"I used to think that the causes of war were predominantly economic. I came to think that they were more psychological. I am now coming to think that they are decisively "personal," arising from the defects and ambitions of those who have the power to influence the currents of nations." ~ B. H. Liddell Hart "According to the first image of international relations, the locus of the important causes of war is found in the nature and behavior of man. Wars result from selfishness, from misdirected...

The fabric of democracy is always fragile everywhere because it depends on the will of citizens to protect it, and when they become scared, when it becomes dangerous for them to defend it, it can go very quickly. ~ Margaret Atwood It is often in the name of cultural integrity as well as social stability and national security that democratic reforms based on human rights are resisted by authoritarian governments. ~ Aung San Suu Kyi Democracy is based on a delicate balance of trust between t...

Situational awareness is the ability to perceive and understand your environment. You are able to assess potential threats or changes. You take appropriate action. You are conscious of what's happening around you. You are able to identify important elements such as people, objects, or events. You understand their significance. You can predict how they might change in the near future. This skill is important in high-risk jobs, emergency situations, and daily decision-making to maintain sa...

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." ~ Jim Rohn "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." ~ Leo Tolstoy "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~ Nelson Mandela "I think the growth of the brain is a slow process. But you do change and the more you accept change and embrace change, the better." ~ Diane Keaton Adapting often requires trusting your own instincts. Adapting also require...

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt "Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities." ~ Pope Francis "In our society it is murder, psychologically, to deprive a man of a job or an income. You are in substance saying to that man that he has no right to exi...

Johannes, how do you like this country so far? "I really enjoy this place but this northern country makes me long for my country that I was born in." Really? What makes you long for your country? What makes you want to go back to your southern country? "Back home, the weather was different. We never wore heavy jackets even when the monsoons came. It was as if our bodies were part of nature. Yeshua, it is so different here." I don't understand, how is it so different? "When we flew into t...

"I made 'Bowling for Columbine' in the hope the school shootings would stop and that we would address the issue of how easy it is to get a gun in the United States, and tragically, those school shootings continue." ~ Michael Moore "We live in a crazy time. Every other week, there's a school shooting. There's always some nutty thing and I've always wanted to kind of understand the crazy." ~ Richard Patrick It horrifies all of us to hear of a school shooting, that news becomes a nightmare for ...

Israel's military has dropped 80000 tonnes of explosives on the Gaza Strip. Over 90% of Gaza has been leveled. Living conditions are inhospitable. No running water. No electricity. No internet. No cell phone coverage. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli bombing. Military bomb analysis and economist have estimated at least 10 years or more it will take for all of the rubble and unexploded bombs dropped by Israel on the Gaza Strip to be cleared so that reconstruction...

Reading through an amazing outstanding, informative book, "The Palestine Lab." The author has an outstanding section on Israel's NSO Pegasus spyware. This spyware is almost equivalent to NSA spyware, just an easy click on a link via text message and the phone is infected, and the organization that has sent the infected link has full access to your phone. The spy ware can listen to voice messages, read text messages. View all the work done on the cell phone including website searches and eve...

"I've always loved my own little office spaces no matter what they were like. It's the Virginia Woolf, room of one's own concept, it's really important." ~ Lena Dunham It can be somewhat of a mental strategy when transitioning to a new office. What needs to go? What needs to be added is to change it up slightly. An office needs to look professional and, at the same time, welcoming, promoting a sense of belonging and relaxation or mindfulness. Art and books play a significant role in the off...

A moment of historic danger: It is still 90 seconds to midnight. 2024 Doomsday Clock Statement. Science and Security Board ~ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists A durable end to Russia’s war in Ukraine seems distant, and the use of nuclear weapons by Russia in that conflict remains a serious possibility. In February 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to “suspend” the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). In March, he announced the deployment of tactical nucl...

The obstacle is the USA administration. I know there is a strong Israeli lobby in America, no doubt of it. ~ Yasser Arafat The pro-Israel lobby has been remarkably successful in suppressing criticism. Politicians challenge it at their peril because of the lobby's ability to influence political contributions. ~ George Soros The Israeli lobby has clout in the U.S., which means that re-arranging the region and controlling its resources one way or another, will serve Israel through its control ...

"It's a lot easier to get your way if you have more than one way." ~ Jennifer James "Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent." ~ Nolan Ryan "Action and adaptability create opportunity." ~ Garrison Wynn "Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time." ~ John Wooden Adaptability and Suppleness The key is to be flexible and positive with any colleagues that are neg...

"Resistance is feasible even for those who are not heroes by nature, and it is an obligation, I believe, for those who fear the consequences and detest the reality of the attempt to impose American hegemony." ~ Noam Chomsky "The scope of America's global hegemony is admittedly great, but its depth is shallow, limited by both domestic and external restraints." ~ Zbigniew Brzezinski "Wars are never fought for altruistic reasons. They're usually fought for hegemony, for business. And then of cou...

"A leader's lasting value is measured by succession." ~ John C. Maxwell "Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed." ~ Corita Kent "life is a succession of readjustments." ~ Elizabeth Bowen "Great things do not just happen by impulse, but as a succession of small things linked together." ~ Vincent Van Gogh In any organization, succession can have positive or negative consequences. If individuals are retiring or departing or being promoted, succession is an important ...

There are few things more bizarre than watching people advocate that another country be bombed even while acknowledging that it will achieve no good outcomes other than safeguarding the 'credibility' of those doing the bombing. Relatedly, it's hard to imagine a more potent sign of a weak, declining empire than having one's national 'credibility' depend upon periodically bombing other countries. ~ Glenn Greenwald [I]t's impossible to evade the fact that Endless War will inevitably degrade the c...

"Encryption...is a powerful defensive weapon for free people. It offers a technical guarantee of privacy, regardless of who is running the government... It's hard to think of a more powerful, less dangerous tool for liberty." ~ Esther Dyson "I believe that if you took privacy and you said, I'm willing to give up all of my privacy to be secure. So you weighted it as a zero. My own view is that encryption is a much better, much better world. And I'm not the only person that thinks that." ~ Tim C...

"Social networking is playing a huge role in creating awareness and mobilizing support for all kinds of common interests. What better way to use this remarkable tool than to change the world?" ~ Natalie Portman "Networking is an enrichment program, not an entitlement program." ~ Susan RoAne "Smart mobile phones connect you with 1 billion users worldwide, basically for free - you don't pay for the phone, you don't pay for the Internet, you don't pay for the wireless connectivity. Social networ...

Depending on how you count, the 2024 conflict is Israel’s forth major war with Hamas in sixteen years, or its sixth with Palestinian groups since the Second Intifada, which erupted in September 2000 following the collapse of the Oslo Accord peace process. ~ Sebastien Roblin Some Israelis refer to their periodic shelling of the Palestinian territory as “mowing the lawn.” It is a disturbing metaphor because it is so indiscriminate. They don’t talk about “weeding the garden” or “pruning the trees...

"DD, never dehumanize people of any culture!" ~ Maria (Englishished - Matilda) Campbell (My Kookum or Memere - Grandmother) and Frank Campbell my Moshôm (Grandfather). My grandparents and parents lived and felt dehumanization... psychological dehumanization of a people makes them seem less than human and not worthy of humane treatment... My siblings had a tremendous hate and anger toward this dehumanization against our parents and grandparents, Métis, and Cree families... we were willing to r...

New Canadians offer important benefits to Canada. From economic growth to cultural enrichment, the positive impact of new Canadians strengthens Canada. Economically, new Canadians play an important role in pushing growth. They bring different skills and knowledge, which help to promote innovation and increase productivity. New Canadians also contribute to the labour force, creating jobs and enrolling in colleges and universities. This increases consumer demand and leads to economic expansion i...

Israel's Gaza bombing campaign is the most destructive of this century, analysts say... Satellite technology reveals bombing more intense than in Ukraine, Syria or even the Second World War ~ Evan Dyer · CBC · Posted: Dec 30, 2023 Israeli Forces Dropped 2,000-Pound Bombs on Gaza “Safe Zone,” Killing 90... At least one of the eight 2,000-pound bombs used in the massacre was made in the US... In fact, the U.S. has provided Israel with thousands of JDAMs and 2,000-pound bombs since October, an...

For this summer, besides working Summer School, which I just love, I immersed myself into reading, exploring, and understanding from a lateral thinking perspective on the Middle East, more specifically the Israeli conflict with its political factions and the Palestinian people. Not being facetious at all, but being totally serious, if world leaders, such as presidents and prime ministers read these specific books, they would have a much broader perspective and understanding of the middle East a...

Politicide describes the deliberate destruction of a particular political group or ideology. It involves military actions to eradicate the political identity, influence, and existence of Hamas members and leaders. Politicide conveys a sense of targeted political violence, such as assassinations and repression, and it is used in discussions about political persecution, ideological suppression, or targeted campaigns against the Hamas movements and the political and military branches of the organiz...

"If we have a biometric exit-entry system, we know on the day after six months has exceeded his visa.And with that exit- entry system, we can then send ICE, the law enforcement agents that exist, to go and get John and say, OK, you're here illegally now." ~ Ted Cruz "We will finally complete the biometric entry-exit visa tracking system, which we need desperately. For years Congress has required biometric entry-exit visa tracking systems but it has never been completed. The politicians are all...

August 17, 2024 Over 50,000 Palestinian Gazans, majority civilians have been killed by the Israeli military in less than one year of constant bombardment of missiles and drone attacks; over 50,000 missiles have been dropped on the Gaza strip. Here are some facts presently.... Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are not Israeli citizens and their rights are severely limited by the Israeli military occupation. In the West Bank, Israeli military law governs Palestinian life, while Jew...

Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel and appointment as the new leader of Hamas, has close ties to Iran. Sinwar has been in Israel's sights since the beginning of the war, with Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari describing him as a "dead man" following the October attack. Killing Sinwar remains a priority for the Israeli army. ~ Kian Sharifi Now appointed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif are walking dead men. T...

When I was 7 years old, I squeezed in between my parents, sitting at the kitchen table in between my mother and father, all three listening closely to my mother's father, Frank (my Nimoshôm—Grandfather), our family's WWII war hero who was only 19 when he began... he fought in Italy and into interior Europe against the Nazis for Canada and USA. He was injured by a Nazi sniper, sent back to England for medical attention, eventually sent back to mainland Europe to continue to fight against the Nazi...

"I used to think that the causes of war were predominantly economic. I came to think that they were more psychological. I am now coming to think that they are decisively "personal," arising from the defects and ambitions of those who have the power to influence the currents of nations." ~ B. H. Liddell Hart "No war can end war except a total war which leaves no human creature on earth. Each war creates the causes of war: hate, desire for revenge and have-nots, desperate with need." ~ Zelda Pop...

"Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich." ~ Peter Ustinov "We have guided missiles and misguided men." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. "I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt "You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte "We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children." ~ Jimmy Carter The notio...

"In the future it's very possible you could have an artificial intelligence system that can run the country better than a human being. Because human beings are naturally selfish. Human beings are naturally after their own interests. We are geared towards pursuing our own desires, but oftentimes, those desires have contrasts to the benefit of society, at large, or against the benefit of the greater good. Whereas, if you have a machine, you will be able to program that machine to, hopefully, bene...

"There is not one single place built in this country that did not have a former Arab population." ~ Moshe Dayan "The issue [Israeli-Palestinian conflict], already lasting more than half a century, has brought deep suffering to the Palestinian people and remains an important reason of extended turbulence in the Middle East region." ~ Xi Jinping "Doesn't the world see the suffering of millions of Palestinians who have been living in exile around the world or in refugee camps for the past 60 yea...

"This is like the telephone problem - no one wants to have the first one. But we are seeing a lot of people who want some sort of technology to solve the spam problem." ~ Eric Allman "I get more spam than anyone I know." ~ Bill Gates I, like many others, receive SMS spam daily. I use a Google Pixel phone, and its Google AI spam detector constantly catches junk SMS and notifies me. It is helpful to use Signal Messenger for most of my messaging needs. SMS spam, or unsolicited text messages, is...

We all feel special pride when our country is in the spotlight, especially during the Olympics. Imagine training super hard for years and years just to win a medal for yourself and your country. It's incredible! It makes us feel grateful to be Canadian and proud of our country. 10 plus years of 2 a day training sessions everyday for a decade or two decades for this competition... Can you believe it? A famous sprinter from the USA was asked about facing our Canadian relay team, and he said...

"A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society." ~ Thomas Jefferson "Without free, self-respecting, and autonomous citizens there can be no free and independent nations. Without internal peace, that is, peace among citizens and between the citizens and the state, there can be no guarantee of external peace." ~ Vaclav Havel "The Holocaust illustrates the consequences of prejudice, racism and stereotyping on a society. It forces u...

Israel has no written constitution. Various attempts to draft the formal document since 1948 have fallen short of the mark, and instead Israel has evolved a system of basic laws and rights, which enjoy semi-constitutional status. This provisional solution is increasingly inadequate for Israel's needs, and the necessity for completing this historic task has never been so urgent. In May 2003, the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee of the Knesset, chaired by Member of Knesset Michael Eitan,...

"Russia is a part of European culture. Therefore, it is with difficulty that I imagine NATO as an enemy." ~ Vladimir Putin "NATO and the USA wanted a complete victory over the Soviet Union. They wanted to sit on the throne in Europe alone." ~ Vladimir Putin "Truman is now seen as a near-great president because he put in place the containment doctrine boosted by the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan and NATO, which historians now see as having been at the center of American success in the ...

I'm currently engrossed in a captivating book about Israeli-targeted assassinations. Dr. Ronen Bergman spent 8 years writing this extensive 784-page book packed with a wealth of historical and political information. It provides worthwhile insights into the turbulent Middle East that anyone can learn and understand. To say the least, it is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Middle East. Ronen Bergman's "Rise and Kill First" dives deep into the covert operations of Israel, ...

In... Capital of Iran Population of Tehran 9,616,000 million What are all these citizens thinking of... The US and Israel are attacking them!? If Western democracies encourage & plan assassinations of political leaders in capitals around the world, what will be the next step? What is next? Countries assassinating political figures, political leaders in democracies? In comparison to Capital of Canada Population of Ottawa, Canada 1,451,571 Capital of USA Population of Washingt...

"Any assassination is an assassination. It's cold, it's terrible. I'm against any capital punishment. Only the Lord has the right to take away life because he's the giver of life. And assassination stands against democracy, against civilization, against a civilized life of people. Alas, the situation in Lebanon is very chaotic and many innocent people lost their lives because they have a state within a state, an army within an army and the respect for life is not high enough." ~ Shimon Peres "...

"Don’t let Negative and Toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out." ~ Zig Ziglar "Good leadership is pervasive, persuasive, and persistent. Bad leadership is poisoned with pedanticism, posturing, self-importance." ~ Marcia Whicker "Culture is more important than vision. Some leaders have great vision, but have created a toxic culture where that vision will never happen." ~ Phil Cooke Dealing with a demanding boss can be stressful, but there are strategies to hel...

"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~ Confucius "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one." ~ Mark Twain "We always hope for the easy fix: the one simple change that will erase a problem in a stroke. But few things in life work this way. Instead, success requires making a hundred small steps go right - one after the other,...

"Bias and prejudice are attitudes to be kept in hand, not attitudes to be avoided." ~ Charles Curtis "Stereotypes are the mind's shorthand for dealing with complexities. They have two aspects: they are much blunter than reality; they are shaped to fit a man's preferences or prejudgments. Thus two principles are involved: differentiation or its lack, and biased preferential perception." ~ Robert E Lane "The compassion we feel normally is biased and mixed with attachment. Genuine compassion flo...

"Parkinson's First Law: Work expands to fill the time available." ~ C. Northcote Parkinson "The nice thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from. Work expands to fill the time available for its completion." ~ C. Northcote Parkinson "Parkinson's Law is a purely scientific discovery, inapplicable except in theory to the politics of the day. It is not the business of the botanist to eradicate the weeds. Enough for him if he can tell us just how fast they grow." ~ C. Northcote Park...

"Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt "You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do." ~ David Foster Wallace "You can't overestimate the importance of psychology in chess, and as much as some players try to downplay it, I believe that winning requires a constant and strong psychology not just at the board but in every aspect of your life." ~ Garry Kasparov The Dunning-Kruger effect is intr...

"When dissonance is present, in addition to trying to reduce it, the person will actively avoid situations and information which would likely increase the dissonance." ~ Leon Festinger "What I do is create a lens through my work that corrects my readers' cognitive dissonance and says: you will see all of it - not what you want or what makes you comfortable, but all of it. And you will not erase what displeases you." ~ Chris Abani Just thinking of some of my friends that own small businesses ...

"The mind of an enlightened human being is flexible and adaptable. The mind of the ignorant person is conditioned and fixed." ~ Ajahn Sumedho "Brains are tricky and adaptable organs. For all the 'neuroplasticity' allowing our brains to reconfigure themselves to the biases of our computers, we are just as neuroplastic in our ability to eventually recover and adapt." ~ Douglas Rushkoff Instead of memorizing facts, we should train our minds to think creatively and find connections. Learning fr...

Hard power makes sense under some circumstances. But there's not a universal solution to global problems. A major country like the United States has to have a broadly-conceived program for effective international action, influence and cooperation with others. ~ Zbigniew Brzezinski "Power is the ability to affect others to get the outcomes you want, and that can be done by coercion, payment or attraction." ~ Joseph Nye "Money and donations are an important part of our political system. They ar...

As an educator and someone always interested in lifelong learning for all adult students, I believe the launch of the Peterson Academy's college-level courses is an outstanding addition to the competition, alongside Coursera and many other online college course programs. Peterson Academy has just launched its Beta version, marking the beginning of new features and improvements. The feedback from early beta users will help shape the platform into the best possible learning experience in the comi...

"Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." ~ Bertrand Russell "Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success." ~ Robert Kiyosaki "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." ~ Michael Jordan "Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out." ~ Karl A. Menninger "He w...

"In a sense, artificial intelligence will be the ultimate tool because it will help us build all possible tools." ~ K. Eric Drexler "You can't just stop technological progress. Even if one country stops researching artificial intelligence, some other countries will continue to do it. The real question is what to do with the technology. You can use exactly the same technology for very different social and political purposes. So I think people shouldn't be focused on the question of how to stop ...

"The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things." ~ Elise M. Boulding "When I admire a writer, it's for the recognizable palette - Hemingway's minimalism, the dialogue, those isolated bar scenes. But with each story or novel, he shows me something different within the framework he's built - like noticing that there's a chair in the corner I didn't see in another story." ~ Jill Talbot "Essentialism is...

Summer is a great time to learn/read up on some good books, here's a quick rundown of each that I am diving into each day for the two months of July and August: The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention by Nicolas Cole teaches the ins and outs of writing for the web. A super interesting straight to the point read. Whether starting a blog, write content for a website, or just improve your online writing skills, this book is a valuable resourc...

"There are 4 billion cell phones in use today. Many of them are in the hands of market vendors, rickshaw drivers, and others who've historically lacked access to education and opportunity. Information networks have become a great leveler, and we should use them together to help lift people out of poverty and give them a freedom from want." ~ Hillary Clinton "Technologies, including cell phones, have the potential to help millions of poor people out of poverty by enabling access to a range of s...

"Hewlett Packard at one point had only three private offices. One belonged to Hewlett, one to Packard, and the third to a guy named Paul Ely who annoyed so many coworkers with his bellowing on the phone that the company finally extended his cubicle walls to the ceiling." ~ Robert X. Cringely "People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do." ~ Isaac Asimov "I know nothing more annoying when people I don't know jump to conclusions on my person based on nothing...

"Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy." ~ Niccolo Machiavelli "We have politicians that are grossly incompetent. We have leaders that are incompetent and we have negotiators that are incompetent." ~ Donald Trump "The Obama administration's agenda of maximizing dependency involves political favoritism cloaked in the raiment of "economic planning" and "social justice" that somehow produce results superior to what markets produce when freedom allows merit to manifest itself, ...

To those of you watching this at home tonight, I’d like to deliver a message that the media doesn’t want you to hear from the Republican Party. Our message to Black Americans is this, the media has tried to convince you for decades that Republicans don’t care about your communities, but we do. We want for you what we want for every American, safe neighbourhoods, clean streets, good jobs, a better life for your children, and a justice system that treats everyone equally regardless of your skin c...

"The state within a state is hiding mostly in plain sight." ~ Mike Lofgren "I am quite confident that there are numerous discussions going in various "deep states" throughout the world about how to contain Trump's America geopolitically and economically, given the early indications that his policies will intensify conflict in many parts of the world." ~ Richard A. Falk "I don't care what you want to call it. You can call it the deep state. You can get specific and you can say that it's membe...

"I have complete confidence in Secret Service. These guys and gals are unbelievably professional. They know what they’re doing and I basically do what they tell me to do. Now, sometimes I’m the first one to admit that it chafes a little bit being inside this bubble. It’s the hardest adjustment of being president, not being able to just take a walk." ~ Barack Obama "The Secret Service is a strange group. They don't really have a leader. It's not set up like a military. Each one is supposed to b...

"The important thing to know about an assassination or an attempted assassination is not who fired the shot, but who paid for the bullet." ~ Eric Ambler "At the first meeting of the newly constituted Warren Commission, [former CIA Director] Allen Dulles handed out copies of a book to help define the ideological parameters he proposed for the Commission's forthcoming work. American assassinations were different from European ones, he told the Commission. European assassinations were the work of...

"in the mornin' po-lice at my door Fresh adidas squeak across the bathroom floor Out the back window.. I make a escape Don't even get a chance to grab my old school tape" ~ Ice T "Globally, proving myself working well with Adidas, showing my work could be globally distributed and loved and appreciated and still be challenging. Maybe I'm one of the first people on a larger scale to make more challenging and more unique items." ~ Jeremy Scott A recent experience at an Adidas store left me surp...

"The hardest obstacle I've ever had to overcome is probably my first steps into adulthood: paying rent, groceries, cooking, taxes. I was so anxious to grow up, and now I'm wishing I was still a kid." ~ Dillon Lane "In Harlem, for instance, all of the stores are owned by white people, all of the buildings are owned by white people. The black people are just there - paying rent, buying the groceries; but they don't own the stores, clothing stores, food stores, any kind of stores; don't even own ...

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." ~ John Ruskin "There's no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes." ~ Billy Connolly "While we would not want to attribute every extreme weather event to climate change - the pattern is building and the costs are rising - the human costs and the financial costs" ~ Edward Davey My teenage son showed me a satellite heat map comparison of Edmonton, Alberta, during its coldest day in January at -43°C and i...

"Face your problems head on. Do what you have to do to take care of it. Develop a good work ethic." ~ George Chuvalo "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." ~ Colin Powell Engaging in physically hard, laborious work can make a young person reflect deeply on their future career and lifestyle. Recently, I had a conversat...

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." ~ Mahatma Gandhi "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." ~ Dalai Lama "It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul." ~ Desmond Tutu Forgiveness is like a shield that protects you from negativity. Release anger and bitterness to experience true peace and healing. Prayer can connect us to a highe...

"Cyclists live with pain. If you can't handle it, you will win nothing" ~ Eddy Merckx "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." ~ John F. Kennedy "Ever bike? Now that's something that makes life worth living!" ~ Jack London Some time ago, I regularly visited my grandmother at her elderly care home a block from the private school that I taught at. During each visit, she eagerly shared 10 or more photo albums filled with a treasure trove of memories capturing different relativ...

"Email is familiar. It's comfortable. It's easy to use. But it might just be the biggest killer of time and productivity in the office today." ~ Ryan Holmes "There's life and death in every email." ~ Bill Gates "The age of technology has both revived the use of writing and provided ever more reasons for its spiritual solace. Emails are letters, after all, more lasting than phone calls, even if many of them r 2 cursory 4 u." ~ Anna Quindlen "Email is a system that delivers other people's prio...

I just noticed on TSN a Canadian sports channel, asking/begging viewers to donate to National level Canadian athletes. Wow, if this were a business, it would be can you please complete the professional development of our workers so they can become better workers? Private companies, government organizations, civil/City, and provincial and federal governments invest in their employees. Do we Canadians especially our governments at all three levels: City, provincial, and federal invest in our a...

"I think the kids always they look forward to be always the big stars. Not only football, any profession. They want to be the best, singer, they want to be the best political, only the stars. But I think sometime the life give you opportunity, and long to be a big star, but you don't need to be a big star, you need to be beautiful, excellent man. Human being. This is the first." ~ Pele "Football is a more beautiful game in high definition." ~ Jose Mourinho "Ronaldinho is a special player, but...

"There is not one single place built in this country that did not have a former Arab population." ~ Moshe Dayan "I believe that in the long run, separation between Israel and the Palestinians is the best solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." ~ Yitzhak Rabin "We do not wish and do not need to expel Arabs and take their places." ~ David Ben-Gurion "Goldstone has done terrible damage to the cause of truth and justice and the rule of law. He has poisoned Jewish-Palestinian re...

"I was thinking that we all learn by experience, but some of us have to go to summer school." ~ Peter De Vries "The first dream I had was just to get a college education. I got through college in three years, taking extra classes in summer school." ~ Eli Broad "Mom put a note in my lunch again, I see... Dear son, I hope you will study hard in summer school... Do not look upon it as a punishment, but rather as a privilege... We are very proud of you, and want you to have a good education. This...

If you have made a mistake cut your losses as quickly as possible. ~ Bernard Baruch I may as well cut my losses and make a hasty exit while I still had enough self-esteem to walk upright. Crawling was so demoralizing. ~ Darynda Jones When it comes to finishing things, there are a few key terms to understand. "Completed" means you achieved everything you set out to do on a task. "Done" is simpler - you finished the task, but maybe not exactly how you originally planned. And "dropped" means ...

"Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for this beautiful country will never die." ~ Pierre Trudeau "Canada is the homeland of equality, justice and tolerance." ~ Kim Campbell "I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all...

"As a coach, I want players to challenge me, to question me and ask why we're doing a certain thing, so they feel that they're taking ownership." ~ Warren Gatland "The first thing is to be willing. You must become willing to feel the discomfort that's occurred and/or shown up. Some of it is taking ownership of your part in the situation, to clean it up and be willing to make amends." ~ Gabrielle Bernstein "Have more than you show, Speak less than you know." ~ William Shakespeare "For maximum...

To become more athletic and improve their game, a non-athletic basketball player can focus on several key areas. First, developing a solid foundation is a must. Strength training builds this foundation by focusing on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Key exercises include squats, lunges, bench presses, pull-ups, and deadlifts. Additionally, cardiovascular conditioning is essential for improving endurance and stamina. This can be achieved through activities like...

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad." ~ Anne Geddes "It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was." ~ Anne Sexton "My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." ~ Clarence Budington Kelland "My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up the grass'; 'We're not raising grass,' Dad would reply. 'We're raising boys.'" ~ Harmon Killebrew As a young un...

Why Countries Implode Simmering rage builds tension by highlighting the underlying anger and frustration that fuel these eruptions. Political oppression tells us what causes the simmering rage and puts potential violence in context. Spontaneous, emphasizes how unpredictable these uprisings are, making them hard to stop. Power and fragility are contradictions that make these events dangerous. They can be highly destructive but also surprisingly brief. When a population experiences prolonged opp...

"Ever since I learnt about confirmation bias I've started seeing it everywhere." ~ Jon Ronson "Bias and prejudice make me angry...more than anything." ~ Rod Serling "There's a tremendous bias against taking risks. Everyone is trying to optimize their ass-covering." ~ Elon Musk It's important to be mindful of the impact of confirmation bias and implicit bias on student-athletes and employees. These biases can create significant challenges, as they may lead educators and coaches to unfairly ...

Feeling lost after high school graduation? The Red Car Theory can be your roadmap to success. Just like noticing red cars everywhere once you want one, focusing on your goals (your "red car") will help you spot hidden opportunities. Feeling overwhelmed by college choices? Take control of your future by focusing on your desired career path. You'll be surprised at how relevant programs, scholarships, or workshops will jump out at you, empowering you to make informed decisions. Are you trying...

"What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote." ~ E. M. Forster "He would write it for the reason he felt that all great literature, fiction and nonfiction, was written: truth comes out, in the end it always comes out. He would write it because he felt he had to." ~ Stephen King "Great literature rattles the mind and makes the body sing. It's an unmistakable, electric feeling, and too rare. That is what I want."...

My sons are very fortunate. Since the age of eight, they have had the opportunity to train in all the school gyms where I have worked. This consistent access to quality facilities and coaching has provided them with an invaluable foundation in basketball. Over the past eight years, their skills have improved remarkably thanks to regular training sessions with experienced coaches. They have sharpened their shooting, dribbling, passing, and footwork, and developed a comprehensive understanding of...

Asking players which student athlete should be cut is not good practice for any coach, as it is both unprofessional and unethical. Some coaches have a limited perspective and can be influenced by their own jealousy, biases, and negative stereotypes. For instance, if a coach tries to dig up dirt on a player by asking teammates about a student athlete who led the team in points and assists, inquiring about the student’s behavior in school, it creates an uncomfortable situation for the athletes ...

"I don't have an alarm clock. If someone needs to wake me up, then I have my BlackBerry next to me." ~ Mark Zuckerberg "In terms of the technology I use the most, it's probably a tie between my Blackberry and my MacBook Pro laptop. That's how I communicate with the rest of the world and how I handle all the business I have to handle." ~ John Legend "What is so seductive about texting, about keeping that phone on, about that little red light on the BlackBerry, is you want to know who wants you...

A New Horizon As the sun sets on years of toil and care, A horizon of adventure calls you to dare. Boating on tranquil waters, so vast and so clear, discovering coastlines where serenity is near. With fishing rod in hand, at dawn’s early light, You’ll dance with the ripples, in nature’s delight. Each catch a story, a memory to hold, In the sport of patience, both calm and bold. Hunting in the woods, where the wild things roam, You’ll tread with respect, in their natural home. The chase, a ...

"The best way to ensure success is to start growing today. No matter where you may be starting from, don't be discouraged; everyone who got where he is started where he was." ~ John C. Maxwell "People get discouraged. They should remember, from me, it takes courage not to be discouraged." ~ Benjamin B. Ferencz "I've taken my bumps and bruises, but you've got to be willing to get knocked down and pick yourself up. You can't get discouraged. You can't lose sight of what your goals are." ~ Jerma...

"No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting." ~ Mary Wortley Montagu "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." ~ Mark Twain "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it." ~ Oscar Wilde "If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson "When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and cl...

"I am good at walking away. Rejection teaches you how to reject." ~ Jeanette Winterson "I have learned to not let a bad race or failure bring me down, and always walking away with something positive and learning from mistakes so I can be better or stronger next time." ~ Erin Hamlin "Pause and remember - You deserve peace! So, don't feel bad for one moment about walking away from people, jobs, and situations that keep you from having peace of mind." ~ Jennifer Young Sometimes, walking away f...

"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change." ~ Carl Rogers "Online education, then, can serve two goals. For students lucky enough to have access to great teachers, blended learning can mean even better outcomes at the same or lower cost. And for the millions here and abroad who lack access to good, in-person education, online learning can open doors that would otherwise remain closed." ~ Daphne Koller "Online learning can be a lifeline to those who ha...

A strong defense is a major advantage. It makes it harder for the other team to score and creates opportunities for your team to steal the ball and score themselves. Great defense also requires teamwork and communication, which builds a strong team defensive mindset. At the high school D1, and college, and professional level, every athlete knows how to score and produce points for their team but not every athlete is able to defend or willing to defend. As a coach, defensive minded athletes...

As a dad, my boys are my LIFE. Lucas said, dad you trained us boys for years, literally everyday, at least 15 years in the gyms and on the weights and plyometrics, speed training on the track and coached us multiple years. Whatever you boys needed your Italian and Indigenous Metis family and extended family were there to support you. We are so thankful for our b-ball community leaders. ...

"Malicious gossip takes the place of creation in non-creative lives." ~ Nancy Hale "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt "Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you." ~ Philip Sidney "The person who gossips is a terrorist who drops a bomb, destroys, and they destroy others." ~ Pope Francis I have been engrossed in reading four books by Robert Greene: "The 48 Laws of Power," "The Laws of Human Nature," "Mastery," and "Th...

The only way to get what you're worth is to stand out, to exert emotional labour, to be seen as indispensable, and to produce interactions that organizations and people care deeply about. ~ Seth Godin Do the emotional labour of working on things that others fear. ~ Seth Godin Dealing with emotions at work or in social situations can be tough. Emotional labour is the effort we put into managing our feelings to meet the expectations of those around us. Sociologist Arlie Hochschild first intr...

"Our economy is built upon convergent thinkers, people that execute things, get them done. But artists and designers are divergent thinkers: they expand the horizon of possibilities." ~ John Maeda "When you put off a task, you buy yourself time to engage in divergent thinking rather than foreclosing on one particular idea." ~ Adam Grant "I was forced to stretch my thinking, to realize that sincere and honest people could believe in very divergent religious doctrines." ~ Carl Rogers Thinking...

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." ~ Mark Twain "People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad." ~ Marcel Proust "Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might liv...

"The ultimate use of power is to empower others." ~ William Glasser "Honour belongs to those who never forsake the truth even when things seem dark and grim, who try over and over again, who are never discouraged by insults, humiliation and even defeat." ~ Nelson Mandela A strong sense of belonging for high school elite athletes extends beyond simply playing a sport; it encompasses feeling valued, supported, and part of a team, school, and even the broader athletic community, part of a FAMIL...

The sense of belonging is one of the great gifts men get in battle. ~ James A. Michener A sense of belonging is a sine qua non of healthy psychological functioning everywhere. Such a sense, beginning in infancy and continuing throughout life, comes about by experiencing mutual empathy; by sensing oneself as part of a whole, which recognizes and accepts that one is a member. ~ Maureen O'Hara A sense of belonging in the workplace is more than just having a job It involves feeling valued, acc...

Every serious-minded person knows that a large part of the effort required in moral discipline consists in the courage needed to acknowledge the unpleasant consequences of one's past and present acts. ~ John Dewey Self-discipline, although difficult, and not always easy while combating negative emotions, should be a defensive measure. At least we will be able to prevent the advent of negative conduct dominated by negative emotion. That is 'shila', or moral ethics. Once we develop this by famil...

"Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self esteem. That means, 'I feel so low that instead of picking myself up, I have to cut others down.' Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy." ~ Pope Francis "At the root of fear is low self-esteem. This explains why angry people have low self-esteem, are argumentative, stubborn, and quick to flare up yet slow to forgive. Those behaviors are defenses against the underlying fear." ~ David J. Lieberman People often find it hard to be...

"Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge." ~ Plato "Too often we judge people based on our own backgrounds and experiences, but when you understand people's stories, it's easier to understand their demeanour." ~ Joel Osteen "All human behaviour is either an act of love or a cry for love." ~ Stan Dale When individuals display carelessness in their appearance, it may signal their dissatisfaction In some work environments, if the leadership does not priori...

"Retribution often means that we eventually do to ourselves what we have done unto others." ~ Eric Hoffer "There is no satisfaction in vengeance unless the offender has time to realize who it is that strikes him, and why retribution has come upon him." ~ Arthur Conan Doyle "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." ~ Confucius "The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury." ~ Marcus Aurelius "An eye for an eye leaves everybody blind." ~ Martin Luther King,...

"You have to want it, you have to plan for it, you have to fit it into a busy day, you have to be mentally tough, you have to use others to help you. The hard part isn't getting your body in shape. The hard part is getting your mind in shape." ~ Amby Burfoot "Who are the happiest people on earth? A craftsman or artist whistling over a job well done. A little child building sand castles. A mother, after a busy day, bathing her baby. A doctor who has finished a difficult and dangerous operation,...

"Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for." ~ Lawrence Block "I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along." ~ David Levithan "Work hard, not in grunt work, but in chasing such opportunities and maximizing exposure to them. This makes living in big cities invaluable ...

"Politics are a part of athletics now. Politics is a part of everything. And athletics is no exception." ~ Melissa Harris-Perry "There are some remarkable parallels between basketball and politics. Michael Jordan has already mastered the skill most needed for political success: how to stay aloft without visible means of support." ~ Margaret Thatcher When awards seem like popularity contests or pre-determined outcomes, it can discourage participation. Athletes who train hard but lack close r...

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." ~ Steve Jobs "A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad." ~ Theodore Roosevelt "At commencement you ...

"Nothing in the Golden Rule says that others will treat us as we have treated them. It only says that we must treat others in a way that we would want to be treated." ~ Rosa Parks "If we don't manage to implement the Golden Rule globally, so that we treat all peoples, wherever and whoever they may be, as though they were as important as ourselves, I doubt that we'll have a viable world to hand on to the next generation." ~ Karen Armstrong "The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seei...

"The past is never dead. It's not even past. All of us labor in webs spun long before we were born, webs of heredity and environment, of desire and consequence, of history and eternity. Haunted by wrong turns and roads not taken, we pursue images perceived as new but whose providence dates to the dim dramas of childhood, which are themselves but ripples of consequence echoing down the generations. The quotidian demands of life distract from this resonance of images and events, but some of us fe...

"In order to be effective truth must penetrate like an arrow - and that is likely to hurt." ~ Wei Wu Wei "The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." ~ George Orwell Currently reading "The Prince" "Effective truth," a concept from Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli's writings, especially in "The Prince," focuses on the results of actions rather than their adherence to absolute truth or morality. Machiavelli believed leaders should prioritize pra...

"The assertion that 'all men are created equal' was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain and it was placed in the Declaration not for that, but for future use." ~ Abraham Lincoln "I have always wanted to deal with everyone I meet candidly and honestly. If I have made any assertion not warranted by facts, and it is pointed out to me, I will withdraw it cheerfully." ~ Abraham Lincoln American politics will soon immerse everyone into the debate cycle with many asse...

"No love is greater than that of a father for His son." ~ Dan Brown "The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them." ~ Confucius "All children need their fathers, but boys especially need fathers to teach them how to be men." ~ Dwyane Wade A conversation with my 16-year-old boy, grade 11, on the way to his college basketball identification camp tryout. Dad: My young man. You know what you have to do today. What is your goal today? Parke...

"Your head is a living forest full of songbirds." ~ e. e. cummings "Instead of weeping when a tragedy occurs in a songbird's life, it sings away its grief. I believe we could well follow the pattern of our feathered friends." ~ William Shakespeare "My grandmother told me once that when you lose somebody you think you've lost the whole world as well, but that's not the way things turn out in the end. Eventually, you pick yourself up and look out the window, and once you do you see everything t...

The United Nations has numerous important initiatives aimed at promoting peace and justice worldwide. United Nations Peacekeeping Operations International Criminal Court (ICC) Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) United Nations Mediation Support Unit (MSU) United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) UN Women’s Peace and Security Agenda United Nations Alliance of Civilizati...

"Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." ~ Steve Jobs "To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man's injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man...

"I believe strongly in what John Keats called negative capability: the trait or practice that allows a poet to remain in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact & reason. For Keats, William Shakespeare exemplified negative capability, and I do think it's extraordinary that for all the thousands of pages Shakespeare left behind, we really don't know much about Shakespeare's own personality or opinions." ~ James Arthur "it struck me what quality went to fo...

"Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice." ~ Steve Jobs "Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance." ~ Plato Here are some strategies to overcome the fear of other people's opinions and achieve personal growth and fulfillment. Knowing your core values and what truly matters to you is a compass. When you understand your principles and strategies for attaining your goals, other people's opinions become less relevant to your journey. Develop Resilien...

Cutting corners on non-high-tech, non-computer-related physical products for an organization can have drawbacks and, in some cases, minimal benefits.  Cheaper products are often made with lower-quality materials or with less attention to detail. This could lead to the need for earlier replacements, negating any initial savings. Additionally, flimsy materials or poor construction could pose safety hazards, potentially leading to injuries or accidents.  It's important to remember that a cheaper ...

"People like to say that the conflict is between good and evil. The real conflict is between truth and lies." ~ Miguel Angel Ruiz "Every violation of truth is not only a sort of suicide in the liar, but is a stab at the health of human society." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." ~ Marcus Aurelius "The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the tru...

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." ~ Nelson Mandela "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. "This is why the a...

"A good essay must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it must be a curtain that shuts us in not out." ~ Virginia Woolf "In effect I am not a novelist, but rather a failed essayist who started to write novels because he didn't know how to write essays." ~ Jose Saramago "The essay is a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything" ~ Aldous Huxley "An essay is a work of literary art which has a minimum of one anecdote and one unive...

"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." ~ Peter Drucker "Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model." ~ Abdul Kalam "Be strong, but not rude; Be kind, but not weak; Be bold, but not bully; Be humble, but not timid; Be proud, but not arrogant." ~ Zig Ziglar Whenever I think about leaders, not managers, in medium—to large organizations and busi...

"Human beings are poor examiners, subject to superstition, bias, prejudice, and a PROFOUND tendency to see what they want to see rather than what is really there." ~ M. Scott Peck "We can at least try to understand our own motives, passions, and prejudices, so as to be conscious of what we are doing when we apeal to those of others. This is very difficult, because our own prejudice and emotional bias always seems to us so rational." ~ T. S. Eliot "If a person is capable of rectifying his erro...

"Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there." ~ John P. Kotter "Strategy is a commodity, execution is an art." ~ Peter Drucker "The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do." ~ Michael Porter We all try to attain short-term and long-term goals of all sorts.  Informally and formally, planning and making dec...

"As one of the first researchers to concentrate on the various psychological determinants of human athletic performance... I found that these determinants were integral to more than just sports." ~ Michael Bar-Eli I've just completed an enlightening book by Michael Bar-Eli, Boost!: How the Psychology of Sports Can Enhance Your Performance in Management and Work. Below are my brief insights on how sports psychology can be applied in business or organizational settings to enhance the workp...

"A brand is something that has a clear-cut identity among consumers, which a company creates by sending out a clear, consistent message over a period of years until it achieves a critical mass of marketing." ~ Phil Knight "Now we understand that the most important thing we do is market the product. We've come around to saying that Nike is a marketing-oriented company, and the product is our most important marketing tool." ~ Phil Knight Brands need to connect with people on an emotional level...

"All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it's impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer." ~ Niccolo Machiavelli "You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never gover...

"A beautiful question shifts the way we think about something and often sets in motion a process than can result in change. Entrepreneurs or at least the successful ones do a great job asking beautiful questions. They almost have no choice, their whole reason for being is to disrupt, innovate, solve a problem no one else is solving." ~ Warren Berger “The ability to ask beautiful questions, often in very unbeautiful moments, is one of the great disciplines of a human life. And a beautiful quest...

The parental protection instinct, a fundamental aspect of certain professions, is an innate impulse that ensures the safety and welfare of clients. This combination of factors is a driving force for specific professionals, compelling them to protect their clients from harm. Here are some traits that are part of a parent's protective instincts: Certain professionals develop a heightened sensitivity to potential hazards in their clients' surroundings. With increased vigilance on possible threat...

Replace any negative self-talk that you engage in with positive affirmations that accurately reflect your true abilities and strengths. Understand and celebrate your slight progressions. Take on new challenges and try to master new areas. Focus your energy on what you can influence and how you can improve. Don't dwell on the past! Be kind to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes; view them as learning opportunities. Spend mindfulness time visualizing yourself achieving your goals. Surround yo...

"Without encryption, you and I wouldn't be able to do our banking online. We wouldn't be able to buy things online, because your credit cards - they've probably been ripped off anyway, but they would be ripped off left and right every day if there wasn't encryption." ~ Tim Cook "It may be true that encryption makes certain investigations of crime more difficult. It can close down certain investigative techniques or make it harder to get access to certain kinds of electronic evidence. But it al...

When I reflect on my late teens and seven years of university, I knew that soon I would be doing meaningful work. A truly fulfilling career provides financial support and offers a sense of purpose and meaning. It should allow you to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work, knowing that you are positively impacting the world around you. Additionally, it should contribute to your overall well-being, providing a healthy work-life balance and a positive work environment. Ultimately,...

"I never justify, sustain, or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless unnecessary war." ~ Franklin Pierce "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity." ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower "It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. The War In Ukraine, While Devastating, Has Brought Only A Few Positive Outcomes The war, wh...

"The problems of this world are so gigantic that some are paralysed by their own uncertainty. Courage and wisdom are needed to reach out above this sense of helplessness. Desire for vengeance against deeds of hatred offers no solution. An eye for an eye makes the world blind. If we wish to choose the other path, we will have to search for ways to break the spiral of animosity. To fight evil one must also recognize one's own responsibility. The values for which we stand must be expressed in the ...

“Compassion without accountability gets you nowhere. Accountability without compassion gets you alienated.” ~Nate Regier “Compassionate leaders honor the complexity of human relationships, nurture authenticity and create common grounds for blooming great ideas of individuals.” ~Amit Ray “At the different stages of recognition, reflection, and redress, practicing compassion provides potentially world-saving opportunities which otherwise likely would not exist.” ~Aberjhani "Being held accounta...

“Remember, it isn't the dreamers who have good lives- it's the doers. Remember also what I call the three P's of success: passion, planning, and perseverance.” ~Homer Hickam “Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.” ~John Maxwell “Have a dream. Have a passion. Know that there's no such thing as an overnight success.” ~Christiane Amanpour “No one succeeds without effort… Those who succeed owe their success...

Modern Laissez-Faire Economics Is An Approach That Supports Free-Market Capitalism This philosophy believes that prices and production should be determined by supply and demand without the government interfering. It emphasizes minimal government involvement in the economy, which means few business controls, limited regulation, and little direct government intervention. Laissez-faire also values personal initiative and the freedom for individuals to start and manage businesses with minimal gover...

"Perhaps randomness is not merely an adequate description for complex causes that we cannot specify. Perhaps the world really works this way, and many events are uncaused in any conventional sense of the word. Perhaps our gut feeling that it cannot be so reflects only our hopes and prejudices, our desperate striving to make sense of a complex and confusing world, and not the ways of nature." ~ Stephen Jay Gould In Our Daily Lives, Small Changes Can Lead To Significant Consequences, Illustrati...

“Satisficing is one of the foundations of productive human behavior; it prevails when we don’t waste time on decisions that don’t matter, or more accurately, when we don’t waste time trying to find improvements that are not going to make a significant difference in our happiness or satisfaction.” ― Daniel J. Levitin, The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload A Decision-making Strategy Satisficing is a decision-making strategy proposed by Herbert Simon as a pa...

Think about programmed or AI drones that can recharge on power lines and seek out facial recognition individuals. Think of the possible consequences. AI assassination drones are here now. It is a different world now. ...

“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.” — Sundar Pichai My job/career journey has been one of fortune and resilience Born into poverty, I was raised by hard-working parents and grandparents working together to instill the value of perseverance and extreme resiliency in my siblings and I. Their collective efforts were always aimed at our betterment and a successful life. From those modest beginnings in subsidized housing, I dreamt of good ...

"The central idea in The Black Swan is that: rare events cannot be estimated from empirical observation since they are rare." ~ Nassim Nicholas Taleb & "In economic life and history more generally, just about everything of consequence comes from black swans; ordinary events have paltry effects in the long term." ~ Nassim Nicholas Taleb Nassim Nicholas Taleb introduced the concept of the Black Swan event, which describes unforeseen and rare events that have a significant impact and cat...

“Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better.” ― Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder Having worked as a coach, educator, and administrator, I have first-hand experience of the difficulties that students, parents, and staff can encounter. Therefore, I am always seeking ways to support and aid them. It is essential to me that everyone feels listened to and comprehended, and unders...

“The bad news is that the obsession with social media is almost certainly producing unhealthy side effects. Scientists have discovered that constant exposure to websites like Facebook and Twitter can alter the brain, affecting the ability to process emotions. It can also lead to restlessness, negative self-image, a decline in happiness, and in extreme cases, depression.” – Damon Zahariades. & “I feel social media can be very distracting, unhealthy, and harmful to one’s self-confidence. ...

Antifragility refers to systems that not only withstand stressors, shocks, and volatility but also thrive, improve and become more resilient because of them. Schools Schools can utilize hybrid online learning platforms like Google Classroom and MS Teams Assignments to maintain educational continuity during individual (student or teacher absences) or whole school disruptions. By treating schools as microcosms of society, students can be exposed to mini-challenges that prepare them for real-wor...

Your workforce is your most valuable asset. The knowledge and skills they have represent the fuel that drives the engine of business - and you can leverage that knowledge. Harvey Mackay Leverage can take various forms to achieve success, depending on goals, environment, and resources. Funds to Expand Financial leverage, when used effectively, can empower a company to hire new employees or open new branches, accelerating its progress and enabling it to achieve its goals with confidence and ...

One common economic fallacy is the belief that any economic activity, such as spending money to repair a broken window, automatically boosts the economy. This mindset fails to consider the hidden costs of repairs and that the money spent on repairs could have been used for potentially more productive investments. Here are three examples of how governments fall into the Broken Window Fallacy: Money Spent On Natural Disasters When a natural disaster occurs, there is usually a temporary increase...

I learned these qualities from my parents and grandparents because they faced a tremendous amount of challenges due to poverty, racism and discrimination because of their heritage, indigenous. Most importantly, I have taught these qualities to my two boys. To succeed at almost everything, overcoming challenges and achieving short-term and long-term goals is essential. Grit must have internal motivation; we need a strong passion for and commitment to a particular goal to achieve it despite obst...

Generational trauma refers to emotional and psychological wounds that are passed down from one generation to the next Generational Trauma Linked To War, Genocide, Colonization, Discrimination, Poverty I tend to see generational trauma in individuals who have undergone war, genocide, colonization, discrimination, poverty, or other forms of systemic oppression and violence. As a result, generational trauma impacts descendants, influencing their mental health, behaviour, relationships, and overal...

Flexibility, Accessibility, & Interactivity In Its Asynchronous Learning Coursera prioritizes flexibility, accessibility, and interactivity in its asynchronous learning structure, allowing learners to engage with course materials at their own pace and according to their preferences. Asynchronous Lectures, Assignments, Quizzes, Exams, & Interactions High schools can adopt a similar, easy-to-use structure, following a structured curriculum that includes asynchronous lectures, assignment...

“Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince I think in small structured steps or frameworks when problem-solving.  The 1-3-1 framework is one of my favourite strategies for problem-solving and decision-making.  It's a si...

"So. Monday. We meet again. We will never be friends — but maybe we can move past our mutual enmity toward a more-positive partnership" – Julio Alexi Genao Mondays can feel tough after work After a relaxing or a busy weekend, it can be challenging to get back into the groove of work. Productive time management and planning the pile of tasks waiting after the weekend, making it feel overwhelming. We transition from a more relaxed weekend mindset to a more structured work routine. At times ...

Grit, Positive Attitude & Marginal Gains Grit and a positive attitude are crucial factors in achieving excellence in basketball. Grit means overcoming limitations and setbacks, persisting despite adversity, and constantly striving to improve by 1% each day through collecting marginal gains. It means refusing to give up and gathering extra effort when feeling drained. Double-loop Learning Double-loop learning is a crucial principle that goes hand in hand with grit. It focuses on reflecting...

Lack of Stable & Affordable Housing The lack of stable and affordable housing in urban centres of Canada can lead to several related issues that contribute to substance abuse. Economic stress resulting from housing instability can make individuals more susceptible to turning to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Hopelessness & Despair Moreover, the inability to afford housing can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, further worsening substance abuse problems. Homelessne...

When a volunteer high school basketball coach plays politics... The coach has his negative biases, discriminations, and personal agendas. Such coaches showcasing favouritism over factors like merit, skill development, and fair competition breed whole team negativity and lack of trust in the coaches and in the basketball program. The best and most skilled players feel: sidelined undervalued unfairly treated Negatively affect morale Reduce or destroy motivation When a player is an elite har...

Teams Achieve Better Outcomes Teams are a big deal in organizations for many reasons. They bring us together with different skills, knowledge, and expertise, which makes problem-solving and decision-making much more effective. When we support each other's strengths and compensate for weaknesses, we can achieve better outcomes than doing it alone. More Productive Plus, teams are more productive because they assign us tasks based on our strengths. This way, the work is completed faster and wit...

Educators' Resistance A number of significant challenges need to be addressed in research and development within the field of education. Allocating funds for studies, equipment, and personnel often diverts resources from other crucial educational areas, posing a financial challenge. However, advancements in teaching and learning hold immense potential to accelerate the adoption of innovative practices despite educators' resistance to embracing new methodologies or technologies developed throu...

Thucydides's trap is a geopolitical theory based on an inevitable conflict due to competition and power dominance. Who? Which countries? USA & alliances/allies China & alliances/allies Why would this occur? Power Shifts Competition for Resources Security Dilemma such as arms race Nationalism and Identity historical grievances Ideological Differences liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes influence/values Historical Precedents maybe a self-fulfilling prophecy Where would t...

I was reflecting on some of Peter Drucker's books. It is crucial to recognize and understand organizational politics within structures. Organizations and businesses are made up of individuals with objectives and spheres of influence. Your success largely relies on identifying and engaging with key decision-makers, understanding their goals, and finding ways to align them with yours. Effectively impacting organizational settings is a skill that can be learned. It involves strategies such as act...

Such an outstanding read. 12 really well-thought-out points or rules in life that we all live through. These 12 rules are: Be confident in yourself. Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping. Make friends with people who want the best for you. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to someone else. Take ownership in parenting your children; invest in them. Be honest and self-critical before you criticize the world. Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient...

Over the next 365 days, I've dedicated 20 minutes daily to riding the Airdyne bike, often called "The Misery Bike" by some.  High-intensity Interval Trainer What sets this machine apart is its fluid motion and steady, fan-based resistance, making it a low-impact cardio workout. As a total body machine, Airdyne bikes are challenging, intense, and painful, and they build willpower. Rather than viewing it solely as a cardio machine, I perceive Airdyne bikes more as high-intensity interval train...

I just read an outstanding article from The Walrus Magazine, "Are Workplaces Inherently Toxic? Bullying. Harassment. Horrible bosses. How dream jobs turn into nightmares," by Samia Madwar. Here are some critical takes: Harmful Mental & Physical Well-being Toxic workplaces can be incredibly harmful environments where employees face high levels of stress, negativity, and dysfunction, affecting their mental and physical well-being. Poor Communication This toxicity often stems from poor ...

Over the years in a dedicated sport, the hours add up if a student-athlete continues within the chosen sport: 20-50 hours of training/practicing/game play = ages 7-11 100s of hours of training/practicing/game play = ages 11-14 1000-10,000 hours of training/practicing/game play by ages 14-19 As research shows from the work of psychologist Anders Ericsson and author Malcolm Gladwell, high school student-athlete development of basketball skills, such student-athletes can become elite in their s...

10,000 hours to master mid-range shooting in basketball, a goal that could potentially bring great rewards, requires a significant investment of time. This is where Malcolm Gladwell's concept, popularized in his book 'Outliers,' comes into play. It suggests that deliberate training, when applied consistently over a long period, can lead to mastery in any field, including basketball. Reinforce Muscle Memory I structure extensive daily training for my boy, Parker, which requires setting clear go...

This book is a wonderful, insightful read. It made me think about how the education sector, especially high school and college/university, will need to innovate or face many disruptive innovators' dilemmas. Educational Disruptive Innovation High schools and colleges have the potential to revolutionize education through disruptive innovation. By focusing on simplicity, affordability, and accessibility, these institutions can make education more inclusive and reach the underserved or marginal...

Thinking back on many years living in government housing in Abbotsfield, I realize these were tough socioeconomic times. We lived an impoverished existence, just trying to eat and survive. "Living a dream" has the opposite meaning of "Living THE Dream." For some individuals, saying they are "Living THE Dream" typically implies experiencing an unfulfilling or unexciting lifestyle, often involving doing something uninspiring. These individuals are not satisfied or optimistic. Teaching and coac...

In Canada, more than 30% of the healthcare system is privatized, with provincial and federal governments gradually allowing American healthcare companies to enter the market. However, despite having a universal healthcare system, Canada faces significant challenges. According to a study comparing 30 countries with universal healthcare, Canada ranked poorly in several key areas. It ranked 28th for the number of doctors, 23rd for somatic care beds, and 23rd for psychiatric beds. Additionally, in...

To ensure that ideas stick, they need to possess two essential qualities that resonate with people, prompting them to eagerly share these concepts with others. Simplifying complex concepts into a simple statement makes ideas more attainable and coherent. Appealing to Our Natural Curiosity Journalist authors, such as Malcolm Gladwell, craft captivating book titles to provide the idea that receives the attention it deserves. When presenting sticky ideas unexpectedly, they capture our attention...

Now, Signal Messenger is considered the gold standard for private, secure, and encrypted messaging. In today's world, journalists are at risk of being killed for exposing the truth and challenging certain governments. Therefore, it is crucial for them to use the best encryption messaging systems to share their findings with the public. In 2023, approximately 45 journalists were killed for these reasons. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international non-profit organization, recommends that ...

There's a simple reason why people have been asking for encryption on their mobile and computer devices for the past 15 years. The public wants privacy from governments, companies, and organizations. I have yet to meet one person who does not mind any of those three organizations prying into a person's personal or social life via their mobile device or computer device. In the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, people were shocked to find out that specific government organizations and police services wer...

In general, a debate occurs when people discuss different ideas and try to convince others that their ideas are right. It usually happens between two or more groups that disagree on topics/issues. Each group gives reasons why it's correct and responds to the other side's points. A Form of Civic Participation Debates serve as a form of civic participation in a modern liberal democracy by encouraging critical thinking, exchanging diverse ideas, and building informed decision-making. Debates advo...

Some ideas of creativity that I got from Seth Godin's books:  The Practice - Shipping Creative Work The Dip - A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit and When to Stick The change you seek to make, are you to make a contribution, or are you here to take something? Are you here to do what you are told, or are you here to question how to make things different for the better? Are we going to wake up in the morning and think about how we are going to make a higher net profit on the stoc...

Economists call technological unemployment—joblessness caused by automation, robotics, and generative artificial intelligence, which are becoming more prevalent, cheaper, and efficient in all industries. Employees in all industries will face the following: Rate of adoption Nature of the tasks being automated Ability of workers to adapt Employee re-education and re-skilling The legal profession is leveraging AI, which will provide insights and ideas on how to use AI in all industries. Her...

Men's college D1 basketball UConn Huskies (32-3) remain the favourites to win the NCAA March Madness National Championship. One team I hope will upset UConn in the final is my cousin's alma mater—the powerhouse Indiana team, the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has a top-ranked senior center, Zach Edey (7.4ft. Canadian), who is #1 in points and #3 in rebounds and is a definite first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Purdue also has an outstanding sophomore point guard, Braden Smith. In hi...

Thrilling movies often captivate viewers with plots involving unethical use of social engineering by law enforcement. Real-world Issues Surrounding Justice We find ourselves on the edge of our seats, hoping for the protagonist to outsmart the "bad guy," who happens to wear a badge. These narratives show the dark side of policing, where individuals abuse their power to manipulate evidence, target specific individuals, and bypass legal safeguards. While these scenarios make for gripping entert...

Ternary societies, specifically European clergy, nobility, and commoners, spread the groundwork for contemporary capitalist societies and the current inequalities. Wealth Divide While these structures have developed, discrepancies continue in today's capitalist societies. Capital remains heavily concentrated, with a small fraction of the population controlling excessive resources, creating a wealth divide seen in historical nobility. Inherited Privilege Likewise, inherited privilege conti...

You're surfing the internet and checking your emails, and suddenly, you receive a message claiming to be from your bank, requesting your login details to 'verify your account.' You might think it's legitimate, but be smart! Scammers like to fake a trusted company. This is an example of phishing, where they trick you into giving up personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Another fake tactic is pretexting. Scammers pose as friendly tech support agents or bank represent...

Sometimes, discussing with individuals with a different perspective than ours can feel like hitting a brick wall. However, if we work towards achieving a common goal, we can have productive conversations even in the most challenging circumstances. Instead of competing against each other, let's find common ground and collaborate. We can achieve success when we focus on the things we share or the goals we both care about. Those conversations that initially seemed impossible can be transformed i...

No one wants to be the target of some gossip. Talking behind someone's back... negative undermines reputations causes harm erodes trust damages relationships spreads rumors spread false information without the person's knowledge or consent deceitful behaviour treacherous behaviour betrayal undermining confidence secretive unexpected manner sabotaging efforts manipulation gaslighting passive aggressive behavior undermines self-esteem creates a toxic hostile environment exploiting vulnerabilit...

Imagine a classroom where teachers and students flourish like canola in a well-tended Alberta prairie field, each yielding a plentiful harvest of knowledge and growth rooted in strength and resiliency.  Sustainable teaching focuses on long-term effectiveness and success. Teachers thrive. Students grow.  It's about creating a balance that prevents teacher and student burnout. Cultivates interdisciplinary learning. Building an understanding and knowledge of real-world problems with diverse ...

As noted in the previous blog post, informal economies can help a certain number of people within a developing nation or an economy in transition. However, a large informal economy can hamper and disrupt government policies and regulations. In fact, all four industries within an advanced economy—primary (extraction and agriculture), Secondary (manufacturing and construction), Tertiary (services like healthcare and education), and quaternary (knowledge and information sectors)—can be destabili...

Numerous benefits exist in the informal economy... A shadow economy assists individuals who are unemployed in the formal job market, offering employment opportunities to marginalized or less-skilled workers who might otherwise struggle to find formal jobs. Many of these "under the table" jobs are flexible, helping individuals with busy family or college life schedules and accommodating working hours and arrangements. A subsistence economy encourages entrepreneurship by simplifying the proce...

Blockchain technology has tremendous potential to transform humanitarian aid efforts by revolutionizing healthcare access and data management, supporting educational initiatives for displaced populations, empowering individuals through microfinance, and protecting human rights. Improve Education & Healthcare Access For instance, some NGOs use blockchain to improve healthcare access in refugee camps by securely managing medical records and coordinating medical attention. Educational organi...

A revolutionary ledger system... A fancy record-keeping system... These records are copied throughout the nodes/computers throughout the world. These records are highly encrypted, with only the two parties having the keys. After the information or record is recorded, it cannot be changed. Therefore, there is a trust component, plus transparency and accountability. Blockchains can be decentralized - peer-to-peer networks. Blockchain smart contracts - no middleman/middle person Here are ju...

Why are youth and young adults using dog/bear spray on other people? I noticed that many young people use dog or bear spray on others. This is primarily due to acts of aggression toward an individual or a group. The reasons behind such behaviour vary from peer pressure, thrill-seeking, or malicious intent. Some people might consider it a prank, while others do it to assert their dominance in confrontational situations. However, this kind of behaviour is viewed as an act of intimidation, harassm...

Such a fantastic opportunity for hardworking people in the trades professions...  Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic - Trades to Degrees Pathway offers a custom education to trade professionals. This program allows trades professionals to enter the third year of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program with a Management Concentration. The pathway allows trade professionals to use their expertise and work experience in the following careers: Operations Manager Proj...

Just some ideas that come to mind... A school-based leader with a vision, servant leadership style, and a positive, resilient growth mindset is positive in the face of change. They see every challenge as a chance to grow and innovate.  They're always learning and finding positive, creative solutions to any roadblocks. To create an atmosphere that's all about support and teamwork. They create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to work together and talk openly. Encour...

Malcolm Gladwell's concept of 10,000 hours is often associated with mastery of a particular skill or field. Dedicated Practice, Repetition, Proper Form Over five years of dedicated practice, repetition, proper form, and efficiency make completing a specific skill easy. Your hand-eye neurological coordination becomes more accessible and quicker. Eventually, an individual masters a particular skill, completes a task or creates a product or a service. 20,000 Hours or Over 12 Years Becoming a m...

Entrepreneurship is like starting an exciting journey where you find, create, and run your own business. Apprenticeship is like a hands-on education adventure where you learn by doing and follow a structured program to master specific skills in a particular career or industry. Entrepreneurs sometimes have new ideas and take a financial risk to explore opportunities in a specific niche market. An apprentice, your mentor, a master or journeyman within the skilled career, guides you through rea...

Understanding the bigger picture is crucial because it helps us to become more empathetic and caring towards others. It's about looking beyond our perspectives and considering what matters to those around us. Real success requires leaving behind daydreams and embracing realistic thinking. This means setting attainable goals and making plans to reach them, which is needed for personal success and leadership with a positive growth mindset. Creativity is an essential quality in any profession. It...

Utility theory is an economic concept that helps us to know how people make decisions based on their preferences and desires. Think of it as a Swiss army knife for determining what brings individuals satisfaction or happiness in their choices. In simple terms, it's the idea that when we decide between different options—choosing what course to take, what college to choose, or which career path to take, we're trying to maximize our overall well-being. Rationally, we weigh the pros and cons of eac...

Being empathetic at work is super important because it helps everyone do better. When a manager is understanding and caring, it makes a big difference to the team's success. Good, empathetic managers usually make intelligent choices, give helpful advice, and connect well with their team. Work Closely With Colleagues Learning empathy is like stepping into your team's shoes every day. By working closely with them, I see firsthand what they deal with, like challenges communicating between departm...

Negativity is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour, developed initially as a survival mechanism. Nevertheless, the fast changes in contemporary society have intensified the experience of negative emotions. Negative People & Media Engaging with others who are negative can magnify negative feelings, as social settings often transform into stress-inducing environments. Additionally, traditional media, such as news sources and social media platforms, contribute to this negativity by placing...

The specific outcomes from Alberta's grade 12 Aboriginal Studies 30 Program of Studies curriculum cover 10 significant themes. Oral Tradition and History Transmission Treaties and Agreements Land Rights and Ownership Self-Government and Constitutional Recognition Land Claims and Treaties Métis Rights and Settlements Urbanization and Migration Cultural Governance and Leadership Media Representation and Stereotypes International Indigenous Issues These themes reflect how diverse and complex th...

A client told me she was looking for a career that involved computer work. I asked her if she could be more specific, and she mentioned that she's not technically skilled to a high degree, meaning that she is not a computer programmer, but she can basically do almost anything else except programming. I shook my head in disbelief and told her that narrows the career choices to hundreds if not thousands of possibilities. People need to understand that computers are so pervasive in society and...

A somewhat common idiom or colloquial phrase of cannot be changed. Even though this idiom was used in a few Seinfeld episodes, this English phrase dates all the way back to 1949 in a Nebraska journal. However, the same term was used in another language and culture in 13th century Persia, the Islamic scholar and theologian Rumi titled one of his books this phrase. In today's business situations, we use this term in various ways. Our budget is limited; it is what it is. Let's work within thes...

Canada is home to approximately 9% of the world's forest, mainly boreal. However, Canada has the most significant terrestrial carbon in the world, deep within the soil of these boreal forests. 8,000 Forest Fires Yearly One of the most common issues Canadians face is forest wildfires. Canada usually has approximately 8,000 forest fires yearly that ravage millions of hectares. Zombie Forest Fires Very few people know that overwintering wildfires continue to rage on, usually underneath the sno...

There are several professions in which individuals require frequent high stake decision-making involving timelines, complex projects, investing decisions, financial risks, problem-solving critical design flaws, product launches, marketing strategies, diagnosing complex cases and treatment plans, data interpretation to create new technologies, strategizing legal cases, and campaign strategies. Stressful Professions marketing and advertising managers lawyers and paralegals research and developm...

As war wages on in Ukraine and most of the NATO countries are becoming war fatigued, many of the munition factories in North Korea are humming along 24 hours, 7 days a week, producing millions of artillery shells for Russia.  10,000 Containers Since September 2023, North Korea has shipped approximately 10,000 containers of 122mm and 152mm artillery shells. In turn, Russia has shipped approximately 9000 containers filled with food, medical supplies, and a diversity of technology supplies to Nor...

My son just got back from his all-inclusive resort holiday in Cuba. They went to a brand-new 4 or 5 star resort. Unfortunately, they experienced children begging for food and resort workers warming up canned beans and canned chicken at the all-you-can-eat-drink resort. For 2 weeks, they had to leave the resort to seek food and toiletries. No businesses wanted Cuban pesos; they only wanted US dollars. A meal for two - a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, a skinny grilled bread with cheese but not ...

Synergy is the harmonious integration of diverse strengths within a group, generates collective creativity and productivity, establishes a culture of respect, and encourages collaboration and innovation.  Silo Mentality Several factors can undermine and destroy synergy within a group, team, organization's branch, or company. Here are some silo actions that negatively impact synergy: Team members doubt each other's intentions, capabilities and ideas; needs to be more trust erodes open communi...

My 16-year-old boy - Parker, started playing basketball when he was 8. He started playing with his older brother, who is 5 years older than him. His older brother eventually played college ball. My two boys are highly competitive, more competitive than their mother or father. Parker has always wanted to become the best basketball player in this family, and he has a dream/goal of playing college ball, too. Parker understands that he needs to grow mentally and physically as a student-athlete. He ...

Transparency and accountability refer to the openness and accessibility of organizational information. These two terms also go hand in hand with the responsibility for actions within a company or organization that promote trust and integrity when it comes to policies within companies and businesses and leadership within an organization. Be aware of individuals in an organization or business that have some managerial power and use the following pitfalls against their co-workers: Over the years,...

I'm still quite surprised that a computer chip company, mainly a graphic computer chip company, is now using their chips for AI; Nvidia stock has skyrocketed into the trillions of dollars, and actually, their stock is just as high or maybe even worth more than the Canadian economy! Now, Apple and Google are positioning themselves to make their own AI chips. My question is, do we have enough raw materials - silicon, tantalum, palladium, copper, boron, cobalt, and tungsten, mainly from Africa a...

So what is a "Gig Economy?"  It is a labour market of short-term, flexible jobs, often promoted or posted by companies, employment websites, or cell phone apps. Flexibility & Cost-effectiveness These skilled individuals typically work as freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, or part-time workers, taking on projects rather than traditional, long-term employment. For businesses, gig work creates labour market flexibility and cost-effectiveness, as companies can use a flexible w...

Open Studies is a flexible and less structured way to start post-secondary education. Students can choose courses from various disciplines without selecting a diploma or degree program.  It provides students with the opportunity to explore different subjects. Students can gain writing or mathematical skills at the post-secondary level. Adults can gain specific educational qualifications in Open Studies that they did not acquire in high school. Open Studies allow for a more interdisciplinary an...

We live in an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, shaping businesses and contributing an estimated $14 trillion to the global economy over the next decade.  Ai Can Handle Massive Data While AI excels in management, handling data and automating routine tasks, it fails in leadership qualities that involve charisma, vision, and the ability to inspire people. In the financial sector, AI excels in tasks like stock market analysis, background checks, and number crunching within databases and sp...

There are a tremendous amount of complexities children experience, and these experiences have a profound impact on future success.  Overcoming Trauma Traumatic events during childhood, noted by elevated ACE scores (tally of different types of abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences), align with behavioural and health challenges that continue into adulthood. As we all know, trauma can negatively affect a generation; however, the importance of a nurturing and attentive parenting ...

Pursuing a longer, healthier life all starts with embracing exercise as a lifestyle — cardio, weightlifting/strength training, or preferably a mix of both. Dr. Peter Attia's research indicates the importance of fitness, showing that fit individuals have the lowest mortality rates, even outdoing smoking-related risks. Surprisingly, Attia explains that strength training isn't just for the young; it is crucial for bone cell regeneration for individuals over 50 years of age! Moreover, strength train...

The 3:1 positivity ratio, researched by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, maintains that there needs to be a balance of three positive experiences for every negative one for you to enhance your well-being, to be happier, and have a high chance of experiencing success in life. Build On Resilience Research indicates positive outcomes due to psychological benefits, shaping a positive life attitude because there are more positive experiences in a person's life compared to only 1/3 or less negativ...

Creativity isn't just for a select few. Creativity Is Nurtured Creativity is a skill anyone can develop. Despite the myth that creativity is inherited, it's more about nurturing our creative spirit. We can spark creative ideas by combining seemingly unrelated ideas and reframing problems. The creative process often involves persistent questioning and numerous attempts and failures. A case in point: Edison and thousands of writers attempted and failed hundreds of times until they successfully a...

Resilience encompasses a variety of strengths, such as determination, confidence, and compassion, which empower individuals to cross over to difficult times, manage stress, and pursue opportunities with conviction. Foundation of Mental Well-being Resiliency is the foundation of mental well-being, fostering happiness and inner peace by preparing us to withstand adversity and recover from setbacks effectively. Developing resilience involves using our minds, reshaping thought patterns, and foste...

Adaptability is essential for life's unpredictable twists and turns. It's about being open to change and adjusting when things don't go as planned, sometimes with great disappointment. Life is a journey of surprises, and adaptability is our life hack for future success. Live through unexpected challenges with a positive mindset. Adaptability is not coping. Adaptability is about thriving in the face of extreme challenges. When we encounter new experiences, staying open-minded and living th...

I'm reading a few books on supply chain management and logistics related to Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx. Highly Technical & Logistical These companies are the largest online shopping network in the Western world, coordinating a fantastic, highly advanced technical and logistical delivery of products from global production facilities to our doorsteps. These companies are by far the most advanced in coordinating and managing their supply chain with multiple second, third, and fourth nodes; ju...

I am a strong proponent of free access to computer technology for families, students, and individuals in need due to their socioeconomic status or economic situation of need. For over 15 years, I have sought out and delivered refurbished computers with Linux operating systems for families and individuals. This is the non-profit organization that I have always gone to to support such communities in need. Alberta Computers for Schools (ACFS) A non-profit collaborative model involving the Alber...

Now, when it comes to figuring out anxiety, the criteria for diagnosing it seem to be constantly changing. It's kind of like a moving target. And get this, a little bit of conflict within a team? Surprisingly, it's actually needed for the team to do well and be super productive. Guess what's in charge when it comes to anxiety? Our survival brains take the wheel! But don't worry, that's totally normal. Leaders should have courageous talks about discrimination and bias, even if it makes them anx...

macOS visually boasts clean lines, smooth animations, and impressive clean icons and graphics designed for visual appeal (eye candy) and recognition, creating an emotional connection for users. Intuitive navigation with a centred dock of apps and consistent interface creates ease of usability, while optimized fast performance reinforces stability. Reflectively, macOS Apple's brand identity has a strong loyalty due to user satisfaction with ease of use and integration. Customizable features like ...

Success is more than just reaching those lofty goals; it's about enjoying the journey and celebrating the small victories. Manageable Steps Take a moment to break down your goals into manageable steps, creating a daily routine that fuels your motivation and allows you to enjoy rewards regularly. Remember, success is a dynamic process. As you shape your goals, consider multiple ambitions/goals, becoming a serial achiever. Having a mentor professional in your field will provide valuable insight...

Success depends on discipline. Conscious Choices & Deliberate Thinking There's usually a series of conscious choices and deliberate thinking through distractions that could derail progress. To become an outlier, a person has to have an extraordinary degree of discipline. Picture an elite athlete, a high school basketball player wanting to play at the college level. 10,000-Hour Rule Most coaches understand the 10,000-hour rule, meticulous routines, setting short-term and long-term goals,...

The Edmonton Urban Light Rail Transit system combines above-ground and below-ground sections to efficiently serve the city's diverse urban population. The above-ground segments are economically viable for less densely populated areas, providing a cost-effective solution. At the same time, below-ground tunnels enhance connectivity in congested regions, creating a transportation network for families and students. The Southeast leg of Edmonton's Valley Line LRT, spanning 13 kilometres with 12 sto...

Free and open-source software (FOSS) benefits your daily business and personal workflow. Here are some personal choices for my own daily workflow. Zorin OS, a user-friendly Linux distribution with a Mac-like design, creates a smooth and intuitive workflow experience. Mozilla Firefox has blazing speed, outstanding privacy, and an excellent community ecosystem of add-ons. Standard Notes is the most secure and private note-taking app on the planet. It has powerful end-to-end encryption, and SN g...

Almost every major city in North America, Europe, and Asian countries have these mass asphalt three to eight lane highways. Surprisingly, the first ring road was completed in 1937 under the dictatorship of Hitler's Nazi, Germany around the capital of Berlin. The concept makes sense, high density high population urban metropolises and thousands of people needing to get to work on the other side or different areas of the urban city reduce travel time and less consumption of fuel. Next time you...

Improving reading comprehension is a gradual process, and these strategies require regular daily reading and practice of techniques to significantly enhance your ability to comprehend and retain information while reading. As Malcolm Gladwell mentioned, any improvement in an area physically or cognitively requires 1000s of hours, translating into years. To improve and become an outlier of reading comprehension, one must read a diversity of short and long pieces of narratives and genres to build v...

Just some ideas on an Education 2.0: Transforming Learning for a Globalized World Education Creates Societal Progress & Individual Empowerment A society's education system symbolizes societal progress and individual empowerment, leading to career development, economic progress, and higher quality of life. Traditional educational models of the 20th century are slowly transforming to meet the demands of a fast-paced, interconnected, globalized world. Education 2.0 represents a paradigm shift...

The lightning speed of information technology has significantly reshaped the economic landscape, particularly with the advances in AI.  AI - Artificial Intelligence & Obsolete Professions AI will profoundly transform financial data analysis, national budgeting, and tax reform planning. My question is, how many millions of job losses will automation cause due to AI? I agree that AI can enhance efficiency, but at the same time, AI may make entire professions obsolete, leading to long-term jo...

When seeking to impress others with words, the advice is clear: by saying less, individuals will have less to negatively attack you on points; on the other hand, if you have verbal diarrhea, your words diminish your impact, respect, and power. Say Less The idea is rooted in wordiness, which relinquishes you less in control. In contrast, concise, calm, quiet, and precise communication lends an air of mystery and power. Author Robert Greene's concept of fewer words is more power extends to one'...

University Grad Studies - 1 or 2 years... It took me 3 years... I was the guy that lived in university and public libraries with my two boys reading and running around causing slight minor issues with the librarians. I am so sorry. At the same time I was... Reading every free minute, everyday Writing notes every free minute Building links to academic articles, textbook notes, and book notes In the back of my mind via my mother and her culturally mixed family, knowing that no one can take our...

Rumours Erodes Trust Unfortunately, workplace gossip, the informal sharing of information or rumours, is part of professional settings, influencing organizational dynamics, culture, and efficiency. As leaders, when we recognize gossip, it is essential to squash it quickly, as it directly impacts employee morale, teamwork, and overall workplace culture. Gossip can create a hostile atmosphere, fostering distrust and anxiety among team members and hindering the establishment of a positive and coll...

Jealousy and envy lead to discrediting specific individuals and others. When combined with subtle "invisibility" that people see, sense, and despise silent racism and discrimination, these behaviours can bolster harmful stereotypes and unequal treatment with others. The critical message exposes such negativity, promotes awareness and empathy, and actively challenges biased beliefs, attitudes, and negative actions directed to targeted individuals. Perpetuating a positive diversity perspective...

To live an extraordinary life, one must go beyond their societal norms. Growth Mindset An individual questioning rules that are absurd and contrary to good sense often limits our potential. Consciousness management involves updating our minds by rewriting our normative ideas of reality and aligning our perspectives with growth and positivity. One way to update or "reboot" our mind is to discover by reading books, communicating and building positive relationships with people, and exploring the...

My take on Robert Greene's Smoke Screens from 48 Laws of Power The concept of a smoke screen is presented as a strategy for deception in various business situations. Distraction The smoke screen idea is to keep specific individuals in the dark about your true intentions by creating confusion, using distraction tactics, and maintaining a bland or unreadable exterior. The advice includes never revealing the purpose behind your actions, guiding others down the wrong path, and throwing them off t...

Motivating individuals to achieve high performance lies not in inherent traits or elite genes but in specific habits practiced over hundreds and thousands of hours by high achievers. These habits include maintaining physical fitness, practicing difficult tasks to mastery which increase confidence, and regularly questioning personal goals and life purpose. Motivated high achievers seek clarity, focusing on self-improvement, intentional social interactions, skill development, and service to othe...

Here are my takes from today's afternoon AP meeting... Just being with colleagues in a non-threatening relaxed setting. Breaking bread with colleagues. Feeling the modesty of all the different extremely hard-working personalities. Positivity and optimism enhancing well-being. A positive outlook on life fostering resiliency. Positive motivational words improving mental & spiritual health, Fr. Julian Encouraging strong interpersonal relationships to strengthen stress management. Everyo...

Robert Greene warns the reader not to place all trust entirely in friends, suggesting some may betray due to envy.  Leverage Your Adversaries It is interesting that the author advocates hiring former enemies, who may be more loyal and driven to prove themselves. On the other hand, the potential danger of friends emphasizes that the act of hiring them can unbalance relationships, leading to hidden resentments and ingratitude. Due to friends' ingratitude, they always expect less from friends to ...

Author Robert Greene is one of my top reads.... Here is my take on his #1 Law of Power from, 48 Laws of Power Be modest and try to avoid any display of your talents and abilities in the presence of a manager or supervisor; your skill sets may cause resentment, envy, and insecurity among your supervisor. Be subtle, supportive, and aware of power dynamics with some leaders that show envy. Outshining or showcasing your talents or elite skill sets, hoping to impress the supervisor or manager, may,...

In the year of 2024 10,000 children under the age of 18 die every day from malnutrition. 15,000 adults 18 years of age and older die of malnutrition every day. Over 800 million people live in absolute poverty. Approximately 32 armed conflicts are happening presently. Many of these countries geographically are situated in a POVERTY TRAP. Poverty Trap Many of these countries are geographically landlocked, with high birth rates and a lack of high-quality education for the whole population. In ...

Positive Mindset Optimistic managers and workplace leaders truly stand out through their warmth, compassion, and the cultivation of close relationships with their teams. Their leadership style involves a genuine commitment to reduce employees' suffering, coupled with a display of humility and an aspiration to make a positive impact on the world. Embracing a mindset that transcends black-and-white thinking, these leaders champion flexibility and a collaborative approach, ensuring that tasks ar...

Mac | Apple Minimalist Simplicity Since the 1980s, Apple has always stayed true to keeping its limited minimalism premium products. Most Apple customers are always satisfied with their products because of the branding and the limited but highly premium quality of the products that push other tech competitors to follow suit. Small Teams and Prompt Feedback Apple has a company cultural history of highly productive, small, innovative teams. Apple is almost the opposite of the Microsoft or IBM or...

Compassion and Empathy Compassion and the importance of having compassion and looking at a life of happiness can link very well to empathy and more compassion. An abundance of kindness and compassion creates a happy life in most societies. Close Lasting Relationships Close solid relationships with not only family members and extended family, but childhood friends, high school, college and work place friendships bolsters a happier life. Religious Beliefs - Spirituality From a very young age...

Character skills are ever-changing from elementary age into adulthood. Adam Grant, the author of Hidden Potential, has some excellent case studies providing evidence that if a child is taught or coached to develop strong character skills, that young person will internalize self-discipline and be a proactive imperfectionist. These individuals encounter multiple failures throughout life. However, they never give up. They keep trying to improve themselves in specific skills or areas of work. In o...

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I'm reading a very interesting book by Cal Newport called Deep Work.  Here is my take on the author's suggestions for strategies to improve deep-focused work. Intentional and Desired Intention is a must for any of these strategies to be effective.  Monastic The monastic strategy of secluding oneself and eliminating distractions from technology and individuals. Just focusing on the work assignment or project at hand. Human beings need help in multitasking if deep, concentrated work is ne...

Some school-based leaders will advocate for all their teachers and instructors to teach and instruct state or provincial-based diploma testing and for the best test percentage results to make the school look good. Are the students taught and focused on strategies to improve their understanding and fluency of literature, reading, and writing? Thankfully, very few, an extreme minority of school-based leaders are concerned about the multiple-choice reading comprehension tests as the determina...

Multipliers are leaders who improve the insight and accomplishments of their colleagues. These leaders are talent magnets who look for talent beyond traditional boundaries, identify instinctive skills, and remove obstacles to improve colleagues' success. Multipliers are Liberators that give coworkers room to work, encourage risk-taking, and support a culture of learning from mistakes. Challengers inspire a positive, optimistic belief in achieving goals, point coworkers in a specific direction fo...

In Robert Greene's book, The Laws of Human Nature, where envy is a significant theme with 239 mentions, the author suggests that while it's nearly impossible to eliminate the urge to compare ourselves with others—a trait inherent in our social nature—our natural instincts can be channelled into five essential strategies. These strategies aim to reduce feelings of envy, ultimately benefiting everyone around us. 1. To Reduce Envy, Get Closer to What You Want The feeling of envy can thrive and gr...

In a 28-year career in education as a teacher and assistant principal, I've consistently observed 4 common behaviours among ineffective leaders. Egocentric - Narcissistic These leaders often show a predominant self-admiration, driven either by ego and anxiety, constantly preoccupied with how they are perceived by their superiors and team members, always trying to appear strong and invincible, having a strong desire for attention and an underlying imposter syndrome, often leads them to prioriti...

Majority Of Successful High School Administrators Have These Characteristics High School administrators are goal-oriented, highly energetic and resilient when facing setbacks, showcasing courage and compassion, and their problem-solving abilities are highly adaptable. These individuals usually have excellent time management skills, and their communication is consistent with students, parents, and staff.  Successful High School Administrators Encourage And Foster A Positive Growth Mindset Of Co...

Teenage social aggression involves verbal aggression and behaviours that damage someone else's social standing and sense of belonging. Relational aggression can be direct or indirect, subtle or blatant.  This type of social aggression can involve the spreading of rumours online through social media or through word of mouth within a school, community, organization or business, the target of relational aggression is usually embarrassed or humiliated publicly through gossiping or backstabbing. Su...

It is attainable and possible for all developing and developed socioeconomic nations to build or have a strong foundation of external assets for teenagers to have a successful life.  EXTERNAL ASSETS AS A FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESSFUL ADULTS All teenagers experience external assets. The more external assets they have, the greater their success rate as future adults, the fewer at-risk behaviours they will have, and the more resilient they will become. These external assets are possible in alm...

This employee motivation theory is so standard in most organizations, including schools, that educators don't recognize this social psychology comparison theory. Employee Perception of Their Contributions and Value In this social comparison theory, people compare their inputs and outputs in their workplace with comparison to other co-workers. In many instances, employees will overestimate the imbalance of equity of inputs and outputs of the co-workers. In turn, the individuals' motivation may ...

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