A kind reader suggested that a good topic was to be found in the proverb, “The outcome of a rain dance has a lot to do with timing.” And of course, the reader is always right! In this case, very much so. The notion has much to do with strategic timing, and all that entails….
Let me indulge my passion about language, and especially the languages of Canada. In English, we open and close windows and doors, but as to house lights, they’re turned on or turned off, as the case may be. Not so in French – one consistently opens or closes windows, doors, and lights. And therein is…
It seems that everyone is outraged these days. Everybody is upset about something, everyone’s feelings seem to be deeply hurt. So, just a few thoughts on outrage, partly as a communication issue and partly as a personal growth piece. But, first a bit of trivia, a juicy tidbit you can pull out the next time…
What a touchy subject! I’ll try to be gentle, balanced, and academic, but some biases may show through. Please don’t curse at me if that’s the case. Profanity, cursing, swearing, or “bad language” is universal and ancient. It’s also the most poorly understood area of language study. To begin with, the blanket term “profanity” actually…
We’ll miss her, won’t we? For nearly all of us, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there, just like the sun and the moon and the morning mist. Elizabeth became Queen in difficult circumstances. Her father, George VI, died far too young. Lung cancer. He had been a good king, decent, inspiring, courageous, but even…
No, this is not a political smackdown, or a jest. This deals with an essential truth for all professionals and entrepreneurs. It can mean the difference between success and a trainwreck. The truth is that all professionals have Trump-like clients who show up at the door looking for your help. Knowing how to deal with…
Of all forms of business writing, memos are probably the most badly abused. Far too many are just gosh-awful. Let’s look at them. The true test of a good memo is how well it ages. If, in ten years, a stranger can pick up your memo and understand exactly what you intended to convey, that’s…
Historians can’t agree whether Louis XIV uttered these words, or whether they are apocryphal. Either way, they perfectly depict Louis’ philosophy: “I myself am the state.” Louis the “Sun King” ruled France and its empire from 1643-1715, a realm that stretched from Canada to Africa and Asia, including at times large parts of Europe. His…
Life sucks, doesn’t it? There’s never enough of the good things, and always too many of the bad things. Income is too low, expenses are too high. Even the weather is mostly lousy. What’s a grown man or woman to do? Frankly, it’s time for a good old-fashioned tantrum. That’s it – let’s just lie…
If you’re a kid in North America, one of the highlights of the year is Howl Ween, a festival celebrated on October 31 in which your parents go to insane lengths and expense to dress you up in preposterous costumes and send you out into the neighbourhood to collect loot. At the same time, your…