That Dreaded Of All Metrological Phenomena: "The Siberian High"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXXIst, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

It was on this day, one quarter of a century ago that Edmonton was rocked by a violent tornado that killed over XX of our greatest citizens. There was also many injured & folks that were homeless, as well as businesses that were destroyed. Led by a hero, then Mayor Laurence Decore, Edmonton fought back hard & with volunteers working around the clock for months & even years afterwards, we not only survived, but from the ashes, we as a city endured, rebuilt better than ever!

Students studying metrological phenomena & weather patterns, in particular dust storms & tornados might want II access the records of that horrible day, both in print & online. Learning how weather works is the key II getting as many citizens II safety as quickly as possible beIV disasters strike in the future! Environment Canada & The Weather Network IV instance are very good sources.

The Edmonton Journal Eastgate Production Plant was knocked out of commission that dark day & who should come II the rescue, but The Edmonton Sun, their direct competitor who reset their presses just so Journal subscribers could get the latest news from the ground. An unprecendented bit of media cooperation I'd say. Reading articles about the tornado & disasters that have occurred in the XXV years since will make it easier II learn where we've come from & how we can do better II ensure public safety in the future!

The Dark (K)night Rises,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal & The Edmonton Sun.

Reading Continuity Prime

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXXth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The fall "at the library" guide from Edmonton Public Library's (EPL) is out. It includes descriptions of fun things that folks can do at the different library branches, both as individuals or as a family. EPL library activity's are fun, plus they promote learning of different things thats continuous. Not to mention the fact that its for students of all ages.

To Read Or Not To Read, That Is The Question,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

A Very British Ceremony

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXIXth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

How fitting that in this her Diamond Jubilee (60th) Anniversary of her ascencion to the Throne, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second got to open the Games of the XXXth Olympiad on British soil together with her most loyal servant, Her Majesty's Royal Navy Commander/Secret Service Agent Double-Oh-Seven (007) James Bond by jumping out of a plane. Mr. Bond has been himself serving Her Majesty's Secret Service IV C (50) years now, so its great he was there, truly British pride! Of course we know it was a body double, but The Queen is an active duty British Army Officer until the day she dies, so it was fitting as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Students of athleticism who wish II be Olympians themselves some day will appreciate how much effort went inII planning these games, as well as VIII years of constructing facilities & the like. Her Majesty got to open the Montreal Games of MCMLXXVI (1976) in The Dominion Of Canada, one of her realms & territories, so it superb that she gets II now do so in the land of her birth. These amateur athletes are in affect students of their craft, once they get good enough, they hope to turn pro & perform their athletic feats as part of teams lor as individuals IV money & fame. Now of course as Olympians, they do it IV the thrill of bringing home Olympic glory IV their home nations. Not to mention the respect they'll get as athletes IV being "the best of the best."

Let Us Hope IV Many Moments Of Glory & A Fair & Honest Competition,

Rory

Source: The Associated Press. 

Sunset Boulevard On The Sunset Strip

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta

July XXVIIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Later today at 1:30PM at the Stanley A Milner Downtown Edmonton Public Library (EPL) Branch we have the playing of a great Hollywood classic. The film, "Sunset Boulevard" is part of the adult film summer screening series & shows just how tough & gritty Hollywood & show business in particular can be. It takes places in Room VII on the VIth floor & is about an actress from the silent era whose star is fading fast as movie goers start preferring II go II films where there is talking &/or singing.

Its dated of course, but it can certainly show any aspiring students who might be interested in acting, producing, directing or any aspect of being in the film business how hard it can be II stay popular, even if you are following trends. You have to scratch, claw, suck up, as well as work the system in order II stay popular. You cannot just be good at what you do, you must be great in order to remain top dog in any aspect of the movie field. That is all the way from lead actor(ress) right down to being a staffer of the "craft services department" on film sets which provides food & other nourishment II the folks on the set.

Yes This Is A Great Film IV Film Students & All Movie Lovers II See & Learn From,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

The Romans: From Village II Empire

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXVIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I am quite concerned with the leftist government of Italy & its intention II possibly delay the opening of the Italian school year in as many as dieci (10) Italian cities. Now I admit when former rightist Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ran things during his tre (3) non-consecutive terms of office, things weren't much better for students. Corruption, neglect, & outright theft of educational Euros has been going on IV years through many successful Italian governments of all sides.

Schools in great cities such as Naples, Palermo, & Reggio Calabria & many others may have II stay closed. Which is a shame b/c students there can learn about great Italian history in real time & go II great historical sites all over their nation & nearby their towns. The whole country is rich with great traditions/cultures/thought processes/artisans. Sites includes Vatican City, the Papal City State that is contained inside Roma. Very rich indeed in religious culture & not just Catholocism.

Mentre E Correlata Ad Un Discorso,

Rory

Source: Reuters, La Stampa, & The Irish Independent.

Every Child Must Be Kept Safe

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXVIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Last Sunday a little girl & her II sisters, II cousins, & her mother came by me at my locations where I was holding a sign advertising the Zellers store close out sale at West Edmonton Mall (WEM.) I was at the corners of 178th Street & 87th Avenue. The V (5) ladies came by, & then about XX (20) minutes later, one of the little girls came back over II where I was standing. A lady whom I was friends with drove by at that moment & handed me a pop & a H2O IV (4) standing so long II enjoy my breaks. She had her baby girl in the back seat.

The missing girl was crying, so I had my friend drive the young lady over II the Edmonton Police Service Community Station at WEM. Then when her mother & relatives came back, I told the mother exactly where the child was. I mean where better II send the girl than to a Cop Shop? Plus, it was on the south side of the mall, within walking distance of where I was standing!

Every Child Must Be Kept Safe No Exceptions,

Rory

Source: Www.ChildFind.Ab.Ca.

Thats A Rather "Capital" Idea

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXVth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Some mentally & physically challenged students got inII the Capital Ex fair a little early. They got II spend time with their family's/guardian(s) playing on the rides & just being kids in a relaxed summer fair atmosphere time set aside just IV them. Its a great idea b/c they then will not have to be worried about being made fun of by students & other who have no such disability's. Truly sounds wonderful!

No "Kid"ding,

Rory

Source: 24 Hours, Kevin Maimann.

All Is Not Lost After All

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXIVth, MMXVII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Some good has come out of Batman movie theatre shooting after all. The film has been out for a few days, I just saw it tonight myself. The human alter ego of Batman, Bruce Wayne dies in the film & leaves Stately Wayne Manor (his mansion) to troubled & homeless street youth. In this way, they'll have a chance II live in a decent place & get a quality education in Gotham City schools.

Way II Stick It Batman II This Jagoff Who Ruined Your Premiere & Made Students & Their Family's Unsafe,

Rory

Source: Www.ComicBookMovie.Com.





The Tortoise And The Hare

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXIIIrd, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The homophobic slurs against gay student, a Mr. Chevi Rabiit are terrible. Chevi is trying II get his Native Studies & Anthropology Degree from the University of Alberta. He's gay, but why should that matter when all he's doing is trying II become a decent human being like any straight student would by furthering his education?

Chevy Chase,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Sun, Allison Salz.

What A Batostrophic Batastrophe!

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXIInd, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Plucked from the sewers of Gotham & Aurora, Colorado: we have Ph. D. student in neuro science, James Holmes. Not only degrading the quality of the Batman feature film experience, & students believing in superheroes, but calling himself "The Joker" & committing real murders (& mass injuries) in The Joker's name, even dying his hair blood red. He's also mocking the great literary character of Sherlock Holmes & apparently worships Dylan Klebold & Eric Harris, the two retards who shot up the Columbine High School in Boulder, Colorado in MCMXCIX (1999.)

I am sure that Mr. Jack Nicholson & the family of the late Mr. Heath Ledger are beyond disgusted by this violence. Its a comic book character, meant only II commit violent acts in comics, animated videos, & television & movies. The Joker has ben committing crime IV seventy plus years in a toe-II-toe dance with Batman & other Detective Comics (DC) Books characters. Why Mr. Holmes (& I use "Mr." with great regret) couldn't see that, especially with his science focused brain intelligencia is beyond me. We need II remind theatre goers & students II try & stay away from guns & be able II seperate the fantasy from the reality.

And By All Means Still Go And See "The Dark Knight Rises" As We Cannot Let Fear Win,

Rory

Source: Www.ConservativeCritic.Wordpress.Com.

The Killing Fields

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXIst, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

While public officials in Cambodia did the right thing in cancelling classes on July XVIIIth, might it not have been better had they done so beIV 54 students died? Now this outbreak of hand, foot, & mouth disease has gotten completely out of control. I say as well, a student(s) education shouldn't have II suffer b/c they cannot be in a classroom setting. Companies & charity's should set up low cost internet & teleconference class settings IV the affected students through providers such as Skype. Skype would probably pay some of the costs. It doesn't matter that a child lives in a poorer nation such as Cambodia or a richer one such as the Dominion Of Canada, nor does it matter that they have a poorer or richer (or average) socioeconomic living standard. Bottom line Jeff, every child has the right II a decent education, no matter what their circumstances. In this way, Cambodian students (regardless of class) will all then have an equal chance II succeed in life & be a positive influence IV future generations!

The Khmer Rouge,

Source: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World News & The Mother Nature Network.

Mundare Meats

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I'll try & not butcher this blog entry. Students who might be interesting in taking meat processing or carving programs at say the Northern Alberta Institute Of Technology (NAIT) might want II consider dealing with Stawnichy's Meat Processing & The Mundare Sausage House, which are both located in Mundare, Alberta. There is also a Mundare Sausage House Deli at XLIInd Street & CXVIIIth Avenue in Edmonton, in the Beverly district. That is the Old Towne Beverley District of Edmonton, a proud NE community & the gateway to Ukranian farm country in Vegreville, Vermillion, & former Premier Stelmach's home town of Andrew.

These fine Albertans make superb sausage from the best quality of Alberta pig & cow. Flavored to the nines & made in a remarkably well made facility of Stawnichy's, the place first opened up in MCMLIX (1959) & has been proudly serving not just its local community, but grocery stores & outlets across the province with its stellar reputation IV making great meat & vacuum sealing it to protect it to exacting standards. Perogies & many other fine items are also offered there IV sale.

On my way back in town Wednesday, July XVIIIth I stopped in Mundare II check out the place as I have had a few NAIT meat-cutting students & chefs tells me how fine the meat was. A couple had even toured there & worked there as summer meat-cutting/flavouring students. Ther staff are all superb! Check it out!

A Proud Tradition & An Even Prouder Heritage,

Rory

Source: Www.MundareSausage.Com.

A Real Museum Piece

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XIXth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Vegreville in Ed Stelmach farm country is not just the Town with the big Ukranian egg. No, the Vegreville Regional Museum just off of the Yellowhead Highway is known for its stellar display of agricultural implements & its intense focus on Alberta's history. Its open year round & has plenty of parking IV students & their family's who might want II do some frun summer learning as a family & take a tour. Admission is by donation which is great as it shows the museum staff realize that working family's & students are on a tight budget & are only able II give what they can. When they give, it shows they really appreciate the art of how well museum staff do their jobs & that by learning from the past, they can perhaps be the farmers & creators of Alberta's farm equipment of the future!

Egg Salad,

Rory

Source: Www.Vegreville.Com.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, I Pray The Lord My Soul To Keep, If I Shall Die Before I Wake, I Pray The Lord My Soul To Take. Amen.

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XVIIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

As we buried 1/2 of my mother June's ashes yesterday in Westlawn Cemetery here in Edmonton, we also prepare as a family II prepare II take the other 1/2 to small town Alberta & the great little Hamlet of McLaughlin! Mother was born in Edmonton, but liked visiting her granny (her father's mother) in McLaughlin as a little girl & had fun running around her house. Mother requested we release 1/2 her ashes in McLaughlin around that house so that she could once again be near her granny, as well as her family members like her Uncle Laurie & Aunt Pat Adams.

Students considering getting into the funeral home business in areas such as embalming, cremating, burying, administration, & even customer service need to understand that its important II respect the funeral & burial requests of all manner of different cultures & personages. Many Jewish people are buried quickly within a day lor two & w/o an autopsy. Many Muslims, even Kings are buried in a simple white sheet in an unmarked grave just as examples.

Its important IV students studying II be funeral directors, concierges, ushers, burial ground crews to be respectful of a family's wishes, as well as those of the deceased through their wills that their wishes are both honoured & respected. So we honour & respect my mother by placing her exactly where she asked to be & in the exact manner she asked, to the letter.

If there is no will, students of the funeral arena need to follow the family's wishes II the best of their ability. Sometimes there are fights between family members over how II conduct the service, all the way through II how II properly dispose of the remains. They need II help family members strike a balance &/or compromise so that all sides are satisfied!

Mom Thank God Is Finally Free On The VIth Month Anniversary Of Her Death,

Rory

Source: Myself.

In 72 Hours, Gotham City Falls!

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XVIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I have always admired the concept of "Batman" & "The Dark Knight Of Gotham City." Batman, unlike "Superman" has no super powers. Yes multi-billionaire Bruce Wayne can just spend a fortune to make his fighting gear & gadgets. As a human however, he has always been more popular with student aged fans & DC Comics (TM) lovers b/c he constantly has to train physically & mentally focus his mind by reading up on his foes & garnering intelligencia on possible threats to Gotham City & II mankind itself! In this current Christopher Nolan directed set of films, Academy Award (TM) Winner Christian Bale shows us how Batman & his human alter ego, Bruce Wayne have to constantly exercise both body & mind just to stay ahead of the criminal element in Gotham. As well as maintaining a diplomatic presence & business focus as a the business owner of Wayne Enterprises & other Bruce Wayne related businesses. In otherwords, being diplomatic or sort of a politician II ensure the police, citizens, & criminals stay in check with one another so that none of them upsets the balance of the playing field of taking too much of the City of Gotham's power.

Students of politics will see similarities here with the United States system of governing. Wherein 1/3rd of the power is held by the President (Executive), 1/3rd by the Congress (Legislative), 1/3rd by the Supreme Court (Judicial.) In Batman films & television broadcasts, 1/3rd of the power is held by the criminals & Batman (Executive), 1/3rd by the citizens who vote in their City government (Legislative), & 1/3rd by the Police Commissioner Gordon & District Attorney Harvey Dent & their staffs who try & bring fairness to the justice system (Judicial.)

I IV 1 highly recommend any & all folks go see this film, & its two predeccessors. "The Dark Knight" from MMVIII had an Acadmy Award (TM) winning performance IV Best Supporting Actor by the late Heath Ledger. Bring in Academy Award (TM) Winner Morgan Freeman & Double Academy Award (TM) Winner Sir Michael Caine, Academy Award (TM) Nominee Gary Oldman & you've got one hell of great film as these guys are heavy hitters who give their all in every performance!

Triple Academy Award (TM) Winner Jack Nicholson Joker & Academy Award (TM) Heath Ledger Joker Were Both Beyond Superb,

Rory

Source: Www.WarnerBros.Com.

A Fantastic Historical Coup At Mount Vernon, Virginia, The U.S. Of A.

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XVIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Wow, what an amazing feat! The personal copy of the Constitution Of The United States that was owned & signed by the Ist U.S. President, George Washington was bought by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association for $9,826,500.00 United States Dollars. This non-profit, privately run group keeps the Former & Late President's home of Mount Vernon, Virginia in superb shape. This copy of the book was sold to private folks/collectors many years ago to raise funds IV the house's preservation. Now its going back there, where it belongs & will be there in time IV a George Washington Presidential Library, which will open in MMXIII (2013.) What an exciting addition!

I am sure that Pres. Washington would be thrilled that documents signed by him, along with his own handwritten annotations is back at his homestead. Plus, bills to establish acts to establish treasury, state, defense, & judiciary departments of the government are included in the purchase! Totally awesome! Its dated MDCCLXXXIX (1789), Pres. Washington's Ist year in office, so its a great feature IV any library!

A XXI Gun Salute To Be Sure,

Rory

Source: The Times Of India, Books Section.

Student Services

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XVth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Here's a great business slogan from ol' J.R. Shaw & the Northern Alberta Institute Of Technology (NAIT) School Of Business.

"All business: right from day one!"

Wow is that awesome, kind of makes a person want II cheque out the possibility's of NAIT & not just in business, but from their wide variety of certificate, diploma, & degree programs!

A Real Ookfest,

Rory

Source: Www.Nait.Ca.



La Marseillaise

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XIVth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

As the Republic de France celebrates its Juillet Quatorze (14), MDCCLXXXIX (1789) Revolution & on October IVth, the anniversary of the Vth Republic, here are some  interesting social studies Presidential facts IV students about one of the founding nations of The Dominion Of Canada.:

Un. Nicholas Sarkozy, the most recent Former French President is only the second French President ever in every form of French government to not win a second term of office. He lost to Socialist candidate, Francois Hollande.

Deux. Charles de Gaulle is the only Vth Republic French President to have resigned from office, just as Richard Milhous Nixon was the only American President to have done so. Interestingly, de Gaulle stepped down in MCMLXIX (1969), the same year Nixon assumed the Presidency.

Trois. Nicholas Sarkozy divorced his second wife while in office just a few months. She admitted to an affair. Cecilia Ciganer-Albeniz was then just the Premiere Ist Lady of France (of Sarkozy) while Carla Bruni, an Italian born model who subsequently married Sarkozy after his divorce became his Second Ist Lady. She also gave birth to a daughter, making Sarkozy the Ist President in French history to become a pere while in office.

Quatre. Alain Poher, twice the President of the French Senate, succeeded not once, but twice to the French Presidency for two non-consecutive terms as Interim President under two different Presidents. First after Charles de Gaulle resigned & second under Georges Pompidou died in office.

Cinq. Former Presidents Georges Pompidou & Jacques Chirac also served seperate terms in previous capacities as French Premiere Ministre. Chirac actually held that position twice, albeit it non-consecutive terms.

Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite,

Rory

Source: The Chicago Tribune.

Richard Bruce Cheney

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XIIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

There has always been great myths around Friday the XIIIth. Many vampire & slasher movies are released on this date to take advantage of student & general movie fans of the horror genre. Friday the XIIIth will always be bad IV me on the calendar b/c it leads II Saturday the XIVth & it was Saturday, January XIVth that I found my mom stroking out, & then called in the medics to get her II the hospital, where she died of her brain stem stroke on Wednesday, January XVIIIth.

This week coming up will be VI (6) months since we lost mother, half a calendar year, I cannot believe it. So we need II convince students of all ages, especially those in pre-medical &/or medical schools to be aware of the signs of a stroke by going II The Heart & Stroke Foundation & learning how to treat folks & help them immediately so they have a better chance of recovery. We also need II convince folks of how to live better. So they become students of diet & exercise & healthier living so that they do not become stroke &/or heart attack victims themselves!

Try The Heart & Stroke Healthy Weight Action Plan,

Rory

Source: Www.HeartAndStroke.Com.

The Ninth (IXth) Street Book Club

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The Ninth (IXth) Street Book Club here in Edmonton seems II really have its act together. With quality members like Colin F. Smith, Editor of The Edmonton Senior, this group has been going strong IV several years. This superb book group makes choices that make it a unique group & from some of the choices which I have read independently at local library's after looking at their site, I would venture & say this group is better than Oprah Winfrey's Book Club. Led by a strong founder in Nancy Kinoshita, this book club greatly promotes literacy & informed discussions by its group members at different locales. By having members that are continuously reading new & varied topics each & every month, those members become literary students IV life & gain a wealth of knowledge. They can then use this knowledge II to tell all of their friends about how exciting the group is & how fascinating the insights are of each & every member. Thiks is b/c you never know what anyone member(s) is/are going II talk about until they get together at the meeting venue of choice IV that month.

Relaxed & Instructive,

Rory

Source: Www.9thStreetBookClub.Blogspot.Ca.

"Live On Tape From Hollywood, "The Larry Sanders Show""

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

IV XVIII year old high school graduate Breanna Martin, her graduation day was extra special. Seems her parents (Bryan & Evelynn) gave her a copy of the Dr. Theodor Seuss book, "Oh the Places You'll Go!" What was special is they got every single one of Breanna's teachers, coaches, mentors since she was V years old II sign the book. So they carefully crafted out this present & kept it hidden IV XIII years so that it would be even more special IV her graduation. I agree with Breanna, her parents efforts in promoting literature & the years it took II construct this educational rarity of great emotional value must have been very stressful. Not II mention having II make sure to have the signers of the book all sworn II secrecy so they wouldn't ruin the surprise.

What A Remarkable Feat,

Rory

Source: Www.DailyMail.Co.Uk.

Taking A Swan Dive IV The Swan Valley School Division

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July Xth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Perhaps laid off teachers here & new teacher graduates should look at teaching in the great province of Manitoba. Jeff, they are hiring teachers in the Swan Valley School Division & throughout that province. Swan Valley Schools have a reputation IV teaching excellence & IV students that excel when given strong guidance. I highly approve of this more 1 on 1 & small discussion group style of learning. Check them out Jeff, perhaps the Province Of Alberta & the Education Ministry can learn a few things!

My Dear Old Swanny,

Rory

Source: Www.Svsd.Ca.

65 Or Bust

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July IXth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

At the Labour Market Information Centre here in the Meadowlark area, we have a class at 1PM until 3PM solely IV seniors on how II access the computers & look IV work. Many seniors like to work part time, even full time, or volunteer during their golden years. As a result, there is a labour market shortage in many areas of the economy, not just here in Alberta, but worldwide. Never discount the senior job force. Senior citizens are not II old II be students of how II use computers. I say give seniors a chance. Many have proved themselves II be worthwhile in their previous careers, let them feel useful again.

Seniority,

Rory

Source: The Government Of/Du Canada & The The Government Of Alberta Meadowlark Employment Centre.

The Home Renters Guide

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July VIIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Having just signed a 1 year lease, I am delighted II have found myself & my feline son James Redwing Cat Koopmans a 1 bedroom apartment in the palatial older neighborhood of McQueen. Its great b/c J.R. Cat & I can be together, so we are less lonely as its been VI months since his grandma died of a stroke & she'd want us II be happy. I have already joined up with the McQueen Community League & look forward II actively participating in my new community & its events & meeting new people.

IV students of all age groups looking IV student housing, or IV a new home situation after having just graduated, I can truly see there are many good real estate deals II be had out there. Students can start off by renting, or perhaps going inII buying a home with a few friends so that their monthly mortgage & utility payments are lower. IV me it was a situation of dreaming every night IV VI months that my mom was still here in the apartment stroking out. She didn't die here, but for VI months IV me it was like living in a tomb, so many bad memories.

With this new apartment, the cat & I have a fresh start & an oppotunity II make it in the world on our own. I am living right by the West Edmonton Christian School & the Edmonton Christian High School now where I grew up & went II school from Grade I-XII. As a result, I am truly excited about being able II walk through McQueen Park & my old stomping grounds, saying hi II future generations of Christian School students & encourage them II stay in school & while there, do the best that they can in their educational endeavours! I encourage students II get help from real estate experts & contractors who are willing II donate their time in order II make sure any place they move inII is safe & sound structurally IV them II do so beIV they do so!

Does AnyI Know What Time It Is: "Tool Time", Thats Right: Binford Tools Is Proud II Present "Tim The Tool Man Taylor",

Rory

Source: Myself.

Can You Tell Me How II Get, How II Get To Sesame Street, How II Get II Sesame Street?

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July VIIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

From our friends at Sesame Street a reminder. Kids in school need II learn about the importance of sharing. If a child(ren) is/are seen as being a team player & being nice while sharing, other kids in that same school setting (or in any kid setting IV that matter) will be more likely to reciprocate. Take it from our friends on Sesame Street, Elmo & Zoe: saying "lets take turns" & "pass that II me" (when one child is finished with an object & the other child wants II use it) will lead II much better playing & in class relationships. It will lead II a more conducive team building atmosphere in the school setting, thus improving that child's/childrens manners in other areas of life so that they share more willingly throughout their school years & as they grow up & enter life's journey on their own. Eg.: Having kids of their own & teaching those kids to pay heed II the sharing concept.

Brought To You By The Letters "S" & ""H", & By The Number "14",

Source: Www.SesameStreet.Org.

The Marvel Entertainment Group & Marvel Comics Enterprises & Stan Lee Present: The Amazing Spiderman

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July VIth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

All hail the new feature film: "The Amazing Spiderman." It explores the adventures of Peter Parker/Spiderman & Dr. Curtis Connors/The Lizard as they duke it out over the New York City skyline. With both men receiving their powers from scientific chemical formulas, Spiderman with a radioactive spider bite & The Lizard with a chemical compound, the film teaches the art of science & how exciting science can be. Peter Parker attends Midtown Science High School, a school with an emphasis on scientific discovery. The only person in the class with a higher average in science is Peter Parker's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. By showing Gwen as a powerful scientific juggernaut, the film is showing that science & mathematical formulations can be exciting IV both boys & girls as they progress through their educational years & then subsequent career paths.

The Webslinging Wonder,

Rory

Source: Sony Pictures Group (TM), Culver City, California & The Marvel Entertainment Group (TM) & Marvel Comics Enterprises (TM.)

Painting Up A Storm

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July Vth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

As I sit here typing this, we as a family are getting my late mother June's condo ready IV sale through her estate. We have hired University Painters, a company that has post-secondary & trade school students doing the work IV a little extra tuition money. I must say, they did a rather excellent job from the preparation work, all the way through to the final II finish coats. The students have given me some safety tips IV other students who might want II get inII the painting business themselves, either as a full time trade, or just IV money IV usage during their studies.:

I. Always wear proper safety equipment such as oxygen masks to protect your lungs, as well as goggles to protect your eyes. As well as wrist bands to support your wrists & arms during painting, quite the repetitive motion, & kneepads in case of having to bend down IV preparation work like masking & taping.

II. Always have proper ventilation in rooms so that odors such as paint fumes can escape outside & into the atmosphere. This is done so that the painters & anyone entering the painting area do not get overwhelmed by such smells like chemicals.

III. Make sure that all students painting are aware of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) rules, as well as Worker Health Management Information Systems (WHMIS) rules. These display chemical properties of paints/stains & other such hazardous materials, as well as Ist aid guides.

IV. Make sure that at least one, if not all students on site are trained in basic 911 procedures in case a student worker, or a client has a medical emergency on site. Eg.: St. John's Ambulance training.

V. Make sure student workers take regular rest breaks, as well as water breaks so they can properly rehydrate & get breaks from being in the paint area, which can be quite full of fumes.

Smart Students I'd Say,

Rory

Source: Www.Ufcp.Ca.

Abraham Lincoln Never Actually Hunted Down Any Vampires

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July IVth, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

As we celebrate the birth of the American Republic today, a little Presidential trivia for students on Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., the XXXVIIIth (38th) President, 1974-77.:

I. Gerald Ford was the first ever person II be appointed to the Vice-Presidency of the United States under the XXVth Amendment to the U.S. Constituition. In specifics, the Presidency/Vice-Presidency & possible Oath of Office & succession rules.

II. Gerald Ford was actually adopted. His name at birth was Leslie Lynch King, Jr.

III. Gerald Ford is the only President II have died in one year, MMVI (2006) & be buried the next, MMVII (2007.)

IV. Gerald Ford served with distinction as a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy in WWII. He served in the Asiatic theatre & won the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, & the World War II Victory Medal.

V. Gerald Ford as a Congressman served on the Committee investigating the assassination of former President (XXXVth-35th) John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He was the only member of that committee II have ever gone on II serve in the Presidency himself.

Historical Representations Prime,

Rory

Source. Www.WhiteHouse.Gov.

All Hail Orange Julius Caesar

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July IIIrd, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

We must praise the efforts of fruit juice smoothie maker, Orange Julius. They're "Sippin' It Old School" campaign encourages consumers & nutrition students II enjoy sippin' their drink slowly & appreciate the fact that Orange Julius only uses 100% real fruit in all of it drinks. Healthy marketing & appreciation IV the consumer!

Marmalade,

Rory

Source: Www.OrangeJulius.Com.

Time II Take A Vacation

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July IInd, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Here's something neat. The Hosanna Lutheran Church on 90 Avenue & 163 Street in Edmonton is offering a Vacation Bible School at night this week. Classes start at 6:30PM & go till 8:15PM & run from July IIIrd to July VIth. I used II go II cub scouts at this fine church in the basement & have heard their reputation IV biblical study is excellent. Not only will the Bible School students learn about Christianity, they will learn about tolerance IV other belief systems other than their own. I truly think this is remarkable & hope the school is a success!

And She Believes In Me, I'll Never Know Just What Sees In Me,

Rory

Source: Www.HosannaLutheran.Ab.Ca.

Fascinating Facts About The Dominion Of Canada

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July Ist, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Social Studies Factoids:

I. Canada is the world's IInd largest nation.

II.  British Columbia generally has the largest trees in the Dominion.

III.   The Mackenzie River has a large delta at its mouth.

IV. Canada's tallest mountain, Mount Logan is located in the Yukon Territory.

V. Quebec is larger in area than British Columbia.

There Are No Limits II What One Can Find Out About This Country If They Become A Devoted Student Of It,

Rory

Source: Www.TheCanadaPage.Org.