Friday, 27 January 2012

Where have manners, class, decorum, sensitivity and humilty gone?

I came across the following, which is (supposed to have been) the keynote address at a meeting of the World Economic Forum. It was (partially) delivered by Manka Bros. Studios Chairman and CEO Khan Manka, Jr.

Having been out of corporate life for the past 10 years or so, the last five or so of which I watched in sadness and indeed horror, at the descent into insanity of management at all levels and also of the grunts they chose to wallow with in the muck that has become typical business behaviour.

This is what now passes for a keynote speech by a "captain of industry" at an international business conference.


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Wednesday, 25 January 2012

What do you call them?

I know that most people have experienced the situations I am about to describe and that many couples have already discussed them, but I wonder how many have arrived at the conclusions my partner and I have. What I'm talking about are the funny things that happen to a person during and after sex. We have come up with terms for them, even if it took us a while, the main reason being #4 in the list. You'll see what I mean...

1. If you're making love and are in the throes of passion and suddenly realize you need to get a towel down to avoid creating a wet spot, you may find yourself doing what we decided to call "the sex shuffle". This is the synchronous squirming required to move that extra foot or so closer to the night stand so that the towel can be reached. A more tense version occurs if you don't notice until it's "too late". This brings me to the second term, already alluded to here in #1.

2.Trying to slide the towel underneath...whoever...is...underneath is the "sex squirm".

3. The next phrase I will describe is also chronologically next. More often than not, when one has completed a vigorous session of lovemaking, there are things one needs to do or feels like doing such as cleaning/grooming, getting a snack or getting a drink. Have you ever noticed that if you get off the bed immediately, you tend to be unsteady on your feet? Sometimes, your legs almost give out on you. Other times, you will walk into something, stub your toe, or trip. This is known as "the sex stagger". I recommend that you turn the lights on (What? They're on?!) before attempting to make a mad dash to the refrigerator.

4. The last effect is the fog your brain seems to be in immediately following sex. This can last anywhere from a couple of minutes (probably partially responsible for the sex stagger) to the time you fall asleep. Meaningful conversation should not be attempted and for God's sake, do not make any plans, promises or resolutions during this period we call "the sex stupor". It is, however, a very good time to be silly and catch up on the laughs you may not have had enough of lately.

There you have them. Please feel free to comment/share your own experiences or terms/descriptions you've discussed with your partner.




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Monday, 10 October 2011

A different kettle of fish

So, it was about time for me to "treat" myself to a meal I don't have to cook, which I only do about every 2-4 months. I enjoy cooking and I enjoy good food, but I like a little break now and again. I stopped in at my favourite fish and chips shop and ordered halibut and chips--my usual. The last time I had it there, it cost about $12, which I was already thinking is a bit much. This time, I paid $13.51. I won't be patronizing that shop (and perhaps any others) again.

I happened to notice for the first time (not sure if it was a new sign) that the portion of halibut they give is four ounces. Given that potatoes are virtually free compared to the price of halibut, this means that I paid about $50 a pound for the pleasure of enjoying enough fish that if placed in your shoes, and you unwittingly slipped them on, chances are you wouldn't notice.

When I was a mere lad of about six, growing up in downtown Toronto, there was a Chinese fish and chip shop a block and a half from our home. Whenever you were within half a block of the place, you'd get hungry as that wonderful aroma accented by malt vinegar wafted in every direction. They served your order in a firm paper cone, wrapped in a larger newspaper cone from the previous day's news, I guess, and you got a little wooden stick with one end sharpened with which to eat it. What a deal--free reading material while you eat your lunch!

The fries were easy to eat with that stick, but the fish was another kettle of fish. Being very poor at the time, it was almost never that I got to enjoy any of the fish the place served. Matter of fact, on those rare occasions that I even got to taste the fries, one order was usually split between me and a friend or my brother and I. The fish I got to enjoy was never anything more than a small piece from a charitable friend.

The price back then?-- .10 for fries and .25 for fish and chips. No, it wasn't the 18th century.
Getting back to the crux of the matter...they are driving me to produce my own food. And don't think I won't. I will be starting a vegetable garden next spring and I mean to grow every vegetable I like that I can coax to grow in my climate. That could mean as many as thirty varieties. I'll keep you posted.

I suggest you all consider doing the same. It's time we stopped being slaves to anyone who wants to charge 50 times what they paid for something. Oh, and you should also plant fruit trees/berry bushes, etc.


Next, I'll work on trying to get off the grid and any other municipal services I can.



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