From Obama to Optimus

I am not the most political person around. At times I am a bit passive and more than skeptical of the entire political arena. I vote, but sometimes feel like our voices are not really heard. As a teacher, I see how our education system is underfunded and neglected. I see money thrown around but not invested in our youth which would be a long term solution to what ails our society.

So I couldn't help to feel a little bit... ashamed? guilty? after watching Obama in his acceptance speech. This man commands the stage and his words are so inspiring that I couldn't help but say to myself, "Am I doing enough in society?"

I think I am, but really that kind of goes hand in hand with the job that I do. After listening to Obama I thought maybe I could do more.

It was truly a historic night yesterday. To think as a Canadian I was riveted last night by the US election speaks volumes of the interest in Barack. And I found the cynic in me melting away as Obama's message provided me with some hope and inspiration that maybe the majority of our society can make better decisions and take care of each other.

I then realized that I see instances of our youth that prove to me that there is hope for all involved. Interacting with teenagers at school, I am continually impressed at the maturity and courage that they have at a young age. I know that when provided with the right opportunities that a lot of teenagers make the right choice. I see small events every day that tells me that many kids get it. Our school works as a community and I see many students contributing to that community and taking ownership of what goes in the community. And then I think of this new wave of politically active youth and where this could lead us.

It is hard for me to understand why America was so attached to JFK. Watching Obama and recognizing how strong an orator he is, I realize how one person can motivate a nation.

Last thoughts:

A great read from the New York Times tells about the well run Obama campaign. To think that 20 months ago Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic representative, shows how quickly Obama-mania stormed through the States.

Speaking of students, I am starting to feel old. I have been teaching since 2001 and in the last couple of weeks I have bumped into so many former students. It is great to hear what they are doing... working for EA, Masters in Engineering, Biophysics, English Lit etc.

Hearing how far they are into their university/careers, gets me real depressed. I also sense that they generally seem excited to see me. Now abusive words or curses are thrown my way. No rocks or hard metallic objects are hurled my way. Instead, greeted by smiles and recognition I start to think that maybe I had a small impact on their lives. Hey teachers, yes we can.

I also hate how I can't remember names on the spot. I never forget a face, but it is stressful not to remember a student's name.

Let's name drop... mostly FVCers from the past.

Justin DeVries, Nikki Ames, Ashley, Laura (bumped to all of them at Sigur Ros concert), Graham Slot, Soo Hyun, Richard Kishimoto, Ashley Reiter, Brittany Tymos, and on Tuesday night after ice hockey out at UBC, Adam Herman.

I have lived in Vancouver all this time and have never bumped into any students until now. Then in just one month, it was so crazy to see all these students out and around UBC. Weird.

Lastly, I wanted to comment on this season's "Chuck" which has been geektastic. Last week's episode managed to make a nod to Missile Commander and Rush, but where I really went crazy is hearing "The Touch" by Stan Bush. What song is this you may ask? Why only one of the best movie songs of all time from The Transformers: The Movie. And I am not talking about that crappy Michael Bay movie (TERRIBLE!!!). I am talking about the animated movie that came out in the 80s starring the voices of Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy among others.

If you are a Transformers fan I cannot see how you can't get goosebumps watching this clip as Optimus rolls out with "The Touch" playing in the background. Quite possibly one of my favourite clips of all time. I could watch it over and over as Optimus single-handedly takes out seven Decepticons from the 25 s mark until meeting Megatron. Now Optimus Prime was a kick-ass leader that I would follow.

And how is that for a blog entry? From Obama to Optimus, I bet you never thought you would hear those two great leaders together in one sentence.