These are a few of my favorite things...

Thought that I'd share the things I'm digging lately, some for a long time, some for a short time. It occurs to me there are some pretty awesome things happening in the world:

1. Apple is making money: This is proof to me that design matters. No question that there are faster, more gadgeterific and powerful electronica out there... but the simple fact of the matter is that Apple has a winning formula. Their stuff works. And it looks great. Thoughtful design, thoughtful interface. Glad to see 'the world' validating this.

2. American politics: A friend of mine speculated this evening as to who's head would explode first: Mitt's or Newt's. My mind reels as to the shortsightedness of the GOP that is handing a November victory to Obama (for right or wrong- no value judgements from me today). Pretty awesome show to watch from the couch with some popcorn and a dose of Peace, Order and Good Government north of the border.

3. Crowdsourcing: The company I work for (www.gienow.com) has recently engaged a wonderfully cerebral market intelligence company called Chaordix (www.chaordix.com) to help us to understand our world better. As above, two major excitements for me. First, getting to work with some smart folks and their new idea. Second, a front row seat to witnessing what I feel is a rocket that's about to take flight in a big way.

That's all for now. More muses to come...

Twitter killed the radio star

Has Twitter reduced my already tiny span-of-attention to 140 characters? Is it leaching away the tiny thoughts that might otherwise have been expanded and expounded on my humble little Blogger blog?

Granted, I've never been a huge blogger, but I find it disturbing to think that the little thoughts that I might have once waxed long about, now I wax short about. Where's the waxing long? I like waxing long.

The snowball.

"Quick, Jack's not wearing any pants!"

¡Viva la revolución púrpura!

Your vote matters, and here are some reasons why I've joined the Purple Revolution:


1. Positive Outlook: Nenshi doesn't dwell on negativity and focus on what CAN'T be done.



2. Ridiculously educated: Nenshi is obviously a professional. He has a world-class education in exactly what Calgary needs: new ideas and organizational reform.


3. Youth Support: Political involvement among my generation (and below) is extremely low. Nenshi will mobilize and engage younger Calgarians who have the most to gain from a better Calgary in the future.


4. Ric McIver: I'd rather have someone who worked to build consensus and tackle Calgary's issues rather than a professional naysayer.


5. Barb Higgins: From the outset her message of "Municipal politics is something I thought I'd try out" offended me. Calgary deserves more than a hobby mayor.


For more information on Nenshi:


- Nenshi’s Bio Video - http://www.nenshi.ca/new/about


- Nenshi’s 3 Key Platform Themes Video - http://www.nenshi.ca/new/video


- Nenshi’s Policy Platform - http://www.nenshi.ca/new/policy


- Nenshi’s Television Town Hall (aired October 16) - http://www.nenshi.ca/new/2010/498


You can find more information at http://www.nenshi.ca/.

Canada 1 USA 0

Few will ever forget the dramatic footage of Flight 1543 as it splashed down fairly gracefully in the Hudson River following a bird-strike and double engine failure.

It was discovered today that the bird responsible for the jet's demise was a migratory Canadian goose.

The moral of the story: watch your ass USA. G'head... say "Buy American" one more time.

Great Intercolonial Drunk

In a recent Macleans interview Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, expresses his concern that new Canadians are not taught properly concerning Canada's proud past. New Canadians are required to read about trash composting in New Brunswick, but are taught nothing of our contributions in the two World Wars, for example.

This is something that is not confined just to new Canadians. Historian J.L. Granatstein writes in his book Who Killed Canadian History that not only are Canadians losing a grip on their identity, but Canadian history has all but dropped completely from our kids' schools. Whatever history is taught tends to be micro in focus and social in nature. Kids learn about the Great Winnipeg Strike and the plight of Ukrainian settlers in northern Alberta, but nothing of our greatest Prime Ministers or little of our contributions to world security. All of these things are important, but in balance. Canadian kids (and adults) simply don't get a comprehensive picture.

Why is this? Growing up I had this perception of Canadian history that it was dull and uninspiring. In contrast, our southern cousins seemed to have a history full of wars, more wars and rumors of wars. Fight, fight, kill, kill. That's exciting stuff. Fight, kill, pillage. Like a Tarantino movie.

Like Canadians themselves, our history is more subtle. Don't get me wrong, we've had our share of wars, and we've whupped ass wherever we've gone. In a slightly snobbish and sneaky British way, Canadians have had their fair share of chicanery.

Our country was founded by heavy-drinking British loyalists. Parliamentary aides were said to sometimes hold their hat for John A. Macdonald so he could "clear himself" before a speech. Imagine if your boss came up to you and said, "Hey, I'm going into a meeting, give me your lunchbag..." The myth taught to first-year Canadian history students is one of a drunken John A. Macdonald puking on a speaking rostrum, and recovering by claiming that his Liberal opponent turned his stomach. Now that's politics.

These hard-working ‘two bottle a day men' ruled Canada with a blatant disregard for the commoner. In what has been derisively dubbed as ‘The Great Intercolonial Drunk'- or the Charlottetown Conference in 1864- the colony's top politicians basically got together and had a great big piss-fest. Out of this kitchen party writ large came Confederation. Wildly unpopular with most citizens, but they didn't care.

Forget violent revolution, star-spangled banners and bombs bursting in air. Some guy got drunk at a party, said to his buddies, "You know what would be awesome, man...." and a country was born. It's like a colonial Molson Canadian commercial.

I am Canadian.

Keep checking back for more tales from Canada's sordid past....

Douchebag of the Year

According to this City of Calgary news release, a 21-month old boy was left crying and freezing in the parking lot of a Calgary casino last night.

It was about -8 celcius at the time. The report states that the father was playing in the casino, and that the young boy was dressed lightly and not wearing shoes or socks.

I think that there should be an addition to the two categories of baby-making people. 1) People who should have kids and rock at it. 2) People who shouldn't have children, and 3) People like this who should be castrated and be a pincushion in prison for the REST OF THEIR F***ING LIVES!!

This makes me nauseous. This man deserves vigilante justice. Where's Mad Max when you need him.

Argh.

sdlkgj098qu23409t7ad8u987r798q929849qw39h98hg

That's my angry typing. :|