Vol. II No. 37

Just for Today Department:
A check of the morning headlines reveals way too many stories about people hurting other people. Why is that? Why do so many people feel it necessary to hurt their fellow travellers? When will we stop? How about today? What would happen if you and I decided that “just for today” we wouldn’t do anything to cause harm or heartache to another human being? Just for today we would seek only good things in others, help anyone who needed it, and encourage someone who was hurting? Just for today! The entire planet may not change dramatically, but our wee corner of it might be a better place . . . Just for today!
Your thoughts welcome: alan.speak@yahoo.ca

In Case You Haven’t Seen The Gopher Department:
Once in a while something appears in the InBox that’s fun, doesn’t require you to send it to 10 people in order to find true happiness, nor does it try to sell you anything. This is one of ‘em. If you figure out how it works, do let me know. And thanks to David for sending it to me.
http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/games/magic-gopher-central.swf

Butterflies Department:
Friends attended a wedding recently at which the guests were all given a small box containing a butterfly in recognition of the bride’s love of the creatures. After the ceremony, the groom’s uncle read a Native legend about how the creator gave us butterflies to carry our prayers to Him. Then everyone released the butterflies back to the Universe. Now is that a cool idea? It’s also a gentle reminder of another ancient wisdom on the topic of change: What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the butterfly knows is a miracle.
Inquiring Minds do wonder who trained all the butterflies to climb into little boxes, but that’s a subject for another time.

Royal-watch Update Department:
Seems Prince William and nice lady friend are dating again, after a brief separation. Best wishes to both of them. May the tabloids leave you alone for a while. Just for today!

Vol. II No. 36

What Happened to Tony? Department:
Old time radio drama was often referred to as “Theatre of the Mind”. Listeners all knew what the characters looked like, but everyone had a different image. Sound effects created much of the tension, and again, it was different for everyone. Even comedy had a similar bent. I was raised around the British Goon Shows that featured Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Harry Secomb playing a wide range of off-the-wall characters. We knew exactly what they looked like.

The closing episode of the Sopranos borrowed this dramatic license when the final scene faded to black. Everyone who saw it has a different idea about what happened to Tony. Did he get wacked? Escape to fight another day? Leave town with his daughter? Brilliant.

Clinton Looks to Canada Department:
Hilary’s run for the US Presidency will feature Celine Dion’s You and I as her campaign theme song. That’s the same song Air Canada used for an ad campaign some time ago. Not sure what that means, but it did get Canada a small mention on CNN. Whoopee!

Scientist and Man of Faith Department:
Newly released documents reveal Isaac Newton as a deeply religious man who, among other things, calculated the exact dimensions of the ancient Jerusalem temple, the likely end of the world (according to the book of Daniel) and even wrote on Jewish law. He died 280 years ago, yet his influence is still being felt. Now we know the man many call history’s greatest scientist combined his scientific skills with a profound faith.

Yemima Ben-Menahem, one of the curator’s of the newly released papers offered an intriguing comment: She said they complicate the idea that science is diametrically opposed to religion. “These documents show a scientist guided by a desire to see God’s actions in the world.”

Your Intrepid Reporter notes that’s something to cause pause among those who try to explain everything with science.

By the way, in case you’re worried, Newton decided the world would not end prior to 2060, and probably not even then.

Bill’s Out, Bob’s In Department:
Liberal Bill Graham is quitting politics and resigning his seat. Does anyone not think space is being made available for Bob Rae to run in that riding?

Your Comments Always Welcome Department:

Love to hear from you, with agreement, disagreement, ideas, fun stuff. alan.speak@yahoo.ca

Vol. II No. 35

Mission Statement vs. Reality Department:
Ever since Bob Waterman and Tom Peters published In Search of Excellence more than two decades ago organizations have wrestled with the idea of a “purpose” or “mission statement”. Untold hours are spent at retreats to craft a statement that reflects the reason the organization exists. Such statements find their way on to nice plaques, annual reports, T-shirts and coffee mugs. Unfortunately the reality is often that the meaning and sentiment are conspicuously absent from the daily behaviours.
This subject appears with regularity during our weekly Solve-the-problems-of-the-Universe Breakfasts. The latest incarnation is connected to an ongoing discussion of why the basic purpose of a hot meal program and shelter for the homeless continually finds itself embroiled in politics and “the system”. Various parties to the exercise spend a ton of time discussing options, studying the problem, filing reports, and holding meetings. In the meantime, the few folks who actually make it work keep serving dinners to people who probably wouldn’t otherwise eat.
A kid of about 8 is clutching a small bag of cookies as she leaves aforementioned public meal program. Grinning like the proverbial cheshire, she is blissfully unaware of the politics, meetings, studies, and analysis going on far away from this place of caring and love. She just knows somebody cares enough to feed her and give her a bag of cookies.
Your Intrepid Reporter suggests that, on some level, the kind person who gave her the cookies just lives the mission without fanfare. Those who wrote the Mission statement don’t get that reality, they’re much too busy at their meetings. And how about your organization? Nice plaque, T-shirt, coffee mug . . . or a group of people living day to day in the service of others?

What Does it Really Mean Department:
Inquring Minds (I.M.) wonder who spends the hours to create phrases that say nothing while sounding as if something is actually happening. You probably know the Russians are ticked at the U.S. Mister Putin said some unkind stuff about President Bush, and the two attended the same meeting this week in Germany as participants in the G-8. At a brief press conference Bush said “We agreed to have strategic dialogue and discuss our concerns.” He noted that “our representatives will be meeting to have further conversations, and find some solutions.” It is to be noted the two are in the same place at the same time, they both know what the issues are, and I can’t help but wonder why they don’t just talk about it NOW.

Deer Me Department:
New Brunswick’s legislature had an un-announced visitor recently when a deer found its way into the hallowed halls, romped around for a while, and was eventually escorted out by a security guard. There was no word on whether the deer watched Question Period, or voted on any matters of great importance.

Off and Running Department:
The Ontario Legislature has packed it in for the summer, which means we’ll now be subjected to a guhzillion (that’s a lot) promises, as the run to the October election heats up. Already this week the Premier promised a ton of money for farmers, closely on the heels of the Conservatives promising a ton of money for farmers. Is there a pattern here? Hmmm! Next, watch for “help for ordinary working families” from the NDP, and lots of environmental stuff from the Greens.

And One More Thing About "Mission Statements" Department:

A chap we know who used to own a few donut stores had a simple way of teaching his staff how the business ought to work. Each team member was required to sign a small commitment card that read: "Every customer will leave here feeling better than when they came in". How tough is that? Too easy. Sadly, the fellow no longer owns the places and they haven't been the same since he sold them.

Vol. II No. 34

Natal Day Department:
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, Dear Sydney, Happy Birthday to you. Lotsa love, Poppy, Niki and Jack

Whatever Happened to this Idea Department:
Bill Paley founded CBS back in the fifties and we would do well to revisit one his most famous observations about television news coverage: “I make money on Jack Benny so I can afford to do the best news.”

Rosie’s Gone Department:
Ms. O’Donnell -- she of the tiff-with-darn-near-everybody -- has departed The View ahead of schedule. The lady got into a live kerfuffle with one of her co-hosts, and her exit closely followed. All together now: “Gee that is toooooooooooo bad!”. The really sad thing about this whole sordid episode is the woman will likely show up somewhere else to spew her venom. Maybe Donald Trump will offer her a job as his PR Director.

Cyber-confessional Department:
Carrying around some guilt you’d like to dump? Try this web site. You can anonymously confess your sins, and if nothing else, get it off your chest without fear of retribution. No word from the site’s administrators if you get absolution.
http://www.ivescrewedup.com/

Ya Couldn’t Make This Up Department :
Topless sales women are legal in Liverpool, England. But only in tropical fish stores. Imagine the City Council meeting at which the idea was first mentioned. “Okay, folks, we’re going to allow topless in some places. Your suggestions for permissable venues welcome. Please submit same in a plain brown envelope, photos will not be returned.”

Finally Hockey Finals Department:
So the annual classic gets under way this week when the Ducks and Sens meet for Lord Stanley’s cup. And for whom might you be cheering? Die-hard Leaf fans will recall this is an event with which they are not familiar. (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Vol. II No. 33

Wit and Wisdom’s original mandate was to present some fun and some observations about the Universe that might stir thought, action, and to hold up a mirror for the odd moment of introspection. Usually that happens in quick sound-bite versions so it doesn’t occupy too much of the readers’ busy lives. Recent events prompt the following more lengthy entry, so if you’re short on time feel free to skip it, and return to whatever you were doing: I won’t be offended.

Yours truly recently spent some time visiting a free public food program that serves more than a hundred people every night. If not for the efforts of one guy-on-a-mission, they would go without a decent meal most of the time. There’s a deep-rooted culture and code of conduct in the place. The commonality they share is a mostly peaceful co-existence, that quietly recognizes we are all in the same boat. Some teens occasionally disturb the peace doing what teens tend to do, and the odd kerfuffle occurs from the older crowd, but generally it’s just a bunch of folks being fed and chatting about events of their day.

The pain and angst rests below the surface, and often shows up in misplaced humour, peppered with obscene gestures and language that, somehow, seem less offensive than it might in another venue. I wrote about the experience and commented:

The good people of our church are so disconnected from this world, and comfortable enough in the little middle-class church neighbourhood, that we have the luxury of pretending it’s nothing to do with us.

That observation drew a response: “What do you think the suburban church can do to truly make a connection with people at the mission?”

Many moons ago, long before the T-shirts, lapel-buttons, colourful wrist bands and billboards emblazoned with WWJD, there was a book called “In His Steps”. The novel, now more than a hundred years old, was written by Charles Sheldon and was about a community that decided they would all respond to every situation they faced based on how they believed Christ would have responded. Four of us were reading the book during a trip to New York City. I was driving the T-roof Thunderbird and got us lost in the middle of the Bronx. Four white middle-class travellers, in the heart of a poverty-stricken black neighbourhood on a very hot June afternoon. After popping a quick U-turn and beating a hasty exit, one of our number referenced the book’s premise and asked “What do you suppose Christ would have done if He had been driving?” Yikes! Aaarrggh! Nothing like an instant lesson to move from academic discussion of literature into the real-world. A lengthy silence followed the question, until one of us said (I’d like to think it was me, but I’m not sure, so let’s just say “somebody”) offered: “He would have stopped the car, got out, and spent time with the people”. Needless-to-say we did not do that.

I thought of that New York experience when asked “What the suburban church can do to make a connection with people at the Mission?” Maybe the answer is as simple as: Drive your middle class car, from your middle class church and stop in at the Mission just to listen to whatever the folks wanna talk about. Underpinning much of what happens there is an unspoken message that essentially says: Please tell me that I matter, that I have value. To somebody!

To learn more of the place in which God has chosen to do some good work visit: http://www.mission.squarespace.com/

And if you’re so inclined, drop me a note to let me know what you think: alan.speak@yahoo.ca

Vol. II No. 32

It’s Not My Fault Department:
All parties in the Commons are taking aim at all other parties these days, thus creating a new low in the dysfunctional nature of the process. Harper blames Dion and his troops, Layton and his gang, and Duceppe and his lot. Aforementioned blame Harper. There’s a kindergarten quality to these machinations that’s almost amusing, if it wasn’t costing so much money. Another battle raging between MP Dean Del Mastro and ex-financial commentator, ex-Toronto Sun Columnist, ex-conservative, ex-cabinet minister, ex-independent MP, and now Liberal back-bencher Garth Turner also has a school-yard ring to it. Seems the latter made a crack about used car salesmen, to which Del Mastro took offence (he being in the car biz. before his election). Grow up boys, get over it. Then there’s the committee that decided to call Hockey Canada officials to a meeting to discuss their selection of a Captain for the National Team. Does anyone else think politicians ought not to get their knickers in a knot about such matters?

Paying for TV Department:
As far back as I can remember Canadian stations have been limited to 12 minutes of commercials per hour during prime-time programming. The governing body (CRTC) just announced the limit will soon increase to 14 minutes, and in a couple of years there will be no limit on commercial content. Someday we may see nothing but commercials, and no programs.

. . . and a Child Shall Lead Them Department:
Two girls, about 8 years old, watched as a couple of adults yelled at each other and made threatening gestures. The scene unfolded in full view of a group of other adults, any one of whom could have stepped in and ended it in seconds, but didn’t make the effort. One could argue that an intervention may have escalated the problem, but whatever the reason, real or imagined, nobody did anything. Until one of the little girls marched up to the combatants and said in a crystal clear voice: “Please stop yelling, you’re scaring my sister.” They stopped! Your Intrepid Reporter suggests the munchkin-peacemaker ought to be sent to some of the world’s hot spots to impart her innocent wisdom.

Metaphor or Reality? Department:
Robert Watt, a leading stonemason, has written a letter to the Feds advising that parts of the Parliament buildings are in grave danger of collapse. Visitors to the Nation’s capital probably noticed a large section of the building is wrapped to prevent anyone being hurt by falling debris. Forgive me for thinking there’s something metaphorical about the buildings being at risk of collapse, when what goes on inside is equally close to collapsing under the pressure of Question Period childishness.

Vol. II No. 31

Congrats, Blessings and Really Good Wishes Department:
Erin and Jeremy are proud parents of a new lad. Delivered early on the morning of May 7, he checked in at 6 lbs, 13 oz. Everybody healthy. The little guy doesn’t know yet how blessed he is to have the love of two of the kindest people on Spaceship Earth. He will, and God is smiling.

Statistical Bugs Department:
You are more likely to be killed by a lawnmower than by a black-widow spider. Now that’s good information to have. Inquiring Minds (I.M.) wonder what would happen if you found a spider sitting on your lawn mower?

40th Anniversaries Department:
Two events that happened 40 years ago are worthy of note: The Leafs last won a Stanley Cup, and Expo 67 ran in Montreal. If you remember either of these momentous occasions think back on what you were doing, what your dreams were, and where you thought would be when the annivresaries were celebrated. Yikes!

It’s About Money Department:
Don Imus launched legal action against CBS for his recent firing. Seems he’d like $120 million for his troubles. At least one legal guru thinks he has a good case, since the man’s contract calls for him to be “controversial”.

Explain and You Lose Department:
Elizabeth May, embattled boss-lady of the Green Party, tried to explain her remarks that compared Stephen Harper’s handling of the environment to Neville Chamberlain’s handling of the nazis. Chalk this one up to political naiveté. Two things worth mentioning that she needs to put in her bag o’political tricks: Avoid mention of nazis anywhere, and anytime; and don’t explain stuff. Just apologize and shut up.

Same Lesson, Different Player Department:
Justin Trudeau needs a history lesson. Got himself elected as the Liberal candidate in Papineau and a few days later forgot what his dad had done to guarantee bilingual schools in our fair land. In a speech to New Brunswick teachers he noted that two systems are divisive and maybe we ought to consider scrapping the idea. Not smart, Justin. Major rule in the business of giving speeches: Know your audience.

Your Intrepid Reporter (I.R.) suggests Stephan Dion put Ms. May and young M. Trudeau into the same Sensitivity training courses.