Alternative

Charles Eisenstein, author of ‘Sacred Economics’, coming to Vancouver

December 29, 2011 by Ian MacKenzie

I’VE BEEN following author Charles Eisenstein since last year, when I came across his epic work “The Ascent of Humanity.”

The book was an incredible synthesis of many thoughts I’d had on the state of the world, and ultimately, the crises of consciousness. So it was with excitement that I looked forward to his new book (published last July) on ‘Sacred Economics.”

And he delivered. I was so inspired by the book, and his illumination of a gift society, that I felt compelled to fly out and interview Charles to help spread his key insights into the emerging paradigm shift rippling around the globe.

That week I spent with Charles became the short teaser above, “The Revolution Is Love” now seen by almost 200K people on Youtube.

I’m now equally excited to announce that Charles is coming to Vancouver in January for a series of talks and workshops. This is a DO NOT MISS event. Charles’ logic of the heart, and his proclamation to create “the more beautiful world our hearts tell us is possible” has a way of not leaving you.

Charles Eisenstein / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

Event Description

Money today is the very antithesis of the sacred. The modern money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth.

Today, these trends have reached their extreme – but in the wake of their collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being.

Charles Eisenstein will explain the forces driving the collapse of our current system, and lay out a vision of a new kind of money system that will replace it.

A mind-opening glimpse of solutions and new ideas for the future of money and economics – and how we can contribute and be part of the positive change.

Jan 12 – Evening Talk – Port Moody

Location: Kushala Yoga, #303-130 Brew Street, Port Moody, BC, 130 Brew Street
MORE DETAILS | Admission: By donation | RSVP on Facebook

Jan 13 – Evening Talk – Vancouver

Location: Eternal Abundance Cafe, 1025 Commercial Dr
MORE DETAILS | Admission: $10 | RSVP on Facebook

Jan 14 – Full day Workshop -Vancouver

Location: Liu Institute UBC, 6476 North West Marine Drive
MORE DETAILS | Admission: $35 | RSVP on Facebook

Also don’t miss Charles’ key essays:

The Problem With Conspiracy Theories

March 3, 2009 by Ian MacKenzie

Spend enough time on the internet and you can find information on just about anything.

For instance: did you know that the Apollo moon landing was a hoax? That 9/11 was an inside job? That flouride is a mind control substance designed to keep humans dumb and under control?

The list goes on. Some of these theories may, in fact, be true. The vast majority of them are more likely false. But given an infinite space as vast as the web, and the tools for anyone to publish any thoughts in their head, and you have the ability to refute or bolster any claim imaginable.

Therefore it is much trickier to believe that any worldview is “the truth.”

The problem with conspiracy theorists is they ask you to demolish your mental programming, but demand you replace it with their own.

The result is to exchange one unproven worldview for another. And unfortunately, basing your decisions on the conviction of “knowing” is responsible for many of the world’s ills.

The only real truth is that it’s impossible to “know” anything. And the only real method of making decisions is through probability.

Bonus: Michael Shermer on why people believe strange things

How To Tell People They’re Racist (Video)

November 17, 2008 by Ian MacKenzie

hattip Wiretap mag

Great video offering tips on holding someone accountable for their racist actions (rather than their supposed racist “nature”).

Reminds me of how my Dad used to tell me to rephrase calling someone “stupid.” He’d say “Don’t call them stupid. Call the action stupid.” Which seen in this light, makes a lot of sense.

Pod Mobbing For Sustainable Sushi – Nov 20

November 14, 2008 by Ian MacKenzie

A hyper-green friend of mine, Emily Jubenvill, is stepping up her proactive nature and organizing Vancouver’s first ‘pod mob’ to encourage businesses to go sustainable.

From the CBC article that covered the story:

The group calls its strategy a “podmob,” an idea that originated with a San Francisco group named Carrotmob, which aims to improve the environment by promoting socially responsible choices in businesses, Jubenvill said.

Here in Vancouver, they’re convinced Sushi Bento Express to commit 31% of their revenue from November 20th to greening their restaurant.

Where: 1258 Robson Street (between Jervis and Bute)
When: Thursday, November 20th – 11:30am to 11:00pm
Who: YOU and all your friends!

For more info, read Emily’s post here.

I confess, I’m not a sushi fan (I know!) but I’ve committed to dropping in on the pod mobbing action. Maybe I can challenge other Vancouver bloggers like Miss 604, Matthew Good, Ian Bell, Megan Cole, and Darren Barefoot to come by or at least blog the fun?

7th Foot Washes Up On West Coast: Police Still Baffled

November 12, 2008 by Ian MacKenzie

Two months ago, Matt Anderson and I conducted a follow-up investigation on the “mystery feet” that have been washing up on the shores of the West Coast.

In the report, we speak with Const. Annie Linteau of the RCMP, the Coroner’s Office, and local radio personality Jim Goddard.

Today, there was a new development in the case: a new 7th foot has been found.

A New Balance runner apparently containing human remains was found in Finn Slough in the south arm of the Fraser, near the end of Garden City Road. If the remains are confirmed to be human, this is the seventh foot to have been found on the south coast, from Georgia Strait to the northwestern tip of Washington State, since August 2007.

Former MLA and Richmond city council candidate Ken Johnston found the shoe while walking with his wife along the banks of the Fraser River. “I poked it with a stick,” he said.

While it’s too early to tell if the shoe was forcibly removed, the RCMP was quick to note all the previous severed feet were the result of “disarticulation.”

For now the mystery continues.

Naked Hippies On Bicycles

June 29, 2008 by Ian MacKenzie

A few week’s ago, I covered the Vancouver Naked Bike Ride. It was an enlightening experience:

Aside from the great interviews, I was struck by the following observations:

  • naked people are bizarre for about 10 minutes, then it becomes so normal you barely notice
  • there’s something very beautiful about complete inhibition to social code
  • looking around it’s entirely obvious we’re utterly dependent on cars, and it’s interesting to think how we let it get this way
  • it may be fun to join the ride next year

What do you think of the naked bike ride? Share your thoughts in the comments!