October 2, 2000
Dear Joe - THE COMMENTARY
By Joseph Planta
VANCOUVER -- This hasn’t really been a space from which I dispense advice from - except today. Pretend for a minute, that some kid, wet behind the ears, came up to your modest correspondent and asked for advice. Here’s what I’d impart...
Life is a serious game with serious implications. Don’t take it too seriously though, or you’ll end up some anally-retentive prick without much of a personality to fill this devoid world of ours.
As Dr. Foth says, take long lunches. Most days at Langara I have a minimum of 2 hours between classes. (Some of my other lunch pals, have up to 4 hours, but sometimes that is too extreme.) Surely I don’t spend that entire time eating, even though my clothing sizes will tell otherwise; its a liberating feeling of peace when you have time to gather your thoughts or to box yourself and write columns in a cubicle.
If you’re heading into high school, my only advice is to have fun, but at the same not to neglect the work at hand. Meet new people and get to know them. Sure, you’ll meet bastards, but amongst the chaff can come some wheat.
If you’re heading into post-secondary, take it from me that comfort is very important. Find comfort in something, anything or you’re libel to go mad. Again, moderation in whatever you find, is necessary. You don’t want to bust your back on that one.
Watch television or listen to the radio. Sure, there’s a ton of crap that you could get addicted to, but generally there’s a bit of good stuff. If you find yourself not fulfilling that old requisite of learning something new everyday, watching TV, you’ll be bound to pick up something.
While Foth advises the daily consumption of at least 4 newspapers, only consume at least 2. 4 a-day, need only apply to media types or news junkies. And one-a-day need only apply if you’re fortifying it with radio or television. The bare minimum for newspapers then, is 2. I therefore submit that I agree The Province doesn’t count. I consume 3 papers a day, sometimes 4. It’s good for the mind.
If you have e-mail, which I guess you do, use it. It’s the Information Age and e-mail is one of the few things that is generally accessible and acceptable. I keep my account subscribed to all kinds of news and wire services, including newsletters and such. They’re very helpful and a great help when the right story or time comes along.
If you’re like me and exercise is not of any particular interest, the least you can do is walk. Walking, as Harry Truman or Pierre Trudeau would tell you if they were alive, is good for the spirit and you don’t feel as guilty if you chose not to participate in sport or strenuous exercise.
Do everything in moderation.
Don’t agree with everything, everyone says. The least you should do is listen. Give them their chance to foam at the mouth and if you don’t buy their shit, then foam away yourself.
Know that difference is a reality and appear accepting. Never let your guard down in this respect, as much grief and lawsuits have resulted.
Put yourself in someone’s shoes once in a while. There you find humility and the chance to broaden your arguments against, once you’ve found yourself within the enemy.
Occasionally believe in someone other than yourself. There you find humility and the chance to broaden your pool of which to draw admiration and love.
Charity is most noble. The unfortunate are simply that - unfortunate. Those that are fortunate must exercise themselves to practising charitable activity, as when need shall arise in your predicament, you’ll know exactly why.
And, if you enter a contest that has a million-dollar prize attached, read the fine print first. (Hello Survivor’s and Big Brother’s.) Winning or the sheer participation thereof, shall have remarkable outcomes - good or bad.
Questions and comments may be sent to: editor@thecommentary.ca
An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE .