[This article was first published in Feminist Review].

I’ve always admired Ivanka Trump. As the Vice President of Real Estate and Acquisitions for the Trump Organization and owner of her own luxury jewelry line, I look to her as a role model. Her first foray into literature has been wildly successful, landing on the New York Times Bestseller List and garnering praise from the publishing community. Although the book starts out promising enough, with Trump refusing to apologize for the advantages she has enjoyed, her sage and learned advice begins to take a backdrop to anecdotes about her privilege.

Throughout the book, Trump attempts to prove that her success is not a product of her family name but of her hard work. This assertion, however, is undermined by constant references to her less-than-ordinary upbringing. Few if any people other than Ivanka Trump can boast that Michael Jackson attended their childhood ballet recital, nor could they brag about having a “part-time job” as a world-class fashion model while in school. Many of Trump’s youthful recollections involve some of the most influential people in the world and, while fascinating to read, discredit the notion that hard work will yield success similar to Trump’s.

Contrary to Trump’s belief, her career trajectory cannot be credited exclusively to hard work. Her refusal to acknowledge that high profile connections have played a role in her development is absurd. Prior to graduating from college, Trump was offered an internship at Vogue by Anna Wintour, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. I sincerely doubt that even the most brilliant fashion journalist with limited connections would be offered such a coveted position from the editor herself—and prior to graduation, no less.

It’s true that Trump’s successes are her own, but her book overlooks the fact that success comes from being in the right place at the right time, and is dependent upon having the opportunity to excel. Trump tries to downplay this notion, but I believe it is something that she understands intrinsically. Her book is called The Trump Card after all, undoubtedly a strategic decision to capitalize off of her family’s famous name. Branding the book as “Trump certified” probably didn’t hinder her chances of securing a publisher, either.

The Trump Card is an interesting read, but it is misleading to categorize it as “business and economics” literature. While the book offers generic career advice, it mainly serves to remind the reader that with hard work and persistence anyone can achieve extraordinary success, provided that they have a billionaire father.

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for vintage and thrift clothes.  This relatively-new addiction of mine has been growing by the day, fueled by the fabulous pieces that I have picked up  – like the brand new Dooney & Bourke tote that I snagged for $4.99 and the brand new Via Spiga heels that I took home for $14.99, never worn and with the  $200.00 price tag still attached!  Epic shopping win. 

Earlier this month I launched Enviro Chi Chi, a blog dedicated to environmentally-sustainable fashion.  If you aren’t into thrift but are interested in minimizing your  eco impact, you’ll find plenty of useful information on this blog.  It features profiles on “green” fashion designers, bloggers, as well as photographs of my sustainable fashion finds.   

Check it out when you get a chance.

 Earlier this year I took a writing course and one of my assignments involved pitching and writing a magazine article.  I’ve always been horrified by the number of Canadians that are considered to be of “working poor” status.   Despite what reports imply, the economy isn’t booming yet.  New grads who want to  break into the work force tend to feel the pinch the most.  I chose to write about this topic, and I sought out the opinions of new grads, young professionals and retirees.

The consensus?  We’re living in uncertain times. 

A (somewhat) recent study by Canadian labour economist Erin Weir suggests that average hourly wage increases are lagging behind inflation costs, rising by 1.8% and 1.9% respectively.  This, combined with cost of living increases across North America, as well as a slow-to-recover job market, is creating challenges for young professionals in the 25-30 year-old age bracket – many of whom are struggling to save enough money to purchase their first home, start a family and become financially independent.

 My parents bought their first home in 1976 for $35,000.  During that time, they were making a combined annual income of $25,000.  Today, that same house would probably be worth closer to $275,000.  Paying off a mortgage was a lot easier to do in the 1970s compared to today, where a home in Ontario goes for about $329,000.00.  I couldn’t find stats on the incomes of families in Ontario, but the average Canadian  household income is about $83,300.00 – roughly four times the cost of real estate. 

 So, is there anything we can do about it? 

Wait and see, I guess.  The recent introduction of the HST tax here in Ontario has only served to fuel speculation and insecurity, for the time being.  Many of the people I’ve spoken to are hesitant about the stock market.  Others are holding off real estate purchases until they can get a better “feel” of the economy.  The only advice that I have is to be conscious of spending.  It’s a good rule to follow in any economy, but it’s especially important nowadays.

If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s easy to start accumulating debt. This is a trap that many new grads fall into.

Being money smart is the best way to ensure financial independence.  Simple advice, I know – but it’s pretty airtight.

The Interwebs are a-buzz over Prince’s latest interview with the UK’s Daily Mirror, where he declared technology to be dead:

“The internet’s completely over. I don’t see why I should give my new music to iTunes or anyone else. They won’t pay me an advance for it and then they get angry when they can’t get it … The internet’s like MTV. At one time MTV was hip and suddenly it became outdated. Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good …They just fill your head with numbers and that can’t be good for you”,

the 52 year-old (!) singer said.  Prince’s upcoming album 20Ten – his 33rd release – will be released in CD format only and will not be available for download (legally, at least).

Unlike most musicians Prince has been reluctant to embrace the age of technology.  In addition to iTunes, his disdain for YouTube is fairly common knowledge.  He’s banned both companies from using his music and videos and, according to Popeater, he’s disabled his personal website.

Oh, how I love Prince.  He’s one of those rare individuals that enjoys continued success despite constantly biting the hands that feed him.  Remember his  public debacle with Time Warner in 1993?  it made headlines for years.  That’s the reason he changed his name into that weird, unpronounceable symbol, and when asked about the contraversy he would drone on ad nauseum about the evils of his music executive overlords.

Prince has always been one to challenge authority so it’s no surprise he’s taken aim at the Interwebs.  Of course he would question that which binds the modern world together.  Eccentricity and rebellion has always been his shtick and it’s worked out well for him.

That’s not to say that I disagree with him completely.  Unlike indie and lesser-known musicians that must depend on the Internet for exposure, Prince is a superstar.  His music will sell regardless of his distribution medium, so he need not bother with iTunes and YouTube.  I don’t, however, agree with his admission that “computers and digital gadgets are no good”.  As I’ve already argued, technology won’t turn society into a mass of blithering, anti-social drones – we’re doing a fine job of doing that to ourselves. 

But kudos to Prince anyway – for having the courage to speak his mind, and for providing me with today’s writing material.

According to the Canadian Press, African Albinos are often subjected to discrimination, abuse and, in many cases, violent attacks – spurred by the belief that their body parts are “good luck charms” that bring wealth and success.  The problem has become so pronounced in that an estimated 10,000 Albinos have either been displaced or gone into hiding since 2007.

The IFRC suggests that the greatest interest for Albino parts resides in Tanzania, where an entire body can sell for upwards of $75,000 on the black market.

It is disheartening that, in this day and age, human beings continue to be subjected to such unspeakable horrors.  I don’t believe that we in the first world such assume “missionary status” and attempt to “tame the African savages”.  This sort of mentality has always rubbed me the wrong way, and it’s counter-productive when compared to building a society from the inside out.  Currently, Africa is paralyzed by disease, poverty and a lack of education and through this it has been host to some of the darkest moments in human history.  Compared with Africa first world nations are decades ahead in terms of human rights. While the Canadian justice system can be bloated and convoluted justice for the wronged is a far likelier outcome here than it is in Africa (case in point: Only 2 convictions have arisen out of the 57 reported Albino murders in Tanzania).

A team is only as strong as its weakest member, though.  Humanity should not take pride in its modern-day achievements without acknowledging the fact that medieval-style atrocities are still a human characteristic.  Since most, if not all, violence is bred out of ignorance, education is always the best way to preserve and protect the rights of all living things.  I hope that future generations will somehow get their act together.

I hope that humanity will learn to reject violence in all of its forms, one day.

A couple of years ago I attended a bridal shower where the dress code was eclectic and eccentric.

I was transfixed by one of the guests – she was absolutely stunning with long brown hair that cascaded down her back in loose curls.  White flowers were pinned to the top of her head in a crown-like fashion and she was wearing a gorgeous pink chiffon dress.

After tea and scones we started talking about one of my favourite topics – fashion.  The girl in the chiffon dress said that she only shopped in thrift and consignment stores.  She said that buying new clothes was socially irresponsible, terrible for the environment and unnecessarily expensive. I’d never thought about it before, but she had a point.

Inspired by her, and by fashion blogs like Liebe Marlene, My Vintage Secret and New Dress a Day , I’ve recently embraced the thrift ethic.  A growing portion of my wardrobe is now vintage, salvaged from thrift stores and garage sales.  I’m saving money, I love my quirky, not-of-H&M clothing and I’m doing the environment a favour.  For me, the decision to go thrift has been an all ’round win.

Many of us don’t stop to consider the impact that our purchases have on the environment but if the recent BP disaster has taught me anything it’s that we need to pay attention to the way that we shop.  After all, BP wouldn’t be drilling in the ocean if the public wasn’t demanding cheap and easy oil.

A recent article by David Suzuki for The Mark News provides some interesting points to consider.  In “Polluting Cruise Ships“, Suzuki explains that most cruise lines dump “food waste, oily bilge water, and solid waste” into the ocean, which can lead to the development of dead zones.  What’s more:

“A moderate-sized cruise ship on a one week voyage with 2,200 passengers and 800 crewmembers” can generate up to 210,000 gallons of human sewage, one million gallons of grey water (from sinks, baths, showers, laundry, and galleys), eight tons of garbage, more than 130 gallons of hazardous waste, and 25,000 gallons of oily bilge water.”

Consumers need to make more responsible choices.  While I am guilty of the occasional impulse buy I’m starting to question large companies before I decide to give them my money.  I try to make more affordable and environmentally sustainable product decisions, too.

We consumers have more power over the marketplace than we think.  When we collectively start shopping with the planet in mind companies will follow suit.  They wouldn’t have a choice really – at the end of the day we’re the ones who keep them in business.

Scarlett Johansson won a Tony on July 13, and people are pissed.  Johansson, along with Denzel Washington and Catherine Zeta-Jones (also Tony recipients) have become victims of a backlash by members of the Broadway community, many of whom believe that Hollywood actors are taking attention (and awards) away from “true” Broadway talent.  Johansson has responded to the criticism in an interview with  Broadway World saying, essentially, that the haters can stick it up their arse:

“You know, I pounded the pavement for years and I know what it’s like to struggle as an actor.  A lot of it is luck and, certainly, a lot of it is opportunity – and the lack of that. So, I totally understand the frustration there… A lot of my friends who are struggling actors are going through the same thing. But, I can’t apologize for it. I have worked my ass off to get to where I am so I understand that struggle. For me, it’s more about hiring the right person for the job. You know, who fits that description. If somebody is cast because they are a name but they’re not right for the job, well, it’s very frustrating. I see that. As an actor, you’re trying to get one foot in the door all the time.”

Have to say that I agree with Scarlett 100%.  I’m still in the “pounding the pavement” phase of my career and let me tell you, it isn’t always fun.  Trying to make a go of your dreams involves work, work and more work.  It involves perfecting your craft every chance you get, even when you don’t feel like it.  It requires that you eat a serving of humble pie now and again and endure rejection after rejection - and all of this is done with the knowledge that it may take years before you see any results.

When I’m able to stand on my own two feet as a writer, you can rest assured that I will not apologize for any recognition that comes my way.

Envy truly is an ugly thing.  People who try to make others feel bad about their accomplishments should spend more time working and less time whining.

Is text messaging the devil’s work? An evil plot, sent to earth by a villain intent on destroying us?

In all likelihood it isn’t – but that’s not what the pundits would like you to believe.

Over the years text messaging has been blamed for everything that’s wrong with the world, from declining grammar skills to antisocial behaviour.  It’s played a part in identity theft scams and has been known to throw a wrench into public careers (just ask former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick - a one-time “rising star” whose political career ended in 2008 when he became embroiled in a text messaging scandal). 

“Textual harrassment” is a new phenomenon that’s been gaining traction in the news.  It was most recently featured in the Washington Post in a story that draws a correlation between it and violence against women, citing the murder of 22 year-old  Yeardley Love, whose death was precipitated by threatenting messages on her cell phone.

“Textual harrassement”, with it’s headline-friendly moniker, is examined ad nauseum by the media and has been known to get the tongues of  technophobes wagging.  Yet despite all the posturing and debate that’s been going on in the news,  it’s a pretty safe bet that the technologies that make texting possible aren’t going anywhere.

As long as common sense is practised text messaging is harmless – but that doesn’t make for front page news.  Truth be told, it’s far easier to blame society’s problems (like declining grammar/social skills and violence against women) on emerging technologies rather than on the society itself.  If our communities are truly in decline then we’re the ones that need to be examined, not our electronics. 

So text away my friends.  You’re perfectly safe in doing so – as long as you aren’t doing it behind the wheel of a car, of course.

Earlier this week a BP chairman announced that the company will suspend payouts for the remainder of the year and set aside $20-billion to help compensate victims of Gulf oil spill.  President Obama noted that the $20-billion isn’t “a cap” on the amount that will be paid out and that all affected parties will be compensated.

Except for the countless animals that have died as a result of our negligence, of course.  There’s no payout for those little critters.

President Obama has conceded that BP and its subsidaries have acted “recklessley” on the Gulf coast but noted that North America’s “oil addiction” is the larger problem.  Personally I’d love to place all the blame on the shoulders of evil corporate giants but Obama is right.  The North American lifestyle has necessitated off-shore oil drilling.  Consumers have demonstrated their insatiable need for fuel and most of us aren’t willing to pay higher prices for it, meaning that  environmentally sound methods of extraction won’t be implemented any time soon.

We Canadians need to pay special attention to the response efforts of BP and the safeguards it intends to impose.  Earlier this month BP Canada quietly began drilling in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains,  a “controversial” project that has worried local residents.  According to Ryland Nelson from the environmental group Wildsight, BP’s new exploratory well, which will be drilled between Banff National Park and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (an area of 500 k.m. that spans from Alberta and Montana) is home to countless bears, wolverines, foxes and deer.

BP Canada has, of course, promised to preserve the pristine landscape, claiming that they went so far as to consult with local residents and indigenous groups for a period of three years  prior to drilling in an attempt to minimize environmental/economic risks.

Keep in mind however, that they sung similar praises when they began drilling in the Gulf.

We all know how that’s been unfolding.