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