Carpal Tunnel of the Mind

Listener- listen to the history, listen to the present

2012-02-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Listener hits a nerve on what it means to be a North American.

This kind of scattered, fragmented, poignant, pop culture catch phrase, emotional, passionate mash-up style music to me is the zeitgeist of our times.

I think these guys bring story telling, expression and understanding to new heights of music. They seem to be signing to their dying love, America, and are trying to tell her story as fast as they can. We don't have much time left.

Also, this freaked me out an intrigued me a fair bit. I remember learning about magic when I was a kid, about how it mainly worked on distracting the person you are performing the trick on, building tension, and surprise. This creates a "magic" trick, which is basically controlling the viewers perception to make them think what's going on is genuine.

I don't like things like this- someone out there prove me wrong please?

Women Entrepreneurs

2012-02-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

I can't lie, this almost moved me to tears.

We are not a special interest group.

Stories

2012-02-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

I like stories. Most people don't know how powerful stories are.

Fashioning the Future Submission

2010-05-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

I was a finalist for this! 2009 was my year of being a Brides maid....

NEW DEFINITION OF FASHION:

Effectuating Sustainable Behaviour Through Communication

What is the role of communication in a sustainable fashion culture? Communication is a tool. It’s outcome can be whatever is decidedly intended, then well thought out and implemented. When your intent is a large broad spectrum like ‘sustainability’, where does a business start?

A successful sustainable fashion company must foster a sustainable culture at work. Just like in any other kind of business, employees of sustainable fashion companies must be on board and have the same basic codes and eco-standards that they operate on. They must be informed and engaged by what is communicated to them about the business. This can be for a company of one or 100.

What I offer here is not a one size fits all checklist of sorts that can be implemented without fail. What I have set out to do was to see what “worked” in the past to change consumer or employee behaviour, not necessarily just in the eco-world. I kept one quote in mind:

“I cannot teach anyone anything, I can only make them think.” – Socrates.

By combining sustainable design theory with marketing consumer behaviour, we can understand some key ways we communicate and who we are communicating to. This knowledge can help engages both employees and consumers to adapt sustainable lifestyles. We have to be design conscious when we create, and design is about asking questions. Therefore we need to be aware of the right questions to ask. The answers will lead to new definitions of fashion.

The role sustainable fashion communication must play is to keep the following themes in mind, and create more threads of awareness in their own companies. In my research, I have come across eight themes that play out in both successful consumer behaviour and sustainable design fields. They are:

1. LOHAS

LOHAS is an acronym for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability- a market conservatively estimated at $209 billion in the U.S, and accounts for 19% of the population. LOHAS is based on psychographics rather then demographics. This is the new opinion leader and aspirational lifestyle in many marketing segmentations. By targeting these innovators, companies have paved the way to make sustainable technologies and products available to the general public through trickle-down theory; they more importantly, make the LOHAS lifestyle more desirable to the early majority, late majority and laggard consumers.

LOHAS are committed consumers with brand loyalty and have an estimated yearly disposable income of 1.4 trillion dollars. LOHAS consumers tend to demand more out of the products and services that they purchase, going beyond form and function, all the while valuing the integration of price and quality. Health and wellness are expanded priorities to now include spiritual and planetary needs.

“No business can be done on a dead planet.” - David Brower

In the application of LOHAS to changing how your company communicates sustainability; the company must understand if they are catering to LOHAS, or the wake created by this new marketing segmentation.

2. Collective Memory

Is a term coined by Maruice Halbwach, and is defined as: “The breadth of procedural knowledge the community acquires through experience when interacting with each other and the world.” Andrew Garland and Richard Alterman from Brandeis University propose that: “It is a mechanism through which a community of agents can lean improved patterns of cooperative activity to take advantage of regularities in their domain of problem-solving.”

In North America, there is a list-serve that branches from the book and movement “Fostering Sustainable Behaviour” in Vancouver, B.C. There are hundreds of similar goal oriented people on the list serve, sharing and learning information on how to create sustainable behaviour in their communities. The Sierra Youth Coalition’s mission is to foster a group resource database for activist youth, and their wiki website reflects that, as it can easily be edited and contributed to. They stress how important it is to share knowledge, and build it in a manor that passes the information on to the next generation.

"What does the blogosphere actually do for us in terms of accessing collective intelligence?... The premise of the wisdom of crowds, is that under the right conditions, groups can be remarkably intelligent, and they can actually be smarter than even the smartest person within them." -James Surowiecki

In the application; How can your company tap into it’s collective intelligence to better create desired reactions from your audience’s collective memory? What intelligence does your audience have, and what new knowledge can be contributed to it? Are you relying on your collective memory, forgetting that your audience’s collective memory may not have the same information to draw from?

3. Visualization

Humans are visceral creatures. They need to touch and see in order to conceptualize, connect, understand and believe. We must look no further than late-night infomercials to understand visualization’s importance in the marketing world. Visualization also plays a key part in environmental awareness. For example, Chris Jordan is an artist who uses everyday items and scale to visually represent consumption. His audience reacts to the images as they quantify the consumption of our society, previously explained by abstract numbers. Edward Burtynsky’s photos help conceptualize the giant industrial power that is China. Inner city youth often show greater compassion for environmentalism after being exposed to nature, which was previously a foreign concept. How can someone value something they have never experienced? When politicians go to Greenland and see the shrinking glaciers, they no longer deny global warming. When the human element (in the forms of speakers, witnesses, etc.) are added to a campaign, brand or cause, understanding and response is also greater.

The recent cultural serge surrounding visualization can be observed through Google imaging, advanced statistical maps (most recently used in political campaign reporting), Youtube, books such as The Secret, and websites like FlowingData.

“The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see.” -John W. Tukey

In the application; what information are you presenting that can better be explained by imaging? How can you use images to impact, but not desensitize your audience? What new technology is available to communicate sustainability? How can you use existing visual cues to communicate?

4. Access to information

Language can be a barrier. This holds true from profession to profession, ideology to ideology, class to class, etc. Each class, ethnicity, profession, and political viewpoint has it’s own technical terms, industry jargon, morals and values. In communication, this can lead to barriers when two different people or organizations with two different language sets communicate. For this reason, many professions have a difficult time understanding each other’s values and viewpoints. For instance: an environmental scientist and an oil CEO. This lack of common understanding leads to barriers. These barriers can be large, such as government policy, or small, such as every-day purchase decisions.

If a consumer is overloaded with information, which tends to happen when complex issues arise such as sustainability, the consumer tends to ‘shut down’ or not absorb all information at once. In short, their absorption potential becomes saturated. If a consumer is presented with a new idea (cognition) contrary to existing belief structures, it is called ‘Cognitive Dissonance’. This is the feeling of uncomfortable tension that comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time. This can be used to change people’s behaviour, but it can also cause the person to come up with reasons to justify their existing behaviour. A common example is: “Humans aren’t causing climate change, so I can keep driving my SUV.”

Ewa Piwowoz-Hjort, a Swedish sociologist, believes that society’s ability to ignore the bad news may result from our tendency to shy away from things that seem frightening or ominous.

“Journalist have little to no education in the sciences, so they don't know how to address it. They know politics, celebrities- but if they have a scientist on their show they get nervous.” - David Susuki, when asked why he thought journalists dropped the ball in 1992 on the climate crisis.

In the application; what language is your company using? Who is your company speaking to? Are speaking the same language? Are you aware of your own industry jargon, and that your audience may not understand the language you are speaking? What possible resistant to your information will you have, what kind of cognitive dissonance is already there?

5. Media, Peer Pressure and Self-Image

Humans are social animals. They are products of the knowledge and experiences they are exposed to. For the most part, people believe what they are told by their parents, instructors and mentors, what the media portrays and in turn, do what their neighbors expect of them. This drive to ‘fit in’ is their main motive for purchases and activities. Media dictates how they should act, what is new, popular and acceptable. Most people conduct their lives based on how they believe the rest of the world behaves, and what they believe the world expects them to do. Sheena Iyengar’s research at Columbia University proves how group pressure influences our choices. Understanding this concept is key in persuasion, as changing behaviour takes more than just information.

“We Focus on behaviour change and marketing, one concept is to promote the ‘Successful Deviant’, a farmer who did something different and prospered.” - George Roter, Engineers without Boarders founder, when talking about how EBW effectively change behaviour in Ghanaian farmers.

The self-image is another form of pressure, but from within. A consumer chooses products and services that has an image which is similar to the view they have about themselves. They imagine and associate certain attributes with regard to their tastes and personalities. That being said, a person's perceived self is not a static concept. When a consumer buys a ‘green’ product, they associate themselves with the ‘green’ movement. This attaches a green ideology onto the person’s self-image and as the person views themselves as a ‘green’ person, they buy ‘green’ products, and the cycle reinforces itself.

In the application; fashion companies have always thrived on these concepts. How can a company operate to use these principals to make sustainability community norms and develop their customers to view themselves as sustainable?

6. Kaizen

Kaizen translates into "continuous improvement” and is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continual improvement throughout all aspects of life. This model doesn’t place blame on past oversights or failures; it encourages participation from all levels of improvement, from factory worker to company president. Toyota, a company known for it’s innovation in sustainable design, operates on the Kaizen system.

Kaizen methodology: making changes and monitoring results --> large-scale pre-planning and extensive project scheduling are adjusted and thereby replaced by smaller experiments. These can be rapidly adapted as new improvements are suggested.

The theory of Conscious Evolution plays out many times while talking about the greater good of social enterprises. Conscious evolution can be defined as an ethical and philosophical theme of conduct where everyone takes responsibility for the health and direction of human progress.

“We are on the cusp of a design revolution in business. As a result, today’s business people don’t need to understand designers better, they need to become designers.” Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School of Management.

In the application; what is your company doing to break down hierarchy, so that all workers can contribute? What systems for input and improvement do you have in place? What is your company doing to evolve consciously?

7. Reframing the System

If one wants something to change, one has to consciously alter the system in which one operates, be it internal or external. (I.E. personal values, company policy, government laws, etc.). On a corporate level, by evaluating where a company is by setting benchmarks and schedules, a company can follow their improvement, thereby keeping the company motivated. This concept is used heavily in popular and effective weight loss systems and by personal trainers and life coaches. Socially, lobbying the government and being an active citizen is crucial in effectuating change. In activism, the Anti-Oppression framework operates heavily around questioning existing social structure, and reframing these systems to be more inclusive. Studying Anti-opression methodology will

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind."- William James

The question of WHY plays an integral role. For instance, the question: “Why does our society have commerce and why do we trade? Is it for money, or is it for the betterment of everyone and social prosperity?” If we reframe the reasons of why we consume, we change what we consume. Reframing is about believing in an alternate future and consciously building towards it.

“We can not solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”- Einstein

In the application; are you aware of the constructs which your company operates in? Can you change what you think by how you think? What benchmarks are you setting up? Why are you in business?

8. Creativity

Sustainable design and consumer behaviour require thinking outside of the status quo in order to be successful. We are witnessing a paradigm shift towards design not only regarding form and price, but for ergonomics and ecology. This push towards design requires creativity. The new term for this concept is Integrated Design Thinking, which is a collaborative method for designing which emphasizes the development of holistic design, a term coined in the Architecture field. It’s toted as the new paradigm shift in design theory. For example, GE encourages it’s employees to use their ‘ecomaginations.’

“Integrated design thinking is the real break through, not gizmos.” – Peter Bushby

The Creative Class is a concept pioneered by Rotman School of Business professor Richard Florida. This new class of people is loosely defined as “people who get paid to think.” In Toronto, this comprises of 34% of the job market. Recently, The Martin Prosperity Institute in Florida was commissioned by the Ontario Government to analyze the changing composition of Ontario’s economy and workforce. It examined historical trends and projected futures, providing recommendations on how to remain globally competitive. In February 2009, they published the report “Ontario in the Creative Age”. This report suggested that Ontario must transform it’s routine-oriented economy to a creative-oriented one. Routine-oriented is defined as repetitive tasks with a set of operating procedures, which can be outsourced, automated, and replicated by anyone. Creative-oriented is defined as analytical skills with social intelligence skills, which cannot be outsourced, automated and replicated easily. This means that emphasizing creativity in our economy will lead our culture to a more environmentally sustainable future, but a fiscally sustainable one as well.

In the application; how are you using your ecomagination and promoting creativity and integrated design thinking?

OH CANADA!

2010-02-06T00:59:00.000-08:00

I've been gone for a bit.

2009-09-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

I graduated school and have being going through a cocoon faze. More to come soon.

I just sent in this response to Tree Hugger's new eco-fashion blog, Ecouterre, on SANS ridiculous understanding of what sustainability is.

"While this woman is very intelligent and makes interesting points, her argument has a lot of holes in it, and in fact is a bit hypocritical and not well thought out.

Well, who says that because people make it at home it will fit or be of good quality? Home sewn clothes may also not fit and be worn only once, left to rot in the back of a closet OR half finished in a ‘to-do’ pile instead of a warehouse. Let us not forget that sewing is a developed skill, that takes years to develop properly to ensure durability and fit. She makes it seem like anyone sitting in front of a Singer can be a tailor.

Also, her methodology of production would mean that everyone would have to go and purchase sewing machines, surgers, button hole makers, and other tools and machines to make their clothes… if every household had to purchase and run these, it wouldn’t be very sustainable or economical, would it? Where does the electricity come to power home sewing machines? Then everyone would have to drive to stores and tansport their fabrics to their own individual houses. That may not be very sustainable either. Logistics play a huge role in sustainability. Where does the fabric you buy “from your local store” come from? Probably from china, from fabric sales points. Why not produce it in a factory in China if that where the fabric comes from anyway? Then it at least gets produced in factories that generally currently now recycle fabric scraps.

Another point is who has time to make all those clothes? Designers like this usually spend very little time in front of their sewing machines producing anything but their samples- sometimes not even that. They forget how time consuming sewing is. Mass production – or outsourcing the production of your clothes- actually lead women to have more time to do things like develop a career. I’m not devaluing sewing at home, nor am I validating mass sweat shops that take advantage of developing classes in countries with corrupt and lax labour laws- but it is something to be considered.

This woman has an interesting concept- and her clothing is beautiful. It puts the VOGUE patterns of old to shame. Most major fashion labels in the 1800’s to the present produce patterns to buy and sew at home. You know, the patterns that also never got purchased and sit around in the backs of fabric land or were sent to the landfill… oh now you can download them from her. We all know how sustainable computer and printer production is. E-waste isn’t an issue, right?

Patterns and home sewing have died off for a reason. It’s not something new or radical. It’s not pioneering or building a new path. SANS just does it with a neo-sustainable, ungrounded modernist attitude, that’s all.

I also find people who smoke (usually putting money in the pockets of huge and ethicalless corporations) a wee bit out of touch with what they preach. You know the average smoking habit takes 300 trees a year to support?"

Design and the Elastic Mind

2009-06-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

When I did my thesis, I really got no respect from environmentalists and NGO workers i would try to interview... because I was a designer and a marketer. I encountered many experiences where there was a lack of understanding about what a "designer" is.

This was a video I used to explain what design could be, and what it could give both the environmental and NGO fields.

This is a Coles Note from the Coolhunter:

I asked a woman (who ran a national social awareness campaign against bottled water) what her views on her marketing plan was, and she informed me that because they were an NGO, they were not [evil] markers. This parallels the behaviour business men get to being asked what their CSR policies are. They are not [damn] hippies, they are real business men.

No wonder nothing is changing. Too many people give in to preconceptions and close off their minds to relevant information. Haven't we learned anything?

I am not sure the internet is so much a source for information, but for a way you can blurt out your own thoughts without having to pay attention to others.

I just found this

2009-06-18T08:43:00.001-07:00

I wrote this down a few years ago.

"The materials we use shuld serve a higher power. Should a metal forged in the heat of the Earth be used to do the business of assholes?"

Can somebody please employ me.

2009-06-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

I absolutely hate Workopolis. It's the worst designed website ever.

It screws up all the time.

It's horrible.

But look me up.

Meaghan Orlinski

Q&A with Brett and Philthy

2009-05-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Brett and Philthy are going to start a Toronto edition of Pot Psychology. Does anyone have any questions? Our webcams are at the ready. Honestly, Brett and I have invented our own universe, you should be here it's so sunny. Our economy relies not on fossil fuels, but on alcohol percentages and Chinatown's woks. Can Yan cook? BOy yeah he can!

Question & Answer #1: How do you spell avocado?

I need to read

2009-03-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ontario in the Creative Age

But here is a wicked slide-show coles notes I found...

Ontario In The Creative Age

View more presentations from stakano.

I think this is what happens when I sleep...

2009-03-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

A response from the Facebook

2009-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

When I wrote on my status "Meaghan needs angry fuck-life music." I got this:

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

iwrestledabearonce - "Tastes like Kevin Bacon"

Can you see why?

.eco

2009-03-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's kinda a badly designed website, but welcome to the next wave of the environmental community!

http://www.dotecotld.com/

What is .Eco?

Dot Eco LLC is an organization dedicated to promoting the acceptance and implementation of the .eco top level domain, and is backed by proven internet entrepreneurs, leading scientists, ecological and philanthropic groups, and environmentally conscious high-profile individuals. Our goal is to use the .eco top level domain to increase awareness of ecological issues and to fund scientific initiatives and research related to the environment.

Dot Eco LLC is a non-partisan organization dedicated to securing and utilizing the .eco top level domain to increase environmental awareness and to effect positive environmental change.

Dot Eco LLC intends to apply for the .eco top level domain with ICANN.

~ Why?

Vote for me!!!

2009-03-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.shiseidocanada.com/webpoll/peopleschoice.htm

I'm number 7. Meaghan O.

THANK YOU!!!!!

I'm thinking of starting a new blog.

2009-03-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

I would call it : Ghetto Green. Or Eco-Ghetto. Or Gh-Ecotto. I don't even know how you would pronounce that word, but if you could it would be pure awomrdazingness.

The theme of the blog would be tips on how to live sustainably by: Hanging your laundry out to dry. Biking. Returning empties. Not turning on the heat. Not turning on the air conditioning. Not having a car. Eating at home. Taking the bus. Buying in bulk. Using beer bottles for ashtrays. Wearing clothes out and fixing them. Hanging out in a park, drinking wine from a box.

See? Is that Eco lifestyle, or is it Ghetto?

Customs is hindering Eco Fashion In Canada

2009-02-28T17:05:00.001-08:00

Photo curtsy of Joe Lee

I am doing research into trade laws and customs orders. I have come across a HUGE problem in the sustainable world- the government and it's badly raised child- customs.

There are so many tough and complicated laws on importing and exporting. It is incredibly expensive. It involves an incredible amount of patience! You have to kill half a forest in paper, then wait for the old growth forest to grow back to wait for the product to come in. (Re: you take forever filling out forms and waiting for the product to go through the border.)

Also, DNS has been WAITING FOR FABRIC for a few weeks now. Waiting for fabric is a huge problem in creating a line, because you have less and less time to work on the proper fit of the garment using the real fabric. A proper fitting garment is probably the BEST quality of any sustainable clothing line, so people actually will buy it and wear it.

To add insult to injury, many product like oil, chemicals and cheap fattening foods like white sugar are subsidized. Meaning they are cheaper than products that are actually good for the population. WHAT? What kind of stupid-old-white-fat-men politics is that?

If the government wants us to go green- they should untangle some of the bureaucratic mess that they have created. They should subsidize organic cotton, organic vegtables, non-toxic paints, green technology and design. There should be a special customs office- one that deals with getting Green products in and out of Canada as quickly and cheaply as possible. THAT will help green entrepreneurs tremendously, not shitty greenwashed add campaigns.

I'm the center of the Universe

2009-02-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

This appeals to my forever-single Leo-ness. :)

Since it's post-valentine's... maybe talking about love is okay?

Okay, here is my story. If I had wanted, I could have settled a long time ago and be on my 3rd kid by now. I've dated many wonderful men that I have broken up with, and many that have broken up with me. Sometimes it has hurt because of dishonesty, sometimes I have just start hating the boy, sometimes it's just not the right time or fit. I have tried learning lessons from all of them. I don't believe in creating some perfect case scenario of when/how the love of your life will happen. If you do, then you create a scenario or construct that maybe no one will want to step into. It's a Hindu concept I know I am not good at explaining. Basically, if everyone is their own interdependent soul, then they want to create their own reality. If you create some sort of reality in your head, then you put a lot of pressure on that being to conform to your expectations. Then maybe no one will fuful your expectations, and that is what you are left with. An ideal. Not a real person.

I also don't believe in fighting for things.

One day the right one will come along. I heard of once the concept of being in an 'agreement' with someone, not a 'relationship'. Relationships entail a form of dependence that I don't think I will ever be comfortable with. Agreements come from when two independent people, who derive happiness and joy from themselves, who come together in an agreement to go at this world together. (For lack of better words.) Not out of need or filling a void, but out of love and joy. This to me is ideal.

In the mean time, I am slowly but surely conquering the world. I am learning how to love myself, and how to love this world. I am positive that is more important than being in a relationship with someone else, and although it would be nice to be with someone, I am very happy just being alone.

I am kinda awesome, after all.

Contest Entry

2009-02-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

From the Green Pages.

Q: What is the greatest environmental threat facing our world today? Examples: Human-induced climate change, biodiversity loss, loss of habitat, air pollution, scarcity of clean water, desertification, deforestation , loss of ocean fish species, overpopulation, poverty.

A:

" Our greatest environmental threat lies not outside in a category, but in the very way we view ourselves. We have become so detached from nature that we do not view ourselves as a part of our environment. Because of this detachment, we have no value in protecting 'the' environment because in our minds it is not 'ours' to worry about it. It is something external, something humans operate outside of.
Our very society has become self destructive. We seek things out that do us harm: drinking, smoking, bad food, & violence. This is being echoed in our environment. The individual does not do what is best for themselves, and we do not do what is best for the environment.
To get society to change, we must first learn how to truly value and love ourselves, and shift this consciousness. We must teach and practice compassion & empathy, and that we are a part of nature, not masters over it. In doing so, we will value each other and the world we live in, & make the changes needed to heal the planet."

I got quoted!

2009-02-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

How do I love thee? Let me write the ways: love letters still making mark

I'm at the bottom, I closed the show! Yes! Save the best for last!

Once again I think the quotes weren't the best ones I said. I talked about how I had a hard time understanding Dante due to the cultural context- Court life in 13th century Italy is a wee bit different than Toronto.

p.s. Getting that poem was the best thing ever. :)

I love purple

2009-02-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

My bike is purple, so are most of my clothes, and I lived in a purple room when I was a teenager.

I LOVE THIS SONG. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SONG.

Solar Trees

2009-02-07T09:10:00.001-08:00

Good morning! Here is a bit of inspirational advertisement to start your day! I really love Ross Lovegrove, the designer. His parents are first cousins.

Proud Vegetarian

2009-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

I was told a few weeks ago I had to eat meat. I can't. That's it. I won't. I'm proud of that.

They say times are changing. We have to change. We have to stop by being cruel to the most helpless of animals. We have to stop feeding off of inhumane conditions and torture.

On a note, I believe that we should return to NATURAL ways of raising animals. Factory farms and massive slaughter houses, packaging, processing and tinning is not that. The amount and poor quality of meat our society eats is NOT natural, which is why we have so much disease that steams from it. Animals raised can be slaughtered humanely. Back in the day farm life was a good deal- we as humans protected them from wild animals, and provided them with food and shelter. In return they provided us with food, skins, furs and other bi-products. This is no longer the case.

Follow the white rabbit...enter... the Meatrix.

Best Anti-Smoking Ads

2009-02-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

I'm on an anti-smoking adds kick right now. I haven't been smoking, and last Friday when I went out I had 3 cigarettes which caused me to get this chest cold! Great! Teach me to not smoke!

Finding Our Way

2009-02-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

This was something I wrote for journalism class. Enjoy!

Can Toronto’s Fashion Industry Turn a New Leaf?
By: Meaghan Orlinski
November 24, 2008

L’Oreal Fashion Week wrapped up it’s 16th season this past October. It was a ‘Fabulous’ event, with lots of talent emerging from the rafters. The after-parties spilt over with red carpets, high heels and alcohol. It had the blog world up in a tizzy, Toronto reporters survived on a few hours of sleep a night, and party photo websites reached their bandwitdth capacity.

However, it was noted that the only British Press that was received was a small column about Fashion Design Council of Canada’s president Robin Kay’s drunken speech. In fact, that was some of the only international press besides a few Japanese blogs. L’Oreal Fashion Week is failing to hit one of it’s target mandates- International recognition.

So- Why is it that L’Oreal Fashion Week can’t catch a break? Many things can be pointed out: newness, bad timing, lack of celebrity, and the brain drain to name a few.

“It’s often said that Toronto lacks a fashion identity.” Says Professor Lu An Lafrenz of Ryerson’s School of Fashion, who teaches the Introduction to Fashion course. “When you think of New York, Paris, Tokyo; automatically a sort of fashion image jumps to mind. That doesn’t happen when you say Toronto.”

Creating a brand is an important aspect of the fashion world. Branding of cities has become popular, with Toronto Unlimited branding being launched in 2005. One can come to the conclusion that to better represent itself on the international scene, Toronto should brand its fashion scene. But how you do you brand a series of brands? From Matis to Joe Fresh, every designer has an artistic inspiration and style sense. How can you lump designers from a city that prides itself on diversity all together?

A November independent fashion show may prove to be the answer. Fashion Takes Action took Place November 6th in the Distillery District, and showcased 10 Canadian designers that used sustainable fibers. Their looks were stunning and diverse, but their environmental impact was minimal, the over all theme of the show pulled together quite nicely.

“L’Oreal was great for some national press and for networking within the city. However, we need more of presence internationally if our businesses want to survive. “ Answered Sonja den Elzen via email. “Eco-fashion at present can be kind of limiting because of the price point, but it also gets your foot in the door. Many international boutiques and retailers are interested in Eco-fashion, it’s a huge movement.”

To picture the growing industry, in the past 3 years international organic cotton production has skyrocketed 600%. The problem now is availability of new sustainable fibers to smaller designers, which have to compete with mega-corporations like Nike, who is the worlds largest organic cotton buyer.

“A business that ignores these [social environmental] issues, I don’t see how it can be relevant in its economic activity,” Was quoted François-Henri Pinault, President of PPR, the luxury group that owns brands like Gucci and Balenciaga, in the November 2008 W magazine.

Ashley Watson, Passenger Pigeon, Grace and Cello, and Preloved are all Canadian brands sold internationally. While being beautifully crafted lines, they are all environmentally friend.

“We aren’t an environmental line. We are a fashion line that is environmentally friendly.” Points out Shelley Whellan, manager of the Toronto Preloved store as she shows me rack after rack of gorgeous, one of a kind remade pieces. “We are a fashion store first and foremost, people just love us that much more because we care for the environment.”

Historically, prosperity comes from the environment. Societies grew and prospered mainly due to natural resources and their proper management. Societies like the Mayans or the people of Easter Islands dwindled due to poor resource management. Canadians should take the cue. The ‘Green-tech’ movement is being toted as the way out of the economic slump, as sustainable economics emphasizes true cost pricing, fair wages, clean working environments and transparency.

Canada has a rich natural heritage- when the world thinks of Canada, they think of our massive and expansive land and diversity. We will never be Italy or Paris. They will always be hundreds if not thousands of years a head of us. We should forge our own path, one based on a respect for our heritage and the future fashionistas that will come after us.

It is said that Toronto lacks a fashion identity, and this reporters says we should make it a green one.

I like to argue

2009-02-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

GREEN FUR? <--I just found this again...read the comment box.

I think the Green Fur campaign is misguiding and despicable. I still hope that the Fur Council of Canada will hire a 3rd party consultant, and stop dipping fur in carcinogens.

Forgivness

2009-02-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

I think in the quest to love oneself, you have to first forgive yourself.

I think in the quest to reconciling friendships and work relationships you have to forgive that person, and forgive yourself.

I think in the worlds quest for peace, we have to forgive of our 'enemies', forgive our own human nature, and forgive ourselves.

For my 'Art of Life Writing Class', I have read Long Way Gone by Ishmeal Beah, and I am currently and very slowly reading The Confessions by St. Augustine. Both are heavily centered around the concept of explanation of life and forgivness. Apologia Pro Vita Sua, or a defense of the way I have lived my life... So it's been making me think of myself and my own quest for inner forgiveness.

For Solstice I was asked to make a wish for the world- mine was that we all searched for forgiveness. Without forgiveness, all your misdeeds in life are left to fester. You feel guilty, unworthy, shameful, angry, and all the plethora of negative feelings that you can direct at yourself, and therefore direct out at the world.

As a Christian (not a crazy one), the concept of forgiveness has played itself out at every sermon and every holiday. But until now I never really understood it or internalized it. The Christ died to save me of my 'sins' but it was always something outside of me, outside of myself, some unknown score card being kept by an imaginary referee up there in the sky. But, maybe you can look a it this way- if he could forgive you for what you've done, certainly you can forgive yourself. And in forgiving yourself you set off a chain reaction towards understanding and hapiness.

Choice, Hope and Happiness

2009-01-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

Choice

Happiness

Hope

PISSED OFF GEN Y

2009-01-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

I remember being sold that lie from the beginning, "do well and you'll go far." Most of us aren't "praised for everything", that would have been nice. I'm not sure so much that I do my work to be praised, I think for the most part I do it not to be shit upon. Thankful, since I've been in my last year at university it's been for my own fulfillment.

We were a generation that was told we had to be all and do all. Most of us were pushed by parents and teachers to excel. So we did. We were told that if we used our brains we wouldn't be stuck in a dead end job, that if we were only smarter we'd get a head of the line. Most of us were sold a materialistic view point, but we are now punished for it.

The generations of parents and teachers that spoiled us now resent us.

But then the same generations of parents and teachers who sold us those lies and resent us screwed up the economy, the environment and social systems.

But we are selfish.

I know a lot of people in my generation who work their ASSES off to get places, to succeed and to make things better. This resentful woman makes a point, but misses the mark as far as I'm concerned. Articles like this come from the assumption that generations raise themselves. We were a generation that was raised by money grabbing-parents of the 80's, who were too caught up in chasing money and divorcing each other to properly parent their children. So the TV, books and internet raised us, which somehow made us too smart for our own good.

We are somehow selfish looking for the praise we sought so hard for as children, trying to replace the communities we never had with possessions.

No wonder we are so angry but apathetic.

~Meg

p.s She does make a good point, we just want a little love and praise, nevermind bonuses. Throw in high speed cable at the office and we're yours!

We're great hires for the recession.

My response to my father who sent me the following Article:

DUDE, WHERE’S MY JOB?

What happens when the most entitled generation ever hits a recession.

By Lianne George – It was only 18 months ago that the Wall Street Journal ran an article outlining the lavish demands of a new generation of workers, known collectively as Gen Y or Millennials or Net Gen. At the time, the thinking was that this group-ages 30 and under-had employers over a barrel. For one thing, there were relatively few of them and employers, facing an imminent wave of boomer retirements, would be competing for the best of this young cohort. Also, since this is the Internet generation, they were believed to possess magical and mysterious tech skills that would prove invaluable in the workplace of the future.
Emboldened by these dual advantages, Millennials set their expectations high. Not only did they want fun, fulfilling work, with flexible hours, good salaries, and ample vacation, they wanted to be celebrated, too. Literally, feted. Savvy employers had taken to embracing measures like prize packages for a job well done, “public displays of appreciation”, and, in the case of one manufacturer in Texas, retaining a “celebration assistant’ in charge of helium balloons and confetti. This was smart business, according to 30-year-old Jason Dorsey, a self-appointed Gen Y expert-who consults with companies like Kraft and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts about the peculiarities and preferences of his generation. “Marketing milestones is major”, he told Forbes magazine. “No birthday should go uncelebrated, and the first day on the job should be unforgettable.” Which is great, expect for one thing: what happens when the most entitled generation in history slams into the worst job market in 30 years?
At the turn of 2009, in the midst of massive layoffs and hiring freezes, not to mention cut-rate Christmas parties where punch just wasn’t in the budget, these demands seem cringe-worthy – even more so than they did before. If ever there was a sign that the era of the sellers’ employment market is over, it came last month when Google - the Santa Claus of corporate perk-giving – instituted a hiring freeze and, among other things, cancelled its New York office’s decidedly Millennial-friendly tradition of afternoon tea. Almost as soon as they began for this cohort, it would appear its halcyon days are over.
In November alone, 71,000 Canadians lost their jobs-27 percent of the newly unemployed are people aged 24 and under-and economists predict this is only is only a bellwether of worse to come. Suddenly, many of those retiring boomers can’t afford to retire. Making matters worse, Millennials are saddled with more debt than any previous generation (an average of $56,631 per year in student debt alone, not to mention the load sitting on their credit cards, and what they’re doling out in car payments). This recession is not what they signed up for.
“They were absolutely told that “You’re part of a blessed generation and you are going to be in control of your own destiny,’” says Winnipeg native Steven Rothberg, owner of CollegeRecruiter.com, a company that recruits college graduates mostly in the U.S. “The spring 2008 grads have had to do some major adjusting. They graduated with the expectation that it was going to be a sellers’ market, that they were going to have multiple offers, step into an upper management role and have significant strategic impact on a Fortune 500 company, and that’s just not the reality.” Until last year, he said, university and college students in their senior year, even the mediocre ones, could expect job offers as early as Oct. 1 of their final year. Now, employers are waiting until spring to make hiring decisions, waiting to see how the economy shakes out, and leaving more students graduating into uncertainty.
There will be schadenfreude from those who see Millennial entitlement as a moral failing. “I hear people say this a lot,” says Dorsey of his boomer executive clients. ‘They say, ‘Your generation just needs one good recession and then they’ll appreciate their jobs’.” But this is too simplistic an assessment of why ‘kids today” are the way they are. They’re not genetically lazy or spoiled, any more than children of the Depression are inherently thrifty. Whatever overblown expectations this generation has are the product of decades of conditioning, and not only by over-zealous boomer parents. Well-intentioned attempts to make this generation feel good about itself have, in fact, left them poorly prepared to weather a tough economic storm.
Consider that this is the first cohort to come of age in a time of institutionalized self-esteem. Beginning in the seventies, programs designed to boost children’s self-esteem were installed in schools and at home, in the form of books and TV shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Throughout the eighties, according to the research of Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, the number of studies published on the benefits of self-esteem programs doubled, and in the nineties, it doubled again. Then came the elimination of competition, harsh red marking pens, and the arrival of books with titles like Celebrate Yourself: Six Steps to Building Your Self-Esteem. “Generation Me’s expectations are highly optimistic”, Twenge wrote in her 2006 book on the narcissistic tendencies of the group. “They expect to go to college, to make lots of money, and perhaps even be famous”. Unfortunately, there’s a fine line between optimism and confidence, and irrational entitlement.
But it wasn’t just indulgent teachers and coddling parents that formed this generation’s world view. The self-esteem revolution happened to dovetail with a consumer shift toward an ever-greater focus on the individual. Marketers train their sights on young people more intently than ever before, piggy-backing on the self-esteem movement to offer youth heaps of affirmation in the form of a countless array of products-just for them! They realized that parents, flush with credit and disposable income, were inordinately concerned with their kids’ opinions, even when it came to grown-up purchasing decisions (from cars to family vacations). Tweens spend about $2.9 billion a year and influence purchases worth another $20 billion. From the age of eight, Millennials saw they reflected everywhere: in ads for teen shampoos, designer fashions, and fragrances. By the time they got to university, credit card companies were handing out applications forms along with student orientation packages. The message, as always: if you want it, you should have it.
It only makes sense that the environment in which they were raised would inform what they expected from a job – namely, flexibility, authority, instant respect and continuous affirmation. (This is a generation, after all, in which 7 out of 10 rank themselves “above average” in academic ability.) “They’re not going to put up with the “paying your dues” and being in the mailroom for the first three years,” says Rothberg. “In their mind it’s, “I graduated. I’ve always succeeded. I’ve always got a trophy for everything I’ve done. All of my friends and everyone I know is above average, so when I go into a place of work, I’m either going to set that place on fire or they’re not good enough for me and I’m out of there.’”

But there is a surprising upside to this attitude that may wind up benefiting both the young workers and the companies that employ them. Ironically, the Millennials’ addiction to affirmation may also turn out to be their saving grace. “What is interesting about the generation”, says Max Aliquots, president of Toronto-based youth marketing firm Orthography, “is that a lot of the carrots and perks they’re asking for have nothing to do with money, and almost everything to do with how they work.” Very few of them have had hard experience scrimping to make rent. (In fact, in 2006, 44 per cent of Canadian adults ages 20 to 29 were living with mom and dad). Instead, Dorsey says, the incentives they crave involve self-determination, being recognized for good work, and regular feed-back – things that cost no money at all. In other words, to some degree employers may be able to substitute applause for hard currency and still keep young employees perfectly happy, a potential boon in a cash-strapped economy.
For those young workers fortunate enough to find or keep work in the midst of the storm, life is about to provide some eye-opening lessons, and the same might be said for the companies trying to balance their need for young ambitious workers with their immediate need to keep costs down. “Smart companies are going to see this as an unparalleled opportunity to build Gen Y loyalty,” says Dorsey. “I always mention the birthday thing because it’s so simple, but Gen Y really does believe that the most important holiday of the year is their birthday because it’s the one they don’t have to share.” If this turn out to be true, expect to be eating a lot of cake in 2009.

Liane George is the co-author of The Ego Boom: Why the World Really does Revolve Around You (Key Porter), due in stores Jan. 27

Juice?

2009-01-21T07:02:00.001-08:00

(Disclaimer: This is not a happy-go lucky post. Some may view it as 'negative', but I view it as truthful. Being 'positive' doesn't mean ignoring bad things...)

I made the conscious decision to stop eating fish and shelfish a few years ago. Fish are wonderful and natural to eat as humans; but since we've started dumping so much oils, plastics, chemicals, and god-knows-what into our oceans they are highly toxic and contain heavy metals. Don't believe me? Why doesn't Tim Hortons serve tuna fish salad sandwhiches anymore? Hummm? They don't want a giant lawsuit in the future from mothers with mercury poisioned babies.

Besides, I can get all my omegas elsewhere.

We also over fish our oceans, use horrible things like Ghots nets that trap turtles, whales and dolphins, and generally disrespect the natural and sustainable fishing methods used by the fishermen of past. I also came to the conclusion that shelfish were just giant sea bugs. Lobster? Ummm... giant sea cockroach. No thanks.

Now, it seems we have screwed up another perfectly wonderful and natural thing humans eat.

A study has just come out saying that Juices have high amounts of pesticides. I don't eat to many fruits because of pesticide use. Organic and local fruit and berries are expensive, and with my pale Northern European heritage eating too many tropical fruits isn't the greatest thing for me anyway, according to macrobiotics. I also remember reading a study out of California somewhere that linked high amounts of fruit consumption to MS, a neurological disorder. That didn't make sense, fruit is supposed to be good for you, right? So they went back to the testing labs, and started a study marking people who eat washed vs unwashed fruits. Pesticides and Insecticides are just chemicals, and don't know the difference between your body and a bug. Ingested in large enough quantities, the neurotoxins and bioaccumulators must do something to your body. I haven't seen a follow up report, i'll post it if I do.

With my diet, people often ask me how can I do it if it's so "hard", and don't I "miss" things. Well, kinda. But I am gaining my health, well-being, peace of mind and a thriving planet to pass on to the future.

That's worth it, right?
I likes me veggies...

Websites I'm loving...

2009-01-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

Bleach Black Blog

La Chanh Nguyen's portfolio site.

Coroflot portfolio site and amazing blog Creative Seeds.

Hermon Daly's pioneering of economics and the environment.

Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability website.

Environmental Leader, the daily website for the 'green executive'.

Come Up To My Room, a yearly exhibit at the Gladstone that deals with integration and design.

(i heart websites that give you pre-fab logo links...)

I miss the nightlife...

2009-01-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

This song kinda reminds me of my 'nu-rave' days, when I first discovered Myspace and had my first real connection to a music genre that wasn't introduced to me by my brothers...

Top 5 Concerts: Daft Punk in an airport hanger, Ed Banger Tour at the Mod Club, Simian Mobile Disco at the Mod Club, and Para One at the Social while all the scensters were at some other concert, making the dance floor dance-able with only serious music heads (I was dancing next to MSTRKRFT), oh and sneeking past a line of 200 into a PACKED free MSTKRFT concert at the Harbourfront Center.

... oh how i miss the bright neon patterns, flashing lights, grimy beats, my chunky blond streaks and general awesomeness... 4th year is killing me people. I'll see you on the dance floor on the other side...

Patterns of Diversity

2009-01-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

I heart analytical designers that love bikes that are particular about restaurant etiquette whom loves patterns while criticizing our post-industrial world while enjoying culture.

Many things in my life have changed over the years.

2009-01-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

I found this a few days ago with Irene under my bed. It was my statement to get into University.

"I strongly believe that dsigners can change the world for the better." Awww... lookie how cute and smart 19 year Meaghan was/is....

(Click on it to enlarge.)

As Irene put it... "You were always a Nightshade."

Websites I'm loving...

2009-01-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

D&AD student Awards.

Office of Green Government Operations.

Fastest Composter in the West!

Center for Conscious Living

Brainsturbator

Self Propelled City

Also, this video is awesome to explain homeopathy, the kind of medicine I have chosen to heal myself with.

I pray for a world where we are not hooked on Big Pharma, and that our society is truely free so people can decide how they want to heal themselves.

Buy Nothing Day Photos

2009-01-04T17:41:00.001-08:00

As promised, photos from Buy Nothing Day 2006.

"If you think Christmas has become too commercial, here is your chance to do nothing about it."

Curtsy of Joe Le...

Creativity at TED

2008-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Problem Reaction Solution

2008-12-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

Hegelian Marketing: Problem-Reaction-Solution & Your Business

Historical Evidence of Problem Reaction Solution

HPV Submit to VACCINE - Cancer hoax for money

Merry Christmas to all the 6,726,328,844. 45,46,47,48,49... people on the Planet!

2008-12-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful Solstice.

This is the coolest website ever.

Christmas is based on the pegan holiday Saturnalia. I heard Emanuel's real b-day was either September or June.

Great Article

2008-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

What are you reading on this snowy day?

I'm reading A Brighter Shade of Green; Rebooting Environmentalism for the 21st Century
by Ross Robertson

Good quotes pulled from it...

“Nature” is over. The twentieth century did it in. There’s not a liter of seawater anywhere without its share of PCB and DDT. An altered climate will reshuffle the ecological deck for every creature that breathes. You can’t escape industrialism and hide from the sky. It’s over. From now on, “Nature” is under surveillance and on life-support. A 21st century avant-garde has to deal with those consequences and thrive in that world. - Bruce Sterling, Founder of the Viridian Design Movement

"I was frightened to realize how far I’d already come from love and idealism and the will to change things to anger, frustration, and a cynicism that increasingly bordered on desperation."- RR

“Well, because it’s a severe breach of taste to bake and sweat half to death in your own trash, that’s why. To boil and roast the entire physical world, just so you can pursue your cheap addiction to carbon dioxide.” - Bruce Sterling

Also... today, from my window I saw a heron caught up in the storm yesterday flying around over my neighbourhood... it was fighting the wind and I'm guessing a bit delirious. It was this gray shape against a swirling gray background... I wanted to run outside and track it down somehow... but I was sick and I lost sight of it fast. What was it doing flying around on a stormy Friday Night? Shouldn't have it been south? Was it blown up by the south? Anyway people, pray that this beautiful bird landed safely somewhere...

Environmentalism + Socratic method = effective

2008-12-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Socratic method is a form of philosophical inquiry in which the questioner explores the implications of others' positions, to stimulate rational thinking and illuminate ideas.

I was intrigued when recently I watched a snowboard video, and found one of the pro snowboarders talking about chem-trails. What was interesting and what I learned from him was his manor of talking about the chem trails. He didn't state what they were for, that the government was trying to blah blah blah, or any of that activist junk.

"I don't really question what it's doing, but why they are doing it?"

That struck a cord in me. I realized, if he was to tell the audience what he thought the government was doing, then he would be telling the audience what to think. By challenging the viewer to wonder why there were these weird jet exhausts, or 'contrails' all over the snowboarding valleys, he let their imagination run wild and would also cause the viewer to search for themselves. This method is far more diplomatic and non-confrontational then many forms of activism I have seen. He backs it up by making a personal observation that whenever these trails appear, it gets cloudy by the afternoon- ruining potential shooting time. He makes his point by pointing out something fairly trivial and light-hearted, while making a serious point.

The interview had started off with the question: "Tell me about your theories on these chem-trails."

The same snowboarder responds, "It's not really my theories. If you go out you simply see them. It's not like I'm making it up, I'm just asking the question why is this happening?"

They key to getting people to wake-up is to get them curious or wanting to learn about it- basically what any given marketer looks to create in their customer. It's a concept as old as Socrates for f*ck's sake- why hasn't this picked up in mainstream environmental activism?

This is why I don't eat fish...

2008-12-11T08:04:00.001-08:00

Ghost Nets

The Auto Bailout

2008-12-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

"Bridge Loan to no-where."

The US just gave 15 billion dollars to the auto-industry. They claim they need it to create supper-efficient hybrid cars. I feel that this is the biggest slap in the face to 'Environmentalism' since Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California.

The car industry admits to running a back-wards manufacturing model- but they do so to bail them out from their previously shamefully polluting and wasteful ways. It's like me asking my parents for a loan to bail me out of a previous drug addiction. "Hi Dad! I was a heroine addict for yeas without thinking about my future- now I need 50 grand for rehab... can you make it cash?"

It's almost criminal.

I hate to sound socialist- but if we the people give these companies money through our tax system, we should legally become shareholders in the industry and have say on what they produce and other shareholder rights. (And by 'we' I mean the American people... or if our government ever gets it together enough to make bad decisions...) Let's buy-out the auto industry and shut-down our borders to imports. Let us protect our industry that way- no country relies on Canada for it's share of the international car market.

Actually- that sounds pretty capitalistic. Most of what I just wrote I learned in business school. My dad would be proud. I decided to go to school to 'learn the beast', so I can know how to conquer it.

I'm going to conquer it. Potentially on a bicycle...

Things I found while doing research for Visual Experimentation for Thesis

2008-12-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

The High Cost of Free Parking

Finally, Parking Meters

Where Bikes Belong

Bastard Logic

Vintage Grocery Store

Utopian City

God I love going to university.

Shifting Careers

Ontario's Green Future

Crack cotton

2008-12-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Okay. I'm talking about our other North American addiction to an unsustainable resource; conventional cotton.

If you're a guy you may not want to read this post, or maybe just the next 4 paragraphs. Skip ahead.

Still here? Okay then. I'm a girl, and I just have to say one thing about Tampons. Organic ones at that.... (of course.) I have heard from a few ladies that they "are stiff and don't absorb as much."

Well, yes. But I found out the secret. What you have to do when you unwrap them, is to kinda twist and 'crack' the tampon so it loozens just a bit. Then it is actually super absorbent and even- dare I say- more absorbent than traditional OBs.

Also- do you want to stick something that was grown in a chemical soup up your special place? Not me. Even if it's washed, if the plant spends all it's life being doused by chemicals- it must do something to the final product- the tampon.

What's a girl to do? Chose organic.

(Men start here:) I just heard the point that organic uses more land and water than conventional cotton. Yes- these are demerit points for organic. However, only looking at these factors excludes both humand and chemical interaction, very important points when it comes to organic cotton.

Illustration from Jennie. (Not sure about the link...)

There are many different statistics about what percentage of total world pesticide use goes towards cottton- but any statistic shows it's too high. 'Conventional' cotton workers have higher rates of cancer- no doubt due to more exposure to nasty sythetic and synergistic chemicals used in the production of 'conventionally' grown cotton. The run-off from all these chemicals (Yes- the problem isn't so much that they are used to farm- it's that the effluent, or run-off) goes right into our drinking water, marshes, streams and lakes.

It's also more expensive. But that is because they have to use more manual labour to product the cotton. More labour jobs- and clean non-toxic jobs- are good for the over all economy, because there is more money at the base level of society to grow and prosper. There is also less strain on the economic system if less skilled workers, or anyone in society, is sick and taxing the health system. There is less training of new workers and lost productivity as well.

Also- the argument is that any land saved to grow cotton would be returned to forest- but I doubt any actually would, therefore it's not much of point.

So, while both valid and good points, organic cotton is still better than conventional.

Speaking of collective memory...

2008-11-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

Story Corps National Day of Listening

"As one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, it is our mission to help people honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening."

Happy Buy Nothing Day!

2008-11-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

Aren't familiar with Buy-Nothing-Day?

In the states, this weekend marks a great shopping weekend, when everyone rushes to the malls for the sales to stock up on useless crap for the holiday season. As a Christian, I'm firmly convinced that our modern day version of Christmas has very little to do with the birth of Jesus Christ, and more to do with a cancerous-like consumeristic economy, so I'm all for it.

(Yes, I am still a Christian. I go to Church with my mom when I can and everything. I chose to be baptized when I was 13 as my mother doesn't believe in baptizing babies... However, I don't really believe in a supper angry white old dude in the sky, or all that bullshit catholic dogma that was created by man. Getting into my belief structure would be complicated...)

This is what I have listed as my religion on the Facebook...

Uh, but I digress. Buy-Nothing-Day is a movement started by Adbusters. It encourages people to buy out of the bullshit, and do something by doing nothing.

Once, in my George Brown Days, my friends and I walked through the Eaton's center trying to hand out flyers for Buy Nothing Christmas. They wouldn't let us put up posters any where... as a joke I stuck one to my friend's jacket in front of me. A spark of inspiration happened. We then covered ourselves in flyers... we acted as moving walls. As we walked around, people were curious and would talk to us, or read the flyers... then as US for the flyers. It was a little genius if you ask me. Marketing philosophy states that the best way to reach people is to get them interested themselves to search for information... getting people curious as to why the hell we were covered in paper did so. I can't seem to find the photos, but when I do I will show them!

Reverrend Billy from the Church of Stop shopping has some commandments for the day. Enjoy. I'll post the photos of us as billboards when I find them!

THOU SHALT
Forgive people, yourself and everybody else. We all shop too much.

THOU SHALT
Know your Devil. Shoppers are only dancing in the land of ten thousand ads. Consumerism is the system. Corporations are the agents of the system.

THOU SHALT
Respect the micro-gesture. Magicalize the foreground. Fore-go the plastic bag and grab that bare banana – Amen!

THOU SHALT
Practice asking for Sweat-free, Fairly-traded and Locally Made products. That's the rude that's cool.

THOU SHALT
Buy less and give more. Giving is forceful, the beginning of fantastic new economies.

THOU SHALT
Buy local and think global. Love Your Neighbor (buy at independent shops) and Love The Earth (walk to, bike to, mass transit to – the things you need.)

THOU SHALT
Citizens can buy or not buy, produce or not produce. We can change to a sustainable personal economy. Then corporations and governments will change.

THOU SHALT
Envision the history of a product on a shelf. Workers and the earth made that thing. Resisting Consumerism is an act of imagination.

THOU SHALT
Complexify. Don't be so easy to figure out. Consumers tend to regularize.
Shopping at big boxes and chains makes us all the same. Viva la difference!

THOU SHALT
Respect heroes of the resistance. A small band of neighborhood-defenders who staved off a super mall with years of protests? Beautiful.

It's our turn now. CHANGE-A-LUJAH!

Things that came across my desk today...

2008-11-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

Laura. Bush. Is. A. Sustainable. Designer. HUH? Something about this doesn't make any sense. She really could have been more effective by making sure her dad and gramps weren't such complete evil fuck-wits.

Usually John Stossol is a bit to 'republican' for me, but he let's out his inner libertarian and wows me. I love it. Obama is not Jesus- neither is McCain, neither is anyone... don't put too much faith in politicians, you have to create your own world. However, regulations of the business world is needed, at least when it comes to mandatory transparency. And if they don't want to be regulated, they shouldn't get a bailout. Kinda like your chores and allowance. Anyway, it's actually a fair outlook at some stuff.

An Artful look at Breasts

I had actually stumbled upon this AMAZING book a while ago at the book store. I took my time looking over all the beautiful images while trying not to make it obvious to my friend I was reading a sex book... lol...

The interview with the editor, Louise Bak, is an amazing adition.

"The interesting thing about the book is the percentages that have been bought by women in our stores. As soon as the book came out, people managing the stores were surprised by how many women were buying the book. And they were often women who had the same type of soft bodies, who had come to believe their sort of body was not popular with men any more; that men wanted these wanted these thin women with the hard projecting implants. And they were just so happy to have a book, to see a book that celebrated women with these old fashioned, maternal fertility goddess bodies."

I completely realted to this quote. :) You can get really down about your body sometimes, just by watching an episode of CSI... I think my breast are near perfect, but when I look at porn or watch T.V. I feel bad that mine aren't as perky, aka completely fake, or that stomach isn't flat... and I am confident in my looks, I can only image what the world is like for an insecure person. We need more books like this glorifying natural and healthy beauty. Well, we need more than just books.

And... the Greenset tipped me off to Burton's new Eco-friendly line! Yeahhh!!!! I want more burton! More! (p.s. christmas present= gloves!)

So I'm sitting in Journalism Class...

2008-11-24T07:02:00.001-08:00

And we have a guest speaker Georgie Binks. She is a supper rad writer who came to talk to us about her freelance work. She's a firecracker and I hope to be as hot and well spoken as her when I'm in my 40's instead of the rambling drunk I am turning out to be.

Uh- but as I was saying, she was talking about her experience, and her experience with Blogging. The subject got touchie when she brought up the subject of commenting- how someone had left racists remarks on the CBC website. She wasn't necessarily for or against commenting, but she felt that the person should submit their name with their opinion as it was done back in the days of only print and that comments should be moderated. I agree. Anonymous commenting is balls less, and lacks one of the main validating points of debate: authority.

I felt that she wanted to say that comments shouldn't be allowed, but this bold stance against the 'democratization' of the press probably wouldn't sit well with our class. Her point being is that in the comment section words can hurt and be rude, that these opinions shouldn't be viewed by the public.

I disagree.

I've had my fair share of experiences with comments. I argued with the vp of the Fur Council of Canada, I have been shit-talked then semi-stalked by a wannabe, I have had back and forth debates over Youtube, I have had my friends get bashed by 'anonymous' and I have read more disturbing stuff then I would like to imagine.

The thing is- if people don't leave disturbing or weird comments, we will never have the chance to argue with them. They will go along with their lives thinking those racist/stupid/bigoted/rude thoughts, without anyone criticizing them. The unsettling comments must be viewed as a challenge to be dealt with, not something to be deleted or swept under the carpet.

In therapy, you have to bring things up if you want to resolve them. It may be tough or it may be rough, but you don't deal with the issue by ignoring it. It makes it worse. Same goes for our societal problems. From what I see, suppressing things and trying to be perfect just leads to alcoholism. (Thanks for the life lesson Grandma!)

This is a concept I don't like about political correctness. I am rarely ever politically correct, because that shit is for bigots. Being politically correct is all about what you say, and not what you mean. You can be completely politically correct and be a very malicious racists with an agenda. It's all about your wording. So placing emphasis on words, and not the underlying reasons behind them won't solve anything. I came from a school where I was one of the only white girls- political correctness didn't exist. Everyone made fun of everyone, and we all got a long because no one actually HATED anyone. It's the hate, the anger, the fear that is the problem, not the lexicon that describes it.

I want more comments. I want more debates. I want more people to learn how to debate. Critical Thinking should be a mandatory high-school credit. Recently, a youtube debate lead to this quote "Better to be proven wrong then to believe something false."

Whatcha gonna say about it?

Collective Memory

2008-11-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

I am a part of a list-serve that branches from the book and movement Fostering Sustainable Behaviour. It's a really interesting list serve, and I have learned a lot from the thousands of on the server, had have helped teach what I know.

It's the concept of a collective memory, or a collective intelligence. I posted a little video something on the DNS website about it. Being in a collective, or part of a group, is incredibly beneficial. The ability to share information, and not each individual gather their own or go over the same information over and over again, is so important. Being able to build up is a huge. Not a new concept. Maybe one not actually practiced enough.

Globally, I hope this collective intelligence can help us get out of the mess we are in. We designed ourselves into this global economic mess. Or if you believe in conspiracy theories someone did. We can design ourselves out of it. We just have to do like apple told us and "Think Different."lol.

On Tuesday, a group of women from my school stat down with my chair to talk about sustainability and our school. Our new chair is Rober Ott. I may think he is the bee's knees. He wears 3 peice suits to school. Way better than old sack-dress Linda.... Anyway, he's awesomeness steams from the fact he wanted to sit down with all of us and listen to what we all had to say. He understoond that the school needs to foster sustainable design, and that students struggle to find information or access it. He's commitment to building a resource book and guide so students from year to year don't have to do the same research over again was really inspiring to hear.

The Sierra Youth Cooaliton's website and their mission is to do something similiar. It's set up as Wiki for that reason. In the last seminar I went to, they stressed how important it is to share information, and build it in a mannor that passes on the information to the next generation.

I can only start to imagine the knowledge that we have lost. I wonder one day, will people be able to acess the blog worlds, online journals, newspapers... anything? I know the information I've lost from simply having one broken laptop, or not burning a file properly. What about information lost by extreemist regimes, burning books, men with menevolent ambition, killed academics and intellectuals, or lost cultures, languages and stories of old?

I wonder what we are going to loose... I wonder what have we lost?

When I came in tonight,

2008-11-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize I was cold until I was warm.

RIP Pigeon

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

So I ran over a pigeon today after journalism class. I was going along Gerrard... the pigeon was there, and I thought it would do the normal thing and jump onto the side walk as I was passing. Instead, as I moved to the left, so did it... I couldn't move any further because of a passing car- and I was in such shock... anyway. I ran it over.

Yelped and stopped my bike. I had my gloves on and picked up the poor thing with my big wool gloves- I had no idea what to do. It's head was mangled. Like, it was missing an eye. It was right in front of the covenant house- and the group of kids outside where shocked I stopped. I could hear them... 'she ran it over... she stopped... what is she going to do?'

I am a vegetarian and I haven't caused harm like this since I killed that frog at the cottage when I was 8 by mistake. I just didn't know what to do. No body fixes pigeons. It wasn't very fixable. It was in pain.

An awesome guy, Nick, came up and asked me what I was going to do. I guess he could tell by my shocked face I had no idea... I knew I had to kill it, but I how? I told him I just couldn't do it, I was a vegetarian... and I started to cry. I was paralyzed on the cold dirty street at Gerrard and Yonge holding this poor pathetic paralyzed rat with feathers. But the bird is life- you know? We're all a part of the worlds energy. It's the same as you or me, we're all in this fucked up world together.

Nick took my gloves, took the bird, and tried to knock it out with car exhaust. It didn't work. He took it to the alley and I had to close my eyes and shut my ears realllllll hard. It went into a plastic garbage bag on top of a heap.

I feel really shitty. I feel really lucky Nick came along. He was from a family that hunted and could do what I couldn't. He works at a waffle house and he invited me in for waffles soon. I may bring him a plant- he told me he was just about to move.

I went to the Urbane Herbivore to get some chocolate. My friend Jill was there with her boss Steve and she was supper awesome and listened to me freak out. I felt like I was there to absolve my sins- telling my story of the pigeon to one of the most hard-core vegans in the city. Taz called and sympathized with me. We've come to the conclusion that it was obviously suicidal and I was the victim in all this. (Not really but it makes me feel better.)

Then I went to Chip's and he gave me a hug. You need 5 a day to be happy.

Maybe the pigeon just wanted a hug.

Grade 8 Poem

2008-11-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

There's a smell in the air
and a look in the trees
That causes you to stare
and make-believe
That the leaves aren't turning
pretty shades of gold, orange and red
In fact you're yearning
for the warm days of summer instead

On the way to school
you ignore the carpet of leaves
On the pavement so cool
that have fallen from the trees
Because you can tell it's fall
and in your bones you know
That it won't be long at all
'till you're shoveling snow.

This is Tammy

2008-11-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

So- my blog is dedicated to this wonderful lady whom I have had the fortune to work with on several occasions, and now call her a friend. Funny enough- she's someone else I met through the Wildlife Show. I gotta thank Keith sometime for putting together such a great team, then being so insane we all came together and bonded. Anyway, she kept telling me to blog because she thought I would like it- and here I am!

Here is her interview on Spraygraphic where she shows how awesome she is.

Emotional Plague

2008-11-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Thus, it is not surprising that truthfulness and straightforwardness, though highly extolled modes of behavior, are rarely encountered in human intercourse; they are so rare, indeed, that most people are amazed when they occasionally prevail. To judge from our “cultural” ideals, one would expect truthfulness and straightforwardness to be everyday, self-understood attitudes. The fact that they are not, that they are looked upon with astonishment, that truthful and straightforward men and women are considered freaks, a bit “touched in the head”, that, indeed, being truthful and sincere often entails severe social dangers– all this cannot be explained on the basis of the ruling cultural ideology. To arrive at an understanding of these contradictions, we must turn to our knowledge of the organized emotional plague. This knowledge alone is capable of providing an insight into the reasons why objectivity and truthfulness, the driving forces of all strivings for freedom, have been frustrated again and again over the centuries. It cannot be assumed that any freedom movement will have any chance of achieving its goals if it does not sharply and clearly confront the organized emotional plague with truthfulness.

Taken from Wilhelm Reich's Book Character Analysis, chapter 16 about the 'emotional plauge'

The Elastic Mind

2008-11-13T17:15:00.001-08:00

This woman speaks of the integration of design and technology- a concept I am using for my thesis.

And.... here is my thesis brief and my literature review. Enjoy

My Thesis Brief

Working Title
Effective Clean Design

Research Question
How can businesses and organizations apply both the principals of consumer behaviour and sustainable design to their policy? How can this new convergence of design theory and sustainability effectively engage both customers and employees to adopt sustainable practices?

Context
With current environmental issues, I feel that the people who discover and recognize problems (environmentalists, activists, scientists, etc) do not communicate and work with the people who create products and solutions (designers, marketers, business persons). In the large part, each side rejects each other due to lack of common language and understanding. From personal observation through work in both feilds, many people in the environmental movement view any kind of business and marketing as negative, harmful and instruments of large controlling corporations. In turn, the business world fails to recognize that in the long run, the environmental and social problems they can create are costly and damaging to the very societies they make money from. This is not a sustainable business practice; it’s closer to cancerous behaviour. There also seems to be a view that environmentalism is a hindrance to ‘business as usual.’ As of September 15th, we once again see that business as usual doesn’t work.
In this age of design, it is important to find solutions to our current environmental and social problems. Thus, we must apply the effective tactics of mainstream marketing and consumer design to environmentalism and it’s movements. Each realm in turn helps the other at developing a healthier world. A healthy world is good for business.
There have been many firms that have specialized in this field of marketing and design theory fusion, I plan to leapfrog on their developments to create more effective solutions.

Aims/Goals
To develop methods of advertising, marketing and design that lend themselves to environmental and sustainable design.
To explore previous successful and non-successful ‘green’ products and to examine the successful characteristics of those products so as to apply those concepts elsewhere.
To probe into non-eco popular phenomenon to see what made them so successful. Ex. Ipods, Youtube, Ray-bans, Unconventional Thinking, Lavalife, Cooler Solutions, Cobrasnake, and other industry leaders. Simple case studies of each company will highlight their main points of effectiveness. This will lend itself to further marketing and design solutions.
To examine sustainable events to seek the same understanding about how people operate in large group productions.

Objectives
• To play with design concepts and receive feedback from ‘average’ individuals about how they feel about the product, not just how a person familiar with sustainable design would perceive it.
• To create simple product design solutions to fill in the gaps in design theory, strategy and approach I find.
• To make people want to live sustainably, to make it sought after by the masses.
• To make this thesis project reflect it’s content. This project will utilize tactics learned and be both sustainable and engaging- making you want to read this and adopt it’s tactics. (Therefore guaranteeing me an A.)

Justification
There can be no business done on a dead planet.
Companies don’t become bigger and better because they stop ameliorating their product/service/idea The same should go for sustainable design. Just because in recent years things have been made better does not mean they are made the best. I predict that through this exploration of consumer behaviour in regards to sustainable products I will achieve greater understanding of the issues. This will allow me to create new products and systems.

Methodology
• The study of current design publications, as in magazines and online blogs to study the most recent product/policy developments.
• Design a ‘mind-map’ of products for a visual reference to where products are going/have been.
• Interviews of current industry leaders and professionals.
• The study of old historical books and manuals to see what was not effective in the long run. (Asking the question: Did that work? Is this product/system a success?) Examples are sustainable manuals from Olympic events, or Fairmont Hotel policies.
• Careful editing of products and systems, and examining each subject on the same criteria. Create surveys.
• Extensive amounts of sketching.
• Extensive amounts of reading, and writing to document analysis.

Creative Outcome
A tool kit to help companies/organizations be more sustainable. Possible outcomes are flow charts, instructional kits, labeling guides, advertisements, convenience products, and videos. I would also like to create a ‘visual’ reference of sorts to map out design products, or maybe an evolution tree of sorts.
Film the process of the interviews. Create a documentary. Even if this cannot be graded because of her input, it would be a good addition to our collective.

My Literature Review

Research Question
How can businesses and organizations apply both the principals of consumer behaviour and sustainable design to their policy? How can this new convergence of design theory and sustainability effectively engage both customers and employees to adopt sustainable practices?

Review of Research
The main issue I have had with this project so far is weeding through the hundreds of books, articles and videos to find what is relevant to my project. There is much information dealing with sustainability in terms of science- why and how a certain product is sustainable, but most of the time very little to how the customer interacts with the product/campaign outside of theory. Or the human element is not treated in a humanistic mater, and is sterile and one sided. To further that, the subject matter may not relate to fashion or marketing at all.

Big Concepts:
• LOHAS- Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability. This is the main target focus of many sustainable companies, relying more on psychographics then demographics for data. This is the new opinion leader in many marketing segmentations. By targeting these innovators, which are the people willing to pay for more expensive new products, companies have paved the way to make sustainable technologies more affordable and available to the public. By using these people as a role-model and the new ‘ideal’, we can influence people who are looking for the next best thing. The trick will be to keep them there.

• Visualization- Humans need to see things to conceptualize, connect and believe in things. When politicians go to Greenland and see the shrinking glaciers, they no longer deny global warming. When people look at Chris Jordan’s website, and how it visually quantifies how much we consume, they understand better what is going on in the world. Edward Burtynsky’s photos helped conceptualize the giant industrial power that is China. The same goes for people visiting forests and nature, inner city youth often show greater compassion for environmentalism after being exposed to nature, which before was a foreign concept. When the human element is added in, by seeing speakers or documentaries, understanding and response is also greater.

• Access to information- Language is a barrier, from profession to profession, ideology to ideology, class to class, etc. Using common language to communicate between scientist and businessman seems like it should be a given, but is often overlooked. Another point- If someone is overloaded with information, which tends to happen when sustainability is the topic, people can ‘shut down’ or not absorb all the information at once. If a new learner is unfamiliar with a new concept, it is called ‘Cognitive Dissonance’. This is the feeling of uncomfortable tension, which comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time. This can be used to change people’s behaviour, but it can also be a motivator for people to come up with reasons to justify their behaviour. Ex. “Humans aren’t able to change the climate, so I can keep driving my SUV.” Ewa Piwowoz-Hjort, a Swedish sociologist, believes that society’s ability to ignore the bad news may result from our tendency to shy away from things that seem frightening or ominous.

• Media and Peer Pressure- humans are social animals that are only products of the knowledge and experiences we are exposed to. For the most part, we believe what we are told, what the media shows us, and do what our neighbors expect us too. Media dictates how we should act, what is new, and what is acceptable. Most people operate on how they believe the rest of the world behaves. Sheena Iyengar’s research at Columbia University proves how group pressure influences our choices. Understanding this may prove to be useful in persuasion, as changing behaviour takes more than just information.

• Kaizen. Japanese for "continuous improvement”, is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement throughout all aspects of life. This model also doesn’t place blame on past oversights or failures. It also encourages participation from on levels on improvement from factory worker to company president. Toyota, a company known for it’s innovation in sustainable design, operates on the Kaizen system. The theory of Conscious Evolution plays out many times when talking about the greater good of social enterprises.

• Reframing the system- you have to consciously change the system in which your business operates, be it internal or external (Company policy, government laws). On an internal level, by evaluating where a company is by setting benchmarks and schedules, a company can follow how they have improved, and it keeps the company motivated. This concept is used heavily in popular and effective weight loss systems, and by personal trainers and life coaches. Externally, lobbying the government and being an active citizen is crucial. Also, the question of WHY we have commerce and why we trade is an issue as well. Is it for money? Or is it for the betterment of everyone? If we reframe the reasons why we consume, we change what we consume.

• Creativity. Sustainability requires thinking outside of the status quo. The new term for this concept is Integrated Design Thinking. It’s toted as the new paradigm shift in design theory. For example, GE encourages it’s employees to use their ‘ecomaginations.’

Many of my ‘leads’ come from quotes in interviews. I find that without the lens of the writer, people often have very true insight into events. Some are as follows:
• “How do you sell someone social values in their coffee?” –George Roter, Engineers without Boarders founder, raising the question of effective social marketing.
• “We Focus on behaviour change and marketing, one concept is to promote the ‘Successful Deviant’, a farmer who did something different and prospered.” - George Roter, Engineers without Boarders founder, when talking about how they effectively change behaviour in Ghanaian farmers.
• “When we tell a story of war, we sensationalize the story. Without that human face, there is no context, no hope.” – Ishmeal Beth
• “Journalist have little to no education in the sciences, so they don't know how to address it. They know politics, celebrities- but if they have a scientist on their show they get nervous.” - David Susuki, when asked why do you think journalists dropped the ball in 1992 on the climate crisis.
• “Integrated design thinking is the real break through, not gizmos.” – Peter Bushby
• “When infrastructure is doing its work, it’s non-existent in the public mind. When you’re getting water from the faucet, you don’t think about how it got there. How do you build stewardship for something that is not part of your consciousness?”- Micheal Lehrer

Inspiration and insight has often come from strange places. I was watching The Simpsons, where in one scene Homer ran to the curb and was yelling at a car. To my surprise- the Simpson family had a recycling and green bin on the curb along side their garbage bin. This was far, far away from the round, metal garbage bins of old. The Simpsons are about as mainstream American as apple pie, if they are going green it will be noticed. It also showed how the greening of North American is being shown, and lead by the media. This single 5-second clip demonstrates the concept of peer pressure and visualization.

In conclusion to preliminary research, I see that by narrowing down what I focus on and looking for the human element of sustainable design, I can find the key to how to communicate sustainable behaviour and messages through visuals and language. By learning from established research methods such as publications, I can rationally qualify what veins of interest to follow. By learning from established and proven working marketing techniques, I can further focus on how to communicate to audiences. By paying attention to the human element of the research, I can focus on what emotion or energy to communicate. This will all ad to a holistic approach to marketing sustainable behaviour.

Bibliography

Birkeland, Janis. Design for sustainability [electronic resource] : a sourcebook of integrated, eco-logical solutions. http://innopac.lib.ryerson.ca/search~S0/a?Birkeland+Janis

Changing Minds. http://changingminds.org/index.htm. Nobember 2nd, 2008.

Chris Jordan Photographic Arts. Jordan, Chris. http://www.chrisjordan.com/. October 14th, 2008.

Colchester, Chloë. Textiles Today. Thames & Hudson. 2007.
Earls, Mark. Herd: How to Change Mass Behaviour by Harnessing Our True Nature. John Wiley & Sons. 2007

Eco Textile News. October 2008. Issue No:18. Mowbray Communications Ltd.

Edward Burtynsky Photographic Works. Burtynsky, Edward. http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/. October 14th, 2008

“Green Museums in the Golden State.” Azure Magazine, “The Green Revolution”, May 2007. 47

Hernandez, Iyengar et al. What Drives Whom? A Cultural Perspective on Human Agency. Columbia University Business School http://www.columbia.edu/~ss957/whatdrives.html

King, Romana. “Ex-Child Soldier Urges Business to be Responsible.” Business Edge Magazine, Jully 11th, 2008. 6

Friedman, Thomas. Hot, Flat and Crowded. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. New York. 2008.

Future Fashion, White Papers. Earth Pledge. New York, 2007.

“Is Toronto Ready to be a Green City?” Spacing Magazine, Fall 2007

Levy, Madeline. “Who Cares?” H&M Magazine, Summer 2008. 36-39

Mau, Bruce. Massive Change. Phaidon and the Institute Without Boundaries. 2004.

McKenzie-Mohr, Doug. Fostering Sustainable Behaviour. New Society Pub. 1999.

Gleason, Jeb. “Trend Watch: The Rise of Precycling” Global Cosmetics Industry. http://www.gcimagazine.com/events/coverage/33830964.html. November 4th, 2008.

“Q&A: Peter Busby.” Azure Magazine, “The Green Revolution”, May 2007. 36.

Roter, George. “Introduction to Engineers without Boarders.” Engineers Without Boarders Ryerson University Chapter. Engineering Bulding, Ryerson University. October 6th, 2008.

Selling Sustainability. NESTA. London. June 2008.

Susuki, David. “Sustaianble Campuses Tour.” Canadian Federation of Students. Business Building, Ryerson University. October 14th, 2008.

Solomon, Zaichkowsky, Polegato, et al. Consumer Behaviour, Buying, Having and Being. Pearson Custom Publishing. Toronto. 2008.

“Waking up and Catching up.” The Economist. January 27th, 2007.

Wilcox, Palassio, Dovercourt, al et. GreenTOpia. Volume 3. Coach House Books. Toronto. 2007.

Wilson, Mowbray et al. Eco-Textile Labelling Guide. Mowbray Communications and Messe Frankfurt. 2008

the funnest sight

2008-11-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Note: I do not condone the use of sugar.

I love...

2008-11-12T10:51:00.001-08:00

good web design and protecting the environment.

when the two meet- it's magical: The Big Wild.org

I found a quote today from my teacher about web design and the concept of RGB colour model. He said :

"Web design is cool in how it's different; You are designing with light."

Designing with light? Wow- a concept I love. I sometimes think of myself as a 'lightworker', I try to consciously bringing joy, happiness and balance to this world through my work and actions. Bringing light=love. So maybe that's why I love the web so much- the screen you are staring at was designed with light.

Smile...

2008-11-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

"I can't change the world

Cause trying to make a difference

Makes it worse

It's just an observation I can't ignore

But people should smile more" - Newton Faulkner

Cheesy teenage photo montage...

Animation for a cause

2008-11-08T07:37:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love pretty moving vector files?

Who doesn't love amazing, positive, and inspirational messages? Or who doesn't love to be pissed-off so much it calls you to action?

Well, maybe this guy.

If you couldn't tell, I am in a complicated and dependent relationship with YOUTUBE. Here are some videos I love that utilize moving type

What would Dave do?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

TELL THE TRUTH - Mos Def - Immortal Technique - Eminem

One of my Professors, Jonathan Aitken, is currently doing research into moving type and how it can be used to express emotion in theater.

Go to his website, then > research > current projects to learn more.

Hipsters

2008-10-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

If you know me you know I have a thing for this phenomina of culture.

BUT WHAT THE FUCK IS A HIPSTER?

It's funny, because hipsters are considered superficial, but to judging who is a hipster is based on superficialities.

That doesn't make sense. It's hypocritical and I'm about to scream because of it.

I know so many people who say they don't meet quality people in Toronto, that everyone is so supperficial... and they base that on the way everyone looks. They can't meet interesting, cultured people... but they are also the people who actually tend to base their assumptions on looks and maybe the first few sentence of a conversation.

I know so many 'hipsters' that are creative, interesting, cultured, spiritual, educated, caring people. So- by not engaging a 'hipster' because you think they are this horrible cultural pariah, you don't get to know that they are a complex human being like yourself. BUT, in writing people -off, you then confine them to being a hipster in your mind. It's a self-fufilling profecy.

A while ago my friend was on facebook, creeping photos with me. She pointed out someone 'she always sees- he seems like he has such an attitude, you know? like some hipster sterotype.' Well, that guy was an acquaintance of mine whom I know is educated, cultured, nice, and good friend to my friends. He just happened to be skinny, blessed with good looks and liked scarves.

I met someone supper awesome at a VICE party a few months ago, the same party I have heard people lement about the 'sceenyness' of it all. In fact, I've met brilliantly spiritual, intelligent thinkers in the most 'hip' of places... it just didn't come out in the first sentence. But it's called getting to know someone people.

A long time ago I realized that being supper serious right off the bat wasn't the way to make friends. I was a super serious kid, like a lot of people I know I grew up fast and was too smart for my age. If I had a dollar for every time I heard that I was 'an old soul' or 'way too mature for my age' I could have bought that pony I always wanted...

No one, no matter what they think, likes to be bombarded with serious conversation, opinion, or emotion the moment they meet someone. So- I shifted attitudes to be more of a social chamillion, and it worked... people like laughter. In my opinion, everyone's lives are complicated, heavy, trying, and tough. To think you're take on cynicism is better than everyone's elses perception is simply narcissistic and ego-centric. To shove that in someone's reality the second you meet them show's that you think too highly of yourself and you need to get outside your own head.

So I like being light, fun and polite when I meet someone. So... I can be labeled a hipster, or not taken seriously. Does that mean I am? No. It just means you just met me.

So, to the world out there hating hipsters, you hate something that isn't real. You hate something you created, which means you hate yourself.

A few things that fell across my 'desk' today....

2008-10-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

The wind made things slow at work today... so I did some reading.

I think I've told y'all before how much I love AVAAZ.

Secondly, I think I've blogged before about a new friend, Jordan Bower. He's recent entry is about funktionslut.

3rdly were wise words from Geoffrey Beattie, who talks about the difference between traders and builders.

WE LOVE THIS AD.

2008-10-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

My roomie and I are bumps on the couch. WOO!

However, this may be the best commercial EVER.

I mean, STEPHEN FUCKING HAWKINGS.

Singing Chef

2008-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am at home sick today. OMNI TV runs Pasquale's Kitchen over and over again... If you don't know about the Singing Chef, then you don't know a huge part of Toronto's culinary history. He had a show in the 80's where he would go about making wonderful food while he would sing opera and philosophize about life. He said that if he sings when he cooks, his food will be happy.

He used tons of veggies, wasted very little, loves life, has tons of patience, doesn't fry things or use lots of fats. You can also barely understand him most of the time, but he laughs so much you don't even care.

I think he's make the best boyfriend EVER.

I then watched Dr. Phil. Oh Phil. You're wife looks so freaky. God grant me the strength to say no to plastic surgery when I get old.

Anyway, it was talking about double dating, and double standards. Basically old cougars justifying their cougaring, and sucessful women being alone. However, one guest said that with a lot of sucessful women, they present themselves as a resume. 'This is me, this is what i've done, this is what i have, etc, etc, etc." He said that this made him not want to get to know the woman, she seemed complete and didn't need him. She was too 'done'. I don't exactly think this attitude is right, but it makes sense. Men want to be needed. Women want a man who is accomplished, so we present ourselves in light in the way we look for people.

I thought presenting myself as accomplished and independent was a good things. Great for jobs, online portfolios... WORK. However, I don't think I'd want to date a resume who was more concerned about 'keeping score', than just being. Just being... that's what love and companionship is about right, just being. Being together.

I was told once a few years ago when I was talking about my single-dom: " See Meaghan, you don't seem vulnerable, you don't seem like you need someone." I replied: "I don't."

Now... I think sometimes I do. My homeopath told me very frankly that a huge part of this thing called life is finding a partner, finding a balance. For me is does this translate into a traditional marriage or relationship? HELLS NO. But she made a point.

When I was younger I told a potential suitor that I didn't need no stinking man. He laughed. "Yes you do. You need someone to balance you out." This rang true in me. I didn't go on the date with him. To complicated. I have a policy that I don't fight for relationships, I think anything true will come naturally. However, since watching Dr. Phil, I wonder if I have been acting natural?

Is it my resume that keeps a decent guy away? Or is it the fact that I just can't be? Oh Pasquale, come sing to me...

Being in the Now

2008-10-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

I try to watch the videos from the Psyche Truth Youtube channel whenever I can. It is really insightful, easy to digest, and kinda amateur which it makes it fun.

This one is interesting as it talks about 'living in the now' and mental health therapy. He ends on how our new levels of conciousness and understanding is building upon each other. I can't wait to see what develops.

Currently listening to: City and Colour

Juicy Couture Adopts Fur-Free Policy!

2008-10-17T08:37:00.001-07:00

Hurrah!

It's really awesome to hear when big companies decide to do the right thing.

Now, yesterday I was thinking about things. It's all about morals and values. For all y'all supper conservatives out there, the main and original argument for eating animals according to western organized religions is that in the book of Genesis, God gave us dominion over all the animals. What does that mean? Does that mean we abuse them? Does that mean we exploit them?

In most cases of animal testing, animals are treated horrifically and the tests aren't even needed, or could be preformed in other ways. Once again, this is violence that is preventable. Secondly- WHO are preforming these tests? Who is is that say we need them? I don't believe someone just because they say they are a scientists. I used to live with this one WEIRD ass chemistry student, who for the most part, was in favour of animal testing. He was also on medication for depression, was a big nerd, had few friends, played violent video games non-stop, and never got laid and was sexually frustrated for it.

Why should his opinion be so valid because he wears the hat of science? He wasn't a balanced person over all. In fact, he was a bit of a freak. BUT, as he would claim over and over, he knew better than me, a 'hippie', because he was a 'scientist'.

Seriously? He also worked in a job where he grew all the vaccines and antibiotics we take on CLONED MONKEY TISSUE. I'm so serious. Gross gross gross gross gross...

I've come to the conclusion, or me personally, if Juicy Couture bought solely North American raised, cage free animals that were slaughtered humanely, I would not have a problem with it. I may not wear it, but In some cases fur does provide significant warmth, and can contribute to the wealth of small farmers. However, importing cheap furs from violent slaughter houses is just gross. Not fashionable.

Congratulations Juicy Couture! Way to enforce awesome.

I want I want I want I want...

2008-10-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Veja kicks... they fair trade, vegetable tanned, non-toxic totally rad sneakers. In my perfect world I would have one of every colour in the Grid style, all arranged neatly in an all-white walk in closet. Their website is really fun and informative too. Bonus points for pretty graphics.

To go with my rad sneakers, I'd have to always be sporting something fresh from these stoners from Amsterdam. Hemphoodlam produces some _high quality_ outwear and street wear made out of hemp and organic cotton. They have some pretty trippy graphics that pop up on their hoodies and jacket lining.

Then, I wanted to girly myself up a bit I'd slip into the knits of Stuart and Brown. It would up whirl me into a land of vulnerable femininity. To bring myself back down I'd have to pair it with some kick-ass granny boots and shoes, or maybe some contemporary high-heeled platform booties. Cri-De-Coeur offers the best in cruelty-free, low toxic shoes that make your heart melt.

Sigh... God I love good fashion. It takes you away...

End Violence

2008-10-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's a tough world out there. There is a lot going on. The only thing you can do in your life is run YOUR life as clean as possible. You can end some cruelty and violence only with your purchasing decisions.

The rabbits are still moving as they slowly bleed to death. Think of that next time you want to buy a jacket lined with rabbit's fur. That is violence. That is cruelty. It produces and carries an energy with it. Do you want to participate?

I like this guy...

2008-10-07T06:27:00.001-07:00

Life is wonderful! (If you want it to be!)

Also, I love Diddy... you got to love Diddy.

"If you are not registered to vote right now, and you are of age to be registered to vote right now, something is wrong with you." -P.Diddy

Remember kids, apathy is for assholes!

STOP HARPER SONG!

2008-10-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

I love the people at AVAAZ.

They put together a Stop Harper anthem "You Have a Choice". Artists include K-OS, Ed from Barenaked Ladies, Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Jason Collett from Broken Social Scene.

You know what to do. Click on link. Sign petition. Make small difference. Relax. Vote anything but Conservative.

More on Quebec tomorrow...

Actually, I just got this amazing video on my inbox too.

"Wildlifeworks is more than just a beautiful quintessentially British
fashion label, it has more than monetary ambitions at heart. It
exists to support a 80,000-acre wildlife reserve on the Kenyan/
Tanzanian border, bought by the owner in the late nineties. Members
of the local community are employed - and paid fair wages - either in
conservation or in the purpose-built factory. Garments are made from
organic fabrics where possible and expertly tailored. Wildlifeworks
has appeared in Grazia, Telegraph, Independent, Cosmopolitan,
Elleuk.com among many great fashion magazines."

- fashion-conscience.com

So I'm In Quebec

2008-10-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

And I don't have a camera. Sorry!!! I promised Irene I'd take lots of photos... not realizing that I that's hard to do without a camera- and the Camcorder the amazing John Lee lent me isn't working 'cause apparently I can't do anything right.

But here in Sherbrooke, it's is beautiful. It's in the Laurentian mountains- so think old rolling hills, trees in all colours of red, orange and yellow. The Sherbrooke University campus is pretty, spacious, and on top of a hill so you can see the rolling vast landscape. Pretty much the oposite from our dear old Ryerson.

When I got off the bus in Lennoxville, the hamlet of Sherbrooke where my motel is located- I got directions form the local Stone Masons. No joke, their lodge was located right next to the bus stop. One guy was even wearing this white robe, and the very short jovial (aka fat) man who gave me the directions had 3 ceremonial swords in his hands. Awesome.

My motel is the kitchies thing EVER. It's all about french fabric patterns, ruffles, and tacky french-paysanne memorabilia. The woman who runs the place has two cornish rex cats that greet you at the door. The affectionate runt one is called COUNT DRACULA. I know- amazing.

In the morning I had the most amazing Quiche au Epinard (but I know there was a lot of leek in there), a real french cafe and the most flaky, buttery, melty croisant. Soooo good. I'm going back tomorrow. They also sell local french cheese.

I'll post more latter.

p.s. there are a lot of French people here.

Awww man...

2008-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am going away to the Sierra Youth Coalition's Sustainable Campus Conference this weekend. I'm missing Evan Biddell's studio opening, Nuit Blanch, and now THIS!

A vegan bake off!?!?! OMG, I'm going to cry. I love vegan pastries. They taste just as good as egg and lard filled pastries, but halve a quarter of the calories. They are usually also made with whole grains and natural sweeteners, so it's way better for you and doesn't send your body into a glucose tail-spin.

Vegan goods have gotten me through tough deadlines, bad periods and shitty break ups. The best part is instead of feeling fat and bloated after, you feel awesome.

Amazing Vegan Burrito!!

2008-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

I went to Arre Burrito today. They put lots of beans, rice, veggies, guacumole and CATCUS LEAVES in them. It was huge, $8.50 and supper yummy. I wouldn't blog about food unless it was really good... so go!

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Maybe my school isn't so bad...

2008-09-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ryerson partnership with Covenant House grows seeds of success.

Awesome. This program combines sustainability with social innovation. A+++ Ryerson! More of this, less chocolate mold!

Now if they'd only allow students to use the 2 green roofs Ryerson has...

Harper will be our Bush.

2008-09-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

He wears lip liner. I swear. And he's all creepy... He's also a moron and through short-sightedness will ruin our economy. Give lots of money to big-overseas corporations, and take money and grants away from the arts... guess what Harper? It's the Arts and Design that make Canada great, what differentiates us in the global market. We can't mine and cut down trees forever... Art feeds.

Harper seems to have a crush on American style politics and economics.

Do we really want this ?

Remember when...

2008-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

the B.E.Ps were totally rad? Before Fergie? Sigh...

Wintor gets a Pie in the Face

2008-09-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

THIS IS FUCKING AMAZING.

If you know me you know I don't eat meat 'cause most meat is gross. Local meat every now and again is okay I guess, but I have many opinions on meat... and I'm too hung over to talk about it now.

I've also gotten into arguments with the Fur-Council of Canada about their bullshit green claims. Update? They are under investigation from the better business bureau for fraudulent claims.

Fur isn't a necessity anymore. Cruelty is cruelty, do you want to wear that?

Really?

2008-09-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

It's nice to know that while I was kicking and screaming to get a few hundred dollars from my school to explore sustainable design, they were making sure chocolate didn't get that grey stuff on it if you don't eat it soon enough.

Like, really? REALLY? Grey stuff on chocolate? I want to know how much fucking money they are wasting on this. There are a million and 4 social, economic and environmental problems currently going on, AND MY SCHOOL SPEND MONEY ON CHOCOLATE MOLD.

Know what my solution is? EAT IT FRESH.

For fucks sake....

ummm....

2008-09-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

marshmellows...

I so have a crush on these boys...

2008-09-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

They are Slaves to the Movement.

Their website cronicles not only their projects, but the design work behind it. Sigh.. I'm sexually attracted to intelligence...

Old Posts

2008-09-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

I had started another blog last year for Mass Exodus. I've canceled the blog but here are 3 posts I liked...

+++++++
January 23rd, 2008
Perception

per·cep·tion /pərˈsɛpʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[per-sep-shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of rare perception.
3. the result or product of perceiving, as distinguished from the act of perceiving; percept.
4. Psychology. a single unified awareness derived from sensory processes while a stimulus is present.
5. Law. the taking into possession of rents, crops, profits, etc.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME percepcioun (<>percepcïon) <>perceptiōn- (s. of perceptiō) comprehension, lit., a taking in. ]

++++++++++
January 21st, 2008
A case of the Mondays?

I watched a program last night that was really insightful into complaining. I'm usually a very happy person, however I noticed that since I started waitressing again, my bitching factor has increased ten fold.

A Complaint Free World

These people propose that to stop complaining, you wear the bracelet, and every time you complain you move the bracelet from one wrist to the other. It makes you more conscientious about your complaining, therefore making you think before you complain. 'Cause like my mom says: "No one likes a complainer." (Thanks mom.)

So what am I getting at? The Reverend made a point that people who aren't complainers are often doers. Doing vs. Complaining eh? Basically, the Rev states that you can take all that energy to complain to actually DO something about it. Complaining creates negative energy, while actions lead to a positive energy. He sighted the late and great Dr. King Jr. as a prime example. Instead of complaining about the world he lived in, he did something to actualize it.

In a panel discussion on sustainability put on by CESAR today, something very similar came up. Andrew Laursen, a Ryerson Professor, hit the nail on the head when he stated that he sensed a lot of 'anger' in the room. I am very familiar with this green rage, very similar to the Hulk. You get mad and pissed-off no one cares about the future of this planet- as that future is YOUR future, and someone else's apathy is killing it. However, that angry energy should be channeled into positive actions. That's the only way things will change right?

So if you hear me complaining, tell me to stop and do something.

++++++++
January 16th, 2008
The End of the Beginning

It's a bit late for introductions- for the past 4 months I've been working as Mass Exodus's "Environmental Consultant". This means that I've been researching the many different ways to create a truly sustainable event. I've been pitching ideas, talking a lot, reading websites, consulting to experts, reading books, attending meetings, reading magazines, consulting sponsors, and sometimes banging my head against walls. Kermit was right- It's not easy being green.

At first that is. Nothing is easy at first- but you stick to it and it becomes second nature. That is what I hope to instill somewhat in the class; just the ability to think sustainably in everyday life.

Also- my take on sutainabililty is less to do with nature and more to do with intelligent design. I've been a student of design now for about 4 years- and the lack of thought in regards to toxic and environmental factors in everyday design blows my mind on a constant basis. Sustainable design is about efficiency, material resource cycles and product function- not about trees and hemp. It's the new wave of design, and I fear Canada may be falling behind.

However we can't just blame our forefathers for the mess we're in. Until recently we didn't realize what our lazy and cheap approach to design would cost us. I mean, I don't think the leaders of the industrial revolution knew that their coal burning would lead to acid rain and the holes in the ozone. My Grandfather said segregated schools for whites and blacks were the norm in the south. My father in the 50's didn't know smoking was bad for you when he started.

Recently the WWF has launched a great add campaign along these lines.

This blog is going to act as a diary of my journey into sustainable events and fashion. What I learn, who I meet, rad things I learn, hardships to overcome and obstacles in the way. I'm the first person to undertake this role, and hopefully I can set a good foundation to encourage the next year to reduce their footprint further. I mean- now we know, right?

Yeah!

2008-09-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

6 Techniques I've Used to Challenge Conventional Thinking by Regis Hadiaris

This finanical crisis

2008-09-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have friends that study the central banks... they predicted this. I'm not surprised about all these collaspes. We're fucked. I'm not surprised or scared. Is that bad?

I don't give a shit that greedy investment firms went belly up. Neither should you. They wouldn't care if you went destitute because of bad investments they made or fraudulent business practices. I am concerned for the individual lives this will effect, but really... we designed ourselves into this problem.

Because for every economist that said you could have unlimited growth, there were 5 other economists who cried foul. For every industrialist there was a crafts-person saying 'but'... oh, but we were to lazy to do shit about it. Too greedy. Too scared. Too cheap.

"We could have saved the world, but we were too damn cheap." Kurt Vonnegut. Want to know how famous Vonnegut is? Spell check recognizes his name...

You want to know about a warning? Interest in the Bible is a SIN, considered the work of the devil. I wonder why? Oh- SNAP. Our economy just collapsed because it was built on speculation and greed.

Take charge. I can't do much personally, so I make myself feel better by Signing this petition.

ps. Are you prepared?

Elephants

2008-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

So...

In life I try not to regulate myself. Sometimes it works- sometimes It doesn't. I try to think of it as letting destiny happen, or listening to the universe by letting it speak through me... or maybe I just have a hard time self-editing. My teacher in France used to tell me: "Maggie- tu dois tourner la langue sept fois dans la bouche avant de parler." Translation: "Meg- fuckin' think a little before opening your trap."

But you know how sometimes you just say things that were meant to be said?

When I was working at the store on Friday when a couple from Buffalo came in. They were here on Vacation and doing some shopping. Now- at the store by the cash we sell these notbooks and cards made by Ellie Poo. Yes. We sell paper made from elephant crap. (We're not hippies- we swear.) So as this couple walks in I blurt out "Well, how about a notebook made from Elephant poo?"

They were amused. Number one they were just awesome people in general, but I had unknowingly tapped into something. They pointed out that the man was wearing a shirt from an event they had put on, called The Elephant Run. It was in honour of their daughter who had passed away from heart complications. Her favourite animal had been elephants. They showed me the website and told me about their daughter. The mother said it was great to talk about her- it keeps her alive.

Their daugther was basically my age when she died, and it pained me to think about my own parents in their situation... but, true to the principals of awesome, they turned their grief and love for their daughter into this awesome community run to raise money for scholarships.

Sometimes it's good to just be and let things flow... you end up meeting some really cool people and gaining some real insight.

T-Shirts and Wisdom

2008-07-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

It seems every time someone says something funny, there is a round of 'that should go on a t-shirt!'. Recently a good one was "I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a promoter." If you know even ONE person who promotes parties you're probably laughing your ass off right now.

What is with our obsession with fucking t-shirts? I hate them! We sell tons of t-shirts at my store, and I tend to want to yawn at the girls who come in and buy them. For the men... it depends how often they work out. Tee hee.

However, I recently found a favorite one of mine that used to be my official snowboarding shirt. Cute eh? It was a well appreciated shirt let me tell you.

A few days ago I saw a girl walking towards me. "Good girls keep diaries" is what the front of her shirt said. As she walked away "Bad girls don't have time."

EUREKA!

Is this why I am so bad at keeping diaries, blogs and correspondence? I seem to be very sporadic. Maybe it's in the stars? Maybe it's because 2 pitchers off beer and multiple gin and soda's doesn't make good writing? But.... no... look at most of the great writers. All alcoholics. In my last semester I am taking ENG 511: The Art of Writing Life.

"This course examines a variety of life-writing genres including the diary, letter, autobiography, memoir, and biography. By sampling a range of texts (both print and electronic) throughout history, students will explore diverse ways in which writers express their private and public stories about life and self. Students will gain an understanding of life-writing theory which can be used to rethink the relationships between gender and genre; fact and fiction; and art and artlessness."

I heard once: "There are those who live life, and those who document it." I'm not too upset with being the latter. Although -like most things in life- I am striving to find a balance.

Dear God,

2008-07-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to talk about that pre-teen book. I have never read it.

If you know me- you know I have a healthy love for the spiritual world, and I love to encourage open and non-judgmental points of view on the subject. In our modern times, our left-brain society has totally separated the intellectual realm from religion. You are either for science or for God, an atheist or a right-wing nut.... You have to be on one side or the other, an attitude I don't find healthy. All avid atheists I talk to are in denial of the innate human want for greater understanding or our place in this world through spirituality. (They are also usually unhappy.) Religious zealots block out the knowledge that can be gained through science and the study of other cultures and opinions. (They are usually ignorant.)

Don't think we need "GOD"?
BBC
Harvard Press

There is some debate. Most people argue since the God Center just a brain function- that we created 'God', that 'God' is in our heads, just an adaptation. Well, if so then maybe everything we see, hear, eat and touch is in our heads? Our brain is just a processing unit for our senses so we can take int the world around us. So why are we discounting our ability to process and understand God and not the computer screen in front of you?

I digress. Spirituality and it's step-sister Relgion fascinate me, mainly because it deals with the human condition.... Other people, their societies and how they work intrigues me to no end, something that has lead to my love of fashion. Religions tell how people were raised, what they believe in, how they interact, what their values are....

Right now I think there is a huge paradigm shift in spirituality at the moment. We are opening ourselves up to discussion, possibilities and a merging of new and old beliefs. People are exploring, reading, discussing, researching and experiencing new levels of spiritual understanding. T.V and the internet are connecting people to ideas faster than ever. What conclusions are drawn at this point are almost irrelevant, the fact is that people are actively engaging in the search for understanding. It reminds me of the saying that it's the journey and not the destination that is the best part of travel....

DEAR GOD is a fantastic website that explores this. People from all over the world write to "GOD" about sexuality, faith, friendship, hardship, death, life, forgiveness, etc, all in an open and non-denominational manor. And since it's a blog, people can comment and discuss th posts. It offers you a peak into the lives of others, and it has allowed me to learn and understand from the perspectives of others. It also has fantastic photography and graphic design to boot.

Websites like this give me hope that one day we can figure our shit out and heal ourselves, one prayer at a time...

What is Liberty?

2008-06-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

I came across this video tonight, and I think it lends to my previous post...

Armchair Activism....

2008-06-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

So, I am passionate about things in life. I think you should be. There is one saying I like:

"Apathy is for Assholes."

The person who views themselves solely as an individual is severely misguided in so many ways. Some people view themselves as a lone wolf, who doesn't need anyone else. Well... wolfs are pack animals. And we're more like ants. I live in a city, and you could compare Toronto to an ants nest really. Thinking you are special and alone is an unhealthy part of the ego.... we all need each other. It's a give an take.

BUT- in this crazy insane busy world, how the FUCK do you find time to help out? How do you squeeze in writing letters, protesting, communication, etc, etc, between school, work, family, chores, and errands? (Not to mention trying simply to get drunk with your friends and enjoy the moment, or maybe perhaps gettin' it on.)

Well... armchair activism is the answer. For the past few months I've been a part of the Avaaz community. The send you emails and if you become a member all you have to do is to hit a few buttons to add your voice to a cause. They've managed to raise millions of dollars for Burma, and put international pressure on China in regards to Tibet.

Here is there really awesome video...

Sing up and be a part of who you are.

The beginning

2008-06-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've been encouraged by my friend Tammy (http://carpalfun.blogspot.com/) to create a blog. Mainly because I am like a sponge. I absorb many things in life and I maybe I need a better place to 'squeeze' this info out than the Facebook.

(Yes- my goal in life is to get people to start putting a 'The' in front of Facebook. Try it. The use of this definite article with Facebook is quite charming. On that note, if you Google 'The' 15,820,000,000 hits pop up. CRAZY!)

I've been kinda lazy about starting it though. But I've gotten a kick-start to this project. The Deadly Nightshades, my bike gang, is becoming known and we need a way for people to get to know us. A blog is the cheapest and best way to do this apparently. Also, all my friends that have blogs are cool and stuff.

So here will be where I keep the ramblings in my head and my educated observations on the universe. Cheers Tammy. I hope you know you created a monster.