570News Blog: Kate Stockmann

You can’t. Well, at least it would be hard. You would have to start spending when you were born and blow through 10 million dollars a year until you were 100 years old.

 Most would answer, give it away. But is that what the world’s richest are doing? Sure Bill Gates set up a foundation to help ease the Aids crisis in Africa. Gates is not only the richest man in the world but also donates the most money of anyone to charitable causes. But he’s only one man.

Often in the news room I utter the phrase: “What is wrong with the world.”

 Canadian Business Magazine’s list of riches Canadians made me utter that phrase repeatedly today.

Galen Weston, the chairman of Lowblaw Corp. is worth 7.27 billion dollars. Yet the cost of food for struggling families is rising.

Why are factories closing in Waterloo Region while parent companies are still turning a profit? Why are there CEO’s being given perks while people are being laid off?

I have worked for companies that gave their top managers underground parking spots. That’s common practice. However there were young women working for the company forced to walk along city streets at all hours of the night because they couldn’t afford parking spots in the secure lot.

Do the managers deserve free parking. Most likely. I’d like to think they worked hard to achieve their status within the company. However, do they need it? Not more than the young lady who was risking a mugging or worse taking the subway.

Sadly it seems chivalry is dead in this day and age. None of the girls were ever offered a safe, free parking spot.

What is wrong with the world when the rich get the “perks,” those struggling to make ends meet need? Why does a CEO get a company car when a factory worker has to explain to his kids that Santa isn’t coming?

Of Canada’s richest I ask how should you spend a billion  dollars?

It’s first for me this year, I’ve finished my Christmas shopping early. I’m usually a last minute shopper, running to the mall on Christmas Eve. Until now, nothing irked me more than those smug, organized people who seemed to be able to get everything done well before the holiday rush was on.

Am I being smug about being done early? You bet! Sherry Morley, one of our reporters, is also done. It may seem a little too anal retentive but really it makes sense.

 We were talking about Christmas shopping and what a pain it can be today in the news room. The biggest problem with it, is the crowds. So, if you’ve got a good idea for a gift, you have the time, why not pick it up in November? No only that, the stores are not as busy so there’s usually a sales clerk to help you if you need it.

From now on, I’m always getting my shopping done a month early. Then I can relax and enjoy the holiday!

Kate

After a little less than two weeks off, I’m back in the saddle. I spent my vacation looking for a place to live. My roommates and I are going our separate ways so I’m downgrading to a one-bedroom apartment.

 I have to say it’s been stressful. While looking for a moving company I came across an article that said moving is one of the most stressful life events next to a death in the family, divorce and job loss. I don’t know if it’s that bad, but I’d rather not have to do it.

I’m the type of person who likes to get the stressful stuff out of the way and waiting for my lease to run out is driving me nuts. I’m dreading moving day and just want to get it over with. Patience is not a virtue I have. 

Kate