All posts by karimkanji

digital media

Best of Netflix

I’m addicted to Netflix. Maybe not so much as the next Netflix addict. I watch most, if not all, my “TV” on Netflix. If Neflix had the latest episodes of The Daily Show, Schitt’s Creek and Mr. D then I would be a 100%-er.

For my money, Netflix has the best shows. Hands down. I thought about writing this post after finishing the second season of Daredevil last night. The last three episodes are amazing!! When I first started watching season one of Daredevil I was less than enthused. However, I gave it a second chance after season two was released and became hooked.

Here are my favourite Netflix programs:

Lilyhammer: Starring Steven Van Zandt from Bruce Springsteen’s band, this show follows a former gangster who chooses to live in Norway as part of a witness protection program. It was Netflix’s first original program. And in my opinion, it’s the best. Steven character, Frank, is played to perfection. It’s a show with plenty of laughs and drama. I was actually sad it ended after three seasons.

Sense8: From the siblings who brought us all the adventures of Neo in the Matrix trilogy, Sense8 is a scifi drama that consists of 8 characters who have the ability to connect emotionally and mentally. The Wachowski’s bring their brand of mind-bending storytelling to this award-winning series. Only one season has been made. Netflix has picked up a second season. I can’t wait to watch this!!

House of Cards (Season One): Probably the best season of the four that have been released so far. When season one was released THIS was the show that spelled the demise of cable TV as we know it.

BoJack Horseman (Season One): I have not watched the entire second season. But season one is a blast. It’s a fun and emotional roller-coaster. As long as you don’t mind that the main character, voiced by Will Arnett is half man/half horse.

Making A Murderer: Is he guilty or innocent? Did her even receive a fair trial? Is the whole freaking town corrupted?! This true Steve Avery documentary will captivate you like nothing else.

Master of None: The best TV comedy in recent memory. It’s funny while also being honest about how real people actually behave. And I did like that it was not full of white people. Who knew the world was coloured… Season Two has been picked up by Netflix.

Honourable Mentions: Better Call Saul (Netflix has distribution rights), From Dusk till Dawn (distribution rights).

Best TV Show on Netflix that wasn’t on Netflix: West Wing. Hands down the best series I’ve ever watched. Kinda bummed that it’s no longer on Netflix. I would pay money to own the DVDs to this.

 

social media

Facebook F8 and BCON

Recently, two very important conferences have taken place. One was in Toronto: BCON. The other in San Francisco: Facebook F8. I attended BCON here in Toronto and followed the F8 conference via updates from Facebook.

I also happened to write about these two events.

I wrote about my 5 takeaways from BCON on the Active International blog. BCON is a conference focusing on how brands and publishers can continue to use and iterate on Branded Content.

Active’s blog also hosted a very short piece on some marketing highlights from Facebook’s F8 conference.

Lastly, I finally submitted another piece to itbusiness.ca. I’ve been a regular contributor to itbusiness but recent work commitments have seen my contributions dwindle. Hopefully this will increase again over time.  I wrote about the 4 things that mattered at the Facebook F8 conference.

I hope you enjoy the articles!

social media

Facebook Live

I’m a big fan of Periscope. And so is Facebook. So much so that the social media giant recently launched Facebook Live. What is it? Facebook Live is Facebook’s live streaming functionality. Which means we will all be seeing (and getting notifications) live video in our Facebook newsfeed very soon. Missed going to Opening Day? No need to worry. Just log in to Facebook (or Periscope or Twitter) and watch a Live feed of the game being streamed by one of your lucky friends.

Here’s how to use Facebook Live and start a broadcast:

Facebook Live

Don’t see the broadcast icon? Neither do I. Facebook Live is still not available to everyone. Stay tuned…

Toronto

Historical Scarborough: Thomson Park

Yes. Scarborough is historical. The Thomson Settlement (a precursor of Thomson Park) was the first permanent settlement in Scarborough (then a township). Brothers David and Andrew came here in 1796 via Scotland.

thomson park | scarborough

The first library in Scarborough was first organized on April 7th, 1834. It had 46 original members who paid a five shilling membership fee.

Scarborough Library | Thomson Park

Scarborough Library | Thomson Park

The Thomson memorial in the nearby cemetery which happens to be close to the Scarborough Library:

Thomson Family memorial

 

podcast, Toronto

Welcome! Season 2

Season Two of Welcome! is now in the bag. Welcome! was designed to showcase conversations with members of Toronto’s creative community. They can be musicians, artists, and even entrepreneurs. Essentially, anyone who lives or works in Toronto that is doing interesting things.

This season I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing media personalities, a former boxer who once sparred with Mohammed Ali, entrepreneurs, someone who climbed Kilimanjaro, a convicted murderer as well as the mother of a child who is on Canada’s Do Not Fly List.

I’m really looking forward to Season Three of Welcome! You can expect to hear from people whom you know. And many that you don’t know. However, there is one thing you can expect: The conversations will shed light on the lives, success and failures of these people. I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I will enjoy bringing it to you.

Remember to follow my episodes of Welcome! on Girth Radio. You can also follow me on the Welcome! MixCloud station.

Season Two episodes:

#23 – Khadija Cajee #NoFlyLisyKids

#22 – Segun Akinsanya

#21 – Adam Mintz

#20 – Romana Kassam

#19 – Spider Jones

#18 – Morgan P. Campbell

#17 – Sammy Younan

 

digital media

Unboxing The Dash from Bragi

Finally. The one Kickstarter product I’ve been waiting for finally arrived earlier this week. The Dash by Bragi.

The Dash reminds me of “comm” that Jack Bauer used to place in his ear to talk with and listen to CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit) when he went on his missions to save the world.

I’m getting used to the gestures to control The Dash as well as all it’s features. I’ve already used it to store and listen to music with (independent of my phone), listen to podcast from my phone as well as track my workouts.

The music sounds clear and crisp. The preset instructions are also clear enough. I’m really excited about my new Dash! Thanks Bragi!

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

The Dash | Bragi

social media

So I got a new job

Many of you may have already heard. But it’s now official (meaning the company has made an announcement): I have a new job.

I recently left Catalyst/Maxus (part of GroupM) where I was managing the paid social business for Nestle Canada to join iNvolved Media (part of Active International). At iNvolved my title is Director, Social Media Strategy. What this means is that I will be leading the efforts to grow the social media leadership and business for the agency.

I’m really excited about flexing these muscles in my new role.

You can read the official press release here.