Mimic Octopus is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen

Fish T-shirts Launched in Ottawa's Eclection

I'm proud to launch my t-shirts in Ottawa's Eclection, in the Byward Market. Eclection is a store showcasing Canadian designers of jewellery and clothing.

"FishTank Tops" for Sale!

Fish shirts by Canadian artist/designer Choleena DiTullio. The cleverly-designed artwork allows the colour of the t-shirt to play a part in the design, giving the appearance of a 4th printed colour. Printed in Canada.

• Bella brand
• Ribbed knitting; very "stretchy"
• Comfortable, custom-contoured fit
• 100% cotton

For sale at The Kick-Ass Idea Company.

Marketing Monday

Quiznos has anything but "sub"-standard signage
I love it when businesses consider the little things like this OPEN sign at Quiznos. Your standard oval blue and red "open" sign (as seen in the storefront to the left) might do but Quiznos Sub wanted to make their mark on even this smallest detail of their shop. It's a little difficult to see in this night photograph but they've used their "Q" logo to be the oval shape for the sign. Spending this much attention to the outside of the shop suggests that the products within will be as lovingly prepared. It certainly was enough to lure me in. And, I can honestly say that the product held up to the unspoken promise. 2 burps-up!
Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current and find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

WhatYouOughtToKnow — Things We Say Wrong

I always want to correct people who say "I feel bad." It's BADLY!!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic! Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm"
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ottawa Riverbank rich in inukshuks and fossils

What an incredible shoreline the Ottawa River has. How ironic that it's lined with fossilized patterns and creatures of older river beds. Every year in September, artists flock to the shore to make inukshuks with this fossilized rock. From what I can tell, the artists challenge themselves to choose oddly-shaped/weighted and fine-pointed rocks. In some close-ups, you can see that they've used tiny rocks to wedge/shimmy things into place.

On this visit, many of the inukshuks have fallen victim to wind and rising water. Unfortunately, I didn't think to bring my camera on my first visit and so aren't able to show you some of the more impressive ones that were such bold balancing acts that I was afraid my simple act of observing might cause them to collapse.
Millions of years from now, will paleontologists find these odd, anachronistic configurations of fossil and wonder what happened?
• Wikipedia "Inukshuk"

Canada Council for the Arts - 5-yr Plan

Toronto, October 20, 2010 – The Canada Council for the Arts outlined today its priorities for the next five years with the release of Strengthening Connections: Strategic Plan 2011-16.

Donation of Artwork

*****Update: Nov 18, 2010: SOLD! This artwork sold and has netted $45 for the Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge.

The goals of a local wildlife refuge caught my attention and so I'm donating some "wildlife" of my own. "Dragonfly Reflecting" will be one of the 15 artworks on display and for sale at their upcoming fundraiser.
"Dragonfly Reflecting"
mirror, japanese paper, gold acrylic
10 " X 10 " (25 X 25 cm)

Where the Wild Things Are — Fundraiser for Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge
• November 6th, 6 pm
• Sandy Hill Community Centre, downtown Ottawa
• Tickets: $40
• www.ccwr.ca
• Cash bar, live band, dance, and vegetarian dinner catered by The Green Door restaurant. Silent Art Auction. Sponsorship and straight donation opportunity with tax receipt in return.

The goal? To raise desperately needed funds to complete qualifying projects to gain them government accreditation to take in orphaned wildlife. Did you know that the Ottawa area has the most collisions with deer in all of Ontario, and the closest place that takes in orphaned fawns is Napanee? CCWR is a haven for many abandoned or abused domesticated farm animals and pets already. With your help, we can give injured and orphaned wildlife the local care that they need. For more information, visit www.ccwr.ca.

Marketing Monday

Trilo"bike" stand
This Summer I visited the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Anyone who reads my blog knows that I love this museum. Even on walking to the museum you know you're in for a treat when you come across bike stands shaped like trilobites! This ancient arthropod is just one of the fossils that you'll encounter in the Paleozoic Era displays inside. I think it's brilliant to, 1. encourage bicycling to the museum, and, 2. show walkers-by a hint of what they're in for. It's a very smart way to lure visitors. Kudos!

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current and find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

Marketing Monday

'Passion' for Selling Soap
In the mall recently, my niece needed to make an emergency pit stop. As the devoted Auntie, I made the obligatory overtures to my sister who was more than busy enough with my nephew, then hurriedly carried the leg-pinched little lady to the potty.

With great relief that the timing worked out (anyone who's ever rushed a kid to the bathroom knows what that means), but a new anxiety to complete our shopping before our window of opportunity was lost (anyone who's ever shopped with a kid knows what that means) we exited the stall for a quick hand-washing at the sink. Here's what we found there...

Brilliant! Fruits & Passion had filled the soap dispenser with lovely, fruity suds that made all my worries wash away.

I was so impressed that I sought out the Fruits and Passion store in the mall, let them know how much I liked their idea and left the store with their product as a reward (for me as much as them). This is smart marketing: their product in a room that almost every shopper is going to visit and they didn't even have to pay rent for the space. Kick-ass idea.

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current and find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

Art Fundraiser for Canadian Cancer Society

*****Update: Sept 30, 2010: SOLD! This artwork sold and has netted $45 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Support The D.A.D. Project!
The D.A.D. (Drawing A Day) Project is an ongoing, online, art-based fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in Canada. Sisters Emily and Serena Chen used their creative talents to start this fundraiser when their father was diagnosed in May 2009 with metastatic stage 4 colon cancer.

The D.A.D. project won my heart so I donated a painting for their cause. If you like my fish, buy it through D.A.D. and help them raise money for continued cancer research.
Fundraising progress:
Goal: $1,000.00
Achieved: $600.00
Almost there!

• Make a donation (as much or as little as you can).
• See/buy my donated artwork
• See other artworks for sale through the Fundraiser
• More about the DAD project
• Join D.A.D. on Facebook

Here's the work that I donated:

Congratulations, Linda!

Congratulations to Linda Rae Dornan on her Strathbulter Award!

The $15,000 Strathbutler Award (The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation) is given in recognition of a New Brunswick artist who has achieved excellence in visual arts while having made a substantial contribution to the province over a significant period of time.

Sackville artist, Linda Rae Dornan will receive the Strathbutler award on October 6th at a Gala event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Strathbutler Award. Selected by a jury of independent art professionals, Ms Dornan has been chosen to receive this award in recognition of both her pioneering embrace of interdisciplinary media and her significant community contribution to the visual arts in New Brunswick.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence."
— Robert Frost

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Many secrets of art and nature are thought by the unlearned to be magical."
— Sir Francis Bacon

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
— Pablo Picasso

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

More important than learning how to recall things is finding ways to forget things that are cluttering the mind."
— Attributed to both James Waddell Alexander, II and Eric Butterworth on various web sites.

I can't ascertain who actually said this but it rings true nonetheless. We could all use to forget hate, jealousy, envy and negativity in general.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
— Mark Twain

Apple Picking in Canada

Written by Choleena DiTullio of Demand Studios for publication on eHow.com. The published article at eHow.com.

Canada is “ripe” with apple-picking opportunities! Depending on the variety of apple, weather and location, apples are ready between August and October. U-pick or Pick-Your-Own (PYO) apple orchards can be found in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Picking Tips
The color of the ripe fruit depends on the variety, so ask staff for picking tips on the varieties that they grow. It’s usually best to pick apples that are firm and free of bruising. If it's early in the season, pick from the outlying branches, since they ripen first. As the season progresses, pick from inner branches. Try not to sharply pull the apples from the tree, because this could cause other apples on the same branch to fall. Instead, lift the apple upward and give a sharp twist. Place them gently in your basket so that they don’t bruise. Although many U-picks supply ladders in the orchard, if you're taking children on your outing, consider selecting a U-pick that has dwarf trees with easily-reached branches. Bring sunscreen and hats if it’s sunny.

Storage Tips
These tips will help the apples keep fresh longer. Don’t wash the apples until you’re ready to use them. Keep them in a cool but not freezing location such as your basement or cellar. A slightly humid atmosphere will help keep them from shriveling or drying out. According to Outdoors.ca and PickYourOwn.org, apples should not be stored directly beside potatoes. Potatoes release a gas that speeds up apple spoilage.

Apple Dishes
Apples are versatile in cooking. They are a main ingredient in many types of food across many cultures. Common apple foods and beverages: cider; juice; fritters; cake; vinegar; candied; dried; wine; schnapps; butter; pie; flan; jelly; sauce; cheesecake, crisp; strudel; dumpling; and crumble. Apple is a minor ingredient in many dishes such as creamy coleslaw, pancakes, muffins and stuffing. According to Scientific American, apples quickly oxidize (react to oxygen in the air) and turn brown when bruised or cut. Prepare apples last or toss them with a small amount of lemon or pineapple juice to counteract the oxidation process.

U-pick Farms
U-picks are not restricted to apples. Many farms have opened their fields to the public so that customers have access to many kinds of fruit and vegetables. If you’re specifically looking for apples, make sure that’s what the U-pick is offering. PickYourOwn.org is run by a U-pick lover who has put together a fairly extensive listing of U-picks in Canada.

Other Activities at U-Picks
U-pick farms and orchards often offer related foods, services and activities to provide a complete package or day adventure to locals and tourists. Some features might be horse and wagon rides, mazes and themed meals. Pre-picked fruit and vegetables are often available, and a retail shop may offer foods made with produce from the farm. Some farms even maintain a winery and offer liquor sales and tastings. An example of an orchard that offers extensive products and experiences is Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, New Brunswick, Canada.

References
PickYourOwn.org: Apple Picking Tips
Outdoors.ca: Apple Picking in Canada
ScientificAmerican.com: Why do apple slices turn brown after being cut?
PickYourOwn.org: U-pick farms in Canada
AllAboutApples.com: Orchard Listing

Resources
CanadianLiving.org: Apple Recipes
Belliveau Orchard: Welcome

My kind of art — it's all recycled!

"40 terrific works of art made from common trash" compiled at noupe.com

The Difference Between a Loft and a Studio Apartment

Written by Choleena DiTullio of Demand Studios for publication on eHow.com. The published article at eHow.com.

The differences between a loft apartment and a studio apartment are size and type of living space. Loft apartments are large living spaces either situated in a loft area (the space just below the roof) of a building or the apartment contains a room that overlooks the main living space. A studio apartment is small with just one or two rooms often containing a combined living/sleeping area. It contains no raised or second-story (loft) room.

Similarities
Both have a self-contained living setup including kitchen, bathroom, living and sleeping space even though some spaces may be combined. They are open-concept with few dividing walls. As apartments, both are rented.

Origin
Loft apartments were most often converted upper-story levels of commercial buildings; a way to reclaim abandoned manufacturing and industrial buildings. Because of their popularity and generally higher rental income potential, today's architects design loft-like apartments into new buildings.

Architectural Features
Because of the origin of loft apartments, they often are large, open spaces with large windows and high ceilings. Since the ceilings are very high, a raised sleeping area (or loft) can be built into the same space, gaining extra floor space. This room overlooks the rest of the living area and can often be reached by steep stairs or a ladder.

Loft Apartment versus Loft (or Loft Area)
As opposed to a loft apartment, a loft area is a space created above a living space that has very high ceilings. It is reached by a staircase or ladder, and is used for sleeping or storage purposes. It does not have to be in the top floor of a building or have the architectural features such as large windows of a traditional loft apartment. Any living space—apartment, house or condo—can have a loft in it.

Etymology
Loft: Middle English, from Old English, air, sky, from Old Norse lopt; akin to Old High German luft air. Date: 13th century. An upper room or floor; a gallery in a church or hall; one of the upper floors of a warehouse or business building especially when not partitioned.

References
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Loft
Vertex Realty: Building and Apartment Definitions
Metro Apartments: FAQ

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Feel good. Feel terrific. And chase that feeling for the rest of your life. You can recapture it every time you do the right thing."
— Peter Mansbridge, Host of CBC's The National and 8th Chancellor of Mount Allison University

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are."
— Milton Berle

Pac-Man is 30 years old

That means that *I'm* getting old, too.

Globe & Mail's Google doodle celebrates Pac-Man anniversary

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts."
— William Shakespeare

Difference Between Pelagic & Demersal Fishing

Written by Choleena DiTullio of Demand Studios for publication on eHow.com. The published article at eHow.com.

Pelagic fishing is the collection of fish or seafood at or near the surface of the ocean. Demersal fishing is the collection of fish or seafood on or near the seabed in open ocean. While the biggest difference is the location within the ocean, the fishing practices and seafood types vary as well.

Oceanological Zones
The pelagic zone of the ocean measures from the surface to 36,000 feet (11,000 meters) in depth. The demersal zone is simply on or near the seabed of the ocean. The depth differs depending on the depth of the ocean.

Catches
Some of the most common pelagic fish catches are mackerel, herring, sprats. Some of the most common demersal fish catches are cod, haddock, whiting and flatfish. Shellfish species include, shrimp, scallop, lobster and crab.

Demersal Trawling
Bottom trawling is the practice of dragging a large funnel-shaped net across the seabed. Weights in the net ensure contact with the sea bottom. As the net is all-encompassing, it captures all aquatic life, not just food species. A single trawler may rake more than 6.25 square miles (10 square kilometers) of seabed daily.

Pelagic Trawling
Large-scale commercial and industrial pelagic trawling, such as purse seining, captures schooling fish. The dense concentration of fish is surrounded by a deep curtain of netting supported by floats at the surface. The curtain is then pursed or gathered together at the bottom to fully enclose the school. The seins measure 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) in length.

Effects
Large-scale demersal fishing, such as bottom trawling, has been responsible for the destruction of some seabeds. The habitat is overturned and sediment billows, causing water quality to significantly decrease for species that rely on that habitat for living or as a food source.

Large-scale pelagic trawling has been implicated in the overfishing and significant depletion of some stocks, such as codfish. For example, in 1992 the Canadian government declared a moratorium on cod fishing as a result of overfishing. Reduced stock not only means fewer fish for human consumption but also fewer fish to feed the food chain, thereby possibly affecting other stock.

References
Encyclopedia Brittanica: Pelagic Zone
ProFortis International Limited: Sea Bed Fishing (Demersal)
Fisheries Research Services: Description of Commercial Gears
Canadian Geographic: Atlantic Cod

Artist Success Story

I'm pleased to announce that my good friend and talented artist, Dar Teahen, has earned the attention of the McCain Art Gallery. Please join her for the solo exhibit of "Rejuvenation".

Opening reception:
The Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery
8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
7 pm, Thursday, May 27th

Exhibition run:
May 27 to June 25th

Darlene Teahen’s large-scale oil paintings celebrate the minute details of growth and life. In Rejuvenation, tiny organic subjects like seeds are painted as grand, natural wonders.

Google buys Toronto touch-screen company

Google buys Toronto touch-screen company - thestar.com

Anand Agarawala does an amusing demo of BumpTop at the 2007 TED Talks in under 5 minutes.

Marketing Monday

Necessity the Mother of Invention
The late inventor of the ATM, John Shepherd-Barron, was locked out of his bank one day and couldn't withdraw money from his account. It struck him that there ought to be a way to get money from your account at any time and decided that a chocolate bar vending machine was the perfect model for a money dispenser. The first Automatic Teller Machine was installed in a small bank branch in a little north London suburb on June 27, 1967. 40 years later, they're found in almost every convenience store or restaurant the world over.

Associated Press via The Toronto Star

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current or find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Brand is about experiences, not a list of facts and figures. Trigger emotion and we guarantee the facts and figures will be found."
— Image Design

Example of a Chief Marketing Officer Job Description

Written by Choleena DiTullio of Demand Studios for publication on eHow.com. The published article at eHow.com.

The chief marketing officer has responsibility for all areas of marketing, including sales, customer experience, public policy, media relations, promotion, web and electronic services and the corporate programs of a company or foundation.

Overview
The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is the senior executive of a company’s marketing department. He leads the teams that recommend and execute the company’s marketing activities to achieve the financial and strategic objectives of the marketing plan. She manages marketing budgets, sets up business processes and tracks return on investment; reporting on all marketing activities to the suite of chief officers. The CMO is both a thought leader and a tactical implementer.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Business Operations; the Chief Marketing Officer leads marketing operations, sales operations, product management, partnership marketing, customer service and customer retention. As part of the marketing operations, he takes care of the company's media and industry relations, advertising, interactive programs, communications as well as market and customer research. Advertising responsibilities include overseeing trade show exhibiting, printed promotions and electronic promotions such as web sites and social media. He must ensure that the company's branding comes across in all media.

Experience
The CMO should have 10 or more years of senior leadership experience in marketing and sales management with a thorough knowledge of marketing principles, product or service management, sales and business development, along with a demonstrated track record of success and performance. This senior leadership position requires the ability to understand changing market dynamics, translating them into actionable strategy and implementing the strategy to achieve pre-set objectives as determined by the marketing plan. She should have experience in managing budgets effectively across multiple departments, financial reporting, setting up effective metrics and business processes. Knowledge and experience in the company's industry may be required or preferred.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The chief marketing officer drives day-to-day execution and improvement of the company's marketing plan; oversees market research and analysis of the competition; oversees the management and research teams on product development; oversees and directs customer service and customer service monitoring processes to ensure client retention and to ensure that customer feedback informs the development process of the product (or service); and researches and creates product ideas and areas for business growth. This position also manages the development of a web site that serves customer, staff and partner needs; handles public relations and corporate communications designed to deliver a brand-consistent message; develops new and enhances existing business relationships and heightens awareness of the company; and provides leadership in the design and production of all aspects of visual marketing needs.

Intangible Personal Qualities
The chief marketing officer is expected to build and maintain a high performance culture through standardized or personalized, effective performance management methods; is an excellent project manager; has impeccable communication and presentation skills; can balance product/service strategy and execution of a marketing plan to deliver both well and has a solid understanding of the value of industry experts and how to work with them to the company's benefit. A CMO is an excellent change agent, using a style of management that mentors/coaches staff to inspire their best performance. She also builds a personal rapport with all stakeholders, including the team of chief officers, personnel and suppliers; has superior strategic planning and organizational skills with a hands-on execution style; and is able to align and integrate the department's goals with the other chief officers' goals so that partnership drives growth.

References
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership: Job Descriptions, Marketing
Metropolitan Regional Information Systems: Chief Marketing Officer
jobfox: Go Grid CMO

Resources
Bloomsberg Businessweek: The Short Life of a CMO
CMO Council
Forbes.com: CMO Turnover Dilemma

The meaning of 42

Consider the significance of the number 42:

4+2 = 6
Your 6th decade is usually when you retire. You can finally sleep, shower and eat at any hour, pick up a hobby, or walk around naked 24-7 because you don't have to leave your house if you don't want to. And, if you do leave your house naked, people take your age into consideration and easily forgive the error.

4x2 = 8
In your 8th decade you realize that walking around naked isn't a good idea but you can't remember why.

But what IS 42?
Well, it's nowhere near your 6th or 8th decade so celebrate! Happy Birthday, you! You've still got lots of time to find the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. So, go have a glass of wine, relax and watch The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe.

Don't panic. Just know where your towel is. Share and enjoy your day.

(sorry, couldn't help myself)

;-))

Incredible Quote From the Kids

The other day, the kids were upstairs getting ready for KungFu class when I hear my niece's voice yell down "Mommy, where is my super suit?!" I was nearly on the floor laughing. I replied, "whyyy do you need to know?" We went through that whole scene of The Incredibles. Love it!

Super(man) song!

"Who Said (I can't be Superman)" by Hannah Montana.
While Hannah Montana is more for the younger generation, I think this song is super, man! It's empowering for any generation.

Free Admission at the National Gallery of Canada

To honour International Museum Day, the NGC is offering free admission this Sunday, May 16
National Gallery of Canada
International Museum Day

To find out more about how museums in your area are participating, go to the Virtual Museum of Canada.

What is a full-service advertising agency?

Written by Choleena DiTullio of Demand Studios for publication on Answerbag.com. The published article at Answerbag.com.

A full-service advertising agency is a business specializing in the complete promotion of its clients. The agency can produce all types of advertising products and services from printed signs to television advertisements.

Brand Development
Brand development includes everything from deciding on the design of a logo to developing a family look for all promotions.

Research and Conceptual Development
Research includes a period of discovery where the agency learns about the client, its goals, its products and its audience. The agency will write a comprehensive marketing plan from the information gathered. Conceptual development includes brainstorming advertisement ideas and testing those ideas in a focus group.

Audio/Visual Components
A/V components include radio and TV. ads as well as soundscapes, multimedia and video components used within websites and trade show booths.

Printed Materials
Printed materials include a wide variety of items: billboards, brochures, business cards, trade show booths and all types of printed signage.

Electronic Marketing
Electronic marketing includes websites, mailing lists, social media (blogs, Facebook Groups, Twitter streams) and other electronic-based promotional methods.

Public Relations and Communications
Their services can also extend to Public Relations and Communications, supplying speech writing and a direction for all modes of public communication of a company.

More Information:
Saatchi & Saatchi
BBDO Worldwide
Ogilvy & Mather

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Everyday should be devoted to business development, not just doing business."
— Michael E. Gerber, author of The E-Myth

International Award-Winner!

Modern-day Alchemy — turning Green to Gold!

I'm pleased to announce that some environmentally-friendly signage I produced has won two international awards. I succeeded in coming up with the biggest (and cheapest!) promotional sign that the Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Centre has ever had. Using natural elements only, I advertised the web address of the area with seaweed that had washed up on shore. The bird, eel and shell let the audience know that the area is known for its nature. The “sign” was 96 feet long and could be seen by the famous Confederation Bridge to PEI (taking advantage of their traffic) and Google satellites. The URL lets the world know where to go for information on this striking locale.

The two awards received:
Silver
Summit International Awards
Category: Integrated/Mixed Media Advertising Campaigns
Guerrilla Marketing Campaign
Client: Cape Jourimain Nature Centre
Project: 96-foot long URL on beach

Gold
Summit International Awards
Category: Advertising; Outdoor
Client: Cape Jourimain Nature Centre
Project: 96-foot long URL on beach

It's the Silver award that I'm most proud of. It's an award that the SIA just launched. The category is "Guerrilla Marketing Campaign" and the kind of work that falls into it includes some of the least expensive approaches to advertising. I figure I had a lot of competition!

The Summit International Awards has established itself as one of the premier arbiters of creative excellence in the world of marketing. The international panel of judges includes high-ranking professionals from Ogilvy B2, Saatchi&Saatchi, and Stellar Debris. They receive thousands of submissions annually from over 24 countries.

• Summit International Awards
• Cape Jourimain Nature Centre (CJNC)
• Tantramar Interactive Inc.
• My CJNC Eco-Arts Visiting Artist profile page

Thanks to all of you —clients, friends, and family— for your continued support. It paid off!

—Choleena

Recycled computers, televisions still ending up in dumps - thestar.com

Recycled computers, televisions still ending up in dumps - thestar.com

Marketing Monday

Some Indian call centres resorting to trickery - thestar.com

'This is Warren on the line from Calgary' — India, that is. Some Indian call centres lie about where they're calling from to reduce inhibitions. "Accent neutralization" classes also taught.

Clever or deceptive? It treads a fine line that I'm not comfortable with. But it seems to be driving sales so I don't imagine it will stop any time soon.
Some Indian call centres resorting to trickery - thestar.com

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current or find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

Canadian Geographic Photo Contest Winners

Wow, there is some stunning work here. All by Canadian photographers! Check out this year's Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photo Contest Winners.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

For a life that is sound and secure, cultivate a thorough insight into things and discover their essence, matter and cause; put your whole heart into doing what is just, and speaking what is true; and for the rest, know the joy of life by piling good deed on good deed until no rift or cranny appears between them."
— Marcus Aurelius

Marketing Monday

New Doritos "Collisions" chips a direct hit
Love the packaging, love the idea and love the two kinds of chips they've put together. Perfect for parties where you know some people like it hot and some not. What a smart, new way to sell two old flavours.

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current or find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

K’Naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” song has everyone aflutter

What an uplifting song with a unique voice. It’s no wonder that it’s the official 2010 World Cup Anthem and that it received “We Are The World” treatment for Haiti relief. Coca Cola even did a Spanish Celebration Mix of it! Kudos to this Somalian-Canadian. It's a wonderful song and he's receiving the recognition (and hopefully the money) that he deserves.

The Toronto Star article
Wikipedia article



The lyrics are deceptively simple. He humbly describes where and how he grew up in a hostile environment. His aspirations were simple: survive; get stronger. "When I get older, I will be stronger just like a wavin' flag." If you capitalize "Wavin' Flag" at the end of that sentence, it becomes the song's title. Then it reads like he IS the song. His aspirations have become true. He not only survived, he's become a world-wide force through the popularity of his song. The lyrics are poetry.

When i get older, they'll call me freedom
Just like a Waving Flag.

[Chorus]
When I get older, I will be stronger,
They'll call me freedom, just like a Wavin' Flag,
And then it goes back, and then it goes back,
And then it goes back

Born to a throne, stronger than Rome
But violent prone, poor people zone,
But it's my home, all I have known,
Where I got grown, streets we would roam.
But out of the darkness, I came the farthest,
Among the hardest survival.
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak,
Except no defeat, surrender retreat,

So we struggling, fighting to eat and
We wondering when we'll be free,
So we patiently wait, for that fateful day,
It's not far away, so for now we say

[Chorus]

So many wars, settling scores,
Bringing us promises, leaving us poor,
I heard them say, love is the way,
Love is the answer, that's what they say,
But look how they treat us, make us believers,
We fight their battles, then they deceive us,
Try to control us, they couldn't hold us,
Cause we just move forward like Buffalo Soldiers.

But we struggling, fighting to eat,
And we wondering, when we'll be free
So we patiently wait, for that faithful day,
It's not far away, but for now we say,

[Chorus] x2

(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And everybody will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And you and I will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And we all will be singing it
(Ohhh Ohh Ohh Ohh)

[Chorus] x2

When I get older, when I get older
I will be stronger, just like a Wavin' Flag,
Just like a Wavin' Flag, just like a Wavin' flag
Flag, flag, just like a Wavin' Flag

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Essence of a business – selling something for a profit!"
— Neville Gilfoy, Publisher of Progress Magazine

Michael Ignatieff pushes Eat Canadian plan - thestar.com

Michael Ignatieff pushes Eat Canadian plan - thestar.com

Boobquake shakes hearts and minds but not Earth (at least no more than usual)

Women strut their stuff for Boobquake - thestar.com

Tips for Entrepreneurs

A friend of mine who is considering starting her own freelance business asked me for my thoughts on being an entrepreneur. It made me realize that I have 16+ years of experience being an entrepreneur and if my advice was important to her, it might be of interest to you. Here are my thoughts on the topic.

The self-employed business owner is responsible for every aspect of the business from sweeping the floor to serving the customer to managing the finances. All the while, they must ensure that staff are performing well and that new business is coming in to keep everyone (including you) in a job. That's a lot to be responsible for so it's no surprise that business owners are often heavily stressed individuals. Here is some advice on how to circumvent some of the most common problems:

Business Development
Cheap solution? Network. Join clubs and groups. Follow clients/potential clients on Twitter. Attend seminars and events. Make yourself do one thing that challenges you at that event. For example, introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Being a wallflower won't help your cause. Be courageous and make your presence known. Then find ways for others to promote you inexpensively. Go after industry awards and write press releases for newspapers to pick up. Put that news on your web site (get a free blog if you can't afford a web site). Make a business card which briefly lists your services and how the customer can benefit. Let your network know that you're expanding and looking for new accounts. Describe the type of clients you're looking for (e.g. manufacturing, film industry). Consider offering a small finder's fee. Read the newspaper to see who is expanding/looking for partners like you. Check procurement sites that your industry/province might manage such as NBON, MERX or OPBA. Believe it or not, job sites such as Workopolis, LocalWork.ca, CharityVillage.com, Beyond.com, Oodle.com and Monster often list contract work so check out those sites as well. Many of them will also allow you to freely post a profile of yourself and your services.

Another inexpensive way to develop new business is to do it from within your existing client list. Treat your current customers very well. Be in touch with them often, listen to their challenges and do whatever it takes to meet/exceed their goals. Then research new technologies or start foreseeing what things they are going to need next. Brainstorm with them. Prove to them that you're dedicated and they're likely to show the same dedication in return.

Time Management
Too many tasks and not enough time to do it all? Manage your time by reducing distractions, prioritizing and using an electronic organizer. Plan your day better by knowing right from the outset what you need to accomplish that day. Make a list (keep it reasonable), allot time slots and then plow through the tasks. Give yourself treats to work toward if you have to. Identify the things that are distractions to you (for example, the phone, IM, email and electronic news). Then schedule those distractions just like you'd schedule any other task -- and only every few hours at the most.

If you have a staff, create a Production Schedule for them. Then choose the most responsible one to keep it updated!

Staffing
Having difficulty hiring/training people or don't want to spend money on an advertisement? Ask around for referrals for qualified people. The network that you developed above should be able to help. Post a news item on your site that says you're expanding and invite people with the right skill set to send in their resume. Put an ad on free websites such as Kijiji. Check out employee training programs that the government might be offering.

Cash Flow
Prepare (or have your Accountant prepare) a one-year cash flow forecast to manage money coming in and going out. Update the spreadsheet weekly. This will allow you to see potential cash flow shortages in time to correct them. Reduce expenditures. Send out reminders to clients to pay overdue accounts (show interest/fees) or have an agency/accountant recover Accounts Receivables for you. Have friends, family or a financial institution in place for a loan before you need the money.

Balancing Work and Life
This is a biggie. Most people start a business to have better control over their workday but they end up falling into the same trap that their old employer fell into. You don't know how to stop thinking about the business when you're at home and your life goals become work-related. Your business should be your servant, not your master. Identify 5 things that regularly consume your day or that you don't like/aren't good at doing. Then delegate (to suppliers or staff) what they're better at doing anyway! Revisit your life goals and start scheduling them into every day. Add them to your electronic organizer if you have to!

Let me know if you have any questions or advice to add to this.

Now, get out there and start enjoying work AND life again!

Nova Scotia filmmaker wants to get the ball rolling with documentary - thestar.com

Nova Scotia filmmaker wants to get the ball rolling with documentary - thestar.com

Ocean census reveals tiny clues to climate mystery - thestar.com

Gorrie: Ocean census reveals tiny clues to climate mystery - thestar.com

BizLaunch.ca -- Training for Entrepreneurs

Many free articles and webinars at BizLaunch.ca

Thousands join cleavage protest of Iranian cleric - thestar.com

Woman starts Facebook group (45,000 signed up already!) to schedule "boobquake" — a tops-off event to see if they can instigate an earthquake. Thousands join cleavage protest of Iranian cleric - thestar.com

Earth Day -- be green with 3 simple steps today

Make today all about being Green and make a huge difference to the planet:

1. Safely dispose of your old electronics/batteries (check your city's web site to see where to drop them off). Go one step further and offer to take a neighbour's stuff at the same time!
2. Plant something (either a house plant or a yard plant). Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out clean oxygen!
3. Go see Disney's "Oceans". It will be a beautiful visual experience for you and your family PLUS if you go the first week it opens, Disney will make a donation in your honour to save coral reefs.

Now get to it! It's easy.

Earth Day celebrates 40 years of education and advocacy - thestar.com

In 1990, on the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, founder Gaylord Nelson said: “I don’t want to have to come limping back here twenty years from now on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day .... and have the embarrassing responsibility of telling your sons and daughters that you didn’t do your duty — that you didn’t become the conservation generation that we hoped for.” (www.nelsonearthday.n Earth Day celebrates 40 years of education and advocacy - thestar.com

Seeking Film Producers

I've developed a treatment and written 50 pages of a film script. Anyone interested? Let me know. If I were to pigeon-hole it, it could be called a romantic comedy in the style of "Home for the Holidays".

Mr. Gerson, if you're out there, feel free to get in touch. I found your contribution on the film-writing panel at the 2006 Frye Festival (Moncton, NB, Canada) to be so helpful. You encouraged us to get in touch with you to assess our ideas when we were ready. My contact information for you at Focus Features is out of date. I hope you'll consider getting in touch with me.

Thanks so much,

Choleena

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Failure has to be an option in art because it's a leap of faith. You have to be willing to take risk. Failure is an option but fear is not."
— James Cameron, Writer and FIlm-maker

Cute Little Cartoon About the Nature of Confidence

I love how this little bug asserts himself to the point of pushing the rooster into the corner of the comic box. The bug and rooster have undergone a role-reversal. Even their font (and therefore, voice) has been swapped. The bug, usually prey to a rooster, admits his mortality with the squished "ouch" but never lets the rooster get the better of him. The rooster, commonly a symbol for blustery pride allows the bug to demote him.

In India, modern life threatens old ways of healing - thestar.com

Anil Gupta, head of India's National Innovation Foundation, has been collecting stories from centenarians about traditional medicines. The goal is to commercialize the remedies that work. In India, modern life threatens old ways of healing - thestar.com

Marketing Monday

Hellmann's Gets "Real" about Hen Health

Hellmann's recently announced that their 1/2 the Fat mayonnaise uses 100% free-run eggs. The nutrient content in free-run eggs is the same as non-free-run but the health of the hen is greatly improved. I used to raise chickens and I know how grim their living conditions can be. While Hellmann's hasn't taken the grand leap of using free-range eggs, this step is a move in the right direction and I want to be part of making a hen's life a little more comfortable.

What are Free-Run Eggs? According to Hellmann's... "Free-run eggs are produced by hens that move about the floor of the barn, have access to nesting boxes and, quite often, perches. The nutrient content of these eggs is the same as classic eggs."

Comparatively, free-range hens are usually able to wander around an open space, often outdoors. Hens with no "free" status at all are just that — boxed in a wire cage that barely fits them. They don't move. They just produce eggs. It's a horrible life so please consider buying free-run and free-range eggs to create the demand to encourage producers to change the living conditions of their cash-chicken.

If your interests are hen-healthy, perhaps you're interested in a healthier environment, too. Hellmann's has also created the Hellmann's Real Food Movement web site where they offer tips on finding foods that are grown locally to reduce transportation and make your food Greener, recipes and grants for programs that educate families, schools and communities about 'real' food.

I concluck that Hellmann's is doing a very positive thing for consumers, hens and the environment.

Links of interest:
Hellmann's Real Food Movement
Hellmann's gardening tips

Marketing Monday is a column devoted to innovation in the world of commerce. It celebrates companies, products, packaging and campaigns that swim against the current or find creative ways to stand out. Got a suggestion for the column? Send me a comment.

Music that's in the Public Domain

Online database of music that's in the Public Domain: Public Domain Information Project

AWESOME Happy Happy Accident

I will be a regular visitor, I'm sure! 1000AwesomeThings.com

I'm so excited that this web site was brought to my attention via the Toronto Star yesterday.

National Gallery "Canadian" Fundraiser

The National Gallery of Canada's Volunteers' Circle needed to raise funds to launch their outreach program to introduce immigrants who have recently become Canadian citizens to Canadian art. They asked me to write and design a poster that invited their donors to the fundraiser.

At the top of the poster, FUNDRAISER clearly indicates the purpose of the poster.

The headline "It doesn’t get more Canadian than the Group of Seven (or Maple Syrup)" let's people know which food and art are exclusively Canadian; it promises a feast for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes.

Body Copy: Join us at our Maple Sugar Shack Party to raise funds to give New Canadians the introduction they deserve to Canadian Art. Let us treat you to an exclusive talk on how the sap from 1000 trees gets transformed into just 400 litres of maple syrup and the first taste-testing of the season with a golden piece of maple syrup pie. Funds raised will launch our program to help New Canadians become acquainted with some of our sweetest national treasures.

The audience for this poster is the Gallery's group of regular donors. They are art enthusiasts and know that the Group of Seven is a staple of the Canadian art world. This is their chance to proudly introduce immigrants to beautiful Canadian art. Now that's something to be patriotic about!

Design
As red is our national colour, red elements on the poster visually tie together those things that are Canadian. We managed to get usage rights to a famous Group of Seven artwork that features Maple Trees. I superimposed a photograph of a sap bucket to the painted tree. We are literally and figuratively tapping the Group of Seven maple tree and the Donors for the funds needed to bring the outreach program to life.

We produced the poster in both French and English, the official languages of Canada.

Writing Apps for the iPhone

Youtube resources:

2D game development tutorial video using OpenGL by "71squared", who is just learning.

PixelCUBE Studios's Channel (maker of The Impossible Test app)

Branding the Environment

"If environmentalists don't change mainstream hearts and minds, they won't make a lick of difference." TheCoast.ca

EI Benefits for the Self-Employed

Finally a self-employed person can get Employment Insurance!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Generally speaking, the difference between genius and insanity is success. Think about the "crazy" inventor who works around the clock on some "crazy" idea. Perception of both the inventor and idea change completely if the idea succeeds. When you commit yourself to something, especially a life purpose, you must realize that there are sacrifices you must make. We all have 24 hours in a day and each minute we spend on our goals, is one less minute we have to spend on other areas of our lives."
— Bo Bennett, Author of Year to Success

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own. Don't put limitations on yourself. Others will do that for you."
— James Cameron, Writer and FIlm-maker