en-us Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:32:17 -0500 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/wmboNgyBqEQ/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions that avant garde fashion label, Comme des Garçons, is coming to H&M (via her new blog crush, Dinosaurs and Robots)  Discussion of shopping addiction ensues. (BTW, the book that Nora couldn’t remember the name of is a history of glamour, called, erm, Glamour) Meanwhile, Cathi Bond addresses the frustration [...] Uncategorized cycling Fashion green http://thesniffer.net/?p=185#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:32:17 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=185 1498586 http://todmaffin.com/please-critique-my-video-podcast-opener What do you think? a Please critique my video podcast opener Technology http://todmaffin.com/please-critique-my-video-podcast-opener#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:12:16 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=808 1499320 http://todmaffin.com/xmas200 It’s time again for Tod’s spectuacufastic Christmas party! I need some help in determining the entertainment and space. Please fill out the survey and put your name and email address there and you’ll be on the guest list. There is only room in this venue for about 120 people and my parties always “sell” [...] Personal http://todmaffin.com/xmas200#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:12:16 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=810 1499321 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/cmVQNxnMuE8/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions David Pogue’s pick of the Optoma Pico Projector. It’s a mini projector that you can carry around and project movies and the like.  It’s part of a dual trend we’ve been spotting for a while: miniaturization of devices combined with ways of maximizing visibility. (Side note: Nora was at [...] Uncategorized gadgets mobility http://thesniffer.net/?p=183#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:28:03 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=183 1494366 http://todmaffin.com/six-years-old-pimp-check-it-westside Six years old. Pimp. Check it. Westside. Originally uploaded by todmaffin a Six years old. Pimp. Check it. Westside. BLOG http://todmaffin.com/six-years-old-pimp-check-it-westside#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:12:03 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/six-years-old-pimp-check-it-westside 1487331 http://todmaffin.com/musical I’d like to take this moment to come out of the closet. I like musicals. Scratch that. I LOVE musicals! It’s cost me many girlfriends, actually. It’s hard to maintain your masculinity when you’re singing “Broadway Baby” to yourself to fall asleep. And, with that, I present my (current) seven favourite musical numbers. Broadway Baby Daisy Eagan You Can’t Stop [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/musical#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:12:03 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=806 1487332 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/X3kdfk38gSs/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions this New Scientist article about the brain.  It seems that while daydreaming, the brain is actually intensely active.  What is it doing, and what are we doing if we don’t allow ourselves space to daydream.  New Scientist also has this sidebar which may answer Cathi’s query: is this the [...] Uncategorized brains health neurology http://thesniffer.net/?p=181#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:56:07 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=181 1484806 http://todmaffin.com/tod-maffin-recruiting-the-facebook-generation-preview-hrpo Click to Play a Tod Maffin: Recruiting the Facebook Generation preview HRPO BLOG http://todmaffin.com/tod-maffin-recruiting-the-facebook-generation-preview-hrpo#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:52:04 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/tod-maffin-recruiting-the-facebook-generation-preview-hrpo 1483643 http://todmaffin.com/momtwitter Please add my mom to your Twitter. She’s at http://twitter.com/soulistry Thanks, yo. a Add my mom to your Twitter! Personal http://todmaffin.com/momtwitter#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:52:04 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=801 1485814 http://todmaffin.com/cbexpenses Sun Media, a media powerhouse with 43 paid-circulation and free dailies in Canada’s key urban markets and more than 200 community publications, has charged the CBC with wasteful spending. What, you ain’t the National Post?! Their big beef seems to be that the head of Radio-Canada spent money staying in hotels and rewarding staff with two — [...] The Media ATIA http://todmaffin.com/cbexpenses#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:52:04 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=803 1485815 http://todmaffin.com/clientcal-2 I always make three phone calls to my speaking clients prior to the event: Immediately upon booking (three min): Introduce myself, thank them for booking me, etc. This is just a touch-point to say hi and answer any basic questions they have. I let them know I’ll be calling closer to the event to get the [...] Professional Speaking Tips http://todmaffin.com/clientcal-2#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:28:28 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=792 1474954 http://todmaffin.com/what-i-tweeted-yesterday-follow-me-at-httptwittercomtodmaffin-3 Just got back from a great coffee with @gillianshaw of the #VancouverSun. I picked up that mini-projector from her; will do a review soon. # Beware buying #Shaw’s digital phone service. *82 does not work. Sorry #HotDelivery Chinese food place, I CAN’T unblock my number. No $ for u # Sad day in Vancouver — A&B Sound [...] BLOG tweet tweets twitter http://todmaffin.com/what-i-tweeted-yesterday-follow-me-at-httptwittercomtodmaffin-3#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:28:28 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/what-i-tweeted-yesterday-follow-me-at-httptwittercomtodmaffin-3 1474955 http://todmaffin.com/cardtabs You’ve just gotten off the podium and, naturally, there’s an enormous lineup forming to meet you.  In many cases, people just want to thank you for the presentation or ask you a question or two. Well-intentioned as they may be, this is not the time for you to answer any more than the most basic of [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/cardtabs#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:28:27 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=746 1473500 http://todmaffin.com/mpro110 a Tod reviews the 3M MPro110 Mini Projector Technology http://todmaffin.com/mpro110#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:28:27 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=787 1474953 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/o8gBhlIxUO4/ In this trendwatching podcast, while Cathi and Nora are still in the netherworld of downtown Toronto mall hell, Nora Young talks about New Scientist’s report on this intriguing Microsoft Research project: using infrared sensors on portable devices so that you can enter commands/interact with the device without having to touch it (Nora’s particularly happy because she [...] Uncategorized health mobile computing http://thesniffer.net/?p=179#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:40:03 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=179 1471358 http://todmaffin.com/great_release Hey Tod, If this email was a TV it would be the new Sharp AQUOS XS1 - less than one inch thick. But if this email was the Sharp AQUOS XS1 it would be the clearest, brightest email you’ve ever seen in Canada. One million to one dynamic contrast ratio, amazing colour depth; simply the most stunning LCD TV available. I’d attach the news release, but that would make this already long message even longer. Instead, here’s a nice photo of the XS1 in profile, to show you what we mean. a Great news release I received today BLOG http://todmaffin.com/great_release#comments Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:04:14 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=722 1468247 http://todmaffin.com/social_media_classroom Passing notes and cheating on tests have gone high-tech. And unless you’re armed with the latest information about how your students are using social media, you may find yourself with a lot of catching up to do. In this provocative and entertaining keynote presentation, Tod Maffin explains how teachers and school administrators can harness the tools of [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/social_media_classroom#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:56:20 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=717 1465507 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/6MYQBImD-Fw/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the potential for a memory pill, not to help you remember, but to erase painful memories. BBC reports that in tests on mice, researchers were able to make the mice overproduce a protein, which seemed to get rid of difficult memories (what difficult memories do mice have, [...] Uncategorized cool tools memory http://thesniffer.net/?p=177#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:28:05 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=177 1461917 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/zUJubkD_IVQ/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Twist, which graphs what people are talking about on Twitter (via Kottke). She wants to know why Cathi has suddenly signed up for Twitter. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond looks at the IC3 “intelligent cutlery system,” which tracks everything from portion size to levels of fat and sugar in food.  Creeping [...] Uncategorized diet nanny culture social media http://thesniffer.net/?p=175#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:56:18 -0500 http://thesniffer.net/?p=175 1452108 http://todmaffin.com/needretrea I want/need to go to a one- to two-week retreat (yoga, meditation, classes, crafts, learning/courses, walk/hike, rest, healthy food, etc) Can anyone recommend any? I don’t mind travelling to get to the right place. a Can You Recommend a Retreat Centre? BLOG http://todmaffin.com/needretrea#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:32:12 -0500 http://todmaffin.com/?p=713 1454447 http://todmaffin.com/ebooksurvey If you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know I’m writing a detailed e-book on how to become a professional keynote circuit speaker. If you have 45 seconds free, I’d love it if you’d complete this quick survey. You could win a free copy of the book once it’s out. Thanks yo! a YOU can help me shape [...] Professional Speaking Tips http://todmaffin.com/ebooksurvey#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:28:21 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=711 1448736 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/P7KuhPSjb48/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond is sniffing out the return of novel-writing. Does everyone have the Great Canadian Novel sitting in the bottom drawer once again? She refers to Hugh McGuire’s collaborative blog, Book Oven, and his novel, Blind Spot. Meanwhile, Nora Young finds this cute casual game, Tuttuki Bako, at Design Boom, that combines the [...] Uncategorized books Fashion gaming http://thesniffer.net/?p=173#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:32:19 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=173 1448847 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/eni3wiSGe5w/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about JC Report’s take on what’s hot on the runways, including…Elizabethan ruffs! Cyborg chic! Planet of the Apes! Meanwhile, Nora Young takes a look at what’s hot for Fall and wonders what’s going to stand up to an economic downturn.  Will it be long and lean 40s chic? Uncategorized Fashion http://thesniffer.net/?p=171#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:20:20 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=171 1440197 http://todmaffin.com/flighttip Okay, this post is more about travel than professional speaking, but the two are, obviously, closely related. I’m actually thinking about coming out with a companion Travel Tips from a Pro ebook after this one. I’d love to know if you like the idea. Flight Tips Your Mother Never Told You Be sure to have your [...] Travel Tips Your Mother Never Told You http://todmaffin.com/flighttip#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:12:08 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=702 1443227 http://todmaffin.com/clientcal This is an excerpt from the forthcoming book about how to be a professional keynote speaker, by internationally recognized speaker Tod Maffin. As soon as you get a contract back, you should pick up the phone and call your main client contact. There are a lot of tiny details that will be important for you [...] Professional Speaking Tips http://todmaffin.com/clientcal#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:12:08 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=704 1443228 http://todmaffin.com/audioslide Okay. You’ve done the pre-event calls (see previous chapter), arrived at the venue, and connected with your on-site client. It’s time to set your audio up for the room. I’m extremely particular (read: anal) about my A/V setup because I know how easy it is for things to go horribly wrong — microphone, unexpected [...] Professional Speaking Tips http://todmaffin.com/audioslide#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:12:08 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=708 1443229 http://todmaffin.com/ive-been-memed-five-things I guess since Beth did it, I probably should too. I mean, I don’t want to be one-upped by a doctor, do I?! Beth’s grandmemer was the never-resting Rebecca.  I will try to not feel slighted that nobody tags me. Five Things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago: Celebrating becoming a multi-millionaire (in escrowed stock) [...] Memes http://todmaffin.com/ive-been-memed-five-things#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:12:07 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=698 1443225 http://todmaffin.com/prospeaking-working-with-an-agency By far, the single most frequently asked question I’m asked is how to get represented by a speakers’ agency. I was very lucky in my 12-year (and counting!) career in that I was scouted and retained early by one of North America’s top speakers’ agency, The Lavin Agency (Boston, Toronto, and Vancouver). The path to [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/prospeaking-working-with-an-agency#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:12:07 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=700 1443226 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/ctBUH2boVK4/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Malcolm Gladwell’s article in The New Yorker, which disputes the artist-as-young-prodigy idea, in favour of two models: young stars and late bloomers. It reminds Nora of this study that suggests that the dot com world is not just peopled by 8 year olds, but features lots of seasoned [...] Uncategorized child-rearing trends http://thesniffer.net/?p=166#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:04:26 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=166 1437585 http://todmaffin.com/outsourceresearch Hi everyone and thanks for your emails of support and concern. I’m feeling back on the mend again so I’m going to slowly dip my toe back into blogging. (I never really left the Twitterscape — I guess old habits die hard!) I’m considering starting a blog with posts a few times a week around the [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/outsourceresearch#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:48:03 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=695 1437377 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/m2Rhej5U_Es/ Welcome back to a new season of our trendwatching podcast, thesniffer! This time, Cathi Bond talks about a couple of ‘e-ink’ stories.  First, Esquire magazine’s October issue features an e-ink cover with an ad that moves! (via physorg) e-ink is also behind Plastic Logic, a new e-reader designed for reading documents for business (via Gizmag). [...] Uncategorized electronics India http://thesniffer.net/?p=148#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=148 1429575 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/50ipNllcmeM/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Cathi Bond’s Prosecast interview with Michael Greenberg, author of Hurry Down Sunshine, a memoir about his teenage daughter’s sudden psychotic break.  It makes for really compelling listening. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond pursues a trend she first talked about ages ago: ethical meat.  Since then, it’s taken off everywhere (especially status-conscious [...] Uncategorized Cuisine Michael Greenberg Podcast Productivity http://thesniffer.net/?p=152#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=152 1429576 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/Lgwl_xRgUS4/ In this trends podcast, Cathi Bond talks about androgynous fashion for guys, following on the heels of andro-women in fashion (via JC Report).  Nora Young mentions the sequined rocker look from Ed Hardy, and MAC’s love affair with Glam this fall. Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the news that Google has taken out a patent on a [...] Uncategorized Fashion Green Tech http://thesniffer.net/?p=154#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=154 1429577 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/M7NrwhEpyKc/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions the LIFT Asia conference, and a fascinating presentation by Raphael Grignani. (via Lunch Over IP) Meanwhile, Cathi Bond follows up her piece on androgynous fall fashion for guys with the surprising rise of “guyliner” and “manscara” eye makeup for guys, and the even more surprising trend of hose for [...] Uncategorized Fashion sustainability http://thesniffer.net/?p=156#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=156 1429578 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/LdxUUjrDB9k/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young discusses Iisli, a portable retail outlet in Manhattan (via PSFK) Cathi Bond looks at a more…unusual example: Storm Safe, a hexagonal shelter in case of hurricane.  Well, in case of ever more extreme weather, perhaps it’s not a bad idea. (via Weather Snob) Uncategorized architecture design trends http://thesniffer.net/?p=158#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=158 1429579 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/sVLAXINxtz8/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond brings you a ‘fridge special’.  Don’t cook much? Why bother with a kitchen when you can have the Gorenje Fridge that sits nestled in a coffee table (via Gizmag)!  Also, tired of sharing an apartment with someone who steals your milk?  How about the Flatshare fridge?  It’s separate, small fridges [...] Uncategorized design small spaces http://thesniffer.net/?p=160#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=160 1429580 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/bKQ7IetUH1E/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about observing ‘hyperlocalism’ in Toronto, in everything from neighbourhood t-shirts to hyperlocal neighbourhood pride. Cathi Bond points to notcot’s write-up on this agricultural festival in Paris as more evidence of a trend she’s spotted in agricultural chic, which also includes clothing lines like Farm Boy and Farm Girl. Uncategorized Fashion localism http://thesniffer.net/?p=162#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=162 1429581 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/Ctr3YFwsqHA/ From time to time on thesniffer, Nora Young and Cathi Bond have talked about what might happen to trends like enviro-chic and localism if there’s a downturn in the economy. Well, now that it looks as though the chickens may be coming home to roost, Cathi and Nora talk trends in an economy of lowered [...] Uncategorized art economic downturn green trends http://thesniffer.net/?p=164#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:52:03 -0400 http://thesniffer.net/?p=164 1429582 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/9xtmE0iBxOA/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young refers to Technology Review’s latest look at the progress of Second Life, and moves towards virtual world interoperability.Meanwhile, Cathi Bond discusses the newest release from iRobot: The Negotiator (via gizmag).  Could it mean a Robocop future?  Uncategorized http://thesniffer.net/?p=146#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:52:20 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/09/02/trendwatching-return-of-virtual-worlds-and-irobots-new-bag/ 1347836 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thesniffer/~3/38W9oYMbUVk/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Alex Steffen’s recent post at worldchanging, suggesting that the combination of rising fuel costs, consumer sensitivity, and other factors may spell an end to the relentless push for globalism.Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has found a cool project in the nanoantenna; new hope for re-using energy byproducts (via engadget) Plus, Nora touts Scandinavian [...] Uncategorized http://thesniffer.net/?p=145#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:32:09 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/29/trendwatching-return-of-localism-and-the-nano-antenna/ 1342420 http://todmaffin.com/gnomedex-live A lot of my nerd friends are down in Seattle for Gnomedex, the annual geek conference hosted by the one-man-industry Chris Pirillo. I’m not really well enough yet to go down there (2009 here I come!), but here’s a live feed of the event: a Gnomedex Live BLOG Technology gnomedex gnomedex08 http://todmaffin.com/gnomedex-live#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:20:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=596 1331909 http://todmaffin.com/today-and-why-im-glad-its-over There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Personal http://todmaffin.com/today-and-why-im-glad-its-over#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:12:34 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=591 1324253 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/17/trendwatching-monorails-for-bikes-and-death-of-magazines/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Schweeb, a sort of monorail for bikes (via gizmodo).  Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the alarming drop in magazine sales (via psfk.com).  Would you read newspapers, magazines, and books on something like the Kindle, now that at least one analyst is predicting big sales? Uncategorized green issues publishing http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/17/trendwatching-monorails-for-bikes-and-death-of-magazines/#comments Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:40:11 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/17/trendwatching-monorails-for-bikes-and-death-of-magazines/ 1322275 http://todmaffin.com/visualvoicemail a Videoblog: Visual Voicemail is not all it’s cut out to be. BLOG http://todmaffin.com/visualvoicemail#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:48:39 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=573 1315934 http://todmaffin.com/instinc This week, Bell Canada unveiled its new look on its web site. It much simpler and they’ve finally put the nail in the coffin of the Sympatico and ExpressVu brands, opting for the simpler “Bell Internet” and “Bell TV.” (Is it just me, or does their new logo just look like the word Bell set in [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/instinc#comments Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:40:06 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=569 1310076 http://todmaffin.com/electioncall The damned Liberals have been calling me again. The Liberal Party of Canada (yes, they do still exist) have been calling me two or three times a week now asking me for money. I’ve programmed their number* into my call display so I know to either avoid them. Or have fun with them, depending on [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/electioncall#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:32:03 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=475 1307710 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/06/trendwatching-polymeme-and-convergence-101/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Polymeme, a news aggregator of a different sort, which doesn’t curate stories by niche, but by a broad range of ‘general interests’ (via Lunch Over IP).Cathi Bond tips us off to the new JVC TV with a dock for your iPod.  Is this the beginning of some real convergence, making it [...] Uncategorized gear web trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/06/trendwatching-polymeme-and-convergence-101/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:48:02 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/08/06/trendwatching-polymeme-and-convergence-101/ 1306041 http://todmaffin.com/dreambankorg DreamBank.org BLOG http://todmaffin.com/dreambankorg#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:20:12 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=471 1306043 http://todmaffin.com/twitter-increases-maximum-length-to-18000-characters So there I was, cleaning out some of the Internet’s tubes this morning, when I ran across this on Twitter’s Wikipedia page: Someone may have changed it back to 160 by the time you get there (I was tempted myself to fix it, but the entertainment value outweighed my moral code for accuracy.) So the screenshot [...] BLOG Personal http://todmaffin.com/twitter-increases-maximum-length-to-18000-characters#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:12:05 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=467 1301552 http://todmaffin.com/clippy NOVEMBER 8, 2025 It’s true. It’s back. Apparently, it came back a month ago, but I just didn’t believe the buzz on the Microsoft Live Twitter v8.2 for Workstations feed. (Oh Steve Jobs, why didn’t YOU buy Twitter?! I know, I know. Too busy trying still to sign the Beatles for iTunes.) Don’t get me wrong. If it [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/clippy#comments Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:32:05 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=462 1290453 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/25/trendwatching-information-everywhere-pros-and-cons/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the latest privacy concerns with Google Streetview, now that it’s set to track the streets of London.  Although Google rightly points out that the visual information is already available to anyone walking down the street, Nora wonders whether the ease of gathering information now is making for [...] Uncategorized http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/25/trendwatching-information-everywhere-pros-and-cons/#comments Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:48:12 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/25/trendwatching-information-everywhere-pros-and-cons/ 1287906 http://todmaffin.com/sxsw * Note: SxSW has responded in the comments. Also, for a dissenting view, see John Biehler’s “Why Tod M. is a blazing moron” post. (I may have the post title wrong… <grin>) Dear God, it’s happening again. People are starting to plan their Fall and 2009 calendars, deciding which tech conferences they should take in. After all, [...] BLOG Technology scoble sxsw http://todmaffin.com/sxsw#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:04:21 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=458 1283593 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/22/trendwatching-underwater-cars-and-femme-fashion/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond gets her summer on with a look at the Rinspeed sQuba.  Check it out!  The hitch? It’s a convertible.Meanwhile, Nora wonders whether the butchy look they talked about recently is really going to take off, since all she sees on the streets of Toronto is femme, femme, femme.  Uncategorized cars fashion http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/22/trendwatching-underwater-cars-and-femme-fashion/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:32:09 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/22/trendwatching-underwater-cars-and-femme-fashion/ 1283434 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/15/trendwatching-building-up-and-no-waste-waste/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about a new concept building called the UltimaIt’s another in a series of ideas Cathi has seen that point to a future of sky-high living to preserve space. Meanwhile, Nora notes Technology Review’s story on Ottawa’s plans to green light PlascoEnergy Group’s waste-to-energy facility.   Nora sees it as an example [...] Uncategorized design energy green http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/15/trendwatching-building-up-and-no-waste-waste/#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:20:13 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/15/trendwatching-building-up-and-no-waste-waste/ 1272461 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/07/trendwatching-new-bones-and-more-meaningful-greens/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions research into developing a new type of glass that can release calcium in the body for the regeneration of bone.  Another example of innovation that can target ageing populations?  Check out the press release hereMeanwhile, Nora Young picks up on Trendwatching’s word watch: “Eco Embed” (scroll down).  More than [...] Uncategorized green design medical innovation http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/07/trendwatching-new-bones-and-more-meaningful-greens/#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:56:04 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/07/07/trendwatching-new-bones-and-more-meaningful-greens/ 1261341 http://todmaffin.com/westen For a while now, I’ve been considering moving to the west end of Vancouver. While I live the services and 30-storey view of where I live now, living right in the business district is noisy, not particularly close to real produce stores, and unnecessarily expensive. Worst of all, there’s no sense of community when you [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/westen#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:52:15 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=454 1255043 http://todmaffin.com/scammers So, while looking for an apartment in the West End, I tried my hand answering a couple of Craigslist ads. I’ve emailed about eight so far. Here are the results: They already rented the place out and were just too lazy to take the ad down. Haven’t replied, after a week’s time. Are clearly scam artists. Why do I [...] BLOG Personal http://todmaffin.com/scammers#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:52:15 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=455 1255044 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/30/trendwatching-butchy-fashion-and-unexpected-colour/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young offer up a fashion update.  Cathi notes, (via JC Report), that a much more butchy look is back for women this Fall, featuring suspenders, caps and more.Meanwhile, Nora Young notes this fabulous red pool in the Hotel Unique in Sao Paolo (via Trendhunter).  Yet another example of the trend [...] Uncategorized http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/30/trendwatching-butchy-fashion-and-unexpected-colour/#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:28:15 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/30/trendwatching-butchy-fashion-and-unexpected-colour/ 1250203 http://todmaffin.com/site-down-for-a-day-or-two TodMaffin.com will be down for a day or two (perhaps into the weekend) as I move to a new hosting provider. a Site down for a day or two BLOG http://todmaffin.com/site-down-for-a-day-or-two#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:28:19 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=450 1245306 http://todmaffin.com/iphoneplan Rogers has announced the plans for the iPhone 3G (second-gen) in Canada. On both its Fido and Rogers network, you’ll pay the following for a data plan: $60 Voice/Data Gives you… 150 daytime + Unlimited Evenings/Weekends 400MB data 75 Sent text messages Unlimited $75 Voice/Data Gives you… 300 daytime + Unlimited Evenings/Weekends 750MB data 100 Sent text messages Unlimited incoming text/voicemail $100 Voice/Data Gives you… 600 daytime [...] BLOG Technology http://todmaffin.com/iphoneplan#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:28:19 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=451 1246348 http://todmaffin.com/supreme-court-fine-to-compare-gay-rights-advocate-to-hitler-kkk A defamation case again Rafe Mair, an outspoken B.C. talk show host, today ended in Mair’s favour in the Supreme Court of Canada. While on-air, Mair compared anti-gay rights activist Kari Simpson to Hitler, skinheads, and the KKK. At the time, Simpson was involved in a campaign opposed to teaching students about gay lifestyles in the [...] BLOG The Media http://todmaffin.com/supreme-court-fine-to-compare-gay-rights-advocate-to-hitler-kkk#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:28:19 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=452 1246349 http://todmaffin.com/iphonerumours espite this morning’s long-anticipated release of the Canadian iPhone plans, there are still many unanswered questions out there floating around, stirring up rumours. Did you hear? You can’t buy an iPhone east of Montreal!! I just heard the plan rates are only “introductory”! My buddy at a Fido kiosk says they’re taking pre-orders!! You have to buy a value-pack [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/iphonerumours#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:28:19 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=453 1246350 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/24/trendwatching-rising-food-prices-and-powering-your-gadgets/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about a plan by the Italian government to empower consumers worried about being ripped off by price gouging in the wake of rising food prices.  It will text message average wholesale and retail prices for foods directly to consumers. (via Springwise)Meanwhile, Cathi Bond looks at research into a ’skin-tenna’, [...] Uncategorized alternative power sms http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/24/trendwatching-rising-food-prices-and-powering-your-gadgets/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:56:11 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/24/trendwatching-rising-food-prices-and-powering-your-gadgets/ 1241711 http://todmaffin.com/hello-world/ Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging! Uncategorized http://todmaffin.com/hello-world/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:12:02 -0400 1189744716 1239061 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/19/trendwatching-hearing-loss-update/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young talk about the growing trend towards gear that can combat hearing loss.  Cathi talks about the Silynx GPS-enabled headphones, to help navigate and prevent hearing loss. It’s designed for soldiers now, but can consumer apps be far behind? (via Gizmag)Nora Young says she’s noticed the trend to higher end [...] Uncategorized gear hearing loss podcast http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/19/trendwatching-hearing-loss-update/#comments Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:28:08 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/19/trendwatching-hearing-loss-update/ 1233069 http://todmaffin.com/webinar I frequently get requests from folks who attended one of my presentations to do another session online, so that people can pick up the knowledge in them, but not have to spend growing air costs to fly somewhere. To that end… I’m happy to announce that I’ve teamed up with the International Association of Business Communicators [...] BLOG Public Relations http://todmaffin.com/webinar#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:56:04 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=449 1229662 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/13/trendwatching-hip-mcdonalds-and-meme-marketing/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about McDonald’s restaurants’ new hipness. Wi-fi is now in McDonald’s in Hong Kong, and HK gamers are hanging out there, playing late at night, notes PSFK.com:Meanwhile, by now you’ve probably seen, or heard about, the Weezer video for Pork and Beans (it’s been viewed nearly 7 million times) .  Nora and [...] Uncategorized marketing wi-fi http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/13/trendwatching-hip-mcdonalds-and-meme-marketing/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:12:13 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/13/trendwatching-hip-mcdonalds-and-meme-marketing/ 1224703 http://todmaffin.com/exclusive-canadian-iphone-will-only-be-sold-with-three-year-plan Just got off the phone with a source of mine at Rogers. Here are some details about today’s iPhone announcement that aren’t being shared publicly yet: You will only be able to buy an iPhone if you agree to a three-year plan. Visual Voicemail WILL work in Canada Handset costs in Canada: $199 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB Cost [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/exclusive-canadian-iphone-will-only-be-sold-with-three-year-plan#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:28:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=447 1220773 http://todmaffin.com/ireview UPDATE: As many commenters have noted, it does indeed look more like “Expense Reviews,” not “Experience iReview.” I could have sworn I saw an “i” before the “R” but then again, I have switched to decaf and it is NOT going well… During yesterday’s keynote, Apple executive Phil Schiller demonstrated the forthcoming MobileMe system which [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/ireview#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:28:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=448 1220774 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/10/trendwatching-smart-solar-solutions-and-the-motorcycle-you-wear/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about two neat solar ideas. Scottish firm, ZM Architecture have designed solar lily pads for the River Clyde, according to Inhabit: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/12/solar-lily-pads-planned-for-glasgows-clyde-river/ As well, Gizmag features a thin silicon solar film by Signet Solar: http://www.gizmag.com/thin-film-solar-modules-manufacturing/9378/ Meanwhile, in keeping with the trend towards biomimicry, Nora Young spots this wild motorcycle that you [...] Uncategorized http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/10/trendwatching-smart-solar-solutions-and-the-motorcycle-you-wear/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:04:07 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/10/trendwatching-smart-solar-solutions-and-the-motorcycle-you-wear/ 1219129 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/04/trendwatching-therapeutic-gaming-and-second-life-redux/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about this Technology Review interview with the new CEO at Linden Labs (the people behind Second Life) and wonders what it would mean for businesses to make an investment in building authentic community in online worlds. She also references this story on Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom that her [...] Uncategorized gaming health online communities virtual worlds http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/04/trendwatching-therapeutic-gaming-and-second-life-redux/#comments Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:40:06 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/06/04/trendwatching-therapeutic-gaming-and-second-life-redux/ 1211058 http://todmaffin.com/gobbledegook Every so often, my name shows up on a spam web site — you know the kind, the kind filled with nonsense words strung together. This morning, a pretty damned funny one showed up. In that Tod Maffin, a ballyhoo man in regard to CBC witness states onwards his blog, “Better self are podcasters: taxpayer broadcasters [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/gobbledegook#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:56:04 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=446 1210882 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/30/trendwatching-blogging-celebrity-and-hip-magazines/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young refers to this article in the New York Times magazine, by former Gawker blogger, Emily Gould, which has become the talk of the blogosphere.  What do you think?  One of our podcast listeners pointed it out to Nora, and wanted to know whether Cathi and Nora think of themselves as, ahem, [...] Uncategorized art publishing http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/30/trendwatching-blogging-celebrity-and-hip-magazines/#comments Sat, 31 May 2008 21:20:35 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/30/trendwatching-blogging-celebrity-and-hip-magazines/ 1203689 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/25/trendwatching-second-life-update-and-boosting-the-bottom-line/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about research at the University of Houston that suggests patients in recovery from addiction can use virtual worlds like Second Life to ‘rehearse’ re-integrating into social situations.  Meanwhile, Nora Young is curious about New Scientist’s look at research that would allow people with mobility impairments to do gaming–manipulating avatars, for instance–by having [...] Uncategorized cosmetics research virtual worlds http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/25/trendwatching-second-life-update-and-boosting-the-bottom-line/#comments Mon, 26 May 2008 13:04:03 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/25/trendwatching-second-life-update-and-boosting-the-bottom-line/ 1195519 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/22/trendwatching-twitter-redux-and-more-flexible-workspace/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young comments on the return to the trend spotlight of twitter.  Why, a year and a half after it was first white hot, is it white hot again? Any theories? Also, Nora and Cathi talk about Cubes&Crayons, a flexible work space for freelancers in Silicon Valley that provides child care, along with meeting rooms [...] Uncategorized social networking workplaces http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/22/trendwatching-twitter-redux-and-more-flexible-workspace/#comments Fri, 23 May 2008 20:56:04 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/22/trendwatching-twitter-redux-and-more-flexible-workspace/ 1192212 http://todmaffin.com/redroo If you’re looking for a fun, safe night on the town — AVOID THE RED ROOM in Vancouver. At least according to more than a handful of people who’ve had terrible experiences there. In short: If you are the designated driver, you can’t get even a free glass of tap-water. The Red Room charges designated drivers [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/redroo#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 13:52:10 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=443 1184822 http://todmaffin.com/aircanada Following up on my post about the obscure error message I kept getting on the Aeroplan site… Turns out, the error code simply meant “The credit card you have on file has expired.” (I don’t know why it couldn’t have said that instead of spitting out a numeric code you had to call to get decrypted.) But [...] BLOG Consumerism aeroplan air canada aircanada flight http://todmaffin.com/aircanada#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 13:52:10 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=444 1184823 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/17/trendwatching-sleazy-fashion-and-up-and-coming-brands/ In this trendwatching podcast, fashion’s the name of the game.  Nora Young mentions “big brother” fashion in Japan: guys with lots of facial hair, chunky jewelry, and a bit of a rocker look (via Trends in Japan).Meanwhile, Cathi Bond looks at the return of 70s denim, in flared, palazzo-style jeans and thin, dirty-looking jean jackets.  Why [...] Uncategorized fashion http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/17/trendwatching-sleazy-fashion-and-up-and-coming-brands/#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 12:40:13 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/17/trendwatching-sleazy-fashion-and-up-and-coming-brands/ 1184486 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/13/trendwatching-responsive-architecture-and-responsible-windows/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Flare, a cool example of a building surface that responds to its environment. Found via PSFK, where you can see a video of Flare in action.Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has been thinking about Nora’s home energy improvements.  She likes the Panorama film that lies on the surface of your window, cutting out heat but [...] Uncategorized architecture energy green design http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/13/trendwatching-responsive-architecture-and-responsible-windows/#comments Thu, 15 May 2008 20:28:18 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/13/trendwatching-responsive-architecture-and-responsible-windows/ 1176797 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/09/trendwatching-monster-displays-and-zero-waste-restaurants/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Big Moving Pictures, which organizes giant, moveable displays for outdoor events, which feature content and ads.  It’s part of a broader trend towards monster outdoor displays.Meanwhile, Nora Young describes her recent visit to the HICKtech conference, including its commitment to reducing waste and serving 100 mile food.  [...] Uncategorized cradle-to-cradle marketing http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/09/trendwatching-monster-displays-and-zero-waste-restaurants/#comments Sat, 10 May 2008 12:12:47 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/09/trendwatching-monster-displays-and-zero-waste-restaurants/ 1171904 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/06/trendwatching-overparenting-and-smart-peripherals/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the ‘thudguard’, a British-designed ‘cap’ to protect toddlers (via gizmag).  Sensible protection or yet another step in over-parenting?Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the T3 Hub 2.0 for Macs, a sort of USB ‘hotel’ (at drbott.com, via The Cool Hunter).  Who doesn’t need more USB ports?  Uncategorized gear parenting trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/06/trendwatching-overparenting-and-smart-peripherals/#comments Tue, 06 May 2008 11:48:16 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/06/trendwatching-overparenting-and-smart-peripherals/ 1166495 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/02/trendwatching-portable-spaces-and-fresh-drinking-water/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about SpareSpace portable work environments (via Springwise).  It’s part of the broader trend we’ve noted towards temporary spaces that can be parked on rooftops, in lofts, etc.  Nora also notes the NoStore concept in Shanghai (via KissAtlanta), a rotating retail environment for different artisans. Meanwhile Cathi Bond has been [...] Uncategorized emergencies retail workplaces http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/02/trendwatching-portable-spaces-and-fresh-drinking-water/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 11:28:02 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/05/02/trendwatching-portable-spaces-and-fresh-drinking-water/ 1161011 http://todmaffin.com/aeroplan This has been going on for more than a week now. You get right to the end of the booking process then it crashes. I’m on hold with their “web site assistance centre.” What do YOU think they’ll say? “It’s because you’re using a Mac.” “We don’t support Firefox.” “I’m not sure. Did you try it again?” I’ll have the [...] BLOG Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/aeroplan#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 04:32:08 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=440 1158894 http://todmaffin.com/slidehelp Periodically, I give keynote speeches to business conferences. My PowerPoint slides (actually, iWork Keynote) are renowned for being fast-paced and fun. As I’ve got a number of medical appointments in my near future, I’m looking for someone to occasionally help take the load off some of this research, writing, and slide production. This is not a ghost-writing [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/slidehelp#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 04:32:08 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=441 1158895 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/27/trendwatching-short-attention-spans-and-smart-clothes/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young looks at some new research that backs up what Cathi and Nora have been feeling: according to the study Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future, lots of people engaged in scholarly research engage in skittish ‘power browsing’ rather than sustained deep research, and this behaviour crosses generations [...] Uncategorized clothing internet medicine http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/27/trendwatching-short-attention-spans-and-smart-clothes/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:12:07 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/27/trendwatching-short-attention-spans-and-smart-clothes/ 1152758 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/23/trendwatching-alarms-for-the-sleep-deprived-and-new-adventures-in-voip/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond finds this puzzle alarm clock, and this alarm clock that’s superloud and shakes the bed! (Both at bimbambanana) And this bible inspirational clock (via UrbanTrend).  A sign that we are all really sleep-deprived? Meanwhile, Nora sees a couple of recent notes about VOIP: Reuters reports that Japan Communications is going [...] Uncategorized cell phones cultural trends voip http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/23/trendwatching-alarms-for-the-sleep-deprived-and-new-adventures-in-voip/#comments Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:52:11 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/23/trendwatching-alarms-for-the-sleep-deprived-and-new-adventures-in-voip/ 1146827 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/20/trendwatching-virtual-desktops-and-community-art/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the virtual desktop, Jooce.Cathi Bond describes the community-based art of the British art group, Proboscis.Nora Young refers to this Cscout article on time-based products at McDonald’s in Japan.  Uncategorized art cloud computing trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/20/trendwatching-virtual-desktops-and-community-art/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:48:15 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/20/trendwatching-virtual-desktops-and-community-art/ 1142461 http://todmaffin.com/spamtrappe Okay, I don’t really have Harper’s passport. But I did a pretty convincing mockup of it. And why did I do this? Check out spamtrapper.wordpress.com to see my latest project. a Why I Have Stephen Harper’s Passport BLOG http://todmaffin.com/spamtrappe#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:28:10 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=437 1142770 http://todmaffin.com/telusfee The CRTC today decided that Telus has been improperly charging customers a network-access fee. The Commission has ordered Telus to rebate customers who paid this monthly fee, but did not make any telephone calls on the company’s long-distance network during the month. (The company doesn’t have to refund the fee to customers who did make long-distance [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/telusfee#comments Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:20:06 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=435 1141338 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/17/trendwatching-turntables-south-beach-and-muscle-cars/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond points to two cool turntables: one, designed like a tiny VW van that ‘drives’ around your vinyl, and one, that converts vinyl to mp3s. (via ubergizmo) Meanwhile, Nora Young talks about some of the trends she spotted on a recent trip to South Beach.  She visited the Marimekko store, and [...] Uncategorized design fashion trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/17/trendwatching-turntables-south-beach-and-muscle-cars/#comments Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:40:24 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/17/trendwatching-turntables-south-beach-and-muscle-cars/ 1139960 http://todmaffin.com/geneva I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Geneva Bokowski as my Research Coordinator/Executive Assistant. Until recently, Geneva had been the Communications Coordinator with Cross-Cultural Strategy. She also served as Assistant Art Director at Pacific Rim Magazine. Geneva is currently tackling communications and publishing at Simon Fraser University, with specific work in documentary research. She’s reachable directly at [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/geneva#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:04:10 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=432 1130904 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/13/trendwatching-cool-search-tools-and-more-genetic-testing/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young takes the new search tool, seachme, out for a spin.  She thinks it’s part of a bigger trend towards ’snapshot’ displays that let you better manage masses of data.Meanwhile, Cathi Bond on a product she found at medgadget:  this new, commercially available test, that looks for genetic markers associated with bipolar disorder. [...] Uncategorized connectivity internet medicine http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/13/trendwatching-cool-search-tools-and-more-genetic-testing/#comments Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:12:09 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/13/trendwatching-cool-search-tools-and-more-genetic-testing/ 1131295 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/10/trendwatching-sky-high-london-and-the-ladybag/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about a concept for how to solve London’s booming population requirements, without resorting to urban sprawl: this “Super Tower” at popularchitecture.com Meanwhile, Nora Young looks at an interesting concept from Simon Fraser University: the ladybag lets you know if you’ve forgotten to put your daily must-haves (phone, wallet etc) [...] Uncategorized architecture fashion rfid http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/10/trendwatching-sky-high-london-and-the-ladybag/#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:04:02 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/10/trendwatching-sky-high-london-and-the-ladybag/ 1126342 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/06/trendwatching-the-future-of-work-and-garages-in-the-sky/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about this Guardian article on the future of work. It’s a look at a new study that suggests ‘work life balance’ is being replaced with ‘work life integration’. Nora and Cathi wonder whether, in spite of all the great tools for remote collaboration out there, creative collaboration really [...] Uncategorized architecture workplace trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/06/trendwatching-the-future-of-work-and-garages-in-the-sky/#comments Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:52:04 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/04/06/trendwatching-the-future-of-work-and-garages-in-the-sky/ 1120425 http://todmaffin.com/the-myth-is-busted-americans-are-taxed-more-than-canadians “Yeah, free health-care and far less crime is great, but don’t Canadians pay a lot more taxes than Americans?” No, we don’t. Americans pay more in personal income taxes than Canadians. Here’s proof.read more | digg story a The Myth is Busted: Americans are taxed MORE than Canadians! BLOG http://todmaffin.com/the-myth-is-busted-americans-are-taxed-more-than-canadians#comments Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:12:05 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/the-myth-is-busted-americans-are-taxed-more-than-canadians 1109589 http://todmaffin.com/celltracking Satellite tracking isn’t new… we’ve had G-P-S around for years. But you may be surprised at what they’re starting to do with the technology now. For one, you may be being tracked without your knowledge…. and no satellites are involved at all! Cell Phones: The New GPS a Your Cell Phone Is Tracking You BLOG Technology cellphones gps http://todmaffin.com/celltracking#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:04:15 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/your-cell-phone-is-tracking-you 1108059 http://todmaffin.com/stupid-ass-web-error-message-of-the-week Zero or more numerics? Doesn’t every password have zero or more numbers in it?! From Cineplex Odeon Canada’s web site. When I called tech support, the guy told me to “wait about 10-15 minutes and maybe it’ll go away.” Yeah. ‘Cause that’s the way programming works. a Stupid-ass Web Error Message of the Week BLOG http://todmaffin.com/stupid-ass-web-error-message-of-the-week#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:04:15 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/stupid-ass-web-error-message-of-the-week 1108631 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/29/trendwatching-india-goes-wi-max-and-more-body-monitoring/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about her obsession with Simon Carter accessories.  Nora and Cathi Bond continue their conversation about wireless connectivity in the developing world with this Business Week story about Tata’s plans to create an enormous WiMax wireless internet mesh that will serve over 100 Indian cities. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond continues to [...] Uncategorized developing areas mobile apps wireless http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/29/trendwatching-india-goes-wi-max-and-more-body-monitoring/#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2008 01:20:06 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/29/trendwatching-india-goes-wi-max-and-more-body-monitoring/ 1107969 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/25/trendwatching-ai-in-second-life-and-sustainability-in-fashion/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond looks at intriguing research into A.I. applications for Second Life.  Nora Young has some background with this New York Times magazine article into what seems to be a similar type of research with sociable robots. Nora has a look at Nike’s sexy new running shoe Trash Talk, made from stitched [...] Uncategorized A.I. fashion Second Life sustainabililty http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/25/trendwatching-ai-in-second-life-and-sustainability-in-fashion/#comments Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:04:15 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/25/trendwatching-ai-in-second-life-and-sustainability-in-fashion/ 1101354 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/20/trendwatching-new-gaming-apps-and-thought-control/ In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Mindwire V5 It delivers a mild electric jolt to simulate kicks and punches in video games. Nora says…why? Meanwhile, Nora found this cool video at the New Scientist blog. A company called The Audeo works with connecting the nerve impulses to computer systems. In this case, through trained [...] Uncategorized gaming research http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/20/trendwatching-new-gaming-apps-and-thought-control/#comments Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:48:19 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/20/trendwatching-new-gaming-apps-and-thought-control/ 1093152 http://todmaffin.com/cbctorrent Canada’s public broadcaster, CBC Television, will be using bit-torrent to distribute its popular Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister after it airs on terrestrial broadcast (Sunday night at 7:00 p.m.) The CBC has dabbled in bit-torrent before — the now-cancelled late-night arts show ZeD torrented its final episode a few years back — but the show’s crew [...] The Media bittorrent cbc drm torrent http://todmaffin.com/cbctorrent#comments Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:28:05 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/cbctorrent 1094876 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/16/trendwatching-powerpoint-as-recreation-and-the-return-of-surf-culture/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young looks at the spreading global subculture of Pecha Kucha, speed powerpoint recreational evenings. PSFK has talked about it here. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond says surf culture is making a big comeback, citing the popularity of Hollister, and the H Bomb heated wetsuit so you can surf in the Arctic (via [...] Uncategorized recreation trends http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/16/trendwatching-powerpoint-as-recreation-and-the-return-of-surf-culture/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:32:08 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/16/trendwatching-powerpoint-as-recreation-and-the-return-of-surf-culture/ 1086857 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/12/trendwatching-books-in-the-digital-economy-and-brain-controlled-games/ In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young considers the news that some major book publishers are removing the digital rights management from their books (via the New York Times). Meanwhile, Cathi Bond is excited about the announcement of Emotiv’s brain-controlled gaming interface (via businesswire)   Nora mentions Clive Thompson’s post about the relief we feel when our character is [...] Uncategorized digital economy publishing trends video games http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/12/trendwatching-books-in-the-digital-economy-and-brain-controlled-games/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:28:02 -0400 http://www.foursevens.com/thesniffer/2008/03/12/trendwatching-books-in-the-digital-economy-and-brain-controlled-games/ 1080409 http://todmaffin.com/regina-hotel-delta-hotel-regina I’ve decided I’m going to start up my reviews site again, but integrate it with this blog. So let’s start with where I am right now, the Delta Hotel Regina. I’m not thrilled. The room is nice, but… They had my checkout date wrong, and it looks like I’m on my own for the last night now The Internet [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/regina-hotel-delta-hotel-regina#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=117 1080991 http://todmaffin.com/my-latest-tech-column-podcast-the-secret-behind-arpu Have you seen those billboards for Bell — in huge letters, it says “Watch Spiderman on your cell phone!” As if we’ve all been craving that feature. So I decided to find out how easy it was to find Spiderman and watch it on a movie-compatible Bell phone. Along the way, I explain why the [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/my-latest-tech-column-podcast-the-secret-behind-arpu#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=122 1080992 http://todmaffin.com/review-rogers-blackberry-pearl Disclosure: This is a review of the Blackberry Pearl, distributed in Canada by Rogers. I was not compensated in any way for this review. Rogers loaned me a test unit for a couple of weeks; it has now been returned. I’ve spent a few weeks in heavy testing with this handset and it is a great [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/review-rogers-blackberry-pearl#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=125 1080993 http://todmaffin.com/tech-column-wimax-the-future-of-wireless Just when you think you’ve got your Internet connection at home figured out, along comes yet another technology. But this one promises more than just faster speeds. It might make traditional broadcasters obsolete. The CBC’s technology columnist Tod Maffin is here with the details. Download/Listen to tech_wimax_web.mp3 NB: The on-air version of this piece has Michael Jackson’s [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/tech-column-wimax-the-future-of-wireless#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=129 1080994 http://todmaffin.com/review-new-photoshop-and-dreamweaver Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this review. Adobe provided me with a time-limited pre-release copy of their software, and gave me a tour of the product several weeks ago. I agreed to hold back information certain details of the product until its release date. Adobe Photoshop CS3 All-in-all, this is a solid update. [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/review-new-photoshop-and-dreamweaver#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=131 1080995 http://todmaffin.com/tragedies-and-technology Updated: This is the final version of the short package I produced on the topic. It will air Wednesday and Thursday mornings throughout Canada. Download/listen to tragedy_and_technology.mp3 Here is the “q-line” (line of suggested questioning) for my technology column on CBC Radio One morning shows. I’ll be on the air with the morning show hosts in the [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/tragedies-and-technology#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=135 1080996 http://todmaffin.com/are-you-sure-that-file-is-erased Here’s the draft “q-line” for this week’s technology column. I thought it was interesting to learn that multiple wipes of a file or disk make no difference. Thoughts? Corrections? Earlier this month, an employee with the Toronto Star newspaper bought a used notebook computer on eBay. The fellow collects old computers as a hobby. But when [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/are-you-sure-that-file-is-erased#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=141 1080997 http://todmaffin.com/your-companys-security-on-a-keychain I had a chance a couple of weeks ago to talk to the folks at RedCannon. They make a USB key called KeyPoint Alchemy which transforms any USB Flash Drive into “a trusted corporate access and storage device.” It’s really a neat product, actually. It’s meant to be used as a “fleet” of memory sticks, and [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/your-companys-security-on-a-keychain#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=143 1080998 http://todmaffin.com/bells-beautiful-m610-handset I’ve had a chance to test Bell’s new Samsung SPH-m610 handset and it’s a beautiful device. First, the bad news. AUDIO QUALITY The sound quality of the phone is muddy and lacks the high-end clarity one needs for normal voice. There were a number of times I had to ask people to repeat themselves, because the phone [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/bells-beautiful-m610-handset#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=144 1080999 http://todmaffin.com/tech-column-wiping-your-hard-disk-clean Earlier this month, an employee with the Toronto Star newspaper bought a used notebook computer on eBay. The fellow collects old computers as a hobby. But when he started it up, he discovered more than the usual. He found confidential information from the then-Canadian Alliance party. Turns out, it’s a common mistake. Many people just [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/tech-column-wiping-your-hard-disk-clean#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=146 1081000 http://todmaffin.com/my-finished-pak-about-facebook First, it was Friendster. Then, MySpace. And now, the place all the so-called cool people visit on the Internet is Facebook. Another day, another Internet fad? Maybe not. Let’s find out, with the CBC’s technology guy Tod Maffin. Download/Listen to facebook.mp3 a My finished pak about Facebook Technology http://todmaffin.com/my-finished-pak-about-facebook#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=148 1081001 http://todmaffin.com/are-social-networking-sites-doomed From Facebook to Digg. From MySpace to YouTube. If the future of the Internet is in these social networking sites, then the future is very much in jeopardy. And it’s all thanks to robots, tiny marketing companies, and greed. At least that’s how the CBC’s technology columnist Tod Maffin sees it. a Are social networking sites doomed? Technology http://todmaffin.com/are-social-networking-sites-doomed#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=164 1081002 http://todmaffin.com/democamps-the-unconference Technology industry watchers are keeping a close eye on a unique movement in the geek community — a new kind of meeting form where technology enthusiasts show off what they’re working on. And many people think it’s where the next Google or Microsoft is waiting to be discovered. Good timing too, since Venture Capitalists are [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/democamps-the-unconference#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=172 1081003 http://todmaffin.com/learningandtech It may have been a long time since you’ve been in a classroom. And it may not surprise you to know things have become more high tech. But how are today’s students of the video game generation forcing their schools to keep up? The CBC’s technology columnist Tod Maffin explains. Links: BCIT and nGrain. a Learning and Technology Technology http://todmaffin.com/learningandtech#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=177 1081004 http://todmaffin.com/shawphone A lot of time I gripe about companies and bad customer service, so I do try to give kudos when it’s appropriate. I got Shaw’s digital phone installed yesterday, and I’m impressed. Took four days to get a technician appointment (not bad) and he enabled all the outlets in my place. Unlike VoIP programs, you don’t [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/shawphone#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=181 1081005 http://todmaffin.com/virtualpolice You don’t need to spend too much time reading the papers to know that it’s getting harder for organizations to hire good people. Baby boomers are retiring, and there just aren’t enough Canadians willing to fill the jobs. It’s especially tough for the public sector. Nurses, politicians, civil servants, er — public radio hosts — [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/virtualpolice#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=189 1081006 http://todmaffin.com/my-spy This week’s CBC tech column was about My Spy — a great little Windows application that always checks your bank account balance and, if it spots a withdrawl (from an ATM or a pre-authorized debit) go through, it alerts you right away. A video of the full-length interview I did with Darren Stevens will be coming [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/my-spy#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=199 1081007 http://todmaffin.com/soundbooth-pro Colin Smith from Adobe gave me a quick tour of a few of their apps from their Production suite. Because I’m a radio guy, I was most excited by Soundbooth CS3. If you’re into audio, have a look at this video. There are some beautiful features to this. (Sadly, it’s single-track only.) a Soundbooth CS3 Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/soundbooth-pro#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=202 1081008 http://todmaffin.com/twitterdraft BILL: Some call it micro-blogging. Others call it an addiction. But these days, when someone says the Internet is all atwitter with activity, they’re not kidding. Tod Maffin will be by to explain the phenomenon of “Presence” on the Internet. Later in the show. INTRO: Here’s sometime a little hard to imagine. Pretend that every half [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/twitterdraft#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=224 1081009 http://todmaffin.com/twitter-2 Here’s sometime a little hard to imagine. Pretend that every half hour, you have to enter a little something about yourself and post it publicly on the Internet. What you’re eating at that moment, what project you’re working on, and so on. Sound crazy? Well thousands of Canadians are doing it, and it’s all because [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/twitter-2#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=225 1081010 http://todmaffin.com/nowpublic_flawed First, let me say this. I know the folks at NowPublic. I like them. They’re cool. And I’m always happy when a local company becomes successful. But I’ve never quite been able to see the value in their coverage, at least from the end-user point of view. And coverage of yesterday’s Minnesota bridge collapse cemented that [...] Consumerism MSM http://todmaffin.com/nowpublic_flawed#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=232 1081011 http://todmaffin.com/why-is-shaw-cablevision-homophobic It being Pride Week here in Vancouver, I thought I’d tune into OUTtv, the GLB lifestyle specialty channel, to see if they were doing any special coverage. (After all, why go outside to see a parade when you can stay indoors and watch it on TV! {sigh} ) But I couldn’t find OUTtv on my Shaw [...] The Media http://todmaffin.com/why-is-shaw-cablevision-homophobic#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=237 1081012 http://todmaffin.com/shawout2 OUTtv’s chief operating officer Brad Danks read my earlier story about Shaw Television’s offensive placement of OUTtv between porn channels and he contacted me to add additional information: 1) OUTtv does not currently carry any “Adult” content. OUTtv voluntarily adheres to the adult content guidelines set by the Ontario Film Board which is the only body [...] The Media http://todmaffin.com/shawout2#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=240 1081013 http://todmaffin.com/applerules Generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of extended warranty plan. Most times, they’re just a cash grab. Future Shop is the worst of them. Even if you tell them you really don’t want “the speech,” they give it to you anyway, how it’s really worth it, you’ll regret not getting it, his cousin’s friend [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/applerules#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=242 1081014 http://todmaffin.com/cyber-chondriacs Maybe you’ve had this experience. You feel achey one day, a little bit sick. And so you make a quick appointment — with Dr. Google. If you find yourself turning to the Internet to try to diagnose your ailments, you’re not alone. The CBC’s technology columnist Tod Maffin has more on this growing trend of [...] Technology http://todmaffin.com/cyber-chondriacs#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=253 1081015 http://todmaffin.com/oops In my attempt to prepare my database and server for Wordpress 2.5, it seems I wiped out a number of post categories. And, of course, the posts that went with them. {sigh} It’s okay, actually, I’m going to take one of my twice-annual breaks from the Interwebs for a bit while I deal with some other matters [...] BLOG http://todmaffin.com/oops#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:14 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/oops 1081016 http://todmaffin.com/redundant As on-demand TV becomes reality, cable companies will step up to replace broadcasters. © 2004 Tod Maffin Inc. Really, you have to give them credit for trying. When NBC tried to convince viewers to lock onto their network for an entire evening, branding it “Must See TV,” I’m sure they thought the positioning statement was catchy. And it [...] The Media broadcasting tv http://todmaffin.com/redundant#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/redundant 1080980 http://todmaffin.com/tourism © 2004 Tod Maffin Inc. The potential is enormous. With world-class hotels and magnificent views, British Columbia is poised to enter lead world’s mindshare in 2010, much as it did in 1985 for the world exposition. With that province-wide opportunity comes tremendous opportunity for hotels, conference planners, and others involved in the hospitality industry to reposition [...] BLOG olympics tourism http://todmaffin.com/tourism#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/tourism 1080981 http://todmaffin.com/labourshortage © 2004 Tod Maffin Inc. We know this much. Your employees are poised to become the power-broker of the next decade. By 2006, two people will be leaving their job for every one person coming in. By 2008, most experts believe that continent-wide we will have a shortfall of more than 10 million employees. But forget those [...] Human Resources hr labour http://todmaffin.com/labourshortage#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/labourshortage 1080982 http://todmaffin.com/slopes © 2005 Tod Maffin Inc. The New Influencers Marketing is becoming increasingly centralized. People turn to Google as often as they turn to their friends for advice on which ski hill is best, which restaurants are good, and so on. Playing a critical role in this shift are bloggers �' online diarists. Though blogs began largely with teens [...] BLOG blogs hr Human Resources Marketing retirees ski tourism http://todmaffin.com/slopes#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/slopes 1080983 http://todmaffin.com/stoned © 2005 Tod Maffin Inc. Feeling a little slow these days? You’re not alone, and it’s not just because you left the iron on this morning (sorry, but someone had to tell you). Research at King’s College in London has discovered that the “on-demand” world of business is, frankly, making us dumb. Test subjects were asked to [...] BLOG The Future of... vpn http://todmaffin.com/stoned#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/stoned 1080984 http://todmaffin.com/hd-pvr-9200-review-and-bell-expressvu We just had the Dishlink installer over to install our Bell PVR (Bell outsources its installation). Here are some things you should know about both this PVR receiver and Bell ExpressVu: Bell’s claim: “You can connect it to 2 TVs for separate viewing and recording on each TV.” Truth: Let’s skip the fact that TVs can’t record. But [...] Consumerism http://todmaffin.com/hd-pvr-9200-review-and-bell-expressvu#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=15 1080985 http://todmaffin.com/raving-reviews-from-my-iabc-presentation-yesterday I had a great time with the folks at the IABC International conference yesterday, as their luncheon speaker. Some reviews from my presentation are in: “One of the best presentations I’ve seen at an IABC conference…. Tod Maffin did an awe-inspiring job explaining the impact of the social web to a packed ballroom of communicators, having [...] Public Relations http://todmaffin.com/raving-reviews-from-my-iabc-presentation-yesterday#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:04:13 -0400 http://todmaffin.com/?p=20 1080986 http://todmaffin.com/iabc-international-association-of-business-communicators-review It’s been a busy week. A week ago, I was at the IABC, giving a presentation called: “The Sting of the Webswarm: Crisis Communications In the Age of Blogs” (I’ve since done a presentation to a government group that I can’t talk about, a speech in Kananaskis about targeting future media consumers, and am now [...] Public Relations http://todmaffin.com/iabc-international-association-of-business-com