Colonialism in Africa a short video

A friend shared this video.

Food for thought

came across this video at the Angry black mans guide to success blog, http://www.abmgts.blogspot.com/. Its 22 minutes but worth the watch.

A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy

Have you ever wondered where
chocolate comes from, if antibacterial
soap is good for your family, or
how to recycle an old computer? If
you’ve had these or other questions
about the environmental and social
impacts of the products you buy
and use, Good Stuff is for you. It
contains many of the tips, facts,
and links you’ll need to start making
more informed purchases that benefit
your health and the environment.

http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/GS0000.pdf

email me @ winston@winstonhemmings.com for a copy of the PDF if the link does not work.

Things to do around Toronto

I was thinking about creating a list of (mostly free) things I like to do in and around Toronto and I came across this interactive guide in the Toronto Star.

http://www.zegapi.com/view/?book_name=doitjun08

Here are a few things I like to do in Toronto:
Visit harbourfront; http://media.harbourfrontcentre.com/
Beaches jazz festival; http://www.beachesjazz.com/
Fireworks at Ontario Place; http://www.istc.org/sisp/?event_id=47979&fx=event
Day trip to Niagara Falls; http://www.niagarafalls.ca/index.asp
International cuisine, good food cheap!
Young and Dundas and the Eatons Center
Caribana http://www.caribanatoronto.com/
A patio in the summer
Golf Don Valley

What are some of the things that you like to do in and around Toronto?

Truth & Honesty

How come truth and honesty are not as relevant today? If I start with the premise that the truth is what it is. In other words a thing is or is not. Some people believe that if it does not violate their own principles lying is acceptable.

So, is it human nature to lie? Clearly if we can gain an advantage by lying we tend to lie. Most likely, its human to both lie and be honest when it suits us.

We try to encourage honesty naturally, however due to lies, fraud, cheating, crime etc... we’ve developed systems to ensure honesty. I’m thinking code of ethics, morality, contracts, laws and so forth.

I'm also curious why dishonest people and liars are not frowned upon more. It seems to me that honesty is looked upon as a sign of weakness while dishonesty can be seen as creative, clever, political etc. Are there more dishonest people so we’ve come to accept that as the norm?

We live in a society which is by nature competitive so I can see why one would do or say anything to gain. Some people can manipulate what is, or is not, by miss-speaking, or by outright lying in order to make a favourable judgement for themselves or their point of view.

The truth is, we as a society are where we are today because of the truth and lies we’ve lived. I wonder why truth does not play as a better alternative to lies and liars.

Winston