Happy Happy Accident — Choleena DiTullio

"In the name of democracy, let us all unite!" Charlie Chaplin

2011-11-12T21:26:00.004-04:00

"I'm sorry but I don't want to be an Emperor - that's not my business - I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible, Jew, gentile, black man, white. We all want to help one another, human beings are like that.
We all want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone and the earth is rich and can provide for everyone.
The way of life can be free and beautiful.
But we have lost the way.
Greed has poisoned men's souls -
has barricaded the world with hate;
has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed.
We have developed speed but we have shut ourselves in:
machinery that gives abundance has left us in want.
Our knowledge has made us cynical,
our cleverness hard and unkind.
We think too much and feel too little:
More than machinery we need humanity;
More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness.
Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.
The airplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men, cries out for universal brotherhood for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me I say "Do not despair".
The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress: the hate of men will pass and dictators die and the power they took from the people , will return to the people and so long as men die [now] liberty will never perish. . .
Soldiers - don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you and enslave you - who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel, who drill you, diet you, treat you as cattle, as cannon fodder.
Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men, machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts. You are not machines. You are not cattle. You are men. You have the love of humanity in your hearts. You don't hate - only the unloved hate. Only the unloved and the unnatural. Soldiers - don't fight for slavery, fight for liberty.
In the seventeenth chapter of Saint Luke it is written
"the kingdom of God is within man "
- not one man, nor a group of men - but in all men - in you, the people.
You the people have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness. You the people have the power to make life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy let's use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give you the future and old age and security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power, but they lie. They do not fulfil their promise, they never will. Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfil that promise. Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness.
Soldiers - in the name of democracy, let us all unite!"

Promotional Video

2011-10-14T17:59:00.003-03:00

BazART Application: Artisan & Visual Artist

2011-09-22T20:10:00.000-03:00

Artisan 5 Images

(Visual Artist 5 images are below)

Click on any image to enlargen.

01
Fish T-shirts (adult or kid sizes)
100% cotton; printed in Canada. 4 different sizes in 4 different colours.

02
“Fish Tank” Tops (girls/women)
100% cotton; printed in Canada. 3 different sizes in 2 different colours.

03
Fish Greeting Cards
12 different designs; printed on recycled card stock; colour envelopes

04
Mirrors (various themes)
Recycled mirror and frame; hand-made paper; gold acrylic paint
10" x 10"

05
"Fish Plant(er)"
Free-hanging sculpture. Acrylic on wood with terra cotta pots, brass hook and real plants.
36” x 13”

Visual Artist 5 Images

Click on any image to enlargen.

01
Fly Fishing
Giclée on Arches
19.5” x 19.5”

02
Bluehead
Acrylic on stretched canvas
26” x 10”

03
Marquis de mer II
Watercolour and glow-in-the-dark acrylic with recycled found objects.
19.5” x 17”

04
Adirondack Fish
Acrylic on stretched canvas; complete recycling of a disassembled Adirondack chair.
144” x 54”

05
Fish Stick
Acrylic on stretched canvas with recycled jewelry.
8” x 8”

MORE Hand-rolled Paper (recycled) Bead Earrings

2011-09-11T15:01:00.006-03:00

Original article with 27 other designs.

This set:
Hooked on recycling, Choleena made rolled magazine-paper beads, and used reclaimed beads from old jewelry, as well as reclaimed wire in these particular earrings. If you look closely, you'll see that the bead cap near the bottom has been flattened and trimmed into the shape of a flying insect. As these are all one-of-a-kind, you will be the only person in the world with these unique earrings.

$16

Fellow W.E.S.T. artist, Paul Wing

2011-09-09T09:53:00.001-03:00

Fellow W.E.S.T. artist, Paul Wing, with his "ethereal" and "retro Psychedelic" photography:

Hand-rolled Paper (recycled) Bead Earrings

2011-09-04T19:23:00.011-03:00

My Hand-rolled Paper Bead Earrings were inspired by my love of recycling. I rolled paper into beads (often recycling pages from magazines), and used reclaimed elements from vintage jewelry and other sources to make this small edition of earrings. With no pair alike, you will be the only person in the world with your unique earrings.

Prices range from just $14 to $39 depending on cost of materials and complexity.

SOLD!

SOLD!

My art, t-shirts, greeting cards and more at these fine storefronts:

2011-08-21T11:19:00.006-03:00

Tidewater Books
13 Bridge Street
Sackville, New Brunswick

Fog Forest Gallery
14 Bridge Street
Sackville, New Brunswick

Eclection
55 Byward Market Sq.
Byward Market
Ottawa, Ontario

Riverguild Fine Crafts
51 Gore St. East
Perth, Ontario

Ottawa School of Art Boutique
35 George Street
Byward Market
Ottawa, Ontario

And, online at TheKick-AssIdeaCompany.com

July 28 - August 23 at OSA's offsite gallery

2011-07-08T21:12:00.004-03:00

"Art Everywhere"
July 28 - August 23
Ottawa School of Art offsite gallery
330 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario

Artist Statement: In this selection of work, I wanted to focus on art as a daily part of one’s life. Whether you’re in your hallway, your living room, or your garden, you’ll be surrounded by colour and creativity. The title of this show also gives kudos to the Ottawa School of Art on their successful ongoing mission to put art in every nook and cranny of the city. At 330 Coventry Road, the local manager of the Canadian Tire partnered up with the OSA to promote local artists in the exit vestibule of the building. Partnerships like this are to be commended and thus the title of this show nods to their vision.

This year's artist roster (me included!) for W.E.S.T. announced

2011-07-02T17:37:00.003-03:00

2011 West End Studio Tour artists announced:

Feel free to subscribe to WEST's YouTube Channel.

"Fish and Other Such Madness" show now on!

2011-06-22T16:18:00.006-03:00

NEWS FLASH: This show recently extended to August 31, 2011!

"Fish and Other Such Madness" features the artworks of Choleena DiTullio and Wenna Doig. June 19 - August 31, Galerie 240, downtown Ottawa.

Marketing Monday

2011-06-20T06:36:00.000-03:00

This week's column celebrates Apple, an incredibly innovative company from advertising to technology to industrial design.
The Evolution of Apple Advertising by LinkedIn.

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.

Old Jewelry Needed for Art Project

2011-05-29T10:21:00.002-03:00

Old Jewelry Needed for Art Project: Will pay for or take donations of old jewelry (even clip-on earrings!) for a recycling-based art project. Anyone need to clean out their old jewelry box? Bring it on!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-05-23T10:52:00.003-03:00

We don’t need to judge; we don’t need to blame or feel guilt. We just need to accept our truth and intend a new beginning. If we can see ourselves the way we are, that is the first step toward self-acceptance – toward stopping the self-rejection. Once we are able to accept ourselves just the way we are, everything can start changing from that point forward.”
— Don Miguel Ruiz, The Mastery of Love

P.S. This works for EVERY area in life.

Fish T-shirts donated to Amherst Rotary Auction

2011-05-15T20:47:00.003-03:00

The Amherst Rotary Auction/Fundraiser is now online!

"How to get out of a rut"

2011-05-08T15:50:00.003-03:00

"Stop it and just DO"

2011-05-08T15:46:00.004-03:00

I love this guy's message and animation style. Inspiring.

Films and comics by Lev.

Recycle Runway — fashions designed from trash

2011-04-26T15:23:00.010-03:00

Recycle Runway — couture fashions designed from trash. Public Artist, Nancy Judd, educates on conservation and environment by designing clothing from recycled garbage. This is one cool lady.

Above, "Tireless Couture" is made from inner tube tires.

See a public exhibit near you.

June 5th Opening

2011-04-26T14:26:00.002-03:00

June 5th, 2-6 PM. Offishial opening of "Fish and Other Such Madness" at Galerie 240, Ottawa, ON. Acrylic and mixed media paintings. Join me!

Fish By Choleena at Arts festival, Ottawa

2011-04-24T01:48:00.003-03:00

The annual Orléans Festival is a cultural event borne out of the community's desire to promote local creativity. This year, 45 artists will be celebrated at visual arts and pottery demonstrations as well as in displays throughout the centre and spilling out onto the street. A truly all-encompassing Arts experience, the festival boasts outdoor stages and events that feature a Jazz Lounge, Culinary Arts and Performing Arts. Choleena is proud to have had her work selected for this juried show.

Friday, June 3rd: 12-8 pm
Saturday, June 4th: 10 am-8 pm

Orléans Festival
Shenkman Arts Centre 
245 boul Centrum Blvd 
Orléans, ON K1E 0A1 

http://orleansfestival.ca/visualArts.php

Valley Fishing Show a promotional success

2011-04-13T12:18:00.018-03:00

I'm finally back at my desk after a successful weekend at the Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show. The Exhibitor list, fully booked for many weeks, had a last-minute cancellation. I had no idea that I was next in line for a booth. With only a week to get cards printed/packaged, make a prototype of "FishPlant" for orders, and assemble a booth, there was not a moment to lose. I was still painting and building minutes before the doors opened...
Thanks to my team, the fish-loving public got to feast on a healthy serving of fresh fish, Choleena-style. I featured my T-shirts, greeting cards, "FishPlants" (hand-painted wooden hanging planter which comes with 4 terra-cotta pots and a special swivel hook that looks like a fishing hook) and many original artworks. All fish-themed, of course!

Thanks, L&M, for the loan of the coat rack on wheels. Brilliant idea! I think that I successfully turned it into a gallery wall.

The booth at a glance:

Close-up of tank tops (affectionately called "Fish Tank Tops"), "Fish Stick" painting, greeting cards, framed watercolours and designer mirrors:

Close-up on the cut-out "Sunny Fish" greeting card:

Close-up of "Fish Plant", a hand-painted wooden hanging planter which comes with 4 terra-cotta pots and a special swivel hook that looks like a fishing hook:

Booth 57 at Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show!

2011-04-06T09:16:00.005-03:00

Join me at the Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show this weekend. Carp Fairgrounds and Arena. Booth 57. I'll have T-shirts, greeting cards, FishPlants and many original artworks, all fish-themed!

I hope to see you there!

Marketing Monday

2011-04-04T06:25:00.003-03:00

Double Entendre

Stripped-down advertising, no graphics (or clothing) required. Love it! Proof that good writing is important in an advertisement so appreciate your Writers!

"double entendre" at Wikipedia

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.

Latest greeting card design now available

2011-03-31T14:41:00.008-03:00

My latest card design is on sale now! The design wraps around the back of the card. At right is what it looks like unfolded.

Blank interior makes it all-purpose.

Available online at KickAssIdea.com

Coming soon to stores:
Tidewater Books, Sackville, NB
Eclection, Byward Market, Ottawa, ON

SmartHistory.org

2011-03-11T18:52:00.005-04:00

I LOVE THIS WEB SITE!!! SmartHistory.org is a Webby-award winning, free and open educational resource for the study of art history. I stumbled across it through KickStarter.com, the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. SmartHistory.org signed up with them to raise $10,000 to create 100 videos of conversations about art. Take a look at the incredible, already-existing content of their site; it's not surprising that they exceeded their fundraising goal. I look forward to checking in with them regularly to see the rollout of the new 100 videos.

My fish greeting cards and fish t-shirts now on sale at Tidewater Books

2011-03-08T16:30:00.003-04:00

Tidewater Books is one of the few independent bookstores left. They have an eclectic selection of greeting cards, books, and now fish t-shirts! Check them out in the heart of downtown Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. 4 Bridge Street.

ROM "travel" ad

2011-03-01T15:33:00.004-04:00

To lure the local public to permanent exhibits at the ROM, I proposed a mimic of the common travel ads found in newspapers. I developed the concept, wrote, and designed the ad.

The STEPS Initiative

2011-02-24T15:08:00.004-04:00

DiTullio appointed Senior Research Assistant, STEPS (Sustainable Thinking & Expression on Public Space Initiative), Toronto, ON.

Since 2009, the Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space (STEPS) Initiative has been promoting sustainable and community-centred public spaces. STEPS promotes knowledge exchange and collaboration between individuals and collectives who use art to re-define public space, especially in urban environments (Public Space ARTivism).

DiTullio's role spans writing and design for the upcoming STEPS publication on the practices of Artivism (activism through art) in Canada.

A bizarre and interesting picture of a grasshopper

2011-02-24T09:26:00.002-04:00

I took this photo on my Mom's farm in southern Ontario. I just happened across the dried hull of a grasshopper that had been separated in two on this stalk of grass.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-02-23T06:56:00.000-04:00

If we knew what we were doing it would not be research."
— A. Einstein

Latest addition to the OSA Gallery/Boutique

2011-02-22T12:58:00.001-04:00

FishStick IV
Pearl-themed jewelry bits with acrylic on stretched canvas.

Marketing Monday

2011-02-21T23:36:00.002-04:00

Scratch 'N' Sniff
Brilliant use of old-school marketing in a technological age. 'Nough said.

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.

Brie, Mushroom and Ham (Crustless) Quiche

2011-02-17T21:59:00.012-04:00

I used to make 2 quiches a day when I ran a small restaurant. Of all the things I cooked, this was one that I never felt like eating. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE quiche. I just hate crust. With a craving for quiche recently, but no stomach for starch, I decided to wing it with absolutely no crust. It worked!

Quiche is a GREAT way to use up leftovers. You can put almost anything in it. As long as you have the base ingredients, the cheese, and about 2 cups of other flavour ingredients, you're good to go. Needing to work efficiently in the restaurant, I broke quiche-making into these steps:

Base for any quiche
• 3 eggs*
• 3/4 c milk

Cheese
Here’s where the dish can get interesting. Most any cheese will work. Even brie (a favourite of mine).
• 1 c shredded or chopped cheese (I used a mixture of cheddar and brie leftovers)

“Flavour Ingredients”
Get out your leftovers! Choose items with flavours that will compliment each other and add up to about 2 cups. Get creative! (Let me know what you come up with!)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• A slice or two of baked ham, diced
• 1 cup of mushrooms, roughly-chopped
• 1 large handful of spinach, roughly-chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, beat the milk and eggs together. Mix in all the other ingredients. Butter, margarine or oil a pie baking dish. Pour the ingredients into it. Place in centre of oven, bake for 45 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven, let sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Can be served hot or at room temperature. Excellent with salad or soup.

About Flavour Ingredients
I call the spices, herbs, vegetables and meat the “flavour ingredients”. This is usually where the quiche either gets its name or its unique flavour.

Rule of thumb: “flavour ingredients” should add up to about 2 cups to fit into your quiche dish.

After you’ve made a few, you’ll start instinctively knowing which ingredients and spices will work nicely together. Trust yourself; it’s difficult to go wrong with this dish.

Spices/herbs: I never use salt in quiche. Between the cheese and the meat, I find it ends up salty enough. Be careful about which herbs and spices you mix. Not all of them go well together. For example, I don’t think I’d put dill with anything else except curry. It is so unique that I wouldn’t want to mix it with something that wouldn’t let it express its own flavour. Curry is strong but, surprisingly, it doesn’t overpower dill. On the other hand, pepper is one of those spices that goes with everything! Great herbs and spices to put to quiche: pepper, dill, oregano, thyme, basil, or curry.

Vegetable ingredients: Quiche is a super way to top-up on vegetables without feeling like it’s a vegetarian dish that you’re making. Vegetables that are great in quiche: corn, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, onion, garlic, and shallots.

Meat ingredients: Meats are very flavourful so you don’t need much in a quiche. For example, 6 slices of chopped bacon will do. Meats that are great in quiche: bacon, ham, turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage.

*Remember to use free-run or free-range eggs! They taste fantastic and the hen gets to live a much nicer life. My Papa used to say “Vote with your dollar everyday!” I vote for farmers that treat their cash-cow ethically.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-02-16T05:52:00.001-04:00

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
— Marcel Proust

OSA Gallery Boutique "Winter 2011" Show

2011-02-15T13:57:00.004-04:00

Ottawa School of Art recently held their competition for entering the "Winter 2011 Juried Exhibition". Three pieces of mine were accepted. The OSA is located adjacent to the Byward Market in downtown Ottawa, Ontario.

Woman-who-can-change-the-world, Entrepreneur, Philosopher, and Friend wins $75,000 on Dragon's Den!

2011-02-10T13:31:00.004-04:00

Yay, Barb! You go, girl!!

WFN's Jamie Pistilli loves my fish art!

2011-02-09T00:12:00.008-04:00

World Fishing Network's Jamie Pistilli, host of "Big City Fishing", has selected my art for his December 2010 column "Jamie’s Xmas List and Holiday gift ideas for the angler in your family". I made #6 on his list:

6. Need some fish related art work for your home? Why not ask for handmade custom fish art made out of recycled materials from Choleena DiTullio. The Muskoka chair turned into wall art is my personal favorite! Check out Choleena’s work at www.choleena.com

The complete article at WorldFishingNetwork.com: Jamie’s Xmas List and Holiday gift ideas for the angler in your family

My Newest Art

2011-02-01T17:55:00.027-04:00

Click on any image to enlargen.

01
Fish Plant
Free-hanging sculpture. Acrylic on wood with terra cotta pots, brass hook and real plants.
36” x 13”

02
Sardine
Watercolour on Arches with recycled tin can and can’s key.
19.5” x 17”

03
Bluehead
Acrylic on stretched canvas
26” x 10”

04
Marquis de mer II
Watercolour and glow-in-the-dark acrylic with recycled found objects.
19.5” x 17”

05
Adirondack Fish
Acrylic on stretched canvas; complete recycling of a disassembled Adirondack chair.
144” x 54”

06
Fish Stick
Acrylic on stretched canvas with recycled jewelry.
8” x 8”

07
Fish T-shirts (adult)
100% cotton; printed in Canada. 4 different sizes in 4 different colours.

08
Fish T-shirts (kid)
100% cotton; printed in Canada. 4 different sizes in 4 different colours.

09
“Fish Tank” Tops (girls/women)
100% cotton; printed in Canada. 3 different sizes in 2 different colours.

10
Fish Greeting Cards
12 different designs; printed on recycled card stock; colour envelopes

11
Dragonfly Reflecting (mirror)
Recycled mirror and frame; hand-made paper; gold acrylic paint
10" x 10"

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-01-26T22:12:00.000-04:00

Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you."
— Rashi

All Things Fish

2011-01-10T15:07:00.000-04:00

I love this blog! What an interesting woman. Val Kells is a Marine Science Illustrator, Author, Fisherman, and Naturalist. See All Things Fish blog. Enjoy!

Showing at The Linda Street Gallery

2011-01-10T14:53:00.011-04:00

The Linda Street Gallery presents the artworks of Choleena DiTullio.

January 1st to 29th, 2011
The Linda Street Gallery
411 Dovercourt Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K2A 0S9

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

2010-12-23T18:38:00.003-04:00

Fish T-shirts Launched in Ottawa's Eclection

2010-12-14T20:32:00.004-04:00

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!

2010-12-04T14:38:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-14T15:44:00.007-04:00

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

2010-11-05T16:55:00.003-03:00

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

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2010-10-27T06:19:00.000-03:00

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

2010-10-23T12:23:00.032-03:00

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

2010-10-21T07:34:00.003-03:00

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

2010-10-13T23:16:00.012-03:00

*****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

2010-10-12T18:08:00.005-03:00

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

2010-10-03T09:45:00.008-03:00

'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

2010-09-24T20:55:00.030-03:00

*****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!

2010-09-16T10:42:00.001-03:00

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

2010-09-08T06:57:00.000-03:00

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

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2010-08-18T06:26:00.000-03:00

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

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2010-08-11T06:59:00.001-03:00

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

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2010-07-28T04:14:00.002-03:00

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

2010-07-22T10:55:00.003-03:00

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

2010-07-15T16:00:00.005-03:00

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!

2010-07-13T19:04:00.004-03:00

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

The Difference Between a Loft and a Studio Apartment

2010-07-10T11:56:00.006-03:00

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

2010-07-09T13:49:00.004-03:00

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

2010-06-02T06:40:00.000-03:00

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

2010-06-01T09:23:00.004-03:00

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

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

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2010-05-26T06:16:00.000-03:00

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

2010-05-25T16:45:00.004-03:00

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

2010-05-25T15:34:00.006-03:00

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

2010-05-25T12:51:00.003-03:00

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

2010-05-24T06:46:00.002-03:00

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

2010-05-19T06:15:00.000-03:00

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

2010-05-18T18:52:00.014-03:00

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

2010-05-18T06:06:00.003-03:00

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

2010-05-16T10:24:00.005-03:00

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!

2010-05-12T15:22:00.004-03:00

"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

2010-05-12T13:21:00.003-03:00

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?

2010-05-12T10:20:00.010-03:00

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

2010-05-12T06:14:00.001-03:00

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

International Award-Winner!

2010-05-11T11:39:00.020-03:00

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

2010-05-10T13:25:00.001-03:00

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

Marketing Monday

2010-05-10T13:12:00.005-03:00

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

2010-05-10T10:34:00.006-03:00

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

2010-05-05T06:13:00.000-03:00

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

2010-05-03T11:39:00.004-03:00

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

2010-04-28T09:44:00.004-03:00

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

2010-04-28T06:32:00.002-03:00

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

Michael Ignatieff pushes Eat Canadian plan - thestar.com

2010-04-27T10:10:00.000-03:00

Michael Ignatieff pushes Eat Canadian plan - thestar.com

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

2010-04-27T10:08:00.001-03:00

Women strut their stuff for Boobquake - thestar.com

Tips for Entrepreneurs

2010-04-26T13:21:00.018-03:00

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

2010-04-26T12:42:00.000-03:00

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

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

2010-04-26T12:39:00.000-03:00

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

BizLaunch.ca -- Training for Entrepreneurs

2010-04-24T15:54:00.003-03:00

Many free articles and webinars at BizLaunch.ca

Thousands join cleavage protest of Iranian cleric - thestar.com

2010-04-23T12:37:00.001-03:00

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

2010-04-23T12:26:00.005-03:00

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

2010-04-23T11:41:00.000-03:00

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

2010-04-22T14:40:00.000-03:00

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

2010-04-21T06:00:00.000-03:00

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

2010-04-19T16:48:00.005-03:00

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

2010-04-19T12:35:00.002-03:00

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

2010-04-19T11:04:00.006-03:00

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

2010-04-16T16:57:00.003-03:00

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