So, a friend of mine called me a leftie pinko the other day. Which I am; so, it's all fine. However, I also have this nagging pull toward entrepreneurism. I have goals; I have plans. Even at almost fifty, I am in the process of building up a completely new business concept. So, how does one reconcile these two seemingly unresolvable drives?
Haven't the foggiest.
I do know that I don't make a lot of money.
Which is all fine, again. But why is it fine? I think that when one allows oneself the freedom to do what one loves, it's much easier to value-add, to invest heavily in the quality of the product or service -- even to the point of sacrificing monetary gain -- because it simply makes sense. Greed doesn't become an issue. Sure, sure, I can fantasize about travelling all over the world or having enough cash to produce major musicals but I am happy just making my baby steps toward a healthy, little business.
And I am pretty sure I am not alone. I can see a trend (purely anecdotally, of course) of folks who are giving up on the rat-race, one by one, and going off and leading hectic, crazy lives as self-employed folk. Dog-walkers, photographers, gluten-free bakers. And for every one of those folk, dozens more express disatisfaction with their professional situations. Most people took white collar work so that they would have security for themeselves and their families. So that they could put in their nine to five, and still have time for things they love to do. They swapped independence for promised security in the hope of living the good life.
However, of course, life is not working out the way we were told it would as kids growing up. There is no employment security or employer loyalty in an endeavour that has, at its root, a need to turn profit. Despite the sixties and the Utopian thinking that dominated society in my childhood, we are struggling in a corporate world in which the central truth is profit and, despite having the opportunity to profit us all, wealthy folk are just getting wealthier.
Maybe, we need to start de-valuing money in our lives. Maybe that's the best way to be subversive? Turn away from corporate Canada? Why should they get the brightest and the best? Start investing in the swapping economy? You don't need money as much as you might think.
So, I say: Be subversive! Make your own meals, go to a swapmeet, leave your car at home. Start a small business (even a miniscule one like mine) doing something you love. Why not? It's not like things are going well investing in the current corporate reality. Are they?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Believing what you read...or Where does that pesky comments section actually start anyway?
Just this weekend, a story was released in the paper about someone I know that made me question, again, the ethical and moral positioning of our major news sources in society, how those sources became puppets of idealogy, bias, and prejudice, and because much of the body of news stories is tainted by said idealogy, bias, or prejudice, what the bloody use they are anyway?
I wish that the papers, radio news, and tv news would drop the Victorian idea that the public is too stupid and/or too uneducated to make up their own minds. All I want to know is what happened, not what the reporter thinks happened or feels about what happened.
Or how the reporter can sensationalize what happened; so s/he can win some investigative journalist prize, write a book about the experience, and be set for life as soon as the movie comes out.
Just the facts, ma'am; just the facts. Why not just stick to what actually happened? No fudging, or helping us along to what you think is the correct opinion. Why not post links to the source documents...an easy feat with the interwebs? A little dangerous, a la Wikileaks, but better than the public not knowing. Why not be open, honest, and above board?
Look, there are tons of places one can make her opinion public. I write a blog a couple of times a week. It is read by friends and family. I get to say whatever I like because everybody who actually reads it knows this is my sandbox, my opinion. That's why they call it a blog. And, at the end of practically every article written by papers (and bloggers alike) there is a comments section in which everybody gets their say. Everybody gets to interpret the facts as their personal idealogy, bias, or prejudice supports. Nice, nice. Free speech.
But how can anyone interpret anything if we don't really know what happened? How can we have an opinion about what is being reported if the reporter has already assessed the facts, found the subject guilty, and sentenced her/him to the prison of unwanted notoriety?
Well, the simple answer is we can't. There ought to be a law about publishing or broadcasting only the facts about which the reporter is certain because we all know just how powerful and far reaching mainstream news reporting can be. Reporters, editors have the power to vaporize lives and they often swagger about, heady with that knowledge. And then there's SunTV. Don't get me started.
News agencies should be held accountable for everything they say -- the truth can only support a more informed society, a more intelligent one.
Yep, there ought to be a law. Oh wait, there is...
I wish that the papers, radio news, and tv news would drop the Victorian idea that the public is too stupid and/or too uneducated to make up their own minds. All I want to know is what happened, not what the reporter thinks happened or feels about what happened.
Or how the reporter can sensationalize what happened; so s/he can win some investigative journalist prize, write a book about the experience, and be set for life as soon as the movie comes out.
Just the facts, ma'am; just the facts. Why not just stick to what actually happened? No fudging, or helping us along to what you think is the correct opinion. Why not post links to the source documents...an easy feat with the interwebs? A little dangerous, a la Wikileaks, but better than the public not knowing. Why not be open, honest, and above board?
Look, there are tons of places one can make her opinion public. I write a blog a couple of times a week. It is read by friends and family. I get to say whatever I like because everybody who actually reads it knows this is my sandbox, my opinion. That's why they call it a blog. And, at the end of practically every article written by papers (and bloggers alike) there is a comments section in which everybody gets their say. Everybody gets to interpret the facts as their personal idealogy, bias, or prejudice supports. Nice, nice. Free speech.
But how can anyone interpret anything if we don't really know what happened? How can we have an opinion about what is being reported if the reporter has already assessed the facts, found the subject guilty, and sentenced her/him to the prison of unwanted notoriety?
Well, the simple answer is we can't. There ought to be a law about publishing or broadcasting only the facts about which the reporter is certain because we all know just how powerful and far reaching mainstream news reporting can be. Reporters, editors have the power to vaporize lives and they often swagger about, heady with that knowledge. And then there's SunTV. Don't get me started.
News agencies should be held accountable for everything they say -- the truth can only support a more informed society, a more intelligent one.
Yep, there ought to be a law. Oh wait, there is...
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
If you had faith...
As most of you know, I am can be an unapologetic, raving rationalist. It's a good life. I'm not complaining.
I would, however, like to address the religious fundamentalists among my readers -- if, in fact, you could find a religious fundamentalist among my readers.
I invite the religious fundamentalists among my readers to have more faith.
I say this because I think that you believe we are all subject to God. All of us. That our destiny is pretermined and that no one can fight the will of God. Awesome. So, if that is true, maybe you should rest easy. Eventually, all us crazy rationalists, and scientists, and thinkers will have to accept the resounding, unassailable truth that there is a God. Eventually, we will acquire enough knowledge that we will know the face of God and we will bow down before him. Ok.
But until that day, you can't beat it into me. Until that day, you can't shame it into me, or deny it into me, or ostracize it into me, bomb it into me, starve it into me, rape it into me. All these things: violence, shame, degradation, in your parlance, are these not the tools of the devil?
Perhaps I, and people like me, have been put on this earth by God to test not us, but you. Perhaps, if you had more faith, you would not fall to such base behaviours. Have faith. Be your best, greatest, most Godly self. For your sake and the sake of all others.
Whoever happens to be 'right' (and you might be surprised to learn that I don't give a toss who is right or who is wrong), we all will have a more civilized, decent path to that knowledge. It would be a good thing, a Godly thing.
I would, however, like to address the religious fundamentalists among my readers -- if, in fact, you could find a religious fundamentalist among my readers.
I invite the religious fundamentalists among my readers to have more faith.
I say this because I think that you believe we are all subject to God. All of us. That our destiny is pretermined and that no one can fight the will of God. Awesome. So, if that is true, maybe you should rest easy. Eventually, all us crazy rationalists, and scientists, and thinkers will have to accept the resounding, unassailable truth that there is a God. Eventually, we will acquire enough knowledge that we will know the face of God and we will bow down before him. Ok.
But until that day, you can't beat it into me. Until that day, you can't shame it into me, or deny it into me, or ostracize it into me, bomb it into me, starve it into me, rape it into me. All these things: violence, shame, degradation, in your parlance, are these not the tools of the devil?
Perhaps I, and people like me, have been put on this earth by God to test not us, but you. Perhaps, if you had more faith, you would not fall to such base behaviours. Have faith. Be your best, greatest, most Godly self. For your sake and the sake of all others.
Whoever happens to be 'right' (and you might be surprised to learn that I don't give a toss who is right or who is wrong), we all will have a more civilized, decent path to that knowledge. It would be a good thing, a Godly thing.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A Scorpion is always a scorpion.
The Fords appear to be backing down from their extreme stances on
political issues in Toronto.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/marcus-gee/ford-forfeits-goal-to-control-port-lands-property/article2173838/
Despite being happy about this, I was uneasy. And I couldn't think why. What would bother me about Rob and Doug Ford acting like adults?
Then I was reminded of that old story about how a scorpion convinced another animal (I think it was a dog) to ferry him across a swift flowing river when both needed to get to the other side. The dog demurred, afraid that the scorpion would harm him but the scorpion managed to earn the animal's trust and off they went. Part the way across, the scorpion stung his ride. The dog was surprised and amazed.
"Why would you sting me, when I am your only safe method for getting across the river? You have killed me and in so doing, will even kill yourself!"
The scorpion shrugged (if a scorpion can shrug) and said, "I cannot help it. I am what I am."
Well, the Ford brothers have effected a massive change of heart over the last few days, to the point that they deny their previous stances on closing libraries or suggest they were just publicly brainstorming when they said they wanted to commandeer waterfront development. Now, they are conciliatory. Doug Ford even wants to sit on the Board of Waterfront Toronto. In the spirit of compromise, he says. In the spirit of working together. Don't worry, I would never sting you! We both have to get across!
I wonder if we shouldn't remain doubly vigilant now that we are swimming with scorpions. Their backroom deals and bully boy politics may continue. Why would they change? Can anyone really change?
So, I am still planning to go to City Hall on September 26th, at 5:30 pm to join the rally against cuts. We can let the Fords know we are still watching and that that they cannot push us around. Or sting us for that matter. Because, you know they will try.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/marcus-gee/ford-forfeits-goal-to-control-port-lands-property/article2173838/
Despite being happy about this, I was uneasy. And I couldn't think why. What would bother me about Rob and Doug Ford acting like adults?
Then I was reminded of that old story about how a scorpion convinced another animal (I think it was a dog) to ferry him across a swift flowing river when both needed to get to the other side. The dog demurred, afraid that the scorpion would harm him but the scorpion managed to earn the animal's trust and off they went. Part the way across, the scorpion stung his ride. The dog was surprised and amazed.
"Why would you sting me, when I am your only safe method for getting across the river? You have killed me and in so doing, will even kill yourself!"
The scorpion shrugged (if a scorpion can shrug) and said, "I cannot help it. I am what I am."
Well, the Ford brothers have effected a massive change of heart over the last few days, to the point that they deny their previous stances on closing libraries or suggest they were just publicly brainstorming when they said they wanted to commandeer waterfront development. Now, they are conciliatory. Doug Ford even wants to sit on the Board of Waterfront Toronto. In the spirit of compromise, he says. In the spirit of working together. Don't worry, I would never sting you! We both have to get across!
I wonder if we shouldn't remain doubly vigilant now that we are swimming with scorpions. Their backroom deals and bully boy politics may continue. Why would they change? Can anyone really change?
So, I am still planning to go to City Hall on September 26th, at 5:30 pm to join the rally against cuts. We can let the Fords know we are still watching and that that they cannot push us around. Or sting us for that matter. Because, you know they will try.
Monday, September 12, 2011
So, Rob Ford, an environmentalist, and a priest walk into a bar....
Am I taking Rob Ford too seriously? Are we all?
The longer he stays in office the more he makes me giggle. I think he was that kid who didn't get to be cool because he wasn't sporty, or artsy, and, to make matters worse, he didn't get to go to the Ex every year. Or maybe his parents said no to Disneyland. So, now that he's Mayor of Toronto, he wants all he missed because he honestly thinks that we are all missing the same things: ferris wheels, monorails, all the Big Macs you could eat ever, and more crap merchandise from Walmart. Bliss. Hiking and biking? They're for weiners because weiners are thin. We want big, big, bigger! Fat, fatter, fattest! And he's going to do it in four years. Because wishes are rainbows!
But there might be a dark side to this immaturity. He might have let his power go to his head and might not be making wise choices. He might be in cahoots with these land developers for his own personal gain. And since most of the talks about his new development plan occured behind doors, I just have this awful feeling Mr. Ford might have been a naughty, naughty boy. Bad. Bad Rob. Go to your room.
Well, he certainly has forgotten that he is but one voice on Council. Clearly, a loud, berating, irritating voice, but still only one voice. He thinks he is in charge. Isn't that funny?
But, just because I think Ford is a joke doesn't mean we should ignore what he is trying to do. Why don't we all let our City Councillors know that we think Ford's a joke? Or that Coney Island on the Lake is a joke? Or that closing libraries and firing necessary staff is a joke?
Or maybe, we could all get involved with rallies like this. I think there's another one on September 26th at 5:30 pm at City Hall. I'll be there. I have some experience with bullies. They don't scare me. And, if we're supportive, maybe the other Councillors will have more courage with which to stand up to Ford and his brother. I mean, the Ford boys are big boys with loud voices. Very intimidating on the playground.
And, it's likely that, previously, the City Councillors were following what they believed was a mandate from the people. Ford can't cite this mandate anymore now that he's gone off to la la land. Or Disneyand. Or wherever it is he's gone. So, why not write a quick note to your Councillor with a bit of support for keeping Toronto for grown ups? How could it hurt?
And while you're pondering that, I got one for ya: So, Rob Ford, an environmentalist, and a priest walk into a bar...
The longer he stays in office the more he makes me giggle. I think he was that kid who didn't get to be cool because he wasn't sporty, or artsy, and, to make matters worse, he didn't get to go to the Ex every year. Or maybe his parents said no to Disneyland. So, now that he's Mayor of Toronto, he wants all he missed because he honestly thinks that we are all missing the same things: ferris wheels, monorails, all the Big Macs you could eat ever, and more crap merchandise from Walmart. Bliss. Hiking and biking? They're for weiners because weiners are thin. We want big, big, bigger! Fat, fatter, fattest! And he's going to do it in four years. Because wishes are rainbows!
But there might be a dark side to this immaturity. He might have let his power go to his head and might not be making wise choices. He might be in cahoots with these land developers for his own personal gain. And since most of the talks about his new development plan occured behind doors, I just have this awful feeling Mr. Ford might have been a naughty, naughty boy. Bad. Bad Rob. Go to your room.
Well, he certainly has forgotten that he is but one voice on Council. Clearly, a loud, berating, irritating voice, but still only one voice. He thinks he is in charge. Isn't that funny?
But, just because I think Ford is a joke doesn't mean we should ignore what he is trying to do. Why don't we all let our City Councillors know that we think Ford's a joke? Or that Coney Island on the Lake is a joke? Or that closing libraries and firing necessary staff is a joke?
Or maybe, we could all get involved with rallies like this. I think there's another one on September 26th at 5:30 pm at City Hall. I'll be there. I have some experience with bullies. They don't scare me. And, if we're supportive, maybe the other Councillors will have more courage with which to stand up to Ford and his brother. I mean, the Ford boys are big boys with loud voices. Very intimidating on the playground.
And, it's likely that, previously, the City Councillors were following what they believed was a mandate from the people. Ford can't cite this mandate anymore now that he's gone off to la la land. Or Disneyand. Or wherever it is he's gone. So, why not write a quick note to your Councillor with a bit of support for keeping Toronto for grown ups? How could it hurt?
And while you're pondering that, I got one for ya: So, Rob Ford, an environmentalist, and a priest walk into a bar...
Friday, September 9, 2011
Your portlands or your life.
Rob Ford is only one vote on council. Why is it that everything he proposes is getting passed? Are the other councillors scared of him or something?
The latest is the complete turnaround on the portlands project, a truly visionary plan in its original inception - hiking trails, bike trails, green space, small retail and eateries, less-than-zero carbon footprint. The bar on the plan is now well below sea-level with its big box malls, large chain stores and food outlets (you can't call them restaurants), and a ferris wheel. Oh, and a monorail. Nobody but Rob Ford, his brother, and their developer friends from (sniff) Australia want this. Nobody. And yet he is bragging that this huge development will be implemented and completed in record time.
Ford was not elected on the promise of raping the portlands. He was elected on the promise of making the mega-city of Toronto's budget balance.
However, in this instance and in the example of the TransitCity debaucle, Mr. Ford ignored the recommendations of folks who know what they're talking about in favour of much more expensive options. Much more. Like maybe-we-wouldn't-have-to-close-libraries-or-fire-police-officers-if-we-went-for-the-cheaper-option more expensive.
And all this money goes into the hands of the developers. Sure, jobs will be created. Crappy, horrible McJobs will be created. And sure, tourists will be attracted. Irritating tourists (the kind who like Disneyland and food outlets) will be attracted. It probably won't be the TIFF crowd.
Who could possibly want this for Toronto who loves Toronto?
I think Rob Ford has managed to intimidate council. I wonder how he's done it? I am sure he didn't mug each councillor in the middle of the night, nylons on his head, gun pressed firmly in the back of the councillor's head, rasping in a low voice: "Your portlands or your life!" I am sure he hasn't run around getting the dirt on all the councillors with which he is secretly black-mailing them all. He's no Tony Soprano. Despite his support of privatising garbage removal. Or wait.... Nah, he's not that bright.
Hang on. His brother is.
The latest is the complete turnaround on the portlands project, a truly visionary plan in its original inception - hiking trails, bike trails, green space, small retail and eateries, less-than-zero carbon footprint. The bar on the plan is now well below sea-level with its big box malls, large chain stores and food outlets (you can't call them restaurants), and a ferris wheel. Oh, and a monorail. Nobody but Rob Ford, his brother, and their developer friends from (sniff) Australia want this. Nobody. And yet he is bragging that this huge development will be implemented and completed in record time.
Ford was not elected on the promise of raping the portlands. He was elected on the promise of making the mega-city of Toronto's budget balance.
However, in this instance and in the example of the TransitCity debaucle, Mr. Ford ignored the recommendations of folks who know what they're talking about in favour of much more expensive options. Much more. Like maybe-we-wouldn't-have-to-close-libraries-or-fire-police-officers-if-we-went-for-the-cheaper-option more expensive.
And all this money goes into the hands of the developers. Sure, jobs will be created. Crappy, horrible McJobs will be created. And sure, tourists will be attracted. Irritating tourists (the kind who like Disneyland and food outlets) will be attracted. It probably won't be the TIFF crowd.
Who could possibly want this for Toronto who loves Toronto?
I think Rob Ford has managed to intimidate council. I wonder how he's done it? I am sure he didn't mug each councillor in the middle of the night, nylons on his head, gun pressed firmly in the back of the councillor's head, rasping in a low voice: "Your portlands or your life!" I am sure he hasn't run around getting the dirt on all the councillors with which he is secretly black-mailing them all. He's no Tony Soprano. Despite his support of privatising garbage removal. Or wait.... Nah, he's not that bright.
Hang on. His brother is.
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