PS. Here is the picture for you, just in case you don't have a digi.
PSS. Don't forget to send me a copy too!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Pose with Stephen Colbert
Viral is too easy for Stephen.
PS. Here is the picture for you, just in case you don't have a digi.
PSS. Don't forget to send me a copy too!
PS. Here is the picture for you, just in case you don't have a digi.
PSS. Don't forget to send me a copy too!
Scavenger Hunt, Tdot-style
For those of you who love a scavenger hunt, think ya know Toronto and have a digi - check out Shoot Experience.
PS. I am looking for a team members - anyone? anyone?
PSS. I am a competitive biatch.
PS. I am looking for a team members - anyone? anyone?
PSS. I am a competitive biatch.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Geekin' it out in Montreal
'twas in Montreal the last few days and got a chance to go to Geek Dinner - francais s'il vous plait (that's what I call it in my head).
I got to geek it out with some serious kool kats, including Bob Goyetche and Hugh McGuire - both who I saw present at Podcamp T-dot...and of course my fellow Scotiabank colleagues David Macleod, Michael Seaton and Mitch Joel from our agency Twist Image.
So what was the diffence between T-dot and M-dizzle? Nothin. A geek, is a geek, is a geek.
PS. If any one of you can help me figure out how to make sense of iTunes, feedburner, google analytics and allstats statistics for podcasts, I would really truly appreciate it.
PSS. Check out Podcasters Across Borders...looks hype.
I got to geek it out with some serious kool kats, including Bob Goyetche and Hugh McGuire - both who I saw present at Podcamp T-dot...and of course my fellow Scotiabank colleagues David Macleod, Michael Seaton and Mitch Joel from our agency Twist Image.
So what was the diffence between T-dot and M-dizzle? Nothin. A geek, is a geek, is a geek.
PS. If any one of you can help me figure out how to make sense of iTunes, feedburner, google analytics and allstats statistics for podcasts, I would really truly appreciate it.
PSS. Check out Podcasters Across Borders...looks hype.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Darfur Can't Wait!
Many of you already know this, but I volunteer for HRW Toronto Network. We are presenting an event next month to help raise awareness and a community response to end the violence in Darfur. If you are around town and want to hear two fantastic speakers - come!!! REGISTER HERE.
DARFUR CAN’T WAIT
Presented by Human Rights Watch Toronto Network
Human Rights Watch calls immediately for increased civilian protection, reversal of ethnic cleansing and accountability in Darfur. This event urges Canada to take the lead in the international community’s response to end the violence in Darfur.
Guest Speakers: IRWIN COTLER and GEORGETTE GAGNON
IRWIN COTLER the MP for Mount Royal and Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He is the founder of the Save Darfur Parliamentary Coalition, and has been a Law Professor, Constitutional and Comparative Law Scholar, International Human Rights Lawyer, Counsel to prisoners of conscience, NGO Head, Public Intellectual, Community Leader and Peace Activist. He has been variously described in these roles and responsibilities as being at the forefront of the struggle for justice, peace and human rights.
GEORGETTE GAGNON, Deputy Director of the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch. Georgette leads a team of international researchers who conduct fact-finding investigations into human rights abuses in countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and publish findings that expose abusive governments. Georgette and her colleagues urge governments to change their policies and practices to uphold and protect human rights. For the past three and half years, Georgette and her team have been relentlessly engaged in documenting the human rights crisis in Darfur and advocating for an end to the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur and neighbouring Chad.
About The Human Rights Watch Toronto Network:
The Human Rights Watch Toronto Network is a group of professionals working to improve global and local human rights conditions through education, advocacy, and outreach.
DARFUR CAN’T WAIT
Presented by Human Rights Watch Toronto Network
Human Rights Watch calls immediately for increased civilian protection, reversal of ethnic cleansing and accountability in Darfur. This event urges Canada to take the lead in the international community’s response to end the violence in Darfur.
Guest Speakers: IRWIN COTLER and GEORGETTE GAGNON
IRWIN COTLER the MP for Mount Royal and Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He is the founder of the Save Darfur Parliamentary Coalition, and has been a Law Professor, Constitutional and Comparative Law Scholar, International Human Rights Lawyer, Counsel to prisoners of conscience, NGO Head, Public Intellectual, Community Leader and Peace Activist. He has been variously described in these roles and responsibilities as being at the forefront of the struggle for justice, peace and human rights.
GEORGETTE GAGNON, Deputy Director of the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch. Georgette leads a team of international researchers who conduct fact-finding investigations into human rights abuses in countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and publish findings that expose abusive governments. Georgette and her colleagues urge governments to change their policies and practices to uphold and protect human rights. For the past three and half years, Georgette and her team have been relentlessly engaged in documenting the human rights crisis in Darfur and advocating for an end to the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur and neighbouring Chad.
About The Human Rights Watch Toronto Network:
The Human Rights Watch Toronto Network is a group of professionals working to improve global and local human rights conditions through education, advocacy, and outreach.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Shock & Awe
Shortbus (Shock - 0, Awe - 0)
Toronto 2050 (Shock - 1, Awe - 0)
Facebook (Shock - 0, Awe - 1)
The Raps this weekend (Shock - 0, Awe - 1)
Oh, how little shocks me these days. truly.
Toronto 2050 (Shock - 1, Awe - 0)
Facebook (Shock - 0, Awe - 1)
The Raps this weekend (Shock - 0, Awe - 1)
Oh, how little shocks me these days. truly.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Yoga Inc.
Yoga Inc. - a documentary about the politics of yoga in North America is coming to this year's Hot Docs festival (which, btw, has one of the best film festival sites I have ever visited).
I am interested in this film, as a fellow yogi and also as a marketer. It is an oxymoron - I know.
What is the marketing angle? Taking sacred teachings and running it into the ground...or shall I say warping it to fit what you want out of it, not following its central teachings...because afterall, yoga is not ALL about asana and definitely not about the fit body so you can sport the tight lululemon pants...if fact, it is about way more than that.
I am interested in this film, as a fellow yogi and also as a marketer. It is an oxymoron - I know.
What is the marketing angle? Taking sacred teachings and running it into the ground...or shall I say warping it to fit what you want out of it, not following its central teachings...because afterall, yoga is not ALL about asana and definitely not about the fit body so you can sport the tight lululemon pants...if fact, it is about way more than that.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Browsing, Looking, Shopping Online
I haven't gone shopping (online or offline) in a really long time. Like, since January. I just don't have the time, or I can't be bothered with trying on spring clothes when it is still bloddy cold outside (today is the exception).
So online I go...and here is what I found:
- I am looking for a bar set.
- eco friendly clothing? Do your homework first.
- In case you feel the need to dress like a pirate.
So online I go...and here is what I found:
- I am looking for a bar set.
- eco friendly clothing? Do your homework first.
- In case you feel the need to dress like a pirate.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Your computer is your playground
Mark sent me a note regarding some of his pal's high school students. They did this all by themselves. Who needs money?
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Martin Tielli vs. Jeff Tweedy
Mark and I went to go see the CBC Radio broadcast of the "Art of Time Ensemble" last night. It was actually really cool.
Basically, it is new music sourced and inspired by a classical artist. Last night, it was from the work of Franz Schubert. 5 "pop" musicians were given the Franz pieces are were to create new pieces "inspired".
The show started with a piano trio, whom played four beautiful Schubert pieces. After the intermission, Andy Maize, John Southworth, Sarah Slean, Danny Michel and Martin Tielli played their new pieces.
It was pretty darn good. My fav was Southworth's 2nd song (name escapes me), but Tielli was pretty brilliant as well.
So, where does Mr. Tweedy come into the mix?
Mark and I were having dinner and the Pearl Harbourfront - the Chinese restaurant across from the theatre before the show. Chowing on some noodles, dumplings...when Mark says to me, out of the blue "For the Record, I choose Tielli over Tweedy." um...ok? (PS. I choose Tweedy).
5 minutes later, who sits at the table right beside us...Martin Tielli. no joke.
Basically, it is new music sourced and inspired by a classical artist. Last night, it was from the work of Franz Schubert. 5 "pop" musicians were given the Franz pieces are were to create new pieces "inspired".
The show started with a piano trio, whom played four beautiful Schubert pieces. After the intermission, Andy Maize, John Southworth, Sarah Slean, Danny Michel and Martin Tielli played their new pieces.
It was pretty darn good. My fav was Southworth's 2nd song (name escapes me), but Tielli was pretty brilliant as well.
So, where does Mr. Tweedy come into the mix?
Mark and I were having dinner and the Pearl Harbourfront - the Chinese restaurant across from the theatre before the show. Chowing on some noodles, dumplings...when Mark says to me, out of the blue "For the Record, I choose Tielli over Tweedy." um...ok? (PS. I choose Tweedy).
5 minutes later, who sits at the table right beside us...Martin Tielli. no joke.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Giving up the java & breaking DST
It was 5 minutes prior to 9 am and I was contemplating whether or not to get a cup of java for my 9 o'clock meeting.
hm..mm? I didn't get one. After the 9, I had a 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. By the time I knew it, it was 12...time for grub instead.
Surprisingly, I didn't get the jitters, nor the withdrawl.
Done. I am so done...I managed to break DST-lag.
How long did it take you?
hm..mm? I didn't get one. After the 9, I had a 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. By the time I knew it, it was 12...time for grub instead.
Surprisingly, I didn't get the jitters, nor the withdrawl.
Done. I am so done...I managed to break DST-lag.
How long did it take you?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Golf for Women
As I type this, Mark is watching the Big Break. If you are unaware - it is a reality based golf show where the contestants do golf-related skills contests for points. The winner gets to a nod compete, I believe, in the tour.
Anyway, I got really into golf last year. And am taking lessons this year (have one more to go), to 'perfect' my swing. I am taking the lessons at GolfTown with a fellow lady colleague. Here are some crystal clear markets I see out there based on being a woman, loving golf...and did I mention being a woman?
- Shoes...can someone please design a decent pair of shoes for women. Remember, when we are not playing golf, we are wearing heals so don't appreciate the tan marks current shoes provide.
- Speaking about tans - shirts. A nice clean and simple tank style shirt would be great. Again, something where I can get a tan with and not have to worry too much about the tanlines I get.
- Pants, shorts and skorts - FORGET the skorts. Fashionistas DO NOT wear skorts. But pants and shorts. We like them fitted and clean. Something that mimics the styles of TODAY.
- Magazines. Mark was kind enough to subscribe me to Golf Women. 99% bad fashion, 1% actual lesson. ergh.
- Golf bags that hold your chapstick, wallet, secret compartment for jewellry, sunglasses, cellphone and the million other things women carry...phone book, agenda, etc.
- Colours - NOT ALL WOMEN LIKE pink, purple and red. Puh-lease.
- Funky? Cool? Comfortable?
Anyway, I got really into golf last year. And am taking lessons this year (have one more to go), to 'perfect' my swing. I am taking the lessons at GolfTown with a fellow lady colleague. Here are some crystal clear markets I see out there based on being a woman, loving golf...and did I mention being a woman?
- Shoes...can someone please design a decent pair of shoes for women. Remember, when we are not playing golf, we are wearing heals so don't appreciate the tan marks current shoes provide.
- Speaking about tans - shirts. A nice clean and simple tank style shirt would be great. Again, something where I can get a tan with and not have to worry too much about the tanlines I get.
- Pants, shorts and skorts - FORGET the skorts. Fashionistas DO NOT wear skorts. But pants and shorts. We like them fitted and clean. Something that mimics the styles of TODAY.
- Magazines. Mark was kind enough to subscribe me to Golf Women. 99% bad fashion, 1% actual lesson. ergh.
- Golf bags that hold your chapstick, wallet, secret compartment for jewellry, sunglasses, cellphone and the million other things women carry...phone book, agenda, etc.
- Colours - NOT ALL WOMEN LIKE pink, purple and red. Puh-lease.
- Funky? Cool? Comfortable?
Monday, March 12, 2007
Elevator Grease & Tide
I am not having the most brilliant day today. I had a breakie that was barely swallowable, internet and email that was off for most of the morning and am recovering from DST-lag. ergh.
But to top off the great start to the day, on my way to get a cup of java to wake me up...I got elevator grease all over my beige pants, fingers and face. (How it got on my face, who knows).
Anyway, got back to the office and a fellow co-worker had a Tide Stick. You know, that stick to take away small stains (Kelly Rippa in the drive-thru...). Actually, another co-worker had one too.
It was great. The stains came out nicely, except for a huge one that will need a bit more scrubbing...the stain really got deep into those fibres.
Point I am trying to make here is, this is great WOM. Great product, one that a user can have multiples of (car, desk, home, bag)...and it will be ready when someone else needs it...like me. Someone who is not a user, hasn't until this day needed it...but now sees every reason to have about 5 of them.
But to top off the great start to the day, on my way to get a cup of java to wake me up...I got elevator grease all over my beige pants, fingers and face. (How it got on my face, who knows).
Anyway, got back to the office and a fellow co-worker had a Tide Stick. You know, that stick to take away small stains (Kelly Rippa in the drive-thru...). Actually, another co-worker had one too.
It was great. The stains came out nicely, except for a huge one that will need a bit more scrubbing...the stain really got deep into those fibres.
Point I am trying to make here is, this is great WOM. Great product, one that a user can have multiples of (car, desk, home, bag)...and it will be ready when someone else needs it...like me. Someone who is not a user, hasn't until this day needed it...but now sees every reason to have about 5 of them.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Confused with Kinky Kia
Mark pointed out to me a change in the lastest Kia commerical.
Not sure if you know it, but it is the commercial of the couple/man & woman making out inside the Kia Car (thus, lots of room in the car for hanky panky)...woman gets out of the car...and goes back to her car - which happens to be a Cop car.
The new commerical shows and starts with the couple/man & woman making out (same as before)...but instead of the woman getting out to go to the Cop car - it cuts to a cow eating.
What the? Can someone please explain this to me? I don't get it.
Not sure if you know it, but it is the commercial of the couple/man & woman making out inside the Kia Car (thus, lots of room in the car for hanky panky)...woman gets out of the car...and goes back to her car - which happens to be a Cop car.
The new commerical shows and starts with the couple/man & woman making out (same as before)...but instead of the woman getting out to go to the Cop car - it cuts to a cow eating.
What the? Can someone please explain this to me? I don't get it.
Telus - Monkey on My Back
I don't really check my bills. Sounds bad, I know.
I depend so much on automatic payments, that I don't worry whether or not I paid a bill on time, because I have everything timed either through the vendor or my bank account. It is nice, but probably not smart.
However, for some strange reason, I checked my account and found a higher than usual amount withdrawn for my Telus cellphone. About 3x the amount.
Here is some background. I have been a Telus client since 1998. Before they were even Telus. I don't use my cellphone a lot, so I have a very basic package $20 for 50 minutes. I have the unlimited voicemail, call display and call waiting - which has been carried forward from years back from being a client. I also added the unlimited nights and weekends to my package...somethinglike an extra $7 on top of what I am paying.
So my bill should be anywhere from $35-$40. My bill was over $120.
Why? Because they decided to ADD a SPARK feature to my account without my conscent. Weird right?
Maybe they thought I needed it? A phone call would have been nice. If it was a special promotion, that would have been nice too.
PS. Rogers is getting the iPhone right?
I depend so much on automatic payments, that I don't worry whether or not I paid a bill on time, because I have everything timed either through the vendor or my bank account. It is nice, but probably not smart.
However, for some strange reason, I checked my account and found a higher than usual amount withdrawn for my Telus cellphone. About 3x the amount.
Here is some background. I have been a Telus client since 1998. Before they were even Telus. I don't use my cellphone a lot, so I have a very basic package $20 for 50 minutes. I have the unlimited voicemail, call display and call waiting - which has been carried forward from years back from being a client. I also added the unlimited nights and weekends to my package...somethinglike an extra $7 on top of what I am paying.
So my bill should be anywhere from $35-$40. My bill was over $120.
Why? Because they decided to ADD a SPARK feature to my account without my conscent. Weird right?
Maybe they thought I needed it? A phone call would have been nice. If it was a special promotion, that would have been nice too.
PS. Rogers is getting the iPhone right?
Saturday, March 10, 2007
AMA Toronto's NEW website
Not sure if you know this but I volunteer for the AMA Toronto chapter, amongst other places. I have only been there for a few months and have been leading the interactive group - trying to get a new site up and running.
Basics, we are starting with the basics.
Thanks to the hard work of the creative partner, Vdot Media, we are up and running. we can be found here.
Let me know what you think. There is always room for improvement and I have a list started already...but we are UP. Let me know your thoughts on how we can improve this...
After that...next steps will be getting us into the social media realm.
Basics, we are starting with the basics.
Thanks to the hard work of the creative partner, Vdot Media, we are up and running. we can be found here.
Let me know what you think. There is always room for improvement and I have a list started already...but we are UP. Let me know your thoughts on how we can improve this...
After that...next steps will be getting us into the social media realm.
I lost my (e)mail
In an effort to figure out why I could no longer send mail, I did something really stupid. I tried a Microsoft function on my Mac.
I deleted my gmail account from my Mail and *poof*, like that - it was gone.
GONZO! All 150+ emails that I had to go through and many reply-to this morning. GONE.
So, if you were expecting a reply from me...don't expect one right away or at all.
Where, oh where was the usability?
- no warning/error message.
- 'help' told me I was out of luck
- it didn't even load it in the trash
NOTE: This is the first Mac issue I have had in...15 years. knock on wood.
I deleted my gmail account from my Mail and *poof*, like that - it was gone.
GONZO! All 150+ emails that I had to go through and many reply-to this morning. GONE.
So, if you were expecting a reply from me...don't expect one right away or at all.
Where, oh where was the usability?
- no warning/error message.
- 'help' told me I was out of luck
- it didn't even load it in the trash
NOTE: This is the first Mac issue I have had in...15 years. knock on wood.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Me & Bargainista
Thanks Bryper for the photo...this is me and Bargainista stopping for a break with Bryan during Podcamp Tdot style!...at Rye-High.
I had a chance to catch up with Eden yesterday during the AIMS volunteer get-together...if you are a lady, love shopping and are down with SL, check out the Monday night's 'Canadian Girl's Night Out'
If my ISP is back up, I am definitely IN!
I had a chance to catch up with Eden yesterday during the AIMS volunteer get-together...if you are a lady, love shopping and are down with SL, check out the Monday night's 'Canadian Girl's Night Out'
If my ISP is back up, I am definitely IN!
2 Degrees Away from Seth Godin
Seth Godin recommends (and I think knows the author of) Clear Blogging.
I have communicated with Bob Walsh, the author, did a guest post for him and am highlighted in the Clear Blogging book in the 'Personal Blogging' section.
I have communicated with Bob Walsh, the author, did a guest post for him and am highlighted in the Clear Blogging book in the 'Personal Blogging' section.
ISP, Sympatico and Downtime
My ISP, Bell Sympatico is constantly down.
What does DOWN mean?
- One minute it works, for three hours or more, it doesn't.
- Will load email, cannot sent email.
- Have sent email to Sympatico, only to receive 'standard' letter back - ergh. customer service - wha?
- I can search google, but pages come up with errors.
- no safari, IE or FF...:(
Down...as in not working.
So, that is my reason for not being fast with email, postings (I am trying...try-to) on blogTO and this blog.
Ergh, I will actually have to pick up my phone now.
What does DOWN mean?
- One minute it works, for three hours or more, it doesn't.
- Will load email, cannot sent email.
- Have sent email to Sympatico, only to receive 'standard' letter back - ergh. customer service - wha?
- I can search google, but pages come up with errors.
- no safari, IE or FF...:(
Down...as in not working.
So, that is my reason for not being fast with email, postings (I am trying...try-to) on blogTO and this blog.
Ergh, I will actually have to pick up my phone now.
Monday, March 5, 2007
TV on the Radio - Say Say my playmate
I went to see TV on the Radio last night at the Koolhouse (Beside The Guvernment), here in the cold city of Toronto. (The last time I was here I was attending the CMA digital conference).
If you don't know this Brooklyn band, then go into www.pandora.com and plop them in. They were excellent, loud and enthusiastic. What more can you ask for?
But here is my marketing take on selling concert merchandise:
1. Have girl sizes/items
2. Be in a visible location - close to the exit but not in the way of people exiting.
3. Have decent prices for your goods. I won't pay $15 for a CD if I can get it for $10 at the local
4. Cheap memorable stuff is just as good as semi-expensive stuff
5. Have stuff personal to the city you are touring in. Makes it a collectable. (Wilco did this with Toronto posters)
If you don't know this Brooklyn band, then go into www.pandora.com and plop them in. They were excellent, loud and enthusiastic. What more can you ask for?
But here is my marketing take on selling concert merchandise:
1. Have girl sizes/items
2. Be in a visible location - close to the exit but not in the way of people exiting.
3. Have decent prices for your goods. I won't pay $15 for a CD if I can get it for $10 at the local
4. Cheap memorable stuff is just as good as semi-expensive stuff
5. Have stuff personal to the city you are touring in. Makes it a collectable. (Wilco did this with Toronto posters)
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Campaign Camp
Eli Singer invited me to Campaign Camp, which happened today and contiunes tomorrow at the Centre for Social Innovation.
I didn't know what I was getting myself into. The manifesto sounded interesting, the group even more (techies, communicators and activists). We worked through real case studies, examples and proposed ideas...it was pretty great being in a room of smart and engaging people.
I had to jet out at 4 for a blogTO radioshow/podcast - but next steps are, we will develop and execute a real project within 24 hours. Crazy.
I will keep you posted on the new project. It is sure to be fun.
I didn't know what I was getting myself into. The manifesto sounded interesting, the group even more (techies, communicators and activists). We worked through real case studies, examples and proposed ideas...it was pretty great being in a room of smart and engaging people.
I had to jet out at 4 for a blogTO radioshow/podcast - but next steps are, we will develop and execute a real project within 24 hours. Crazy.
I will keep you posted on the new project. It is sure to be fun.
Friday, March 2, 2007
As if you care.
Dear Valued Customer,
Due to the extreme weather conditions, we will be closed today.
We are terribly sorry that you trudged through the wicked snow and had to find a place to park your car since we didn't shovel the lot - only to come to our store and find the lights off and the doors closed.
We also apologize for not updating our website, which you checked before departing to find our open and closing times. We also regret not changing our voice mail, which still says that we are open for business.
Please note though that we still value you as a customer so please come back when we are really here.
Thanks.
PS. If you cannot get your car out of the lot - you will have to walk three blocks down to find the pay phone to call your towing company.
Due to the extreme weather conditions, we will be closed today.
We are terribly sorry that you trudged through the wicked snow and had to find a place to park your car since we didn't shovel the lot - only to come to our store and find the lights off and the doors closed.
We also apologize for not updating our website, which you checked before departing to find our open and closing times. We also regret not changing our voice mail, which still says that we are open for business.
Please note though that we still value you as a customer so please come back when we are really here.
Thanks.
PS. If you cannot get your car out of the lot - you will have to walk three blocks down to find the pay phone to call your towing company.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Unilever not Fair or Lovely
Yup, I have to pick on Unilever again. I don't mean too, but after reading the article today regarding the Fair & Lovely skin whitening product in India - I just had too.
Watch the commerical here.
I have written a few posts on skin whitening creams...and was actually excited about the FDA's ban on them.
What I don't get is - if it is not accepted here - why there? If beauty really is about the 'real' you, then why are we faking, manipulating or destroying it? And above all else, why the mix marketing? You say one thing with one product and something else with another...
Sounds like Unilever needs a real sitdown on what beauty is...I think someone in the Dove department should speak up!
Watch the commerical here.
I have written a few posts on skin whitening creams...and was actually excited about the FDA's ban on them.
What I don't get is - if it is not accepted here - why there? If beauty really is about the 'real' you, then why are we faking, manipulating or destroying it? And above all else, why the mix marketing? You say one thing with one product and something else with another...
Sounds like Unilever needs a real sitdown on what beauty is...I think someone in the Dove department should speak up!
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