Evan's Thoughts

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!

Labels: Channah Koppel, Chicks with Sticks, Golan, IDF, Queen of Diamonds, rebel knitter, rosanne bernard

. . . Tofino

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

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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:

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

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 ;)

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

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!

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.