Sleepless Society

Sleep tips and resources that could be helpful.

In a healthy environment where there is good food, work and income, exercise and rest, nature and very few worries, a sound sleep should arrive easily every night. Many of those conditions aren't available to those participating in today's fast paced, never-have-enough social environment.

Sleep should be there for us to rest and re-energize for the following day, but it's not so easy for many. I have had my share of sleep problems, mostly when younger. In my experiences thoughts are the cause of toss and turn nights. Kicking around some upsetting or puzzling situation, past, present or ahead can be a whirring circle that does not want to stop.

These are the solutions to achieving adequate sleep that have worked well for me.

Trying to sleep has the opposite effect. I quit trying to go to sleep! Trying does not work!

Acceptance plays a big role in life once again. Accepting that a restless night is not be a big problem takes a great big load off my mind and quite often it's possible to carry on normally the next day with just that little bit of sleep. And even better, realizing that this is note a dire situation will so often result in a restful sleep just a bit later.

Counting very slow deep breaths is good because it is healthy and relaxing. Often it is difficult to get past 4 or 5 because that 'thing' keeps returning and then the turmoil is restarted.

Problems or worries need to be shut down completely at bedtime. I can think about that stressful experience - or I can sleep. It's a choice, sort of. It is a known fact that I cannot think of two things at the same time so a change of thoughts in order with recurring turbulences.

But changing thoughts to something pleasant and peaceful, real or imaginary, or dull and stationary can really work. A peaceful walk by a calm lake with still waters, or a speck on the wall can do it.

Yet holding on to calming thoughts may not always be easy and the worries can keep intruding if they are strong.

It might be necessary to concentrate on a topic that is not serene but not worrisome either, along with a change in physical position to make this work. It almost always helps me to shut down the agitating windmill completely when I get out of bed and do an easy crossword, watch some dull quiet TV, with or without a light snack. Even 1-2 hours lost from bed at 2am seems unacceptable at first, but if a solid sleep returns for the remaining few hours it's worth the effort to climb out of a warm bed. Often an hour's sleep just before rising can be very deep and satisfying.

Quietly relaxing in the latter part of the evening is most helpful in preparing for a restful sleep. Daily exercise, physical or mental, is part of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately it can be very stimulating if done approaching bedtime and might create a wide awake state that will not unwind easily. Watching violent TV movies or upsetting news is not the right preparation either.

A soothing alcoholic nightcap relaxes but normally results in waking up a few hours later, and an alcohol induced sleep is not a relaxed sleep.

Note: This is not meant to be advice to others. It works well for me but underlying causes could be very serious and complicated. Professional help should always be a consideration as with all medical problems.

Other resources

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep has a series of articles:
Sleep: A Dynamic Activity
How Much Sleep Do We Need?
What Does Sleep Do For Us?
Dreaming and REM Sleep
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Sleep and Disease
Sleep Disorders
The Future
Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

The Mayo Clinic: "You may not be able to control or eliminate all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, but you can create an environment and adopt habits that encourage a more restful night. Try these suggestions if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep: 10 tips for better sleep.

The Declining Business Ethic

We know there is a downward trend in corporate management ethics because it has attained prominence in the news in recent years. It is more widespread than for the personal gain of a few. The commercial marketing and retailing of goods and services has become increasingly shoddy, sometimes bordering thievery. This is often engineered by large corporations.

It seems the public has come to accept this trend towards deteriorating ethics in marketing. Casual discussions generally suggest some degree of anger and that this is just the way it is. Wise consumers are becoming much more suspicious and are exercising caution when considering purchases. Those that don't proceed carefully may pay for an unexpected unpleasant experience.

Ethics: principles, moral values, conscience.

How widespread are questionable or unethical business practices?
Very! Here are a few generalities covering some wide areas of deceptive marketing and disappointing products and services.

• Marketing to kids: morally wrong yet progresses creatively and vigorously.
• Selling unhealthy foods which are cheaper to produce and more profitable.
• Fine print advertisements and contracts that are too hard to understand.
• Inferior product quality that is often just no good but marketed aggressively.
• Sub-contracting production to hide unethical use of cheap or inhumane labor.
• Merchandising environmentally unfriendly, wasteful or useless products.
• Junk mail, spam, telemarketing - annoying, excessive, costly advertising.
• Trick labels require careful study word by word to get the true facts, maybe.
• Trick ads that make you think you're getting something you aren't getting.
• Store sales displays catch you at the checkout with the unexpected regular price.
• Shock entertainment and commercials sell, but soil social standards.
• Credit enticements and payments gouging.

And so much more greed in our free-enterprise society.

We got problems. Big serious long-term problems with commerce and society.
Exacerbating the continual spread of greed in retailing is the fact that there are too many enterprises competing for the same overextended consumers' purchasing desires.

And which corporations want to lose market share? Each works questionably harder to increase those consumer desires and generate more sales.

There is also the passivity of consumers. We just don't take the time to complain and seldom discuss our gripes with one another. Nor do we resist the commercial persuasions and opt for a wiser and happier social life style.

And then there are our governments, they don't seem to care, perhaps because there are too many business interests governing government.

So what to do about the deterioration of business ethics?

We need to think more about what's happening, talk it up with others, and read about the facts and solutions. It's important that we send comments and letters to businesses, associations, government officials and talk to people like ourselves. We may have gone too far in the wrong direction but we can do something for the newest generation, in education and by example.

Democracy - Yes! Free enterprise - not this way!

Internet Safety Tips

We know that parents are concerned as the internet has introduced a whole new way for the young to interact. Where once it was word-of-mouth exchanges with friends and acquaintances in a school environment this has now been broadened astronomically. It now includes a much wider and looser definition of 'friends' locally and afar. And 'friends' who might not be friends but masked characters bringing unacceptable or repulsive interactions.

The net is an enormous communications advantage over previous generations. It is so valuable in exchanging information and knowledge that is accessible with the click of a few keys. But it has some very scary and socially unhealthy disadvantages that parents and kids should be aware of. Shrewdly camouflaged friendly and helpful temptations can turn out to be very harmful experiences.

From Instructify: Archive for the ‘Internet safety’ Category
At school access to the internet is monitored, there are often black lists of inappropriate sites, filtering systems and supervision by teachers and staff. But when the students get home this changes. The parents do not have access to the extensive resources and tools available to schools. So to help the parents we recommend that a simple three step rule, the 3 i's of internet safety. Read more . . .

FBI's Internet Safety Tips For the kids:
There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home or at school.

• First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
• Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
• Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
• Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

Lots of information and resources at the FCIC Internet Safety and Social Networks
Thanks to the Internet, you can order books, clothes, or appliances online; reserve a hotel room across the ocean; download music and games; check your bank balance 24 hours a day; or access your workplace from thousands of miles away. The flip-side, however, is that the Internet, and the anonymity it affords, can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more. But with awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap. To be safer and more secure online, adopt these seven practices:

• Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
• Know whom you're dealing with.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
• Make sure your operating system and web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
• Protect your passwords.
• Back up important files.
• Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online

Social Networking Online
Social networking sites are the hippest new "meet markets," especially among tween, teens and 20-somethings. While these sites can increase a person's circle of friends, they also increase exposure to people with less-than-friendly intentions, including sexual predators.
Much more at the FCIC . . .

Consumer Tips to Save Money

Owl Wise Tips for saving your money

It might be much easier than you think
to save a whole lot of the dough that
you have worked so hard for.

Consider that it will be for those things
that you value and that will make life
better for you, your family and friends.

So gather and keep some valuable tips.
Then take them on your shopping trips.

Consumer Action Website: For larger purchases be wary of fraud

• A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Be wary of promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business/job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel.
• Extended warranties and service contracts are rarely worth what you pay for them.
• Say no to credit insurance offers. Often offered with credit cards, car loans and home mortgages, it is almost always better to purchase regular property, life or disability insurance.
• There is no universal three-day cooling-off period. Don't be misled into thinking that you have an automatic three days to cancel a purchase. Only a few types of contracts give you a right to cancel.
• Don't share personal information with someone you don't trust.
• Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. Even a cash advance on a credit card could be a better option.
• Not all plastic cards offer the same protections. Your liability for the unauthorized use of a gift card and debit/ATM card may be much higher than the $50 maximum on your credit card.
• Real estate agents represent the seller – not the buyer. When buying, consider hiring an agent or lawyer who represents you.
• Home improvement and auto repairs are the subject of frequent complaints. Getting a second opinion can help prevent costly mistakes and enable you to make better decisions.
• Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can be very high. If you miss a payment, you could end up with nothing. Consider buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in your local newspaper.
• Don't buy under stress. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress (e.g. coping with a death or debt).
• Be cautious of Buy Here, Pay Here lots. If you decide to buy a car from a used car lot, be sure to read all of the papers before you sign. Don't sign contracts that allow the dealership to change the finance rate AFTER you leave the lot.
• Work-at-home ads usually don't pay off. Be especially wary of ads that promise huge annual salaries; they often require expensive upfront fees with no guarantee. You risk losing your money and wasting a lot of time and energy.

Easy ways to save on every trip to the supermarket from Consumer Reports.
Think of supermarkets as giant selling machines, where traffic patterns, product placement, smells, displays, and signs lure you to spend more time cruising the aisles and more money at the checkout.
Example tip: Eye end caps. Some shoppers assume that products on aisle ends are on sale . . .
Read 13 Ways to Save at the Supermarket

Check out The Canadian Marketing Association's Smart Shopping Tips:
Tips for smart shopping by phone or mail.
Tips for smart shopping by television.
Tips for smart shopping from the Internet.

US Federal Citizen Information Center: Credit and charge card information.

Zen Habits: The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living has lots of good ideas.

World Trade: Fair Trade?

The expanding world trade engineered by large corporations has generated much wealth. Big business has benefited greatly, along with their home countries and their consumers. But the globalization of trade does not always significantly improve the lives of workers in developing countries. Desperately needing income they often work excessively in difficult and unhealthy conditions at very low pay.

And so the rich-poor gap continues to widen as corporate machines, with supportive governments, keep the momentum to improve their economies.

This world's unbalanced distribution of wealth and poverty sorely needs fixing. There are some things we can do as individuals like donating to charities. This is too often put off until later or perhaps forgotten.

Another way we can help those in the developing countries is by getting involved.

Discussions on the social ills associated with commerce and consumption and the hopes and expectations for a more equitable world would include the topic of Fair Trade.


What Is Fair Trade?
The New American Dream: "Fair Trade is an international trade model that aims to build just, equitable and sustainable business practices by linking producers in developing countries directly to purchasers in the global north. Fair Trade purchasers work directly with cooperatives and other small scale producers, eliminating the middlemen present in conventional trading and ensuring that producers receive a higher percentage of the price.

The Fair Trade movement was developed as a means of holistically addressing inequities in conventional development and trade models. In addition to setting a minimum floor price for commodities, which aims to cover the cost of production and cost of living in a local context, Fair Trade aids producers by requiring fair labor conditions, safe environmental practices, and fostering community development. The Fair Trade principles, to which all producers, importers, and exporters must adhere to receive certification, include:

Fair Prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price, plus a premium for certified organic products. Artisans and producers of non-commodity items are guaranteed a living wage in the local context.
Fair Working Conditions: Laborers are guaranteed safe and healthy working conditions, a living wage, freedom of association, and opportunities for advancement. In particular, women’s leadership and participation in cooperatives is encouraged. Human rights and child labor laws are enforced and upheld to the most stringent standards.
Direct Trade: Fair Trade importers purchase directly from farmer and artisan cooperatives, thereby building long-term relationships and sustainable business practices.
Transparency: All Fair Trade businesses are open to public accountability and must maintain records of their environmental and business practices.
Democratic Organizations: Fair Trade supports cooperative systems in which each producer is a stakeholder in the business, participates democratically in decision-making, and benefits equally from generated revenue.
Community Development: A “social premium,” a set sum given to the cooperative for each Fair Trade item sold, is invested in a business or organization in the local community democratically selected by the cooperative.
Environmental Sustainability: GMOs and certain agrochemicals are strictly prohibited, and organic practices are encouraged and rewarded. Fair Trade producers are also required to adhere to practices that maximize use of raw, sustainable materials, and promote water and soil conservation, reforestation, species diversity, and environmental education."

There's much more to read about Fair Trade practices and products with related resources for the Conscious Consumer Marketplace at The New American Dream.

Public Relations Mouthpiece

Corporate Fluff: Talking on Empty

There is a business technique for answering accusations about shoddy or unethical services, products, or marketing: talk - talk - talk - talk. It is often used expertly by corporate Public Relations representatives when grilled about some questionable practice.

It doesn't even matter that the response to the accusation directly deals with the topic as long as the time allocated to the issue is used up with quick positive sounding words.

PR Mouthpieces can talk fluently and brashly exuberating knowledge, confidence and corporate self approval, all the while avoiding a pertinent answer. Often they will dance around the topic while sometimes they will say nothing at all directly related to the charge. Smiling.

A popular reaction to an accusation is bragging. A quick bounce off the question with a very quick loosely related comment, and then on to self-flattering details about how wonderful their company products or services are and how much they value their customers. A communications company representative defended a charge that his company may have over charged certain seniors for years. He answered all questions so very quickly and with so many empty words that I could not recall exactly what he had said at the end of the interview. But the interview was over with no admissions or reasonable explanation.

The PR man from a brewery defended an accusation that the company was targeting minors by confidently rattling off a lot of words and details about some of the good things the company does. When the session ended they somehow did not leave the expected bad impression as it ended on corporate positives. The problem somehow just disappeared to the viewing audience.

About five years ago a spokesperson from the Automobile Association was explaining to a questioning reporter on TV about why they aren't marketing more smaller cars. "People couldn't just sell their cars and buy smaller ones . . blah . . blah . . .". Following was an SUV commercial.

Fluff has been used in sales for a long time. Ask about some concerns on a prospective purchase and get some positives about something unrelated to your query. When I asked my bank financial planner if I could manage my own account online she said yes, quickly changed the topic and talked a storm about certain investment funds, and I can't remember just what, until I left with some of those funds. I transferred the account to my no pressure, no fluff credit union.

Another very big source of fluff comes from politicians but that seems to be part of the job description. "I don't have an opinion on that now but if elected Prime Minister I would have an open mind."

On a personal basis if you are discussing a complaint or request you should at least prepare for a lot of hot air. This is assuming that you can contact anybody that would be able to help you if you have a problem. Write down your concerns and when deflected keep bringing back the topic or you will come away wondering what happened.

Good luck! but it might be extremely difficult, I have seen seasoned journalists have their interviews melted away.


"The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold." - Aristotle

Brainwashed Generations

It irks me to see advertisements indicating the necessity to maintain status by purchasing bigger and better products or certain brands. These procurements do not make a better person although we could be inclined to believe they do with the success of this type of marketing in past years.

The business ethics of many corporations are becoming meaner as they are allowed a rather free reign on their methods. A sad example is the advertising directed at kids which I view as a loathsome way to do business.

We may be 'lucky' enough to be living in an over-commercialized, over-consuming and somewhat artificial part of the world, but there is something very wrong here. The young are being programmed for life, for corporate profit and we seem to be accepting this as a standard way of living in today's society.

Our richer economies are based on corporate expansion and there is much promotional drive to attain it. The marketing which is very competitive is well near saturation as we acquire everything we realistically need, and more. New inroads to consumers are needed by hungry enterprise and they have targeted kids to keep the ball rolling.

From Media Scape:
An American marketer in the 1980s described children’s television as a business based on three simple ideas: Keep the audience up Keep the costs down Keep the regulators out. (Schneider, 1987, p5) Then television producers found they could get someone else to pay for children’s television: toy companies. They have never looked back. The ‘demographic’ of children has become the new marketing gold rush. In the two decades since the 1980s, little people’s fun has become big people’s profit! Children’s popular culture is commercialized whether we like it or not.
Read more . . .

A New Internationalist article discusses the targeting of kids as a way to greater profits.
Catch ’em young and brand ’em!
The ad biz bombards children and young people because the bottom line is cold hard cash. They’d rather chase urban trend surfers with brass in pocket, but their crossfire hits all kids. The children they’re gunning for not only have purchasing power but significantly influence their parents’ purchases. In the US, teens spend more than $300 billion a year and influence parental spending to the tune of $1.8 trillion. Between 1990 and 2000, the amount of money spent targeting children grew tenfold.
Much more here . . .

Government could fix this mean and greedy targeting of young minds but are slow about positive social changes, appearing to have a bias towards expanding commerce. If consuming families are upset with the trends in marketing they are also generally passive, being caught up in this web along with so many others.

As merchandising 'ingenuity' intensifies each year just where will another generation be taken?