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…)
Is there a qualifier much more annoying that seeing a new flash, or being told by someone, that a given statement is validated because it’s ‘according to experts’? Apparently this means the case is closed. No need to linger, nothing more to see here.
Who are these, often unidentified, people or groups comprising the title of ad hoc ‘experts’? (more…)
It’s census time. Notwithstanding a google search implying Canadians are showing ‘enthusiasm’ since its launch via mail this week leading to a huge influx of internet traffic, one suspects this is primarily for one or both of two reasons: to make sure one is not part of the 25% selected for the long version; and to get it over with. (Perhaps a follow-up email could verify this by census.) As seemingly intrusive as questions are, there remain many unexplored areas… (more…)
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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…)
Thanks to 24/7 news and entertainment reporting, there are cascading varieties of bumper headlines these days…
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Arts commentary, Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized
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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…)
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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