School Curriculum

As Facebook has no doubt told you over and over and over (and over and over and over) again, there is some new (very controversial) curriculum coming to public schools this Fall.

This isn't a blog about that. There are enough voices on the net talking about the pros (and the infinite number of cons) to the situation.

Instead, I figure if we are adding stuff to the schools this fall, I might as well let my voice be heard. Here's what I think should be added to schools this fall.


Useful Math

Seriously, when was the last time you had to do the math to build a bridge? Or figure out how many apples Kim would have if Dianne ate three and gave David 9 oranges? When was the last time you had to worry about taxes?

That's right. I want basic accounting and taxes in schools! Never again would I have to worry about what on earth a T4 slip is!... or is it a T3... I would know this... if it was part of the curriculum!

Political Science

Really, Evan? You would make kids in Grade 6 learn about politics? Yes. Yes I would. We are constantly hearing about low voter turn out. Why? Well... there are a number of reasons... too many for one blog. However, a basic understanding of Canadian politics may help people get into it when they hit the age they can vote. Also, I just want kids to know the difference between an MP and an MPP...
Bear in mind, Basic Political Science was one of the few subjects I aced in high school... so I may be biased...

Reading

I know that reading is a part of school... I can't remember how much (I was home schooled for most of my life, which meant a LOT of reading), but I know it's there. However, there should be more... 'cause reading is awesome!

Small Engine Repar

O.K... admittedly, I am not really serious about this one. I do sorta wish they did cover that in Elementary School though... Every time I have to pay my mechanic... I kinda wish I was one!

Doctor Phil

I have debated for a couple of days on whether or not to share this.

So I shall share it with a disclaimer. It involves Dr. Phil. You have been warned.

What I love about the internet is it's a great place to create stuff. You can share original works of art, poetry, music and film with literally the world as your audience.

What does that have to do with Dr. Phil?

Some genius decided to try and make the ultimate episode of Dr. Phil... one with just the pauses.

It's awesome.

Again, it's Dr. Phil so the set up is pretty ridiculous  -

 

If this is what every episode of Dr. Phil was like, I wouldn't miss a show!

Brian Williams

I haven't been following the Brian Williams ordeal as closely as I wish I was, however, it's still fascinating.

If this is new to you, here's my basic understanding. He lied about being on a helicopter that was shot down. The weird thing is that it was shot down over 10 years ago... how it's taken this long to come out that he was lying is beyond me.

Now he's on a 3 month suspension from NBC and most of his "personal stories" are being called into question.

It reminds me a lot of Steven Glass. He's a guy that fabricated 27 out of 41 articles he wrote for the news magazine The New Republic. Imagine that... you make up over half of your NEWS articles!

It's crazy. It's also a great reminder to be careful what we say.

Obviously, it takes a lot of trying to get into a situation like Williams or Glass, however we still have to give an account of what we say.

A white lie might not seem as bad as claiming to be on a helicopter that was shot down. It's still a lie though.

Eventually, even the smallest most unnoticeable lie will catch up with you. And that will hurt your reputation. News anchor or not. Once your credibility is smashed, it's pretty hard to put back together too.

For Glass, he had to start writing fiction. Probably what he should have been doing from the start. For Williams, I guess time will tell.

The truth hurts, but lying can be fatal.

Selma

David Oyelowo says that God told him to play Martin Luther King Jr in the film Selma. When someone says something like that, I will hold them too it. In fact, my expectations are doubled.

I had really high expectations going into Selma.

It exceeded them all.

I haven't been moved by a movie to that extent in a long time. It leaves a mark on you. Makes you look at the world a little differently than you did when you went into it.

It did for me at least.

The part that stuck out to me the most, was King. He was a guy that wanted to make a change.
He dedicated his life to a cause that he felt called to. He put his career, reputation and even his life on the line. Selma shows that. What it also shows is the faith that motivated him to do that in the first place.

And David Oyelowo nails the performance.

It may be tricky to find a showing (limited release by the look of it). However if you can find a showing, check it out. It's more than worth the price of admission.

All that praise aside, there is some content that you may want to be in the loop about - http://www.pluggedin.ca/movies/intheaters/selma.aspx

Favourite Songs

One of my jobs at LIFE is handling the music we play. I love this part of my job! Music has always been a huge part of my life, getting to work so closely with it on a daily basis is awesome!

Here are some of my favourite tracks on the air right now!

Matthew Parker - We Go



Owl City - You're Not Alone



Lecrae - Messengers



tobymac - Beyond Me

Way Too Young

I love music videos. I've mentioned it before on this blog, but I really can't get enough of them. That little boy in me (who, I might add, isn't really hidden most of the time anyway...) gets way more excited than he should whenever a new video hits the net. A good one nails it all. The shots, theme and artist's acting all coming together in a wonderful 3:30 package.

I never thought I would be blessed with the opportunity to make them myself. Well, I just wrapped up production on my 6th (well, 6th real one...).

This one is a little different from stuff I've worked on in the past. I didn't have to shoot anything. Which was weird. Someone else had done all that for me. This was all a matter of editing it together and then spending a few dozen hours adding the lyrics.

All in all, I love how it turned out!



Here's hoping I have more to throw on the ol' blog before 2015 expires!

The Best of 2014

I love the New Year. It gives you a chance to reflect on how (hopefully) awesome the preceding year was and get excited for the up-coming year.

I normally do a retrospective of my favourite things from the year, this year is no different!

Favourite Album - Switchfoot - Fading West

I don't listen to albums as much as I once did. Mostly, I listen to the radio. However, every now and then an album comes along that I just love to the max. Fading West was that album for me. It's one of those rare gems that doesn't stop being good from start to finish. It's artsy, it's catchy and it's fun. Plus, it's Switchfoot. How can you go wrong!?!? I would name a favourite track... but I can't. It's a solid album








Favourite Worship Album - Tie - Crowder - Neon Steeple/ John Mark McMillian - Boarderlands

I know I just said I hardly listen to CDs and I have 3 down as being my favourites, but to be fair... these were basically the only ones I listened to all year!


Hearing David Crowder's voice again was a treat this year. The guy is an amazing composer/ song writer. Loved being able to enjoy the guy that made me love worship music again.

John Mark McMillian is an acquired taste. His voice is... unique. Sometimes that means it's in it's own special key... however, that doesn't stop Boarderlands from being beautiful. It's a really weird album, mixing elements of 80's pop with modern worship. That's not even mentioning the blues fuelled horn sections. If you're a worship leader looking for some new songs, give it a listen. Future// Past alone is worth it.








Favourite Christian Movie - Grace Unplugged/ Believe Me

I know I know... that's two ties in one blog... I am an indecisive person when it comes to picking a "favourite".

Grace Unplugged technically came out last year, but I saw it this year. It's really good. It's the story of a girl who walks away from her family and faith to pursue a record deal. It's pretty realistic without being over the line. A good film for family movie night.

Believe Me is a really hard film to describe. It's one of the best examples of what Christian film should be, well shot, fantastic acting, believable characters and a story that makes you think long after the credits roll. However, it's not for everyone. Some of the jokes they make can definitely hit the wrong buttons... they did for me... but that's sort of the point. I recommend it, with the caveat that you it may offend you at times. And not in the ways you think it will.










And now for the rapid fire honourable mentions...

Favourite Superhero Movie - Captain America: Winter Soldier
Favourite Kids Movie - Lego Movie/ Big Hero 6 (nuts! another tie... I do have a problem...)
Favourite New Food - Chimichangas
Favourite Thing I Made -





Favourite Concert - 15th Anniversary of LIFE 100.3
Favourite Pair of Pants - Those sweet, sweet blue jeans.
Favourite TV Show - Doctor Who

O.K... that's enough about last year. Onward to 2015! What were your favourite things of 2014?