I’m mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. Have you had a teeny-weeny customer complaint mushroom into a bloody big deal because no one had the inkling or authority to make it right? Many corporations have escalation processes to deal with complaints that have grown from molehill to mountain in size. I… Read more »
I don’t know what astrologers and clairvoyants have said about 2010 but based on what I’ve seen less than two weeks in I predict the craziness will continue. From matters sublime to sordid, from issues vital to vacuous, from people astute to asinine, there is no compelling indication that this year will be any better… Read more »
This column originally appeared May 29, 2009, in issue 1721 Anyone (and everyone) with email has received inspirational, motivational, tear-jerking pieces that tug at the heart strings. Often there is music or poignant images. Way too often there is the exhortation to send this along to ten or 12 people in the next seven minutes…. Read more »
Reflecting on 2009 as it winds down seems the most natural thing in the world. And while it wasn’t a spectacular one there is much to be grateful for; we are enjoying an embarrassment of blessings. Indulge me as I say thank you. Thank you to loyal readers who take the time to say something… Read more »
In the space of three days I attended two prayer services. I suspect that among the hundreds of mourners many of us had similar thoughts as the priest officiated, the cantor sang, and the families mourned. I suspect we thought about our connection to these two men and the last time we saw them. We… Read more »
December is traditionally a time for making wishes. So even though I haven’t believed in Santa for a few years now I’m going out on a limb here and sharing my hopes with you. If there is any justice in this world some wish-granting entity will hear my plea. Read on to see if you… Read more »
After an absence of 10 years I’m back on the public library board in Andrew. That obligation means, among other things, manning the library for a couple of hours Tuesday evenings. My turn rolls around every two months. The procedural stuff came back during an orientation. The other things include meetings, fundraising, and increasing awareness… Read more »
Dictionary.com defines insidious as: 1. working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner; 2. intended to entrap; treacherous; 3. beguiling but harmful; alluring; 4. developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent. It goes on to give some generic examples, as in an insidious plan, enemy, disease, pleasure, or misinformation…. Read more »
This morning Roy and I joined about two hundred other people for the 2009 Remembrance Day ceremony in Andrew. With about 30 or 40 military personnel from One Service Battalion Administration Company in Edmonton, it was an impressive sight. The program at the community hall followed the parade to the cenotaph, two minutes of silence… Read more »
After a long absence from canvas and paints I found my way back to my studio. A stew of good intentions, a promise made, and a conversation got me going again. Good intention: I have too much money invested, not only in the thousand square foot free-standing building itself but the contents as well, to… Read more »