The Specter of George Floyd USA and Choudry, Ejaz Ahmed Canada

Well someone decided to order up 20+ centimeters of snow. That basically nixed my going into my regular job, so with a free day I figure why not feature one of my favorite conversations here on the blog.

While this is a favorite it is not a light topic. The horrific death of George Floyd a black man who died at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers sparked huge riots and cost the MPD one of they're precincts. In Canada Sammy Yatim was shot and killed on a Toronto transit vehicle and most recently Choudry, Ejaz Ahmed who died at the hands of police in Mississauga during a supposed wellness check lit a fuse. Choudrys death caused an uproar in the community and led to widespread condemnation of how police handle people with mental illness. Yatim's death nearly ended with a near breach of a police station in Toronto by protestors. In Montreal Nord a riot was the result after Fredy Villnaueva was killed, while playing dice in a park.

Also under fire are the agencies that are supposed to police the police, back in the summer of 2020 the SIU was featured in a CBC article that looked at the concerns of pro police bias in the organization. in 2015 ASIRT which is Alberta's police watchdog had to defend itself against the pro police bias allegation. In Quebec the claim is that the police watchdog is more or less a toothless organization that can do little to hold police accountable and is not very transparent. Though on it's site it clearly states that they have the same powers as police, which means they can lay charges just like ASIRT and the SIU.

The key issue is that officers are not legally required to speak to these agencies or hand case notes over to them and more often than not they are cleared of all liability with little recourse left for the loved ones of those killed by police in Canada. In the United stated police investigate other police. In both countries police departments have internal teams that will investigate officers for alleged wrong doing. The outcomes are not made public.

Which leads me to the conversation I had with D. Brian Burghart. We talked about police shooting stats in the August 2015 post that is linked below. It was a real interesting chat and I thought it might be a good time to feature this article again.

Police Shootings Candid Conversation.

List of police shootings in Canada

CBC Cops Policing Cops

CBC Deadly Force

C.T.


Look for new articles to come soon here on Candid Conversation.

The top 5 All Time Most Read Conversations

 Welcome to 2021.  A new year and yes a new beginning as Candid Conversations begins to wake up from a long sleep.

I have not posted in quite some time, but this year that is going to change.  As I start 2021 I am beginning to look at new articles and yes also a new plan to get this blog noticed and monetized.

For now lets have some fun.  Last year the blog with no new posts recorded 830 visits WOW.  The record was set in 2017 with an outstanding 5K in total visits.  That was truly amazing.

It really comes down to the great interviews that have been posted here on this site.

I would like to specifically point out 5 of the most visited articles on the site.  From 5 to 1 they are as follows:

5. The Smallest Show On Earth.  Walt Noon chatted with me about his Flea Circus in 2011.  This fun article about Flea Circuses ranks in at 5 with 849 views to date. The last known visit was 3 months ago, so this article just keeps on jumpin just like the fleas in Walt's circuses.

4 Robert Ferringo spoke with me about sports betting.  It was a conversation that was done 9 years ago and does get visits to this date.

3. Chris Pavlicch spoke with me about his project 1 Million Pixels.  The article was published in 2012 and it was about his plan to raise 1 million dollars by selling a pixel in order to start a charity.  All time this article has reached 942 views.  Nice.  I should see if he got that million and if my article helped.

2. I did an interview with Robert Barrows, the topic is kind of grim and interesting.   Video Enhanced Gravestones was the topic, no kidding, and this conversation with it's 1.2K views still has legs. Yes it's still an actively read article today and it was created 10 years ago!

1. Sitting at the top spot is an article that held it's own up until recently.  With almost 1900 views it's an interview with Scott Carlson of Skyscanner on the topic of where one can smoke and where you can't.  I wonder if they still do that today?

Well that is it the top 5 Candid Conversations.  Lets see if we can really knock out a big batch of views this year.  21,00 would be nice.

Thanks for stopping by and reading.  I may do one or two more of these while I look for some new material.  Maybe the top 5 most interesting, in my opinion, that are on the site.

For now take care stay safe and happy 2021.

C. T.

Radical Forgiveness - An Interesting Candid Conversation With Rev T. Baudier

The second interview I have lined up for Candid Conversations is really interesting. I contacted Reverand Theresa Baudier. She is planning to hold a series of workshops on the subject of forgiveness. Called Radical Forgiveness these workshops will tackle the question of forgiveness and how it can really change lives. Reverend Baudier welcome to Candid Conversations, I think this is a very interesting topic given what’s going on in the USA. SOME, and frankly around the world.

Cliff T.: what is Radical Forgiveness?

Rev Baudier.: Radical Forgiveness is a powerful leading-edge methodology for personal and spiritual growth. It was created by Colin Tipping, a popular author, teacher, consultant and spiritual leader.

To explain Radical Forgiveness, we need to compare it to Traditional Forgiveness:

· They are based on two entirely different perspectives in two different “worlds”.

· Traditional forgiveness is the willingness to give up resentment or to pardon and absolve. It grants relief from an expected payment (as in debt forgiveness). It is rooted in the three-dimensional world of everyday reality. You can forgive someone; yet, still feel like a victim with a need to condemn their wrong.

· Radical forgiveness also starts with the willingness to give up resentment but goes beyond and is rooted in the metaphysical world, which is the Spirit world of Divine Truth. Radical forgiveness eliminates the need to condemn and the victim consciousness is dropped.

· Traditional and Radical forgiveness are different – one is not inferior to the other. We look at them through different lenses or viewpoints. In fact, we must use traditional forgiveness to get to radical forgiveness because we are constantly moving from the world of humanity to the world of spirit. The world of humanity is the world of form and vibrates at a low frequency. The world of Divine Truth is the world of spirit and vibrates at a high frequency.

Cliff T.: Why now, what prompted the decision to create a series of workshops about forgiveness?

Rev Baudier.: I believe at the root of all our problems, we have forgotten who we truly are. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. In today’s world, we are all too focused on the human experience and forget our spiritual nature. It is almost like we’re having a massive identity crisis which leads people to be depressed, frustrated, angry, sad and aggrieved. These emotions impact our health, well-being, and interpersonal relationships.

Everyone has been hurt at some point in their lives (sometimes seriously victimized and often in minor ways). The “victim” role is deeply ingrained and holds a false power over our consciousness. To break free, we must do something radically different – something that is so compelling and spiritually liberating that it sweeps us out of victim-hood. It is essential that we transform and adopt a new way of thinking that is not based on fear, control and abuse of power, but on true forgiveness, unconditional love and peace of mind.

We must learn how to forgive the world, each other and ourselves if we want to find joy. We all long for PEACE of MIND.

Cliff T.: My understanding and experience with forgiveness is that it’s a process. Are the workshops you are doing intended to help people begin the journey to forgiving?

Rev Baudier.: Yes. I expect some will attend out of pure curiosity. Some may have specific issuing that are burning them up right now. Some may have a whole slew of people to forgive. Some may struggle with self-forgiveness which is in a class of its own.

The workshop is designed to help people identify their forgiveness opportunities and use the Radical Forgiveness tools to begin to unravel their emotions and see the issue through a spiritual lens.

There are five stages of Radical Forgiveness:

1. Telling the Story.

2. Feeling the Feelings.

3. Collapsing the Story.

4. Re-framing the Story.

5. Integration.

There are four steps of Radical Forgiveness:

1. Look what I created.

2. I notice my judgement's and love myself for having them.

3. I am willing to see the perfection in the situation.

4. I choose the power of peace.

Cliff T.: There a series of these that you are doing. What is going to be covered? 

Rev Baudier.: There are three workshops:

1st Workshop: (Monday, February 18th 7-8:30 PM, Prayer Room)

Forgiveness as we experience it in the world: We will examine this form of withholding punishment. For example: “Although you were really bad, and I didn’t like what you did, I’m going to give you another chance. I’ll forgive you “this” time, and not punish you right now, because I am a better person than you. But I’m watching you, mister!” We end up punishing others and ourselves anyway.

2nd Workshop: (Monday, February 25th 7-8:30 PM, Prayer Room)

Forgiveness by Understanding, we will reach to experience “walking a mile in another person’s shoes”. We can start to recognize that if we were in the exact same situation, with the same experience, and the same knowledge as that person, that we would have made the same choice as they did at the time. We aim to learn to forgive ourselves and others by understanding the choice we/they made.

3rd Workshop: (Monday, March 4th 7-8:30 PM, Prayer Room)

Forgiveness by Grace (True Forgiveness). We will use affirmations to shift our thinking to how God sees each of us. At our true core, we are all perfect fragments of God, and that is what He sees in us. God is Perfect Love. As he looks upon each of us, he sees Himself shining back at Him.

Cliff T.: These sessions will be held Mondays on February 18 and 25, and March 4, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Prayer Room at Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd. St., Delray Beach Florida. Reverend Baudier, as a minister this subject must really hit home. What’s your take on the importance of forgiveness? 

Rev Baudier.: I believe forgiveness is the key to happiness. It enables us to close chapters in our lives that were based on suffering and loss. When we view the world through a spiritual lens, as opposed to a three-dimensional or worldly lens, we see that loss is impossible and anger is insanity. Our worlds become more like heaven – a place of joy, abundance, charity and endless giving. 

Cliff T.: Besides helping people begin the journey toward forgiveness what else do you want people to get from the workshops? 

Rev Baudier.: To identify their biggest forgiveness opportunity and develop a personal intention (plan) to grow spiritually.
To meet other like-minded people and share experiences.

To join our minds with the Mind of God and to see the world with Christ’s Vision. 

Cliff T.: Will you be doing follow up sessions and offering other services or referrals for counselling?
Rev Baudier.: Absolutely, Unity of Delray Beach offers a wide variety of spiritual workshops and counselling. 

Cliff T.: Well, Reverend Baudier I do think this an excellent idea thanks for sharing this with the candid Conversations reader community. 

Rev Baudier.: Thank you, Cliff. Peace to you and your readers. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us.

Reverend Baudier is an interfaith minister based in Delray Beach FL, she wrote to us from this location.

Karen Wiand takes us on a fast Journey featuring Fast Freddie

I am very pleased to start 2019 off with a really interesting interview here on Candid Conversations.  I came across a press release for a book called A Course in Fun with Fast Eddie and I was wondering, what’s this about.  I reached out to author Karen Wiand to ask that very question and she is our virtual guest on Candid Conversations.

Karen welcome to Candid Conversations

Karen W.: Thanks for having me here!

Cliff T.: Who is Eddie and how did he connect with you?

Karen W.: Fast Eddie is a man with an intellectual disability that I have known since I was 8 years old.  We grew up as neighbors in Carson City, Michigan.  We lost touch when I moved away, although I always wondered how he was.  I found him again living in an adult foster care home about an hour away from my home now, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Cliff T.: in the press release it’s noted that you got disconnected then you found each other again.  How did that happen and were you surprised that you were able to reconnect with Freddie?

Karen W.: We became disconnected by the process of growing up.  I went off to college and he stayed with his parents in Carson City.  I was surprised to find Eddie living so close to me after so many years, and was eager to see him again.

Cliff T.: Certainly an intellectual disability has unique challenges.  How did you and others around you deal with misconceptions and any outright discrimination you and Eddie came up against?

Karen W.: Growing up, we were Eddie’s warriors.  He came to us for support, and we were his greatest defenders.  In return, he supported us just as much. He was just like a brother.

Cliff T.: Did you become fast friends with Freddie or, did you build on your relationship with him?

Karen W.: I met Eddie the day we moved into our house down the street from his family.  My father purchased property from his parents and that’s where we built our home.  I recall seeing a teenager at the property during the building process, but didn’t know who it was.

Cliff T.: Being a person with a disability myself, vision wise, I have found through the years that many friends, the good close ones have forgotten the disability. I have to say that is refreshing, is this the case with you and Eddie?

Karen W.: I am happy to say that I don’t see Eddie’s disability.  I see his wisdom.

Cliff T.: The book, sounds very interesting as a read, the title caught my attention.  Is this a view from Eddie’s vantage point or what you have learned from him?

Karen W.: It is the top ten things I have learned from him.  There are many more.

Cliff T.: What is the goal with the book, what do you want readers to take away?

Karen W.: My goal with this book is to remind us that we all have a role to play in this lifetime.  Each one of us are here to fulfill a purpose, whatever it is, and if we follow the magical lives of those with disabilities, intellectual, in Eddie’s case, we can enjoy ourselves so much more; and at the same time, can see the value in everyone else.

Cliff T.: From what I see this is your first book that is so awesome.  What was the genesis of the book, or shall I say why and what prompted you to select Eddie as the subject or focal point of the book?

Karen W.: When I reconnected with Eddie, I started making weekly visits to see him, to get him out of the hole he was living in.  The adult foster care home was really awful.  After a month or so of visits, I sat at my computer and started making a list of the things Eddie had already taught me.  The list had reached 50 things.  I thought that I would send it to my siblings as a Christmas gift, but then the idea of a book sounded more appropriate.  I went with it.

Cliff T.: What kinds of reactions are you getting from this book?

Karen W.: Very positive feedback.  People are looking for stories that make them feel better in these strange times.

Cliff T.: Speaking of reaction what was Eddie’s?

Karen W.: Eddie is so excited.  We had business cards made for him with the book cover image, and he passes them out like he’s a proud grandfather.  He also hand 

wrote the title chapters.  His energy is definitely in this book.

Cliff T.: This looks like it is a fun book to read I won’t ask for any spoilers, but will say it looks like this book will warm the heart of the reader.

Karen W.: It is heartwarming.  And so much fun.

Cliff T.: Karen thank you so very much for doing a Candid Conversation.

Karen W.:  It was a pleasure!  My best to you!

A little about Karen Wiand. She is a first-time author and full-time believer in our personal power to create miracles. She has enjoyed many experiences through her career, first as an art director and producer and later as a residential designer and builder in Birmingham, Michigan. She enjoys tagging along with Eddie and his friends around Traverse City. Thanks to them she has an insider's view of the special talents and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Her website http://karenwiand.com/

Karen wrote to us from Bloomington Hills MI

2019 and we are back

Candid Conversations is back.

2019, jumping back into the thick of it.  Yes I will be posting again to the site.

I will be setting up interviews for February and onward.  I want to take a moment to thank those who follow, visit and spread the word about the site, amazingly this site does get traffic.  THANKS it's really appreciate.

Come back in February and look for interviews posted on the site.

C. T.

A candid conversation with myself.....The not going KooKoo Edition

You the reader: what happened where did you go?

Cliff T.:  Good question.  It has been a long time since I have posted here on Candid Conversations.  I am happy to say that I am getting ready to jump back in and do the blog again.  As for the reasons behind the long time before posting.  In short a lot of issues, included among them two deaths in my family, my mother and my aunt Helen.  Other issues are more personal in nature and I am not going to go into details.

You the reader: When do you plan to blog again?

Cliff T.: Pretty much now, though I have to admit I have no interviews lined up so I have to look for people to do conversations with.  But, I should have post number 50, up in July.

You the reader:  What else will you be doing?

Cliff T.:  I am looking at the idea of doing some short video segments and connecting them with the blog.  The idea is to add commentary to the pages.  I am also going to get more photogenic so to speak.  Meaning you are going to see the people behind the story and where possible images of the work they are doing.

You the reader:  Are you still planning on trying to make money from the blog?

Cliff T.:  You bet I am.  I am going to see about getting ads on here real soon but for now it's a project in the works.  I am still a blogger at heart and want to ensure that the blog and the content are what stands out not any ads.  If I can't find a balance, then the advertising thing is off the table.

You the reader:  What kinds of topics are you planning to explore here on the blog?

Cliff T.:  Generally speaking I look for stuff that is not in the mainstream media.  Featured on the blog are people in business, authors and other interesting individuals doing things or talking about things not discussed on sites like CNN or CBC.  Though I also do try to reach out to some news makers.  I also tend to not go into politically charged subject matters or controversial subjects unless I think it's in the interest of those who read the blog.

You the reader:  So what is the goal of the blog?

Cliff T.:  Simply put to engage with people who are interesting who have a message to share.  Also and eventually I want to actually make money doing this and I want to get a good strong following from people online.  To close out, the idea is to take this blog and get to viral out and get people into and interested in what I do and the people I feature as well as the stories on the blog.  I hope you'll find the blog interesting engaging and that you will visit often and share the story of Candid Conversations. 


Cliff T. is a blogger and professional call center representative from Hamilton Ontario.  Candid Conversations is the flagship blog of a series of blogs Cliff has on Blogger.  His other blogs include My Point Your Point, and Mixed Nuts.  

To contact Cliff please email candidconversations@hotmail.com

This Conversation is Going to the Dogs and Cats Via An Interview With Kevin MacKenzie Founder of Pet Store In a Box

Blinds in a box, underwear in a box, dresses coats, you name it people are getting it in a box, there is even a bunch of food companies selling guess what, meals in a box.

So why not do the same for pets. Yep pets, Kevin MacKenzie, author and award winning Customer Service and Sales rep with many years of experience in the pet industry has come up with the unique idea to place premium products in a box. Each box has, treats, toys and other things in it, and what is interesting is that the box contains the items based on the pet’s size and other attributes. Kevin joins us for a Candid Conversation about the Pet Shop in a Box.

Kevin welcome to Candid Conversations

Cliff T.: Pet Store in a Box, why, what was or is the motivation behind this venture?

Kevin M.: Thanks for the opportunity to talk to you and your readers about my story. It has been said if you can find something you love and do it as a job you will never work a day in your life. As I child I always wanted to see different pet stores. Then at age 15 I got my dream job where I worked in a retail pet store for over 10 years and loved every second of it.

After that I worked for a larger manufacturer and distributor of pet supplies. My new customers were the same stores I loved to visit as a young boy. I was there for 17 years and loved helping pets and owners alike. I always enjoyed teaching pet owners and training the staff at the pet stores who would take my knowledge and pass it along to pet owners and their pets. In a very small way I've likely helped in the care of over one million pets!

In 2013 I left the pet industry but it still remained in my heart. I wrote a book on motivation called 123 Ways to Get Motivated AND Stay Motivated available on Amazon in August 2016 and soon started my second book on sales shortly after. It was then that I had a eureka moment during the second chapter and I came up with Pet Store In a Box.

Cliff T.: How long did it take to develop the program?

Kevin M.: The idea came flooding in at me really. I started thinking about all my observations during my almost 30 years in the pet industry. I wanted pet owners to spend more time playing with their pet and less time shopping for their pet.

We all lead busy lives and pet owners are no different. Many pets are left at home for extended periods of time and get bored with the same toys for weeks or months. Sometimes pet owners don't think about the type of toys, treats or accessories that is best for their cat or dog. You won't get that kind of experience and advice at a big box store where the employee in the pet section was just working in the paint department earlier in the day.

During the check out process at Pet Store In a Box you are asked a few questions to learn about your pet. This way we have literally dozens of combinations of boxes. We factor in your pets size - from a tiny ‘tea cup’ puppy to a giant 100+ pound one, then there is the pets age - puppy / kitten to senior pets, how aggressive of a chewer your pet is from cuddler to very aggressive chewer and so on.

Cliff T.: Were there any challenges when you started to build this project? And if so what were the ways you overcame them?

Kevin M.: Getting people to understand the concept for some was a challenge especially for the older generation. Once I described it as a monthly subscription (think magazine delivered once a month to your home) but for pet supplies most people got it.

Cliff T.: Kevin even as I sit here asking these questions I have to smile, I think this is so uniquely interesting. That said pets and they’re owners can be quite picky. How do you go about ensuring the best possible result with respect to Pet Store in a Box?

Kevin M.: As mentioned we take not just the pet into consideration but also the time of year. We consider seasonal times as well. Take for instance this month’s shipment for dogs. We sent out portable water bottles that have a small dish attached. Perfect for when your pet needs a drink in the heat.

Our customer’s pets are unique and we think their box should be as unique as they are. No cookie cutter approach here.

Cliff T.: OK, so this is a subscription service, typically how long does a customer subscribe for?

Kevin M.: We have month to month boxes if someone wants to just try us out but our annual subscriptions are by far the most popular because of the extra savings and free shipping (within Canada).
Cliff T.: Can the customer keep ordering the same things in the box or can they change what comes in the box each month?

Kevin M.: Once the customer places the order we take it from there unless they wish to change a particular variable during the subscription timeworn example, if your pet moves from an aggressive chewer to a light chewer or from adult cat to a senior cat. We are here to help so just ask.

Cliff T.: There is no peace treaty in the box, can you explain that and the philosophy of the pet comes first?

Kevin M.: We offer so much variety to our customers. We have single cat boxes, multi-cat cat boxes, single dog boxes, muti-dog boxes, boxes for one cat and one dog and what we the menagerie box for homes with at least two dogs and two cats. If you have cats and dogs in the same house you just might need a peace treaty.

As a kid we had a Siamese cat and a English Bulldog and most days a peace treaty was necessary.

If you hold a two different pet treats or toys in your hand and your pet loves one over the other what one are you buying? Price at that point often isn't even considered because you want what is best for the pet and what the pet wants. That's why the customer isn't first, the pet is. That's the way it should be. The bottom line is we care that much about your pet.

Cliff T.: Kevin can you give our readers an idea of the size of the box and what kind of things they may see when they open it?

Kevin M. Due to the various products for both cats and dogs we aim to have 6-8 premium pet treats, toys and accessories each and every month. Some months might have three toys and others only one where you might get four treats one month and two the next.

What will remain the same each month and for all dogs and cats is the value in each box. You will be saving money versus what you pay in the stores plus you save gas and time going and there is the most priceless thing: more time to play with your pet.

You might say we ship purrs and tail wags every month!

Cliff T.: 28 years in the business, you really love your job, but I also sense that you love animals too. Is this what really drives you to do this kind of work?

Kevin M.: Absolutely! I wouldn't have it any other way. That's why my level of care comes out in every single box we ship. Your pet isn't like your family, it IS your family.

Cliff T.: I also noticed that your partnering with other organizations like the SPCA. What is the connection to them?

Kevin M.: We are proud to donate a percentage of proceeds from each and every box to our local humane society. It's important to us that we give back.

Cliff T.: It is obvious that you’re a pet lover, do you have pets?

Kevin M.: I've had everything from goldfish to alligators but currently we only have one fish. My youngest son is allergic to cats and my wife, ironically, isn't a dog person.

Cliff T.: What is the most important message you want to offer or get out regarding the care of animals?

Kevin M.: Pets need variety and high quality pet treats, toys and accessories please consider a subscription from Pet Store In a Box. It's a great gift for pets and the people who love them.

Finally, summer is here. Please do not leave your pet in a car alone, not even for a second.

Cliff T.: Kevin thanks very much for sharing your story and passion for pets with me and the readers of Candid Conversations.

Kevin M.: It has been my pleasure. Thanks again.

Kevin Mackenzie founder of Pet Shop in a Box joined us from Courtice ON, check out them out on the web at www.petstoreinabox.com.