A Dread of Many; A Passion of Momsey

Becoming a parent seemed to open up a new vista for me: public speaking. While our children attended elementary school, I began to volunteer in the kindergarten classroom and the school, familiar environments for me. ... Having been a former secondary school teacher, I felt right at home in the classroom. It made sense to me. ...Years  later, I was nominated for the region's teacher elementary school award, then chosen out of more than 1,000, to be given this prestigious honour. I wrestled with what to say on stage. To simply say thank you and leave seemed empty. Thanking everyone who helped get me to this place of honour was the right thing to do. After all, success is a team sport! My foray into public speaking had begun.

When our oldest graduated from grade 8, I was asked to give the parent address... Many had declined the offer, in previous years, for a host of reasons. I accepted, afraid to say no... If you have something important to say, you must say it. Fear can impede progress. With title in hand, I kept the speech brief, 3-5 minutes in length while keeping the audience awake!... My speech had to enlighten, educate or entertain or I had failed.... The speech was a success... References to the Canadian military leader, who had been on a speaking tour, at that time, were made in connection to my speech by our sons' male teacher. ... I was humbled by his words and the whole experience. ... In the audience that evening was ‘Mary’ who later asked me to join her in September to volunteer in her primary intensive language classroom. More opportunities to speak - on behalf of special needs children - would follow.

After two years of working in Mary’s class, I was asked to participate in a Professional Development Day conference for teachers of the region north of Toronto, one of the largest in Canada. I spoke at length about my ‘anecdotal’ evidence of the power of yeast dough in the special needs classroom, while Mary spoke about her testing methods. ... (Mary was the school's primary lead teacher as well as the primary intensive language teacher of the school our sons had attended)... Two sessions that day - each with 22 teachers in attendance - told me I had something important to communicate. Mary believed in 'us'. Mary noted how attentive the teachers had been as I spoke. She had rarely seen such concentration, having been both participant and presenter on many other occasions. ... Later, I learned, we had been asked to be presenters at a province wide conference (Ontario) towards the end of summer  but Mary had a prior commitment. ..  Sadly, we could not participate.... 

Public speaking, I soon realized, became something I enjoyed doing.... (There was a reason behind this madness)... In order to tell my story of yeast dough and its  affect on 'higher order' thinking and language in the hands and mind of the special  needs child, I had to get over any fear or anxiety I might have speaking to large audiences. ... The message was too important to keep to myself. ... The world of special education required that I tell the story of primal academic transformation. ... It was a simple story, with a simple strategy that worked, inspiring children and helping them reach the top of their ‘game’ in a easy transferable manner in a structured, formalized setting called school... The world of special education is my passion....  Public speaking is simply a tool in its delivery....Next week:  The pharmaceutical giant in the kitchen.

The Musical Trap

Earlier this year - 2012 - a six year old boy from California, was suspended from school for three days, after repeating the ‘suggestive’ lyrics from a song used in a commercial advertising M&M candies. ... We all know that commercial and its familiar song by now.

Who's responsibility is it now to monitor these selling moments when they appear on programs  deemed suitable for family viewing?... There was a time when television and all the programs being shown on it were considered suitable for family audiences. ...Warnings were never issued and commercials were informative, few and far between, without being embarrassing or otherwise. ... It was a time when the audience was respected and programming, somewhat, wholesome. ... 

Alas, commercials are now king and what is being ‘offered for sale’ and the delivery mechanism being chosen are somewhat questionable. ... Songs being used in commercials are now, slowly, ensnarling our children as they innocently sing these 'lyrical', happy tunes in school. ... Are we actually blaming children for a situation created by adults, some of whom, have no boundaries about the methods they choose to sell their products or services?

There was a time when we were concerned about the societal effects of tobacco, alcohol and other products in T.V. commercials. ... Now, it seems, we have other worries. ... Let us assess blame where it belongs: to the artists who write and perform these songs, the producers/ directors who orchestrate their production and the companies who choose the musical tunes that end up on prime time airways, finding their way into the minds of little children, civilization's tiny sponges. The final culprit in this sale chain is the consumer - us! We buy the songs that generally end up in the listening ears of our impressionable children. It's a catchy tune but the lyrics are not. Tell me, why?

An innocuous product like candy, synonymous with children, is being advertised in a commercial, grabbing the attention of the viewing public, and hopefully, for the company, garnering a larger share of the confection market. ... We made the song popular through sales/ down loads. ... Its popularity has given it top billing in a funny little commercial that incorporates both cartoon like figures and a catchy tune and has, understandably, caught the attention of children, society’s little mimics.

Children learn from what they see and hear!!... To all song writers who think their tunes deserve ‘interesting’ or ‘shocking’ lyrics, remember who is listening to your song. ...  The adults aren’t your only audience. ...  Where is a family to go, what is family to do - if the family show  our children are watching, suddenly and without warning, displays a commercial that is inappropriate - in words, in a song or product endorsement?... Is there no standard of care here? ... Have we lost our marbles? ... I have learned that there are, sometimes, two versions of the same song? ... Why?... What’s the point? . Is the aim to offend? ...

I have stopped listening to songs whose lyrics shock. There are too many artists who sing /write incredible songs for the public for there to be a shortage of material from which to choose and be inspired, without worrying about the lyrics and their meaning. ...  Music should not come with a warning. ...  Parents have enough to deal with without wondering what the lyrics are - until it’s too late. Let this be a cautionary tale to all who dare think that children are not listening to the magic of words in a song . ...  Please, artist's, before you create, remember society's tiny, civilized, little sponges are listening, too. 

School in the Modern Age

Learning in the 21st century is overwhelming... It cannot be contained... We have the internet with its many configurations and those who blog- oops- to dispense information, not all of it truthful, necessary and some of it harmful or inappropriate....It cannot be ignored!  

At the beginning of life, learning encompasses many things that challenge the young ‘plastic’ human mind, on many fronts...  We learn in the park, at the mall, in the yard, in the home and in a host of other informal settings from people close to us: family, friends and ‘mother’ nature...The internet has forced public education, willingly or unwillingly, to re-format itself in light of this new formidable ally...The elementary school curriculum has been in existence since the beginning of public education. It is a strict plan of action outlining the steps and objectives of all subjects to be taught and the timeline in which it must be done. ... The curriculum has been painstakingly written by ‘others,’ unknown to the teacher. ... In these rapid fire times, why not let the curriculum simply be a long term goal rather than a complicated plan of material to be covered?... In elementary school, igniting the passion of learning is critical towards lifelong success. So much has changed today in the way education is delivered that simplifying its delivery could make life easier and less stressful for all, with far fewer behavioural problems in the process...

Are today’s teachers spending too much time creating literary masterpieces  called report cards in  language deemed complicated and foreign to  many parents but expected by the Board??..Is too much time being utilized in this non-productive way?...  (From my vantage point, one report can take one hour or longer to complete. If the ‘net’ is busy or has collapsed, it takes longer.)... What was wrong with the 1950’s “Can do better” or “Working to her/his potential” or “Excellent achievement”... Right after getting an “E” in arithmetic in my grade three report card in 1956, my child like mind woke up... I received an “A” in the subject next term and completed the next three years-(4-5-6) within the span of two. .. Mathematics, French , Latin and Music became subject favourites of mine in high school. English composition and literature were my worst subjects, then... Today, my favourite book is a cherished, (chewed lovingly on the corners), hard cover standard college dictionary,  published by Funk and 'Wag'nalls.  (published in 1963.)... Strange, how things evolve...

Keeping the learning objectives of the curriculum or course of study in mind and informing the department head of the next ‘wayward’ trip into learning, the teacher could, perhaps, accomplish more with her class... The class would realize the rewards of staying on task for the next ‘journey into space’. ...  Could the teacher accelerate the teaching of certain units, to push the limits of the class’s endurance to facilitate higher order thinking and the creation of spare time for a learning change of pace in the classroom?..( bread making?,  dancing? music appreciation?)... Could ten months of learning be condensed into eight or less?...  Imagine the mandate, then? ... Enlisting the help of stronger students to mentor weaker ones could strengthen the whole ‘organism’- (the class)... (Learning would then be a total fun and hilarious experience as more mistakes would now be made as an expected outcome of this new teaching/learning strategy.)

A qualified teacher knows the limits of her mandate, of her profession and of her class on any given day- just like a parent knows her child!!...The internet has taken the facts out of the classroom... The time has come to place the thinking platform - center stage - into the education directive and let the professional teacher do what he does best and was hired to do - teach!!...

Affordable Fine Dining

(Sadly, Lakeside Bistro closed its doors in July 2015.)

In a small town north of Toronto, Ontario, lies a gem of a fine dining establishment, situated on the outskirts of a small town called Keswick, the ice -fishing capital of Canada, (pop. 18,000)... In the summer,  the lure of the  beaches of Cook’s Bay draw many people to this quaint town whose re-development over the last few years has given Keswick a unique place for fine dining called  Lakeside Bistro....  

After ten years of providing personal dining service to its many clientele from the community and beyond, Lakeside Bistro, is in the midst of a tenth anniversary celebration offering lobster tails, surf and turf and crab legs. ... This seafood attraction has been ongoing since the beginning of July and shows no signs of abating. ... Other anniversary specials are coming soon, I’ve been told, as a gesture of gratitude towards its many loyal customers...

The owner/operator is a hands-on proprietor who knows many of his customers by name.  Angelo and his staff have turned Lakeside Bistro into a fine dining destination for holiday, birthday and anniversary celebrations, romantic nights on the town or a warm place to simply forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life... Angelo has an extensive background in the hospitality industry spanning several decades with Peter, his master chef. ... Special touches await you: incredibly sumptuous pasta dishes, rack of lamb, daily steak specials, Sunday's specially priced Prime Rib and other luscious seafood selections . ...  An incredible array of salads await your choosing. (Appetizers of pickles, olives, garlic bread, dipping sauce begin the appetizer selections, courtesy of Lakeside Bistro.) 

With Angelo, Dean and wait staff, it’s all in the details. Customer service coupled with a warm greeting, hug or handshake make Bistro that special place you think about whenever you feel like being pampered... You are greeted like family.... Reservations are accepted at any time, but not necessary. ...(Parties are always welcome!)  Bistro opens early and closes when you are finished.... Bistro, also, offers an eclectic mid week menu for a simple change of pace. (The Caesar salad is incredible.)

Food is freshly prepared to suit your palate... An appetizer plate of an olive oil dipping sauce, old fashioned pickles and olives grace the table alongside the garlic bread as you wait for your food to arrive...Music envelopes you as you relax and enjoy the dimly lit surroundings and fireplace.... The attentive staff await your every wish....Desserts are “tops” - including the Crème Brûlée, diners' favourite, made almost daily by Angelo. ...(A detailed drink/ cocktail menu is now available)

With the hectic pace of modern life, it is nice to know that an affordable, yet elegant and relaxing place exists that treats the customer like family... There are many other dining spots that are interesting and affordable places to enjoy. Few have the personal attention to detail that Bistro offers...Meals are heaven sent!

Our  family now has a place, close to home, that offers a choice to the long distance drive to Toronto that would be necessary for a special night ‘on the town’..... Few fine dining restaurants care the way Bistro does.... Congratulations, Angelo, Dean, Peter and staff, on your tenth anniversary... Lakeside Bistro, with its colourful exterior, outdoor gardens, sculptures, columns and patio area, has stood the test of time and will continue to expand to become yet another sightseeing destination for all...Closed Mondays...

Fructose - Worldwide Health Threat?

Fructose came to my attention in 2001... I wasn’t looking for it... It found me in Chapter’s, ( a Canadian chain of bookstores) - as I perused a new British magazine called Focus in search of information on enriched environments and the young plastic mind..... Strangely prophetic considering the sweetener’s prominence in our food supply today and its detrimental impact on our health...

The colourful and detailed pictorial, in that 2001 issue of Focus, of the human body and the journey fructose took when it was ingested and digested by the body, could not be ignored.... According to British scientists, fructose, sweeter than sugar and cheaper, too, went straight to the liver and was stored as fat... Hmm, I wondered. ..  I am neither a doctor nor  a scientist but this could not be a good thing...The revelations were startling....That knowledge became a pivotal moment in our family’s health history, influencing every food buying decision we have made since...And that was just the beginning!..

Fructose is a fruit sugar found in fruit, its natural habitat, surrounded by fibre and a host of other good things that the body recognizes and uses for health... The sad reality is that the body does not know what to do with this manufactured form of fructose - as it is ‘out of costume’, so to speak. It is manufactured from genetically-modified-(?) (GMO) corn on a grand scale....Fructose is now a foreign substance which the body does not recognize or know how to handle and whose continuous entry into our bodies via the processed foods we eat makes it a real health hazard...... Does this give rise to the illness called fatty liver or cirrhosis of the liver?

As a food service supervisor in my late teens and early twenties, I saw firsthand the importance of food in the lives of the sick.... My position at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, now one of the top cancer treatment centers in the world, helped to dispel any naivety I might have had, then, about the role of food in our daily lives...Food is both a comfort and a cure for what ails us!!

Fructose, it seems, is found in nearly every imaginable processed food product on the market today...Sadly, it is front and center in the drinks of choice: soda pop and fruit cocktails..... The world health crisis says it all... Diabetes, obesity and other health problems can probably trace their origins back to the unknowing, continuous ingestion of sugar in excessive amounts in all of its many sinister forms....Do sausages really need fructose/sugar?...Does the array of cake, cookie, muffin mixes  on the market require an array of sugars and why so much?...Why does tomato sauce contain  fructose/sugar?...Bread crumbs is an innocuous product, generally, until you look at the ingredient list of some... It is downright frightening! ... (Make your own)...  According to scientists another problem with fructose is its ability to turn on, not off, our appetite or hunger hormone...Fructose is not the only culprit, sadly... The trail of additives is closely linked to us, the naive public, as we play Russian Roulette with our health....When did we give food companies permission to alter the formula/recipe and jeopardize our wellbeing?...  When did that happen?....  It seems it all started in the 70’s when food companies realized the potential of enlisting the help of our taste buds -24 hours a day- to accommodate their bottom line and create an incessantly hungry populace...Let us realize that the best way to halt our early demise is to not allow our bodies to be entombed within the complex fructose/ sugar laboratory... We are the authors of our own misfortune when we do not cook for ourselves and  allow "others" to do so- with, sometimes, insidious repercussions.