Once upon a time, long before the age of the printing press, not to mention modern mass media, communicating ideas occurred within groups sitting around campfires telling stories. Now that scenario is largely restricted to campgrounds, or organizational retreats, or the plots of youth-oriented horror movies. (Or the occasional summer blockbuster – remember the opening scene of Jaws?) (more…)
Over this past week two developments relating to fitness have put a crimp in plans of some of us wishing to continue exorcising aspects of poor health.
The first occurred in the Federal budget which was introduced this past Tuesday. For reasons which seem to defy logic, the new Liberal government is proposing (which, given its majority, means there’s little chance of stopping it) to eliminate a tax credit for minor age children enrolled in fitness related programs. (more…)
It seems that not much is sacred concerning institutions these days. Try to find an institutional body or modus operandi which doesn’t have serious detractors; it will be a short list.
As I was reminded at a presentation earlier today, the electoral system in Canada is on the precipice of a major structural shift. (more…)
There are learning advantages in binge watching well written and acted TV shows on speciality channels, available after the spread-out airing on their originating venues. Not only is it more enjoyable to view them uninterrupted (i.e. commercial-free), but also seeing the evolving palette of character and plot developments can provide thought-provoking perspectives, even if over-dramatized, about the modern human condition. (more…)
A qualities of leadership article in the March issue of Toastmaster magazine focuses on personal improvement in the context of behaviour at meetings.
The author suggests that “performance in meetings (appears) to be a proxy for career progression”, or at least “relevant to promotion”.
(Based on my own anecdotal experience, I would question this posit as a de facto (more…)
A pair of short articles in the current issue of Toastmaster magazine point out foibles which can undercut our attempts at positive influence with others.
Under the umbrella of ‘phrases that sabotage success’ are five expressions heard commonly, often spoken by people of power and influence, in speeches or sound bytes. When held up to the light, the weak image they shed becomes more obvious… (more…)
When I was a financial consultant, the appeal of socially responsible investing was important to some clients, but not many. Our company’s family offering was relatively successful in gathering assets, especially relative to competitors, although returns were rather volatile, given funds’ equity-based exposure, including international holdings in newly emerging sectors. However, I was told repeatedly by clients that they were not enthralled with exposure to such restricted, partly speculative, mandates.
An article in last month’s Investment & Insurance Journal terms this market, now under the ID umbrella of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) funds, as ‘underserved’. (more…)
Anyone watching the unfolding drama of the nomination process in American politics no doubt finds a number of elements striking, whether or not one lives there. Like it or not, whoever emerges will be the most powerful leader of the western world. Hopefully, voter reason will reign during the elimination process, working through omnipresent framing by pervasive media and behind-the-scenes political machinations. (more…)
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These days, certainly in Ottawa and I suspect in many other major urban centres, there is increasing attention being paid to what are termed ‘traffic calming measures’. This expression is essentially a euphemism for reducing traffic speed. It is especially relevant given budgetary challenges for continuing to have police officers do roadside enforcement. Presumably not enough is made up in fines to cover the marginal utility costs of having officers lurking and checking. (more…)
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the watch of time
Man vs. Intellect
Men are more renown for displaying sound and bluster than women. This is probably a carryover from ancestry, when competition for females in the past favoured a display of physical attributes. (Or, at least, so we’re led to believe.)
The representation of men in film and television – dependable bastions of enlightenment to be sure – has, over the years, seemed to reinforce this archetype. The entertainment media has frequently embellished this with layers of male naiveté, such as in family situation comedies. (more…)
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Behaviour & Relationships, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized
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