pointing out the obvious

As a result of a comment by k-fleXxX in a previous post, I realize just how little I do for social causes. I’m certainly not speaking for everyone, but I’m a relatively aware person but do not actively participate in or donate to social causes. I am guessing that most of my peers are in a similar position. It’s a sad state of affairs.

These are some of the things I like to do…

• Support small/independent businesses because I like to see the little guy succeed (and feed his/her family).
• Want to see an indie flick? Check out Lightchasers.
• Looking for some fair trade coffee? Checkout Responsible Harvest.
• Avoid unethical companies. Though, watch your sources, some are whacky.
• (rant…) Tip wait staff, taxi drivers and other service industry staff well because I’m only going to burn that extra $5 dollars on something insignificant - I also know revenue canada targets them for undeclared income, which is sad because 1 well-off person likely shelters more income from the tax man than a dozen service staff.
• Donate to something.. usually it’s wwf.ca, and as a result I have a growing collection of animal beanie babies.
• Donate old clothing, appliances to goodwill. They have started coming door-to-door!
• Use recycled building supplies and find treasures.

But my overall financial contributions to the cause are terrible. I spend more on coffee than I do donating in a year. That’s pathetic. Do I really need that car? Do I need that computer? Do I need those jeans? no.. no and no. Is my whole generation like this?

we’re doomed.

and yes, I’m feeling particularly sorry for myself this morning. awesome.

For whatever reason, I’ve always cherished my childhood visits to the McLaughlin Planetarium, which closed down in 1995. This morning, I stumbled upon a group, GeoSpace, who are proposing a new planetarium be constructed on the Toronto waterfront. If this plan becomes a reality, I will be one of the first in line to see the show. I so miss it.

The planetarium is just one of those things that seem to open your mind to a whole different set of rules.  The darkness, the voice, the stars, the chairs, the projector, the whole experience of a planetarium is so different than a museum or movie.  For some reason, the McLaughlin Planetarium is burned into my head, though I have only ever been there a handful of times.  It is clearly an experience I never forgot.
I wish the people in Toronto at the GeoSpace Planetarium the best of luck with their proposal.  They’ve got my support.