Texas Tea, liquid gold, earthen vein -- we all know the importance of oil and we all know that this precious crude has taken as many lives as it has caused dramatic lifestyle changes.
However, how many of us realize that a new elixir has taken centre stage in the hot and cold war between rich and poor nations?
Water.
The fact is water became a commodity for many of the top movers and shakers in international politics and business decades ago. As such, this commodification of water prompted ownership, treaties and asset allocation -- all created under the presumption that water (a necessity for life, not just lifestyle) is a resource that can and should be possessed and controlled by a few for the many.
While there are a number of different situations around the world (and across the decades) that deal with water and the fight to keep it public, one of the most recent struggles is taking place in Chile.
The purest water in Chile runs from two rivers in the Valle de San Felix valley, which is fed by two glaciers. As a subsistence economy, the indigenous farmers use the water to live and survive and as a result there is no unemployment -- in fact, these farms provide the second largest source of income for the area.
Sounds good so far, right?
Well, what happens when huge deposits of gold, silver and other minerals are found under the glaciers -- as has happened in Chile? While this is not directly a fight over water -- it is a continued fight over the importance of water in our life, our lifestyle and our economy.
At present Barrick Gold Corporation (the company responsible for the mining project) plans to invest $1.5-billion US over 20 years to extract the rich mineral and precious metal reserve from beneath the glaciers. Protestors charge that this project will involve the removal of 20 hectares of ice and that this will cause serious environmental harm -- particularly affecting the water supply of the 70,000 indigenous farmers in the Huasco valley. The protestors also warn that the removal of even a portion of the ice will cause the release of cyanice and mercury into the valley's rivers, which will cause long-term and far-reaching damage (beyond the Huasco Valley scope).
At present, Barrick Gold has not started work (though they were scheduled to start in January of this year) though they contend that they have taken serious environmental assessments and concluded that their project will cause little damage. Barrick Gold also states that their project will produce 5,000 jobs while it is in operation, which will benefit the region.
OK -- let's recap: water is necessary for life. Barrick Gold wants the minerals NOT the water (or the glaciers that provide this water). Hence, Barrick Gold will destroy the glaciers (water) to get the goods while a portion of the 70,000 farmers who are directly affected and who make a living will lose the resource that feeds and finances them in order to fight for 5,000 low-skilled (read: low-pay) jobs that are not guarenteed past 20 years.
I'm no mathematician but this pay-off seems dramatically off. While jobs are important -- so is livelihood and, at present, these indigenous farmers have a good life (they work, they eat, they pay for their goods and necessities). So why would we want to destroy that -- or more importantly what gives Barrick Gold (and any other interested party) the right to replace livelihood with sub-standard work in the promise of a more industrialized life?
I'm not the only one who questions this tactic. In September of last year the Chilean government was handed a petition of 18,000 names. The petition was signed to protest the Barrick Gold project and (though not directly attributed) has helped postpone mining in the region, at least for now.
However, Barrick Gold is scheduled to start up their work this September. As a result, an international movement is under way to collect as many names on a petition to, once again, protest the open pit Pascua-Lama mining project in the high mountains south of Atacama (on the border between Chile and Argentina).
This is where you come in.
You're tech saavvy (how else did you get here!) and you care (right?). Now, put those two facets together and sign the petition. Let us make a clear and definitive statement: we will not destroy our liquid life in order to line the pockets of those liquifying life.
For more information on the mining project go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascua_Lama
For more information on the protest go to: http://www.miningwatch.ca/index.php?/chile_en/pascua_lama_action
For more information on the story go to: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=33501
To send a letter of protest go to the template (print off and post): http://www.miningwatch.ca/updir/Letter_to_Lagos_en.pdf
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Don't call me a socialist
I am constantly discussing the merits of listening with good friends. Their argument is there is no point in listening to the other side when it is so obvious how distorted their views/beliefs/solutions are. Before I argue their point, I would like to concede how tempting it is to simply dismiss an argument as being extreme, improbable or downright ridiculous. However, history has taught us that the other has not always been defined in such innocuous ways (a disconcerting blog entry regarding one's political affiliations is tame in comparison). In fact, typically the other has been defined along race, gender, sexuality and class lines -- and this has often been met sustained with oppressive and violent actions.
Hence the premise of my point -- at what point do we get to decide the validity of the other? In a nation (and continent) dangerously split along contentious political lines, it is important to stop the labels and start the discussion.
And along comes Zinn.
First a kudo to Howard Zinn. At present Zinn's play, Marx in Soho, is being performed in select theatres across the country. This week, Toronto was priviledged enough to observe Zinn's perspective of the god-father of socialism defending his beliefs (while calling to task the dogmatism that has infiltrated politics (and beliefs) today). As a one-man show (with no scenery changes and few props) it's hard to believe that writer Zinn could actually adapt the dry material of political economy into an engaging one-hour show. But he did.
For most of the show, Marx reiterated that the failure of communism did not denote the failure of socialism AND that the apparent success of capitalism had to be re-examined in the light of ever-increasing division between the have's and have-not's and the constantly growing poverty population. Yet, for me, the most profound moment in the play was near the end. After explaining and defining the importance of socialism (then and now) Marx states, in one truimphant sentence, that we must forget the labels -- forget the divisions and the theoretical debates -- and work together to achieve what we all want: universal health, abundance and happiness for all.
Amen to that brother. Amen to that.
For more information (or tix) to Marx in Soho (in Toronto) go to: www.socialjustice.org
For more information on Marx go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx
For more information on community building and communication go to: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook/ OR http://www.communitytools.net/cbi/
Hence the premise of my point -- at what point do we get to decide the validity of the other? In a nation (and continent) dangerously split along contentious political lines, it is important to stop the labels and start the discussion.
And along comes Zinn.
First a kudo to Howard Zinn. At present Zinn's play, Marx in Soho, is being performed in select theatres across the country. This week, Toronto was priviledged enough to observe Zinn's perspective of the god-father of socialism defending his beliefs (while calling to task the dogmatism that has infiltrated politics (and beliefs) today). As a one-man show (with no scenery changes and few props) it's hard to believe that writer Zinn could actually adapt the dry material of political economy into an engaging one-hour show. But he did.
For most of the show, Marx reiterated that the failure of communism did not denote the failure of socialism AND that the apparent success of capitalism had to be re-examined in the light of ever-increasing division between the have's and have-not's and the constantly growing poverty population. Yet, for me, the most profound moment in the play was near the end. After explaining and defining the importance of socialism (then and now) Marx states, in one truimphant sentence, that we must forget the labels -- forget the divisions and the theoretical debates -- and work together to achieve what we all want: universal health, abundance and happiness for all.
Amen to that brother. Amen to that.
For more information (or tix) to Marx in Soho (in Toronto) go to: www.socialjustice.org
For more information on Marx go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx
For more information on community building and communication go to: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook/ OR http://www.communitytools.net/cbi/
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I want an above-the-poverty-line life
Poverty-level minimum wages have been the focus of considerable debate across the provinces and among federal politicians. The debate has even made it south of the border with many United States municipalities experiencing grassroots and politicallly inspired campaigns to raise the minimum wage levels.
Proponents of living wage campaigns argue that poverty and inequality can be alleviated by raising the minimum wage. However, despite sporadic research, this argument has been countered by a strong voice of a few influential economists who argue that raising the minimum wage will kill low wage jobs, hurting the very people it was intended to assist by pricing them out of the job market.
Originally, minimum wage was created to protect women and children -- the demographic most vulnerable to exploitation. Now, however, the living wage debate affects 70% of the workforce in Ontario alone (workers that lack union protection). These workers are employed in the restaurant and retail industries and the so-called unskilled jobs; they are largely dependent on the minimum wage laws and other provisions found in the various employment standards acts across the country.
According to Harvard, the idea behind a living wage is that people who work in our community should be able to live decently and raise their families here. This requires a wage and benefits package that takes into account the area-specific cost of living, as well as the basic expenses involved in supporting a family. This definition precludes taht living wage standards will vary from region to region, but the ivy league school's definition also concedes that despite these variances, a living wage in North America would be considerably higher than any federal minimum wage. This rational is based on the fact that current minimum wage levels do not even begin to meet the needs of the working poor -- in fact, current minimum wage standards often put single parents below the poverty line. Hence, a living wage (as opposed to a minimum wage) aims to correct this inequity by establishing local level standards that reflect the cost of living.
But what about the argument that a raise in wages would price out the low-level jobs available to the working poor? Despite what notable economists have cited, research shows that the extent of any job loss is dependant on a number of factors -- not just the cost of labour. In fact, labour and capital markets work in conjunction to determine whether or not companies can replace low skilled labour with equipment and automation. This means that an increase in minimum wage (to a living wage) may result in job loss, but there are other effects as well. In fact, there may be benefits, despite job loss, to raising the minimum wage. In a study by Goldberg and Green (1999:8) it is stated that an increase in minimum wage could prompt companies to invest in their workforce which would result in more job stability (which benefits both worker and employer) as well as a higher wage. According to this study another potential positive effect of increasing the minimum wage comes from the increased consumer spending -- and this would stimulate the economy resulting in more jobs. Hence, Goldberg and Green argue that while the short-term effect may mean a loss in low-paying jobs, the long-term effects would mean a replacement of those jobs through stimulation of the economy.
For an economist this is the ultimate capitalist solution.
Yet, the debate over a living wage continues. In fact, recent provincial governments (think Tory) not only rejected the idea but actively opposed the long-term benefits of a living wage by freezing minimum wage levels to sub-standard rates.
Thankfully there is hope -- even if it is south of the border. A number of municipalities in the United States have begun to adopt living wage legislation. The most recent is Chicago. After much debate, the Chicago city council voted 35 to 14 to raise the minimum wage for workers employed for longer than 10 hours per week. While the by-law only effects workers in big-box stores, it is still a start towards ensuring that all workers can live a decent, productive, content life on the wages they earn.
For more information on the Chicago decision go to: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aVfrCkkMkxA8&refer=home
For more information on living wage Berkeley study go to: www.berkeley.edu/news/berkeleyan/1999/1013/wage.html
For more information on the history of living wage go to: www.socialjustice.org/pdfs/povertylivingwage.pdf
Proponents of living wage campaigns argue that poverty and inequality can be alleviated by raising the minimum wage. However, despite sporadic research, this argument has been countered by a strong voice of a few influential economists who argue that raising the minimum wage will kill low wage jobs, hurting the very people it was intended to assist by pricing them out of the job market.
Originally, minimum wage was created to protect women and children -- the demographic most vulnerable to exploitation. Now, however, the living wage debate affects 70% of the workforce in Ontario alone (workers that lack union protection). These workers are employed in the restaurant and retail industries and the so-called unskilled jobs; they are largely dependent on the minimum wage laws and other provisions found in the various employment standards acts across the country.
According to Harvard, the idea behind a living wage is that people who work in our community should be able to live decently and raise their families here. This requires a wage and benefits package that takes into account the area-specific cost of living, as well as the basic expenses involved in supporting a family. This definition precludes taht living wage standards will vary from region to region, but the ivy league school's definition also concedes that despite these variances, a living wage in North America would be considerably higher than any federal minimum wage. This rational is based on the fact that current minimum wage levels do not even begin to meet the needs of the working poor -- in fact, current minimum wage standards often put single parents below the poverty line. Hence, a living wage (as opposed to a minimum wage) aims to correct this inequity by establishing local level standards that reflect the cost of living.
But what about the argument that a raise in wages would price out the low-level jobs available to the working poor? Despite what notable economists have cited, research shows that the extent of any job loss is dependant on a number of factors -- not just the cost of labour. In fact, labour and capital markets work in conjunction to determine whether or not companies can replace low skilled labour with equipment and automation. This means that an increase in minimum wage (to a living wage) may result in job loss, but there are other effects as well. In fact, there may be benefits, despite job loss, to raising the minimum wage. In a study by Goldberg and Green (1999:8) it is stated that an increase in minimum wage could prompt companies to invest in their workforce which would result in more job stability (which benefits both worker and employer) as well as a higher wage. According to this study another potential positive effect of increasing the minimum wage comes from the increased consumer spending -- and this would stimulate the economy resulting in more jobs. Hence, Goldberg and Green argue that while the short-term effect may mean a loss in low-paying jobs, the long-term effects would mean a replacement of those jobs through stimulation of the economy.
For an economist this is the ultimate capitalist solution.
Yet, the debate over a living wage continues. In fact, recent provincial governments (think Tory) not only rejected the idea but actively opposed the long-term benefits of a living wage by freezing minimum wage levels to sub-standard rates.
Thankfully there is hope -- even if it is south of the border. A number of municipalities in the United States have begun to adopt living wage legislation. The most recent is Chicago. After much debate, the Chicago city council voted 35 to 14 to raise the minimum wage for workers employed for longer than 10 hours per week. While the by-law only effects workers in big-box stores, it is still a start towards ensuring that all workers can live a decent, productive, content life on the wages they earn.
For more information on the Chicago decision go to: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aVfrCkkMkxA8&refer=home
For more information on living wage Berkeley study go to: www.berkeley.edu/news/berkeleyan/1999/1013/wage.html
For more information on the history of living wage go to: www.socialjustice.org/pdfs/povertylivingwage.pdf
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Chocolate as a renewable energy source
Oh goodie.
It appears I *can* save the world one choco-bar at a time.
Scientists in the United Kingdom have discovered a method to extract hydrogen from food waste -- hydrogen that could be used as renewable energy.
In fact the research from the University of Birmingham suggests that by indulging in chocolate, we could contribute to the production of hydrogen -- one of the cleanest fuels available.
For more information go to:
http://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/newsmaker_article.asp?idNewsMaker=11589&fSite=AO545&next=9
Or, like me, simply take it at face value and indulge, indulge, indulge.
It appears I *can* save the world one choco-bar at a time.
Scientists in the United Kingdom have discovered a method to extract hydrogen from food waste -- hydrogen that could be used as renewable energy.
In fact the research from the University of Birmingham suggests that by indulging in chocolate, we could contribute to the production of hydrogen -- one of the cleanest fuels available.
For more information go to:
http://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/newsmaker_article.asp?idNewsMaker=11589&fSite=AO545&next=9
Or, like me, simply take it at face value and indulge, indulge, indulge.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Make my vacation fair
You've heard of eco-tourism, alternative tourism, adventure tourism, ethical tourism, sustainable tourism, sex tourism, rural tourism -- now check out fair trade tourism.
Fair trade tourism is about ensuring local people, whose land, natural resources, labour, knowledge and culture are used for tourism activities, actually benefit from the tourism.
While technically, fair trade tourism is a key aspect of sustainable tourism, it does concentrate specifically on benefitting local stakeholders of tourist destinations (rather than the environemental aspect that often overwhelms sustainable tourism).
One aspect of fair trade tourism is that it concentrates on supporting the rights of indigenous host communities, whether involved in tourism or not, to participate as equal stakeholders and beneficiaries in the tourism development process.
One organization that has worked to ground fair trade tourism in the international arena is Tourism Concern out of the London, England. Started in 1999, Tourism Concern initiated an International Network on Fair Trade in Tourism which focused mainly on research, advocacy, and information sharing. It was a 3-year project with funding from the European Commission and the Department for International Development (DFID). This network boasts a membership of over 150 organisations from industry, NGOs, and universities and has helped to provide a body of research to support fair trade tourism initiatives.
In the end, however, the main focus of fair trade/sustainable or ethical tourism is the committment to support ethical practices. As a result (and due to the hard work of the Tourism Concern and the Network) the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on a Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which was adopted in October 1999 in Santiago, Chile.
For more information go to: http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/fair-trade/index.html
Fair trade tourism is about ensuring local people, whose land, natural resources, labour, knowledge and culture are used for tourism activities, actually benefit from the tourism.
While technically, fair trade tourism is a key aspect of sustainable tourism, it does concentrate specifically on benefitting local stakeholders of tourist destinations (rather than the environemental aspect that often overwhelms sustainable tourism).
One aspect of fair trade tourism is that it concentrates on supporting the rights of indigenous host communities, whether involved in tourism or not, to participate as equal stakeholders and beneficiaries in the tourism development process.
One organization that has worked to ground fair trade tourism in the international arena is Tourism Concern out of the London, England. Started in 1999, Tourism Concern initiated an International Network on Fair Trade in Tourism which focused mainly on research, advocacy, and information sharing. It was a 3-year project with funding from the European Commission and the Department for International Development (DFID). This network boasts a membership of over 150 organisations from industry, NGOs, and universities and has helped to provide a body of research to support fair trade tourism initiatives.
In the end, however, the main focus of fair trade/sustainable or ethical tourism is the committment to support ethical practices. As a result (and due to the hard work of the Tourism Concern and the Network) the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on a Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which was adopted in October 1999 in Santiago, Chile.
For more information go to: http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/fair-trade/index.html
Monday, July 24, 2006
Idle-Free days in Toronto
Most drivers are not aware of the significant impact idling has on the environment, yet the fact is idling contributes significantly to the blanket of smog that is making Torontonians sick. In fact, idling accounts for 3% of Ontario’s fuel consumption and an idling engine produces twice as much pollution as a vehicle in motion -- a fact most drivers are unaware of.
Enter the anti-idling brigade.
Tired of inhaling toxic car fumes this biking, walking, TTC-using brigade got sick of hearing about another smog alert. Rather than fuming they decided to do something about it -- and they are encouraging all of us too, as well.
As a result, people all over Toronto will be challenging idling motorists to Turn it Off!
Volunteers will be handing out educational brochures about the pitfalls of idling and 'For Our Health' stickers for those who commit to change their idling ways.
This campaign is running from August 10 to August 13, 2006 and will be hosted by Greenest City and the Clean Air Partnership.
The 2006 Idle-free Days will be holding 3 training sessions in Room 303 of Metro Hall (55 John Street, South-east corner of King and John, two blocks east of Spadina) on July 25th, 26th and 27th at 6:30pm to 8:00pm. All interested participants/volunteers are encouraged to register for a training session.
Please contact Jason Aslanidis at idlefree@greenestcity.net or 416 392 0268.
For more information go to: Greenest City Environmental Organization www.greenestcity.net
Also, I just wanted to share a fantastic quote sent to me by a friend (and an inspiring woman):
Words of Wisdom
“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.” By Barbara De Angelis
Enter the anti-idling brigade.
Tired of inhaling toxic car fumes this biking, walking, TTC-using brigade got sick of hearing about another smog alert. Rather than fuming they decided to do something about it -- and they are encouraging all of us too, as well.
As a result, people all over Toronto will be challenging idling motorists to Turn it Off!
Volunteers will be handing out educational brochures about the pitfalls of idling and 'For Our Health' stickers for those who commit to change their idling ways.
This campaign is running from August 10 to August 13, 2006 and will be hosted by Greenest City and the Clean Air Partnership.
The 2006 Idle-free Days will be holding 3 training sessions in Room 303 of Metro Hall (55 John Street, South-east corner of King and John, two blocks east of Spadina) on July 25th, 26th and 27th at 6:30pm to 8:00pm. All interested participants/volunteers are encouraged to register for a training session.
Please contact Jason Aslanidis at idlefree@greenestcity.net or 416 392 0268.
For more information go to: Greenest City Environmental Organization www.greenestcity.net
Also, I just wanted to share a fantastic quote sent to me by a friend (and an inspiring woman):
Words of Wisdom
“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.” By Barbara De Angelis
Friday, July 21, 2006
Cure-all pill to kill the feelings
It's not a laughing matter, but, I have to laugh.
In North America alone it is estimated that close to 18 million people suffer from alcohol abuse (defined as binge or chronic drinking). And this number doesn't take into consideration the drug-abusers, gambling addicts, sex addicts, and overeaters -- all behaviour defined as addictive.
Now, it is quite obvious that the sheer number of people afflicted with addiction is no laughing matter; what is, is the medical and/or science community's obsession with finding the cure-all pill to 'fix' addiction.
The fact is there is no monopoly in dealing with addiction. There are many treatments that deal with millions of addicts -- some more successfully than others. However, the one recurrent obsession in North America is to find a drug that could instantly cure addiction. No harm, no foul. The pill would ensure that the problems caused by addiction (such as prolonged and recurring medical attention, court and police interference, lost productivity and familial break-ups, among others) could be reduced, allowing these people to become productive members of society.
Sounds noble and fascinating and given the testimonial from current medical and scientific practitioners, it also sounds feasible. For example, a new treatment is being touted out of America that appears to curb the craving for alcohol in alcoholics. Fantastic! According to Bankole Johnson, M.D. chief of the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine, this new drug reduces the amount of recitivism in alcoholics. In fact, according to Johnson's psychiatric department, this drug curbs the annual relapse rate of 40% to 70%, a relapse rate that is found among alcoholics that do not take an inhibiting drug, and simply rely on psychiatric counselling.
And herein lies the problem. I love the notion that addicts are medical or psychiatric guinea-pigs. Rather than deal with the shame, fear and sense of ineptitude that almost all addicts carry with them, the medical/science community would rather re-hash the real or imagined hurts through counselling or take a pill to help us forget it all. Rather a catastrophic-do-or-die way of looking at healing, don't you think?
And it's not just addicts that are now being targetted by the pharmaceutical cure. In the Globe over the weekend, an article ran that touted the possibilities of a drug that could erase the pain of traumatic memories. That's right -- if you get raped, don't worry, take a pill and you'll wipe out the FEELINGS of the rape. Abused? Don't worry, the pill can sweep away the agony and fear and shame. Essentially the science community is excited because this pill could alter memories of traumatic events "with the use of drugs."
Ummm, been done.
No seriously, remember the estimated 18-million people in North America who abuse alcohol -- well those 18-million figured out a long time ago that feelings can be erased through drugs. That's why they drink (drug/eat/gamble/shop/f*$k). To kill feelings of fear, shame, uselessness, inadequacy, you name it, it's gone.
But like any good medical breakthrough, only a real cure can only come in a bubble-pack with a big price tag if it's really going to work.
I guess good ol' fashioned work for reward is just so passe.
Too bad, millions of people around the world are living proof that this tried and true method of working for a solution really can and does work. Of course, that precludes the fact that you have to feel your emotions (like the rest of the 6 billion people living in reality do) and that your choices are not limited to talk therapy and cure-all drug. It precludes a little hard work, a bit of emotional angst and the freedom to not rely on any form of drug (prescribed or illicit) to deal with reality. Now that, that is true freedom.
More information on the "new" drug for craving go to: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=edell&id=4376542
For an American perspective on addiction go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-19-addiction-family_x.htm
For a twist, try this article where a woman claims a drug prompted an addiction (take that medical community!) go to: http://cbs2chicago.com/seenon/local_story_200204911.html
In North America alone it is estimated that close to 18 million people suffer from alcohol abuse (defined as binge or chronic drinking). And this number doesn't take into consideration the drug-abusers, gambling addicts, sex addicts, and overeaters -- all behaviour defined as addictive.
Now, it is quite obvious that the sheer number of people afflicted with addiction is no laughing matter; what is, is the medical and/or science community's obsession with finding the cure-all pill to 'fix' addiction.
The fact is there is no monopoly in dealing with addiction. There are many treatments that deal with millions of addicts -- some more successfully than others. However, the one recurrent obsession in North America is to find a drug that could instantly cure addiction. No harm, no foul. The pill would ensure that the problems caused by addiction (such as prolonged and recurring medical attention, court and police interference, lost productivity and familial break-ups, among others) could be reduced, allowing these people to become productive members of society.
Sounds noble and fascinating and given the testimonial from current medical and scientific practitioners, it also sounds feasible. For example, a new treatment is being touted out of America that appears to curb the craving for alcohol in alcoholics. Fantastic! According to Bankole Johnson, M.D. chief of the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine, this new drug reduces the amount of recitivism in alcoholics. In fact, according to Johnson's psychiatric department, this drug curbs the annual relapse rate of 40% to 70%, a relapse rate that is found among alcoholics that do not take an inhibiting drug, and simply rely on psychiatric counselling.
And herein lies the problem. I love the notion that addicts are medical or psychiatric guinea-pigs. Rather than deal with the shame, fear and sense of ineptitude that almost all addicts carry with them, the medical/science community would rather re-hash the real or imagined hurts through counselling or take a pill to help us forget it all. Rather a catastrophic-do-or-die way of looking at healing, don't you think?
And it's not just addicts that are now being targetted by the pharmaceutical cure. In the Globe over the weekend, an article ran that touted the possibilities of a drug that could erase the pain of traumatic memories. That's right -- if you get raped, don't worry, take a pill and you'll wipe out the FEELINGS of the rape. Abused? Don't worry, the pill can sweep away the agony and fear and shame. Essentially the science community is excited because this pill could alter memories of traumatic events "with the use of drugs."
Ummm, been done.
No seriously, remember the estimated 18-million people in North America who abuse alcohol -- well those 18-million figured out a long time ago that feelings can be erased through drugs. That's why they drink (drug/eat/gamble/shop/f*$k). To kill feelings of fear, shame, uselessness, inadequacy, you name it, it's gone.
But like any good medical breakthrough, only a real cure can only come in a bubble-pack with a big price tag if it's really going to work.
I guess good ol' fashioned work for reward is just so passe.
Too bad, millions of people around the world are living proof that this tried and true method of working for a solution really can and does work. Of course, that precludes the fact that you have to feel your emotions (like the rest of the 6 billion people living in reality do) and that your choices are not limited to talk therapy and cure-all drug. It precludes a little hard work, a bit of emotional angst and the freedom to not rely on any form of drug (prescribed or illicit) to deal with reality. Now that, that is true freedom.
More information on the "new" drug for craving go to: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=edell&id=4376542
For an American perspective on addiction go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-19-addiction-family_x.htm
For a twist, try this article where a woman claims a drug prompted an addiction (take that medical community!) go to: http://cbs2chicago.com/seenon/local_story_200204911.html
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Today's word of the day: Action
Today feels like an action day.
In keeping with that theme I am going to write very little.
Rather, I offer to you a list of current boycotts that are taking place throughout the world for various reasons. Wherever possible I have provided a brief explanation and a link.
Perhaps tomorrow, the regular ranting will return.
Killer-Coke:
Man, when has the iconic softdrink NOT been boycotted??? This time the boycott highlights the repressive trade union activity that occurs in Colombia AND because of Coco-Cola's role in helping to deplete groundwater resources in India.
For more information go to: http://www.columbiasolidarity.org.uk/ and
http://www.indiaresource.org/
Blood diamonds are NOT a girl's best friend:
A boycott is called against diamond mulitnational De Beers for supporting the Botswanan government’s efforts to forcibly remove Bushmen from their ancestral lands to resettlement camps. For more information go to: http://www.survival-international.org/
Stop Esso:
A boycott has been waged against Esso for a few years now in an effort to prompt this oil company to step and do better for the environment. The major reason why the boycott focuses on Esso is that this is the only North American oil company that has done more than any other company to sabotage international action on climate change (oh, and they are also a top donor to George W. Bush). For more information go to: www.stopesso.com
There's a couple for you.
Play safe.
Be principled.
Live responsible.
And be silly.
In keeping with that theme I am going to write very little.
Rather, I offer to you a list of current boycotts that are taking place throughout the world for various reasons. Wherever possible I have provided a brief explanation and a link.
Perhaps tomorrow, the regular ranting will return.
Killer-Coke:
Man, when has the iconic softdrink NOT been boycotted??? This time the boycott highlights the repressive trade union activity that occurs in Colombia AND because of Coco-Cola's role in helping to deplete groundwater resources in India.
For more information go to: http://www.columbiasolidarity.org.uk/ and
http://www.indiaresource.org/
Blood diamonds are NOT a girl's best friend:
A boycott is called against diamond mulitnational De Beers for supporting the Botswanan government’s efforts to forcibly remove Bushmen from their ancestral lands to resettlement camps. For more information go to: http://www.survival-international.org/
Stop Esso:
A boycott has been waged against Esso for a few years now in an effort to prompt this oil company to step and do better for the environment. The major reason why the boycott focuses on Esso is that this is the only North American oil company that has done more than any other company to sabotage international action on climate change (oh, and they are also a top donor to George W. Bush). For more information go to: www.stopesso.com
There's a couple for you.
Play safe.
Be principled.
Live responsible.
And be silly.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
I live in the fine line between info-and-tainment
I love controversy.
Ok, so that's probably not the most serene statement I will make in my lifetime (and, thankfully, not the most extreme), but it is true -- particularly when that controversy allows for meaningful discussion of presumably "common sense" principles.
Enter the wide world of info-tainment.
Inf0-tainment, when used by CNN and Fox network, is little more than entertainment or fluff dressed up as important information. But like any tool, info-tainmnent can also provoke, inspire, corrupt and engage.
And a number of potentially inspiring info-tainment sources have popped up on my radar. I am sure there are many, many more (and I would love to hear about them...hit comments...fill out the damn "need to know your personal life story" blogger form and leave me your suggestions), but I thought I'd share the couple that have registered in my myopic world.
The first is the play Marx in Soho. Yes, this could be accurately considered as a shameless plug (I am involved with the Centre for Social Justice, the organization hosting this play) OR I could simply be well-positioned, which enabled me to learn of this critically acclaimed performance.
Written by Howard Zinn -- an agitator himself and best known for the publication of his book, 'A Peoples History of the United States' -- the premise of this "play on history" is that Karl Marx has petitioned the authorities of the afterlife for a chance to clear his name. But, through a bureaucratic error ends up in Soho, New York, rather than his old stomping ground of London.
According to the Washington Post, Marx in Soho is "engaging and charismatic... The audience was clearly with him as he critiqued the death penalty, mega-mergers and mass media. You wouldn't imagine that social criticism could make for lively theater, but Zinn's text and Jones's acting deftly blended the political with the personal."
For tix go to: http://www.socialjustice.org/
And it doesn't end there.
For those that love blockbuster feature docs, you'll remember Morgan Spurlock -- the man who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days straight. Now, Academy Award nominee Spurlock is taking his presumably chance-to-change crusade to a new level with a new television series: 30 Days. The show explores what life changing experiences are possible in 30 days by bringing together people with extreme opinions to live, work and play together for an entire month. Topics covered include minimum wage, anti-aging strategies, binge-drinking, immigration, and more. And the result? Communication and compassion and great info-tainment TV.
The final option is the new film (now out) Who Killed the Electric Car. High gas prices, power shortages, unrest in oil producing regions around the globe and the mainstream population's interest (and push) towards alternative choices (such as hybrid cars) makes this entertaining documentary both relevant and important. But don't worry. It's not just about educating...its also about enlightening. It helps round out the story of the car from the North American perspective and helps define our current car culture, while investigating the death and resurrection of the electric car, the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in our future and does so without getting bogged down in the political spectrum.
For more information on Marx in Soho go to:
http://www.marxinsoho.com/index.html
For more information on 30 Days go to: http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/30days/main.html
For more information on Who Killed the Electric Car go to:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/
Ok, so that's probably not the most serene statement I will make in my lifetime (and, thankfully, not the most extreme), but it is true -- particularly when that controversy allows for meaningful discussion of presumably "common sense" principles.
Enter the wide world of info-tainment.
Inf0-tainment, when used by CNN and Fox network, is little more than entertainment or fluff dressed up as important information. But like any tool, info-tainmnent can also provoke, inspire, corrupt and engage.
And a number of potentially inspiring info-tainment sources have popped up on my radar. I am sure there are many, many more (and I would love to hear about them...hit comments...fill out the damn "need to know your personal life story" blogger form and leave me your suggestions), but I thought I'd share the couple that have registered in my myopic world.
The first is the play Marx in Soho. Yes, this could be accurately considered as a shameless plug (I am involved with the Centre for Social Justice, the organization hosting this play) OR I could simply be well-positioned, which enabled me to learn of this critically acclaimed performance.
Written by Howard Zinn -- an agitator himself and best known for the publication of his book, 'A Peoples History of the United States' -- the premise of this "play on history" is that Karl Marx has petitioned the authorities of the afterlife for a chance to clear his name. But, through a bureaucratic error ends up in Soho, New York, rather than his old stomping ground of London.
According to the Washington Post, Marx in Soho is "engaging and charismatic... The audience was clearly with him as he critiqued the death penalty, mega-mergers and mass media. You wouldn't imagine that social criticism could make for lively theater, but Zinn's text and Jones's acting deftly blended the political with the personal."
For tix go to: http://www.socialjustice.org/
And it doesn't end there.
For those that love blockbuster feature docs, you'll remember Morgan Spurlock -- the man who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days straight. Now, Academy Award nominee Spurlock is taking his presumably chance-to-change crusade to a new level with a new television series: 30 Days. The show explores what life changing experiences are possible in 30 days by bringing together people with extreme opinions to live, work and play together for an entire month. Topics covered include minimum wage, anti-aging strategies, binge-drinking, immigration, and more. And the result? Communication and compassion and great info-tainment TV.
The final option is the new film (now out) Who Killed the Electric Car. High gas prices, power shortages, unrest in oil producing regions around the globe and the mainstream population's interest (and push) towards alternative choices (such as hybrid cars) makes this entertaining documentary both relevant and important. But don't worry. It's not just about educating...its also about enlightening. It helps round out the story of the car from the North American perspective and helps define our current car culture, while investigating the death and resurrection of the electric car, the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in our future and does so without getting bogged down in the political spectrum.
For more information on Marx in Soho go to:
http://www.marxinsoho.com/index.html
For more information on 30 Days go to: http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/30days/main.html
For more information on Who Killed the Electric Car go to:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
American cars and the homosexual agenda
Are you sitting down?
Good...because what I'm about to tell you may just shock you: Ford has a homosexual agenda.
Yep. According to the American Family Association -- the self-appointed bastions of "American family values" -- one of the top three American car manufacturers has shifted focus from all-American car production to the acceptance and (gasp) promotion of homosexuality.
In fact this moralistic mob has gone as far as to examine, research and collect "evidence" on Ford's not-so-hidden agenda and to call for a nation-wide boycott of the carmaker's products.
"Before the American Family Association called for the boycott, we made an extensive research project of finding out which American automaker was supporting homosexual causes with the greatest amount of money and number of donations to these organizations," the AFA official explains. In this study, Ford came out "far beyond any other automaker," says AFA special projects director Randy Sharp.
Ford's response came in a recent Detroit Free Press article, when an executive said other companies spent more in "gay" media outlets and that Ford does not pander to just one cultural community with its advertising.
To add insult to injury, the AFA also found out that Ford obtained a perfect score on the 2005 Corporate Equality Index, a scale maintained by the pro-homosexual Human Rights Campaign and based on "how equitably companies are treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors."
I guess these righteous residents are just doing their American duty and using the most powerful tool they created: the dollar vote.
My response? I say boycott the American Family Association -- maybe if we don't feed their hate their prejudice will atrophy and die. Then we can all drive an almost-American made Ford hybrid.
For more information on the Corporate Equality Index go to: http://www.hrc.org.cfm
For more information on the boycott go to: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33667.asp (NOTE: try and get your news on this issue from sites OTHER than the AFA site -- the more hits they get the stronger the presumed support for their prejudical agenda).
Good...because what I'm about to tell you may just shock you: Ford has a homosexual agenda.
Yep. According to the American Family Association -- the self-appointed bastions of "American family values" -- one of the top three American car manufacturers has shifted focus from all-American car production to the acceptance and (gasp) promotion of homosexuality.
In fact this moralistic mob has gone as far as to examine, research and collect "evidence" on Ford's not-so-hidden agenda and to call for a nation-wide boycott of the carmaker's products.
"Before the American Family Association called for the boycott, we made an extensive research project of finding out which American automaker was supporting homosexual causes with the greatest amount of money and number of donations to these organizations," the AFA official explains. In this study, Ford came out "far beyond any other automaker," says AFA special projects director Randy Sharp.
Ford's response came in a recent Detroit Free Press article, when an executive said other companies spent more in "gay" media outlets and that Ford does not pander to just one cultural community with its advertising.
To add insult to injury, the AFA also found out that Ford obtained a perfect score on the 2005 Corporate Equality Index, a scale maintained by the pro-homosexual Human Rights Campaign and based on "how equitably companies are treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors."
I guess these righteous residents are just doing their American duty and using the most powerful tool they created: the dollar vote.
My response? I say boycott the American Family Association -- maybe if we don't feed their hate their prejudice will atrophy and die. Then we can all drive an almost-American made Ford hybrid.
For more information on the Corporate Equality Index go to: http://www.hrc.org.cfm
For more information on the boycott go to: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid33667.asp (NOTE: try and get your news on this issue from sites OTHER than the AFA site -- the more hits they get the stronger the presumed support for their prejudical agenda).
Monday, July 17, 2006
Even Wal-Mart is going organic
The contemporary food revolution will be waged at the cash register rather than the fields.
According to a report by the Institute for Grocery Distribution (UK), shoppers are increasingly prepared to pay a premium for high-quality, organic, free-range or fair trade products.
In the UK, the largest grocery chain, Tesco, is buying into this big O business. Branching out from its tried and true bulk-buy, low-cost strategy, Tesco is rebranding and restocking in an effort to grab a portion of the ethical consumerism market, now worth $25 billion a year in the British Aisles. While this chunk of change only accounts for 4% of total food sales, it is one of the fastest growing markets (increasing at a rate of 7.5% per year as compared to conventional grocery sales which grows at 4.2% per year).
Even Wal-not-so-s-Mart is getting into the business. Considered the biggest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart has decided to invest $570-million of its advertising budget to promote the sale of organic foods.
For more information on the big-O food revolution log on to the Times articles: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2273353,00.html
According to a report by the Institute for Grocery Distribution (UK), shoppers are increasingly prepared to pay a premium for high-quality, organic, free-range or fair trade products.
In the UK, the largest grocery chain, Tesco, is buying into this big O business. Branching out from its tried and true bulk-buy, low-cost strategy, Tesco is rebranding and restocking in an effort to grab a portion of the ethical consumerism market, now worth $25 billion a year in the British Aisles. While this chunk of change only accounts for 4% of total food sales, it is one of the fastest growing markets (increasing at a rate of 7.5% per year as compared to conventional grocery sales which grows at 4.2% per year).
Even Wal-not-so-s-Mart is getting into the business. Considered the biggest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart has decided to invest $570-million of its advertising budget to promote the sale of organic foods.
For more information on the big-O food revolution log on to the Times articles: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2273353,00.html
Friday, July 14, 2006
Raising money & awareness one kilometre at a time
Let's get serious about sex.
And no, this is not a tongue-and-cheek dating advice bit. This is about respecting our natural instincts and dealing with the consequences.
And one of those consequences is the possibility of death. At the end of 2005 there over 60,000 people in Canada living with HIV -- up from 56,000 in 2003. It is estimated that between 2,800 and 5,200 new HIV infections occur in Canada each year -- though many are not reported right away since approximately 30% of people carrying the virus are not aware of their condition.
AIDS is a reality. It is not a "gay-disease," or a consequence of immoral actions -- it is a consequence of unprotected play (bodily fluid transmission of any sort). As such, heterosexuals, homosexuals, transsexuals and bisexuals are all at risk. Essentially if you play...there's the chance you'll pay.
In fact, in recent years a trend has arisen. Canadian women now represent a growing proportion of positive HIV test reports. This demographic now accounts for about 25% of all HIV diagnosis in Canada over the past three years. And -- in direct contradiction to biased and prejudiced thought that this is a "gay disease" -- heterosexual contact accounted for 58.3% of positive HIV test reports among women in 2002. In Ontario alone, women accounted for 27.8% of all positive HIV test reports.
Hence the importance of continuing to fight the stigma and prejudices attached to the disease. And the importance of initiatives such as the Toronto People with AIDS 8th annual Friends for Life bike rally. In a little over a week, 300 hundred cyclists will set out for a 600-kilometre bike trip from Toronto to Montreal. One of these cyclists is Jill Allen -- an avid cyclist, a Tour d'Afrique promoter and coffee-swilling staff-member of Duke's Cycle (on Queen). She, along with the other 299 cyclists, are committed to raising at least $2,000 each to help people living with the disease. If you plan on going out for lunch this weekend, then this is my challenge. Pick a cheaper spot. Rather than spending $25 on one meal...opt to spend $10 -- then take the $15 in savings and log on to Jill's sponsorship page. Donate that $15 to the Friends for Life cause. You even get a tax receipt for every donation over $15.
This is a cause close to my heart. Ten years ago, last January, my best friend died due to complications brought on by AIDS. He was a major influence in my life and spent the last years of his life dedicating himself to AIDS awareness (and responsible recovery). A tireless supporter of education, he worked at Toronto People with AIDS Foundation and helped people to learn about the disease, about dignity and about humanity through speaking engagements at schools, treatment centres and hospitals. He taught me that people live with this disease...they are not dying from it. He taught me respect. It's a gift I will never forget.
And, yes, I put money where my mouth is: I did donate.
If you want to read my editorial regarding Tom Miller, my friend, please go to: http://three.fsphost.com/romana/tom%20miller.pdf
If you want more information on AIDS, please go to: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/aids-sida/index_e.html
If you want more information on the Bike for Friends rally, please go to: http://www.bikerally.org/
If you want more information or want to donate to Jill's efforts to raise money for this great cause, go to: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/personalPage.aspx?EventID=5250&LangPref=en-CA&RegistrationID=156976
And no, this is not a tongue-and-cheek dating advice bit. This is about respecting our natural instincts and dealing with the consequences.
And one of those consequences is the possibility of death. At the end of 2005 there over 60,000 people in Canada living with HIV -- up from 56,000 in 2003. It is estimated that between 2,800 and 5,200 new HIV infections occur in Canada each year -- though many are not reported right away since approximately 30% of people carrying the virus are not aware of their condition.
AIDS is a reality. It is not a "gay-disease," or a consequence of immoral actions -- it is a consequence of unprotected play (bodily fluid transmission of any sort). As such, heterosexuals, homosexuals, transsexuals and bisexuals are all at risk. Essentially if you play...there's the chance you'll pay.
In fact, in recent years a trend has arisen. Canadian women now represent a growing proportion of positive HIV test reports. This demographic now accounts for about 25% of all HIV diagnosis in Canada over the past three years. And -- in direct contradiction to biased and prejudiced thought that this is a "gay disease" -- heterosexual contact accounted for 58.3% of positive HIV test reports among women in 2002. In Ontario alone, women accounted for 27.8% of all positive HIV test reports.
Hence the importance of continuing to fight the stigma and prejudices attached to the disease. And the importance of initiatives such as the Toronto People with AIDS 8th annual Friends for Life bike rally. In a little over a week, 300 hundred cyclists will set out for a 600-kilometre bike trip from Toronto to Montreal. One of these cyclists is Jill Allen -- an avid cyclist, a Tour d'Afrique promoter and coffee-swilling staff-member of Duke's Cycle (on Queen). She, along with the other 299 cyclists, are committed to raising at least $2,000 each to help people living with the disease. If you plan on going out for lunch this weekend, then this is my challenge. Pick a cheaper spot. Rather than spending $25 on one meal...opt to spend $10 -- then take the $15 in savings and log on to Jill's sponsorship page. Donate that $15 to the Friends for Life cause. You even get a tax receipt for every donation over $15.
This is a cause close to my heart. Ten years ago, last January, my best friend died due to complications brought on by AIDS. He was a major influence in my life and spent the last years of his life dedicating himself to AIDS awareness (and responsible recovery). A tireless supporter of education, he worked at Toronto People with AIDS Foundation and helped people to learn about the disease, about dignity and about humanity through speaking engagements at schools, treatment centres and hospitals. He taught me that people live with this disease...they are not dying from it. He taught me respect. It's a gift I will never forget.
And, yes, I put money where my mouth is: I did donate.
If you want to read my editorial regarding Tom Miller, my friend, please go to: http://three.fsphost.com/romana/tom%20miller.pdf
If you want more information on AIDS, please go to: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/aids-sida/index_e.html
If you want more information on the Bike for Friends rally, please go to: http://www.bikerally.org/
If you want more information or want to donate to Jill's efforts to raise money for this great cause, go to: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/personalPage.aspx?EventID=5250&LangPref=en-CA&RegistrationID=156976
You can't buy my body -- Toronto's Special Victim's Project
For those following or interested in the global sex trade, please check out Manndates latest blog.
http://manndates.blogspot.com/
Michelle, an astute lawyer and writer based out of Toronto, gives a good synopsis of Toronto's latest decision to implement a taskforce to deal with sex trafficking -- both locally and internationally.
The fact is the Toronto task force is but a drop in the bucket. When a person travels the world and begins to see how persistent and pervasive human trafficking is, one realizes that it takes more than a series of laws and a handful of task forces.
The reality is the major victims in human trafficking are women and many countries around the world (and some would argue in Canada as well) still regard women as commodities. Given that the sex trade is the commodification of the body, and given that women are chattel within cultural standards one can only assume that it will take a lot to shift this trend. More than a meagre task force.
Yet, saying all this, a task force (however late in the game) is the necessary step forward. As was the British Columbia court case that charged a man for solicitation and illegal conduct with a minor in a foreign country (my terms may be legally garbled, but you get the idea). Both send signals: we, in Canada, do NOT agree with the commodification of women (or children). It's an important step, however small.
http://manndates.blogspot.com/
Michelle, an astute lawyer and writer based out of Toronto, gives a good synopsis of Toronto's latest decision to implement a taskforce to deal with sex trafficking -- both locally and internationally.
The fact is the Toronto task force is but a drop in the bucket. When a person travels the world and begins to see how persistent and pervasive human trafficking is, one realizes that it takes more than a series of laws and a handful of task forces.
The reality is the major victims in human trafficking are women and many countries around the world (and some would argue in Canada as well) still regard women as commodities. Given that the sex trade is the commodification of the body, and given that women are chattel within cultural standards one can only assume that it will take a lot to shift this trend. More than a meagre task force.
Yet, saying all this, a task force (however late in the game) is the necessary step forward. As was the British Columbia court case that charged a man for solicitation and illegal conduct with a minor in a foreign country (my terms may be legally garbled, but you get the idea). Both send signals: we, in Canada, do NOT agree with the commodification of women (or children). It's an important step, however small.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
My (un)reality world is shrinking - Bell Globemedia buyout of CHUM
Most have heard.
Most don't care.
I mean who really pays attention to where their favourite reality-rock-show is coming from? As long as JD Power is hosting, singing or dancing on the screen we don't care about the particulars.
But should we?
The convergence of media ownership in the world (not just Canada, the USA, but everywhere) is a dangerous prospect. While all media conglomerates can assure us that no overt censorship or control ever occurs at their channels/papers/stations, the fact is the media business (both news and entertainment) is controlled and regulated as a top-down empire. While over censorship often does not occur (though it DOES occur) the proliference of the like-minded business-people does occur. For entertainment this means the regurgitation of tried and true formulas and less risk. For news this means business over impact (flash and dash over substance and importance).
Don't believe me? Then why is it we have not one, but five rock-star reality shows on television right now (and this DOES NOT include longer-running reality shows that deal with rock-stars that have fallen, such as the Surreal Life or Flavor-Flav's too-surreal-for-life show that airs on one of the speciality channels). And the impact ends up hurting quality productions. A friend recently commented that the threat of CBC being the target of a potential terrorist bombing had a positive bent: in his tongue-in-cheek style, he stated that the threat might actually prompt people to tune in to see what they are missing. The sad fact is, he is an award winning producer on an award winning news show. And the ratings are falling.
Now, there is obviously more to the decline of good media than media conglomeration. The Internet had a significant impact, as did cynical humour-based news-type spoofs such as The Daily Show, or the Onion (both fantastic in their own right).
But the fact is this increase in opportunity to access news and information means that media convergence can only provide fewer and fewer opportunitites to obtain new, relevant and interesting perspectives, rather than more.
Bell Globemedia is on its way to purchasing CHUM and as a result is poised to take control of Canada's last independent producer and some of the biggest television channels on cable and satellite television. Currently Bell owns the CTV networks as well as Discovery Channel. This buyout will give Bell Globemedia the CityTV channels as well as a network of other channels. It will also offer Bell an opportunity to control a slew of radio stations. Listing off the channels and acquisitions, one realizes that, if approved, this buyout will mean that Bell will have a monopoly in Canada's entertainment channels. Scary.
For more comments look to:
http://tbabble.blogspot.com/2006/07/bell-globemedia-to-buyout-chum.html
http://community.livejournal.com/canadianmedia/7793.html
http://andrewdewaard.com/2006/07/13/on-canada/
Most don't care.
I mean who really pays attention to where their favourite reality-rock-show is coming from? As long as JD Power is hosting, singing or dancing on the screen we don't care about the particulars.
But should we?
The convergence of media ownership in the world (not just Canada, the USA, but everywhere) is a dangerous prospect. While all media conglomerates can assure us that no overt censorship or control ever occurs at their channels/papers/stations, the fact is the media business (both news and entertainment) is controlled and regulated as a top-down empire. While over censorship often does not occur (though it DOES occur) the proliference of the like-minded business-people does occur. For entertainment this means the regurgitation of tried and true formulas and less risk. For news this means business over impact (flash and dash over substance and importance).
Don't believe me? Then why is it we have not one, but five rock-star reality shows on television right now (and this DOES NOT include longer-running reality shows that deal with rock-stars that have fallen, such as the Surreal Life or Flavor-Flav's too-surreal-for-life show that airs on one of the speciality channels). And the impact ends up hurting quality productions. A friend recently commented that the threat of CBC being the target of a potential terrorist bombing had a positive bent: in his tongue-in-cheek style, he stated that the threat might actually prompt people to tune in to see what they are missing. The sad fact is, he is an award winning producer on an award winning news show. And the ratings are falling.
Now, there is obviously more to the decline of good media than media conglomeration. The Internet had a significant impact, as did cynical humour-based news-type spoofs such as The Daily Show, or the Onion (both fantastic in their own right).
But the fact is this increase in opportunity to access news and information means that media convergence can only provide fewer and fewer opportunitites to obtain new, relevant and interesting perspectives, rather than more.
Bell Globemedia is on its way to purchasing CHUM and as a result is poised to take control of Canada's last independent producer and some of the biggest television channels on cable and satellite television. Currently Bell owns the CTV networks as well as Discovery Channel. This buyout will give Bell Globemedia the CityTV channels as well as a network of other channels. It will also offer Bell an opportunity to control a slew of radio stations. Listing off the channels and acquisitions, one realizes that, if approved, this buyout will mean that Bell will have a monopoly in Canada's entertainment channels. Scary.
For more comments look to:
http://tbabble.blogspot.com/2006/07/bell-globemedia-to-buyout-chum.html
http://community.livejournal.com/canadianmedia/7793.html
http://andrewdewaard.com/2006/07/13/on-canada/
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Good deeds don't come cheap
My godmother once challenged me to do one kind act a day. A kind act that goes unrewarded, undeclared and unnoticed.
This type of philosophy was recently visited upon me.
It was my mother's birthday and, as her one and only daughter, I took her out for a celebratory meal. When we went to pay and leave, I noticed I no longer had my wallet. Somewhere between paying for parking and the restaurant I had lost my wallet.
Disappointed, we paid (my ma had her wallet, thank god) and we trundled off to home. This is where my godmother's challenge comes in.
When I returned home there was a message on my voicemail from Sam -- an apparently young man who had found my ID. Now, I do not carry my home telephone number in my wallet. I do, however, carry three credit cards, personal ID, gift certificates, cash, and sentimental memorobilia -- namely my father's OBIT, the first US dollar my father ever gave me, a ticket to see the Dalai Lama and an email from my brother that saved my sanity oh-so-many-years ago.
Now, the reality is Sam was young, maybe mid-twenties, and heavily into feeling good. Listening to the answering machine message it was evident that the young man had been actively enjoying a little bit of hippie-lettuce. Then, when I spoke to him directly on the phone to get directions to his place, he was, once again, enjoying the benefits of the herb. A girl knows that sound.
I don't believe people who partake in the weed are violent...but I live in inner-city Toronto and have grown up with the news reports that centre on drugs, violence and poverty, particularly in localized areas. Late that Sunday night, I was about to enter into one of those areas to meet a man that was obviously high. I would be lying if I said I had no reservations. I would be lying if I said my stereotypes fed my fears.What made it worse was that Sam kept calling (three, maybe four times) as I waited for him downstairs in my car. At first it was to double-check that I was, indeed, outside his complex. Then it was to see if I was in the lobby. The last two times I cannot tell you why he called. He simply did, said something irrelevant and then promised to be there shortly.Given the circumstances and given my media-fed prejudices, I was simply hoping to get my shell-of-a-wallet and get out without incident
Then a remarkable thing happened.It appears that more than one person lives by the do-good without recognition credo. And Sam was one of those people. Despite his outward appearance (young, high, gang-banger with baggy pants and sideways cap, all in chosen colours, all in a gang-influenced neighbourhood) Sam handed me back a wallet complete with ID, credit cards, credit notes, memorabilia and money. Nothing was removed. Nothing was disturbed. And -- as if that wasn't enough -- a thorough search of my wallet told me what I already knew: in order to return my wallet (and all its contents) Sam had searched out my home number.
That took effort.
Unrewarded and unrecognized. That's the premise of a good deed. Thanks, Sam. May my prejudiced mind remain open.
This type of philosophy was recently visited upon me.
It was my mother's birthday and, as her one and only daughter, I took her out for a celebratory meal. When we went to pay and leave, I noticed I no longer had my wallet. Somewhere between paying for parking and the restaurant I had lost my wallet.
Disappointed, we paid (my ma had her wallet, thank god) and we trundled off to home. This is where my godmother's challenge comes in.
When I returned home there was a message on my voicemail from Sam -- an apparently young man who had found my ID. Now, I do not carry my home telephone number in my wallet. I do, however, carry three credit cards, personal ID, gift certificates, cash, and sentimental memorobilia -- namely my father's OBIT, the first US dollar my father ever gave me, a ticket to see the Dalai Lama and an email from my brother that saved my sanity oh-so-many-years ago.
Now, the reality is Sam was young, maybe mid-twenties, and heavily into feeling good. Listening to the answering machine message it was evident that the young man had been actively enjoying a little bit of hippie-lettuce. Then, when I spoke to him directly on the phone to get directions to his place, he was, once again, enjoying the benefits of the herb. A girl knows that sound.
I don't believe people who partake in the weed are violent...but I live in inner-city Toronto and have grown up with the news reports that centre on drugs, violence and poverty, particularly in localized areas. Late that Sunday night, I was about to enter into one of those areas to meet a man that was obviously high. I would be lying if I said I had no reservations. I would be lying if I said my stereotypes fed my fears.What made it worse was that Sam kept calling (three, maybe four times) as I waited for him downstairs in my car. At first it was to double-check that I was, indeed, outside his complex. Then it was to see if I was in the lobby. The last two times I cannot tell you why he called. He simply did, said something irrelevant and then promised to be there shortly.Given the circumstances and given my media-fed prejudices, I was simply hoping to get my shell-of-a-wallet and get out without incident
Then a remarkable thing happened.It appears that more than one person lives by the do-good without recognition credo. And Sam was one of those people. Despite his outward appearance (young, high, gang-banger with baggy pants and sideways cap, all in chosen colours, all in a gang-influenced neighbourhood) Sam handed me back a wallet complete with ID, credit cards, credit notes, memorabilia and money. Nothing was removed. Nothing was disturbed. And -- as if that wasn't enough -- a thorough search of my wallet told me what I already knew: in order to return my wallet (and all its contents) Sam had searched out my home number.
That took effort.
Unrewarded and unrecognized. That's the premise of a good deed. Thanks, Sam. May my prejudiced mind remain open.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Boobs are sexier than Bums
Just a quick reply in support of Ramona's comment.
It is true. Over the years certain causes become 'sexier' than others and, right now, Breast Cancer is a 'noble' and 'noteworthy' cause. There are a great deal of benefits and fundraisers being launched to combat the illness -- all of which are good.
However, when resources are all tied up in one area, it is hard to find them for other areas. Enter the battle for prostrate cancer, or mental health issues (though a few of you may fight me on that one), or cervical cancer, or testicular cancer or a variety of other diseases and disorders that are not quite sexy enough for fundraisers.
The reality is this highlights the importance of dedication and marketing. Years ago breast cancer survivors banded together to produce a determined effort to fight the disease. Through their passion and persistance (and money from the organizations that grow up among these diseases) they came up with the pink ribbon. Now EVERYONE knows what the ribbon means. It's good marketing. Not only that but women (and breasts) make a compelling symbolic plea to help. Men and bums may not be as appealing. Hence, the effectiveness of visuals and marketing.
Ramona, you are quite right: where are all the fundraisers for prostrate cancer, or even testicular cancer? I guess you would have to concede: boobs must be sexier than bums.
It is true. Over the years certain causes become 'sexier' than others and, right now, Breast Cancer is a 'noble' and 'noteworthy' cause. There are a great deal of benefits and fundraisers being launched to combat the illness -- all of which are good.
However, when resources are all tied up in one area, it is hard to find them for other areas. Enter the battle for prostrate cancer, or mental health issues (though a few of you may fight me on that one), or cervical cancer, or testicular cancer or a variety of other diseases and disorders that are not quite sexy enough for fundraisers.
The reality is this highlights the importance of dedication and marketing. Years ago breast cancer survivors banded together to produce a determined effort to fight the disease. Through their passion and persistance (and money from the organizations that grow up among these diseases) they came up with the pink ribbon. Now EVERYONE knows what the ribbon means. It's good marketing. Not only that but women (and breasts) make a compelling symbolic plea to help. Men and bums may not be as appealing. Hence, the effectiveness of visuals and marketing.
Ramona, you are quite right: where are all the fundraisers for prostrate cancer, or even testicular cancer? I guess you would have to concede: boobs must be sexier than bums.
Urban *IS* the centre of the universe
“The proof of the planning would be in the living.”
Harry Lash, Director of Planning,
Greater Vancouver Regional District 1969-1975
For the first time in history, more than half the world's population now lives in urban centres. Yet even with this knowledge, most (if not all) urban centres are completely incapable of dealing with the pressures and concerns this transition from rural to urban creates.
Harry Lash, Director of Planning,
Greater Vancouver Regional District 1969-1975
For the first time in history, more than half the world's population now lives in urban centres. Yet even with this knowledge, most (if not all) urban centres are completely incapable of dealing with the pressures and concerns this transition from rural to urban creates.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is that the largest block to appropriately and effectively dealing with these issues is government itself. Around the globe, municipalities are viewed as meagre associates. And Canada is no different.
According to provincial powers, provinces not only hold the proverbial reigns, but also the purse strings. In order to do anything significant cities in Canada must get approval from their provincial counterparts. Considering urban centres are now the engines of every nation, this governmental structure seems out-of-date.
Perhaps that is why this year's World Urban Forum (held last month in Vancouver) was so poignant. Held every two years and sponsored by the United Nation's the World Urban Forum is the international meeting place to discuss, determine and (perhaps) decide on how to deal with a variety of urban issues.
From slum issues, to transportation difficulties to infrastructure, substructure and architectecutre, this forum allows experts, academics and professionals (along with the aficinados) to meet, gather and discuss the very issues that affect our lives -- as city-dwellers.
For more information take a look at Christopher Hume's article in The Star, http://www.thestar.com or go online to the WUF site at: http://www.wd.gc.ca
"When livability became the key word for our regional planning, we knew we would have to find effective ways to deal with many problems…Producing a plan and regulations would not be enough. We had to deal with long-term future livability, but also with people’s ongoing satisfaction, their day-to-day experience of living in the region. Tomorrow’s livability needed as much attention as the attainment of a better future. “The proof of the planning would be in the living.”
Harry Lash, Director of Planning, Greater Vancouver Regional District 1969-1975
"When livability became the key word for our regional planning, we knew we would have to find effective ways to deal with many problems…Producing a plan and regulations would not be enough. We had to deal with long-term future livability, but also with people’s ongoing satisfaction, their day-to-day experience of living in the region. Tomorrow’s livability needed as much attention as the attainment of a better future. “The proof of the planning would be in the living.”
Harry Lash, Director of Planning, Greater Vancouver Regional District 1969-1975
Monday, July 10, 2006
Boys like boobs -- and so do I.
Boys like boobs.
I know this is not a revelation (and, yes, it IS a completely breeder-mentality statement) but, really, boys like boobs.
But in this media-rich country, many boys (and girls) grow up with more than just the need to gratify their personal desires. They become keenly aware of medical dangers and marvels. And, for some, this prompts action.
"One in nine women will develop breast cancer," says Benjamin, one of four longboarders on Pushforthecure.com. "And I know more than nine women."
Benjamin is one of four Canadian skateboarders committed to riding 8000-kilometres across Canada -- from Halifax to Vancouver -- to help raise awareness and money for a cure to breast cancer.
According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 5,300 women died of the disease in 2005. While there are a number of official events (such as the Run for Breast Cancer) Benjamin and the boys hope that their initiative will entice the younger generation to become proactive.
At present, Benjamin and the boys have travelled 2200-kilometres and raised $17,500. Their goal? $1-million.
Interested in their progress? Then: Check it out. Get out. And donate.
www.pushforthecure.com
Remember, it takes action to lead a responsible life.
I know this is not a revelation (and, yes, it IS a completely breeder-mentality statement) but, really, boys like boobs.
But in this media-rich country, many boys (and girls) grow up with more than just the need to gratify their personal desires. They become keenly aware of medical dangers and marvels. And, for some, this prompts action.
"One in nine women will develop breast cancer," says Benjamin, one of four longboarders on Pushforthecure.com. "And I know more than nine women."
Benjamin is one of four Canadian skateboarders committed to riding 8000-kilometres across Canada -- from Halifax to Vancouver -- to help raise awareness and money for a cure to breast cancer.
According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 5,300 women died of the disease in 2005. While there are a number of official events (such as the Run for Breast Cancer) Benjamin and the boys hope that their initiative will entice the younger generation to become proactive.
At present, Benjamin and the boys have travelled 2200-kilometres and raised $17,500. Their goal? $1-million.
Interested in their progress? Then: Check it out. Get out. And donate.
www.pushforthecure.com
Remember, it takes action to lead a responsible life.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
finite commitment - infinite love
Sitting in feelings stuff does really suck. but so does reacting to life rather than responding.
My godmother always says that when you don't deal with the internal you become obsessed with the external (in all its manifest forms).
She also says that not dealing with the internal means that every external in the present triggers a belief/moment in the past and that THAT is what we react to.
We really do exist in a world with some warped ideas, and one of the biggest is this notion of finite love. If he/she loves x/y/z then they won't love me; if mom loves bro more, than she can't love me.
Problem is this finite love model is false. Plain and simple. Love is expansive and infinite (my belief). Unfortunately in our warped society we have come to confuse love with commitment. Hence, if a person is involved with more than one person (a committment issue) than they must love more than one person and their love (like their time) is theoretically split.
But that's not true. Love is NOT finite...it's infinite. It truly is a give it away and grow kinda thing. Hence the more you love, the more love you have (as opposed to less). Committment, on the other hand, is finite. And, can be changed, altered, used and abused.
Does any of this sound profound. If it does, I can't take credit for it. I'm only passing it along.
If it doesn't, well, that's ok. We all hear things we need at the times we need them.
My godmother always says that when you don't deal with the internal you become obsessed with the external (in all its manifest forms).
She also says that not dealing with the internal means that every external in the present triggers a belief/moment in the past and that THAT is what we react to.
We really do exist in a world with some warped ideas, and one of the biggest is this notion of finite love. If he/she loves x/y/z then they won't love me; if mom loves bro more, than she can't love me.
Problem is this finite love model is false. Plain and simple. Love is expansive and infinite (my belief). Unfortunately in our warped society we have come to confuse love with commitment. Hence, if a person is involved with more than one person (a committment issue) than they must love more than one person and their love (like their time) is theoretically split.
But that's not true. Love is NOT finite...it's infinite. It truly is a give it away and grow kinda thing. Hence the more you love, the more love you have (as opposed to less). Committment, on the other hand, is finite. And, can be changed, altered, used and abused.
Does any of this sound profound. If it does, I can't take credit for it. I'm only passing it along.
If it doesn't, well, that's ok. We all hear things we need at the times we need them.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Wal-not so s-Mart demanding low prices and low standards
First a little history.
Only a little...not much more is needed at this point.
In 2004 Wal-Mart established a "global ethics office" to enforce 10 principles, including to "never manipulate, misrepresent, abuse, or conceal information" and "never act unethically -- even if someone else instructs you to do so." As a result Wal-Mart employees have access to a confidential hotline to report abuses.
In October 2005, CEO Lee Scott announced a long-range plan to use 100 percent renewable energy at the company. For starters, Wal-Mart is working on a new store design that will reduce energy use by 30 percent in the next three years and plans to double the fuel efficiency of its truck fleet -- one of the largest in the world -- by 2015.
Then, earlier this year, Wal-Mart rolled out expanded benefits for its workforce, which management claims are among the best in the retail sector.
All this sounds pretty noble.
Until you take into consideration the information provided in an October 2005 New York Times article that revealed that 46 percent of chain’s US employees’ children are uninsured or on Medicaid.
Not to be outdone on the labour issue, Wal-not so s-Mart has also been fined repeatedly for violating the Clean Water Act, including $3.1 million in 2004 for failing to contain runoff at construction sites. Not enought? How about the corp's decision to hire Eugene Scalia, former solicitor of the Department of Labor and son of U.S. Supreme Court associate justice Antonin Scalia, to defend the corporation against three whistle-blower lawsuits; or the recent US federal charges laid against vice chairman Tom Coughlin for embezzling $500,000 to buy, among other things, supplies for his hunting dogs and a couple cases of Smirnoff. (When he was accused, Coughlin claimed he used the money for union busting. Nothing better than guns and booze when dealing with the working-poor masses.)
Now, Wal-Mart the Canuck Corp is raising the bar -- no really. In a story from the StarPhoenix, out of Saskatoon, Wal-not so s-Mart is attempting to remove members of the province's Labour Relations Board under charges of bias conduct.
click on the link....it's worth the read:
Only a little...not much more is needed at this point.
In 2004 Wal-Mart established a "global ethics office" to enforce 10 principles, including to "never manipulate, misrepresent, abuse, or conceal information" and "never act unethically -- even if someone else instructs you to do so." As a result Wal-Mart employees have access to a confidential hotline to report abuses.
In October 2005, CEO Lee Scott announced a long-range plan to use 100 percent renewable energy at the company. For starters, Wal-Mart is working on a new store design that will reduce energy use by 30 percent in the next three years and plans to double the fuel efficiency of its truck fleet -- one of the largest in the world -- by 2015.
Then, earlier this year, Wal-Mart rolled out expanded benefits for its workforce, which management claims are among the best in the retail sector.
All this sounds pretty noble.
Until you take into consideration the information provided in an October 2005 New York Times article that revealed that 46 percent of chain’s US employees’ children are uninsured or on Medicaid.
Not to be outdone on the labour issue, Wal-not so s-Mart has also been fined repeatedly for violating the Clean Water Act, including $3.1 million in 2004 for failing to contain runoff at construction sites. Not enought? How about the corp's decision to hire Eugene Scalia, former solicitor of the Department of Labor and son of U.S. Supreme Court associate justice Antonin Scalia, to defend the corporation against three whistle-blower lawsuits; or the recent US federal charges laid against vice chairman Tom Coughlin for embezzling $500,000 to buy, among other things, supplies for his hunting dogs and a couple cases of Smirnoff. (When he was accused, Coughlin claimed he used the money for union busting. Nothing better than guns and booze when dealing with the working-poor masses.)
Now, Wal-Mart the Canuck Corp is raising the bar -- no really. In a story from the StarPhoenix, out of Saskatoon, Wal-not so s-Mart is attempting to remove members of the province's Labour Relations Board under charges of bias conduct.
click on the link....it's worth the read:
Life's rejection is your protection
Response to a mate after a bad date:
First: I'm sorry about your crappy date with the crappy boy.
I love the notion that some men feel it is perfectly acceptable to disrespect a woman in their pursuit for some v-jj.
Yeah...don't even get me started.
While I can really feel for your situation, re: boy, and how he treated you with such disdain, I really have to call into question the behaviour of your "hot" girlfriend.
While, I wasn't there, and while I don't know all the deets, I *DO* know the type (lord, I hate that descriptor) of woman you speak of. It's the type of woman who is a fantastic chum when it's just the ladies, and, then, loses her brains (and sense of respect and loyalty) whenever a man is around.
Let me ask you: what kind of friend FLIRTS with your date?
Who cares if there isn't a second date with this bloke...it's DISRESPECTFUL to move in while the meat is still fresh.
OK, Ok, now we have the fatalists jumping in: "but what if these two were MEANT to be together?"
So, what if??? If life really is pre-destined that way, don't you think another encounter will occur? And if life is only pre-destined up to a point (and the rest is, theoretically, under my control -- a dangerous, dicey method of existence I won't even get into here) then who says it's not possible to pursue this manner in a more refined, respectful and dignified manner.
The very fact that both boy and said friend FORGOT to take into account your feelings simply says to me that this is a case of "lust dressed up as dreams of romance" then pre-determined true love.
Then again, perhaps that's why I'm still single...
First: I'm sorry about your crappy date with the crappy boy.
I love the notion that some men feel it is perfectly acceptable to disrespect a woman in their pursuit for some v-jj.
Yeah...don't even get me started.
While I can really feel for your situation, re: boy, and how he treated you with such disdain, I really have to call into question the behaviour of your "hot" girlfriend.
While, I wasn't there, and while I don't know all the deets, I *DO* know the type (lord, I hate that descriptor) of woman you speak of. It's the type of woman who is a fantastic chum when it's just the ladies, and, then, loses her brains (and sense of respect and loyalty) whenever a man is around.
Let me ask you: what kind of friend FLIRTS with your date?
Who cares if there isn't a second date with this bloke...it's DISRESPECTFUL to move in while the meat is still fresh.
OK, Ok, now we have the fatalists jumping in: "but what if these two were MEANT to be together?"
So, what if??? If life really is pre-destined that way, don't you think another encounter will occur? And if life is only pre-destined up to a point (and the rest is, theoretically, under my control -- a dangerous, dicey method of existence I won't even get into here) then who says it's not possible to pursue this manner in a more refined, respectful and dignified manner.
The very fact that both boy and said friend FORGOT to take into account your feelings simply says to me that this is a case of "lust dressed up as dreams of romance" then pre-determined true love.
Then again, perhaps that's why I'm still single...
But a man
It is amazing how often people assume that responsible living simply implies recycling, buying organic and giving up a few consumer luxuries.
The fact is responsible living is much, much more. While the importance of the three basic R's (reduce, reuse and recycle) cannot be understated, Responsible Living implies that there is a fourth R -- respect.
Unfortunately, respect -- as opposed to tolerance -- is often overlooked.
Thankfully there are moments when Respect is put forth front and centre. Very recently, Warren Buffet, aka: the Oracle of Omaha, donated a large percentage of his amassed fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Warren made his billions through astute investment. And, like many financiers and billionaires, could opt to continue his legacy by keeping the wealth within his nuclear family. Yet, he opted for something completely different. He opted, instead, to invest in humankind, not in the Buffet empire.
In essence, Warren's decision is based on respect. The assumption is that humankind is WORTH investing in, worth contributing to, and worth giving up for.
The fact that Warren Buffet chose not to attach his financial contribution to a caveat of unending fame -- he did not set up his own foundation, nor did he ask for a centre, hospital, school, street, award or any other form of immortalized recognition be created -- rather, he simply announced that he would be handing over a large portion of shares to his corporation (worth over $30-billion U.S.) to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
That is humility and that humility comes from respect: respect for himself, respect for his ability to contribute and respect for the importance of contribution itself.
In his statements, Warren professes that the primary reason for his decision was that he felt the Bill and Melinda Foundation would be better at spending the money. He conceded that while his money could help people, perhaps he was not the best to decide how. In otherwords, he accepted his own limitations, took stock of his contributions and proceeded forthwith.
The fact is responsible living demands respect. If I truly want to give back and be a part of then, I must develop a level of respect that allows me to do this. Warren did. Despite his title as CEO, despite his fortune and his elite ranking within the Western neo-liberal market economy, he realized that he, too, was but a man.
The fact is responsible living is much, much more. While the importance of the three basic R's (reduce, reuse and recycle) cannot be understated, Responsible Living implies that there is a fourth R -- respect.
Unfortunately, respect -- as opposed to tolerance -- is often overlooked.
Thankfully there are moments when Respect is put forth front and centre. Very recently, Warren Buffet, aka: the Oracle of Omaha, donated a large percentage of his amassed fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Warren made his billions through astute investment. And, like many financiers and billionaires, could opt to continue his legacy by keeping the wealth within his nuclear family. Yet, he opted for something completely different. He opted, instead, to invest in humankind, not in the Buffet empire.
In essence, Warren's decision is based on respect. The assumption is that humankind is WORTH investing in, worth contributing to, and worth giving up for.
The fact that Warren Buffet chose not to attach his financial contribution to a caveat of unending fame -- he did not set up his own foundation, nor did he ask for a centre, hospital, school, street, award or any other form of immortalized recognition be created -- rather, he simply announced that he would be handing over a large portion of shares to his corporation (worth over $30-billion U.S.) to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
That is humility and that humility comes from respect: respect for himself, respect for his ability to contribute and respect for the importance of contribution itself.
In his statements, Warren professes that the primary reason for his decision was that he felt the Bill and Melinda Foundation would be better at spending the money. He conceded that while his money could help people, perhaps he was not the best to decide how. In otherwords, he accepted his own limitations, took stock of his contributions and proceeded forthwith.
The fact is responsible living demands respect. If I truly want to give back and be a part of then, I must develop a level of respect that allows me to do this. Warren did. Despite his title as CEO, despite his fortune and his elite ranking within the Western neo-liberal market economy, he realized that he, too, was but a man.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Pissing up a storm
Great post on Manndates re: pissing on the war memorials:
“Just criminalize it” should be the new slogan in Ottawa, particularly if Liberal MP David McGuinty has his way. Following the now infamous Canada Day war memorial urination incident, McGuinty has called for changes to the Criminal Code that specifically prohibit the denigration of war memorials.
Right. Because existing municipal by-laws and Criminal Code provisions dealing with mischief, public drunkeness and property destruction, among others, are not sufficient."
Ahhh, Michelle, as always you are so right.
We should just criminilize it all.
Peeing in public -- throw 'em in jail. Hate the government (and make statements like "cut off his head") throw 'em in jail. Travel to a country that is in the process of increasing their emigration (and re-patriating their cultural children to the more advantageous countries in the world) throw 'em in jail.
It's always so much easier to throw the book at 'em than to actually DEAL with the problem. Lack of respect (in all its forms) does not get corrected by simple corporal punishment. In fact, given our prison culture, lack of respect is fostered rather than corrected. How many reports and studies do we need to read and produce before we truly appreciate that recitivism, respect and basic law and order is best fostered through positive solutions, rather than negative (corporal) punishment.
In the end, my dear Michelle, you get nothing but kudos from me for highlighting how ridiculous these knee-jerk, politically-inspired actions really are.
To see the full post on Manndates goto: http://manndates.blogspot.com/
“Just criminalize it” should be the new slogan in Ottawa, particularly if Liberal MP David McGuinty has his way. Following the now infamous Canada Day war memorial urination incident, McGuinty has called for changes to the Criminal Code that specifically prohibit the denigration of war memorials.
Right. Because existing municipal by-laws and Criminal Code provisions dealing with mischief, public drunkeness and property destruction, among others, are not sufficient."
Ahhh, Michelle, as always you are so right.
We should just criminilize it all.
Peeing in public -- throw 'em in jail. Hate the government (and make statements like "cut off his head") throw 'em in jail. Travel to a country that is in the process of increasing their emigration (and re-patriating their cultural children to the more advantageous countries in the world) throw 'em in jail.
It's always so much easier to throw the book at 'em than to actually DEAL with the problem. Lack of respect (in all its forms) does not get corrected by simple corporal punishment. In fact, given our prison culture, lack of respect is fostered rather than corrected. How many reports and studies do we need to read and produce before we truly appreciate that recitivism, respect and basic law and order is best fostered through positive solutions, rather than negative (corporal) punishment.
In the end, my dear Michelle, you get nothing but kudos from me for highlighting how ridiculous these knee-jerk, politically-inspired actions really are.
To see the full post on Manndates goto: http://manndates.blogspot.com/
A coup for environmentalists
There is an excellent post on the blogspot: Manndates, regarding the ability of residents near the Port Colborne, ON, Inco plant to launch a class action suit alleging the contamination of their property.
Michelle, a lawyer and columnist, sums up the importance of the current ruling very well -- highlighting the fact that the courts refusal to grant a leave to Inco provides environmentalist all over Canada an opportunity to FINALLY use the judicial system to achieve justice.
The wheels of lady justice may move slowly, but at least they move.
"Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada refused leave to Inco, disputing the certification of a class action against it. In Inco Limited v. Wilfred Robert Pearson, thousands of residents of Port Colborne ON, are suing the giant nickel company, alleging contaminants from an Inco plant have devalued their property.The case was certified as a class action, the first long term environmental one in Canada outside Quebec; Inco was seeking to have that certification overturned.The Supreme Court refusal to grant leave to appeal to Inco means the litigation can move forward as a class action.Hailed as a victory by environmentalists, the certification means residents can band together to go after a company/industry that has polluted their community for decades."
more at: http://manndates.blogspot.com/
Michelle, a lawyer and columnist, sums up the importance of the current ruling very well -- highlighting the fact that the courts refusal to grant a leave to Inco provides environmentalist all over Canada an opportunity to FINALLY use the judicial system to achieve justice.
The wheels of lady justice may move slowly, but at least they move.
"Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada refused leave to Inco, disputing the certification of a class action against it. In Inco Limited v. Wilfred Robert Pearson, thousands of residents of Port Colborne ON, are suing the giant nickel company, alleging contaminants from an Inco plant have devalued their property.The case was certified as a class action, the first long term environmental one in Canada outside Quebec; Inco was seeking to have that certification overturned.The Supreme Court refusal to grant leave to appeal to Inco means the litigation can move forward as a class action.Hailed as a victory by environmentalists, the certification means residents can band together to go after a company/industry that has polluted their community for decades."
more at: http://manndates.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Education not just progression - they are not the same
Today corporate Canada and the town of Newmarket celebrate. Aside from the grip and grin photo op for local media (we can't expect the big boys to care about these 'smaller' stories) there really is something to celebrate.
Newmarket Mayor Tom Taylor and his council teamed up with Honeywell to develop a 10-year, $1.6-million retrofit project that would reduce the town's greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 563 tonnes per year. That's the equivalent of removing 83 mid-size cars from the road, according to Environment Canada.
Even better is that this retrofit program is not just about updating old methods and older city buildings. The program also includes an educational component to ensure that energy conservation will have a lasting effect. While some may balk at the price tag, it really is a coup that a town would choose not only invest in updating their buildings, but also in the education of their personnel. The fact is, while we can continue to pump money into fixing our toys, only a change in direction will provide the fundamental shift necessary for a lasting, positive change.
And that's not the only bright spot. According to an online news source from India, all secondary students in the Ludhiana school district will now be required to learn environmental studies. OK, ok, so it's only ONE district in a rather large and populous country, but for anyone that has ever been or seen this great democratic nation, they know that India's dense population has an immense environmental impact. Yet, the greatest dilemma in this equation is teaching the population that there are rather significant effects from their decades-old push for true economic independence.
Hence, it truly is heartening to know that in pockets all around the world, people, institutions and corporations are acknowledging the importance of education, not just progression.
Newmarket Mayor Tom Taylor and his council teamed up with Honeywell to develop a 10-year, $1.6-million retrofit project that would reduce the town's greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 563 tonnes per year. That's the equivalent of removing 83 mid-size cars from the road, according to Environment Canada.
Even better is that this retrofit program is not just about updating old methods and older city buildings. The program also includes an educational component to ensure that energy conservation will have a lasting effect. While some may balk at the price tag, it really is a coup that a town would choose not only invest in updating their buildings, but also in the education of their personnel. The fact is, while we can continue to pump money into fixing our toys, only a change in direction will provide the fundamental shift necessary for a lasting, positive change.
And that's not the only bright spot. According to an online news source from India, all secondary students in the Ludhiana school district will now be required to learn environmental studies. OK, ok, so it's only ONE district in a rather large and populous country, but for anyone that has ever been or seen this great democratic nation, they know that India's dense population has an immense environmental impact. Yet, the greatest dilemma in this equation is teaching the population that there are rather significant effects from their decades-old push for true economic independence.
Hence, it truly is heartening to know that in pockets all around the world, people, institutions and corporations are acknowledging the importance of education, not just progression.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Even China gets the goods
It appears that China is finally coming to terms with their pollution problems. Well, if not coming to terms, at least they are willing to acknowledge and document. A report was released yesterday that tabulated and documented all 10,000 coal plants within China. In otherwords, the belly-of-the-beast has been recorded. The next step, of course, is much harder than taking pen to paper. Almost everyone can produce a record. It takes a special few to act.
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