COMEX: The March to Irrelevance

Men with PHD's traveling in financial circles deserve our attention now and then.

COMEX: The March to Irrelevance

Adventures In Squash

Someone told me that next to swimming, squash is about the best thing for your heart (I know - other than love silly). Indeed, you'll have to get your skill up to maintain the flow of a point but once there, the zone is accessible. "B" level players have a certain quiet confidence as they saunter from "T" to back corner and then up for the return of a shallow ball....but forget "B" - I get a great workout as a high "D" player and you can too. The key to finding the flow is technical racquet proficiency in the back corners so that tight balls can be returned with good length and angle.

The Racquet Network in Calgary is always on the lookout for new players. The site has been recently improved for better navigation.

The Racquet Network

Tell Brent I sent you.

Contrition

Dec 2, 11....Have you ever come upon weak half baked apologies and wished to yourself that it would have been best if none was given at all? Most likely you have. Egos if at work can prevent the full scale variety because of some kind of "power differential" (a very good friend recently used this term) that the apologetic has an interest in maintaining. I contend that it is very easy to be forgiving if contrition is wholehearted. The bonding of people is so much more pervasive when we lay our heart out for unconditional acceptance. You and I have been witness to these kinds of people and in fact you may be one of them. They are everywhere but oftentimes not in the lime light because their peacefulness is expressed in the background subtly picking off the inexplicable darts thrown by others.

Should forgiveness be granted to those expressing an apology perceived as insincere? As the prayer goes, "we forgive those who trespass against us".

Research on Exercise and Cancer

You guessed it. Yes. There's a positive correlation between exercise and a reduced cancer rate. A large body of research has been accumulated in this area. Dr. Friedenreich has reviewed numerous papers in the European Journal of Cancer (2010) and concluded that physical activity decreases the chance of acquiring cancer by 25 per cent. We're talking all kinds - colon, breast, endometrial (uterine), lung, prostate and "possibly" ovarian. It was determined that in Europe, if people exercised more, as many as 330,000 new cases of cancer could have been prevented in 2008 alone.

Still no time to exercise?

Taken from Leap Magazine.....Fall 2011 - associated with Alberta's Tomorrow Project.

How To Win Friend, Influence People Book Review

I was inspired to re-read the book because:

• It's one of the most referred books in my experience
• I was told that new messages and concepts will be conceived when we are different people at a later date
• It's part of a reading list of which I'm subscribed
• It was fundamental to the establishment of a highly sought professional curriculum

Most people don't finish books they start reading and if you are one of the majority, I suggest you get to at least the end of the first chapter of part two. This book is simple reading and the market for it far exceeds any need for me to give it an endorsement. Hence; I present examples of a life situation(s) that you may be encountering whereby the material can prove beneficial.

1. You have difficulty attracting an ear to your message
2. There is friction in your interpersonal relations
3. People don't warm to you like you wish they would
4. You've lost someone's trust
5. You find yourself talking more than listening
6. You are not getting what you want
7. Those encircling you are uninspired
   
8. You are making unnecessary compromises

Who said book reviews need to be voluminous?

Testing Boundaries

.....can be an exercise in futility. Naturally, this doesn't happen fruitfully under the duress created by criticism. Andrew Carnegie spells this out plainly in his book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." For influence to be successful, subtlety is key. Others seem to want to take credit for their own learning and are consequently best lead down a colorful path enriched by quiet undertones of messaging which at their best would almost seem subliminal.

One must always be cognizant that every mind is prejudiced by years of development shaped by people who have not necessarily been versant in universal laws, moral creed, and characteristics typifying preferable conduct. Hence; people will cross your path from a place you cannot even imagine. Yet you may only have a short time together.

Head downtown at lunch hour to do your people watching. The degree of inwardness in those faces coping with stressors is comprehensible in the context of their subconscious underpinnings laid down by time.

Reading David Brooks' "Social Animal" right now. I'll keep you posted. You know Brooks - writes for the NY Times and is a frequent guest on TV news magazines.

Workplaces are getting nastier - Healthzone.ca

I've always been a big proponent of self employment. Evidence continues to build.

Workplaces are getting nastier - Healthzone.ca

Thoughts Are Things

Thoughts are things. You’ve heard it before. We think our way into our state. Unfortunately, our reactive mind is predominantly at work and training the brain is no easy task. Or, come to think of it is it “the mind” that needs training. Psychologists have grappled with the notion of the mind versus the brain and brain studies are vast. Richard M. Restak, M.D. in his book “The Mind” published in 1988 exclaimed that “neuroscientists now believe that throughout our lives, new information can actually be incorporated into the structure of the brain through the creation of new synapses and the facilitation of existing nerve pathways.” What do you think the chances are of improving these nerve pathways if we daily submit ourselves to the same ritualistic routine without injecting new stimuli, people, events and activities? Man is meant to grow intellectually over time but an environment conducive to growth must be inherent. We know when an environment becomes stale, negative or judgmental but the magic underlying our composure and participation will be our response in the context of a journey whereby moderating the reactive mind is a goal in and of itself.

On a lighter note – took a pretty good spill on the roller blades today. Gave some bystander a good belly laugh. Bless him though. He asked if I was okay.

Calgary teens lauded for saving injured hiker in K-Country

Calgary teens lauded for saving injured hiker in K-Country

Middle Aged Aerobic Exercise Tips

Repetitive stress on knees and hips is a reality in running. We must monitor our bodies and ensure to capture the necessary nutrients to fortify ligaments, cartilage and bone. Us weekend athlete wannabes must exercise caution in not over training while listening to our bodies. It's critical for the life time enjoyment of sport and fitness.

About a year ago I posted on the importance of maintaining proper disbursement of the center of gravity while striding forward. A forward leaning center of gravity will optimize our angle of attack while limiting the up and down motion of running. Given the number of strides over a 5k stretch, the cumulative effect of minimizing up and down motion cannot be emphasized enough.

IMHO, aerobic training should be done in the context of multiple disciplines. Swimming for example offers buoyancy to the body. Cycling will put the knees through more acute angles of motion providing variety to the knees functioning. If your front crawl needs work, get down the the "Y" and get that stroke improved.

It's amazing how much you can learn while listening to instructional material on your iPod while running. If in need of extra motivation, upload some great techno tunes to keep the pulse powerful. Don't forget to treat yourself to a massage. It's your body. It's your life.

The Official Site of The Global Information Network

The Official Site of The Global Information Network

Book Review - Reclaim Your Spirit!

Debra M MacDonald style of writing is easy to read and her message is one of healing. She professes that "spirit" is about relationships and that dis-ease in relationships is ultimately detrimental to health. She actually uses a percentile score and is unabashed at comparing the "life energy score" to the kind of score kept by a banker. Mindful attention on past hurts will deplete the life energy score; whereas the forgiveness of past hurts will replenish the score. Mrs. MacDonald also gives an anatomy lessen on the brain expressing the notion that we have a "heart brain" and an "ego brain" and that many of us may be "bilaterally switched" off because of the intensity that our ego brain is exercised at work. Her book has you revisit past chapters as if you may be a reader that has a switched off ego brain and can't recall the first thirty pages of her 125 page book whilst half way through.

Other parts of the book will put you through an exercise of clearing (oops, this word "clearing" is not mine and not Debra's but picked up from some of my other reading) your demons by having others comment on your strengths and weaknesses. You literally survey folks for responses of what they think about you and your characteristics. She then asserts that you will have feelings of "denial" upon receiving back the surveys. This is all quite administrative and then you get to embark upon your journey of change - like fixing what's wrong with you. It is right here that you will sense my "ego brain" working over time. You got it. I don't condone surveying your friends and family because given the fact that you actually picked up this book and read it likely puts you in a much better position to respond to someone else's questionnaire than have them fill in yours. Certainly you and I have things about us that could use change. However; I've always been a harbinger that it's important to be "careful who you listen to."

I very much enjoyed the story of the Princess and her four loves. Tiesto's "Magical Circus" just queued up on the stereo when the tale began and it was here that I felt a connection to the author.

Irrespective of my sarcasm, I enjoyed the book because it's provocative, Mrs. MacDonald is forthright in her spiritual enlightenment, and she shared something very personal to her. Somebody who cares sent me the book. Thanks again. In tune with the principle of "paying if forward", anyone who is subscribed to my blog through "Networked Blogs" and sends me an email requesting the book with an address will receive a free copy of "Reclaim Your Spirit" in the mail.

In closing, Mrs. MacDonald states "each time you bring old negative emotions into your present thoughts, you are feeding your vital life energy to your emotional skeletons". Hard to disagree with her here!

The Allure of Will and Kate

This phenomenon of standing in line at 3am to catch a glimpse of the new Royal couple deserves some pontificating. Undeniably, they are charming, genuine, sincere and happy. They exhibit a gentle modesty which is all too absent in an age of narcissism and self indulgence not to mention some decision making prowess as evidenced by their trip to Slave Lake to visit with fire stricken residents of this northern Alberta town. It all still makes me go hmmm as to why people rearrange their lives to come face to face with figures of Royalty. What emptiness is it in the lives of some that need a void filled by youthful figure heads addressed by "your excellencies" whom haven't yet by the confines of youth achieved life goals. While not to denigrate the Monarchy or the new lustre bestowed upon this institution by such lovely people as William and Kate, I wonder about the intrinsic ability of a contingent to self actualize their own purpose when enraptured curiously in the unfolding lives of strangers. If we all show more admiration and love to those that should be close to us - our relationships and community bond will be so much more healthier.

Who wants to live forever? Scientist sees aging cured

Who wants to live forever? Scientist sees aging cured

Six Minutes To Change Your Perspective

Watch this video

Ground Strokes Galore

My regular date with David Gregory of Meet The Press ended up with a surprise living room seat to the French Open men's final this morning instead. I had sort of lost hope to viewing tennis coverage given that a recent cable upgrade ended up terminating TSN. Should have known better with Johnny Mac, Mary Carillo and Ted Robinson firmly affixed to NBC's cast of commentators. Say what you will about McEnroe in his playing days, he has done well over the years with a mic in his hand. I appreciate his ability to break down a point, reason shot styling for situations, and pick up particular nuances on the crafting of shots.

It may take a tennis player to appreciate the brilliance of these guys to execute tennis shots in pressure packed points hitting through the ball when every second impulse urges the limbs to pull back in defense by playing it safe. These fellows have arrived at the top of their game because of an uncanny ability to leave it all on the court without holding back. The daily repetitions in practice of ground strokes intensified with pace, foot work, and racquet speed impart a regimented muscle memory equipping the mind with the confidence required to hit over the ball with power in positions of weakness. I never grow tired of watching Federer's backhand. Perhaps, I may need to give the cable company a call to get TSN back for the earlier rounds of Wimbledon.

Marvelous May Skiing

So you get the most snow seen in two decades, a blitz of spring sunshine, bare roads, and a movement of winter outdoor enthusiasts who have now turned their hand to gardening. What's a fellow to do? Go skiing of course.

Sunshine Resort is at the eastern crest of the Rockies about 1 1/2 hours from Calgary. I haven't skied here much so when the gondola parked itself at the base of a lift, I got out and headed up "Goats Eye". Looking across the valley from "Upper Scapegoat" is breathtaking and can leave one with a feeling of vertigo if unaccustomed to mountainous splendor. After one run, I came to the quick realization that this part of the resort wasn't getting the early morning sun and hence - reloaded and headed up to the main resort area. After a couple of runs on Standish, I became anxious for more vertical and headed up the Continental Divide Chair. My favorite run - the North Divide was wind blown and crusty and would have to wait for another attempt late in the day. Ironically, I met a new friend "Brian" at lunch and he claimed that the chronology of events should be "Wawa, Standish" to begin the day. It looks like "Goats Eye" is best done in the late day with "Angel, Tee Pee Town, and Divide" at mid-day.

Brian is a veteran of the hill and showed me the ropes. This man knows how to live. He skied thirty days this year and claims to have skied 111 resorts in 7 countries. He is an avid wind surfer and scuba diver and enjoys learning the cultures and traditions of "developing nations" wherever he lands his next adventure. Mid mountain snow was soft and we swooshed through a good six or seven runs on a sun baked face.

Took a break and met up with Rick while sunning at the lodge. Brian and I ribbed him about stepping into a new set of skis after an eighteen year hiatus. Didn't surprise me that this modest fellow with long hair, ball cap, and grizzled features was someone that did gene cloning in the microbiology wing at my old university campus. Now he keep our milk clean to drink in the lab of a dairy production company.

We all skied Goats Eye on a Friday afternoon. Brian took off early 'cause of a promise to his girl friend but Rick and I prevailed in that carefully crafted last run putting safety first in the context of some considerable fatigue with a twenty run tally.

Mom is The Word

Pastor Ron Swanson delivered a tremendous Mother's Day message today over at the Calgary Life Church. On my occasional appearances at this growing congregation I sensed this man of strong presence hovering in the background with a certain sense of modesty. Pastor Anthony had introduced him as somebody whom had joined the team. With Pastors Anthony and Madeleine's trip to Israel, Pastor Ron shone in the spot light in a day devoted to mothers. Inherent to the theme of his message was the closeness to God one feels when witnessing the expression of love between mother and child. He reminded mothers that the slightest gestures of kindness and love do not go unnoticed in the minds of family and God. Scripture was cited in capturing the fierce loyalty and protective instinct that mother's have in guarding their young and Pastor Ron reminded men that it is not indifference from their wives during times of much motherly work, but the burden of their calling which on occasion leaves fathers feeling afar.

http://www.calgarylifechurch.com/bible-school/faculty/

Paralyzed Bride Walks Down Aisle

Thanks to the Detroit Free Press, Jennifer Darmon and family:

"Paralyzed from the hips down after a car accident , Jennifer wore leg braces under her strapless white gown and took the first step down the ailse, carefully holding the arm of her father, Alan, and her brother, Kevin. "I'll take this slow, sweet walk with you," her uncle Tony sang, trying to keep his composure through a song written by Edwin McCain. And then Jennifer looked up and saw Mike Belawetz, the love of her life, the man who refused to leave her after the July 27, 2008 car accident.

"Today proved that you can achieve anything you set your mind on" Alan Darmon said.

Rev. Robert J. Verkoyen, a pastor at Rock of Help Christian Centre in Essex, Ont., told the bride and groom that they had been "shining examples of love and commitment."

East Coast Swing (10 dance steps) at Dayton Polish Club

Rhetoric or Results

There's talk of a new Republican candidate for President, Mitch Daniels. Upon hearing him this morning on Meet The Press, I can appreciate how his peers are encouraging him to take a run. With all the bipartisan bickering, obfuscation and intransigence on Capitol Hill, this man appears to possess the common sense which has clearly been lacking among legislators. HIs tone is neutral, his disposition is respectful and he appears to exercise intellectual depth without the gravitas of conceit and ego. In the midst of a federal deficit and debt crisis with the U.S debt poised to become unmanageable, Daniels has established a track record of fiscal discipline as Governor of Indiana pulling the State back from the brink all while experiencing the worst recession in recent memory. When his adversaries criticize him for calling a "truce" on social issues, Daniels expresses the need for results instead of rhetoric in the face of of paralyzing legislative gridlock.

Bay Street Was Wrong & Gold Bugs Were Right

......and here we sit at $1,426 gold this morning from $250 in 2002. It goes to show that you've gotta be careful who you listen to. That banker of yours is about to disburse your RRSP dollars into a mutual fund that you may not know much about. Please educate yourself and digest the fact that financial institutions have a primary interest in keeping your capital above your primary interest of growing your capital. The sarcastic Charles Schwab commercials speak volumes. There has been a tremendous opportunity cost over the past decade when factoring negative growth compounded over time in balanced do nothing investments. Am I a fortune teller of investment opportunity? Absolutely not but anyone with a simple propensity to grow their net worth can certainly read economic data with fundamental comprehension having not studied macro economics 101. All's I'm suggesting you do as I ask all of my tax clients - operate intuitively with basic sound principles of global economic insight while gaining an understanding of industrial supply and demand forces along with the mechanisms of markets.

Perhaps, I will update another blog of interest more regularly. Feel free to subscribe with RSS.

Gold Mining Generally

Ultimate Autonomy

As you know, at a "job", they'll only pay you the least amount it takes to retain you. Employees are on the wrong side of capitalism and they will never be paid what they are worth working for someone else. Blooming entrepreneurs are the ones at work that consciously ridicule the water cooler gossip. They are the ones that see problems as challenges. They are constantly looking for better ways to do things and get more productivity out of the day. Blooming entrepreneurs compete to win and stand front and centre in the face of adversity. They fight for what's right and have a concise vision for implementing common sense solutions. Their sense of esteem is unwavering and unyielding. Their leadership qualities grow in the context of inevitable criticism directed from the contented class. Emerging entrepreneurs begin to learn the satisfaction in nudging the train from its course and ultimately arrive at a destiny shaped by their inner self rather than circumstance of the work place.

Are you an emerging entrepreneur? Below are some signs.

• You are an enigma, isolated at times
• You still cringe upon witnessing displays of office politics
• You believe you can do things better than management
  
• A little voice continues to ask why you make such compromises
• You scheme in your mind while executing the tedious tasks
• Your spouse senses dissatisfaction in your being

Rink Comes Alive

Congratulations Adam and Angela Lightfoot for breathing new life into the ice rink up in Ross River, N.W.T. Just saw this feature from the CBC this morning and it appears the NHL might also be interested in the story. Apparently, the rink had been left abandoned for six years until this generous constable took up station in this remote northern community and poured his heart into giving back something that was dear to his heart as a child - playing hockey. Let us all hope and pray that the community rallies around this focal point of joy and the spirit spreads into other facets of life in this little town.

Comment At The KE Report

Big Al and his friends have been talking up gold for a good while now. Today I commented on one current event that's been largely up for discussion in news wires across America.

http://www.kereport.com/2011/01/11/events-arizona-views-future/

No Title Required

Jan 9, 2011...For a couple of reasons, I'm compelled to write something on this horrific shooting event that has unfolded over the weekend that ended in the death of six along with the critical injury of a politician and injuries to others. Firstly, I spent some time in Tucson as a fifth grader and my departure had everything to do with my parents picking up my discomfort in the school system. I was held up at knife point for my lunch money in the school yard. Mom knew that something was not quite right and she coaxed the details out of me. The next day I was pulled from school. Dad left his job and we went back to Canada. School down there was different. It's peculiar to see guards at the door with guns when scurrying off to class.

The other reason to blog on the subject is to express my perplexity of this fixation for some to bear arms and to fervently express this right. It makes no sense to me that one can't drive over 30km/hr in a school zone but can in fact walk through a playground with a semi-automatic pistol holstered at the hip in some jurisdictions of the U.S. There appears to be some breach in common sense when it comes to the advancement of society and the rule of law.

It's difficult to dismiss the irony as gathered from reports of a federal judge and child with a birthdate being Sept 11, 2001 as victims that were peripheral to the intended target. Given the profile of the perpetrator, journalists are drawing a link between the motive of the perpetrator and the tone of political debate in the region. A soul searching or wake up call should indeed be precipitated amongst a populous that has grown radical in its tone of debate and cavalier in its vocabulary. Should society continue to tolerate the enrichment of bombastic radio politicos for inciting radicalism especially in lieu of very difficult economic conditions? My thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been personally effected by this tragic event.