What happens when someone steals from a store? I'd like to think they get caught, but these days, I'm not so sure.
Recently, we were in a local mall visiting HMV, Sears, and RW & Co., among many others. In each of the named stores, the merchandise security alarm at the front doors went off and no one paid any attention to it. No one checked, no one even looked over. And in only one case did the 'alarm-setter-off'erer come back in to reassure store owners that she had not in fact stolen anything. And who cared about that? Well, no one actually; everyone simply ignored her.
Begs the question - if they don't care, why should we?
Shoes stores have the right idea - they only have one shoe on display and you have to get the other one by (a) rummaging through their stock in the 'no go for the public' area at the very back of the store, or (b) asking the store assistant to get it for you. Either way, (a) likely to and (b) definitely will attract some attention and guard against an easy escape.
HMV and other retail entertainment stores, however, have a big challenge, given that most of their stock is small, immediately accessible and easily concealable. Indeed, the stores are usually so busy that half the stock could disappear before anyone even noticed - unless they have working and monitored security gates and/or security personnel in place. However, even when we were there, the alarm sounded twice and no one paid the slightest bit of attention.
Of course, it doesn't help when the equipment doesn't seem to work at all. A few weeks back, I purchased - yes, purchased - a trendy blue jacket from Sears. When I got home, I saw the security tag. Why hadn't it gone off when I left the store, I wondered. Took it straight back - alarm didn't go off when we walked back in either - and the sales assistant calmly removed it from the coat without being the tiniest bit concerned that none of their security measures seemed to work.
Sure, most stores probably have a percentage quotient built in to their budgets to account for lost or stolen stock. Perhaps they sell so much that a few stolen items doesn't actually impact their bottom line. But wouldn't it make more sense to use the available equipment properly and deter the criminal deed at the source?
I have no problem with checking bags, showing receipts, and passing through functioning security gates, and I welcome security personnel stationed here and there. All of these measures serve as reminders that (a) stealing is a crime, and (b) some stores will employ everything possible to stop you getting away with it - literally.
However, what would be even better is if those with a penchant for taking what is not theirs opted instead to turn on their own internal security alarm before entering any store and not take the damned stuff in the first place!
Naive that may be, but we all end up paying for theft, in one way or another. And that is something we should all care about!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Win, lose or draw
You prepared and rehearsed, committed 100%, and had your acceptance speech ready. It went better than hoped, didn't miss a beat, and every word rang true. When it was done, you acknowledged the audience, smiled, and waited in anticipation. But then, when the moment came as you had planned, you did not get exactly what you wanted.
Or did you?
Winners do not always claim top prize. Sometimes they claim no prize at all. At least, not one you can put on any mantle or hang on any wall or file away for posterity's sake.
That is not to say that winning is of no value, as those who have hardware will attest to - including me. And that is not to say that not winning doesn't hurt, as those who miss out on the hardware will attest to - including me.
However, over the years of doing and trying and wishing and hoping, I have come to the conclusion that whether you win, lose or draw, there is something more to be gained from the entire experience, something even bigger than the accolades and commiserations, the futherance and the frustration, the camaraderie and the rivalry. Something inside that no one else can measure but us.
And for me, that is knowing. Knowing it was my personal best, but could have been even better. Knowing what the next step is, and where else I have to go. Knowing that perfection is not what matters, but always aiming in that direction is. Knowing that I am cookie dough and I am not done yet.
You see, I believe that if you know all that - and know that it all applies equally whether you win, lose or draw - that is how you hold on to your passion, stay true to your goals, maintain your power, and find exactly what you need to keep you moving along whatever course you have set for yourself.
Win, lose or draw - do you know where it will take you?
Or did you?
Winners do not always claim top prize. Sometimes they claim no prize at all. At least, not one you can put on any mantle or hang on any wall or file away for posterity's sake.
That is not to say that winning is of no value, as those who have hardware will attest to - including me. And that is not to say that not winning doesn't hurt, as those who miss out on the hardware will attest to - including me.
However, over the years of doing and trying and wishing and hoping, I have come to the conclusion that whether you win, lose or draw, there is something more to be gained from the entire experience, something even bigger than the accolades and commiserations, the futherance and the frustration, the camaraderie and the rivalry. Something inside that no one else can measure but us.
And for me, that is knowing. Knowing it was my personal best, but could have been even better. Knowing what the next step is, and where else I have to go. Knowing that perfection is not what matters, but always aiming in that direction is. Knowing that I am cookie dough and I am not done yet.
You see, I believe that if you know all that - and know that it all applies equally whether you win, lose or draw - that is how you hold on to your passion, stay true to your goals, maintain your power, and find exactly what you need to keep you moving along whatever course you have set for yourself.
Win, lose or draw - do you know where it will take you?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tempted, but ....
The car was filthy, and I was tempted to scrawl something appropriate, like "Please wash me!" But then I thought, "Hmmm, perhaps the owner is hoping to win 'car most needing a wash' at the next Bombers' game.
The teenager was standing doing nothing while the older woman struggled with her bags. I was tempted to intervene, but thought, "Hmmm, maybe he doesn't see her, or has a sore back, or is struggling with something on his mind and is deep in thought."
The driver was weaving and dodging with great speed and no signals. I so wanted to write down her plate number and report her, but then I thought, "Hmmm, perhaps she got an urgent call from her son's school, or fired from her job, or learned her dad had died."
So tempting to right all perceived wrongs and let others know they have been seen and noted. So tempting to step in. So tempting to stand perfect.
In the past, I've regularly tried to be a good citizen and help others do the right thing, but I learned that you can't always fix everyone and you won't always do what is the right thing, in your eyes or anyone else's.
Once when I was coming home from university in Australia, I was travelling down a dark, dank side street when I saw a man lying on the sidewalk. It was very late, and I was young and nervous, so I made the decision to not get out and help, and instead head straight to the nearest police station and report what I had seen. The officers told me I had done the right thing because there had been a series of recent attacks in the area resulting from "staged" muggings. However, when I got home, my brother's friend, who was tall and strong, told me that I had missed the perfect opportunity to help a fellow citizen first hand.
Over the years, I've teetered between stepping up and staying back, saying something and remaining silent, fixing and letting go. I don't get it right all the time, but I try, and that is certainly better than not even.
Yes, it's tempting. The challenge is we don't always know the full story. But I think that if we weigh up our options and the consequences before taking any action or intervening in any way, we will make the right decision in the best interests of everyone.
The teenager was standing doing nothing while the older woman struggled with her bags. I was tempted to intervene, but thought, "Hmmm, maybe he doesn't see her, or has a sore back, or is struggling with something on his mind and is deep in thought."
The driver was weaving and dodging with great speed and no signals. I so wanted to write down her plate number and report her, but then I thought, "Hmmm, perhaps she got an urgent call from her son's school, or fired from her job, or learned her dad had died."
So tempting to right all perceived wrongs and let others know they have been seen and noted. So tempting to step in. So tempting to stand perfect.
In the past, I've regularly tried to be a good citizen and help others do the right thing, but I learned that you can't always fix everyone and you won't always do what is the right thing, in your eyes or anyone else's.
Once when I was coming home from university in Australia, I was travelling down a dark, dank side street when I saw a man lying on the sidewalk. It was very late, and I was young and nervous, so I made the decision to not get out and help, and instead head straight to the nearest police station and report what I had seen. The officers told me I had done the right thing because there had been a series of recent attacks in the area resulting from "staged" muggings. However, when I got home, my brother's friend, who was tall and strong, told me that I had missed the perfect opportunity to help a fellow citizen first hand.
Over the years, I've teetered between stepping up and staying back, saying something and remaining silent, fixing and letting go. I don't get it right all the time, but I try, and that is certainly better than not even.
Yes, it's tempting. The challenge is we don't always know the full story. But I think that if we weigh up our options and the consequences before taking any action or intervening in any way, we will make the right decision in the best interests of everyone.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Turn off the noise!
The evidence is everywhere. People of all ages plugged into IPods and texting on phones — even while walking with and talking to other people. Other pocket gadgets invading all manner of privacy. Books, magazines and IPads passing time on planes, trains and automobiles. Sensational headlines and talk-show natter fueling our intellect and directing our moods and perceptions. Small-screen viewing manipulating our free time. Social media substituting for face-to-face communications, and blogs serving as outlets for opinions and gripes. Advertising with its messages of what we need, how we should act, what we should do, where we are going wrong, and how to fix everything to perfection.
So many vehicles. So much noise.
Yeah, I know. Nothing personal. Just a sign of the times. So easy to turn on the noise, to fill our heads with other people’s stuff, to cut ourselves off from the world outside and the people who love us, to make the mistake that noise is more important than our own thinking, our own beliefs, our own personalities, our own ideas and ambitions.
I should know. My “noise of choice” is chatter. Other people’s chatter, whether delivered by television characters, radio personalities and performers; driven by conversations across the ether, printed opinions and random speculations; facebooked via friends and “friends”; and professed in anticipation of a response (i.e., me writing in this blog that apparently no one ever reads).
I happily embrace my “noise of choice” because, for the most part, it serves as a tool for my many projects. However, I know that if I’m not careful, it can also take up way too much time and prove to be a huge mental and emotional distraction.
When noise overwhelms us, it blocks us out of the equation. And I sometimes wonder if that block, that disconnect, plays a role in the state of things today ... like frustrated, anxious, angry and lashing-out behaviour, reliance on or certainly a preference for foul language to convey emotions, petty fights over the smallest and silliest things, non-communicative and anti-social thinking, a fractured view of who we are and what our value is, and an increased susceptibility to being bullied and doing the bullying.
Just thinking out loud here, but it was a strong enough consideration that I decided to turn off the noise for a while, to take a break from the onslaught of information, to opt for silence, and to clear the way for my own logic, awareness, sense of self, and understanding of my own potential to rise to the fore, unimpeded by short-term stuff that, once it’s run it’s course, no longer seems to matter in the overall scheme of things.
What I realised was that (a) it never did matter in the overall scheme of things, and (b) I really liked what the lack of noise begot.
No, not quite ready to completely shush all my noise, but I am wondering how you might feel and what you might achieve if you shushed yours for a while.
So many vehicles. So much noise.
Yeah, I know. Nothing personal. Just a sign of the times. So easy to turn on the noise, to fill our heads with other people’s stuff, to cut ourselves off from the world outside and the people who love us, to make the mistake that noise is more important than our own thinking, our own beliefs, our own personalities, our own ideas and ambitions.
I should know. My “noise of choice” is chatter. Other people’s chatter, whether delivered by television characters, radio personalities and performers; driven by conversations across the ether, printed opinions and random speculations; facebooked via friends and “friends”; and professed in anticipation of a response (i.e., me writing in this blog that apparently no one ever reads).
I happily embrace my “noise of choice” because, for the most part, it serves as a tool for my many projects. However, I know that if I’m not careful, it can also take up way too much time and prove to be a huge mental and emotional distraction.
When noise overwhelms us, it blocks us out of the equation. And I sometimes wonder if that block, that disconnect, plays a role in the state of things today ... like frustrated, anxious, angry and lashing-out behaviour, reliance on or certainly a preference for foul language to convey emotions, petty fights over the smallest and silliest things, non-communicative and anti-social thinking, a fractured view of who we are and what our value is, and an increased susceptibility to being bullied and doing the bullying.
Just thinking out loud here, but it was a strong enough consideration that I decided to turn off the noise for a while, to take a break from the onslaught of information, to opt for silence, and to clear the way for my own logic, awareness, sense of self, and understanding of my own potential to rise to the fore, unimpeded by short-term stuff that, once it’s run it’s course, no longer seems to matter in the overall scheme of things.
What I realised was that (a) it never did matter in the overall scheme of things, and (b) I really liked what the lack of noise begot.
No, not quite ready to completely shush all my noise, but I am wondering how you might feel and what you might achieve if you shushed yours for a while.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dear Denis,
Thank you so much for joining me at the table at today's Frontier Centre for Public Policy breakfast on education. I was sitting alone, with the other tables filled with people who knew each other and, naturally, wanted to sit together. I was happy to have some company and the chance to chat with you before the speaker took the podium.
I regret, however, that after the presentation, I was so focused on getting to the speaker before anyone else did that I ended up leaving you stranded at the table without a word. I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye or let you know how lovely it was to meet and talk with you. Our conversation was fun and interesting, and you certainly didn't deserve me turning my back on you at the end of the event.
As a teacher, you've probably received worse treatment at the hands of your students, but that is no excuse for my poor manners. I only ask that you don't judge me based on this occasion; I normally avidly subscribe to and pride myself on my attention to such details as kindness and civility, but my ego got the better of me this morning.
Enjoy the rest of your day, and know that I have learned a valuable lesson - even short-term acquaintances are entitled to common courtesies. Too bad it was learnt after the fact!
Cheers!
jenny
I regret, however, that after the presentation, I was so focused on getting to the speaker before anyone else did that I ended up leaving you stranded at the table without a word. I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye or let you know how lovely it was to meet and talk with you. Our conversation was fun and interesting, and you certainly didn't deserve me turning my back on you at the end of the event.
As a teacher, you've probably received worse treatment at the hands of your students, but that is no excuse for my poor manners. I only ask that you don't judge me based on this occasion; I normally avidly subscribe to and pride myself on my attention to such details as kindness and civility, but my ego got the better of me this morning.
Enjoy the rest of your day, and know that I have learned a valuable lesson - even short-term acquaintances are entitled to common courtesies. Too bad it was learnt after the fact!
Cheers!
jenny
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Beyond our control
Ever have one of those days when you feel everything is beyond your control?
Today, I tried to get a new doctor for reasons that I probably shouldn't discuss here. Anyway, went to one that a friend suggested in hopes that I would be successful. The receptionist said they weren’t taking any new patients, they already have 400 people on their waiting list, one of the criteria to even get on that list is that you don’t already have a doctor, and there is an international shortage of doctors worldwide. (I think that last one was to stop me asking questions!)
Yes, there is a doctors’ hotline I can try, but it might be a problem since technically I already have a doctor. Sigh!
I remember the days when you could go to the doctor of your choice, partly because there were lots from which to choose and not so many people going to each one. Now, you have to get on a list - even if you're sick or in pain or worried and really need to see someone. Yes, there are emergency departments at hospitals and walk-in clinics, but nothing quite beats your own doctor whom you trust and respect.
Too often things happen that are beyond our control. It's frustrating and annoying, and, try as we might, frequently without resolution or fixing. There is, however, always a choice - to look at the situation differently, to see a way round, to accept as is, and to stand up and fight. At the end of the day, it depends on how much time and energy you have, and how important it is to win.
I need a new doctor, and it's in my best interests to keep going till I find one. The choice to keep trying - now that's something I can control!
Today, I tried to get a new doctor for reasons that I probably shouldn't discuss here. Anyway, went to one that a friend suggested in hopes that I would be successful. The receptionist said they weren’t taking any new patients, they already have 400 people on their waiting list, one of the criteria to even get on that list is that you don’t already have a doctor, and there is an international shortage of doctors worldwide. (I think that last one was to stop me asking questions!)
Yes, there is a doctors’ hotline I can try, but it might be a problem since technically I already have a doctor. Sigh!
I remember the days when you could go to the doctor of your choice, partly because there were lots from which to choose and not so many people going to each one. Now, you have to get on a list - even if you're sick or in pain or worried and really need to see someone. Yes, there are emergency departments at hospitals and walk-in clinics, but nothing quite beats your own doctor whom you trust and respect.
Too often things happen that are beyond our control. It's frustrating and annoying, and, try as we might, frequently without resolution or fixing. There is, however, always a choice - to look at the situation differently, to see a way round, to accept as is, and to stand up and fight. At the end of the day, it depends on how much time and energy you have, and how important it is to win.
I need a new doctor, and it's in my best interests to keep going till I find one. The choice to keep trying - now that's something I can control!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Make the break
This past summer, I picked up two habits - Stargate Atlantis and Doctor Who.
In my defence, I was already a fan of the third entity of the Stargate franchise, Stargate Universe (with its vague resemblance to Battlestar Galactica, of which I was also a huge fan), and found myself drawn to the previous two Stargates before finally settling, for sheer logistical reasons, on Atlantis.
As well, I was a late bloomer with respect to the Doctor Who series, picking up with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, affectionately with David Tennant, and now with Matt Smith. While impatiently waiting for the 6th season to start (Spring 2011, I believe), I decided to follow the journey of Rose as the Doctor's companion and see how they parted - an episode I missed the first time round.
Essentially, I was looking for something to fill the void created by the summer TV schedule, and was naturally drawn to great programming on Space Channel. (Small plug there, folks!)
TV and pop culture are habits I enjoy - useful for speech ideas, book and story ideas, conversation starters, and mindful and mindless distractions. I have no plans to give either of them up, and am, in fact, quite adept at working while viewing. But I do need to stay the course and focus on those nearest and dearest to my heart. Especially love the character-driven stories with engaging elements, outstanding scripts and unexpected arcs. Atlantis and the Doctor succeeded on all counts.
However, with my summer mission completed, it was time to let them go and refocus my attention on matters and programs of a more long-term and essential pursuit.
And so, with an audible and formal statement to make the break, I farewelled those small-screen companions and tuned instead to my speaking and writing projects - gaining an extra two hours a day that I was keen to devote to creative thinking and quiet contemplation.
To Colonel John Sheppard and crew and the 10th Doctor and companions, thanks to you all - your stories and adventures will accompany me as I delve into my imagination and set course for success in my own dimension, if not in my own mind.
In my defence, I was already a fan of the third entity of the Stargate franchise, Stargate Universe (with its vague resemblance to Battlestar Galactica, of which I was also a huge fan), and found myself drawn to the previous two Stargates before finally settling, for sheer logistical reasons, on Atlantis.
As well, I was a late bloomer with respect to the Doctor Who series, picking up with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, affectionately with David Tennant, and now with Matt Smith. While impatiently waiting for the 6th season to start (Spring 2011, I believe), I decided to follow the journey of Rose as the Doctor's companion and see how they parted - an episode I missed the first time round.
Essentially, I was looking for something to fill the void created by the summer TV schedule, and was naturally drawn to great programming on Space Channel. (Small plug there, folks!)
TV and pop culture are habits I enjoy - useful for speech ideas, book and story ideas, conversation starters, and mindful and mindless distractions. I have no plans to give either of them up, and am, in fact, quite adept at working while viewing. But I do need to stay the course and focus on those nearest and dearest to my heart. Especially love the character-driven stories with engaging elements, outstanding scripts and unexpected arcs. Atlantis and the Doctor succeeded on all counts.
However, with my summer mission completed, it was time to let them go and refocus my attention on matters and programs of a more long-term and essential pursuit.
And so, with an audible and formal statement to make the break, I farewelled those small-screen companions and tuned instead to my speaking and writing projects - gaining an extra two hours a day that I was keen to devote to creative thinking and quiet contemplation.
To Colonel John Sheppard and crew and the 10th Doctor and companions, thanks to you all - your stories and adventures will accompany me as I delve into my imagination and set course for success in my own dimension, if not in my own mind.