Dave Arnold's Blog

I know that second-hand stories are suspect at the best of times – you know the drill – somebody’s brother’s friend’s girlfriend has it on good authority that… blah, blah, blah.  Even so, I feel compelled to pass this one along.

A good friend of a friend of mine graduated from the Chemistry program at the U of R this past April.  He has been looking for a job ever since.  In some cases others with more experience were hired – understandable – he’s looking for an entry-level position of some sort in his field.  In other cases, there has simply been nothing out there in his field of study.  Two other friends of this same friend of mine also graduated from Chem at the U of R, and although they are currently working in Calgary – they have been trying to come back home for some time but – you guessed it – no jobs available.

We are looking for 10,000 skilled workers in this province according to all accounts.  Now, my question…  What does that mean?  What is a skilled worker?  Is it strictly trades people that are in such demand?  Service sector employees?

I usually know someone, who knows someone, that can call someone – when I hear a person is looking for a gig.  In this case, I was baffled.  I had no idea where a person with a Chemistry degree would look for work in this province – let alone know somebody who actually works at that magical, mystical company.

Is Saskatchewan the Mecca for skilled, educated, young people who want to live here?  Or not?

Updating my CV…  Dave
 

The new Bond flick is hitting theatres in North America soon – “Quantum of Solace”.  What kind of a title is that? 

It sounds like a new luxury car of some sort – “The new Quantum Solace – drive your dream…” or maybe a new sci-fi movie “Quantum of Solace – what happens in space, stays in space…” Apologies to Vegas.

A James Bond flick has titles like “Live and Let Die” or “Dr. No” or “Die Another Day”, not “Quantum of Solace” – It sounds like a movie about a lonely math geek (like there’s any other kind…).

As I understand, it’s the sequel to Casino Royale and Bond is seeking revenge – but – note to the producers:  Please don’t go all broody and artsy on me.  Crank up the chases and the carnage – let Bond navel gaze on his own time…

Shaken and stirred…  Dave
 

Much has been said (and written) of the SFL (Saskatchewan Federation of Labour) meeting that saw Labour Minister Rob Norris being drowned out by singing, etc. during his speech to the group – the group that invited him to speak.

The behaviour speaks for itself.  I won’t bother commenting on it.

What I do wonder is how labour relations in this province, and in general, seem mired in the last century.  The adversarial nature of the system as it exists is an anachronism and an embarrassment to common sense.

The basic assumption made by both sides, in many cases, is that either labour or the employer is the enemy – and they take a personal interest in destroying the livelihood of the other.  What crap – for so many reasons.

The effort and energy wasted on both sides with the current setup is appalling.  Rather than celebrate petty victories that do nothing to advance discussion and/or improve the quality of the workplace – why don’t both sides accept a new model.  Bargaining, mediation and if needed, arbitration.

The problems of the past, in many cases, are covered under provincial labour law.  We don’t have a bunch of kids working in coalmines these days -the reality has changed.  Shouldn’t our practises?

This province is experiencing a time of prosperity, driven by the businesses that are willing to take risks – and the people who actually produce the goods and services.  Imagine what could be accomplished with a little creativity and compromise across the table.

Or do too many people have a vested interest in conflict to justify their own jobs?

Hoping everyone chooses to sit at the grown-up table…  Dave
 

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion is expected to announce he is stepping down as leader of the party today.  A brutal electoral result means he would probably never survive a mandatory leadership review at a later date.

It may be time for the Liberal Party, as a whole, to take that long walk in the snow.  It’s time to regroup, refocus, refinance and redefine what it means to be a Liberal in Canada.

And before The Prime Minister gets his glow on by watching the spectacle – this was THE opportunity for the Conservatives to gain a majority – and they didn’t.  I’m not saying he should take the walk – but he might want to sweep the snow off the front porch somewhere along the way.

Regretting all the snow talk in October…  Dave
 

After 38 days of back and forth – today’s the day.  Election Day in Canada.  We probably need a theme of some sort, ala Hockey Night in Canada to get people pumped up and ready to go.  Well, we don’t – so it’s up to you.

Over the years I’ve voted for a party, an individual, strategically, pragmatically, and holding my nose in some cases.  But I voted.  Was any seat I voted for won or lost by a single vote?  No.  But I do it anyway.  If nothing else, it gives me the right to bitch till the next time around.

X marks the spot…  Dave
 

On Friday O. J. Simpson was found guilty on 12 charges of armed robbery and kidnapping after 13 hours of deliberation by the jury – 13 years to the day after he was acquitted of killing his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.  Sentencing will be later this year – he could face life in prison without possibility of parole for 5 years, as I understand it.

Aside from the serendipity of the whole 13 thing, I’m trying to figure out how I feel about this.  I thought OJ was guilty of the 1995 murders based on the testimony I saw and read about at the time.  I did get a bit of quiet satisfaction when he was found guilty in the civil trial (which has a lower burden of proof).

Is it karma finally catching up with The Juice?  Is it just his life catching up with him?  Or did his past notoriety influence the police and the jury this time round?

I’ve always believed in the big-ass Karmic wheel rolling over people who have it coming at some time during their lives.  I also believe that crappy things happen to people who don’t deserve it – and that sometimes life just isn’t fair.  It’s kind of like that – it’s life.

If after all the appeals are exhausted, OJ is still in a cell…  I hope he never sees the light of day again.  Apparently I’ve decided how I feel about it.

I guess the glove did fit – they didn’t acquit…  Dave
 

I never thought I would have to deal with school violence on a personal level.  Up until recently, I never had any children that I was responsible for, and to.  That changed for me this year.  Two young women – one in elementary and one in high school – as well as a young man in high school.

To say that their inclusion in my life, along with their mother, is an amazing experience would be an understatement.  But I’m not quite up to speed yet.

The incident at Luther Collage High School yesterday could have ended so differently than it did.  Thankfully, no one was physically hurt.  Emotionally, it may be a different story.

I haven’t had a chance to have that conversation with the kids yet.  You know, the one where I try and explain that sometimes-bad things are going to happen for no apparent reason.  I haven’t even had a chance to figure out what to say and how to say it.  I didn’t get the practise over the last 16 years or so.

I’ll screw up sometimes – we all do – but hopefully I’ll get it right more often than not.

Becoming marginally responsible for the first time…  Dave
 

I will not be seeing the Rocket Man in concert tonight.  I can’t find my tickets.  Sigh. 

I eagerly bought 4 tickets many weeks ago – anticipating my first opportunity to see him perform – but somewhere along the way, things, and my tickets went south…

My fiancée and our 3 kids and 1 dog moved in one month ago today.  During the ensuing confusion and reorganization that comes with combining two households, the tickets have been misplaced – mislaid – ok, lost.

I’ve looking in every half unpacked box, every desk drawer, and behind every piece of furniture I can move – but no sign.

Sir Elton in concert has always been on my bucket list – but I guess it will have to wait till next time around.  The upside?  My oldest girl has a volleyball game tonight, and we’ll take it in as a family.  It promises to be a great evening…  :)

Humming all my favourites…  Dave