the negative impact smoking can have on one’s health. That aside, observing smokers can inspire us to better health if we look closely.

My Father-in-law is a staunch Englishman who is incredibly passionate about his pipe. He is nearly 70, healthy as a horse from all appearances and, most importantly, appears to be a very relaxed, happy and satisfied gentleman. Further to this, he believes that “smoking should be mandatory”. Okay, so he’s a bit of a character. That aside, he’s worked like a devil all of his life, grew up with German bombs falling on his town during the WWII, raised a family, loves sailing and wine, and been an avid gardener forever. Never could you paint a better portrait of contentment. Ask him his secret and he replies “a nice bit of beef, good wine and bowl of ‘bacca in me pipe”.

I remember working crappy jobs in retail and whatnot when I was in my early 20’s. I’d get my typical half hour for lunch plus two 15 minute breaks. The smoker’s I worked with, however, seemed to go out for 10 minutes each and every hour. I must admit that I was jealous. Upon further reflection, we can begin to see one of smoking’s health benefits: fresh air (wilfully polluted), taking ones self out of the workplace fray and deep breathing with inhalation and exhalation, plus the development of a mini-social group with which one could vent, deflate or simply digress in their thoughts. Even now as I walk past office buildings downtown you see several employees standing outside taking smoke breaks (though perhaps it’s not quite so relaxing when it’s -30c!).

Smoking is definitely an addiction, but, that being said, many smoker’s will tell you that they absolutely love to smoke. We live in a toxic world, so wilfully adding more toxins to your body seems foolish and probably is. But then we must ask ourselves as well whether smoking is truly the lead culprit of disease and cancer, against a backdrop of bio-engineered foods, environmental pollutants and other noxious elements present in everything ranging from preservatives to underarm deodorant. UV rays cause skin cancer, but what chemicals are in sunscreen as we lather it over our largest organ – our skin? Then there is bug spray; lathering our skin in poison! My Mother has smoked all her adult life and is just now recovering from breast cancer in her mid 60’s. Another friend of mine who has never smoked a day in her life had breast cancer at 28. You hear tales of folks who had a grandparent who smoked until they were 97 and then got hit by a car, and others who lost loved ones to smoking related disease in their early 40s. George Burns made it to 99 smoking his cigars and Santa Claus has been puffing on a pipe for eternity! Life truly is a lottery and I don’t know whether I’d rather a long kick at the cat where my last couple of decades are spent old and decrepit, or to have a shorter but indulgent run.

So what am I saying here? First of all, enjoy life. If you are enjoying things that are detrimental to your health then assess their value. Smoking might kill you, as may bicycling, skydiving, or anything that involves nature or elevated heart rates. Secondly, as a smoker consciously takes 10 minutes or so to smoke, so should we all simply take 10 minutes each hour to separate ourselves from the rigours of our hectic day, take a few deep inhalations and exhalations (Yoga breathing!), and diverge your thoughts on a positive or releasing tangent. Finally, relax and enjoy life. None of us will live forever, and some of us will never truly “live”. Be what you want, be good to people and enjoy yourself.

Rockets and the Cost of Bionic Men


With weather worthy of Houston, I just came home from a local park where I introduced my daughter to rocketry. We had built and launched a small rocket, and all went well save for the recovery (it ended up drifting farther than I had anticipated once the chute opened up, ending up in a backyard somewhere in our neighbourhood). Oh well, it was a blast (pun intended) and got me thinking…

The Six Million Dollar Man: Popular television show of my youth starring Lee Majors, SMDM redefined slow motion punches and often made for the background music when running slo-mo. So, here’s my question:

Was Steve Austin really a “six million dollar” man?

Given the research expenses, cost of computer technology in the 1970’s (did they even have microchips back then or was it all transistors, etc.?) and other economic factors including the specialised folks who fabricated an implanted the technology, what would the actual cost be? Being no expert, I would think that he would be worth well over $6,000,000.

…Note, I am speaking of straight bionics here, forget the polyester red track suits.

Now if this was a Star Trek question, I’m certain that there are many folks out here in cyberspace who could quote me the answer in both Romulin and Klingon. I don’t think that the SMDM gets nearly the cult following of other sci-fi programmes.

So, please let me know your estimates and rationale as to the overall expense for “Steve Austin… Astronaut…Gentlemen, we can rebuild him…we have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Stronger. Faster…”

…Resonating slightly of Nietzsche's Superman, no?

Collage: The untrained paintings of Real-E.

From top left: “Beyond Good & Evil”, “Gomey Goes to Palestine”, “Father Jack as Goldfish”, “Crap Cat II”, “Beauty”, “Who’s Fucked Now”, “Crap Cat”, “Jammin’”, Crappy Flowers in Vase”, “Lousy Lizard”

This is my latest painting which I call “Gomey Goes to Palestine”. Essentially, the cat is an image of my cat, Montgomery (who most folks call ‘Satan’ due to his propensity to attack). The Palestine aspect comes a bit from the colour scheme that happened and the ever present conflict in the Middle East… okay, perhaps that is a hyperbolising of symbolism here – just imagine if I had painted the cat munching on a mouse… or cuddling with one!

The colours were bleached somewhat by the camera flash – it’s actually quite darker and matted.

Pedal, Pedal, Breathe


Back in the 1980’s movies like Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” and “Full Metal Jacket” were released and I read several books on the Vietnam war from both historical and eye witness accounts. I can not imagine the hardships endured by all parties in the midst of such horror and brutality, and was amazed when I read of U.S. servicemen not wanting to leave Vietnam. The idea of desiring to remain put in a war zone versus life Stateside was beyond me. This phenomena was explained in terms of the fact that while in the combat zone, soldiers reverted to a more or less animal state and there was a certain perverse satisfaction found in such an existence, especially when contrasted to an orderly existence back home. Essentially, it was a sort of mental conditioning that those of us who haven’t been there could never understand.

I have never experienced anything remotely similar to what the Vietnam Vets have lived through. I spent a few years in the Naval Reserve, in an attempt to lessen the impact of university tuition on my wallet. The closest I have ever come to what those servicemen, as well as our present day men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq (though Canada is not involved directly in the latter), have been the past half decade working as a Correctional Officer in a federal maximum security prison. Over these past five years I’ve seen plenty of violence and viewed situations over the sites of an AR-15, been in a couple of riots as a tactical team member, a high risk take-down involving city Police and helicopter, fought fires, waded through bloodied water up to my ankles and been in a couple of physical confrontations. Now, as I prepare to leave the prison and return to becoming a school teacher, there is a big part of me that is sorry to be walking out of the razor wired fences.

You might say that I am “institutionalised”, and would be largely correct in stating this. I’d by lying if I didn’t say that there are reasons of adrenalin and machismo also at play within my thoughts – let’s face it: you are at a cocktail party and reply “I’m a teacher” and most folks will smile politely. Reply “I’m a Guard in a maximum security prison” and people can’t get enough of your stories. No, that is not the real difficulty of departing. The fact is, when you are in the whole microcosm that is Corrections, you walk in a completely different world. You are with people who at any given time can place their lives in your hands or vice versa. There’s that whole paramilitary aspect which breeds a particular mindset that one needs to acquire if they want to survive and do their job in a professional manner. It is a big, nasty, horribly negative place in prison, and dealing with people outside of that environment is oftentimes difficult as the definition of “stress” is vastly different.

So, why then have I decided to leave the big house for the school house? I suppose, at the end of the day, the essence of my being is not “authoritarian” nor do I aspire to have “control” over others; I much prefer to empower individuals by assisting them to develop critical thinking skills. Secondly, I really want to contribute to my community, and I believe that I am passionate enough about life to inspire impressionable junior high students to want more from life. I love creativity, seeing others grow and a challenge. This is who and what I am. In spite of all this – knowing all of this – there is still that portion of me that wishes he wasn’t “getting out”. So true about the caged bird who, when offered its freedom, decides to remain in his cage.

I don’t believe that I remained in one place for more than a year for the duration of the 1990’s, save for when I moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta. Never did I fathom such conservative leanings could develop in my bohemian spirit that had taken me all over the world with extended stays in a variety of Canadian provinces, Slovakia, Ireland, and England. Introspection reveals a lot about one’s self if you take the time to peer through the window. Likewise, it is a shock to look in the mirror with my 21 year old mind to see the reflection of a man who is too near 40 for his tastes.

In closing, I am facing my fears and, even by writing this entry, have a clearer view of where I want to be. Just like when lactic acid is annihilating you legs and your lungs have inflated to the point of bulging your eyes from your skull when climbing a long, steep hill on your bicycle, you know that you don’t want to quick and, though walking isn’t nearly as painful, it’s also not nearly as worthwhile.

Chess, Art, Vodka and things Russian



After beginning with Napoleon’s ill-fated 1812 end in Russia, I am entering a reading phase that is combining my passions of travel, Art, mystery, Chess, Russia and vodka.

The first is a mystery novel of sorts with hints of “The DaVinci Code” but not quite as earthshaking. It’s by a Spanish writer, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and titled “The Flanders Panel”. Essentially it is about a young woman who is restoring a 500 year old painting in which clues of a murder are found. As she seeks to solve this 500 year old murder, people in the art world around her begin to be mysteriously murdered, adding an extra thrill and urgency to the situation. In addition to presenting several Chess problems as part of the sleuthing, one can enjoy a good read while developing a better knowledge of symbolism in Art and about the game of Chess. At the very least, you’ll want to buy yourself a beret, turtleneck and take up smoking!

The other book on my palette at present is called “The Chess Artist” by J.C. Hallman. Essentially this is non-fiction and about the author travelling to the Russian province of Kalmykia from New York with a Chess Master, wherein he “transforms an obsessive quest for obscure things into a compulsively readable and entertaining weaving of travelogue, journalism and Chess history.” This book might appeal more to those who have an interest in Chess, but is a good read that might entice the non-chess player into taking up the game.

Finally, if you are into cycling at all, go to www.worldjerseys.com . I went there and bought a way cool “Red Army Vodka” jersey. Just think, you could be the first kid on your block to own one!

Happy Summer reading, relaxing and rolling!

Achieving Healthy Societies


My daughter and I were just in the sunflower patch watching the ladybugs strolling the large green foliage, providing a hands on experience with nature and making me very happy that I have found another “Kill your Television” bumper sticker to post on the back of my vehicle.

Society is plagued by demons of addiction and obesity. Living contrary to my bumper sticker mantra, I did watch the 6 o’clock news where they had two obesity and one smoking related stories in addition to a plethora of crimes involving drugs. All of these things are obviously both quality of life issues as well as costly to the tax payer. As a society, we seek to treat these issues with diets and programmes, but tend to spend less effort on preventative measures.

Let us begin with something like food. Organic and fresh food prices are astronomical in contrast to fast foods and processed grub. For example, I bought a container of fresh pineapple chunks (not canned) today at the grocery store and it cost me $6.99. For the same amount I could have come close to feeding my whole family for lunch at McDonald’s. I know there are people out there who are lobbying to tax the fast foods on a similar scale to tobacco and alcohol, but the determination of who determines what should be classified as the “bad” foods is always a scary prospect. Some of the research is inconclusive as well – take the avocado: good for you but high in fat. Then there is the red meat debate. So, clearly, developing a structure and criteria would be a taxing chore in itself (pardon the pun).

Something that would be pro-active (and I believe that the Conservative government here in Canada was contemplating this) would be to allow things such as a portion of gym membership fees to be a claimable item on your income tax return. Given the cost of even the most basic of fitness equipment, I would like to see all fitness gear – bicycles, running shoes, spandex and cool max clothing – to be both tax free and something that you could write off. For example, if you are an avid runner, you will go through a minimum of 3 pairs of running shoes each year. Running in old shoes can lead to a number of injuries which costs the Healthcare system loads of money and can also cause one to give up running and slipping back into a sedentary lifestyle. One pair of runners will cost you, on average, $120, and thus approximately $360 per year. Then there is running gear. If you are running year-round which, in this country factors an 80C contrast between Summer and Winter, you need clothing that will keep you comfortable. Add in another $300.

A basic gym membership is $600 per year.

Cycling is another example of the cost of fitness. A basic utilitarian bicycle will cost you roughly $500. Then there’s a helmet ($65) and the other assorted things like a bike lock ($60), tune-ups, etc. Why wouldn’t we want to promote cycling and make it affordable as it not only aids in the health of people, but also is another drop in the bucket toward helping out the environment?

Again, if we make things like gym memberships and fitness gear affordable, then more people would utilise them. There are countless physical endeavours that I have yet to pursue, largely because of money, though having a family and career also play a part in my not having taken on pursuits such as rock climbing, kayaking, etc.

Our society is neglecting of preventative medicine. I believe that one’s annual check-up should consist of a consultation with a Naturopath and a M.D. in which they recommend supplementations based on symptoms and family history. The problem here as it stands is that there is no regulation or standardisation of the supplement industry (i.e. you can see Ginseng on the shelf of a Health food store ranging in price from $5 to $70 per bottle). The whole diet and fitness industry is exactly that as well, with their photos of beautiful people in flowing cotton clothing doing Yoga to mountain and ocean backgrounds – that’s marketing, NOT reality. Still, people want to believe, spend $60 on a bottle of pills that is nothing but a load of filler and caffeine and the corporate gurus are laughing all the way to the bank! So, we need to straighten this misinformation out, as well as lobby to have things such as massage and whatnot covered under the most basic of health plans as de-stressing treatments which will hopefully lead to fewer folks popping pills, much to the chagrin of the big pharmaceutical companies.

Finally, we need to expand physical education in our schools to keep kids active. The key is to be creative in how this is accomplished. We need to find activities conducive to all body types and athletic ability. I was a fat kid growing up and, though I played lots of sports, I was frustrated because my level of physical agility was minimal. Then I discovered Rugby and it changed my life as Rugby is a game where every body type can play and be a significant member of the team. While Rugby may not be the saviour that we are seeking (as my medical bills will attest) it was a springboard for me to go and develop a very active and healthy lifestyle.

Here’s hoping for change.

Critical Thinking and History


In the introduction to the book that I am presently reading, “Moscow 1812; Napoleon’s Fatal March”, author Adam Zamoyski offers careful attention to the various spins numerous historians have given Napoleon’s failed epic campaign. He illustrates, for example, how, in Russia, the invasion was presented as an aristocratic battle before Stalin came to power, after which it was portrayed as the first Patriotic War (succeeded by the Great Patriotic War of course when Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union in the Second World War). Likewise, he presents the various French versions and portrayals of Napoleon ranging from bastard to godly. Through it all, one can see the resonation of the old saying that “History belongs to the victors”.

In the same vein, a recent article in the local paper reported that in Australia, efforts are being made to move away from the political correct account of History in that nation. Captain Cook is one example of how History has been used to further various political agendas down under.

As a massive History fan and soon to be again Social Studies Teacher, I applaud both Zamoyski’s introduction and the move on behalf of John Howard and the Aussie government. So often we say things like “History will be the judge” when, in fact, we are the judges of History and our conclusions should be based in articulate critical thinking. Agendas are rampant, which is fair enough. Sadly, teaching people to examine these agendas critically is largely absent. I recall growing up and learning about the propaganda spread by Pravda in the Soviet Union as we lauded our “freedom of the press” here in the West. While it is true that Western writers could publish articles without fear of imprisonment, execution or being labelled “enemies of the state”, what came and continues to come into print is far from objective reporting. CNN, for example is nothing but a cheerleader for George W. and his Republican, right wing types, just as the CBC here in Canada is a left wing liberalist machine. The simple truth is that there is no truly objective news reporting agency out there. The scary part is that many people base their beliefs on the premise that what they see in the media is true. How often do you hear folks say that “if it’s in a book, then it must be true” or settle arguments simply because they look it up and find a version that fits in a way they so desire?

Take something like the Irish Republican Army if you want to do a litmus test on what I am saying. If you read a pro-Republican account of the IRA you will be given a romantic image of freedom fighters gallantly fighting off the horrible imperialism and occupation of England. From a pro-Unionist point of view you will see a terrorist organisation hell bent on having the Protestants of Ulster under the thumb of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. A completely different perspective may portray the IRA as an organised crime group or gang of thugs running weapons, drugs and protection.

Look at another aspect: that of media sensationalism. One bomb that kills 30 people makes the international news and strikes fear into nations as we use words like terrorists. People pledge millions into National Defense as a result. And, in spite of it all, the entire raucous can be the work of a handful of people. Just to add a little extra flavour to your pipe, consider that more people were killed by dogs then by international terrorists in the year 9/11 happened. That is not to pass judgement on anything surrounding this horrific tragedy, but a simple, objective statement of fact.

Billy Bragg has a great line in one of his tunes: “If you wake up in the morning to find your paper is Tory/ Just remember, there’s two sides to every story”.

Political Correctness, fuelled by a desire to promote compassion and equality, and White Supremacist rhetoric, fuelled by ignorance, fear and hate, are both destructive in their own particular ways. What we need to do, as a planet, is to focus on making things work, rather than blaming each other for how things worked in the past. Without reason, we fulfill statements like that made by Orwell : “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”. Slavery, for example, was wrong and it’s legacy continues to have a sociological impact. What needs to be addressed is not white liberal guilt, but in improving the lot of life by offering support and freedom of opportunity. The same can be said about the First Nations in my country. The Government throws millions at the Native people’s without any focus or direction. We allow media spin on Residential Schooling to cloud our judgement, again, getting caught up in the victim syndrome. Cultural hardship isn’t something we need to keep score over – whether the millions who starved in Ireland during the Famine were harder done by than the Ukrainians starved under Stalin. Really, aside from learning from our mistakes as a global community, we should not use our cultures to battle over who had the roughest childhood.

In closing: “teach your children well” as the old Hippie ditty hums. Question everything, be of pure heart and try to look at all the sides before taking a hard-line. Honestly, how many folks would be of the religion to which they belong if they weren’t born into them. Would the suicide bomber hate Muslims as much as he does Jews had they been born of a Judaic family? Unlikely.

Axis of Evil?

Think.

Boxing and Zen


In spite of the heat last evening, I journeyed out to my Boxing club for a two hour training session. I lost about 5 lbs in water weight, and left tired but satisfied.

A colleague at the prison, knowing my search for a Martial Art, recommended this club to me, qualifying his recommendation by stating “there’s no Zen in this place, just a lot of sweat”. I have been searching for several years now to find a Martial Art that offered a practical style conducive to my body type, while having a good club dynamic and living up to the philosophical underpinnings that the Art espoused to have. Judging this criteria, it is perhaps surprising that Boxing has met my personal standard, especially pertaining to the latter.

I became interested in Buddhist and Taoist ideology several years ago. After reading a few books by Thich Nhat Hahn in the mid-late 1990’s, I began to practise Buddhist meditation and thinking, in addition to taking up Yoga. When life lead me into Corrections as an Officer, I sought out the Martial Arts both out of practicality for my job and out of interests arising from much of what I had been reading. My search lead to training in Judo (yellow belt), Taekwondo (green stripe), Kali Ilustrisimo, Koga and a class or two of Aikido and Kung Fu, but none of these Arts, at the particular clubs that I went to, lived up to the psychological/spiritual/philosophical dimension that these Arts professed to include through my readings. That isn’t to take anything away from these Arts or their practicality. Judo is an awesome Art with practical applications, for example, and I enjoyed the physicality of grappling. I would strongly advocate any of these Arts to parents for their children as they do develop discipline, fitness and coordination/physical dexterity. My issue, primarily, was one of it lacking that particular mental component along the lines of the Buddhist and Taoist stuff I was reading about.

Enter the Boxing ring. To begin, let me clarify that I am speaking of Boxing as an Art and not the world of professional Boxing. Though I do like watching pro fights, I think that there is corruption abounding and feel that bouts are permitted to go on too long, resulting in permanent damage to the Boxer. What I am talking about is Boxing as it pertains to training and mechanics. Viewing Boxing from a Buddhist point of view, it does live up to its ideological basis in that there is none as far as spiritual aspects go. How Zen is that? Nothing implies no-thing and, therefore, some-thing. Boxing espouses sweat and heart, and that is what it all boils down to. Boxing develops great footwork, hand-eye coordination, strength and endurance via a full body workout. Further to this, you can join a club and Box for years without ever being punched. Though I’d advocate light sparring if anyone is truly wanting to develop their skills, you never have to put your self in harms way. Lastly, Boxing doesn’t consist of structured kata, belt ranks and thousands of moves, rather combinations consisting of hooks, jabs, crosses and uppercuts. Basic. Effective.

In closing, one thing that I have learned is not to allow myself to get boxed in (pardon the pun) when it comes to applying Buddhism to my life. The Asian Arts do not hold exclusive rights over all things Buddhist/Taoist, nor does one require little Buddha statues and Chinese characters to practise Zen. Those things lead to dogma of sorts. The Buddha was the worlds first great Punk Rocker (Read “Hardcore Zen” by Warner) in his “question everything” approach to the world. We see many religions battling with doctrine versus epoch, causing dissention rather than healthy debate. Buddhism is personal and, in spite all the writings out there, each path is our own as is each of our realities. Leaving with something I wrote back at Dalhousie University in my 20th Century Fiction class:

“Reality is one’s perception of existence. Existence is the fabrication of nothingness into being. “Nothing” implies “no-thing” and therefore “some-thing”. Thus, everything is an echo.”

Lousy Lizard


Inspired by the recent Art in my life, I once again – and without any kind of training/instruction – have put brush to pallet and canvas in my latest creation: Lousy Lizard.

…Incidentally, my wife won’t let me hang any of my paintings in our house (see my other works in past entries). So, hoping to capitalise on Internet sensationalism, since my wife is a professed (free-lance) Catholic, I am showing you THE PAINTINGS THE CHURCH DIDN’T WANT YOU TO SEE hanging on the walls of my home !

Is it just me or do I require help….?! (I did go for a 40 minute cycle today in this +33C heat!)

Balmy or Bombing Hot?


North Korea celebrated the Fourth of July by test firing lucky missile number 7 and threatening the US and other associated nations with nuclear obliteration. I must say that this makes me incredibly nostalgic for the 1980’s when I was cutting my teeth on Punk Rock, the Cold War and annihilation spawned masochism. Further to this, I look forward to the opportunity of instructing my students to climb under their desks at the siren’s sound in hopes of surviving an onslaught…

…Interestingly enough, I’ve just started reading a book on Napoleon’s epic failure to invade Russia in 1812, assuring me that our age is not special in it’s cast of metaphorical Doctor Evil’s and narcissistic Caesar wannabes. After spending a few days in the Rockies hiking and tending to the typical concerns of a family man, I really must wonder what inspires men to such conquests – certainly makes life complicated!

Then there is the whole issue of being fair. Seems America is quick to put the gears to countries like North Korea and Iran for developing nuclear capabilities because of the threat that they pose to world security. Okay, I’m with Uncle Sam up to hear, but need to point out that the USA not only has the most formidable nuclear arsenal in the world, and, going even one step further, have actually used the atomic bomb twice. I have trouble getting behind the great American noble gesture. With nasty rumours that the US are not in Iraq to “liberate” makes me half wonder (tongue deeply rooted in cheek here) if they don’t have a secret intent to rule the world…

And speaking of the World… Cup, I was saddened by the host, Germany, losing to Italy yesterday. Though the Italians played a good match, there were two incidents in the box that should have been penalty shots to the Germans, and thus might have rendered a completely different result. Oh well, such are the bounces of fate in “the beautiful game”.

And le Tour de France? Scandal has certainly left the field wide open there.

It's +33C here - too hot to cycle.....

In the end, a quote from the ever reverent Smiths: “If it’s not love then it’s the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb that will bring us together….”

Celebrated Summer


The mercury was up in the 30’s yesterday, which is great because the heat keeps the mosquitoes down in the evening (though sleeping is a bit sticky). Anyway, there’s an awesome liquor store here in town that carries an assortment of foreign beers and you can buy them by the bottle. Thus, keeping in touch with our Nova Scotian roots, and with the ceildh spirit, my wife, friend Paully and I set out to entertain our neighbours with a variety of tunes on the acoustic. You really can’t beat friends and summertime! We had about a good of a time as our limited talents and alcohol would permit. Too bad life wasn’t like television where someone like Neko Case or Shane McGowan just show up out of the blue and sit in with the jam…

As the days advance after making my big decision, I am feeling a sense of artistic liberation and as if I’ve got some kind of momentum going in life. In spite of my enthusiasm, my sleeps are restless and riddled with nightmares pertaining to my change of vocations from Correctional Officer to Junior High School Teacher. I’ve survived prison for going on five years, so junior high students can’t be any worse… can they?

In any case, this is my last day with Paully before he flies back to New Jersey and the mercury is forecasted to exceed yesterday’s highs. Off to peruse some book, music and art stores before saying adieu. Think that I’ll go play “Celebrated Summer” by Hüsker Dü….

Making Up the Mind
Mountians vs Mole Hills and a Bird in the Hand


As I was hiking along a trail in Jasper, I saw a small creature floundering in the dust ahead of me. As I neared, it turned out to be a baby bird that must’ve fallen from its nest. I managed to corral the wee critter in my mitts – he hardly tried to escape (most likely paralysed with fear), just sat, panting with its bright yellow beak open to its capacity.

Trees lined the trail as I looked to see if the nest might be visible – talk about trying to see the forest through the trees! Fortunately, there were two small birds making a heck of a racket, and I noticed that one had a worm dangling from its beak. No nest was visible from the ground, so I placed the small fellow in the high grass at the base of the tree and left him with my best wishes for survival.

I know that it sounds completely cheesy, but the whole gravity of this little creature’s predicament resonated with me as far as life and risks go. I transposed this in a fragmentised way to the email I was expecting from the school where I interviewed for a teaching position (see previous entry). I knew, that if I was offered the position, my biggest decision would not be whether or not I wanted to take the opportunity, but rather, whether I could overcome abandoning the job security of a permanent job with the federal government for a probationary contract with the local school board. Issues of leaving my comfort zone percolated through my thoughts, coupled with growing old working in a maximum security prison where the Offenders are fed by a steady supply of nasty youth. The old clichés of the only thing remaining the same is change and fears of fear itself as a barricade to progress ran in circles through my mind like my Golden Retriever chasing her tail (our Border Collie- Shepherd cross is far to articulate to do such things).

Arriving back and checking my email did in fact present me with a definite decision to be made. Opting for passion above paranoia, I have decided to take the plunge and have accepted the teaching position. I feel really good about this decision and know that my wife will be happy not having me working shift work in such a dangerous milieu. I must say that I feel a sense of having to regain a notion of “self”, no longer being a Correctional Officer (which is great at cocktail parties when it comes to engaging conversation!). I will miss my comrades at the prison – there is a definite bond that forms between people when you weigh through danger, blood and chaos together – but I am ready for this next leg of my journey through life.

Life is beautiful.

Photos: Bird in the hand, walking the trail + a few mountain goats we met along the way