yyur yyub icur yy4me

Enough said.

K*I*S*S

Summer

Took it off..

Now, I'm back.. site now under redesign..
I'll be done when I am.

Hope you all had a very good one.
Back to school.. not just for kids.

#NationalStopHarperDay

is June 28th, 2013..

Countdown to Tweetstorm

Join..  June 15th, 2013

Paste of tweets for your use available tomorrow.

#PMHarperMustResign
..especially after that video.

#PMHarperMustResign - Tweets about cuts & elimination of Women's Organizations

#PMHarperMustResign bc funding cut4 Aboriginal Healing Fdn which addressed physical/sexual abuse in residential schools http://www.ahf.ca/downloads/20100305-media-advisory.pdf

#PMHarperMustResign bc 2/4 or ½ of staff fired, 2^nd phase of cancelled for Alberta Ntwrk of Immigrant Women http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/05/07/13867921.html

#PMHarperMustResign bc 3hrs after taking office his 1^st act was to cut Canada’s Ntl Child Care Program http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs127/1102506130457/archive/1112374404066.html

#PMHarperMustResign bc 7yrs & $15b gone: Nothing to show for the Universal Child Care Benefit http://www.ccaac.ca/pdf/media/Feb62013CCAACReleaseF.pdf?utm_source=Copy+of+December+2012&utm_campaign=child+care+canada&utm_medium=archive

#PMHarperMustResign bc the #UN should NOT have to involved itself in protecting our children http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs127/1102506130457/archive/1111481557209.html

#PMHarperMustResign for cutting but HaHa! not destroying CRIAW http://www.criaw-icref.ca/reduced-refused-reignited

#PMHarperMustResign bc in ’09 the entire budget was eliminated for Child Care Advocacy Assoc of CA  http://www.childcarecanada.org/documents/research-policy-practice/12/06/brief-summary-struggles-child-care-advocacy-association-can

#PMHarperMustResign bc #FN groups shouldn’t need a court order for child welfare funding on reserves http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/04/18/pol-first-nations-court-welfare.html

#PMHarperMustResign bc w/out warning $7M was cut from KAIROS eliminating its social change advocacy http://www.kairoscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/GI-CIDA-CIDAcutsataglance.pdf

#PMHarperMustResign for extinguishing funding & closing Kelowna Women’s Resource Centre http://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/120918629.html

#PMHarperMustResign for ignoring Amnesty Int’l report Stolen Sisters exposing extreme # of #MMIW in Canada http://www.amnesty.ca/our-work/issues/indigenous-peoples/no-more-stolen-sisters

#PMHarperMustResign for voting against the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 07 http://voices-voix.ca/en/facts/profile/sisters-spirit

#PMHarperMustResign bc the #UN needed to intervene & ask him to urgently investigate/examine the extreme # of #MMIW http://voices-voix.ca/en/facts/profile/sisters-spirit

#PMHarperMustResign for cutting funding in ’10 for Sisters In Spirit http://voices-voix.ca/en/facts/profile/sisters-spirit

 

#PMHarperMustResign for cutting SWC funds by approx 40%, compelling the closure of 12 of its 16 regional offices http://voices-voix.ca/en/facts/profile/new-brunswick-coalition-pay-equity

#PMHarperMustResign for extinguishing the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity http://voicesvoix.ca/en/facts/profile/new-brunswick-coalition-pay-equity

#PMHarperMustResign for cutting funding to the Older Woman’s Network & what they fight for economic security & justice http://olderwomensnetwork.org/fightfor

#PMHarperMustResign bc abused women & kids are ‘Locked In, Left Out’ of budget http://www.oaith.ca/assets/files/Publications/Locked.pdf

#PMHarperMustResign bc Veteran’s Affairs cutbacks force veterans to deal with a rep from a US comp via  toll free # or online services http://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/150033525.html

#PMHarperMustResign for telling aboriginal women to "get on" w/reporting alleged abuses by RCMP http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/14/rights-group-slams-harper-for-telling-aboriginal-women-to-get-on-with-reporting-alleged-abuse-by-rcmp/

#PMHarperMustResign for not acknowledging there are hundreds & hundreds of #MMIW in Canada https://missingsisters.crowdmap.com/main

#PMHarperMustResign for changing the mandate of Status of Women to exclude ‘gender equality/political justice http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2006/11/29/status-women.html

 

#PMHarperMustResign

Sign Petition

#PMHarperMustResign - TweetStorm Monday, May 20th, 2013

Greetings, concerned Canadians and global opponents to the Harper Government. We know how ridiculous and scandalous this excuse for a Government of Canada is. The most recent events concerning the Senate have only exacerbated the frustration and anger of average people everywhere. Enough of trumpeting openness and transparency while doing the exact opposite to Canadians and Canada.

On Victoria Day Monday May 20, 2013 you are invited to use this paste to draw tweets from for a twitterstorm to say that it is time for:

#PMHarperMustResign

There is no established start time for this public sourced action. Start as early as you like on Holiday Monday. Hopefully, we will become the top trend in Canada and maybe beyond if we get enough concerned people to hit the twittersphere at once. Any individuals that wish to coordinate launch times or times of peak activity, you are encouraged to do so. Twitter is a powerful social media platform and focused action has and will have effect. Following the finest Canadian tradition, we have no firm format. The tweets below have been compiled for ease of use and easier posting for the twitterstorm. Everyone is encouraged to use them or make your own. Please remember re-tweets do not factor in when Twitter calculates trends. Only tweets of first time posting count towards the trends. As long as it has the hashtag #PMHarperMustResign it will register. Of course, copy/paste of tweets in your stream also count. Let’s make some noise!

For refusing to sign a UN Declaration of Clean Water as a Human Right #PMHarperMustResign

For proroguing Parliament twice to avoid the fall of his Government #PMHarperMustResign

From a 2006 surplus of $16B to a 2010 record deficit of $56B. For this alone #PMHarperMustResign

Because Canadians deserve so much more #PMHarperMustResign

For the waste of public money and the oppression of people during Toronto G20 #PMHarperMustResign

For shutting down long honored and respected world renowned scientific research #PMHarperMustResign

For lying about “efficiencies” and setting up a shadow non-union civil service #PMHarperMustResign

For calling Canadians who have environmental causes “Eco-terrorists” #PMHarperMustResign

For ignoring and abusing the rights of First Nations #PMHarperMustResign

For the disrespect and attempts at denying benefits to our military veterans #PMHarperMustResign

For the disregard of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms #PMHarperMustResign

For having convicted election fraudsters in Cabinet and on Privy Council #PMHarperMustResign

For taking the Parliamentary Budget Officer to court trying to suppress documents #PMHarperMustResign

For the never ending propaganda called the “Economic Action Plan” #PMHarperMustResign

For having his Chief of Staff keep his job with a leading Bay Street fund operator #PMHarperMustResign

For removing environmental protection of all but less than 100 of Canada’s lakes and rivers #PMHarperMustResign

For promising Senate Reform and appointing the most corrupt Senators ever #PMHarperMustResign
For giving false documents about the #F35 purchase and the backtracking to hide it #PMHarperMustResign

For “misplacing” $3 Billion plus tax dollars #PMHarperMustResign

For refusing to take responsibility for his Government and Ministers #PMHarperMustResign

For losing what seemed to be Canada’s guaranteed seat on the UN Security Council #PMHarperMustResign

Because of the strategy from Americans like Tom Flanagan and Frank Luntz #PMHarperMustResign

For labeling Omnibus legislation against all democratic principles then using it himself #PMHarperMustResign

For declaring this is the “Most Transparent Government of Canada ever” then using every trick to hide things #PMHarperMustResign

For touting his qualifications as an economist and leading Canada into record deficits #PMHarperMustResign

For a pending investment deal that allows a foreign power to sue us in private for a minimum of 26 years #PMHarperMustResign

For allowing the identity of those involved in election fraud to continue to be at large #PMHarperMustResign

For muzzling scientists, librarians, MP’s, RCMP and civil servants #PMHarperMustResign

For refusing to talk to the press unless it is pre-approved and convenient for him #PMHarperMustResign

For refusing to acknowledge young FN peoples who walked 1000′s of kms to Ottawa to demonstrate their plight #PMHarperMustResign

For refusing to allow a single Government MP to meet with Chief Spence, never mind a Minister or himself #PMHarperMustResign

For Bill C-45 which illegally usurps the nation to nation relationship of FN’s with the Crown #PMHarperMustResign

Because 40% of the vote in 40% of the electorate is not a “Strong, stable mandate” #PMHarperMustResign

For allowing a man convicted of election fraud, impregnated a minor, without clear Canadian citizenship to be a Minister #PMHarperMustResign

Because grade 5 students told him to stop being a bully #PMHarperMustResign

He makes unnecessary expenditures, and prefers to hand out cash to corporate Canada instead…#PMHarperMustResign http://bit.ly/13XFMJ8

$250 million went to Automotive Innovation Fund= federal subsidy program that provides the auto sector with TAXPAYER $$ #PMHarperMustResign

Because he gave $400 million to venture capital when private-sector should risk their own cash, not that of taxpayers #PMHarperMustResign

He lied about $250M of taxpayer cash into the automotive fund “returning 6X what the government has invested” #PMHarperMustResign

Because he should be held accountable for the Senate scandals http://yhoo.it/11Mysm1 #PMHarperMustResign

Because PMSH is the one who handpicked the 3 maligned senators: Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy, and Patrick Brazeau #PMHarperMustResign

Because it’s time that PMSH takes responsibility for the senate shenanigans #PMHarperMustResign

Because when he became PM, he continued “disgraceful, undemocratic appointments” w “undemocratic” Conservatives (58) #PMHarperMustResign

Because he’s appointed visible minority candidates, expected to fundraise for the party within the ethnic communities. #PMHarperMustResign

Because Mike Duffy was chosen to be a senator as a reward for publicly shaming Stéphane Dion during the 2008 election. #PMHarperMustResign

Because since having majority in both houses Harper has continued rewarding Tory insiders & contributors w/ Senate jobs #PMHarperMustResign

Because he had a choice, and didn’t have to appoint a cadre of failed candidates, party donors and friendly media. #PMHarperMustResign

Because he could have found another way to appoint Senators, via independent committee/patronage watchdog but refused! #PMHarperMustResign

For changing official letterhead of the Government of Canada to The Harper Government instead #PMHarperMustResign

For removing information from Government department websites and inserting links to propaganda ads at public expense #PMHarperMustResign

For demanding forensic audits of FN books while controlling the flow of money to begin with AND losing $3B+ himself #PMHarperMustResign

For instructing every Minister, MP and spokesperson to answer inquiries with the same hollow talking points #PMHarperMustResign

Because a $10M panda photo-op was more important than the #Nishiyuu Cree who walked 1600km to Ottawa #PMHarperMustResign

For trying to change over 30 separate Acts with one Omnibus bill after declaring such tatics un-democratic in opposition #PMHarperMustResign

For closing search and rescue facilities to save $800K while spending $30M+ on “Economic Action Plan” ads #PMHarperMustResign

 

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PTSD Chart: Effects of Women Abuse on Children

Why has an Amber Alert not been called for missing 12 year old child?

FOUND !!! @OttawaPolice advised at 3 p.m. March 1st, 2013, Trinity Payash was found.
MISSING 12yo CHILD >> February 28th, 2012 2:30 p.m. from Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Ottawa Citizen Missing Child Notification

(Updated: March 1, 2012 at 8:30pm)

Twitter became abuzz 7 p.m. EST last night with news that a missing 12 year old aboriginal child could not be found in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.  Her name is Trinity Payash.

Original twitter notifications can be traced back to Ottawa Citizen reporters Meghan Hurley and  Gary Dimmock.  (I could not find any official and collaborating press release but because both profiles indicated they were working for a recognizable news source, I felt confident to RT (return) the Missing Child Alert.)  Ms. Hurley wrote the article it was published sometime later that night.

Why was an Amber Alert not issued?

It is because she was missing before .

Only 6 months ago but in Thunder Bay, little Trinity tried to disappear. She was 11.

Since then, she had a birthday and now she lives in Ottawa. She is not in Thunder Bay anymore and as dangerous as a place that is, as reported by The National CBC "Living in Fear" less than 10 days ago. It is potentially safer than Ottawa - potentially safer than Montreal, a mere 2 hours away, an even more popular city for child sex trafficking psychopaths.

The Ottawa police used reporters and reporters used twitter to get the word out to the public this time. Social Media is a useful and effective tool for police when the need arises. The problems any police department seems to have with social media in potential crime reporting only seems to comes when the information disseminated is unfavourable to them - then they warn of misinformation and rumour.

At 7 a.m. it looked like @OttawaPolice the official Ottawa Police twitter account just warned of ice dangers on the Rideau Canal - not a missing 12 year old child. I looked. I was corrected by the Ottawa Police that they did actually post an alert at approximately at 7 p.m.. I looked over 14 hours later but I missed it somehow.

Have you seen her picture? She looks like a budding baby. She is a budding young lady. Police state she could pass for 15 - 17 year old girl. What 12 year old girl couldn't? It does not mean in any way shape of form, that she is menatlly capable of being aware of her own protection.

Given her odds - should there not be more of more concern for her protection against Child Sex Trafficking rings?

Canada - read that again - Canada - meaning ALL of us (blame government policies but Canadian elected that goverment and their policies, we are equally liable for the atrocities befallen First Nations people.) We are undergoing a Human Rights Tribunal for discrimination against First Nations children and acees to basic Human Rights. The United Nations has declared it, as well as Amnesty Internation a few years ago!

Why has an Amber Alert not been issued?

"An AMBER Alert is not intended for cases involving parental abductions or runaways except in life threatening situations." OPP

It is not a life threatening issue that a little girl who rececently turned 12 years old is not at danger missing in a huge city; she recently moved to, and could not possible comprehend how to safely travel about or within - where would she go?

It is zero temperature in Ottawa. It is cold. Do you think by now, ca car has driven by, noticed her? Stopped? Asked her if she wanted to get warm? Offered her a burger and fries?

Do you think a 12 year old child alone, freezing and hungry would get in? I do.

Is that not a life threatening situation?

There are NO bad kids - there are only SAD kids.


(Note: This post is about questioning the expansion of Amber Alert program and is not about the police. I am sure police followed protocol. This post is about questioning that protocol.)

Idle No More.. We come in Peace

Four women who said
We are Idle No More
Awakened the whole world
Simply knocking on the door

We're very scared mothers
Childrens' lives are at stake
Canada will be poisoned
Every river, stream and lake

Come outside and see
Take a really long look
This beauty before you
Will be in a history book

There's no environment protection
The government took that away
It also broke Treaties
That weren't just for display

We're First Nation ladies
Proud of who we are
We forever stand united
Even when distanced from afar

We love our country
As probably you do yours
We are all indigenous
Connected water, shore to shores

The world's in danger
Our lands from here to there
Affects the global future
For our grandchildren to share

To all media people
Start reporting the harsh truth
Outside the lines, perhaps
A job for a real sleuth
 
To all Canadian people
We call you to lead
To all government officials
We will see you concede

Four women once said
We are Idle No More
Began a millions movement
Peacefully knocking at the door

By Lisa A. MacLeod

FaceBook's Exploitation of Amanda Todd

A “cause” is circulating FaceBook. An invitation to join the “Petition: Arrest Cyber Bullies Responsible for Amanda Todd’s Death”. I don’t understand the purpose of the petition and have not yet signed.

 

Amanda was targeted and exploited by a sexual predator - still free and most likely preying on other innocent and vulnerable children. There are a reported 5 million FaceBook users under the age of 10 and FaceBook knows it.

 

I take exception that FaceBook Inc. is allowed to profit from child exploitation, cyber-rape and suicide.

 

Bullying is a traffic driven hot topic. Arresting bullies is not a cause – it’s an outcome.

A petition should not be required to enforce a Child Exploitation and Protection crime. Her tragedy began with a predator using a naked picture of her and then extorting and exploiting her through mass distribution to the world. It has also been reported, this child porn photo was also at some point used as a "profile" picture.

FaceBook Inc. provides a social networking service, an online worldwide neighbourhood. It is a publically traded conglomerate that facilitates relationship building and promotes personal detail sharing among like-minded people, groups and associations.

 

It is a cyber nation and should therefore be governed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child.

 

FaceBook’s metric system of revenue generation is predicated and calculated by notoriety of topic; a rating platform of interest and traffic driven participation of a similar audience. On that basis, FaceBook makes money.

 

FaceBook is profiting off of any and all traffic driven social interaction pertaining to this child’s suicide and in real time without having any responsibility in facilitating the interaction. It appears to me, FaceBook Inc. is an accessory and facilitated these child abuse crimes.

 

What is FaceBook’s Age of Consent?

 

There isn’t one.

 

There are “Terms of Service” which I am sure every 5 million estimated 10 year olds read in entirety and understood. 

Blame Parents, it’s your fault!

Reality Check - if a kid wants a FaceBook account, they will find a way to have a FaceBook account. Parents are not there 24/7 and cannot monitor their childrens' online access and eternal footprint in its entirety - and FaceBook knows this.

 

It is time for FaceBook Inc. to accept culpability.

 

We can demand it. We can demand Child Protection technology be adopted by FaceBook.

If not – in protest, we can mass delete our profiles.
 

Now that petition I would sign.

 

 

 

 

Dear USA: You are acting idiotic

Dear USA:

With all due respect, to each and every one of you as individuals - collectively - you are idiots.

You are.

Your nation is completely falling to pieces... even perhaps irreparable pieces. You are in complete denial. You are willing to sacrifice your innocent children to prove a point and you use the guise of "constitutional rights" to justify homicide - literally.

The fact that someone can buy 6,000 bullets over the internet and delivered to their home or work is stupid - stupid!

Tell me, that is smart. Go ahead.

No actually, stop... because then you sound like an even bigger idiot.

Think of it this way... You travel abroad, you might even simply and easily cross the boarder into my country Canada - you cannot have a gun here or anywhere else for that matter. You travel to foreign countries and you do not have a gun.  You have no idea of any dangers. Yet, within the comfort of your own home; a place where peace and security should be understood, you feel the necessity to have a gun.

Can you understand how backwards that is?

You may also want to consider exploring the novel concept of Homeland Security and how inept and incredibly flawed that system must be. How is it that an excessive amount of arsenal and war armour can be so easily purchased yet not recognizable to authorities?

You should demand more accountability from your media. Piers Morgan and Michael Moore made sense tonight. Anderson Cooper, you are adorable and authentic and honest - but tonight's Ridiculist should have been about how someone is able to buy 6,000 bullets and not some guy tracing a road to look like a penis.

What if his name was Mohammed instead of James? Then it would be labelled terrorism. How would politicians and media alike be addressing the tragedy in Aurora if Mohammed did it?

You need to think about that.

The one thing many other countries around the world have always admired is the pride and patriotism you show for your country and the potential that democratic independence can provide. Now, that pride has been replaced with ego, veiled as patriotism and it is really sad.

Rights now means ego and independence means control.  Independence fueled through rights versus control fueled through ego. That is a homemade bomb and that is your biggest terrorist threat.

I will not pretend to know the answer. I do not actually think there is one. I think you will fail - and then rise again but nevertheless, fail, destroy yourselves and graduate from the school of hard knocks.

I need to do what I need to do to protect my own country, as are others - all over the world. That is because we acknowledge what you refuse to even speak about. We see it - you do not. Therefore, you are a threat to me and the safety of my family and I refuse to enable your ego.

Your "rights" are idiotic - devoid of common sense, with all due respect.


Sincerely,
Lisa

#Danzig Shooting: "Something has to be done - Something has to change!"

You hear this sentiment... this wish.. this hope everywhere from everybody throughout Canada but particularly now with the tragedy that unfolded on Danzig Street in Scarborough, Ontario on Monday.

"Something has to change - something has to be done."

Something... something... something... what could possibly to done to immediately eradicate the threat and use of illegal hand guns, not only in Toronto, but anywhere in Canada.


"O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. "


We stand on guard for thee... We stand on guard for thee... We are the ones!

Is that not the change?! Is that not the "something that has to be done"?!

Our anthem tells us what must be done to protect our country, our citizens, our guests, our reputation. We as Canadians, each and every single individual must stand on guard for thee... others.

Illegal hand guns are a problem; that is becoming increasingly evident. Who knows more about that then the police, the government or any other authority enforcing laws meant to keep us - safe and, our country, safe... Canada... so it continues to be... True - North - Strong - Free.

Mayor of Toronto, do not patronize. "This" is not an "isolated incident".

25 people - 2 have died - It could have been 25. The "incident" could have so easily been described as massacre. It could happen again. It just might happen again.

The people who brought those guns. The people who shot those guns. The people who killed 2 and shot up so many others. They must be caught - but so should the "people" who knew these shooters even had the guns.

The "something"... the "something" that needs to change... the "something" that needs to be done.

That would be us.

We need to stand on guard for thee.

"O Canada" is not just an anthem - it is a pledge. We need to report to Crime Stoppers our knowledge who carries and whom threatens to use illegal handguns. If "we" do what "we" are supposed to... "Stand on Guard" they cannot.


Do that today. Stand on guard for your family, your neighbours, your communities and your country.

Call Crime Stoppers - 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS) - Report the illegal handgun(s) and save a life - save many lives.

I personally thank you... I thank you very, very much.

Confessions of a Mom: #1

I hide chocolate in the vegetable drawer of the fridge because I know my kids will never find it.

Canadian Poverty: An open question to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

You're at G8, enjoying Camp David...
the United Nations has internationally blasted Canada
as "self-righteous" about poverty & hunger

NOW would be a good time!

Orginally asked (posted) April 18th, 2012


Dear Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

Why is Canada the only country part of the G8 that does not have a "National Poverty Reduction Strategy"?!

Thank you in advance for your prompt reply.


Respectfully,

Lisa A. MacLeod
Canadian Citizen

As of April 27th, 2012 - Still no answer.

Happy Mother's Day

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
..Oprah

How to change the stigma of Mental Health

Use the word "Psychological" instead..

Imagine the difference it would make if in every press conference and every article the word "mental" was replace with psychological - the stigma of "mental" illness would change.

Psychological Health - Psychological Illness - Psychological, not Mental. It would make a difference.


What do you think?


Comment and begin a discussion..

Abuse, violence can alter children's DNA: Study

Recommended Resource: Link below

Abuse, violence can alter children's DNA: study

Is the DSBN an educational & financial liability for Niagara's children?

In 2005 my children were transferred from the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) to the DSBN (District School Board of Niagara).  My son entered grade six and my daughter grade one.

Immediately, my son began to complain. "I'm bored. I know all of this, I did it before."  I replied, "It's September, it's always review, soon you'll be complaining of homework."

He never did.

My son is quick.  He always has been; not just scholastically but in life.  He notices things, he remembers things, he pays attention and he questions - he is very bright.

He complained all year long.  "I know this, I've done this already!!"

On several occasions I spoke to various school officials that assured me the curriculum was the same (as it falls under Provincial standards) but I still urged the teachers to challenge him. His enthusiasm diminished quickly only it was attributed to the location move and adjusting.  Being a normal Mom, I absorbed the guilt and dismissed the curriculum.

One day when when he was in grade seven (second semester), he came home from school shouting.  "Mom! Mom! MOM!!  Where is my stuff Mom?!" as he bounded up the stairs to his room.

 "Where is my work from my old school?!!" "MOM!!!!"

My son is a typically a quiet kid, but on this day - wow!  He was obviously very unhappy and upset.

"I am not doing this again!  I am not doing the same work again!!" as he was scrambled through his closet looking for his "old schools' keepsakes".

"Where's my book reports?!  I'm not reading this book again, I did this report - and I got an A!"

"I'm not doing it again Mom -  I'm not!!"

When I looked at him, his face was full of angst and there was a look in his eyes, a look I had never seen before. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was very different, it was new and it was distressful.

The book is Maniac Magee written by Jerry Spinelli and delves into the topics of racism, poverty and homelessness. "Scholastic" indicates this book is for ages 9-13 and for a grade level of  5.4 .

The TDSB is on par, my son studied this novel in grade 5, second semester at age 10-11.  In comparison, The DSBN decided this particular acclaimed novel study, one of literary and social awareness was more applicable for children in Niagara at the age of 12-13, being grade 7.

Why?

My son handed in a new book report and got a C+. That mark did not reflect his level of comprehension, that mark reflected indifference and defeat. That was the look in his eye that day - defeat.

The Province of Ontario dictates and provides the educational materials 'needed' for course instruction. Long gone are the days when teachers could think for themselves and teach according to the students in their class, not according to the officials watching through the door.

Niagara parents seriously need to question why the DSBN feels the same book, with the same tests is at par with Niagara children whom are two years older. This is extreme.

Eventually, the children will all be completing with each other for post-secondary education, not to mention, financing. Niagara has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada and most residents stay within the region.

Could there be a direct correlation between the education standards held by the DSBN and the continuum of high poverty in Niagara?

Could there also be a correlation between the curriculum and a school board's determination to rank in the EQAO testing?

Is this differential about education or politics?

My son will tell you, "these schools made me stupid." He continued to speak with the kids from his old school and would say, "Mom I could never go back to Toronto, I would fail everything. I'm not smart anymore."

Of course I disputed his theory but I could see the effects. His judgement and choices changed. He gave up and his enthusiasm to learn was gone - why bother became the attitude. He was no longer challenged.

If I could have afforded it, I would have moved back - but I couldn't.

I was hopeful that when he entered high school and it was a more 'adult' atmosphere, he would once again be enthusiastic about his education. That never happened.

Now before someone hypes about teachers - lay off - their hands are tied with red tape but their personalities are not which is the true difference between a "good" and "bad" teacher.

It also factors into whether or not your child's education is accelerated by enjoying their school year or stagnated though boredom and discouragement.

My mother was a teacher, I grew up with teachers, one of my best friends today, is one of my own high school teachers. I will defend most educators. But, today, they are carbon-copy graduates who dictate mandatory curriculum. They are the adult versions of unenthusiastic students. It is a continuation of the "why bother" attitude and the children sense it, then adopt it.

As a parent, I commend the rogue educators. I thank you, keep fighting.

As for parental responsibility and involvement, I am educated. I have Grade 13 and 3 years post-secondary education. I have consistently reinforced the value of education in both my children since they were small as my mother instilled in me and - I did all I could to educate my child in tangent with their school.

After the Maniac McGee incident, I demanded an answer from the school and reinforced my concerns but the DSBN chosen grade 7 curriculum was "technically" correct. I requested advanced work. This occurred for a short time but ended. When? I honestly don't know but it did.

Ontario offers an IEP (Independent Educational Plan) for student with difficulties in maintaining provincial standards - why don't they offer the same for the children who excel?

The provincial government in all its glory totes success of the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office). Measurement of students achieving grades, ranking of teachers and schools educational success does not regulate the root of this testing - the curriculum.

Who monitors and measures the choices and decisions between the School Boards? The mean base is unbalanced. The same one that the Ontario government measures, rates and ranks schools, teachers and children according to results of "standardized testing".

If the curriculum is not equal, and the level of challenge unbalanced - how can the results be comparable?

Ontario is the only province that does not allow its Ombudsman to investigate the MUSH sector, Municipalities, Universities, Schools, Hospitals. Where do you go? Who do you talk to? Who will listen?

The DSBN has no accountability to justify its decision that Niagara children are at a two year literary disadvantage than those of children who live a mere ninety minutes away.

So, you be the judge.

Is the DSBN an educational and financial liability for Niagara's children?



Request your MPP to expand the mandate of the Ontario Ombudsman to include School Boards here. (Ontario residents only).

The New Yankee War - Now, it's Women

The good 'ole USA has declared another war, now it's on women. I know, I know... as a Canadian, I too shake my head and think - really?!! Let me repeat - Really?!!

But, then the Canadian in me kicks in and it becomes... really?? Really eh! followed by another shake of the head, small chuckle and sigh of relief, utter relief, I live north of the boarder. But, then the woman in me kicks harder! It is time to say what my southern sisters cannot - as recently shown by the continuous and relentless pundit bashing of Hilary Rosen (@hilaryr).

I am neither a democrat or republican. I am a woman. I am also a stay-at-home, work-at-home mother and single parent, so you could also consider me 'Switzerland' in the current American political propaganda. This is what I have observed and I have a few suggestions.

Stick up for one another. This so-called War on Women is a masculine political and capitalistic establishment tactic to derail the fact that the American women hold all the cards in this upcoming election. You do! That is why your gender is being used, to sway the vote. Women of America - you have the power to change the course of your nation's history. Use it! Unite, don't divide.

Give each other a break - not a sound-bite. Hilary Rosen slipped up, bid deal, we all do. I watched that night, as did millions of others. The context of the entire conversation was dismissed with a single sound bite. Another reason to ditch your politics, your comrades don't have your back. First Lady Obama, the political correct tweet, signed with -mo was very disappointing. Don't teach Malia and Sasha that freedom of speech is governed by politics. You could have, you should have shown courage and leadership; acknowledged the sound-bite was out of context, you could have defended a woman who was simply being passionate about issues affecting her gender. Ann Romney could have done the same. If she truly is her husband's 'gender advisor', she too could have dismantled the firestorm instead of perpetuating it and bashing her own gender.

Stop participating in prejudice induced media propaganda detrimental to your gender. Imagine if the women of "The View" had simply stated, Hilary forgot 3 words... "outside the home" and we are not participating in this needless distraction and battering of a woman who has been both a stay-at-home and work-outside-home mother. She made a political mistake, let's move on.

Start addressing the real issues threatening American women, not political parties. Discuss health care reform by addressing and holding accountable those whom have determined a woman who has been a victim of violence is a "pre-existng condition" and ineligible for health care. Discuss why the criminal, statistically male is not effected. Hot Topics should be just that but women, such as those on "The View" have become the TMZ of daytime talk. They don't express their views, they criticize and exploit others views.

Walk away from your blue or red and blend to make purple. Your daughters' futures depend on it.

Now before I get chastised for not addressing the alarm bells for women in the Canadian political realm... that's an op-ed in the making. No worries it's coming but for now, watch out my southern sisters, I am very concerned for you. I will keep you in my prayers. I will say what you cannot. Your politics does not affect me... your well-being does.

Look Good in All You Do

Over the past couple weeks, Fluid Hair Salon has come under a firestorm of criticism and threats due to their choice of visual images manifested for an ad campaign entitled, “Look Good in All You Do.”

Two young ladies, the owner Sarah Cameron (25 years) and her friend, acting as creative consultant, Tiffany Jackson (27 years) have posted statements on the salon’s blog to clarify their intent and try and bring some sense of calm back into their lives. Tiffany’s mother has also posted a statement, which in itself indicates exactly how young these ladies are simply as business professionals. The salon has since been vandalized and Sarah, herself has been warned by police about her safety and to not be alone.

“Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love... Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate (the white man), but to win his friendship and understanding.”

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. … Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (Rev. Dr. M.L. King, Jr (1929 – 1968))

A decade ago, 15 and 17 respectively, these lades were both impressionable teenagers. Tiffany disclosed she endured 4 years of abuse at about this same time and is a survivor of domestic violence. Part of the Y generation, or more correctly, the Y-Not Generation, they watched along with the rest of us the transition from “that can only happens in the movies” to... "No, it can happen."

Society must acknowledge that this generation has not yet had the life experiences to temper the acceptable and the unacceptable. They have been born into and/or grown up with terrorism and war. What used to be an R-rated game monitored by parents is now actually broadcast live 24/7. The unreal - is now real.

It appears this generation is immune to what is offensive and what is not. It is no longer a judgement issue or a moral issue - it is a life experience issue and the individual’s perspective thereof. Fashion, art or any other form of creative expression is deemed through emotions - a catalytic medium for an individual’s perspective reflected and thus subjectively felt by the targeted audience.

To Sarah and Tiffany, if you sincerely wanted to bring awareness to Domestic Violence as you claim, the woman in the photo would be standing - portraying strength; not sitting submissively with a gaunt, terrified look. The man would be in handcuffs with an equally coiffed police officer dragging him away.

That image is one of empowerment. That image is one of strength and that image is one warning anyone who exerts force over another will be arrested. That image is also one this author has personally never ever seen reflected in advertising. (hint, hint)

Ask yourself, Y-Not?

Look good in all you do.