MetroActive now has its own YouTube channel, ‘MetroActiveTV‘ and to mark its launch we’ve landed an interview with Ryan Foley, President & CEO of Nuvocare Health Services, while at the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) 2010 expoeast conference. Foley reveals his upcoming appearance this month on the Dragon’s Den (CBC TV – Wednesday evenings) and discusses some products his company produces to allow you live a more productive and healthier life. I personally agreed to try ‘Sleep-on’, a stress-relieving sleep-activator and am in the process of that trial now. I’ll publish the results in next month’s Ezine.

In this issue, Mark Ramos’ article on relationships and health provides a good explanation with references to research as to what I’ve been saying for years…success in life is based on relationships. MetroActive members are aware of this and that is why the more our members have invested in relationships with other members, the more they’ve succeeded in their business and other areas of their lives. If you’ve been actively building relationships then you should feel validated, if you haven’t then consider this article a reminder of the importance of relationships in your life.

I haven’t written much about specific politics in past issues of this Ezine, primarily because I have found that some people and politicians take comments personally and therefore get easily offended. Yet, I appreciate and hold respect for anyone who decides to put themselves out there and become a leader, whether in politics or business. Like many of you, I may not always agree with some of the decisions or actions that a politician may make, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like them or appreciate what they’re trying to do. It also doesn’t mean that I think everyone would make a great politician or should be elected into politics. Well, for the sake of a healthier society and open dialogue so that we can help our politicians become better politicians I am including some comments on politically-related items. I’m starting with municipal politics because of the recent elections in Toronto.

On a political note, for Torontonians the future has gotten brighter since October’s Ezine. After a very interesting campaign that at times seemed like a Saturday morning cartoon, a people’s champion has been elected. Rob Ford captured more votes than David Miller ever did despite the heavy criticism he received from various special interest groups. Perhaps some that voted for Ford may be anxious, some may be feeling avenged (after the Miller reign), and others may be simply relieved that finally there is a leader who has their interests as taxpayers at heart. Despite all else, Ford campaigned to end the gravy train and that is what Torontonians have voted for and hopefully what they will get. One thing is for sure, Ford is going to need help to turn things around in a large city like Toronto, especially with the deep and wide bureacracy that has taken hold of the city.

Here’s an interesting item from Royson James, writer for The Toronto Star in November 9th’s issue, related to municipal politics. Apparently, David Miller announced that Toronto will have a surplus, yes, a surplus of $275 million this year. Excuse me? So I’m thinking, is this an admission of his overtaxation or perhaps of his poor management of past budgets? What happened to the $275 million from last year’s budget? Surpluses don’t just appear out of nowhere, they are the difference between revenues and expenses. This is the type of political behaviour that has resulted in poor business decisions for Toronto and has driven Torontonians to vote for the simple slogan of ‘Stop The Gravy Train’. Read Royson James article, it is well done!

While we’re on the topic of fiscal responsibility, can someone please explain to me how it is that Giorgio Mammoliti could possibly think that spending $20 million to rent two Panda Bears for five years makes sense. This is the figure according to an article in the Toronto Metro News, page 3, November 2, 2010. Let me see, $20 for two pandas for 5 years or help feed the homeless in Toronto and help them get back on their feet. Hmmmm….tough decision. I’d say, lets feed the people…what do you think? This seems like an easy target on the gravy train to aim for. Having visited China on business and dealth with Chinese business people, I’m aware of some of the situations and influences that could result in Mammoliti negotiating such an outstandingly over-priced deal. By the way, I don’t believe the $20 million includes the expensive trips to China and time Mammoliti took to work on this deal. Why would you have to visit China for this deal? Yep, I smell something funny here and if Ford needs help looking into the background to these kinds of gravy train deals, I’d be interested in being on the committee. Don’t get me wrong, Mammoliti has come up with some interesting ideas and comments over the years, which I’ve appreciated for the different perspective they’ve brought and often times the reaction they’ve created in Torontonians. In my eyes, he’s been a sort of a gauge by which the old City Council could see how far they could push certain issues and decisions. But, times have changed and the taxpayers are now more concerned about the skyrocketing cost of living in Toronto than whether they can visit a pair of Pandas at the zoo. The question is how and if Mammoliti can adapt to the new political environment.

On another note, my book, The Banker Who Saved His Soul in addition to being available in eBook format for Kindle through Amazon, is now available in pdf format through ClickBank. For those of you that have blogs, websites, newsletters or facebook pages, you can become an affiliate and earn referral fees by posting the link.

The banker’s journey also parallels the shift in business consciousness that is happening not only in North America, but around the world. This is a shift of judgement, exclusiveness and loneliness to collaboration, inclusiveness and embracing of new ideas and individual personalities.

For those that didn’t get into the two group coaching sessions I facilitated in October (exploring starting their own business and taking your business to the next level), I had mentioned that space was limited. Unfortunately, I don’t know when I’ll have time to facilitate these great sessions again. However, if you want to get on the waiting list for when I hold another session, just email me with your contact info and the session you’re interested in and I’ll put you on the waiting list.

Finally, enjoy remembrance day as your chance to honour all those Canadians that have given their lives so that you may have the opportunity to enjoy your lifestyle in this wonderful country.

Baldo Minaudo, MBA
President, MetroActive