Did you know that the term 1%ers used to describe the Hells Angels and their glamorous, violent, leather jacketed rebellion? Now, you could say that the term still denotes rebellion against the masses. But it is not gang members who claim the title any more - it is the high society elite whose identity is formed through the suits they wear and the status they achieve in life. To know that that the term 1%ers once described a motorcycle gang and to mull over the definition of the term, I can understand why it has come to claim these new "suited bandits" of North America. They might not seem like rebels to you at first, but let me explain.
These suited bandits want to achieve the "American" dream - that is, to make lots of money and own lots of cool junk they don't need. They also don't want to share any of it (a lesser recognized, but just as worshipped American ideal). Hells Angels would be proud I think. "Yea, stick it to the man...who's now ironically inferior to you"... Well maybe they wouldn't say it quite like that.
But to continue.... Many of the suited bandits see themselves as superior and don't like to stray too much out of their social circle. They want to spend their money in whatever way they please and have a good time in life. "But wait!" you might say, "The suited bandits crave the status quo. The Hell's Angels looked to shake it or stomp it entirely. They are different in that respect." To that point, I will concede. But in craving the status quo...the ideal...in wanting to be like others before them... in wanting all the cake and to eat it too... they have nonetheless gone against the status quo. They have been too successful in achieving their first world ideals and have therefore put themselves into a whole new class category, separate from the masses. Furthermore, they have seemed to break the staus quo forever. The 99% of "individualists" in Canada and the United States have united and come together for a common cause. Their values have shifted from prosperity to stability with the economic downturn and they see the suited bandits as "a bad kind of different". Too greedy, dangerous, and troublesome. Those damn hoodlums and their noisy sports cars. No one likes them, those rebels.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Our Generation's Great Catch 22
"If I had a dollar every time I saw a job post asking for a graduate or entry level employee, I would have a self-loathing, momentary happiness, resulting from the fact that I'd have enough for a small cup of tea... But, in other words, I wouldn't have many dollars."
For any young student or graduate, employment is harrowing and can seem damn near impossible to gain. I know myself how utterly depressing and terrifying the condition of "unemployment" can be. Trust me folks, it is not a condition you want to be in, but like chicken pox, it appears to be a rite of passage for all of us. When it hits and how long of a passage it turns out to be is different for everyone, but I think it could really cut down on its number of sharp turns and dead ends for all of us. Regardless of its soul-sucking nature, we keep to course, keep hunting, and hope that our parents don't kick us out of the house or stop giving us that extra "just in case you need it" cash.
What can be the worst part about unemployment is the fact that your potential employers are looking for skilled, experienced, employees. Many current job offers state that applicants must have 3-5 years of experience. How can we get this experience if not hired in the first place? Don't get me wrong, I can understand the perspective of the employer. It is a "tough economy" as they say and businesses are struggling. They want to save time and resources on training and supervising and they want to limit their liabilities. But Canada's unemployment rate just seems too high for businesses to be picky. If we only hired people with experience and never let new entries into organizations, we would have a slowly dwindling number of people employed and shrinking organizations. But wait a minute! This is already happening isn't it? My god, by the time I'm fifty organizations will each have one decrepit "keeper of the knowledge". Be prepared to protect these people. For they alone will hold the keys to the great experience.
I think it's time businesses took "experience" off its pedestal and put some faith in Generation Y. They shouldn't fear the inexperienced, but accept them, teach them, and help them support their businesses into the future.
For any young student or graduate, employment is harrowing and can seem damn near impossible to gain. I know myself how utterly depressing and terrifying the condition of "unemployment" can be. Trust me folks, it is not a condition you want to be in, but like chicken pox, it appears to be a rite of passage for all of us. When it hits and how long of a passage it turns out to be is different for everyone, but I think it could really cut down on its number of sharp turns and dead ends for all of us. Regardless of its soul-sucking nature, we keep to course, keep hunting, and hope that our parents don't kick us out of the house or stop giving us that extra "just in case you need it" cash.
What can be the worst part about unemployment is the fact that your potential employers are looking for skilled, experienced, employees. Many current job offers state that applicants must have 3-5 years of experience. How can we get this experience if not hired in the first place? Don't get me wrong, I can understand the perspective of the employer. It is a "tough economy" as they say and businesses are struggling. They want to save time and resources on training and supervising and they want to limit their liabilities. But Canada's unemployment rate just seems too high for businesses to be picky. If we only hired people with experience and never let new entries into organizations, we would have a slowly dwindling number of people employed and shrinking organizations. But wait a minute! This is already happening isn't it? My god, by the time I'm fifty organizations will each have one decrepit "keeper of the knowledge". Be prepared to protect these people. For they alone will hold the keys to the great experience.
I think it's time businesses took "experience" off its pedestal and put some faith in Generation Y. They shouldn't fear the inexperienced, but accept them, teach them, and help them support their businesses into the future.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A bad reminder of a personally incomprehensible issue - the Kingston Honour Killing trial
I've been reading about the current honour killing trial in Kingston, centered around Afghan immigrant Mohammed Shafia and his dysfunctional, and now greatly eliminated, family. Shafia is currently being tried for the alleged premeditated mass murder of his first wife, Rona, and three daughters, aged 19, 17, and 13. The four family members were found drowned in a lake, but there is doubt as to whether they were dead before going into the water. Bruises have been found on some of their foreheads that could have been from the impact of a car crash, but they could also have been from force of a different kind. Based on everything that's been said about the family and its dynamics, and especially Shafia's disgust and cold hatred for his daughters, he has really made it easy for people to find him guilty. I can't imagine the trial ending with him being found innocent, but I'm not so naive as to think it certain. I hate reading about things like this. I feel like they should be fiction but I know they're the terrible truth. And I know its not a singular issue. Violence against women and an overall disregard for the humanity and rights of women is a very real issue in some parts of the world and it is all too easy to blame culture as the cause of it. In middle eastern countries, women must wear burkas. Men can marry many wives. If a women is raped, it is her fault and she shames her family. Why are these things comfortable aspects of some countries' cultures? Men should not fear, blame, or punish women and they should not push their shame onto any one else other than themselves. The fact that honour killings exist as recognized acts and are not given equal criminal weight in all parts of the world definitely gives me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Here's a link to one of Maclean's stories on the trial:
i-love-you-with-all-my-heart
Here's a link to one of Maclean's stories on the trial:
i-love-you-with-all-my-heart
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ride Rant!
Since summer 2011, I have been taking city transit more than I ever have in my 22 year old life. Getting to and from a summer job, various city events, and Mohawk College, I now feel pretty comfortable taking the bus and getting around the city by myself. My new wisdom of HSR however has also enlightened me to the rather annoy-some behaviour of some travelers. My biggest pet peeve? People who don't move to the back of the bus when they get on. If there are seats available, sit! If there aren't, for the love of jeebus, move to the back so other people can get on. There is nothing more aggravating then getting on a bus and having to stand with a loaded backpack and laptop case at the very front of the bus becuase the otherwise unoccupied bus is blocked by some blockhead. Even when it's not me who's blocked, it's still annoying and I feel terrible for the people who get trapped or who can't get on the bus becuase its "full".
This issue seems to be common amongst "the youth". Man am I getting old! Anyway, I don't know why they don't seem to realize the common courtesy inherent in the simple act, but I feel the need to yell at them when they don't do it. I don't actually yell of course, but it does definitely grind my gears! So next time you take HSR, please remember this small rant of mine and be courteous!
This issue seems to be common amongst "the youth". Man am I getting old! Anyway, I don't know why they don't seem to realize the common courtesy inherent in the simple act, but I feel the need to yell at them when they don't do it. I don't actually yell of course, but it does definitely grind my gears! So next time you take HSR, please remember this small rant of mine and be courteous!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Gone to the dogs!
Thanks to my PR program and its work placement requirement, I have investigated and received an internship with the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. And boy, have I been introduced to the organization at a fitting time! There is currently a bit of a crisis occurring with the organization on a membership/governance level. Members of the board are petitioning for the ousting of the current board chair. But their arguments for why they don't want him anymore don't seem to be fair or relevant and are causing more harm than anything else for the organization. The negative publicity that's resulted from their disgruntlement can really damage potential funding for the organization. The issues have been explained to me by my supervisors and I'm hoping to continue discussion about them and possibly offer to help with crises management in the future (if they want my intern help that is).Perhaps you'll read more from me on this issue later.
Moving on...I've been at the SPCA four times now and for 5 hour intervals each time. Here are some of the things I've been doing:
- I created a brochure for pet bereavement classes (on my first day in no less!)- this was the first time I'd had free run with a brochure and gotten to create one for publication
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| Me and my puffball of a dog, Gracie! Wish I could bring her to work with me! |
- I've been introduced and have been learning about their animal database "PetPoints" and have been writing pet profiles for adoptable dogs.
- I've learned about istockphoto.com and how it's a good website for design, marketing, and advertising employees to search for and purchase quality stock photos, images, and illustrations for their businesses.
- I've completed a rough draft of a media release for the upcoming "Picture your Pet with Santa" event that's going to take place starting late November - I'll get feedback on it the next time I come in.
- I'm around dogs the whole day and this makes me indefinably happy! It also makes me wish I could bring my own dog in.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Blockbuster Review #5: Mongol
Mongol was a movie I didn't select from Blockbuster myself. I actually had no interest to buy it, let alone watch it. But thanks to my mother's small interest in Genghis Khan and foreign films, I watched and I enjoyed! I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Mongol is a foreign film, filmed in Mongolian with English and Spanish subtitles.
It was directed by Sergey Bodrov and the crew was predominately Russian.
It was a 2007 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.
So what's it all about?
The movie is about the early life of Genghis Khan before he really became Genghis Khan. He is referred to, throughout the whole movie, as Temudjin (his original birth name). His early life is portrayed from childhood just up until the time he fully takes on the name of Genghis Khan. It is an epic adventure of a movie and I saw myself comparing it to the Lord of the Rings, but with the knowledge that Mongol was actually based on history. The movie tried to accurately portray events how they happened to the best of its ability and knowledge and I really enjoyed seeing that history come alive on screen! Knowing it was historically based made the movie even more interesting to me. I definitely had the urge to google Genghis Khan after it was done to learn more and to see what was really true!
Here's the trailer:
What did I think?
The movie features beautiful, far reaching landscapes of China, inner Mongolia, and Kazakhstan as well as violent wars and battles. It portrays Genghis Khan as a very religious man, fearful of his god and the lightning storms that He creates, but also hints at the theory that he was "god gifted" so to speak and that's part of why he became such a famous, great leader (because his god was looking after him).
The movie has themes of friendship, love, power, morality, and vengeance.
The movie moves so swiftly in its telling of its story that its easy to get caught up in the majesty of it. Scenes and acting were realistic and well done and the characters were really individualistic and interesting. You ended up caring a lot about everyone involved in Genghis Khan's life, even his eventual "enemy", Jamukha. Finally, the director knew when to use his grand, scoping shots for drama and suspense and when to show character's emotions close up on screen.
Gripping and well done!
8.5 out of 10
What do you think?
Leave a comment below!
Mongol is a foreign film, filmed in Mongolian with English and Spanish subtitles.
It was directed by Sergey Bodrov and the crew was predominately Russian.
It was a 2007 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.
So what's it all about?
The movie is about the early life of Genghis Khan before he really became Genghis Khan. He is referred to, throughout the whole movie, as Temudjin (his original birth name). His early life is portrayed from childhood just up until the time he fully takes on the name of Genghis Khan. It is an epic adventure of a movie and I saw myself comparing it to the Lord of the Rings, but with the knowledge that Mongol was actually based on history. The movie tried to accurately portray events how they happened to the best of its ability and knowledge and I really enjoyed seeing that history come alive on screen! Knowing it was historically based made the movie even more interesting to me. I definitely had the urge to google Genghis Khan after it was done to learn more and to see what was really true!
Here's the trailer:
What did I think?
The movie features beautiful, far reaching landscapes of China, inner Mongolia, and Kazakhstan as well as violent wars and battles. It portrays Genghis Khan as a very religious man, fearful of his god and the lightning storms that He creates, but also hints at the theory that he was "god gifted" so to speak and that's part of why he became such a famous, great leader (because his god was looking after him).
The movie has themes of friendship, love, power, morality, and vengeance.
The movie moves so swiftly in its telling of its story that its easy to get caught up in the majesty of it. Scenes and acting were realistic and well done and the characters were really individualistic and interesting. You ended up caring a lot about everyone involved in Genghis Khan's life, even his eventual "enemy", Jamukha. Finally, the director knew when to use his grand, scoping shots for drama and suspense and when to show character's emotions close up on screen.
Gripping and well done!
8.5 out of 10
What do you think?
Leave a comment below!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Underrated Halloween Movies
Its almost here - my favourite holiday of the year! It's tradition in my family to watch at least one themed movie during Halloween so for those looking to organize a scary (or maybe simply Halloween-themed) movie night among friends/family, here are some that I've enjoyed throughout the years. Some may not be movies you've heard of before or they may be classics within your own home.
In no particular order:
Better known movies that are good to watch around Halloween also include:
Poltergiest, Dracula, Halloween, Friday the 13th, The Shining, Silence of the Lambs, Alien, Psycho, Scream, The Birds, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gremlins, & Ginger Snaps
Enjoy!
Happy Halloween!!
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In no particular order:
- Hocus Pocus (Bette Midler, Sara Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are hilarious and my childhood ideal of what witches should look and act like. The whole movie reminds me of the good ol' days of the 90's.)
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (It's extremely cheesy, but a cult classic and worth watching just to see Paul Reuben's hilarious death scene.)
- Shaun of the Dead (I know its new and known, but is it still popular? I feel zombies have become so dramatic or scary now on TV and in movies. What happened to them being a source for comedy? What happened to just bashing them over the heads with cricket bats? Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are an amazing duo in this comedy horror flick! Possibly the best zombie movie ever!)
- The Thing (I know people must know about The Thing now becuase of the new prequel that just came out, but the original movie by John Carpenter is scary good! Even with sometimes laughable graphics! A must see for sci-fi nerds!)
- The Exorcist (It's still my favourite horror movie of all time. After watching it, I am embarrassed to admit that it can still make me look over my shoulder when going to bed)
- Once Bitten (This movie goes back to the hilarious 80's and stars a very young Jim Carrey. It includes dance scenes and raging teenage hormones amongst a backdrop of ridiculously dressed vampires!)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (It's a 1978 suspense/sci-fi/thriller with Donald Sutherland! Need I say more?)
- An American Werewolf in London (I'm guessing that many people under the age of 20 will not know about this one! But it is again hilarious and classic, with a car wreck scene that was [so I've been told] very scary to its original viewers of 1981.)
- Rosemary's Baby (This movie isn't scary for its makeup or gore but for the mystery and suspense it builds up.)
- House on Haunted Hill (The 1959 original with Vincent Price is a masterpiece and, as the oldest movie on my list, still stalwartly worth watching today.)
- Young Frankenstein (It's a Mel Brooks comedy starring Gene Wilder that is an excellent parody of the original Frankenstein story)
Better known movies that are good to watch around Halloween also include:
Poltergiest, Dracula, Halloween, Friday the 13th, The Shining, Silence of the Lambs, Alien, Psycho, Scream, The Birds, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gremlins, & Ginger Snaps
Enjoy!
Happy Halloween!!
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