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Northern Alberta: Beyond Blood & Oil

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It’s approaching a year since returning from Northern Alberta, reflecting back to what impressed me the most about the province was the sheer vast amount of open space and land. There are no shortages of socio-economic challenges in the region but that is the case anywhere cities are not immune to homelessness, drug abuse and people living in shelters. I can’t help but smile reflecting on how great the experience was to be around so many honest and hardworking people, raising families, living life and doing whatever it takes to survive and thrive specially in what can be at times an unforgiving landscape. I had an old Truck, affectionately named “Old Red”, my dog, love a goal and purpose. This July 2016 will be the anniversary date and I’ll be eligible to complete my Red Seal had I gone the same route in Ontario it wouldn’t be possible until maybe July 2019.

Photo: Taken outside Reed Energy work shop,working as a safety watch because it was a confined space, the welder was fixing a flange inside the tank, pictured in the back and Old Red, 96 Single Cab Ford F-150 in the front.

It wasn’t until his passing that I learned why my grandfathers nickname as a young man was “Hank”, his friends called him that because of his secret love of Country Music, Hank Williams was a legend for many I don’t know his music but he’s in the Hall of Fame for a reason I suppose. Now don’t get my wrong, my grandfather loved good Soul, R&B, Blues and Jazz grew up with it, he also ran a night club that played it all the time however he did have a soft spot for country tunes. As a kid sitting in the passenger side of his car I can recall when News Talk Radio wasn’t playing he would be humming the melody to a country song., maybe it was at that time my affection and soft spot for the slow country lifestyle began. Although camping and cottaging was something I enjoyed, this type of country living of the north was blue collar hardworking and resonated with me and many others across Canada, and really throughout the world. Continue reading →

Supporting JaBig’s Journey

Since 2011 when I discovered DJ JaBig he’s been playing some of the soundtracks to my life. Mostly during the working hours of the day or deep into the evening his range of musical taste matches mine during the softer times when one’s imagination and writing flow needs space to grow. It wasn’t until recently that I learned just how cool and adventurous he really was. Currently he is riding his bike across Canada, playing DJ gigs and sharing his love of music. Recently Shia LaBeouf made the news for standing in an elevator for 24 hours, although I think he’s a legit good actor his “stunt” is no match in terms of Art & Life than this journey and Guinness World Record being attempt by Canadian JaBig. To learn more about him and his journey click map image below or visit www.jabigjourney.com.

Photo Credit: Magda M

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His Youtube channel has well over 300,000 subscribers, and his classical/house mixes at times range from 50,000 views to well over 2,000,000 in today’s digital age where contributions and connections are made through the web just as easily as in person I think JaBig is a tremendous asset to the world, the fact we share a flag as fellow Canadians is a bonus and should give us all a sense of pride. #JaBigJourney

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Canadian-Jamaican Innovation & Energy Management Training Partnership

In an effort to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and professional development of Canada’s social and energy infrastructure, DMF Energy Inc, has signed a memorandum of understanding in agreement with the Health, Education and Counselling Institute (HECOIN) of Jamaica to develop and introduce a new 36 month pilot project program. The program is designed for professionals, mature students and youth seeking knowledge and employment opportunities in the fast modernizing global energy sector.

It is anticipated that 150 participants will be enrolled between Winter 2018 – Fall 2019. The key objectives and goals are to increase mental health and cross cultural awareness for Canadian and Jamaican youth, enhance skill development in relation to new emerging technology trends and to create employment opportunities within Canada, Jamaica and other international markets for program participants. Administered by the Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative the curriculum will focus on several key areas of interest including: international business development, modern political relations, solar engineering, environmental assessments and Canadian Red Seal Endorsement pathways for construction and service related trades.

Jerome L. Downey – Executive Director & Principal Consultant, CHCDI, DMF Energy Inc.

“Energy security is very important and Canada needs to affirm its place as a leader in conservation and renewable energy markets. We’re excited for the opportunity to launch our pilot project in the Caribbean. Our company supports the principals of the Vision 2030 Jamaica, National Energy Development Plan which align with our corporate values and Canada’s commitment to international diplomacy, health, education advancement and business innovation.”

Colin O Jarrett, – VP of Administration, Finance and International Marketing, HECOIN

“The HECOIN family welcomes this partnership where both Jamaicans and Canadians will be trained in Jamaica which is a welcomed change. Solar energy conservation is a priority for many governments and this training collaboration will further bring savings in the coffers of governments that take energy security seriously. Both Jamaica and Canada have made significant strides in the area of renewable energy which is commendable.”

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An Indigenous Canadian Journey

The Stage

I’ve lived in 7 cities in the last 6 years pushing to discover and become the best version of myself. Looking inside my new Canadian Passports it shows the place of my birth as Toronto, ON however in my heart and mind it could simply just read Canada. As a child my heart came alive exploring the commons of Halifax playing baseball at the local YMCA, summer day camp trips at the George Dixon Community Center and great memories on the football gridiron. The thrill of learning and challenging myself academically and athletically in the town of Sackville, New Brunswick as an adolescence forever changed my life for the better. Then I moved back to Toronto before my passion took me to Ottawa, where I then embarked on a great journey west stopping in Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Fort McMurray Alberta to secure my future and seek opportunity like thousands of other Canadians in the energy sector.

Presently

Now as a young man at the age of 30 without an immediate family or independent of my own reflecting back on these travels from east to west, the people that have come in and out of my life the moments of pride, shame, glory and sadness one thing has never faded, the desire to keep learning and becoming better, they say to know where your going you need to know where your from and understanding Canada and what grew from the former Dominion of Canada has been a great motivation of mine, and reason why I’ve enrolled in Cape Brenton University’s innovative new online Mi’kmaq course, to learn more, as Plato told Socrates “Know Theyself”. As an indigenous Mi’kmaq Canadian, who is also a direct decent of a slave, French Canadian and indigenous Jamaican I’ve come full-circle in some respects by landing in the town of St. Catherine’s Ontario. A historic and famous town for many reasons, for me knowing that it was the central hub of Canadian operations for Harriet Tubman during the time of the underground rail road is enough to give me a sense of pride and belonging, the same pride and belonging feeling as Canadians we should be extending to Syrian Refugees fleeing a devastating in humane conflict.

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Mad Men: Healthy Relationship Lessons

Music, Life and Business Lessons From The 1950’s

Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Intelligence this is the next frontier in Human Capital platters Training and Business Development. If you are going to have a strong team in the field, you must be able to work together safely.There needs to be a strong sense of purpose, respect, love and individual boundaries.

Ross Rosenberg has successfully built a business and value chain of service by explaining the impossible. His lessons, research and educational experience has made him a contemporary leader in in the psychology field regarding dynamic and powerful human connections. The following group The Platters song was played during one of his presentations explaining a subject on emotional intelligence, I suppose the the irony is topics that were important in the 1950’s remain just as important now in 2015.

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Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

What Is The Diamond Jubilee?

Created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, this commemorative medal served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60, 000 deserving Canadians were recognized. The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was a multinational celebration throughout 2012, that marked the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. As of 21 June 2014, Elizabeth was queen regnant of 16 sovereign states, known as Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom. The only other time in British history that a monarch celebrated a Diamond Jubilee was in 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated hers.

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Airbnb Travel Style: Living Moments

Technical Innovation and Response

Airbnb has started to get a lot of traction and I am a big fan of it so far, for anyone that travels frequently it is a nice alternative to the traditional means of booking hotels, motels etc. I think the great recession of 2008 challenged the world to come up with solutions on how to generate additional income but also on what is most important in life. The soul I think is a global citizen, connected online and offline we all desire love, appreciation, friendship a healthy meal and environment. Out of all the online platforms that has gained traction in this new digital sharing space, I think Airbnb has clearly come out as a leader. Great value, quality price and engineered pleasant experiences with gracious kind host who share your values. Investors are watching this company very closely as a potential public offering might be in the works in the future. Continue reading →

Saving Ted: Supporting SPCA’s

SPCA In honor of my old dog and buddy Ted, I’ve decided to give an annual donation to an SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) organization once a year in his name. Ted was not an unwanted dog, nor unloved, actually he was the complete opposite of what most people might think of or associate with a dog that was given up for adoption. The idea of forever homes are idealistic in nature, however rigid and not completely honest in some circumstances. There are different types of dogs, some are family, short-term rescues, long-term rescues and more. Having Ted felt like all of the above. I could have kept him however our time together had come to an end. Some people thought he was holding be back, but I realized I was the one holding him back, I had to trust the system. The SPCA represents the best qualities in humanity, and it is for that reason I’ll forever be a supporter. Continue reading →

Outwitting the Devil – Napoleon Hill

Removing Fear & Thinking Clear

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The nature and discussion of how to overcome fear is prevalent in many modern day spiritual enlightenment movements. The idea of conciseness and old saying “mind over matter” has never been more popular or accurate in my opinion. Breaking down the concept of reality conciseness at a quantum level we come to realize that almost everything we think of as solid is really just empty space, the universe itself is considered to be made of over 70% dark matter.

Removing fear is like exploring dark matter, you know it exist yet it is difficult to understand and easier to just simply ignore. I’ve always enjoyed tackling fears, however only when I was aware of them. When not aware of the roots of fear, negative thoughts and suppress feelings you cultivate a perfect environment for fear to manifest. The following audio book below called Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill is over 70 years old and it contains wisdom and positive teachings that have never been more relevant today. Continue reading →