If there’s a message underlying many escapades in The Simpsons’ annual Halloween “Treehouse of Horror” episodes, it’s that simply twisting the slant of everyday routines can be sufficient to make reality a black humour version of unnerving, or worse. This emerges most overtly when the backdrop is parody, shaped by the tone of this venerable take on animated life.
The most memorable moments stem from great writing, about altered states. These stand out, like in life itself, the dust settling in varying layers of destiny. (more…)
Stories have a better chance to come to life when we construct and deliver descriptions which the listener’s mind’s eye can see.
Stories may be the essence of the message being presented. Stories might also be part of the construction, such as in support of the theme of a speech. The latter example is part of the formula discussed in an article in the October issue of Toastmaster magazine. (more…)
A famous expression states “the eyes are windows to the soul”. Since there are some among us with limited, or sadly no, eyesight, presumably there needs to be flexibility in taking such an insight, as worded, literally. We could also consider hearing as listening to the soul, or touch as feeling for the soul.
We seem increasingly to live in a time in which reading is considered by too many as more of a chore than an enjoyable activity. (more…)
An article in the late summer edition of The Insurance & Investment Journal discusses a side of travel which tends not to be at the top of mind in planning priorities, but which, if not set-up, could have serious financial consequences. The issue: travel insurance.
A recent survey of Canadians found that 89% felt they had at least a reasonable understanding of what they were getting in their policies. However, it appears the greatest concern is the time it takes to process claims. (more…)
This week I heard a radio commentator refer to the time-honoured, greatest dread of people (supposedly): the fear of public speaking. The host noted how importantly the skill of being able to deliver presentations could impact one’s professional opportunities.
He then alluded to a just released story of a teenager who has confronted his own trepidation, by sending out an entreaty to educational authorities that he be spared from having to make presentations to other students in class. There has been reaction to this quickly in social media. No doubt, ‘experts’ on both sides of such a debate are aplenty. (more…)
In part one I noted that the temporary lifestyle of a cruise on the high seas (such as the Mediterranean) provides a wave (pun intended) of experiences, which in turn mean opportunities for reflection. Whether partaking in activities on board, or on shore excursions, hopefully high points resonate stronger than miscues and challenges.
When it comes to what to do while on board, cruise lines are prepared with plenty of options, scheduled or otherwise. (more…)
I imagine anyone who has experienced for the first time the temporary lifestyle of a cruise on the high seas (actually in this case, the Mediterranean), has numerous reflections. Like with almost any vacation, ideally, the high points resonate stronger than the inevitable issues one encounters. (more…)
the watch of time 
Thanksgiving: Viewed from the Plate
This coming weekend is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, with the day itself keeping the tradition of second Monday in October. Considered one of those occasions to bond with family, as with the U.S. version later in November, it hasn’t dovetailed into the latter’s four-day event also celebrating the shopping madness of ‘Black Friday’.
While these are longstanding festivities in both countries, with historical origins involving early explorers and settlers, this is looking at things only from the side of the consumer, i.e. the one enjoying the repast. (more…)
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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Lifestyle & Travel, Social & political humour, Uncategorized
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