newandsocial.

Rules of TTC Engagement

2009-03-11T10:11:00.002-04:00

So I feel this post is long overdue. I've been a loyal TTC rider for six years now and I've encountered lots of interesting slash irritating experiences. It is because of them that I feel the need to voice my opinion. I feel there needs to be a TTC etiquette guideline all riders should be aware of. Kind of like the rules of a club or association. If you're paying to ride, you should be considerate of your fellow riders. Here is my list of TTC/public transit thoughts and suggestions (and complaints):

(1) When riding the escalators (or even when taking the stairs), consider the fast lane aka the left side. Some people may be in a rush and when you walk/stand in the middle or on the left there are people behind you being held up.

(2) Sitting beside strangers is already crossing over into personal space. Why not be aware of your body and surroundings and not lean against the person beside you? Personally, I try to keep my arms and legs together respectfully and don't unnecessarily have body contact with the people beside me. I try not to sit on people when getting into my own seat as well.Side: on two separate occasions, the same man sat beside me on the subway (WHAT are the chances?!) and he would constantly sway towards me. He would "fall asleep" with his arms crossed but his hands would stick out to the sides and his hairy fingers would jab me in the side at every jerk of the train. Or he would read the paper holding his arms out and would narrowly brush against my arm or further in front... It was quite a disturbing experience and one of those times I found myself pushed up against the glass side while others looked on as he "slept" before I couldn't take it anymore and had to get up and stand the rest of my ride.But moving on...

(3) Loud talkers/laughers: is that REALLY necessary? The subway is already stuffy and crowded enough (enough to give me a headache or feel nauseous) and your voice ringing in my ears makes me want to say something to you. But I won't.

(4) During rush hour times, why not move in a little or stand to the side of the pole according to the arm you're using to hold on with so others can secure themselves as well? Everyone wants to get where they're going, and no one likes falling when the train lurches.

(5) Here's one I just encountered (I'm commuting as I write this): using the TTC is much like driving a car - when there are high traffic areas, take turns! I kindly let someone go in front of me who was trying to get on the escalator from the side and immediately another guy tried to squeeze in too. Not impressed, thanks.

(6) This one just happened too (guess its good to be immersed in your subject huh?): poles are not meant for leaning on! Would you not rather move aside and hold on to the pole so others can hold on too? Or do you like it when unsteady people fall into/grab onto you? Just saying...
K well, that's all I've got for now. If I keep going you might stop reading/never ride the TTC again. But if you have any other vital thoughts to add, please share. I take comefort in knowing I'm not the only one with public transit woes.

Blog-tag-stic

2009-01-31T03:08:00.000-05:00

So, for lack of anything better to do at 3:08 a.m. and an inexplicable refusal to sleep, I've been google reader-ing, twittering and of course, facebooking (I enjoy making verbs out of nouns). I also decided to check up on my blog via technorati, only to find I'd been tagged by fellow blogger and friend over at The F-Word. The rules of this digital version of a childhood classic are to (1) post seven personal facts about yourself and (2) tag seven other bloggers to continue the game. Let's see what I can come up with!

`1. I enjoy "prettifying" any and everything I do, for enjoyment of all things visually pleasing and because it helps pass the time.

`2. I've always considered myself a closet tech geek for I foster a love for computers, the internet, gadgets, and most recent to my collection: social media. However, since entering the realm of new media/the blogosphere and microblogging etc., I realize I am quite the amateur.

`3. This might be harmful in admitting, but I prefer to put pen to paper (or digits to keys) when formulating thoughts and ideas-- but I aspire to be more vocal.

`4. I will forever hold a candle in my heart for the Backstreet Boys, no matter how far down the alphabet they get in celeb status. BSB4LYFE.

`5. Ice cream is my weakness. Now you know.

`6. I take comfort in the crowds. On a personal level, at least. My network of friends and family are as much a part of me as the toes are on my feet. Sure, you could take them away and I'd live, but I'd definitely be unbalanced.

`7. My wittiness takes me by surprise quite often as I find myself slowly evolving over my lifetime from small and awkward introvert-wannabe-extrovert to a geeky fun-lover who is loud at the wrong times, and I either (a) LOL at myself or (b) pat myself on my back.

There you have it. The first seven things I could think of, haha.

Now it's your turn, tag--you're it!

[1] Hack the Bone

[2] Diamonds&Pearl

[3] Apple Blossoms & Cupcakes

[4] hey do you*

[5] iJustine

[6] Parker @ BlogCampaigning

[7] Chrissy @ The Daily Grind

I don't necessarily think you have to go personal with this game. If you'd like to share seven pearls of wisdom, seven do's and don't's(?) of said industry, seven cool facts about your company, whatever!- go for it! And please don't forget to link to me so I can read up all about you. Have fun!

a cuppie unconference?

2009-01-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I attended a first for Toronto, and perhaps even Canada. Labspace Studio was host to CupcakecampTO and it was quite the spectacle! For $5 you could enter the event and sample a plethora of creatively and attractively appealing cupcakes to your heart (or stomach's) content. Or, if you are an even greater cuppie enthusiast and have the magical talent that is baking genious, you could enter as a baker for $2 to showcase your creations. Judges from foodtv.ca taste tested all the baked goodies and the winners were announced for Best Flavour Combination in A Cupcake, Best Dessert Inspired Cupcake, Best Twist on a Classic Cupcake, and Best in Show. All proceeds raised were donated to the Toronto Humane Society. Two of my favourite things: sweet treats and sweet animals -- all in need of a good home! I'd take them all in if I could, really.

Don't mind my impromptu advertising for Sugar*Baking, who baked some very yummy treats for the event. Also keep an eye out for CapitalCupcake which is to take place in Ottawa. Details to come!

Some pictures I snapped up:

Galen G. Weston Receives CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations

2009-01-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today I attended the 16th Annual CPRS CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations luncheon at the Royal York Fairmont in Toronto. This was my first CPRS event and it was quite motivational. A room full of PR professionals and aspirers gathered together to watch Galen G. Weston receive this prestigious honour. A couple jokes were made about this event competing with Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony, which was happening at the same time in Washington, D.C. and Weston said he was flattered we chose him.

I enjoyed the 3 course meal at a table of fellow student members (shoutouts to Matt and Amy from Seneca's corp communications program, Crystal from York, Michael from UofT and Natasha from Humber! Woot woot Table #24!). We shared light conversation about our experiences in the industry thus far over President's Choice molten lava chocolate cake and President's Choice pineapple cake, courtesy of G.G. Weston--they were delicious, I recommend!

Weston's speech was well delivered. He engaged the audience with his good humour and inspiring words. He spoke of his family and Loblaw Companies Ltd.'s initiatives in corporate social responsibility and within the company culture. He delivered Loblaw's key strategies and objectives, which won him the Award of Excellence. My favourites were the last two: integrity and fun. Those resonated within me the strongest because they are the same criteria I measure against when making decisions about my professional life. Everything I do is because I believe in it, and because I do it becomes enjoyable and fulfilling. Weston's award was well deserved—he demonstrates excellence in communications by listening to everyone around him and delivering an honest message his company and the public value and want to share.

new media junkie in the making

2009-01-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

The past few days have seen me downloading and signing up for more and more new media platforms. These things are great for keeping up with the world of social media but they sure can burn the clock!

Right now, I am liking TweetDeck- a software app which lets you send and receive Twitter tweets, organize tweets by groups you create, filter tweets you receive in your customizable columns.. and way more I probably have yet to discover.

I'm also enjoying the convenience my Google Reader brings, for delivering all my blogsite and news updates to me, instead of me going to them. I've got all my sites categorized and now I can easily get up to speed with current events!

Here's a peek at what's going on on my macbook now:

(Click image to enlarge)

Note the del.icio.us browser buttons, StumbleUpon toolbar, TwitterFeeds and GoogleReader buttons on my bookmarks toolbar, and the TweetDeck icon (black silhouette of a bird) in my dock at the bottom. I should've highlighted them in the picture, but... too late for that.

Got any pics of your screen to share in my geekiness??? :D

2009 International CES to debut LG Watch Phone

2009-01-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

It has yet to be claimed by a specific carrier and its retail value remains undetermined. But don't underestimate the hype that already surrounds this new all-encompassing gadget that has all techies drooling all over themselves for. To be released this year (estimated in the second half of the year), LG's new 3G watch-phone is a small, sleek 1.43" touch screen which acts as a timepiece, cellular phone, mp3 player and digital camera, to name a few. A speaker allows texts to be voice-translated to you and reversibly, voice recognition so you can speak a message to be turned into text.

"The LG Watch Phone will be available in Europe later this year, but pricing is not yet known, and the company has no plans to bring it to the U.S. just yet. It'll be available in a range of colors, from black and silver to blue, red, and even pink." --Nicole Lee, editor, CNET

For more shots of the watch-phone, click here
You may also watch a video of the watch-phone in a demo here

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matchstick xmp3 satellite radio special offer

2008-12-17T16:52:00.000-05:00

Get a FREE MicroSD Card with the purchase of the XMp3 satellite radio!

($20 value)

Be one of the first to own the new XMp3 portable satellite radio and MP3 player and get a FREE MicroSD card from XM.

The XMp3 portable satellite radio player lets you record up to 100 hours of XM programming on up to 5 channels simultaneously. Store MP3 or WMA files on a removable microSD card and auto-record, and pause and replay up to 30 minutes of live XM.

And, when you sign up now you’ll get $50 off service and activation until January 31, 2009! * * When activated on a 1-year plan or greater.

This limited time offer will go fast, so sign up now and get ready to record what you love, listen when you want!

www.xmradio.ca/xmp3offer

Fashion Week renamed to incorporate new sponsor

2008-12-17T02:58:00.001-05:00

Fashion Week in Toronto, formerly sponsored by L'Oreal, will now be hosted by LG, makers of consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications.

This comes at a time when amends were to be made by Robin Kay, executive director of fashion week and president of the FDCC, delivered what has become a highly buzzed (no pun intended) speech during the Fall 2008 show. Known for her affinity for mixing business with pleasure (translation: knocking back a few during fashion week), Kay's speech was one i'm sure many won't forget. The FDCC has announced that she will remain as president and that the change in title sponsor has nothing to do with this incident.

In my honest opinion, sure, she was a bit sloppy, and yes, the speech dragged on.. but for the most part, she was pretty coherent and had good intentions and messages she wanted to deliver. But I do have to agree that professionalism must reign and I'm sure this will be something she won't be able to forget for a long time either.

To see for yourself: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081024.wvrobinkayspeech1024/VideoStory/VideoLineup/News

And to read an article about the new title sponsor: http://www.thestar.com/article/554368

`tis the season!

2008-12-17T02:33:00.000-05:00

i love the holidays.

i love the holidays downtown! the decor, themed drinks a la starbucks, and the generally cheery buzz all around. i spent the entire day roaming the downtown core with some good friends, grabbing lunch, shopping, skating at Nathan Phillips Square and having dinner. it's having opportunities such as these that make me wonder why i'm still living in the `burbs.

here is a pic of a friend and i playing around at the apple store in eaton centre:

There's been lots of good shopping this season, and i'm assuming with the economic downturn, many people have been hesitant to jump on the shopping scene. all i have to say to that is "thank you!" for the pleasant shopping experiences! reasonable crowd sizes make the task so much easier. so far, on a rank of 1 to 5 with one being least and five being most, here is my assessment over the past week of shopping madness or lack thereof:

yorkdale - 4
square one - 2.5
sherway gardens - 2
markville - 1.5
eaton centre - 3

if you haven't started shopping yet, get on that!

Talk Is Cheap 2.0

2008-11-13T00:47:00.001-05:00

Okay, I know..

It's been over two months since my last post. I promised this wouldn't happen, yet once again it has. Well, seeing as my schedule has recently been freed up, I might as well dive right back into this sphere that is of blogs.

Tonight I found myself at the Talk Is Cheap 2.0 social media unconference held at Centennial College. I feel this is a good topic to oil my rusty blogging joints with, seeing as this time last year, I also blogged about the unconference. However, this time last year, I was a wandering soul. In the short 12 months that have passed, I went from being an undergrad with no sense of direction, to studying in Humber's excellent pr postgraduate certificate program, to interning at PraxisPR for two months, to where I am right now. It's been a great experience! I can now proudly say that I have some what of an idea of what public relations is, lol! Public relations, social media.. these terms are just an umbrella of all the different elements they encompass. I saw a lot of familiar faces at tonight's unconference. From where, you are wondering? Well just a week before last year's unconference, I attended my very first Third Tuesday Toronto (TTT) Meetup, where I started to become aware of the whole public relations industry and all the cool people who are a part of it. These are the same faces I see every few months. I browse their blogs, follow them on Twitter, and have even connected with them on professional levels. THIS is social media in action. I do not claim to be a social media expert, but I can definitely vouch for its influence and importance.

Last year, I started my very first blog. It was a good first effort, although it quickly lost steam. However, it served its purpose. I wanted to learn about public relations. I wanted to improve my writing skills. I wanted to get into the postgrad program at Humber. Check. Check. Check. My interest in blogging also guided me in the direction of social media and local enthusiasts. I'm happy to have had these experiences and I know that this is what I want to be doing. One year later and it hasn't lost its sparkle. Last year, I was inspired to blog. After tonight I feel that inspiration has returned, but its form is still somewhat unclear to me. I will continue to read, comment and write, and see where it takes me. Good night!

HAPPY BLOGDAY!

2008-08-31T22:28:00.001-04:00

Sorry I couldn't get to this earlier, I worked all weekend! Phew.

Sunday, August 31 was BlogDay 2008. A day where bloggers worldwide celebrate the blogosphere by sharing 5 new and interesting blogs with their readers, so here goes!

Style Rookie

Gluten-Free Girl

Cupcakes Take The Cake

The Martha Blog

I Bought A Mac

So since I am posting this a tad bit late, I don't necessarily have to follow all the rules to a T, right? Right???

(Gimme a break, it's late!)

For more information on BlogDay, check out http://www.blogday.org/

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i've been PIN-ed

2008-08-29T13:51:00.000-04:00

No longer a romantically-linked phrase of the 60s, anyone who owns a blackberry will know what I mean.

Yesterday I received a Blackberry Curve 8300 from a kind friend who is upgrading his hardware. I got it just in time to sign up for the promotional data plan offered through Rogers. I must say, I have been longing for a smartphone for quite some time now, and this little gadget has held my attention since slipping into my hands.

It's got a lot of cool features. The Blackberry Messenger is fun because I am an avid IM-er to begin with! There are already a few fun games because it came already loaded from my friend. Having this smartphone with the data plan has allowed me to connect to all my favourite social media tools, i.e. Facebook and Twitter, with pretty much no concern for data usage. I'm still trying to get used to that idea--there's always a little bit of panic in the back of my mind that some how I am racking up the charges on my bill! lol

My only problem with this phone so far is that--be it my friend's comparison of the blackberry and the iphone (and really, my preference to the iphone) or be it the truth--this thing is not so user-friendly! I've been playing with it for awhile now and I am finding it somewhat difficult/confusing to navigate. I am also having a problem adding my email onto my account, but there's a story behind that one that I finally figured out.

Anywho, I will track my progress and time with my new curve and hopefully I'll get the hang of it! :)

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From Blog to Vlog

2008-08-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

I have decided that blogging is an art. You have to be inspired to write something that people will want to read again and again. Your blog post has to be fresh and creative, and keep readers wanting more.

Some of you may know me from heightenperception. This time around, I am going to let you all get to know me a bit better. I am also going to continue with my previous blog-writing style, but add a few new twists.

Introducing,

MY FIRST VLOG!

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