I Was Right, A Race to Watch

Well, I did say it was a mayoral race to watch. I just wasn't thinking that it would be for this reason. Today, Toronto mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone, 32, apologized for an "inappropriate relationship." Articles are in the Globe and the Toronto Star and undoubtedly lots of other newspapers and the like. The pattern is similar to other politicians who have followed the same path: man has significant other; man cheats; other woman reveals all; man apologizes; partner stands by man. I wonder if there are instances of female politicians following a similar path?! It will indeed be an interesting race to watch!

A Blast from the Past

My mother presented this lamp to me a few weeks ago. She found it in her china cabinet. Clearly, I will have to look in there more often. Isn't she gorgeous? I'm trying to find out more information about her but I'm not a very patient internet browser. I checked e-bay but didn't find any clues as to its origins. On the base of the lamp I can see 1948 and I can make out what looks to be a stamp with three rows of words on it. On the bottom I can see New (New York perhaps?); can't make out the second row and on top it seems the last few letters in the word are llo. She has a few nicks but who among us doesn't? I'm guessing it's a night-time light. It's a mystery, but for now I'll enjoy this little lady as she plays her guitar/mandolin (and note it's a left-handed instrument!).

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini's first novel, The Kite Runner, has been a very popular book. I enjoyed it but much preferred A Thousand Splendid Suns. This story focuses on a couple of women in Afghanistan and how the violence in that country has an impact on ordinary people. Like watching the destruction of the Haiti earthquake, it's hard to imagine how you or I would react in such an environment or if you would even be able to survive. But you would. You don't know how strong you are until you're in that position.

I'm now reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett (on my Sony Reader!). I'm just in the early pages but it may share similar themes to Splendid Suns; it's billed as a book about three ordinary women who are about to do something extraordinary.

Being Courageous

Thanks to the magic of Facebook, a friend brought an article to my attention: 10 Courageous Things You Can Do to Build Community in Yes Magazine. It's an easy to read article that makes some good points. I particularly like point #4:

• "Invite “them” to your meeting. It is convenient to show our importance by pitting “us” against “them.” But “they” may have insights that will help us better understand the problem and appreciate the marvelous tensions that form a healthy community."

Often in communities, we get the "usual suspects syndrome." You know who's going to be in a meeting before you get there. Sometimes it's because it's the same people who tend to volunteer all the time. But sometimes, it's because we look to our usual circle and want to encourage those around the table who have the same views as us. Food for thought!

What's Wrong With Danny Williams?

None of your business.

Becoming Part of Economic Development

Today, I was invited, and agreed, to sit on the join Town of Clarenville and Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee.

The links aren't correct on the town's website but you can see a copy of the Town's 2006 Economic Development Plan here. I think it's very important to have a direction and a plan that you can work towards and the plan did that. One of the areas not pursued as vigorously as I had hoped is the whole branding/marketing side of things. I understand that this Economic Development Committee is interested in pursuing that and it's one area that desperately requires enhancement.

From a branding perspective, to those who don't live in the town, it's not a "top-of-mind" town in the province. It's perception, and one that is emphasized by its physical entrances, is of an old, tired town. In the past, people typically think of skiing but with our recent winter weather, that's disappearing. I think people probably think of senior men's hockey and we need to build on that winning spirit!

A Mayoral Race to Watch

The Mayoral race for the City of Toronto looks like it's going to be an exciting one! There are 24 candidates for mayor.

One candidate who got a lot of buzz today at his official announcement is current city councillor Adam Giambrone, 32 (pictured at right). He has made extensive use of social media, including producing a video, I'm Ready and has a Facebook site (I should send him the name of a good songwriter and band for a campaign song!). When asked whether or not he has the experience for the job, he replied, "Mayor isn't an entry-level job. I've been here at the city for seven years which I think is long enough to gain some of the experience you need, learn about how City Hall works, and yet not long enough to have been here too long. So I think it's a long period of time."

So of the 24 candidates, how many are women? One. The National Post announced Sarah Thomson's candidacy on January 27 with the headline: Woman Enters Mayoral Race. What year are we in?

It will no doubt be a fun race to watch and for the candidates, an exhausting time!