Raccoon, Book, Privacy, Vehicle, Excellence

Requiem for 'my' raccoon

Yesterday, I found raccoons had been into the bags of vegetable matter I had placed outside to go to the compost, then forgot to take to the bin. This morning I see a raccoon has been killed by a car overnight. Frankly, I hate to see him like that. Raccoons are so adept at breaking into garbage cans -- but so cute to watch. They must have some utility in the ecosystem, besides nuisance value to forgetful people like me. I assume he/she left offspring to watch my garbage for more opportunities. I always oblige.



Book Spychips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre

Spychips website is a project of CASPIAN, Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering. CASPIAN: Mentions use of RFID in items at WalMart, etc.

This reminds me: Have you ever suggested that the cashier in a supermarket register your complaint with the manager against their data mining, using rewards cards -- as said clerk asks if you have their (insert name of the store's free whatever come on), something such as "free" air miles? In effect, buy a few hundred thousand dollars worth of groceries and you'll have enough to fly to Buffalo, maybe. Check the look of incomprehension; maybe she's thinking "another nutbar to deal with". The let it all hang out society can't understand -- doesn't want to, it seems -- the concept of privacy, of personal information which is personal . . . that some of us don't want to share, dull though it might be . . . nor to bare out souls to the world . . . nor to hear what should remain personal and private concerning another's life. (Note that, television producers -- boring. Who cares?)

No matter what free programs are advertised which collect our data, I don't want them . . . nor do I want to shop as entertainment to gather freebies. I just want to get in there, do what I have to and then, get out -- untouched by the wonders of the advertising world. The joy of not shopping! Of wanting almost nothing except basic necessities. Of being unaffected by what is fashionable or currently desirable. Another reason to be thankful for those who taught me that there are far more important things in life than an endless search for the new . . . whatever. Shopping and buying are not living.

For a while, I have eschewed buying Christmas presents; it's either make it or bake it . . . or nothing. Amazingly enjoyable. Yesterday, a neighbour gave me hot pepper jelly. Today, I make hot salsa and preserve cranberries. Some for me, some for gifts. It is more satisfying than buying another plastic item or some mass produced, poorly constructed, but cheap import.

Suggestion for business: There are signs that malls are not a good investment now -- that we have enough. Some investors/developers are selling off their mall interests in North America, in favour of Europe where mall development has potential, still. (Source: Financial Post, I think.) In fact, look at the number of businesses which are closing in malls. When you can get the same merchandise in any mall, among customers, there is diminished incentive to buy more of the same. When stores sell everything from drugs to furniture, and customers recognize the same merchandise everywhere, why buy more of the same? Apparently, wealthier Chinese want quality too, not more mass produced items of uneven or indifferent quality which China produces. Perhaps it is time for a return to quality -- to courting those who buy less since it lasts longer? The initial cost of an item may be higher since production involves greater care at all stages, but it won't fall apart as quickly. Workmanship and excellence are the keys. Workers would probably feel more pride, as well.

I noticed that in a skilled tradesman I had occasion to meet lately. He was intelligent, well-trained, and quietly proud of his competence. He did not need a degree to feel successful; his work proved it. Furthermore, he explained as he worked what he was doing and why. There was excellence in his approach. Admirable.



Corrected Oct. 18
Vehicle for the Practical

Suggestion to vehicle developers: Why not design the equivalent of an insulated, heated golf cart that will be adequate for running errands? Speed and high power are unimportant [corrected Oct. 18 -- I had written "not" unimportant -- sorry]; just give us the ability to get from point A to point B in one piece, warm and with space for groceries. Forget style; just give us utility and high gas mileage -- maybe a hybrid. For those of us who do not see a car as anything but transport, don't waste money on advertising to us. Just make it. If it does what we want, we'll advertise for you -- word of mouth. Some of us are not interested in the latest gizmos nor in impressing anyone; just give us inexpensive, practical transport.

Is it not time to allow--even encourage--people to pick up passengers along their self-chosen route(s), charge a bit, and not be hindered by a need for extra insurance? We can tell whether we want to drive with someone, whether he/she is a safe driver with a reasonably safe vehicle. There are unserviced routes that could use the equivalent of a small van or a car at certain times of the day, instead of a bus. Let the market flourish.

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