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What-s-On

This changes everything

UBC is 100 years old this year. 

UBCO is 10.

I think it’s fair to say that as a community, we are starting to see the benefits of having UBCO in Kelowna. One of the nice spin-off benefits is the UBC Okanagan Distinguished speaker series, presented by the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.

I was over the moon to see that the series is hosting Naomi Klein on February 18, and when I found out that it was free, my jaw dropped. Too bad I didn’t go online at that moment. Instead I waited  24 hours, and by then the event was fully sold out.

For those who don’t know the name Naomi Klein, I am using my column today to share three of her most provocative points of view.

No Logo
Essentially this book foresaw the total takeover of brands in every aspect of society. Where we used to have brandless school lunches we now serve hot lunches from name brand stores. Where we used to have lesson plans created by teachers, we now have lesson plans for schools created by oil lobbies. Where the product itself used to be the thing of value in a sale, it’s now more about the brand.

Shock Doctrine
The essential thought behind this one is that governments have agendas. To further that agenda governments use shocking news items to push forward controversial agenda items. In a bit of a flip, she is currently talking about using the low oil price to shift our focus on oil. More info on that thought. 

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate
To be honest, I haven’t dug much into this one, thus it was truly amazing to see her name announced as a distinguished speaker. 

For those of us who missed the sign-up for the event next week here is a past presentation at UBC last year. 

Ryan Donn

Click here for more information on the UBCO Distinguished Speaker Series.

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

Ryan Donn is a singer/songwriter, event producer, digital creative, and Councillor at the City of Kelowna

I love creating songs, which have been used by the Terry Fox Run, Kelowna’s Centennial Celebration, or heard on various local radio stations. 

In the past few years, I've focused on creating community events including Music in the Park, New York New Years, Castanet’s Free Family Skate, Talented Kids, Talented Kelowna, and others.

Originally from Scotland, I’ve lived in Kelowna for over 20 years. My wife, Kimberly, and our two daughters, Lyla and Bella, share our home with Tom (adult with diverse abilities).

In 2014, I was elected to Kelowna City Council. 

Opinions are my own, and don't represent the City of Kelowna, Festivals Kelowna or Creative Okanagan. 

To connect with Ryan:

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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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