For many the prospect of dealing with insurance matters, and such advisors, likely ranks with going to the dentist insofar as anticipatory delight. However, as with oral care, taking care of insurance issues should be faced more sooner than later, if not as frequently. (more…)
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There is a tendency to look for the shaping forces of our existence outside ourselves. Success and failure are unavoidably related in our minds with the state of things around us… The tendency to look for all causes outside ourselves persists even when it is clear that our state of being is the product of personal qualities such as ability, character, appearance, health, and so on. (more…)
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Does every encounter with a service provider have to be a hassle?
Maybe it has something to do with the depressive atmosphere of January. (more…)
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Last September and October I wrote a series of six posts concerning ‘The Art of Collecting’. Part of the underlying philosophy of expectation, including more basic categories such as coins and stamps, is predicated on there being an available marketplace should one decide to be a seller rather than being more static. (more…)
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Last Friday on CBC television’s investigative show Marketplace, the main story concerned the marketing of my favourite morning beverage, orange juice. The thrust was twofold: how do popular brands compare to freshly squeezed in taste, and what is done to preserve o.j. sold in cartons and plastic bottles (and to what extent are consumers aware). (more…)
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This morning an announcement was made that American chain Target is closing down its approximately 130 stores in Canada, a scant couple of years after entering our retail market. The president of Canadian operations stated they did not see profitability here occurring until 2021. (more…)
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I’ve been a member of Toastmasters since 1999. The organization’s stated mission for member clubs has been “to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills…” (more…)
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A poet-scholar from the 20th century may have anticipated nature and planetary forces looking on at current events with caution...
I looked the sun straight in the eye.
He put on dark glasses.
Eclipse
by Canadian poet F.R. Scott
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Recent negative events around the world likely have made many of us recall relevant events experienced along the way. Here is a brief excerpt from the draft of a book I’m working on about my years of experience in the financial services industry: (more…)
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the watch of time
Are You a Leader?
All manner of communities and organizations need leaders. The quality of leadership affects the success of these groups, small or large.
Just like communication skills, leadership skills are learned and enlarged through experience, facing challenges, and ultimately from episodes of failure and success. Whether you are new or experienced in a group, opportunity to develop these skills is likely available in some capacity if you step forward. (more…)
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Social & political commentary
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