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Archive for the ‘Social & political commentary’ Category

Addressing Obstacles

Part Two of a series of mini-articles under the umbrella of ‘Life Lessons’ in October’s Psychology Today focuses on what is called ‘Facing Adversity’.

Once again, the comments of the contributing authors collectively can provide valuable insights for our own lives: (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Canadian Thanksgiving Gratitudes

Like many longstanding holidays, Thanksgiving Day has its traditional elements, but has also come to remind us of modern lifestyle aspects to appreciate.

Interestingly, of the holidays recognized in both Canada and the U.S., this is the only one celebrated at different times: in Canada, on the second Monday in October, in the U.S. on the fourth Thursday. (In the latter case this has typically dovetailed into four-day weekends, and the recent emergence of ‘Black Friday’ shopping madness.) (more…)

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Humour, Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Top 10, Uncategorized

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Keeping Life Ship Shape

Under the general umbrella of ‘Life Lessons’, the October issue of Psychology Today has a series of mini-articles metaphorically spreading from branches of the life tree. The perspectives attempt to clarify what is deemed a paradox – our instincts can be flawed biases that science attempts to overcome, meanwhile, personal wisdom emerges from lived experiences.

Thus, here are some thoughtful comments under the heading of ‘Shaping Your Life’: (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Some Pre-Millennium Numbers

You know how sometimes you’re reminded of a tune, which then gets in your head, and it seems to stay there awhile, especially if connected to a personal memory or time-frame?

Nineteen years before the advent of the new millennium, one of my favourite pop songs was born, 8675309/Jenny, by artist Tommy Tutone. Really, quite a catchy, upbeat tune, it is still can be heard on radio stations with variations of soft rock formats playing tracks from the latter decades of the 20th century. (more…)

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Arts commentary, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Virtual Unreality

Not long ago we were hearing and seeing examples of virtual reality technology in testing stages. Now, for example here in Ottawa, there is at least one popular shopping centre which has limited virtual reality gaming in one of its stores.

We have also become exposed to video games, in person, through advertising, or on TV or movie screens. Many games not only exhibit a dramatic range of scenarios putting the player’s POV (point of view) into the action, but also have hugely expanded the dimensions of war and other fighting themes, complete with reams of carnage. (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Out-of-the-Box Niche Insurance

Reflective of certain realities of modern life, a heretofore little known niche market of insurance protection is gaining awareness among financial professionals.

An article in the current month edition of The Insurance & Investment Journal discusses how kidnap and ransom coverage is being offered by a limited number of international insurers. The appeal is described as “growing amongst singles and families from middle class to high net worth who might be at high risk if members are volunteering, traveling, living or working abroad in unstable or high risk countries”. (more…)

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Financial commentary, Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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The Labour Day Statistical Transition

This is the Labour Day weekend, AKA the last holiday weekend of summer, AKA the last days of freedom for many young people before starting or returning to school.

The complexion of neighbourhood activity takes on a less hectic daytime hue with so many, once again, becoming cooped up in indoor facilities. (more…)

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Humour, Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Some Don’t Like It Humid

Amazingly, there are those who dispute the concept of a ‘humidex’. My decades old Collins English dictionary, approximately 1700 pages of word definitions and etymology, doesn’t even include this variation of humid. Some who don’t accept this reality, especially cogent in summer, are also good candidates for rejecting its opposite seasonal measure, commonly known as ‘wind chill’.

The Collins dictionary defines ‘humid’ simply as moist or damp. Considering the impact on skin and clothing, that about sums it up. (more…)

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Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Consumer Agreement Stipulations

It seems that the continuing infiltration of technology and legal engagement into our affairs has made its impact on consumer agreements, such as memberships. The way things are going, perhaps the following will come to reflect a more tangential wording of future contract stipulations and terms… (more…)

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Humour, Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Future Finance

Key trends affecting the future of the financial industry in Canada concern five evolving areas, according to an article in the August issue of The Insurance & Investment Journal. As discussed in a major Chartered Financial Analyst conference held in Montreal in May, these concepts are identified as: robo-advice; big data; cyber-security risks; social media; and responsible investment.

Underlying these trends’ expanding roles is the belief that “Everyone wants more advice about their investments and that advice is very expensive”. (more…)

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Financial commentary, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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