As many of my faithful readers will know, I have been dabbling in online freelance writing with marginal success. Every once in a while I have stumbled on some person who hinted at the ability to make any real kind of money. Then, if you ask, they become amazingly tight lipped about it. SHHHHHHHHHHHHH! M-I-N-E!!!! ............precious.....
Unbelievable. Well, amazingly enough there are kind souls out there. I ran into one quite by chance on Helium. She told me about Demand Studios. Pretty cool lady. I appreciate that she got back to me on my question.
It`s an awesome site. I`ve only just started but the earning potential is definitely much better now.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Peter's pet may be poofect but the message is flawed
So, this is what happened. A few years ago I bought my kid a book, Peter's Poofect Pet, by Tina Powel. It was an impulse buy and turned out to be one of her favorites. The story is all about this boy that wanted a pet but his parents had issues with the whole idea. So, instead of accepting his parent's wishes, he devised a plan to overcome the challenge.
He figured that if he can address their key concerns, he could get his way. This is exactly what he sets about doing. Well, the problem is that he uses a few lies to get his way. The bigger problem is that apparently, he is able to outsmart his parents, scientists, the mayor and her staff, and all the curious people from everywhere, simply by propelling poo into his neighbor's back yard. Brilliant plan, no?
I have always had my reservations about the message this story was sending but let it go because, well, it was in a book and because she seemed to enjoy the story so much.
So, here is the scoop. She's a clever girl is a bit of an information sponge. She drinks in ideas and them looks for ways to apply them. So, the main message she took away from this book is that parents are not obstacles to getting what you want. They are speed bumps.
Adults, in general, are shortsighted and easy to fool. All you have to do is tell enough lies and then get your dog a new name tag. Then, all will be good. Obviously, this is the right message to be teaching to kids through books.
You see, the problem is that modern technology means that anybody who wants to publish a book can. It isn't tough and there isn't anybody to tell you what a thoroughly bad idea it is, or how socially irresponsible it is.
It isn't cute and it isn't a great teaching tool. It has now become a very difficult lesson to (un)teach my lovely little girl, who is convinced that she is now a "bad girl" because she has really taken to this idea of lying to get what she wants. Thank you so much, Tina Powel!
So, yes, this is a teachable moment. Teachable for me, as a parent, to listen to my gut and not assume that my kid will overlook the innate wrongness of the message and simply take it as innocent fun. Teachable for her, because now she has to listen to me drill in to her the message that I will not abide her negative self talk and that though lying is a bad thing to do, it does not make her a bad person. It simply proves that she is a bit too clever for her own good. That adults are not as stupid as the cartoon characters produced by Big Fat Pen. That if something feels wrong, it probably is, even though an adult wrote a book that seems to imply that if you are clever enough, you can get away with anything.
Just because anybody can self-publish a book for children does not mean that they, and the distributors of those books should not have any responsibility regarding the negative messages they are promoting. The store manager that said "sure, Tina, I'll sell your book here" has a responsibility to not put it on his shelves. I, as a parent, have a responsibility to not trust that just because it is a kids book it is an acceptable read. Tina, as the author, has a responsibility to understand that just because something is cute or funny does not absolve her of contributing to the degradation of our society.
He figured that if he can address their key concerns, he could get his way. This is exactly what he sets about doing. Well, the problem is that he uses a few lies to get his way. The bigger problem is that apparently, he is able to outsmart his parents, scientists, the mayor and her staff, and all the curious people from everywhere, simply by propelling poo into his neighbor's back yard. Brilliant plan, no?
I have always had my reservations about the message this story was sending but let it go because, well, it was in a book and because she seemed to enjoy the story so much.
So, here is the scoop. She's a clever girl is a bit of an information sponge. She drinks in ideas and them looks for ways to apply them. So, the main message she took away from this book is that parents are not obstacles to getting what you want. They are speed bumps.
Adults, in general, are shortsighted and easy to fool. All you have to do is tell enough lies and then get your dog a new name tag. Then, all will be good. Obviously, this is the right message to be teaching to kids through books.
You see, the problem is that modern technology means that anybody who wants to publish a book can. It isn't tough and there isn't anybody to tell you what a thoroughly bad idea it is, or how socially irresponsible it is.
It isn't cute and it isn't a great teaching tool. It has now become a very difficult lesson to (un)teach my lovely little girl, who is convinced that she is now a "bad girl" because she has really taken to this idea of lying to get what she wants. Thank you so much, Tina Powel!
So, yes, this is a teachable moment. Teachable for me, as a parent, to listen to my gut and not assume that my kid will overlook the innate wrongness of the message and simply take it as innocent fun. Teachable for her, because now she has to listen to me drill in to her the message that I will not abide her negative self talk and that though lying is a bad thing to do, it does not make her a bad person. It simply proves that she is a bit too clever for her own good. That adults are not as stupid as the cartoon characters produced by Big Fat Pen. That if something feels wrong, it probably is, even though an adult wrote a book that seems to imply that if you are clever enough, you can get away with anything.
Just because anybody can self-publish a book for children does not mean that they, and the distributors of those books should not have any responsibility regarding the negative messages they are promoting. The store manager that said "sure, Tina, I'll sell your book here" has a responsibility to not put it on his shelves. I, as a parent, have a responsibility to not trust that just because it is a kids book it is an acceptable read. Tina, as the author, has a responsibility to understand that just because something is cute or funny does not absolve her of contributing to the degradation of our society.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Community Organizer
Went to a town hall meeting yesterday to learn how not to run a town hall meeting. It was pretty much a high level exercise like what you do at a corporate getaway or in school. Achieve next to nothing and accomplished less.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Defiance
It is hard to ignore the fact that an actor might choose to do a roll such as what Daniel Craig did, when he agreed to do Defiance. My respect goes out to him in so many ways for not only doing it but, doing it that well.
What a great movie! Watch it.
What a great movie! Watch it.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Freedom for all to be stupid
One of the greatest things about democracy is that everybody is free to be as stupid as they want. In Communist countries such as China and whatever it is that Russia wants to be called now, intelligence has a higher price tag. It is both feared and respected. Here, in the land of the free, we are free to dismiss it.
That is how I am reading the latest letter to the editor by some grumpy old guy that resents having to go through security at airports. He takes exception to being treated with suspicion when boarding a plane because, god knows, nothing will ever happen. Nothing has ever happened. After all, this is Canada and who would want to hurt us?
Sure, the Olympics was a mass populous event but, additional security measures there were a grievous waste of money. Who would ever want to harm an Olympian or the millions of people that descended on the area? Let alone the presence of world leaders all in one spot.
In fact, the great thinker went on to say, the only people that Canada is scared of is Israel and the United States.... blah, blah, blah. This part wasn't even worth repeating. This guy was so righteous about Western arrogance in pushing our ideals on others and the rights of all to do as they please while we fund their activities. That is exactly the sort of attitude that has made Canada the hot spot that it is for what some believe to be a terrorist training ground. But hey, at least we're friendly.
On the other hand, this guy is obviously living under a rock. The Harper government is so focused on not ruining international relations, or stepping on political toes, that there is now a long thread of evidence speaking to a complete lack of willingness to help any Canadian that runs into trouble when out of our borders. Women, men, and children go missing and even the squeakiest of wheels is no match for the bureaucracy of the current Canadian political climate.
I would like to be an optimist and say that it is not true. That in the quite rooms of CSIS they are working hard to learn the whereabouts of missing tourists or kidnapped business people. But, it is tough to stick with that idea when in public the message is basically that if you are stupid enough to leave Canada, for any reason, you are on your own and get what you deserve.
On a certain level, there is logic behind this. Canada is not a country that will wage ware on nebulous allies for the sake of one measly citizen. We do not go by the ``no person left behind`` philosophy. In fact, people are one of our greatest renewable resources. We can always make more voters and if birthrates are to slow or too low, we`ll just import some from the East.
That`s the other thing. There are so many non-Western affiliated voters in Canada now, that to do anything overly democratic, humane, or socially responsible might offend the majority of the voting population. If some dumb broad decided to go visit the Middle East three years ago, and vanished. She either wanted to vanish (therein privacy laws fit in very nicely) or got what she deserved (in which case, who are we to care).
It would be very nice to live in that old guy`s dream who believes that it is obvious that he is a peace loving, Mary Jane smoking atheist and should be treated with more trust from airport security. Like, peace ma-ha-n! For the rest, it`s time to worry. Really worry. Democracy is being corroded by a mixture of misguided politicians that have found themselves wedged between a rock and a hard place, and an influx of citizens and landed immigrant who truly to not believe in it.
Just remember that before the Taliban gained rule, women had educations, independence, and rights equal to those we now take for granted. They took them for granted, as well.... until they were forced to throw sheets over their heads, shut up and do what they were told. Now, there is no shortage of women who will tell you it is their choice to do just that. They have been taught to believe that it is the right way to live.
But, truly, if God is the creator, this Spirit would have created all matter (organic and in organic) and it would have been done with love and true understanding. If God is all powerful how much sense that this existence would have been forged out of anger? None! So, if all things were created out of love, then all humanity is loved. None is greater than the other because all is created in the image of that Spirit. All of nature, male and female are equal. None was ever designed to be the subject of the other.
Any subjugation due to Class or Gender is purely a man made concept. It is done under the excuse of being God`s will. It is not God`s will. It is the will of those that wish to conquer and be more powerful than those that share this time and space.
So, be scared, be worried. We are all vulnerable if we do not take measures to jealously guard our beliefs, just as those who disagree with us guard theirs. We must realize that nothing is permanent. I leave you with this. Germany was a Democratic State when they elected Hitler to power. The Taliban also plays with democracy to win power.
While we my cry foul and try to play by the rules, those that will win play by hook or by crook and they will win. Kiss your kids goodnight. You never know when somebody will change your ability to do it.
That is how I am reading the latest letter to the editor by some grumpy old guy that resents having to go through security at airports. He takes exception to being treated with suspicion when boarding a plane because, god knows, nothing will ever happen. Nothing has ever happened. After all, this is Canada and who would want to hurt us?
Sure, the Olympics was a mass populous event but, additional security measures there were a grievous waste of money. Who would ever want to harm an Olympian or the millions of people that descended on the area? Let alone the presence of world leaders all in one spot.
In fact, the great thinker went on to say, the only people that Canada is scared of is Israel and the United States.... blah, blah, blah. This part wasn't even worth repeating. This guy was so righteous about Western arrogance in pushing our ideals on others and the rights of all to do as they please while we fund their activities. That is exactly the sort of attitude that has made Canada the hot spot that it is for what some believe to be a terrorist training ground. But hey, at least we're friendly.
On the other hand, this guy is obviously living under a rock. The Harper government is so focused on not ruining international relations, or stepping on political toes, that there is now a long thread of evidence speaking to a complete lack of willingness to help any Canadian that runs into trouble when out of our borders. Women, men, and children go missing and even the squeakiest of wheels is no match for the bureaucracy of the current Canadian political climate.
I would like to be an optimist and say that it is not true. That in the quite rooms of CSIS they are working hard to learn the whereabouts of missing tourists or kidnapped business people. But, it is tough to stick with that idea when in public the message is basically that if you are stupid enough to leave Canada, for any reason, you are on your own and get what you deserve.
On a certain level, there is logic behind this. Canada is not a country that will wage ware on nebulous allies for the sake of one measly citizen. We do not go by the ``no person left behind`` philosophy. In fact, people are one of our greatest renewable resources. We can always make more voters and if birthrates are to slow or too low, we`ll just import some from the East.
That`s the other thing. There are so many non-Western affiliated voters in Canada now, that to do anything overly democratic, humane, or socially responsible might offend the majority of the voting population. If some dumb broad decided to go visit the Middle East three years ago, and vanished. She either wanted to vanish (therein privacy laws fit in very nicely) or got what she deserved (in which case, who are we to care).
It would be very nice to live in that old guy`s dream who believes that it is obvious that he is a peace loving, Mary Jane smoking atheist and should be treated with more trust from airport security. Like, peace ma-ha-n! For the rest, it`s time to worry. Really worry. Democracy is being corroded by a mixture of misguided politicians that have found themselves wedged between a rock and a hard place, and an influx of citizens and landed immigrant who truly to not believe in it.
Just remember that before the Taliban gained rule, women had educations, independence, and rights equal to those we now take for granted. They took them for granted, as well.... until they were forced to throw sheets over their heads, shut up and do what they were told. Now, there is no shortage of women who will tell you it is their choice to do just that. They have been taught to believe that it is the right way to live.
But, truly, if God is the creator, this Spirit would have created all matter (organic and in organic) and it would have been done with love and true understanding. If God is all powerful how much sense that this existence would have been forged out of anger? None! So, if all things were created out of love, then all humanity is loved. None is greater than the other because all is created in the image of that Spirit. All of nature, male and female are equal. None was ever designed to be the subject of the other.
Any subjugation due to Class or Gender is purely a man made concept. It is done under the excuse of being God`s will. It is not God`s will. It is the will of those that wish to conquer and be more powerful than those that share this time and space.
So, be scared, be worried. We are all vulnerable if we do not take measures to jealously guard our beliefs, just as those who disagree with us guard theirs. We must realize that nothing is permanent. I leave you with this. Germany was a Democratic State when they elected Hitler to power. The Taliban also plays with democracy to win power.
While we my cry foul and try to play by the rules, those that will win play by hook or by crook and they will win. Kiss your kids goodnight. You never know when somebody will change your ability to do it.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A burning sensation
So, I finally got on the bandwagon. A data phone! I love it. I can check ALL my email and find anything I want and be in touch with anybody, even update my blog and tweet, all from my phone. It's fantastic.
There is even this great application (WordMole). Completely addictive, let me tell you... and only available on Blackberry. Things seemed pretty cool. Even the camera is amazing. I can shoot videos and take better pics than on my actual camera.
Now, the bad part. A little while into getting the thing I started noticing headaches. A pressure on my upper sinus area. Now, my face feels like it is burning and I look like I've spent too much time out in the sun.
Not good. Can't be good. I go to the store and call Bell, Bell, Bell. I love calling Bell. They don't value anything other than their bottom line and the front line staff don't care about anything at all. So, they pass the buck and Best Buy doesn't want to or can't do anything either. They're just nicer about it.
Next stop? Let's call RIM and see what they say. I'll let you know....
There is even this great application (WordMole). Completely addictive, let me tell you... and only available on Blackberry. Things seemed pretty cool. Even the camera is amazing. I can shoot videos and take better pics than on my actual camera.
Now, the bad part. A little while into getting the thing I started noticing headaches. A pressure on my upper sinus area. Now, my face feels like it is burning and I look like I've spent too much time out in the sun.
Not good. Can't be good. I go to the store and call Bell, Bell, Bell. I love calling Bell. They don't value anything other than their bottom line and the front line staff don't care about anything at all. So, they pass the buck and Best Buy doesn't want to or can't do anything either. They're just nicer about it.
Next stop? Let's call RIM and see what they say. I'll let you know....
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Truest Sadness
Words cannot express the sadness of losing a child. Jacquie McGregor-Einboden must now endure the worst moments of her life, and still the happiest. Ken Einboden made the ultimate sacrifice, though for him it was not a big one.
How would a father be able to live with himself knowing he did not at least try to save both his children. He died a hero and a human in the most honest definition of the word.
(image: NationalPost.com, click to read full story)
Jacquie, on the other hand, is left with nothing and everything. Her baby girl is a gift and all that remains of a once complete and beautiful family. In Kendra, she will continue to see the warmth, love and life of Britney and Ken.
I do not know these people, and do not need to, for my heart to break at the thought of this terrible tragedy. So, for purely selfish reasons I will go there today and give what I can.
The only comfort is knowing that she will not be alone in any of this. From a very brief visit it was obvious that her life is filled with family and friends who will give what they can and help how they must.
(image: CTVNews.com, click to read the full story)
Still, nothing and nobody will ever replace the two shattered pieces of her heart. This is the ultimate loss. We live for our children and they are not meant to die before we do. Especially, not like this.
The only comfort remains that in Spirit we are never parted.
How would a father be able to live with himself knowing he did not at least try to save both his children. He died a hero and a human in the most honest definition of the word.
(image: NationalPost.com, click to read full story)
Jacquie, on the other hand, is left with nothing and everything. Her baby girl is a gift and all that remains of a once complete and beautiful family. In Kendra, she will continue to see the warmth, love and life of Britney and Ken.
I do not know these people, and do not need to, for my heart to break at the thought of this terrible tragedy. So, for purely selfish reasons I will go there today and give what I can.
The only comfort is knowing that she will not be alone in any of this. From a very brief visit it was obvious that her life is filled with family and friends who will give what they can and help how they must.
(image: CTVNews.com, click to read the full story)
Still, nothing and nobody will ever replace the two shattered pieces of her heart. This is the ultimate loss. We live for our children and they are not meant to die before we do. Especially, not like this.
The only comfort remains that in Spirit we are never parted.
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