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Archive for the ‘Social & political humour’ Category

Living an Acronym Filled Life

Very much tied into modern life and communication is the precept of getting messages across in a timely, i.e. brief and abbreviated, manner.

A few decades ago, frequently based on clever, easy-to-remember terms for technology, acronyms became resplendently immersed in our societal landscape.  One of the early favourites was ‘laser’, the one word short form for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’, the longer version not a favourite of non-scientists. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Recommendations to Rent

An article this week in Ottawa’s major newspaper describes the ordeal being faced by a man in Kingston, Ontario, who rented out his home to a family a couple of years ago. These people came with a good recommendation, but their stay over a couple of years was a destructive one for the home, including cleanup horrors stemming from some of the most disgusting manners imaginable. After months went by before eviction could be finalized, the home owner is facing a litany of expensive cleanup and repair, likely to the tune overall of $30,000. (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Green Buys & Cyber

(with apologies & deference to The Outlaws, ‘Green Grass & High Tides’)

In ‘honour’ of Cyber Monday…

At a time we really count on

When the shipping may be free

Silver ear phones, golden earrings

Fill the orders, plain to see (more…)

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Arts commentary, Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Black Day in November

 (with apologies & deference to Gordon Lightfoot) 

 Black day in November

Friday deal madness has struck the world at large

And through malls and the internet

You can see it in their eyes

The cash and cards are flowing

And the browsers left aside (more…)

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Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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A Rock Versus a Soft Place

A survey of millennials released this week has revealed that more than one-half of them would prefer the earth to be hit by a meteor than have the Republican candidate become U.S. President, and about one-third of them feel the same regarding the Democratic candidate.

There is a surrealistically dire implication in these choices – with the human side of the equation, our world deeply impacted, whether the choice is metaphorical or not. (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Social & political humour, 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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Debate Do’s & Don’ts

We have seen, perhaps participated in, debates in one format or another over the years. (I can recollect my first was while a youngster in school.) In the political arena this has become a vital part of the election process.

As we get older, and especially if the stakes get higher, we should expect to incorporate life experiences or lessons to handle ourselves more effectively. Making a positive connection while speaking is paramount to feeling confident and performing better, whatever the stage. (more…)

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Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Social & political humour, 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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Modern Rules of Order

Many meetings are run using the framework of Parliamentary procedure, or its U.S. based version known as ‘Robert’s Rules of Order’.

Their core notion is to have a set of procedures reinforcing the agenda, so the meeting can proceed with decorum and efficiency, hopefully understood and supported by attendees. Interjections are allowed, as long as the interjector ideally invokes the proper language of attention getting: a ‘Point of Privilege’ concerning a status issue, a ‘Point of Information’ to have a question addressed, or a ‘Point of Order’ to verify following proper procedure. (more…)

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Humour, Personal Development, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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