Creative commentary plus crafty composition

Posts tagged ‘Social / Political Commentary’

Impressive Canadian/American Similar Traits

 

With Canada’s P.M. doing a modern version of dining with the king this week in Washington, D.C., this is an opportunity to reflect on Canadian and American similarities….

  • Both countries feature loonies, in one case in currency, in the other case in elected office
  • Canadian performers go to the U.S. to find fame and make a fortune, while American producers come to Canada to find fame and save a fortune
  • Both countries have a Tea Party, but Canada’s version connects with music (more…)

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Social & political humour, Top 10, Uncategorized

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The Responsible Investor

 

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…)

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Financial commentary, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Little Known Government Budget Measures

 

With both the Canadian and Ontario governments releasing budgets this past week, it’s interesting to scrutinize some proposed measures which seem to have slipped by initial reporting…

  • Potholes in roads outside municipal jurisdiction will be eligible for naming rights once they are filled in
  • Visitors to the respective Parliament buildings will be permitted to claim a recycling credit for any loose garbage or flyers they pick up and take away
  • Voting on suggested themes for $9 and $19 circulation coins will commence later this year (more…)

Category:

Humour, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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Nominating Hits and Misses

 

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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Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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Mental Traffic Calming Measures

 

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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Social & political commentary, Social & political humour, Uncategorized

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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…)

Category:

Personal Development, Social & political commentary, 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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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…)

Category:

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

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Culturally Aware Gift Giving  

 

When looking to give gifts in an international context, cultural sensitivity can make the difference between an appreciative reception and a strained one, as well as creating a positive memory enduring afterword.

Here are some examples, based on an internationalHRForum.com article worked into the December issue of Toastmaster magazine: (more…)

Category:

Arts commentary, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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