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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Like the Sands in an Hourglass

 

The January edition of Toastmaster magazine features a tracking perspective on time management by Laura Vanderkam, author of several books on this perpetual subject.

We often think of this issue in business, career-related terms – but it really contributes to any of us wanting to adhere to the adage, recognized increasingly as one ages, of “living each day to its fullest”. (more…)

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Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Lost Episodes of ‘The X-Files’

 

After a hiatus of more than a dozen years (except for a forgettable theatrical release), the iconic TV series ‘The X-Files’ will reappear this coming Sunday for the launch of an updated mini-series.  However, rumour has it that a number of controversial episodes have been shelved over time – perhaps loyal aficionados should be made aware, if the truth is really out there… 

  • Mulder and Scully attempt to discover why their social media connections are suddenly unfriending them in droves
  • At a remote scientific station, Mulder and Scully help researchers battle a creature which changes its form whenever there’s a variation in the eerie music playing on the intercom (more…)

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Arts commentary, Humour, Uncategorized

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Revisiting ‘The Peter Principle’

 

In the early 1970s a book written by Dr. Lawrence Peter and Raymond Hull became a much reprinted international bestseller, The Peter Principle, its subtitle ‘Why things always go wrong’.  The principle itself: “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.”

Have things changed for the better in the forty plus years since this intonation on human inefficiency was first issued?  Sadly, it appears not much with the historically styled organization, although technology has certainly provided a healthy self-directed option. (more…)

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Arts commentary, Financial commentary, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Finding a Positive Ending

 

How many experiences have we had over the years which have been lessened, if not spoiled, by a disappointing ending?

You go to the grocery store, find what you want at prices which are tolerable, and then leave the store discouraged because of an intolerable delay or problem at the cash.

You go on a trip, and find out that your luggage has been damaged or lost, or if driving you’re involved in an accident on the way home. (more…)

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Arts commentary, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Survival Shows

Adaptability of skills and responses – need we say more…

  • When waters are muddied, have an alternate supply ready
  • Have a safety net to protect you from things that bug you
  • You might have to swallow unpleasant things in order to move on to another day
  • When encountering possibly helpful odd and ends, think like a sculptor (more…)

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Humour, Personal Development, Top 10, Uncategorized

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Clichés Upgraded – Part XLIX

 

The new year and its incumbent weather is upon us, so time to escape with updated clichés (with originals in italics):

  • Sure, you got taken for a ride, but it could have been for money
  • Now that we have to pay the entry fee by weight, the machine is taking its toll on you
  • This landscapes board game is so possession focused, it has a card allowing you to take the scenic route (more…)

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Humour, Uncategorized

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Memorable Quotes: Tales of Screenwriters – Part Twenty-Eight

 

Minefields – the (Writers Guild) arbitrator’s view:

“One of the things I do, which I think always surprises the studios, is I demand to go back and redo the primary research.  I don’t want to write based on someone else’s research…  unless I experience something, I’d be writing it based on someone else’s experiences.  I think redoing the primary research is key to making something your own. (more…)

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Arts commentary, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Ways to Cope with Markets Turbulence

 

Recent negative market volatility is part of a long term trend – of ongoing market volatility.  How can we remain invested and cope with it?

  • Stay in bed and avoid contact with television, radio, or internet
  • Learn to savour the tastes of bread and water (more…)

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Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Humourous Analogies

 

Expressing a message in humourous analogies, observations, proverbs, etc. combines clever use of language with making an observational point.  They can also draw attention to foibles in language itself.

Here are some examples, from The Light Touch by Malcolm Kushner:

–  Inflation is the process of living in a more expensive neighbourhood without moving

 –  An audience is the only group of people who get tired after they sit down (more…)

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Humour, Uncategorized

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Freakonomics Truisms

 

Anyone exposed to the dogged philosophy of Freakonomics has probably been somewhat dazzled, or at least intrigued, by some of its revelations from ‘The Hidden Side of Everything’.

Since the best-selling, eponymous first book release just over ten years ago, to subsequent offshoots, via book, audio, and web site, it’s good to reflect on the basic tenets and perspective. (more…)

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Financial commentary, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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