Mental Fork Meets the Harpers

Speechless

“The bride and groom should eat first. It’s not like the Prime Minister of Canada is here or anything…”

Those were the very words of the Master of Ceremonies from the most recent wedding reception that I deejayed at. It was said more as a joke since, Stephen Harper and family were actually sitting in the front row. I was given the task of DJing a wedding reception, with no prior mention that Canada’s leading family were related to my client!

This is the stuff of legend! How many times in your life will the Prime Minister or President of a country, “just show up” at your party? So I jumped on the opportunity to sneak in a magic show for the Harpers. Between the thought of performing for one of Canada’s most well-known figures and the 20 some secret service guys watching, I was nervous. I also wanted to perform two of my most eye-catching effects. They involved fire and sharp silverware; Fear of being group tackled by black suits was at an all time high.

Everything went superbly well. The paper-to-flame-to-coin effect, followed by mental fork bending with the show’s star, Miss Rachel Harper, were well received. Mr. Harper tried to untwist the mentally-mangled fork and was unable to do so. I finished with my message of being able to achieve impossible goals by focusing your mind. Later on I made some balloon animals for all the kids.

There is now a twisted fork touched by the Canadian PM now selling on eBay for  $20,000! Just kidding! Unfortunately, I forgot to have him sign the fork….

That’s the story. Did magic for Canada’s leading man, deejayed a wedding with lots of country music and had an Extra Ordinary night. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment! Look out for more posts coming soon!

Extra…Ordinary,

-Eric Fairlie

Eric performs metal bending for the family of the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper

Eric performs metal bending for Rachel Harper

Eric performs metal bending for Rachel & Stephen Harper

Canadian Euthanasia-Legalization Bill Defeated

Just this past hour, it has come to my attention that Bill C-384 was defeated in the House of Commons 228 votes to 59.

The bill, presented by Quebec MP Francine Lalond, was intended to decriminalize acts of euthanasia for persons with chronic illness near the point of their death.

It is truly a relief to know that this issue has been settled for the time being. It is with hope that Canada can move towards encouraging person with terminal illness to live out their lives to the fullest until their natural point of death.

-Eric Fairlie

Protecting The Golden Years

To All Members of Canadian Parliament,

I have been watching for many months the silent proposal in Parliament to legalize euthanasia in Canada. I would ask that you do not support this bill and propose a bill to counter it.

An Anecdote for You

All names have been modified from their original for identity protection.
In the last 8 months, my company has been working with a seniors recreational facility within inner-city Calgary. The members of the centre voice their medical problems heard in everyday small talk. I hear about the pills, hip surgeries, and many lost friends. Many members are very close to the end of their lives, but show an abundance for life despite their plight. I’ve come to appreciate the tremendous number of talents and skills that they have to offer to Canadian society even when faced with certain death from terminal illness.

Just yesterday, one of the centre’s members and full time volunteers James stepped on my toes to tease me. James however, is confined to a motorized wheelchair and only has one leg haha! He, has insurmountable health problems but always brightens the lives of everyone around him. He’s shared a great deal of wisdom too from his time as a counselor in high schools.

Another member, Bill is perhaps the most talented craftsman I’ve ever met. Despite having lost most of his hearing, at the age of 74, he is starting up his own business making incredible wooden miniature chuck wagons! His wife is always there to assist him with every project. Daily he is found busy inside the centre’s workshop building something or sharing his skills with mentally disabled youth. He’s also created a small art gallery at the centre to display many of his most recent oil paintings. It has really livened up the upstairs space! Bill has enough carpentry projects lined up to keep him busy well past the age of 90!

Closing

Neither James nor Bill have ever expressed a desire for someone to euthanize them should their situations rapidly deteriorate. Instead, their enthusiasm and dedication to their seniors recreation club only strengthens their passion for living.

Later this month, protect the sanctity and beauty of old age. They have a tremendous amount to offer to Canadian society and should not be dismissed prematurely from their lives. We should encourage them in their endeavors until their natural point of death. Please counter Bill C-384.

Sincerely,

Eric Fairlie

Debating the MLM Paradigm

The Difficulties & Advantages of Multi-Level Marketing Organizations

We’ve seen it…heard it…tasted it…bought it… and sold it.

Multi-Level Marketing companies, also known as MLM and slanderously by some as “Pyramid-Schemes” are present across the globe at an ever increasing rate. Are they truly the success that they are made out to be? Should more traditional business models take note?

The MLM Debate

A small group of Calgary marketing professional, including I, have opened a friendly debate.  The burning question to be answered is:

Are Multi-Level Marketing companies the most worthwhile business for an individual to earn a living and create wealth? What are their weaknesses and strengths compared to other more “traditional” forms of operating a business?

In a four part series, each side will be pulling on their life experience and training in the field of marketing & business.

• This first entry defines the parameters of the debate, then to address it from the affirmative and contrarian positions.
• The second will be an entry from the anti-MLM position
• The third will be an entry from the pro-MLM position. (Please do not rebuttal the anti-MLM position as part of your entry)
• Each side will be allowed a rebuttal of the opposing position’s article.

At this time it appears that there are an increased number of pro-MLM individuals. Always one for a challenge I will be representing the anti-MLM position. This falls in line with my actual position for a multitude of reasons to be discussed later.

MLM Defined

An existing for-profit business with a product(s) available for sale. The company’s organization is structured around the relationships of its salespersons/agents. The chain of salespeople create a chain of command with hierarchical levels. Each successive hierarchy is given additional compensation over the last.

The MLM distributes its products down the chain to end consumers. It sees growth via the expansion of its body of salespeople as the method for greater overall profitability. There are strong pressures to invite family, friends and colleagues to be a part of the MLM.

Friends and associates of the MLM’s salespeople can join the organization for a fee, generally ranging between $100-5000.

Rules Surrounding Debate

1. The debate is intended to grow and enhance the perspective of all involved. It is meant to be spirited and good-natured.
2. The debate will not be used to promote a specific product, person or organization
3. Researched points with supporting references are highly suggested. Numbers please!
4. There will be no panel to judge the winner. Instead readers will be allowed to do so by reading each position and deciding within their own conscience.

Suggested Topics

1. Marketing Strategy and Financial Efficiency
2. Competitive Factors
3. Market Influences & Fluctuations
4. “Hiring”, Sales process & training
5. The “Weekly Meeting”
6. Organizational Structure
7. Quality & Standard of Living
8. Cultural & Psychology Factors

Closing

Best of luck to all! I’m looking forward to strong debate!

-Eric Fairlie, BBE

Member of Calgary Marketing Meetup Group

http://marketing.meetup.com/168/