Nov 2, 2007
I woke up this morning to a Canadian dollar, jobless rate, oil price, and gold price that have all flirted with all time records. The pace of Canadian currency ascent has absolutely shocked all. Recruiters are holding seminars in Toronto encouraging folks hit by the manufacturing sector to jump on the commodity boom and go west while shoppers boycott stores reluctant to match U.S prices. Suddenly, Canada is becoming something more of an economic footnote with expertise, capital markets, and reserves of energy and materials available for exploitation. Governments appear prudent and reliable notwithstanding some peculiar posturing on non-economic matters. Indeed, it’s a different kind of environment from the recession of 81-82 (my senior high school year). Young workers are walking from job to job nowadays with ever increasing rates of pay in the industrial parks of Calgary. Brand new commercial condo bays are under development in the vast city outskirts as are office towers downtown (twelve in all). Good luck finding parking in the cities’ core. Apparently, it’s among the richest parking spaces in North America. Last week’s news of a royalty rate increase in the oil patch is all but forgotten in lieu of awe inspiring economic indicators.
Hard Done By Auto Workers
Oct 6, 2007
Amaaazing. Oshawa couple are stunned that they are going to be losing their $70,000 per year jobs at the GM plant. Yes each. $70,000 each for unskilled assembly line labor work. How often have the smothering legacy costs of GM been reported in the financial news over the past two years? Too many to count on fingers and toes for certain but all of a sudden the McAuliffe’s are surprsised. Trish says, “but when you have based your life and your plans on having a certain income, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you.” Well, earth to Trish – we live in a global economy where capitalism has won out. You probably should have started retraining twenty years ago with the launch of the NAFTA free trade deal. Consider yourself lucky that your overpaid menial work has lasted this long. I suggest that you stand up straight, look into the mirror and start taking responsibility for your families welfare in the context of the global economic reality instead of laying blame at the feet of some entity that you thought was going to look after you throughout your adult years. Countries outside North America have simply done a better job at building cars more efficiently, more cost effectively, and with more sensitivity to the market place. Guess what Trish – capitalism produces winners and losers. GM is losing and must make decisions to adjust back to the winners circle. Had you spent some time and energy observing the trends in your industry, you may have forecasted your plight. It is people in your precise demographic that don’t seem to have enough “time” to examine a home business. Well perhaps, now you are better positioned. Unfortunately, you could have transitioned yourself nicely while still in the employ of GM.
Quiet Life of Desperation
Aug 30, 2007
Was out for a run this morning before sunrise and was shocked to see the major arteries filling with cars at such an early hour. Thankfully, my inspiration and guding light has paved the path of self determination instead of a quiet life of desperation. An associate and I were exchanging thoughts last night and she confirmed the depth of fear that she has been encountering in the lives of people holding jobs. Upon concurring with her assessment, I am comfortable exclaiming that for most, the prospect of plunging into a commitment based on resolve of the self in the spirit of ultimate entrepreneurial expression is too much of an undertaking. Most people have not brought themselves to the threshold of demanding change. Excuses have often worked so well over time that they continue to be a good crutch.
“If you are an employee and feel out of control, consider what you can do on a part-time basis (ie. start a part-time business) to change that. You will be amazed at how quickly your confidence increases, just from feeling more in control of your life.”
– Donald Trump –
Our Longest Days
June 24, 2007
June is my favorite month because of the late sunset and the emergence of female mid riffs not to mention our longest days. I can loiter around the tennis court with acquaintances made while looking for hitting partners. It’s refreshing learning about the lives of new people. The paved trails have been groomed for blading, and the driving range fills with hopefuls that the swing will be better this year. People seem to reach out a bit more in the spring. Vacation planning hits full stride with families more engaged as school winds down. The soccer pitch behind my home is abuzz with cheers of triumph.
June is also a time where we look forward to the Stampede here in Calgary (1st week in July). There are many cynics that observe the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” as over commercialized and too expensive. Well. I suppose another source of income would help! The events are very well organized and few details are left amiss. It is a time when the whole city likes to spend and celebrate.
Rockets Red Glare
June 11, 2007
Well the Albanians love George Bush and ya can bet it’s not ’cause of his personality. This is a nation that has struggled asserting its autonomy and sees George Bush as a symbol of freedom and hope. The nightly news is a huge reminder of the privilege bestowed upon us first world democratic citizens. It hurts me on a daily basis to witness hopeless souls trade time for money in low paying jobs without deploying the seeds of capitalism as a tool to improve their lives. Internet and e-commerce is now available to the masses. The cost of entry has now declined to the point where the capital risk component has been eliminated. If you are reading this message now, I encourage you to get informed. If you are not a professional, a traditional business owner burdened with a large capital outlay, a tradesman stuck in the bush, or independently wealth, then please do some reading on the growth of e-commerce and non-traditional business. A great place to start would be to listen to the video on my page. This man has a message for you.