Evan's Thoughts

Knitting for a good cause

2009-07-27T09:58:00.005-04:00

Time to revitalize my blog.

I haven't been faithful to this blog, and I haven't really given it much thought. Until recently....

I keep my twitter for business updates, I am on Facebook (too much) and I have a blog for work as well. There have been a couple of things which have come to mind which don't fit well in the fora above.

I tried to find online mention of this worthwhile project, but found nothing worth linking to.

I wish I knit - but figure I can do the next best thing and pass on this project to the people I know. If I am lucky QoD will re-publish - or hopefully knit 1 or more hats.

Channah Koppel, a former Montrealer now living in Israel, started a grassroots knitting project called Chicks with Sticks. They hand-knit hats for IDF soldiers serving in cold areas such as the Golan.
The project has proved to be successful, but at the same time, they are trying to get a wider range of coverage as well as support. What they are asking for, are for people to participate by knitting hats of their own for the troops. Below you will find their pattern of choice as well as contact information.

Pattern A: Knit on Two Straight Needles:
Loosely cast on 98 stitches and work back and forth in K2P2 rib as follows:
Round 1 (right side): K1, [K2, P2] until one stitch remains, K1.
Round 2 (wrong side): P1, [K2, P2] until one stitch remains, P1. Repeat these 2 rounds until work measures 9.5 inches / 24 cm, ending with a wrong side row. Shape crown:
Row 1: On right side, K1, [K2, P2tog], K1. 74 stitches remain.
Row 2: P1, [K1, P2], P1
Row 3: On right side, K1, [K2tog, P1], K1. 50 stitches remain.
Row 4: P1, [K1, P1], P1
Row 5: K1 {2tog), K1. 26 stitches remain.
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: K1, [K2tog], K1. 14 stitches remain.
Row 8: Purl
Row 9: K1, [K2tog], K1. 8 stitches remain
Break yarn, leaving a 20-inch / 51 cm length. With a tapestry needle, thread the yarn
through the remaining 8 stitches (pull tight) and then sew up the back seam using mattress stitch (to see an example click on "mattress stitch", scroll down to "Finishing" and then select "mattress stitch" for a short video demonstration.)

When you hat’s done mail it to:
Channah Koppel
POB 3081
Efrat 90435
Israel

Should you have ANY questions at all please do not hesitate to contact,
Rosanne Bernard at rebelknitter@gmail.com
Or
Channah at channahk@gmail.com

HAVE FUN!

2006-12-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

. . . Tofino

Just wanted to share a tidbit as I scrambled through all our tapes to find something to record Jamie's show on tomorrow

Lunch with Air Canada's Marc Rosenberg

2006-04-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was convinced (thanks Lindsay)to attend the JCC lunch with Marc Rosenberg.

Marc attributed the recent success (2005 net profit $258 million) of post re-structuring Air Canada's to a number of key initiatives:

Unified technology based
Fare simplicity
Branded fares
Passes
Unbundling

All of this combined has lead to more passengers choosing Air Canada over the competition. These passengers are becoming the brand. Aeroplan could not succeed to the same level because choosing the alternatives was easier. People cared more about getting to where they were going than with whom.

Now, Air Canada succeeded in getting customers to care more about which carrier they use ALL THE TIME rather than which carrier they use each time. Basically, it is now simpler to use Air Canada all the time. They have dramatically reduced the reasons to comparative shop.

Unfortunately Marc had to run to catch a flight (his departure was on time) and I couldn't ask the questions I had noted down:

With the multi-trip passes - how much additional revenue is anticipated for unused coupons?
With pre-paid travel, how does Air Canada protect themselves against unexpected large fuel cost increases?
Will Richard Branson bring Virgin airlines to Canada? How will Air Canada respond?
What is the plan for an Avian flu epidemic?

2006-02-20T23:10:00.000-05:00

I had to drop a line - I had a good laugh at the irony of reading Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz article in the Canadian Jewish News - as I was riding my stationary bike. We need to find time to do the simpler things... for example, I had a superb time yesterday playing ball with my 4 1/2 year old and 10 month old son. It was so nice to do something the together - the three of us. I can't believe that I have only really gone outside to play in the snow 3 or 4 times this winter. AND (my son will tell you) we haven't even built ONE snowman. The simple truth is the "time we take" in the present reflect the opportunities we will not regret having lost in the future. More organized, less involved, less committed, more committed? I haven't found the answer - burning the candle at both ends for at least 20 years, and I still don't feel like I have accomplished what I would like to have. BUT I am happy. Stressed, but happy. Satisfied, but hungry. Therein lies my drive. There will always be more. More to do, more to get more to accomplish. Enough said, have to get back to work ;)

Excercise

2006-01-04T01:33:00.000-05:00

Well 2006 is upon us.

I know now what my single greatest enabler will be.

It will help me at Texas Hold Em
It will help me in improving my family life (it isn't bad, in fact it is good, but there is always room for improvement)
It will DEFINITELY help me in business
It will help me in sales
It will help me develop relationships
It will help me achieve my ambitions.

IT is discipline....I suppose I should use IT to NOT play Texas Hold Em

Two days into 2006 I have rediscovered the pleasure of excercise. My brother was kind enough to *loan* me his exercise bike.

Two workouts later and I feel the endorphins. SOOOO most importantly I should use discipline to keep up the exercise routine!

Have a great 2006!

Evan

New Blog of mine

2005-10-14T03:05:00.000-04:00

Hi faithful reader. (just kidding)

I have launche a new blog in conjunction with my company, MedExtra's website .

Of course I will continue to post here. My healthcare related writings will now be posted to www.medextra.com/blog.

Thanks for your attention to what I have to say!

The Pervasiveness of the Apple Ipod Nano

2005-09-27T10:07:00.000-04:00

I guess the next best thing to owning own is blogging about it.

The ipod nano has tremendous appeal. Or at least to the bloggers I read the most.

Twist Image has blogged about it, so has the anonymous lawyer.

This is clearly Seth Godin's ideal application of blogging to drive viral marketing.

If this blog reaches you, and you think a little bit more about buying a nano - then I suppose I am part of the machine too.

2005-08-05T12:30:00.000-04:00

Expanding client base through networking

Is a challenge people face in every aspect of business development. People selling intagible benefits like financial security and insurance against life's pitfalls have it particularly hard. Read here how Lara Hertel of Investment Executive offers some suggestions. How do you increase your network size?

2005-06-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

Why is Canada Post Corporation losing money on postage? Go electronic for stamps - Heck Microsoft Office already has this integrated for the USPS. Give a discount for community mailboxes set the cost of this discounted rate as the REAL cost and charge home delivery the non-discounted rate. People will want to have community mailboxes. Even some people may opt for home delivery (increased revenue). Stop printing stamps (which cost money). Stop selling stamps (which cost money since the outlets take a cut). YOU CANNOT PROFIT ON SELLING 50 cent items. Epostage has the added advantage that the envelope can be address encoded (save more money on processing).

oops, I forgot, crown corp. supposed to lose money. never mind.

2005-06-14T11:29:00.000-04:00

The Networking bug

I have been thinking a lot about networking recently. I am not sure what I am going to do about it. You will see. In the meantime check out Andrea Nirenberg's networking tips

I made the world a better place today, did you?

2005-04-14T00:37:00.000-04:00

When you woke up today, what did you want to accomplish? Did you succeed?

Yet again, this is a thought inspired by Mitch. In Live Generously , Mitch writes about the notion of creating value for others day in and day out. That is powerful.

Some people do this ALWAYS. Some people do this NEVER. Some people do this by accident. I want to be someone who does this ON PURPOSE.

I commit to doing something wholly SELFLESS daily. Can you imagine if the entire population did this? Half? One tenth? Just YOU and ME? What an impact we will have.

As simple as opening the door for someone, as complex as donating a kidney. You decide.

April 17th to 23rd is Volunteer Action Week. If you aren't prepared to do something everyday, do something, once. Help someone.

Need to find a place to volunteer? Try The Montreal Volunteer Bureau or call your local CLSC:

"The CLSC René-Cassin boasts 165 volunteers who contribute nearly 5,000 hours a year by volunteering for challenging and rewarding work in a dynamic atmosphere. The CLSC has jobs to fit everyone’s needs. For an appointment, please call Ricki
Goldstein, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at (514) 488-3673, local 351 or Marie-Berthe Lefrancois, Assistant Coordinator, local 354. Give back to your community. You will be glad you did." (If you speak to Ricki, tell her I sent you).

By the way, when I woke up this morning, I decided to write this. Help me change the world. Commit one act of Living Generously today.

Interchamber Event - June 2, 2005

2005-04-04T15:26:00.000-04:00

I am involved in organizing this spring's interchamber event for the cultural chambers of commerce of Montreal.

The notion of raprochement and learning about other communities fascinates me. If you are in town, and available, I look forward to seeing you there!

Chronic Pain

2005-04-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

I have been talking more and more with people who have problems that there appears, after investigation, that there are no solutions for.

This is most acute in the area of chronic pain. An enlightening article was written in Elle magazine.

The article sheds light on just how challenging it is for someone with this type of problem to lead as normal a life as possible.

Congratulations to those who overcome the huge obstacles in front of them each day to be as productive as they can be.

Thanks to kiki for the article.

What is wrong with my blog?

2005-04-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

See all the empty white space at the top of my blog? Know what I did to get it there and how I can remove it? Please tell me.

Thanks
Evan

They're back!

2005-04-01T15:06:00.000-05:00

The mysteriously cancelled at the last minute Power Within is coming back to Montreal on July 8th.

I had previously blogged about this. I was at a Power Within day long event in Toronto and it was incredible. If you have any interest in growing personally, this is a great way to kick yourself in the butt!

Prophylactic?

2005-04-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

'Plan B' has been approved in Canada as an Over the Counter medication. Which means that it is as now as easy to buy this as it is say, vitamins, or condoms. It will be interesting to watch as public outcry ensues. Canadians, will undoubtedly cite "choice" and "life" as rallying cries.

"ECP is not an abortion pill. It blocks the possibility for pregnancy by preventing ovulation, by interfering with the joining of egg and sperm, or by altering the lining of the uterus to prevent an egg from implanting."

Scenarios 1&2 are clearly prophylactic. Preventing a fertilized ovum from implanting, is not so cut and dry. It is prophylactic of pregnancy. It is not prophylactic of conception.

Can't wait to hear all the shouting.

7 Habbits 'Mitch-inar'

2005-03-07T10:52:00.000-05:00

Both times that I read the book I have enjoyed 7 Habbits of Effective People .

Now Mitch is doing a 'Mitch-inar' on the topic with Tomas Bruun facilitating April 26th 2005.

I would love to participate;
1) Past 'Mitch-inars' have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
2) Tomas is a great guy and I am sure it will be a phenomenal presentation.

However, I am on the "VERY MAYBE" list as we are expecting our second child on the 21st. In the unlikely event we are VERY late, then I will attend.

Treo 650

2005-03-03T07:14:00.000-05:00

What I want for xmas
Treo 650 The only thing missing it seem is wifi!

Update:
TransitionAl was right to point out some WIFI add ons that (one expects) would enable WIFI on the 650. However, thus far there are no drivers that work for any of these add ons that work with the 650 - the closest is a user hack that may/may not work - as the disclaimer states. And has the added benefit of disabling bluetooth.

I can't believe it is so hard to create MY smartphone dream
1) Cell phone (GSM)
2) PDA
3) Palm OS (preferable)
4) Wifi

Why doesn't this exist yet? Oh yeah, the cell carriers don't want people to use VoIP on their WIFI enabled phones instead of chargeable minutes. ARRGH!

Brandemics

2005-02-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

An old friend of mine William Abecassis was written up in the Montreal Gazette today. (If you aren't a subscriber look here).

I say "old' because I remember in the late 80s when he was building PCs in his basement - from components. I was impressed then, and am now.

William's company LogisticScience has come out with an intelligent predictive agent for brand awareness success called Brandemics. The metrics that this creates will make it easier to spend branding dollars with confidence of success.

Mitch has been talking about Google Ads importance.

I'm reading Malcom Gladwell's Blink . "Thin-slicing" is a concept that Gladwell introduces about the perceptions we make outside of our conscious mind that lead to instinctive or gut reactions that more often than not turn out to be right. (Jack Welch wrote about this in another great book - Straight from the gut.

Seth Godin and word of mouth marketing also come into play...somehow.

I have an impression that there is an overall connection. Maybe it is a thin-slice itself?

The point is:

1. Brandemics can emulate the evolution of a brands awareness,
2. We are subject to influence that we are unaware of in thin-slicing,
3. Marketers are aware of 1&2 then they can predict what the most responsive/brand building hot-buttons are for their product
4. Marketers can create widespread exposure to the hot-buttons through bzz and viral marketing

5. GO BRANDING!

(and
6. Caveat Emptor!)

2005-02-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Seth Godin picked up on Mitch Joel's blog comment on this article in the Montreal Gazette.
First, well deserved kudos to Mitch. I know that his passion for all things, business, community, leadership, etc, is tremendous and genuine. It is nice to read about.
Second, Seth's blog is titled "Seth Godin's riffs on marketing, respect, and the ways ideas spread". More kudos to Mitch - he is ALL that. I wonder if Seth saw how deep this runs in Mitch. Read the article.
Marketing - Mitch sees his community involvement as a business driver.
Respect - Mitch embodies respect. He listens, pays attention and nurtures.
The way ideas spread - 2 things - 1) Mitch establishes the givers get paradigm - the newspaper picks it up and the idea spreads. 2)Ssubtle humour here on Seth's part, as he is enabling the idea spreading.

YAY MITCH!

2005-01-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

New York Times is running a piece on The Free Iraqi blog. I found Ali's blog while using blogger's "next blog" feature. I found the article in Seth Godin's blog.
I will comment a little more later, but what fascinates me:
1) Seth seems in dire need of a tinfoil hat, I don't believe that Ali is a CIA operative
2) I just noticed Seth's addendum - so I am a little less miffed, but what about bringing together some social networking - trust rings for blogs, I know someone who really exists and this is there blog....
3) ...

January is Alzheimer's month

2005-01-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

Here is a resource to help become more aware. Found this bit of info from Health Canada.

Addendum
Question forum on Women's Health Matters

Blackened Tilapia - Yum ( I cooked it)

2005-01-02T21:43:00.000-05:00

With my wife sick in bed all last week, I had the occasion to cook some dinners. Ok, mostly left overs and restaurant food. Of the meal I actually prepared, I found this recipe for blackened fish. Wow! Real simple. Real tasty. I can't wait to taste it on chicken too!.

PM (preventative maintenance) for lower back pain

2005-01-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Just last week I was telling my masseuse that I was going to get into Pilates to strengthen my core since my back was bothering me so much. Apparently that won't help. This article suggests that instead of working the core, it is simply back strength that is the key. What is the trick to back strength? The "Volvo" technique. Basically lie with the top half of your body hangin off of something (like a table) - don't forget to have someone hold down your legs. The excercise? keep your torso horizontal for as long as you can.

There is an alternative, lie on your back and hold your upper body at 30 degrees.

OUCH!

ATOM vs. RSS - the Syndication dilemma

2004-12-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

My blog is powered by Blogger. Blogger syndicates as an ATOM feed. My syndication reader is Opera reads only RSS. A quick google search gives me this great tool to create an RSS feed from an ATOM feed. I haven't found the downside yet, but it sure makes my life simple!
Thank you Antonio Cavedoni.

Found it

2004-12-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

A while back I was looking, admittedly not too hard, for an individual's perspective from Iraq. I happened upon this blog. I will follow it eagerly.

Some odd thoughts that occur:

Of late I am a more discerning consumer of media. I am more aware of bias and uneven reporting

Is Ali, the blogger, a legitimate source of opinion, or propaganda?

Aren't we all people, can't we just live as one ?

How long will this one take me?

2004-12-28T14:18:00.000-05:00

Mitch pointed out a great mindset to adopt. It comes from a Jeffrey Gitomer article.
How long will it take me to internalize "While failure itself is real, the fear of it is a condition of the mind"?

Top 20 things to learn by the end of high school

2004-12-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

In his blog Seth Godin listed 20 things that a third grader should learn by the end of high school. I had to read the list three times before I believed that networking was not on the list. I will give benefit of doubt and chalk it up to oversight.

Coincidentally, I was talking with my wife today on a similar topic. We are starting to look at elementary schools to send our 3 year old son to in September 2006. How do you start? After racing to an open house this afternoon, we decided that we would list the key factors we felt were important and rank them, then evaluate the different options on these factors. Easy enough... what are the factors? I have come up with a few (in no particular order)

- Cultivating imagination
- Functional billingualism (important here in Quebec)
- Strong academic development
- Jewish education

What other factors are relevant? Stay tuned, I will update you on the ranking.

-E

An Important Appeal - Fighting Cancer Inch by Inch

2004-12-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law, Freddie, is doing something AWESOME. For quite some time now, she has been growing her hair out so that she can donate 10 inches to make a wig for someone fighting cancer.

If you know me, you know this is something that I am incapable of. If you don't, well let's say that my son was born with more hair on his head than I have.

Please read the touching letter that Freddie has written. Freddie is dedicating her effort to her friend Ricki. I was acquainted with Ricki through my brother and sister-in-law. My stomach sinks every time I think of what Ricki and her family went through.

Because you can, please consider giving. Hair, money or time.

To donate hair the Canadian Cancer Society has some options.

To donate money online - indicate "In honour of Inch by Inch" or use the form included with Freddie's letter.

If you are unable do either of the above please take the time to forward this request. You can find a copy of this message to forward on my blog.

Thank you.

Evan

2004-12-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Just too funny not to spread around
Happy Chanukah!

Rant on lost email

2004-11-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

I have become aware with alarmingly increasing frequency a particularly annoying type of communications break down. Today, we count on email. We believe that an email sent is received. In todays fast paced world, we expect that an issue has been moved "of our plate" and onto someone else once we hit send. Apparently, we suffer from a false sense of confidence. I have been communicating closely with a supplier for a project we are working on. Sometimes he receives the files I send to him. Sometimes he doesn't. I haven't received bounce messages. The reason I know that my assumption that what I sent has been received is false is when I call to follow up on why I haven't heard his response... the answer is that he hasn't received mine.
I wonder if I have been blacklisted (or more precisely my ISP). How do I figure this out? Well, first I checked to confirm there was a problem. I learned today of two other incidents of email not arriving today - Most annoying, was when I went to call into the conference call that I had confirmed on the 4th of November - by email, only to learn that my confirmation had never been received ARRG!

What takes the cake is that I sent two emails to myself within 2 minutes, AND ONLY RECEIVING ONE BACK.

Googling the problem proved basically fruitless (What should I search for - lost email) the closest I came up with is this article about the authors own frustrations with failed email.
How do I learn what is broken?
How do I get it fixed?

The Power Within - coming to Montreal February 18th 2005

2004-11-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

I attended a seminar put on by the same promoters last year in Toronto. What a great event. The line-up for the Montreal session looks very powerful. If it is anything like the event in Toronto, my head will be reeling with all the practical learning offered. If you are interested, let me know, we can go together (and maybe get the group discount).

Introspection - Ok enough about you, what about me?

2004-10-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

Life conspires.

As seems to be the case, a number of events have lead me to pause and reflect.

1) A close (new) friend explores his personal values and objectives.
2) Another close (again) friend reveals he is also on a similar pursuit.
3) A man (a role model and true leader) dies and I attend the funeral, and listen to a poem that once moved him.

I am touched.

Witnessing, and participating in my friends' self examinations is a humbling experience. It demands incredible courage and strength to look inside for something that we find ugly and want to change. In conversation with #1 - I am truly awed, humbled. I wonder if the ugliness in me is petty, simply weakness. I wonder.

A man by the name of Ben Zion Dalfen was buried yesterday. At his funeral a poem that had once moved him was read. part of the refrain was "A mill does not grind with the water that has past". My read - take opportunities.

So I am at a point, vulnerable (maybe disposed) to introspection and I hear "A mill does not grind with the water that has past" - what do I hear? Don't miss opportunities.

Why does this resonate? because I say it daily to my 3 1/2 year old son to coach him to make decisions.

The impact on me? - Maybe the lesson that my 3 1/2 year old son is beginning to master is something that I (30 years older) need to look at myself. OUCH.

Where does this bring me? What do ugliness have I concealed from myself?

Well, I will share, but in a positive manner - these are the efforts of self improvement that I have committed to making (if you witness me slipping, please call me on it).

I will do what I say (I am already good at the say what I do part)
I will be a better husband, exceeding the wishes of my wife. (ok, I will start with being on time more).
I will be honest about my feelings - first to myself and to others - when I am in a sour mood - I now realize that I am harboring some issue that I should have either let go or spoke of. NO MORE.
I will recognize that others may NEED to have conversations that I don't need. I will engage in these. I will respect these.

Thank you for helping me to learn, God give me the strength to stay the course.

Inspiration - From a Motivational Speaker

2004-10-25T23:54:00.000-04:00

Just back from hearing Andy Hill speak on leadership. I have previously referenced his top ten list.
Thanks to Mitch for the "heads up".
Some interesting tidbits that I learned
"Simple is not necessarily easy"
"Arrogance does not equal strength"
"Leadership is (an extension of) authority and not power"
"The team with the best players wins"
"Demonstrate, Imitate, Correct, RepeatRepeatRepeatRepeat"
"Focus on what you can control, the outcome takes care of itself"
"I am working on that (area of improvement) and find I am a bit better"
FIND A MENTOR

I find myself with a question. Why/How do we learn and grow?
My 3 1/2 year old son has learned a tremendous amount. At the outset he learned by the stimuli that we (mostly his parents) presented to him. We took that as an enormous responsibility and were very sensitive to what and how he was exposed to things. As time progresses, his sources of input expanded - day care educators, peers, media, and now, more and more, himself. Jamie has a natural curiousity that I hope I play a role in nurturing and he is always eager to learn and understand. He has invented games (most memorable a finger game similar to "hello thumbkin".
I hope that he avoids one of the key challenges that I faced, namely maintaining the eagerness to learn. EVERYTHING. I don't remember when I stopped being motivated to learn (or if I ever really was motivated to learn) the information put in front of me. Not to be confused with my endless fascination with learning even esoteric information about things that strike my fancy. For some reason I don't perceive enjoyment in learning things for other people's sake. Or better, I am too short sighted to realize that in fact I was learning what other people put in front of me for MY SAKE.
How does this tie in to leadership? I see leadership as a growth enterprise. A leader is constantly expanding abilities, skills, understanding, knowledge. I am frightened somewhat by what impact my lacksidasical attitude towards learning might have on my intention to grow as a leader.
Recently I had the humbling opportunity to explore with a friend some very difficult questions about his future. I admire his insight into self. I hope that I can find similar strength (herculian) to not only HONESTLY figure out where I want to be, how to get there but, as my friend did, identify what I need to affect change over in order to arrive at my destin(y)ation.

1.2 million visits for an ebay auction

2004-10-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

Seth Godin pointed out in his blog about some GREAT viral marketing. While Seth raises a simple poignant question - WHY does it work. I found myself wondering something else.
When I first clicked through to the auction, there were 65000 visitors (if the counter can be trusted). I just went back to the site (the auction was ended early by the seller) there have been nearly 1.2 million visitors.
First - WOW! - great word of mouth
Second - what a pity - this ebay vendor had NO OTHER ITEMS FOR SALE! Imagine 1.2 million people click through - some will invariably see what else the guy is offering - what a missed opportunity - or am I missing something?

The Cost/Benefit of going to JT Market vs. Loblaws

2004-09-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

The Cost/Benefit of going to JT Market vs. Loblaws might be roughly par...

;
vs.

The problem with this equation providing you see the objective cost/benefit as roughly par, is that a large segment of society has placed a premium on convenience.
We eagerly pay more for convenience.

My grandmother went from the chicken butcher to the meat butcher to the fish market to the grocer to the produce stand (she didn't smoke and her husband was a florist).

My mother visited various supermarkets to take advantage of the advertised specials of the week.
I go to Loblaws (or Esposito if I need bagels).

As a treat, on occasion I will go to market - to buy a bushel of strawberries for jam - for example.
And then, for anachronistic fun, I will take my family for an entertaining outing to go apple picking (join us on the 19th of September).

Which incidentally is how my granparents aquired their food prior to moving to the big city.
PROGRESS!

2004-09-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

My comment on a Fast Company article

The truism "You get what you pay for" is REALLY pertinent here.
My experiences, while not vast, have shown me that when communications materials are done cheaply, it is apparent.
Certainly it is possible to go overboard too.
I am a strong believer of Seth Godin's purple cow concept http://www.sethgodin.com/purple/.
A logo on its own cannot achieve that level of distinctiveness.
Purpleness is worth the effort and cost!
A logo and a brand are not synonymous. One is a commodity, the other is an asset. Which do you want to represent your company?

2004-08-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

ANDY'S TOP TEN LIST
â¢ Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
â¢ Do not mistake activity for achievement.
â¢ There is nothing stronger than gentleness.
â¢ Be most interested in finding the best way, not in having your way.
â¢ It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
â¢ Happiness begins where selfishness ends.
â¢ The man who is afraid to risk failure seldom has to face success.
â¢ You discipline to correct, to help, to improve--not to punish.
â¢ Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
â¢ Make each day your masterpiece.

Andy's Cardinal Rule: Be Quick, But Don't Hurry!
Andy Hill Website

2004-08-16T12:55:00.000-04:00

Hi Ian,
Thank you for this piece.
Alzheimer's is afflicting my father.
He is not as progressed as you describe your dad.
Unlike your father, my dad is still quite "there"
What I find insidious is that part by part he is disappearing. Some character traits replaced by worse ones, some by better ones. The tragedy is that neither the good, nor the bad are truly my father, or rather the image I have of my father.
Anecdotally, his passion for driving (after decades of being a cab driver and owning an autobody garage) is gone. In fact when it came time to renew his license, he voluntarily decided to give up driving - now that my mom is the principal driver anyway. I hated that. Not because it was a bad thing (In fact it was a good thing since it circumvented what we had anticipated as a tremendously difficult confrontation on giving up driving). I hated it because it wasn't representative of the image of my father.

Similar to you, I have attempted to resolve the "unfinished business". Giving my parents the credit they deserve for their input in making me, well, me.

My rabbi offered a comment that echoes the positive vs. negative unfinished business. Something (or someone) can only bother you if you give them the power to do so. Often we fail to make the conscious decision to overlook irritants and waste considerable time and energy and emotions embroiled in issues that we could simply choose to ignore and move on.

Remarkably, it seems that humans have to MAKE AN EFFORT to focus on the positive rather than being swallowed by the negative. Are their any NATURAL optimists?

I heard something remarkable last night at a wedding. The groom thanked his parents and explained to the guests that he is a PRODUCT of his family. I think that is a wonderful sentiment. Looking around at the people whose paths I have crossed through life, the simple statement is a tremendous truth. Children are the products of all of the efforts, or lack thereof, made by their families. What we do (or don't do) forms our kids, both positively and negatively.
>
When I spend time with my dad now it is far more centered on BEING with him, as opposed to the time we used to spend DOING things together.

I treasure the time that I am able to spend with what remains of the image of my father. I also find myself enjoying many of his "new" attributes. The other day I found myself in a situation I would have never anticipated. I was reading poetry to my dad....and he was enjoying it.

I have a three year old son. As parents we surmounted the challenges that we faced with our newborn, infant and toddler in anticipation that the energy invested would be rewarded as our son grew and matured. Even at 3 years old, it is apparent that this is true.

With my father, a lot of the challenges parallel those that we faced with my son as grew into a little boy. The obvious difference is that we have already received the compensation for the energy we must put in with my father.

Remarkably, the foundation for my ability to deal with the challenges from both my son and my father come from a trait that I learned from my father. Patience. Tragically, the progression of Alzheimer's has erased my father's capacity in this regard.

Ironic. More importantly, I am the product of my parents investment in me. I am better to my son, my family, my parents and everyone else as a result.

To expand on your analogy. While you (and I) may have a few bases behind us and continue on the run back to home plate, we have other roles to play as well.

We are the coaches for the other players around us, encouraging them on to score successfully.

We are the GM making sure that the details are orchestrated so that getting to bat and consequently each base is simpler,

We are the groundkeeper.

Above all, we must keep our eyes on the scoreboard. It is not only our at-bat that is important, but those on our team, and in fact the rest of league as well. - Even if, or better MORE IMPORTANTLY because we don't get to swing again.

Evan Savelson

.At 01:04 PM 15/08/2004, you wrote:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Depending on your frame of mind today, this issue could seem a little heavy and personal. A few things have happened over the last while, however, and I felt I had to get it out there. So I trust it will help someone. Please pass it along if you know somebody who needs to read it. For those who prefer the audio version please click on this link http://www.ianpercy.com/purpose.html

Family First!

I went up to Toronto to see my dad the other day.

Like I say, these are the things that have become less important over the last few years.

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better parent to my kids than my parents were to me. And I have no doubt that my kids will be infinitely better at parenting than I could ever imagine. With the recent birth of two grandsons, I already have proof of that. This is the way it should and must be.

What is important to me now is that my parents did what they knew how to do. What is important are the many honest-to-goodness sacrifices they made for us kids. What is important is that they wish they had done better. What is important now are the positive experiences, not the negative ones.

I want them to know that they did all right. That their efforts on my behalf are treasured memories. I want them to walk off the field like they just scored the winning run. Even though we were not a demonstratively affectionate family, I want them to know they are loved.

I really should have told them all this years ago.

www.IanPercy.com and on the navigation bar you will see where to register.

The Ian Percy Corporation

11558 East Buckskin Trail

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

PH: 480-502-3898

FX: 480-502-3936

2004-06-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

Read about me (well my company) in the Montreal Gazette - May 26, 2004)

Gazette Article

2004-05-11T16:31:00.000-04:00
Irish Blessing
I heard this recently & enjoyed:

May the road rise to meet you may the wind be always at your back the sun shine warm upon your face the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

2004-05-04T23:34:00.000-04:00

Now that is an exciting way to (l)earn an MBA

If I ever decide to pursue an MBA, IMPM is the venue I would choose.

Comments Welcome

2004-04-23T00:05:00.000-04:00
Well, I have now added the functionality of comments. I would love to see if you have anything to say about what I have to say... Just click on "comment" below the post to enlighten me.

2004-04-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

How can I help?

On Friday, I got a telephone call from a lady looking for disposable gloves. Looking in the phone book, she found MedExtra.

Obviously, we do not deal in gloves, but I know someone... I arranged for a donation of disposable gloves. I ended up speaking with Mme Bergeron, the director of the organization.

She had quite an impressive story to tell. The organization services roughly 100 families, takes care of the kids, teaches the parents & makes sure there is food (they haven't got the resources to put ENOUGH food, but at least there is food).

On the subject of enough, Maison Adrianna is funded enough to keep the heat on throughout the winter. They turn off the heat at night, and in the morning, in the rooms they take care of the kids, they put on extra heaters.

Mme Bergeron's story is impressive, she has been doing this for 20 years. She has adopted 4 kids along the way. She has helped 4 generations of people secure what is basically necessary to live.

I asked what her "wish list was"

$150 000 to purchase the building that they would otherwise be thrown out of in June.

A commercial freezer to replace the myriad residential fridge/freezer's they currently use

Some plumbing services so that the kitchen sink can dispense warm water instead of scalding hot and freezing cold.

I am going to think about how I can address some of these needs. Any ideas would be welcome.

esavelson@medextra.com

2004-04-15T22:07:00.000-04:00

11 Commandments for an
Enthusiastic Team

1. Help each other be right - not wrong.
2. Look for ways to make new ideas work - not for reasons they won?t.
3. If in doubt - check it out! Don?t make negative assumptions about each other.
4. Help each other win and take pride in each other?s victories.
5. Speak positively about each other and about your team at every opportunity.
6. Maintain a positive mental attitude no matter what the circumstances.
7. Act with initiative and courage as if it all depends on you.
8. Do everything with enthusiasm - it?s contagious.
9. Whatever you want - give it away.
10. Don?t loose faith - never give up.
11. Have fun!

Ian Percy www.ianpercy.com

2004-03-26T13:31:00.000-05:00
Now here is an article for me.... I will read it later :)
Fortune Magazine's Anne Fisher on Procrastinating

2004-03-24T00:13:00.000-05:00

Guest Lecture

I had an awesome experience this evening. I was invited to guest lecture in a class for science students at McGill University.

What surprised me the most, was the amount of time required to prepare a 2 hour talk.

Further to an observation by one of the students, I realize that one of the analogies I used is incorrect. I had talked about goldfish being limited in size by the size of the environment. Technically, this is true. However, from the research I have done, it seems the maximum size is two feet. The image I used showed a much larger fish - it was likely koi and not a goldfish. My bad.

I enjoyed hearing about the student's projects.

In the event any of the students in attendance read this, I would welcome any feedback or topic suggestions for future talks. In consideration for your time, I will be giving a pair of movie tickets to one random respondant. Please include your mailing address in your feedback email if you would like to receive the tickets.

2004-03-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

Everyone can use some help in looking better

I found this to be an interesting read that I have passed on to some people about how to brush up your corporate image.

From The Montreal Gazette

I don't know how long the Gazette article will be available - if you can't find it let me know I will see if I still have my newspaper clipping .

2004-03-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

Job hunting info I have been giving out more and more recently

A very good article on job hunting Goodman on Marketing Profs

Youth Employment Services for Entrepreneurs 514-878-9788 ext 303 Louise Ann Cote (tell her that a friend of Ajay (Au-j'ai) referred you)

or if you want to speak with people about employment - the contact at Youth Employment Services is Susan Molnar 878-9788.

Contact Promontreal 514-345-2640 also has job search and entrepreneur services - speak to Barbara Stern

2004-03-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

An interesting job hunting article

Goodman on Marketing Profs

2004-02-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Making the best of the worst

I have resolved to take advantage of my worst habit. Like many people, I am a procrastinator. Just ask my wife!

This week I have turned over a new leaf and am procrastinating for a cause. I have decided to apply my well practiced art of procrastination to good purpose. Every time I am urged to "grab a snack" I tell myself "later".

After a week, it is working... day by day I am using one bad habit to overcome another.

There is one questions that nags at my mind, once I have overcome snacking, which other bad habit can I use to get over procrastinating?

Ah well, that is a question for tomorrow!

2004-02-17T11:57:00.000-05:00
I have been invited to join a business bookclub - clever idea to promote personal & professional growth and learning.

Sorry for the broken HTML below - blam Yahoo!

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2004-02-15T23:03:00.000-05:00

50 words

I am going through an excercise suggested by Thomas Power in his book Networking for Life. Thomas Power's networking website

Here is my first attempt at 50 words that reflect me.

Family
Entrepreneur
Flexible
Inquisitive
Sensitive
Happy
Patient
Benevolent
Emergency Medical provider
creative
networker
dedicated
growth oriented
people person
faithful
matchmaker
mediator
concilator
problem-solver
value-based
giver
technology-oriented
analytical
friendly
outgoing
forward-thinking
energetic

2004-02-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

Choose a job you love...

I have found my self repeating this quote more and more in recent months. When I first heard Barry Pascal say this "Choose a job you love - and you will never work a day in your life." I was still in school and it didn't resonate.

The quotation is attributed to Confucious

Now - nearly two years into MedExtra, truly a labor or love, I have come to understand of what Barry spoke spoke. And I appreciate it (and share it) more and more.

I just came across this FC article and it adds an interesting nuance to the quote.

Fast Company Article

The love is not only about your affinity for your work - but the nurturing
you provide to your job community as well.

Anyhow - thanks to Barry always for being an inspiration!

2004-02-06T10:35:00.000-05:00
Mitch Joel and Twist Image are outstanding.

They are leaders.
They are innovators.
They are motivators.
They are a catalyst for change.

Most impressive, & least obvious about Twist Image is they way that they convey PASSION about the work.

No only do they show their passion but they share it. It is impossible to work on a project with Twist Image and not become MORE passionate about what you are working on with them.

This doesn't happen by accident. It is embedded in their philosophy and approach. It is never about "doing it" or even "doing it great". It is always about doing it REMARKABLE.

That strategy makes them REMARKABLE.

What makes them OUTSTANDING is their approach. Even as a supplier they exude leadership in a project. In itself, this is admirable... what makes it exceptional is they do not lead from in front (pulling), nor do they lead from behind (pushing) - they lead from beside. They inspire and foster growth and make their clients want to be REMARKABLE....

THEY ARE WAY ABOVE THE HERD!

Twist Image fosters growth - within the company, for their clients and business partners and for the entire community surrounding them!

---
ABOUT TWIST IMAGE

"You need more sales and more customers. You need remarkable marketing and
communications materials and strategy. Being very good is not good enough.
Very good is bad. Talk to me about how to be remarkable."

Twist Image is a multimarketing studio that can be found at www.twistimage.com 514-987-9992

2004-01-25T17:29:00.000-05:00
I went to an Alzheimer's Disease conference today, some interesting information - here are some URL's I will update with the information from the speaker.

Janssen-Ortho on Alzheimer's
TriAD
Canadian Alzheimer society
Caregivers assistance collective
Sablier products
Montreal Alzheimer society There is a conference in Montreal in the spring
Vanier College has some interesting seminars including "Communication skills usefull in dementia care
International Psychogeriatric Association
McGill Center for aging
Caregiver Network
ADEAR

2004-01-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't know...

...how easy it is to collaborativiely blog...until I was invited to post to multimarketing.blogspot.com

Now I just have to come up with something clever to say!

2004-01-23T14:09:00.000-05:00
I can't believe how easy it is to set up and post to a blog!
I simply set up the blog at blogger then I added the blog plug-in to gaim which can be downloaded at sourceforge. Wow - so easy!

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Evan's Thoughts

Knitting for a good cause

Lunch with Air Canada's Marc Rosenberg

Excercise

New Blog of mine

The Pervasiveness of the Apple Ipod Nano

I made the world a better place today, did you?

Interchamber Event - June 2, 2005

Chronic Pain

What is wrong with my blog?

They're back!

Prophylactic?

7 Habbits 'Mitch-inar'

Treo 650

Brandemics

January is Alzheimer's month

Blackened Tilapia - Yum ( I cooked it)

PM (preventative maintenance) for lower back pain

ATOM vs. RSS - the Syndication dilemma

Found it

How long will this one take me?

Top 20 things to learn by the end of high school

An Important Appeal - Fighting Cancer Inch by Inch

Rant on lost email

The Power Within - coming to Montreal February 18th 2005

Introspection - Ok enough about you, what about me?

Inspiration - From a Motivational Speaker

1.2 million visits for an ebay auction

The Cost/Benefit of going to JT Market vs. Loblaws

Read about me (well my company) in the Montreal Gazette - May 26, 2004)

Now that is an exciting way to (l)earn an MBA

Comments Welcome

How can I help?

11 Commandments for an Enthusiastic Team

Guest Lecture

Everyone can use some help in looking better

Job hunting info I have been giving out more and more recently

An interesting job hunting article

Making the best of the worst

50 words

Choose a job you love...

I didn't know...

11 Commandments for an
Enthusiastic Team