As the title suggests, they aren't always evil. I really thought it was important to talk about telemarketers and their role with Not For Profits (NFP). Then, I want to go on further and explain how to easily identify potential scams. My mother told me about how she and my father have received some dodgy calls only within the past month or so!
So I'm going to tell you a very poignant truth about telemarketing and NFP's. And, I'm going to do it in that hand dandy numerological way that I have!
1. Telemarketing Campaigns Are REALLY Efficient Ways to Raise Money. Believe it or not, it's true. So it's usually apart of an annual schedule for any and every organization in one form or another. 1 Telemarketer and a script can call about 30+ people in 1 hour for the approx cost of $20/hr and potentially bring in thousands of dollars! In comparison, a mail campaign has a designer cost, your time you took to create the text, the printing cost, the mailing cost (out and return) AND on top of it all, people normally throw it out on first glance, so usually a mailing campaign can consist of multiple mailings and even then you're lucky if you get a 1% return, in my humble opinion!
2. You Already Created a Relationship With the Organization! It's rare to get a call out of the blue. List sharing is all but extinct these days for NFPs. So chances are you're getting a call because you bought a ticket or donated before in the past. Why is list sharing extinct?...
3. Privacy Legislation Has NFP's Scared Shitless! The privacy legislation does not specifically mention their guidelines applying to NFPs. Therefore, NFPs are, in some cases, overly obsessed with maintaining the privacy of their patrons because: THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE THE ONE ORGANIZATION SINGLED OUT TO BE THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF WHAT NOT TO DO! They can't afford it financially and they can't afford the publicity. So you're name is relatively safe with a NFP.
4. Non Reputable Telemarketers are Easy to Sniff Out! The name of the organization normally appears on your call display and the telemarketers will identify themselves, "Hi, this is Joan Blow calling from the Canadian Opera Company" not "Hi, this is Tony I'm calling for a charity".
5. Relax! If you don't recognize the name of the organization, but, it sounds like something you would like to give to. Chill. Giving over the phone isn't your last opportunity! Write down the name of the organization and then zip over to the Canada Revenue Agency type in the charity name and if it exists it'll be there along with their contact information. If not, you saved yourself a scam. *insert "the more you know" jingle and shooting star*
So the next time you get a call from an NFP asking you to give, be kind! If you don't want the call, tell the representative and they will input that information on your file so you won't get a call again!
Easy Peasy. Widdly Weasy.
Next post I promise will be something fun... Maybe some celeb gossip?
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Today police released the identity of the 15 year old victim of Toronto's 78th murder. The young girl was out enjoying Boxing Day shopping along Yonge Street, near Eaton's Centre, when her life was senselessly ended by the selfishness of some male teens involved in a dispute.
However which way we examin the details, the truth remains that we have a serious problem with gun violence in Toronto. This year, our murder rate only rivals that of 1991 when violence again spiraled out of control.
Whether the gun toting teens were influenced by the media, who can say. But, what I can say, is that even 50 cent (shot 9 times & survived) who's music epitomizes gangsta life and who's presence symbolizes the triumph over an individual's desire to distance himself from such a life. Obviously Teens just don't get it! If 50 liked being a gangsta, chances are he still would be! But, he's not is he, he's doing something productive so that he can enjoy a jewel encrusted platinum life in Hollywood Hills.
You ain't gonna get there toting guns outside a camera shop on Yonge Street.
Paul Martin's ban on handguns is a ridiculous proposal! A flippant response and an uncharismatic slap in the face to the Toronto public, who sees violence rise among teens, some obtaining handguns illegally. Propose a ban, and we will only notice more illegal devices litter our terrorized streets. Duh. Remember prohibition!? Well maybe not, but, we all know the tales of bathtub gin and rum running.
You want change, spend some time and examin why the kids are doing this, and then fix it. Is it poor education in their area? Lack of programmes to occupy children after school hours? Is it the inability for teens to participate in activities they truly wish to be apart of? What is it?! Or is the education system so out of touch with today's youth that it doesn't even engage them?
I highly doubt that the death of 15 year old Jane Creba will signal more than a rash band aid "solution" from local officials, a number of weak political "promises" from scrambling politicians, and overall disappointment in the Toronto youth.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
After Christmas and we have a whole heck of a lot of turkey.
What are we going to do with it? Well, eat it of course!! Turkey and dumplings stew, turkey salad and turkey noodle soup.
Before we know it it'll all be gone!
Monday, December 26, 2005
December 26th came and for most it might seem as if Christmas is over! AU CONTRAIRE!!! In fact, for me, that meant a small reunion with some of my best girl buds from high school (Three oaks Senior High, that is!) and the newest addition to our click, little wee Isabel!
The agenda included one main point of business: Catching up.
Cathy is a personal trainer with Goodlife. She also is a proud mama of a VW Golf and apparently is making BIO DIESEL in her back yard. She assures me that there is no noxious french fry smelling fumes. 
Tanya is an intrepid spoken word vixen. (According to CBC, she's in the top 3!) Could Tanya be the next prosetic muse to transform into the internet's hottest Punshine?
Lindsey is back from Liberia where she helped many people and I believe oversaw election stations with the UN. (Here I am showing her a slick choke hold I learned in Toronto. ARGH!)
Catherine is recording her second album and is enjoying motherhood! You can go visit her website and listen to clips from her first album, heck, BUY her first album! All by clicking HERE
Isabel can't really talk, but, she's already learned how to flirt. She smiles like a pro!!
And, then there's me! Well, you know all about me don't you, my faithful internet audience! I'm just a happy go lucky, gal, in love with a chef and just trying to be me.
It's so good to be home and see everyone!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Mitchell S. is a Girl Friendly Guy.
I have ordained it so. And, because I have ordained it, it is true.
He is certifiably a good guy.
kc
It dawned on me the other day -Santa Claus doesn't eat the cookies you leave out for him.
Think about it, how could he? Nobody could ever eat billions of cookies. "So," I thought to myself, "What could Santa possible do with all those cookies!?"
I now have a theory.
We all know the setting: Santa Clause, a jolly old soul, spends his time with his wife, elves and reindeer in a charming village in the North Pole. He spies on children monitoring their overall goodness, while the Mrs. feeds the reindeers, and the elves build electronics out of wood... or something to that effect.
But, something here just doesn't add up... the econonmics! North Pole could place Santa Claus as a resident of Canada. Think Santa is beyond paying his civil obligations!? No sir, if the Queen pays then so does Santa!
Recalling the 1999 leak of Santa's Private Diary we see a grim picture of elf teamsters, union woes and rival holiday mascots. All is not sugar plum dreams up in Santa land. You can read it all here.
My theory is that Santa, unable to maintain the idealistic life he is accustomed to, resolved to not eat another cookie again. Instead, once, he slides down the chimney and removes a present or two from his sack, he replaces them with the cookies left out for his enjoyment.
He then returns to the North Pole, heavy with his baked bounty, where he passes the load off to the elves... Are you with me now? You may be more familiar with these teamsters as "The Kiebler Elves". These characters then package the cookies and resell them to the public.
In the end, the revenue generated goes to bills, the village, pay cheques and reindeer upkeep. Oh did I forget to mention, it also goes to the internet bill where Santa does his shopping for all the presents for the world's good little boys and girls.
You didn't really think that Ipods were fashioned from wood did you?
Friday, December 23, 2005
It all began here.
And, it ended up. here:
According to this new technology, I look like Juliana Moore. Fascinatingly accurate, wouldn't you say?
Interestingly enough, this technology (face recognition) is being employed for security to help ensure terrorists aren't plotting a devious plot.
Somewhere, Osama Bin Laden is being mistaken for Angelina Jolie.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Have you heard? Madonna just unveiled a limited edition line of wine.
However, unlike Madonna, wine ages well.
You want some? Get it here.
Here I am on Prince Edward Island for the holidays! To some that may not sound so exciting, for others it might sound truly exciting... No matter which way you slice it, it's home.
At the moment, it's unusually temperate in the house. Normally, M&D (Trans: Mum and Dad) keep the house fairly fridgid. When I suggested I turn the heat up, I got the reply "Just put a sweater on. It's because you're not dressed properly"
My attire:
Mum-knit Woolen socks
Jeans
Long sleeved t-shirt
Hooded sweater
However, I have to admit, unlike my mother, I wasn't wearing a fleece jacket.
So I resigned to a day in the kitchen, baking tirelessly in an effort to heat the house from the kitchen out. Just after the ginger cookies were finished, Dad proposed we go for a drive and look at all the houses lit for Christmas. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME! LET'S GO!
I make hot chocolate (dash of cinnamon, splash of cream!), pack some fresh ginger cookies and we hit the road! We drive up to North Rustico where we discover the most charming house, completely covered in lights! The massive front lawn was populated with a nativity scene, life sized wooden reindeers, gingerbread houses, elves, and anything else related to Christmas. There even was a mechanical drummer boy beating his drum while invisible speakers played holidays favorites to passers by.
Friday, December 16, 2005
This holiday season I have decided to do something different by committing to raise money for children, youth and families in need.
I have signed up as a fundraiser for the Children's Aid Foundation Surrogate Santa Program. This means that I have set a modest campaign goal of only $50, and need your support to help me reach this goal!
The Children's Aid Foundation provides education, enrichment and abuse prevention programs to abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families in communities across Canada. The Foundation is a registered charity and is in the unique position of guaranteeing to donors that 100% of their gift will go toward programs benefiting children and families served.
This holiday season, the Children's Aid Foundation's goal is to provide support to 1,750 at-risk, disadvantaged families through the Surrogate Santa Program. They will do this through the generous support and committment of donors and "Virtual Surrogate Santas" like me.
A gift of $100 will provide a holiday meal to a family of four and a small gift for each child. A gift of $75 will provide a gift and a piece of much needed winter clothing for a child and $25 will allow them to purchase a gift for a child or youth.
Donating to my campaign is easy! Just click here and follow the directions https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/StartUp.aspx?SID=735114
For more information on the Surrogate Santa Program please visit www.surrogatesanta.ca or contact the Foundation at mailto:surrogatesanta@cafdn.org. For more information on the Children's Aid Foundation please visit www.cafdn.org or call (416) 923-0924.
Thank you for your consideration!
KC
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Well, here's the latest in mind blowing idiocy from the Federal Government:
A heating rebate for low income households.
Doesn't sound so bad, right? Well, let's do what I normally like to do on KarmaCake and just crack this puppy wide open so we can see why this is ridiculous.
Now, a heating rebate for low income households sounds absolutely great, doesn't it? Individuals earning less than $30,000 annually could be eligible for assistance that will allow them to, turn the heat up! Approx. $250 for families and approximately $100 for single person dwellings or those using electric heat. But, if we look beyond the income criteria, the Liberal Government has tossed in variables that will undoubtedly make it unlikely that you will receive a credit.
Sad AND true.
If you:
- Use, on average, no less than 10 kilowatt hours on home heating you don't qualify. According to the Halifax Coalition Against Poverty (HCAP) the average budget concious household is using approximately 6 kilowatt hours, and even at that they are finding it challenging to afford heating their home. Anything less, you are in the cold!
- Earned in excess of $30,000 in 2004, you don't qualify. Instead of evaluating individuals CURRENT needs, the government is basing qualification on an individuals 2004 income tax statement, Guaranteed Income Supplements (GIS) and families entitled to national child benefit. It is obvious to say that someone's fortune can take a dramatic dive downwards in one year. Therefore, this rule must be amended! It completely excludes a whole group of individuals, and replaces them with individuals who are in the reverse situation: low income in 2004, higher income in 2005.
And, in the case of seniors (most of whome are only living off of $14,000), yes send them rebates, they do deserve all the help they can get. But, the majority are in living assisted housing and are not responsible for their home heating costs. But, they are automatically mailed a rebate cheque. The same applies for low income families, in most cases, they are not paying for their home heating.
- If you're dead, it doesn't mean you don't qualify! Because of the numbers being based on 2004's GIS that means approximately 80,000 currently deceased seniors will be receiving a home heating cheque.
- Your name is not on the heating bill, you don't qualify! This seems to be obvious, however, perhaps you are a tenant responsible for paying the heat in your unit, however, the bill is under the name of your landlord/lady. What do you do? Put on a sweater, because, you ain't gettin' no dole from the government, Sucka! Even if the landlord attests to your ownership of any month's bill, it won't work. Or, if your roomate has the bill in their name and they are earning more than $30,000.
- If you don't apply, you don't qualify! The government has done a lot not to spread the information about this rebate. I live in Toronto and happen to tune into the Maritime version of Canada Now, that's where I heard about it. I then logged on to the CCRA website where I found no information with the exception of a 2001 news release. Then a search in Google, confirmed it is an active program, but the forms are not readily available online.
Toronto Sun has an article, but, you need to pay $10 to read it (or go to the reference library). Ottawa Sun has an article which is free, but, it doesn't provide information on how to apply. It does, however, call the program a "boondoggle" and a "fiasco". It does exist, it was announced on October 6th, 2005!
Alberta, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, BC are all provinces that you'll find information on the rebate. The Halifax Coalition Against Poverty has drop ins where they will assist you in filling out the form (
http://users.eastlink.ca/~hcap/) But, the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, doesn't seem to offer the same service (http://www.ocap.ca/) feel free to ask them why.
I've written to the Ontario Government requesting more information, if their response will be like previous questions I've asked them, I won't get a response. But, if I do, I will post it here!
In closing, I think this program is an ill attempt to woo welfare subjected Canadians to vote Liberal. It could probably work a lot better if it wasn't for the obvious fact that they don't really want to pay out millions of dollars. In fact, they feel that the uptake has been SO LOW that they are cutting millions from the program for 2006!
If they advertised, provided drop in locations, and were more careful on who they mailed the automatic rebate to, it might be more likely to make less Canadians think even less about The Liberals.
Right now, I'm not so hot on them, this was the tipping point.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Although it's not a couple nickname, I really must giggle when I hear "Fedderjerk" -the new nickname of Britney Spears' ex-husband.
Coincidentally, Britney's wedding ring was replaced with a skull and crossbones ring. I take it the break up was less than amicable? Does this mean that skanky barefoot Britney will come back to us?
Friday, December 02, 2005
1. Restaurants that substitute beds for tables.
How are you expected to eat lying on a squishy bed? How pretentious do you have to be to go to one of these places? Silly. Awkward. Gross.
2. Restaurants that pretend "Rock Lobster" is "Real Lobster"
You think we can't tell we're paying $15/lbs for a miserly, gritty and tasteless piece of warm water lobster that was flash frozen and shipped up from Brazil? Please!
3. Enormous religious statues as decoration in hipster dining holes.
Imagine, leagues of tragically hip urbanites with more money than sense sipping on over priced technicolour cocktails underneath the watchful gaze of Buddha. Listen, Sweetheart, maintaining a close proximity to a religious idol is not going to A)Guarantee the success of you restaurant. B) Make that roofy you slipped in your date's drink apart of communion.
I was originally going to post about vanilla today. I saw this really fascinating tv show that talked about the history of it, and it was so interesting that I wanted to share it with the world.
Where the posting changed was when I logged on my computer and I saw the headline "WORLD'S FIRST FACE TRANSPLANT". Vanilla, cool no more.
So get this, doctor's in France performed the world's first partial facial transplant on a women disfigured by a dog attack. The donor is a brain dead patient who's family gave consent to the doctor's to harvest the chin, nose and lips.
Now before you start jumping all over the place cursing the possible ethics of this new procedure -chill.
The women who received the transplant had severe difficulty to speak and chew, according to doctors. This surgery, if successful, will give new hope to people suffering from severe burns, and disfigurements. It's a surgery that's more than cosmetic, it's a slice of normalcy for the people who have difficulty operating in everyday functions without it. People with such previously irreparable injuries used to have to suffer as it was near impossible for doctors to correct.
I fear potential psychological ramifications for the recipients. To wake up in the morning and to see you have someone else's face, it must be a huge shock. And, a little scary!
If you want to read the full article for yourself, just click here
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Child violence is on the rise! How do we get kids off the streets? How do we stop gangs?
To solve your problem, let's do what Ontario schools have been doing: Kick the kids out of school! If you think I'm joking, I'm not! I'm serious about this one.
The Ontario Safe Schools Act was passed in 2000. It was a measure implemented to ensure a positive scholarly environment for school employees and the students. In fact, Bill 81 clearly states the purpose of the bill is to promote civil codes of conduct with the following outlined:
"3. To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility."
However, recently, Ontario schools have reached record numbers for the amount of suspensions taking place! 152,000 students were suspended in 03-04, 40,000 more suspensions then in the previous year. Do you feel ill yet?
So what does Bill 81 say about discipline?
Section 302 of the Bill addresses discipline with the following:
"(2)A board may establish policies and guidelines with respect to disciplining pupils, and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with this Part and with the policies and guidelines established by the Minister under section 301, and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify."
Are you still with me? To recap, everyone in a school must follow the codes of conduct which includes addressing conflicts with respect if that doesn't happen, then disciplinary actions must take place and are not limited to the students, teachers and administration are accountable as well!
Stay with me, I'm getting to a point here.
According to the Bill, a request to suspend a child must go through a council or a board in order to review and make the decision. HOWEVER, the kicker is, if you read on in the document you'll see that pretty much any stupid action a student makes in school can be cause for immediate suspension without a review. In fact, the last deviant activity that a student may possibly commit is listed as this:
"6. Engaging in another activity that, under a policy of the board, is one for which a suspension is mandatory." So technically, a student can get suspended for ANYTHING!
Now here's my point. I think that threatening children with suspension from school is a deplorable punishment. Studies have proven that higher the education of a pupil directly effects on the positive way these students will interact in society. A difference between perceiving violence as a solution to problems and not. So why would the apparently sage individuals who created such a document, as well as those implementing it wish to provide such a disservice to the next generation of Canadians?
Kids will be kids. And, suspension is apart of the ultimate punishment for children. The minimum suspension term is 1 day to a maximum of 20 days. However, the average suspension term that Ontario Schools are implementing is 20 days to a maximum of 1 year! What the fudge!?
So who are being suspended?
The article in the Toronto Star details the disabled as well as minorities are being targeted. Students who already have a high risk of dropping out of school and potentially leading deviant lives! One student suspended was a 6-year old autistic child who grabbed the teacher's assistant's breast! He was suspended for sexual harassment. I believe that a 6-year old had as much intention to molest a T.A. as a turnip wants breasts! Let's be realistic here!
Who is the administration accountable to?
According to the bill, it's accountable to anyone involved with a school. A parent, a teacher, a guardian, etc. In fact, the bill is supposed to be reviewed periodically to ensure that it is fair, with a major review taking place in 2005.
Well, reviews have been taking place, but, MPP Liz Sandals (Guelph-Wellington), chair of the Safe Schools Action Team, said the format won't change tonight or in Thunder Bay and Sudbury next week. She said the discussions are designed to ensure every participant gets a chance to speak. However, only 10% of those attending the meetings will actually have a chance to speak, but, they won't be heard by the entire Ontario Safe Schools Act Action Team. How painfully futile and ineffective.
In the end
We have a ridiculous system. It's just not working, children are being punished for doing the absurd activities that children are known to do. They don't fully understand the depth of their actions they only think they are being cool. I think it's highly irresponsible of the powers that be to allow decisions on a child's suspension to take place outside of a review. I also believe that using suspension as a first course of action is intolerable.
By stunting students education I believe is not just punishing the student, but, is encouraging potentially volatile behavior that will undoubtedly effect the community on a whole. That is, if the child decides to drop out and engage in deviant behavior, which, the studies supports taking in account the majority of those suspended are minorities and those with disabilities.
What I suggest is solitary confinement for the child, if the child does something heinous, like death threat, violent behavior against a peer or a school official, possession of illegal narcotics, you get the point. The child, alone, is confined to an empty room with nothing more than the days lessons. The child is required to come to school early before the majority of the students arrive, and leaves the school after the other children leave the school. They are escorted in and out, they aren't allowed to speak to anyone other that the teachers charged with keeping watch over them.
The can see out the window at the kids playing but aren't allowed to interact. They are segregated for a day, no more than a week. And, the punishment can also include helping out in the school after the solitary confinement. They can help in the special ed classes, they can help out in the office, they can pick up garbage on the school property.
The benefit, the child is punished in a non-violent way that does not effect the child's right to an education and with the combination of school service it instills a sense of involvement with the school in the child.
Nothing funny about this post. I'm just disgusted at the flippant over use of the school system's equivalent of capital punishment.
If you want to read the Ontario Safe Schools Act for yourself please go here:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/safeschl/eng/ssa.html
If you want to write to Liz Sandals and express your view on the OSSA you can write her here:
lsandals.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
or visit her website here http://www.lizsandals.onmpp.ca/index.htm
To read today's article at Toronto Star go to: http://www.thestar.com
If you email Liz Sandals and you get a response, let me know so I can publish it here.