It’s Not Personal, It’s Business

We’ve all heard that one before right.  In fact, I bet most of us have heard it so many times we’re inclined to think it’s actually true.  You know, someone does something (or gets ready to do something) and they quietly remind themselves, “It’s not personal, it’s just business…”

Or is it.  What if we stopped for a moment to consider the validity of this time honored expression.  What does it really mean?  Does it mean anything at all?  On its surface, it appears to suggest, I think…this:  It doesn’t matter what I do to another person, or group of persons, so long as I am acting in the interest of this business, or its shareholders.

Hmm.  That’s strange.  Sounds a bit like rationalization to me.  Maybe there’s something to this (sort of like that little tinge one gets when reciting this old expression, just as they’re about to do something knowingly and instinctively wrong).  It’s like the old ethical dilemma faced by every business.  Just because something isn’t explicitly illegal, does that make it right?  Can morality and ethics even be legislated in the first place?  Who’s shoulders, then, does it fall upon to make moral and ethical decisions?  What should guide those decisions?

That is the question.  But what I strongly suspect is that it isn’t (or ought not be) this largely meaningless yet sadly popular expression.  Why?  Because it is personal.  Everything we do in this life is personal, because everything we do ultimately affects, one way or another, a person or group of persons.  This is why it’s called ‘Humanity’  rather than ‘Shareholder-i-ty.’  Maybe one day when the world is run by robot overlords and we are all assimilated into a single vast human-powered mainframe, will there be room for the cold utilitarian ethic espoused by this popular phrase, ‘It’s just business.’  But until then, let’s try to remember what each of us already instinctively knows…every thing we do, be it for ourselves or on behalf of an organization, has (ultimately) human – and therefore personal – consequences.  Because there’s really no such thing as ‘just business.’

5 Documentaries

Maximilian Kolbe once said, “No one can change the Truth. What we can do is to seek truth and serve it when we have found it…”

Of course that’s not always easy to do.  First, it’s sometimes difficult to recognize what’s true, and what isn’t.  Then, there’s figuring out what to do, or what is within our power to do, once we’ve come face to face with a truth worth acting upon.  It doesn’t always have to be monumental, or even life changing.  But sometimes it can be.

In the spirit of this theme I’d like to present 5 documentaries that, in my view, every American owes it to themselves to watch.  I can assure you, even if you don’t typically watch documentaries, you will not be bored by the content or presentation of these films.  They are each one at the top of their class.  Of course you’ll have to decide for yourself what bias each filmmaker brings to the table, and whether they unduly influence the message or the facts presented.  Remember, open-mindedness isn’t as much about being unbiased, as it is being honest with ourselves and others what biases we bring to the conversation.  And that is exactly what each of these films represent, a conversation that every conscientious American should, at the very least, be aware of.

In a few cases, I’ve linked to an introduction of sorts from previous posts.  Some of these are available for instant viewing, while others can be rented.  While they are listed here in chronological order I consider each one, it its own way, of equal importance.  Click on the title to follow the link.

The Future of Food (2004) – Watch instantly via SnagFilms

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005) – Available for rent at Netflix

An Inconvenient Truth (2006) – Available for rent at Netflix

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash (2006) – Available for Instant Viewing at Netflix

I.O.U.S.A. (2008) – Available for Instant Viewing at Netflix

Clean Drinking Water

Despite the fact that most of us wake up every morning with access to fresh, clean water billions more still don’t enjoy the same luxury.  It’s difficult to imagine that in 2009, people all over the world still do not have ready access to the most basic necessity of life.  Think about that the next time you turn on the tap water, prepare a pot of coffee or a cup of tea, or brush your teeth, use the toilet, or take a shower.  What a tremendous thing we enjoy here in wealthy, industrialized societies.  But we shouldn’t be the only ones, and thanks to Michael Prichard the world has just moved one step closer to universal access to clean drinking water.  This is not a paid product endorsement.  This is an introduction to a new technology (an innovation of great humanitarian magnitude) that many still aren’t aware of.  This post is my small part in spreading the word about the Lifesaver Bottle.

Inspired by events around the world, and the pressing need for clean drinking water in underdeveloped countries, Michael set about creating something that had never been done before.  He put his mind to making a water filtration system that could eliminate every form of water borne pathogen, without the use of chemicals or complicated, cost prohibitive systems.  In 2007, his vision finally came to life, and the Lifesaver Bottle was born.

According to an official press release the Lifesaver Bottle ‘is the world’s first all in one ultra filtration water bottle. It will remove bacteria, viruses, cysts, parasites, fungi and all other microbiological waterborne pathogens without using chemicals like iodine or chlorine which leave a distinctive foul taste.’  It produces filtered sterile drinking water quickly and easily, and even includes a built in fail-safe device that shuts off the filtering system the moment it expires, preventing accidental contamination.  If you follow the link HERE to the Lifesaver Systems homepage there are several videos featuring Michael demonstrating this amazing invention.  The first one, delivered at TED, is well worth checking out.

There is no doubt that recreational hikers and military units around the world will be taking an express interest in Michael’s self-contained filtration system.  But without a doubt there is another application here that is even more worthwhile, and that is getting this technology into the hands of the world’s ‘Bottom Billion,’ those who subsist on less than a dollar a day, and who don’t presently have ready access to clean (disease free) drinking water.  My hope is that as word spreads, those with the money, connections and other resources will see the tremendous opportunity presented by the potential application of this technology in creative humanitarian ways.  Possibly, for the first time in history, those who don’t live in a rich country, can finally wake up and enjoy fresh, clean water – just like the rest of us.

Thank You Michael.  Well Done.

Gao Zhisheng

A former member of the Chinese Communist Party, Gao Zhisheng has worked tirelessly to defend the Human Rights of religious dissidents, including many Christians.  Since 2006 he has been watched closely by the secret police, along with his family and other Human Rights lawyers.  In 2008 Gao was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.  The secret police continued to follow and harass him.  On February 4, 2009 Gao was abducted in a raid on a small house in the Shaanxi province of China.  He was not formally charged, no court proceedings have taken place, and Gao has not been heard from since.  To find out more, visit FreeGao.com or click on the image below.

Gao Zhisheng with son Tianyu

Global Warming is Now

It seems that people don’t fully understand the gravity of our current situation.  The present day condition of our fragile planet has fallen into a tailspin, out of which we (as a community of nations) have a narrow window from which to escape the consequences – or reach the point of no return.  Many well intentioned individuals have done their best to bring this issue to the forefront of public consciousness, but few have framed the matter so succinctly as former Vice President Al Gore in his 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth.  Unfortunately for all of us, there’s a factor at play concerning this particular effort that I suspect has hindered many from hearing an important message, that just happens to transcend political views.

Americans by and large have fallen into an unhealthy form political thought process.  I have referred to this condition as the Average American Voter.  In this case we have a person with a message, who also happens to be a political Democrat.  Thus there are, I suspect, a good deal of people who are going to bring their partisan bias into the decision about whether Al Gore’s message is flawed, worthwhile, notable, alarming, or even worth listening to in the first place.  The entire purpose of this post is to encourage you, if it applies, to set aside your political bias for 90 critical minutes and consider instead what this man has to say – at face value.  Forget about who the figure of ‘Al Gore’ is or was within the political spectrum of America and focus instead on whether he makes a compelling case for an issue that may, literally, have dire consequences for the entire planet…including consequences we are likely to witness in our lifetime.

If you are able to do this you will have achieved several important things.

1. Recognizing the importance of objective, bipartisan thinking
2. Exercising the essential act of focusing on the issue, rather than on the purveyor of it
3. Opening your eyes to an issue that affects every person, regardless of their political worldview or degree of clout
4. Add yourself to the potential pool of those who may become the essential catalyst for change

A passing thought before you go.  Life is a journey.  None of us is perfect or has it all figured out.  Maybe sometimes the best we can do is acknowledge that there are still things we have yet to learn, or that there’s still room for growth in some aspect of our lives.  Thanks for taking the time to listen.

Visit the official “An Inconvenient Truth” Homepage

Rent An Inconvenient Truth directly from Netflix

Watch a recent update by Al Gore, viewable in any browser, hosted by the Technology • Entertainment • Design conference

Are You a Wal-Mart Shopper?

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Follow the white rabbit…

…or click HERE

All Creatures Great and Small

Today I’d like to share with you a television show I discovered about a year ago.  It’s one I’ve grown quite fond of these past several months and has brought more than a little joy into our lives.  “All Creatures Great and Small” is a BBC series that doubtless thousands of admiring fans have enjoyed for decades.  With the advent of broadband internet and digital distribution classics like this are poised to be discovered anew by a generation of viewers completely unfamiliar with a show our parents are more likely to know…Especially those of us from across ‘The Pond’ here in America.  Not being avid ‘TV watchers’ it’s always a pleasant surprise to run across a show that actually becomes something we look forward to.  In this case we’ve been tuning in via Netflix; though I’m sure there are other ways to gain access, even if only via DVD.  What’s so special you ask?  So many things.  But let’s go back to the beginning for a brief moment.

Back in 1978 Bill Sellars was tasked with producing a new television series based on a popular book by author (and former veterinarian) James Herriot.  The story is set in late 1930s England and recounts the love life and misadventures of a young veterinarian who has just arrived in a rural farming community.  Taken in by the established and wily Siegfried Farnon, joined later by Siegfried’s younger brother Tristan, James and company do their best to make due with a small veterinary practice as they deal with all manner of animals and interesting characters. James soon meets young and beautiful Helen who, not surprisingly, is already being courted by one of the richest, most handsome gentlemen in the county.  Meanwhile Tristan, a young auspicious and quite lively chap, can’t seem to keep himself out of trouble – especially as it concerns his more responsible (and often bullheaded) older brother.  Poor James often finds himself caught in the middle, while also having to contend with townsfolk who’s trust and confidence he is determined to win over.

It’s an endearing cast of characters who are expertly portrayed in situations that are often humorous & heartwarming, yet never seem too outrageous or overblown – as is often the case with so much modern programming.  Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes with one especially charming aspect being the manner in which story elements carry over from segment to segment.

In all honesty I don’t know if one can put into words or properly pin down what it is that makes this series so special.  It’s almost the equivalent of trying to figure out what gives “I Love Lucy” the appeal it maintains nearly sixty years after its debut.  There’s just something about it, some timeless quality one has to experience for themselves.  Hopefully I’m not building it up too much. Certainly there’s a kind of niche audience in mind, most likely those who can appreciate a slower pacing with more emphasis on character development and good old fashioned storytelling.  That being said I must caution you about making ‘the call’ on it too soon.  This is important since (and please trust me on this) the first few episodes are really about setting up the characters.  With that in mind, realize that it doesn’t truly begin to shine until around about the third to fourth episode.  It’s a slow start that eases into its stride and becomes something one can appreciate with a much greater sense of who the characters are, where they’re coming from, and what’s behind the superb dynamic found in the bustling household of 5 Daraby Road.  Even the Bit Actors do an excellent job of bringing new elements into each well written story.  In a testament to quality programming one easily forgets that the first few series were produced in the late seventies (aside from perhaps the picture and sound quality if one is particularly critical).  Somehow I suspect book readers will find more to appreciate here, though not necessarily only they.

Well, I’ll leave it at that for now.  If you’re finding, as we have, that modern television programming has very little to offer, and enjoy a good classic, be it movie, book or other period piece, then look no further.  “All Creatures Great and Small” has much to offer and will almost surely leave you with a warm and happy feeling each time the credits roll.

My personal thanks go out to all involved in this outstanding series: Bill Sellars, the many Writers & Directors, Robert Hardy, Mary Hignett, Christopher Timothy, Peter Davison, Carol Drinkwater, Lynda Bellingham, all the production crew, guest actors, and of course Mr. James Herriot.  Your hard work and wonderful talent are all greatly admired.

Companies that Support Pornography

I’ve been thinking it might be worthwhile to start a list of Companies that Support Pornography.  In today’s social climate, and especially in the business world, individuals and corporations are faced with making a moral choice.  Usually this amounts to deciding that either a) Pornography is wrong, b) Pornography is right, or c) Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong Pornography is a legitimate form of entertainment.  Another translation of choice ‘c’ might be to say simply, “I don’t care” or “I don’t want to take a moral position on Pornography.” However you choose to interpret their position the following companies have decided that in spite of its moral or societal implications Pornography is worthwhile enough to profit from…and so they do.  It is my hope that, in part on account of this list (along with widespread public knowledge) they will reconsider.

The way I envision this working is that over time credible sources will present information that either expands or shrinks the number of entries.  As companies make the conscious decision to support or shun pornography they may be added to this list, or moved to the list of Companies that Shun Pornography.  If you are opposed to the spread of pornography in our society, for whatever reason, please consider searching for alternative means of obtaining the products and services provided by these corporations.  If you are an insider, I hope you will take the time to weigh and carefully consider the implications of contributing to the spread of this life damaging disease.  Each time this list is updated it will be noted in the date below.

Updated: 3/7/09

Please Note: If you have credible information that supports adding or removing a company from this list please share it by way of the Contact Me form or in the Comments below.  To put it another way, I hope that these reports are either wrong or outdated, and that American based content providers do by and large shun pornography.  If you know this to be the case with any of these please let me know.

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Company: American Express
Type of Business: Credit Cards
Stock Ticker: AXP (NYSE)
Synopsis: Conscious processing of electronic payments for access to porn sites
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: AT&T
Type of Business: Telecom, Internet Service Provider
Stock Ticker: T (NYSE)
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network, prolific carrier of 1-900 Phone Sex Numbers
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)
The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)
American Porn, Frontline PBS (2002)

Company: Borders Group, Inc.
Type of Business: Books
Stock Ticker: BGP (NYSE)
Synopsis: Distribution of pornographic material
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: Cablevision Systems
Type of Business: Cable Provider
Stock Ticker: CVC (NYSE)
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network (Pornography Channel)
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Charter Communications
Type of Business: Cable Provider
Stock Ticker: CHTR (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network (Pornography Channel)
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Comcast Corp.
Type of Business: Cable Provider
Stock Ticker: CMCSK (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network (Pornography Channel)
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Cox Communications
Type of Business: Cable Provider
Stock Ticker: N/a – Privately Held
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network (Pornography Channel)
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: DIRECTV Group
Type of Business: Digital Television Provider
Stock Ticker: DTV (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Subscription based Pornography Channels
Synopsis: Carrier of HOT Network (Pornography Channel)
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)
American Porn, Frontline PBS (2002)

Company: EarthLink
Type of Business: Internet Service Provider
Stock Ticker: ELNK (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Distribution of pornographic content
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: EchoStar Corporation
Type of Business: Cable/Satellite Provider
Stock Ticker: SATS (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Distribution of pay-per-view pornography via DISH Network satellite
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Hilton Hotels Corporation
Type of Business: Hotels
Stock Ticker: N/a – Privately held
Synopsis: Provider of in room pay-to-watch Adult Channels
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)
American Porn, Frontline PBS (2002)

Company: Marriott
Type of Business: Hotels
Stock Ticker: MAR (NYSE)
Synopsis: Provider of in room pay-to-watch Adult Channels
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)
American Porn, Frontline PBS (2002)

Company: MasterCard, Inc.
Type of Business: Credit Cards
Stock Ticker: MA (NYSE)
Synopsis: Conscious processing of electronic payments for access to porn sites
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Mitsui & Co. Ltd
Type of Business: Raw Materials, Supply Chain Management
Stock Ticker: MITSY (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Distribution of pornographic material
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: News Corporation Limited
Type of Business: Media
Stock Ticker: NWS (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Production and distribution of pornographic material, stake in DIRECTV
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: Radisson Hotels & Resorts
Type of Business: Hotels
Stock Ticker: N/a – Privately Held
Synopsis: Provider of in room pay-to-watch Adult Channels
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts (Starwood)
Type of Business: Hotels
Stock Ticker: HOT (NYSE)
Synopsis: Provider of in room pay-to-watch Adult Channels
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Take-Two Interactive Software
Type of Business: Video Games
Stock Ticker: TTWO (NSDQ)
Synopsis: Production and distribution of pornographic material
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: Time Warner, Inc.
Type of Business: Cable Provider
Stock Ticker: TWX (NYSE)
Synopsis: Production and distribution of pornographic material
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)
The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: VISA
Type of Business: Credit Cards
Stock Ticker: V (NYSE)
Synopsis: Conscious processing of electronic payments for access to porn sites
Source: The Porn Ring Around Corporate White Collars, Janet M. LaRue, Chief Counsel, Concerned Women for America (2003)

Company: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Type of Business: Retail
Stock Ticker: WMT (NYSE)
Synopsis: Distribution of pornographic material
Source: Timothy Plan Corporate Hall of Shame (2008)

Company: Westin Hotels (Starwood)
Type of Business: Hotels
Stock Ticker: HOT (NYSE)
Synopsis: Provider of in room pay-to-watch Adult Channels
American Porn, Frontline PBS (2002)

Bear in mind that boycotting is only one course of action.  Investors have another tool at their disposal as well.  For instance, conscientious Christian Investors might consider contacting an investment firm [such as Timothy Plan] which carries Mutual Funds pre-screened to exclude companies that directly or indirectly support the Pornography industry.  I’m sure there are non-Christian values based Fund Managers out there as well.  No matter the source of your convictions it might be worthwhile to think about to whom your investment dollars are going.

Companies That Have Cleaned Up – It would be a breath of fresh air to see companies end their direct or implicit endorsement of pornography. Those that do will be moved expeditiously to the list of Companies that Shun Pornography, with a heartfelt thanks for doing the conscionable thing.

Companies that Shun Pornography

These companies have either gone clean, having been removed from the list of Companies that Support Pornography, or were never supportive of pornography in the first place.  On behalf of Women, Children and Americans everywhere Thank You for doing the right thing.  Your choices are deserving of our patronage and financial support.

Updated: 10/16/09

General Motors
As of: December, 2003

Yahoo!
As of: January, 2002

Omni Hotels
As of: November, 1999

Netflix – With a substantial number of its competitors renting out “Adult” titles, Netflix deserves commendation for its decision to stay out of the pornography distribution business.
As of: 1997

Note: If you know of any companies that have gone out of their way to shun pornography, especially if they are in the Telecom, ISP, Cable or Satellite industry…please let me know.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized

This thing’s been going around and I would definitely like to further its spread.  Jonathan Jarvis, a graduate student at the Art Center in Pasadena, has put together a thoroughly concise and simplified explanation of the credit crisis – as it relates to Sub-Prime Mortgages.  It’s an eleven minute video that uses animation to break the matter down into a simple and highly visual explanation.  No charts or graphs here.  Just clean visuals, very interesting information, and a message that says a lot about the banking industry.  It’ll be over by the time you finish your bowl of cereal.

Watch The Crisis of Credit Visualized (hosted at Vimeo)

Great work Jonathan; thanks for putting this together