tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54236829020091786512012-01-21T13:43:01.626-08:00Commentary, rants and musings on advertising, media, popular culture and politics with bit of sports thrown in.howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-84342878889172883582010-11-30T15:50:00.000-08:002010-11-30T15:58:31.162-08:00

I have gone to the other side.Permanently.I am never going back.I have had them all, starting with an installed brick of a Motorola phone in my Ford Explorer.I had a smaller Nokia brick, a Moto flip and during 5 years of employment at Samsung I had 'em all - including Messenger, Omnia 2 and the Jack. A career change landed me a new Blackberry Bold - loved it.The something came into my life. A

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-10742413641704341682010-09-08T18:41:00.000-07:002010-09-08T18:53:36.449-07:00

http://cibc.com/rftcwidgetThis is a company with a true heart and soul and I can tell you it galvanizes the whole organization. I am proud to work there and will be thinking about my mother who fought this good fight on October 3rd.Thanks CIBC

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-7005915838951033382010-08-30T17:30:00.000-07:002010-08-30T17:37:11.399-07:00

Due to recent job change I now find myself a GO Train commuter to downtown Toronto - this is just an amazing service. Clean, comfortable, on time and wonderful on board ambassadors - and get this - you can actually HEAR the annoucements. They have PRESTO, great easy to read video boards, electronic ticket machines and are leading the way on integration across multiple transit points. I think

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-61807451785906344382010-06-11T08:08:00.000-07:002010-06-11T08:14:53.159-07:00

The guys at Bell really understand branding and what a great day to make an annoucement - opening round of World Cup. Kudos to the guys at Bell and a great extension of their Vancouver Olympic investment. Nice to see companies take a long term view around the importance of branding

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-22723612121578930892010-06-01T10:43:00.000-07:002010-06-01T10:46:45.062-07:00

I have been passing by the Cumberland Terrace store of late and finally went in. The tailoring and workmanship on these shirts is outstanding, as is the quality of the cotton and style. I have spent a lot on high quality dress and casual shirts over the years, even had a few custom made in Korea, but these are truly outstanding shirts.http://www.novesa.com/Check them out

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-33636996205958747412010-04-06T10:58:00.000-07:002010-04-06T11:07:49.009-07:00

Duke versus Butler - it was a classic right up to the last bucket attempt and I was pretty much glued to the set from opening tip off. I have talked to freinds, colleauges and even family members - most of them caught it on CBS with yes, a little surfing over to TSN and Sportsnet to watch highlights of the Tiger press conference and hockey scores....But here is the point: Like the Olympics, huge

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-52526790760348721552010-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:002010-02-07T21:14:06.994-08:00

I had a chance to visit The Bay's main store on Granville between business meetings today and let me tell you the place was an absolute madhouse of international travellers and locals lined up to buy official Olympic gear.The Canada stuff is selling like hotcakes - I have not seen crowds like this since a boxing day run for a cheap TV s. The Bay have done well with this line and everyone is

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-27902479611968654602010-02-06T15:22:00.000-08:002010-02-06T15:31:28.665-08:00

Well say what you want about this global warming thing, but I am at the WINTER Olympics and it is close to 17 degrees in beautiful sunny and clean Vancouver. Just back from a quick meeting in West Vancouver (no snow I Cypress I could see) and watched people kayak, bike and stroll with a light jacket on. Back downtown by Canada Place the boardwalk is full of people stretching out in .... shorts!

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-30169766114290219442010-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:04:50.735-08:00

The smaller the attendance the bigger the history. There were 12 people at the Last Supper. Half a dozen at Kitty Hawk. Archimedes was on his own in the bath.— Tony Wilson.

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-89234798838831245372010-02-02T06:05:00.000-08:002010-02-02T06:09:27.993-08:00

This is beginning to read like an obituary for traditional media - especially when brands like Pepsi make strong decisions about marketing spend - good for them - this is the futurePepsi Drops Super Bowl To Focus On Facebook (via brandchannel)

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-58891752075355412332010-01-29T12:56:00.000-08:002010-01-29T12:58:22.667-08:00

BMW Group Automobile Industry Branding Changing Positioning Strategy brand brandchannel.comOk, after years and years of coveting this brand I bought one.I am in mad love ... yes, love.The badge value is off the hook and to all those nay sayers who opine that branding does not matter, me and thousands others are sold before we ever go into the store.

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-78727439820816100342010-01-22T08:31:00.000-08:002010-01-22T08:33:40.234-08:00

Game changer (and why I am proud to work here!)The rise of Samsung shows the transformative effect that global sports partnerships can have on brand awareness: Today that recipe is being replicated by other growing companies – from Acer to Adecco to AON. David Benady reports1993 and, in a hunting lodge on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Lee Kun-hee, the visionary boss of Korean electronics and

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-53874295962524702092010-01-18T17:40:00.001-08:002010-01-18T17:45:37.595-08:00

Apple to Hold Product Event on January 27 - PCWorld Business CenterI hope the new I-slate completely disrupts the industry (again).I love these guys - they up the game every time outLet's see what happens......Posted using ShareThis

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-14537568218187167842010-01-15T10:10:00.000-08:002010-01-15T10:17:33.286-08:00

This is one cool as video and kudos once again to the creative minds at TSN

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-24384493129305452242010-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:002010-01-09T11:11:20.943-08:00

Hmmm...she is probably the biggest global female movie star and St John is a B-grade fashion brand. I am not surprised by this, and if you ever read Vanity Fair (I mean the ads in VF, since the magazine is 95% advertising) she COMPLETELY overshadows the brand ... and whoever made that decision took a long time to figure that one out .... perhaps a single link test would have saved them a couple

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-346268663451293032009-09-24T19:24:00.001-07:002009-09-24T19:32:06.369-07:00

Sometimes in life you take the high road. This guy pretty much has most of his life. Good luck 99.....However, the NHL does not work in the sunbelt. I am a marketer ... this has nothing to do with attendance or TV ratings or other standard metrics. Ever try to buy a hockey stick or get your skates sharpened in Florida or Phoenix? They maybe have one place in the whole city... and you would be

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-87353048321078781032009-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:002009-09-18T20:50:54.857-07:00

A couple weeks back I was in Calgary for the Olympic orientation camp and Hockey Canada Foundation dinner. I was lucky enough to spend considerable time with Jean Labonte, Captain of the men's sledge hockey team, and Gen. Rick Hillier who was the keynote speaker at the dinner.I have a business relationship with Labonte and because of his handicap I had always felt awkward around him - as if I had

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-41683060377773791032009-07-28T14:49:00.000-07:002009-07-28T14:54:02.632-07:00

I am reminded of the great advertising line in early 90's "This is not your father's Buick" as GM tried to make the brand appeal to younger dirvers. They were right - it was not my father's Buick - his was actually well built - not some piece of shit. And I have never beleived in my heart of hearts that Tiger really enjoys taking Elin and the kids out in a LeSabre!DETROIT -- General Motors Co.

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-30119388195038801242009-06-12T12:51:00.000-07:002009-06-12T12:56:45.836-07:00

I am thinking Adidas might just kick some real ass with this smart strategy...Adidas, the world's second-largest sports goods maker, plans to keep marketing spending stable despite the global downturn, in contrast to moves at bigger rival Nike."We will continue to spend about 13 per cent of our (annual) net sales on marketing," Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer told a news conference in Germany yesterday

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-58419798950643571012009-06-11T13:33:00.000-07:002009-06-11T13:37:20.698-07:00

Not sure if this brand has staying power, yet I continue to see lot's of women doing their shopping in ..... I think this brand might be having an identity crisis - anyone agree or disagree?Lululemon shares slip as profit dropsThe Canadian PressVANCOUVER — Fashion retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc. stock fell 11 per cent in early trading Thursday after the yoga wear retailer reported a drop in

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-5040043103430625462009-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:27:08.918-07:00

As you know from my recent Facebook and blog postings, I have been a bit obsessed with the GM situation.So, in the spirit of "walking the walk, not just talking the talk", I hereby submit my list of what I think GM must do - at breakneck speed - not only to flourish, but ensure survival.1. There is only one priority - Restore consumer confidence in the GM brand. This is job one - without it, we

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-53040942958968805562009-06-02T13:18:00.000-07:002009-06-02T13:26:47.287-07:00

Latest on GM Canada's Restructuring ProgressThe Governments of Canada and Ontario have approved our comprehensive plan, enabling General Motors of Canada to complete our restructuring and launch a more competitive, stronger new GM Canada, building on our award winning vehicles.GM customers can confidently continue to purchase and service their vehicles and take full advantage of GM’s leading

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-3828013428281933082009-05-26T11:39:00.000-07:002009-05-26T11:45:15.230-07:00

THIS IS WHY THIS PRODUCT IS SO COOL AND DISRUPTIVE - THIS IS AMAZING APP AND THE PR VALUE FROM THIS IS OFF THE RICHTER SCALE!STEPHANIE CLIFFORDPublished: May 24, 2009 Some people send text with their iPhones, and some play games. The artist Jorge Colombo created this week’s cover for The New Yorker with his. Mr. Colombo drew the June 1 cover scene, of a late-night gathering around a 42nd Street

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-10944530825407996432009-05-22T12:52:00.000-07:002009-05-22T13:01:18.682-07:00

Click title link to videoI took this car out yesterday and was absolutely blown away and I am madly in love with it. I have jsut had the best overall customer experience of my life - the online interface is outstanding and booking a test drive was a breeze. The follow up from call centre was prompt and courteous, and the visit to dealership (Mississauga) was amazing - great people and exquistie

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-14818532981407670882009-05-06T16:46:00.000-07:002009-05-06T17:00:14.684-07:00

I have always been one who loved a challenge. And talk about a train ...er...car wreck, this is the ultimate marketing job in North America.Think about it - you get carte blanche (presumably) to create the new General Motors brand strategy and jettison the past. No more shitty advertising with Howie Long saying Honda does have one advantage (oh yes...lawnmowers - how very funny) or creating

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-68004371767919658362009-03-31T08:55:00.000-07:002009-03-31T08:57:59.080-07:00

Question of the Day?If you were in the market for a new car, would you buy a Chrysler or General Motors model right now?Yes 30%No 60%Not sure 10%21414 responses, not scientifically valid, results updated every minute. (This may not scientifically be valid, but based on everything I hear, it sure as hell is!)

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-81774097630790784102009-02-10T06:06:00.000-08:002009-02-10T06:08:53.609-08:00

White Sox design Obama cap Print This Story By ERIC FISHERStaff writerPublished January 26, 2009 : Page 04The Chicago White Sox are aiming to release a President Barack Obama-themed version of their cap in time for the start of spring training.The club has developed two prototype designs of its club hat with Obama marks on the side and back. The hats have been approved by MLB Properties, and the

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-11110234421539142112009-02-02T17:57:00.000-08:002009-02-02T18:02:35.741-08:00

I am fascinated watching this NCAA product on Sportsnet - a great game between Harvard Crimson and Boston College - the Beanpot Tournament. Big crowds wearing their alma matter sweaters, everyone cheering and even national TV. Pretty good for a market that is not supposed to be a hot bed of hockey. No wonder so many of our finest are now leaving the ranks of Junior A and going for the full ride

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-88596276630957038982009-01-05T11:01:00.001-08:002009-01-05T11:06:37.568-08:00

I am here in Ottawa for gold medal game and this town is going nuts - as is the whole country. We were here for semi final with Russia and that goes down as the best game I have ever seen! Hopefully tonight we are even better and bring home Gold #5. Let's go boys!!!!!!

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-25346919068129385482008-12-18T12:12:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:14:21.554-08:00

Sundin unlikely to make decision ThursdayContrary to published reports, sources close to Mats Sundin say he intends on sticking to his original plan - making a decision on where to resume his career before Christmas.It's not likely that there will be a decision today, however, and it is possible this saga could stretch through the weekend.The only thing the Sundin camp is certain of is that a

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-895674589357514552008-12-07T09:50:00.000-08:002008-12-07T09:52:15.623-08:00

Dion must go, former Liberal deputy PM says Stéphane Dion is facing calls from a senior party stalwart to immediately give up his post, the latest example of waning support for the Liberal leader within his own party.John Manley, shown in a file photo, held several cabinet positions, including Finance and Foreign Affairs. (CBC) Former Liberal deputy prime minister John Manley said the Liberal

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-80381743454816305552008-11-20T07:17:00.000-08:002008-11-20T07:22:08.512-08:00

Hooray for Rep Gary Ackerman of NY!!!!This hand in cap bullshit has to stop - these old economy companies can easily start with saving money by looking in house.Big Three auto CEOs flew private jets to ask for taxpayer money(CNN) -- Some lawmakers lashed out at the CEOs of the Big Three auto companies Wednesday for flying private jets to Washington to request taxpayer bailout money.Chrysler CEO

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-53988320281491036632008-11-11T18:06:00.000-08:002008-11-11T18:16:04.018-08:00

I am personally not sure where the hell this current mess is headed but I continue to see signs of even more decay and collapse, especially in the first quarter of 2009. It was bad enough to see some of the world's biggest banks and investment house collapse, but Jesus, now we are talking about GM and Chrysler going under. GM??? Now I have never been a big fan of their union workers, but this one

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-37422205420296810972008-11-10T14:01:00.000-08:002008-11-10T14:04:23.849-08:00

The NHL has suspended Montreal Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos three games on Monday for a hit on Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn on Saturday night.Kostopoulos knocked Van Ryn into the boards from behind in the first period of the Toronto's 6-3 win. Kostopoulos was given a major penalty for boarding and ejected from the game.'' First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-84172504679140860582008-11-03T12:59:00.000-08:002008-11-03T13:04:07.319-08:00

Every one in a while a transformational leader appears on the scene. Obama is the right man for America and the world right now. This is not a matter of policy or experience per se, but rather, the ability to inspire and create a movement - the very fundamentals of superb leadership. Obama has my support as a Canadian and a citizien of the world. I hope tomorrow the US wakes up and realizes on

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-31988879081240628532008-10-21T14:22:00.000-07:002008-10-21T14:27:14.066-07:00

I saw this unofficial poll at ctv.ca and methinks the world agrees we do not need a 65 year old first time prime minister, but some new charisma a la.... Justin Trudeau!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who should the Liberals select as leader now that Stephane Dion has announced he will step down? Michael Ignatieff 14%Gerard Kennedy 8%Bob Rae 12%Justin Trudeau 31%None of the above 35%42084 responses, not

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-56520240966535002532008-10-20T14:09:00.000-07:002008-10-20T14:11:20.950-07:00

Gotta love those Ravens!

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-81629080690603003832008-10-06T15:27:00.000-07:002008-10-06T15:31:00.804-07:00

We laid a bitch slapping on them! Carleton 15 @ Toronto 9 Date: October 05, 2008 @ 4:00 pmLocation: U of T - Back Campus1st Quarter SummaryTIMETEAMSCORING DETAIL19:45Toronto16 Mikael ChullenAssisted by: 9 Fleming17:59Carleton29 Shane DavidsonAssisted by: 15 Ford14:12Carleton5 Nathan ChatreauAssisted by: 10 Bell9:02Carleton5 Nathan ChatreauAssisted by: 29 Davidson5:15Toronto8 James ForbesAssisted

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-25463900670374715222008-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:002008-09-30T18:10:59.075-07:00

I am real proud of my wife and her friends who organized the 2nd annual Jo Ann Cooke gala in support of raising research funds to aid in the fight against ovarian cancer. "Joey" (pictured here with her amazing family) left us way to early and this terrible disease affected everyone of us. In two years we have raised around $50,000 and mobilized many others in support of this cause. This is just

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-48474401860706021062008-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:002008-09-29T13:14:23.449-07:00

This is unbelievable!!!Bailout bill fails; Dow plunges The House of Representatives today rejected a $700 billion plan to bail out the U.S. financial system. The Dow closed down more than 600 points after the voting ended. House Minority Leader John Boehner says the chamber will not vote again today, and President Bush vowed to address the situation "head on." developing storys man is a disgrace

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-53756532725044174922008-09-26T09:58:00.000-07:002008-09-26T10:00:47.066-07:00

See below - nice try attempting to duck this one McCain. You and your republican buddies have pushed America to the absolute brink of economic destruction asshole....BREAKING NEWSMcCain to attend debate John McCain will debate Barack Obama as planned tonight, his campaign announced. McCain said earlier this week he would bow out of the first presidential debate if a deal had not been reached on a

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-88535913438742041042008-09-23T18:33:00.000-07:002008-09-23T18:36:44.963-07:00

Ringo and Paul do not constitute a Beatles reunion -- this is bullshit.A New Singer for Led Zeppelin???(WTF???)The members of Led Zeppelin are searching for a replacement for singer Robert Plant.Since their historic reunion on stage last year, rumours of a world tour are circulating for Led Zeppelin.Singer Robert Plant has said that he won't tour with Led Zeppelin, and that he is already touring

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-14963954713958603852008-09-19T12:32:00.001-07:002008-09-19T12:32:52.502-07:00

It is nice to see something like this happen, too arguably a good guy and overall role model - well done Mr. Flex  CTV.ca | Farley Flex named a National Ambassador for UNICEF Canada

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-25848385837891285282008-09-18T11:40:00.000-07:002008-09-18T11:43:05.729-07:00

I will just say this about Hayley and Jarome - these are two of the coolest people on the planet and I am glad to be working with themwww.samsung.com/gettogetherforthegame

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-80228395240084949882008-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:002008-09-15T15:05:32.729-07:00

I guess this Monica person is having a busy day....For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact: Monique Wise1-646-333-9056AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC. FILED CHAPTER 11; NO OTHER U.S. SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATE, INCLUDING ITS BROKER-DEALER AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SUBSIDIARIES, WAS INCLUDED IN THE FILINGNEW NEW YORK, September 15, 2008 – Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ("LBHI") stated

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-72256686639619089712008-09-11T14:59:00.000-07:002008-09-11T15:11:50.405-07:00

Seven years ago this terrible tragedy happened and like many I always reflect on the emotions of that day. By around 10 am the carnage was public and the entire staff of the agency I worked at just stood or sat in the boardroom crying and sobbing. We were all sickened by the collapse of the tower, but baffled more by questions like who could do this?, Why?, etc. Just 5 weeks later I had to travel

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-30571410777632125072008-09-09T14:20:00.001-07:002008-09-09T14:20:36.560-07:00

The ultimate convergence of school uniforms with modern technology ....from of all places, Marks & Spencer (?). I remember them as the first store I could buy cookies and underwear in at same time. They also had great men's shirts. Someone ran them into the ground in Canada...pity  Kris Abel's Tech Life :: Cool Links - School Uniforms With iPod Controls

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-7449159530370805882008-08-29T08:35:00.000-07:002008-08-29T09:04:19.188-07:00

Lacrosse players stick it to cancerScore one more for breast cancer research. The inaugural Lax for a Cure charity lacrosse tournament on the weekend was the latest of many fundraisers organized to aid research with the hope of making breast cancer history. The lighthearted event was held Saturday at Twin Lakes Secondary School and drew about 100 people and 13 teams to the field. The event raised

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-51474687626263577842008-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:002008-08-27T14:44:48.575-07:00

A New Led Zeppelin Album....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Did you see Page play at Olympics? He has not lost a step!BE interactive Led Zeppelin may record a new album.Members from the group Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, Paul Jones and Jason Bonham, are currently working on new material in the studio, according to a report from NME.com.At the moment, singer Robert Plant is not involved in the

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-82150264851797250742008-08-27T08:55:00.000-07:002008-09-11T15:13:33.511-07:00

This is as stupid a rule as they come, bad marketing precedent and frankly racist I believe.What gives LPGA?Lorie Kane believes members of the LPGA Tour already have a universal language _ golf.But the LPGA thinks differently. It will require golfers to speak English starting in 2009, with players who have been members for two years facing suspension if they can't pass an oral evaluation of

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-66782157489112982412008-08-25T13:41:00.001-07:002008-08-25T13:42:53.123-07:00

...it will be just like listening to George Bush (Senator Ted slated to speak at Democratic Convention tonight). And the good news is he is not driving anyone home.

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-74524443122105820472008-08-21T13:38:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:38:05.131-07:00

I mean what the hell is going on here? Folks, we are a nation of beer drinking hocky and lacross players (yes, canoe "drivers" too), so what gives with all these horse riding medals? I think this is great, but I am willing to bet 99% of the nation had never heard of this poor bugger before day. I wonder how many little Canadian boys and girls will now be asking for an equestrian horse for their

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-76424842010408423872008-08-13T12:57:00.000-07:002008-08-13T13:00:04.406-07:00

Oh god, I hope so!Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe is considering altering his position on his no-movement clause."Bryan is starting to think about possibly getting his career started somewhere else," Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher told the Toronto Star."We'll leave him alone. He's going to get back to us in a couple of weeks. There's not going to be any issues. I'm really

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-11332195652751824472008-07-29T12:05:00.000-07:002008-07-29T12:09:14.457-07:00

These lyrics from one of my favourite Tom Petty songs ring truer than ever now.OK Matts, you have $20 million on the table from Vancouver and a lock to play for Tre Kronar at the Vancouver Olympics. Detroit will guarantee you a Cup, and if they don't then you can probably win it with the Habs.Or you can stay a Leaf and play with the likes of Antropov, McCabe, and a 40 year old back up goalie who

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-24737124550739452582008-07-28T14:25:00.001-07:002008-07-28T14:28:37.891-07:00

Great thinking by your agent - huge bucks next year!The Florida Panthers avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with restricted free-agent defenseman Jay Bouwmeester on Monday. The 24-year-old played in all of Florida's 82 games last year, ranking first among NHL defencemen in ice time. Full Story.(

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-9272531785255767232008-07-18T12:29:00.000-07:002008-07-18T12:36:30.590-07:00

This is just a cool little thing they did at the Walter Gretzky CNIB tournament, but I can tell you putting on that sweater feels magical....

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-61139402979175271072008-07-18T12:12:00.001-07:002008-07-18T12:25:28.795-07:00

Simplicity Intro by Bennett Klein, PartnerMark Twain once wrote:"I'd have written a shorter letter, but I ran out of time."The challenge facing us in the Information Age is too much information, too little focus.It's hard to simplify, we have to define priorities and constantly make tradeoffs. We have to edit and refine. But doing this fluently leads to a simplification of communication that is

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-54195969193605091922008-07-11T09:49:00.000-07:002008-07-11T09:52:21.554-07:00

People there is no need to line up in the pouring rain. You Trekkie types should know better. They have plenty of stock, and will have so next week and the week after. This is a cool gadget I admit, but nothing that important is worth lining up for at 6 am.

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-89385385357178097952008-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:002008-07-08T10:40:48.362-07:00

Free agent centre Brendan Morrison is off the free agent list, as the B.C. native is set to join the Anaheim Ducks. Morrison and the Ducks have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million.Morrison is still rehabbing after undergoing knee surgery on April 7 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It is Morrison's fourth surgery in the past two years. Over the past week, Morrison has turned

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-12392643492341734832008-07-07T15:14:00.000-07:002008-07-07T15:19:57.859-07:00

So the half year point has come and past and I am damn proud of myself, but I cannot believe how the urge for a smoke still comes on from time to time. Interestingly, it is not always when I have a drink in my hand (so that is a good thing!) Lately it comes in middle of day, or after lunch but so far so good. It really is not that bad, and while I have added a few pounds, I can honestly say I am

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-30104278580513269032008-07-02T11:14:00.001-07:002008-07-02T11:20:51.209-07:00

I suggest this is not the happy ending we had all hoped for? WTF Matts, $20 million to play 2 more years in Vancouver - are your crazy?Free agent forward Mats Sundin has thanked teams which have shown interest in him, but says he's not ready to make a decision on his playing future right now.The 37-year old released the following statement on Wednesday:"I would like to thank all the teams who

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-81786974094247380962008-07-02T10:32:00.000-07:002008-07-02T10:35:36.572-07:00

Mimico Mounites rallied together for another great team effort this weekend knocking off Sault Ste Marie to win the "B" pool championships in Midland, Ontario this past week. Strong goaltending and great defence played a huge role as the Mounites struggled offensively in the first two games. The Mounites are back in action in Newmarket this week - Thursday night at 9 pm

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-84115185543229751032008-06-13T04:50:00.001-07:002008-07-02T11:22:32.807-07:00

Alex Thomas scored with :22 seconds remaining to earn Mimico Mountaineers Intermediates a 5-5 tie in last night's action at Mimico Arena.Off to an early 2-0 lead, it appeared that the expectation would be another blow out, following the previous 15-1 thrashing the Mounties laid on the Redmen. However, some sloppy play, turnovers and an overall lacklustre effort lead to the Redmen going up 5-2 by

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-72860004994727858732008-03-13T08:14:00.001-07:002008-03-13T08:14:06.659-07:00

An Australian Definition of a Canadian - Written by an Australian Dentist: You probably missed it in the local news, but there was a report that someone in Pakistan had advertised in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed a Canadian - any Canadian. An Australian dentist wrote the following editorial to help define what a Canadian is, so they

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-38948966404150177822008-03-06T13:36:00.001-08:002008-03-06T13:36:49.815-08:00

a long way gone by ishmael beah I urge anyone who has any sense of justice in this world to read this fascinating book by Ishmael Beah. I devoured this over two days and could not stop thinking about what this poor young man has endured. I am going to organize some ways for us to support efforts to stop this nonsense. Standby

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423682902009178651.post-29513597706095834872007-09-19T11:46:00.000-07:002007-09-19T11:53:51.223-07:00

Welcome to my blog. I publish commentary and observations about advertising, modern culture and the political landscape. My perspective is uniquely CanadianMy career in advertising and marketing spans over 20 years and I have had worked with the brighest and the best and some of the worst.I've always believed one individual can make a huge difference in the world, and I hope this blog facilitates

howiethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16755453132902203055noreply@blogger.com1