As many people do, I am currently obsessed with my Iphone. I'm talking full-out, over my minutes, over my data, completely obsessed. I'm like that Beyonce movie from earlier this year, only I look awful with panty hose.
Perhaps my favourite thing about the phone itself is the ability to download apps for your phone. I've made a vow to myself to try to only download actually practical apps, with varied amounts of success. I spend hours researching the best apps to have. Once I find some, I usually download them get rid of them within a few hours. I follow a strict code on my Iphone and if I don't think they are going to be useful, then they are out!
The BlogTO, a blog of Toronto (duh?), recently compiled a list of their favorite Iphone Applications, developed by Canadians. There are some obvious ones like the apps for Air Canada and Toronto's Eaton Centre, but there are some cool ones that are definitely worth adding to your Ipod. I'm already a giant fan of Rogers MyAccount, which keeps track of your phone usage. Then there is Kobo, which allows you to turn your Ipod into an e-book, without the expensive and impossible to find, Kindle. Lastly there was the Finder Series of apps, which includes applications to help you find the nearest Tim Hortons, RBCs or ATMs with low service charges!
Santa, can I please have some Itunes cards for Christmas?!
As you may or may not know, I'm back in my hometown of Fredericton, NB for the holidays. I'm here for two whole weeks! That is a lot of Fredericton.
The local paper, The Daily Gleaner, asked me if I would write a piece about my most funny Christmas memory. I originally had one written, but it was vetoed by my mother, under the threat of the fact that she lives here and I don't. Fair point.
Instead I found another funny memory, more current. Even though the points of reference are Fredericton-specific, the message is true for most Canadian cities.
Enjoy.
When I told my mom I was writing about a funny Christmas memory, she said, "Be nice." With so few days until Christmas, and not willing to sacrifice any potential gifts, I'll leave my family and our Christmas Eve tradition of "pick a church, any church" alone.
Instead, my memory is a more modern and technically-influenced one. I have yet to come up with a name for it yet, but it has to do with adding all your old friends, co-workers and peers to Facebook, following them year-round, occasionally writing on their wall, only to avoid them when you come home for the holidays.
The avoiding is, of course, not personal, but when you see your old friends, you usually realize there is a reason why they are old friends and acquaintances. Since I don't live in Fredericton anymore, this Facebook-induced avoidance has become a regular Christmas tradition for me. It could be at the market or in the Tannery, and it has even happened in the Brookside Mall. Yes, the Brookside Mall.
Like many people, I travel home for the holidays and the avoiding of old friends extends further than this city's municipal lines. For me, it typically starts in the Calgary airport, but most definitely in the Toronto airport.
The ways to avoid someone for no particular reason can be varied. There is the classic move of pretending you didn't see them. But that is often too obvious and if you get caught, it is hard to explain yourself. However, new classic moves include looking down at your cellphone, turning around quickly (pretending you heard an interesting noise), and for the really daring, you can look right at them but still pretend not to see them. This is always great because, if they don't say hi either, you don't have to feel guilty.
And while no one will ever admit it, shouldn't not feeling guilty about the bad things you might do, really be what Christmas is about? That and chocolate.
Today is a sad day for Calgary's Breakfast Television. Popular host Dave Kelly announced this morning, that he is stepping away from his job as co-host of the high-rated morning show!
Dave has been hosting the show for over twelve years and has done more than 25,000 (!) interviews! What a milestone!
He is leaving the show to pursue his other passions which include writing and Kelly Brothers Productions, a live and video/film production company, that he runs with his brother Rob!
As most of you know, for the past year and a bit, I have been doing segments with Dave on Breakfast Television. He is easily the funniest and most gracious person I've met in the business so far. He is also become sort of a mentor for me. He doesn't know it, but he has been beyond helpful in helping me with my television segments.
While the Calgary TV landscape will never be the same, I'm excited to see where Dave will end up next. We should all take a page out of Dave's book and follow our dreams, no matter how risky they might be!
Dave's last show will be NYE.
Here is one of my favorite segments with Dave and fellow co-host Jill Belland.
Even though we are still waiting for Christmas, I'm already thinking about Boxing Day Sales. I know it doesn't make sense, but wouldn't it be better if Christmas was on the 28th or 29th? It would be so much cheaper!
If you are like me and can't sleep because of the excitement of big, big, BIG sales, I wanted to remind you of great websites like Smart Canucks! They have been compiling all the amazing boxing day sales and is really helping me plan my boxing day plan of attack.
If you are really frugal, you can do your Christmas shopping on the 26th and 27th and just keep delaying you giving your family their gifts. Just an idea!
I'm fairly certain I'm the only person that is THIS excited to see the famous family from Cape Breton, but I don't care. This is Raylene, Heather, & Cookie's last show before Christmas so I really hope they go ape shit crazy! Maybe even Jimmy Rankin will join them for a rousing version of Silent Night!
It is probably not going to happen, but one can dream.
With only a few sleeps left in 2009, CTV News has just released their list of Canadian news stories this year. Sadly, Mike's Bloggity Blog winning some blog awards, didn't make the list. I'm assuming it was eleventh.
The complete list of CTV’s Top 10 Canadian News Stories for 2009 is:
The Recession
H1N1 / The Swine Flu
The Afghan Mission
Newfoundland Chopper Crash
Car Industry Collapse
Tori Stafford
Jim Balsillie’s bid for the Phoenix Coyotes
Earl Jones Ponzi Scheme
The Olympic Torch Run
Canadians in Space
Beginning on Wednesday, December 23, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson features in-depth reports on each of the Top 10 Canadian News stories every night leading up to New Year’s Day. CTV’s team of top correspondents will take a closer look at each of the major stories, reporting on recent developments and examining the impact they will have on Canadians in the upcoming year.
The last Bachelorette was Canadian and there is now a two in twenty-five chance the next one will be too!
When ABC/CityTV'sThe Bachelor starts on January 4th, two of the bachelorettes fighting for Jake's heart/fame are actually from the great white north!
There is Jessie, who is cosmetic sales manager from Oakville, Ontario and Tiana who is lives in Vancouver, but is originally from Alberta (just like Jillian!)
There aren't too many details about the girls available, but you rest assured that they are bat-shit crazy and neither of them are black. Those are both assumed because this is the Bachelor we are talking about here.
But I think today is the exception. The Canadian Blog Awards were announced over the weekend and I'm so shocked and happy to announce that Mike's Bloggity Blog has won FOUR Canadian Blog Awards. I haven't been this happy since I won the sandcastle building contest when I was 10! (I still have the trophy prominently displayed in my house.)
The four awards the blog won are:
Best Popular Culture
Best Blog Post
Best Humour Blog
and.....
BEST OVERALL BLOG!!!!
Wow. I can't thank everyone that voted enough. I feel like the Kalan Porter of blogs. Except for the whole talented singer and curly hair thing!
No child has ever liked getting their photo with Santa taken. Mostly because, if you take it out of the context of Christmas, the whole process is incredibly strange.
This is why I love Sketchy Santas, a website that collects all these horrible pictures and compiles them together for our cynical, cynical laughter. The site was actually sent to me weeks ago by my fellow blogger Megan, but I had completely forget about it, until this weekend, while decorating my parent's tree, I found these two solid gold gems.
Yup, that's me. With hair. In case you didn't know, not all bald people spend their lives bald. This may seem obvious to you, but you'd be shocked how often I am asked.
Also concerning is how comfortable I seem to be with a complete stranger. This would eventually lead to my issues with wanting to be best friends with strangers, all in an effort to collect money for my ever-growing sticker collection.
Have you seen the trailers for It's Complicated? They look pretty good. I mean anything my fake-mother/sister Meryl does is great (Fantastic Mr. Fox anyone?), and you can't really go wrong with my idol Steve Martin and some named Alec Baldwin. Based on the trailer, I think I might be able to convince my mom to see this movie with me. She hates going to the movies, but usually the promise of wine not in a box is enough to entice her.
Anyway, to promote the movie Universal is offering a ton of free screenings next week, to help get the word out. And unlike most screening, a bulk of them will be in Canada. So if you live in the following cities, make sure you register and you can see It's Complicated for FREE!!!!
Since my last name is Morrison, I've always assumed that I am the most passive-aggresive person out there. But I think the Global TV and CTV publicists may just have me beat!
They both recently sent out press-releases that make my awkward silent filled Christmas dinners, look like an episode of Full House.
Let's look at them shall we?
From CTV:
" CTV leads Global by nearly 60% in primetime, claims 7 out of Top 10 series –"
"V averages 11% more viewers than GLEE (907,000) on Global."
" More viewers flock to CTV than Global in primetime in Canada’s two largest television markets as well"
That was yesterday. Then today, Global sends out their year-end release, with the subject: Global Thanks CTV. You know this shit ain't going to be nice.
From Global
"Global Television wishes to thank CTV for its recent press release recapping the fall television season "
"In its haste to issue the release, CTV staff must have accidentally neglected to include the list of top shows among Adults 18-49, the key demographic for most TV advertisers"
"In the same spirit of goodwill, Global would like to congratulate CTV for maintaining its top ranking among Canadian networks this fall. Global is also very pleased with its own performance."
"Everyone at Global wishes the staff at CTV the very best of the holiday season. We look forward to collaborating with you further in the new year to ensure advertisers and members of the press stay informed about the ever-changing TV landscape"
Zing! Sure it looks nice. But you can totally picture the Global publicist typing with anger. Probably just using her index fingers, just to emphasize the sarcastic tone.
After comparing their ratings charts, I think both networks should pay attention to their schedules and notice that neither of them have a single Canadian show in the Top Ten. They are fighting over shows that are made in another country. It seems that should be the major issue here.
Can't wait for your holiday press releases City TV and CBC!
So as far as I know, today is the very last day of Gift A Day Give Away. My prize tickle-truck is empty and I got nothing like to give except this one last gift.
And this one is a doozy.
Anyone a Mac owner out there?
I know I am.
If you are a Mac Owner, than today's gift is PERFECT for you!
Microsoft Office for Mac: Business Edition!!!!
The bold and exclamation points are necessary because this gift is worth almost $540!!!
That is Oprah territory there folks!
I am no techie, but according to Mac's website, it is packed with all the tools and features you need to make your vision a success, Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Business Edition delivers core Office applications to help you manage your business, organize your data and present a professional image; plus new Exchange Server support and reliable Office for Windows compatibility that take productivity and collaboration to new heights.
This is a major Christmas gift guys, if you decide to give it to someone, you will be scoring some MAJOR points!!!
To win this prize, all you gotta do is email me and tell me what every single Gift-A-Day Give Away was this week. There are eight of them, including this one!
Some how on my way to the hockey game tonight, I lost my Iphone. Decide what is more shocking, that I went to a hockey game, or that it only took me three weeks to lose my Iphone.
I am currently devastated. Mostly because I really don't think I deserved to lose it. I was sober and walked through the park from my house to the train. Some how, I dropped it and didn't notice. I don't even have a great story like leaving it in the bathroom of a strip bar or tatoo parlor. Just in a park.
I paced the park countless times. The times I cried, however is not countless. Three times. Well four if you count the tears streaming down my face as I write this post.
Seriously. I've lost my phone. I leave for home tomorrow. I have no clue what to do.
I know I'm supposed to pray to some Saint. But I can't think of his name. This is devastating. Please someone have my phone, please please please.
Are you feeling lonely? Depressed? Riddled with anxiety?
It is probably because you didn't watch me on Breakfast Television. You're in luck, here are the clips. The second one totally turned into a cluster-cuss, but I think that should be expected by now.
He was CBC Radio 3's 20,000th artist uploaded to their online music library!
To celebrate this milestone, Jasper Sloan Yip will receive a full day of professional recording time at CBC Radio 3 studios, a Sirius satellite radio, a CBC Radio 3 prize pack and air-play on CBC Radio 3!
I feel bad for whoever was 20,001.
I am actually a huge Radio 3 fan and listen quite a lot. Mostly during the day when I'm trying to find new music to listen to. I once sat behind CBC Radio 3 host, Craig Norris and was too nervous to speak to him. I quietly said his name a couple of times, telling myself if he turned around I would say hi, but (luckily) he never did.
Wow. I've already given out The Glee Soundtracks, $100 to McDonalds, Two Scene cards, 5 CBC Canada Reads Books! It's insane. And we still have more. Just to give you guys a little preview for tomorrow's gift: It's worth over $500!!!!
Wowza!
But back to today's gifts!
Both contests close tonight at midnight/mst. A lot of people are asking why they are so short, but it's because I want to make sure I get all the presents sent out before Christmas. The sooner the better right!?
Gift #6.
On the fourth day of gift giving, I come baring THREE Christmas CDs. The winner of this gift will get all three discs! The three CDs are: Johnny Reid's CD, Christmas. Colin James and the Little Big Band's Christmas and Christmas on the Open Road (Open Road Recordings' country Christmas compilation with Taylor Swift, Doc Walker, Tara Oram, Prairie Oyster, and a bunch more!
Because it is three CDs, I had to make this trivia question a little harder. All three of these discs have one song that is the same. Name that song. You'll have to do a little searching. Start here. Need another hint? My favourite colour is in the answer. Email me the answer at mikesbloggityblog@gmail.com
Gift #7
This will make the tweens scream with joy!
It is the first season of CBC's hit show Heartland on DVD.
I've only seen a couple episodes, but apparently it has a huge audience and the stars of the show practically get mobbed any time they are out! If you want the discs, just email me at mikesbloggityblog@gmail.com and tell me what province the show is filmed in. Pretty easy.
Everyone knows that my only ambition in life is to be the most famous person from my hometown of Fredericton, NB.
I already have to contend with Anna Silk, Tony LePage, Measha Brueggergosman, Catherine Karnes Munn, Kel from Survivor: Australia and baseball player Matt Stairs.
As if that wasn't enough competition, I now have to deal with someone named Stewart Finnamore. Who is Stewart Finnamore you ask? He was just named the 2009 National Driver of the Year by the Canadian Trucking Alliance and Volvo Trucks Canada.
How the balls am I supposed to compete with that!? Seriously.
Apparently he receives the award as the safest truck driver in Canada, after logging more than six million collision-free kilometres over the past 40 years.
Far and away the best websites for Christmas. Great for kids, it also has tons of resources for parents and teachers. Kids can personalize Christmas stories with their names in it, there is a disco santa and you even chat with elfs live! For parents there is the good deed calendar and for teachers, there are tons of games and themed lessons perfect for the time of year.
Nordic Santa Tracker Always a must see on Christmas Eve. You can follow Nordic has they track Santa as he travels the world. (great for getting the kids in bed quickly).
Trythat.ca For the person that has everything. This website organizes for you once in a life time experience that are guaranteed to be unique! Pick you province and you can choose anything from dog sledding, rally racing, at home cooking classes, snowmobile tours and whale watching!
The Calgary Zoo is always looking for charitable donations, but you can do something a little different. Kamala is an elephant at the zoo and she is actually quite the artist. Since 1994, she has been painting the elephant equivalent of finger painting. All proceeds from the sales of Kamala's artwork go directly towards the elephant program at the Calgary Zoo.
How to give: You can buy prints and posters or the original pieces ranging from $25 to $1750.
My favourite charity in Calgary! Anyone can donate any ticket to any event and this foundation will then give them a child that would normally not be able to experience the theatre, a hockey game or a concert. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to give: If you have tickets to an event, imagine how great it will feel to let a child go in your place. Whether it is a Flames game or A Christmas Carol. You can donate tickets in someone's name.
A not-for-profit charity portal that serves as an information resource about charities in Canada and seeks to promote and facilitate philanthropy through online giving. This website works with over 83,000 Canadian charities. You can give when you want, in the amount you wish, to the charities you choose, and in the manner that suits you best.
How to give: You can make a donation, or buy a gift card.
Oxfam Canada works in 20 developing countries around the world, and this catalogue contains real items that are part of our work. When you give a gift through Oxfam Unwrapped your donation will be used to help women and men living in poverty gain greater levels of self-sufficiency and control over their lives and over the future of their communities.
UEnd (formerly ChristmasFuture) was launched to help inspire and empower North Americans to refocus a portion of their gift giving budget towards strategic and sustainable projects in the developing world - to help end extreme poverty.
This one is near and dear to my heart. It's run by an amazing family in New Brunswick. Basically they are raising money for the Providence Orphanage in Benin, West Africa. The orphanage is run by six volunteers who have not been accepting pay since 1993!!! At this time, the orphanage houses more than 56 children who have been abandoned or orphaned.
How: You can donate money and even write letters to the children of the orphanage.
Skateistan is Afghanistan's (and the world's) first co-educational skateboarding school. The school engages growing numbers of urban and internally-displaced youth in Afghanistan through skateboarding, and provides them with new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction, education, and personal empowerment programs
How to help: Donate money or buy a t-shirt ($35)
Charity Water Things like freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and sand filters. For about $20 a person, we know how to help millions of people. How to Help: You can buy merchandise like bracelets ($24), personalized gift cards ($40) gift package that includes a t-shirt, 5 bracelets, a dvd and a thermos hydration bottle $80)
This holiday season give the gift of light to a family in the developing world that does not have access to electricity. Over 1.6 billion people in the world rely on kerosene and other non-electric light sources that are expensive, inefficient and unsafe.
Light Up The World (LUTW) provides solar powered light systems that are a safe, affordable, healthy, efficient and environmentally-friendly solution.
KIVA- Give Loans that Change Lives Kiva is the world's first person-to-person, global micro-lending website. Give a Kiva gift certificate and your friends and family will be able to lend the funds from the certificate to the entrepreneurs of their choice.
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