Babble-On 35: Balderdash and Deflation

When in Toronto, read the Globe and Mail. As far as I can tell, it's NOT owned by Rupert Murdoch ...

Deflating all Balloons! - According to the G&M, some financial experts believe we are all doomed. Because we are saving too much and not spending. And because the world governments, most particularly the US, Japan, and China, are slowing or stopping their stimulus incentives, which were the only things apparently prying open our wallets. I say 'Balderdash!' A little deflation means no inflation, right? And the fear of inflation is the main reason governments don't want to 'over-stimulate' the economy. With deflation nicely canceling inflation, governments can print all the money required to bring us back to prosperity. I'll take $5 million in twenties, please.

Justice Deflated - Toronto has had its long, dark, night of the soul, with the recent G20 protests and subsequent police action. Anywhere else, it might be time to internalize the lesson and move on, but not here. The printed press (and even more the televised news) will not let go, and seem intent on wallowing in every worrying detail. I say 'Balderdash!' Is there nothing else to do in Canada? It's summer! Go outside and play. But don't protest anything when you're out there (except, see below) or we'll never hear the end of it ...

Deflating Expectations - As if it was not enough to scare us into worries of an economic version of the 'Incredible Shrinking Man' (or Woman, if you are a Lily Tomlin fan), the G&M this morning also contained a cautionary tale to lower expectations for those seeking jobs in this collapsing universe. It seems hirers are in such a catbird seat they can afford to ignore applicants, or string them out as long as they care to after interviews, before finally telling them 'thanks but no thanks'. Or they can simply send their coldly brutal message of rejection through complete and utter silence. The article in the G&M decries this practice, but just the mention of it deflates the egos and expectations of many out there, who are expectantly waiting by their phone, computer, or blackberry for that call. The G&M blurb goes on to lay out a plan of action, involving well-timed follow-up emails, with a limit of three attempts. I say 'Balderdash!' If a company is so rude as to string you along for weeks after an interview with no contact, set up a robo-mail to bombard them with queries. This may be a particularly effective addition to your resume if the company in question is tech-related. If that doesn't work, protest. Perhaps you can recruit a few of the G20 folks - it's a while before the next summit, isn't it?

Finally, remember the only good deflation is the deflation of ignorance. Read The Globe and Mail, the Star, The London Observer, The Guardian, The New York Times - even the LA Times. But Read!