Creative commentary plus crafty composition

Guidance for Neanderthal Sales Thinkers

October 14, 2016

Like it or not, in one manner or another, we are all sales people.

For many of us, this is (or has been) literally true. Even in businesses where corporate mission statements exemplify other, i.e. lofty, aspects of service relationships, the ultimate determination of success or failure generally comes down to whether or not sales are made.

For the population at large, not dependent on successfully adhering to the sales process to make a living, variations of selling still infiltrate daily living. Read the rest of this entry »

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Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Personal Development, Uncategorized

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Addressing Obstacles

October 12, 2016

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: Read the rest of this entry »

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

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TOP 10 Canadian Thanksgiving Gratitudes

October 9, 2016

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.) Read the rest of this entry »

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

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Keeping Life Ship Shape

October 6, 2016

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’: Read the rest of this entry »

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

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Some Pre-Millennium Numbers

October 3, 2016

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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Arts commentary, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Virtual Unreality

September 30, 2016

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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Behaviour & Relationships, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Debate Do’s & Don’ts

September 28, 2016

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Tinted Behaviour

September 26, 2016

Are you one of those adults who secretly (or, perhaps, not so privately) unwinds with coloured paper images?

This subject is the focus of an article in the current issue of Psychology Today. The rather reflective subheading is “Buyers may come in for the nostalgia but stay for the inspiration”. Read the rest of this entry »

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Arts commentary, Behaviour & Relationships, Personal Development, Uncategorized

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Out-of-the-Box Niche Insurance

September 23, 2016

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”. Read the rest of this entry »

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

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Blended Genres at a Screen Near You

September 20, 2016

A note received yesterday from a screenwriting site noted the vast array of recent film releases featuring comedy blended with other genres. Some of these reflect evolution in our social mores. Examples included:

  • Action comedy, such as ‘The Kingsman’
  • Dramedy, such as ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’
  • Horror comedy, such as ‘Vampire Academy’
  • Female Empowerment comedy, such as ‘Trainwreck’
  • Mockumentary, such as ‘What We Do in The Shadows’
  • Senior Comedy, such as ‘The Intern’

Read the rest of this entry »

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Arts commentary, Humour, Uncategorized

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