between the lines: how we got here
We've stopped picketing and demonstrating, and are waiting for our ratification meeting and vote tomorrow night, Monday, July 25.As local president, my life has been consumed by bargaining and the…
laura k
between the lines: how we got here
We've stopped picketing and demonstrating, and are waiting for our ratification meeting and vote tomorrow night, Monday, July 25.As local president, my life has been consumed by bargaining and the…
from the front lines, day one
About 200 of us were on the picket lines today. Despite the blazing temperatures, our spirits were high. We waved our signs and our flags, showing our pride to every…
mississauga library workers vote overwhelmingly to strike
Yesterday, the members of CUPE Local 1989, Mississauga Library Workers Union, voted overwhelmingly to strike. Amid massive turnout in three separate meetings, 96% of the members in attendance said they…
we still like lists: recipe for effective activism
What it takes to be an effective activist:1. Hopefulness2. Persistence, perseverance3. Reliability4. Enjoyment of teamwork5. Willingness to take direction from others6. Willingness to make space and time in your life…
we movie to canada 2015-16. this year there’s a part 2.
From the I Have Too Much Going On, Systems Are Breaking Down department, this year's we move to canada awards omitted a big chunk of viewing. I was very surprised…
further thoughts on himym
A few weeks ago, I blogged about watching "How I Met Your Mother," a show that has been a huge surprise to me. At the time, I thought the show…
it’s crunch time at the bargaining table
Now here's an interesting calendar of events.June 27-29: The Negotiating Committee for CUPE Local 1989, Mississauga Library Workers Union, returns to the bargaining table for three days.June 30: The Negotiating…
we movie to canada: wmtc annual movie awards, 2015-16 edition
I'm posting my annual movie awards later and later every year. I'm also watching fewer movies, because I'm watching more TV shows. When I come home on Friday or Saturday,…
happy birthday to me
Apparently I have been alive on this planet for 55 years. That seems completely impossible. Yet there it is.As always on my birthday, I feel incredibly fortunate to be alive…
pupdate: happiness is a cancer-free dog
Tala's stitches were removed last week, and we got the full biopsy results: clean margins all around. The surgeon says she does not expect to ever see us again. A…
the greatest, forever. rest in power muhammad ali.
Revolutionary thought of the day, from a revolutionary American.Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets…
14 thoughts on watching how i met your mother (first time through so no spoilers please!)
I was watching MASH when Netflix pulled the plug on our VPN. I found a new VPN... but now MASH is gone. One day I hope to finish the end-to-end…
things i heard at the library: an occasional series: #21
Visibly anxious and upset customer: Can you please help me? Something is wrong with this computer!I go over to take a look. The public computer is still starting up, and…
rest in power, daniel berrigan and michael ratner
The world lost two great fighters for peace and justice this past week.Daniel Berrigan was a lifelong peace activist, a man who was ready and willing to put his body…
hooray for tala
Tala is doing great! Of course she was exhausted and a bit wobbly when she came home, but now she's well rested and back to herself. And she looks a…
in which i ride an emotional roller coaster and get off at the top
Short version: Tala has had surgery and has a very good chance of remaining cancer-free. Whoo-hoo!It's been a crazy couple of days. Monday afternoon we hear the biopsy results. Tuesday…
i’m not ready for another broken heart, or, nothing says mortality like your sick dog
Tala has cancer. As it happened with Cody, We found a lump. First I was sure it was a cyst, then I was hoping it was a cyst, now I'm…
10 ways you can increase member engagement in your union
#7: Hold a logo contest!Trying to increase member engagement in your union? Here are some ideas that work.1. Always make time for your members' concerns.This is number one through infinity.…
what i’m reading: the deserters, a hidden history of world war 2
No one knows exactly how many US soldiers deserted from the Vietnam War, nor how many young men resisted conscription by going either to jail or to another country. The…