blog, Toronto Is Awesome

Toronto is Awesome: Reason #1 – Hakka Restaurants

I thought of doing an introductory post for this series but thought otherwise. However, let me start off this post with an introduction of sorts.

No matter where you live, you’ve heard of our mayor here in Toronto: Rob Ford. He’s a polarizing figure to say the least. And most likely not someone people would be proud to call their mayor. Unless one happens to be part of “Ford Nation“. Now, I’m not a supporter of his politics or of him. Never have been. And I wish he would leave office or be kicked out.

BUT….

To say that Toronto needs saving, or that we’re the butt of all comedians jokes, or that our amazing city is suffering irreversible damage is just plain lazy and wrong. Toronto has been and will always be the Brett Hart of cities: The best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be.

Toronto, in my opinion is what cities around the world want to be when they grow up.

So, for the rest of this year (hopefully everyday) I will write a quick blog post about why Toronto is awesome.

Clue #1: It has nothing to do with who our Mayor is or is not.

Hakka Restaurants! I LOVE hakka food. And Toronto is a city blessed with some amazing hakka restaurants.

My favourite is China Cottage in Scarborough. I love the variety of dishes and the flavour that stays no matter how spicy the food is. My favourite is the Hakka Fish. Order it. You will not be disappointed.

China Cottage - Hakka Fish
China Cottage – Hakka Fish
digital media, social media

Maersk Line and Social Media

A few months ago I had the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Wichmann. Who is Jonathan? Among other things he used to be the head of social media for the world’s oldest and largest shipping company: Maersk Line.

maersk line social media
maersk line social media

What is a 100+ year old boring shipping company doing playing in the social space – a space many believe is reserved for sexy and young consumer brands? Well, I hope you take the time to listen to my conversation with Jonathan.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXAQAJGfavM&w=560&h=315]

Now, more than ever, it is important for companies of all sizes and types to understand the value of social media and content marketing. We are all playing in a crowded space. We are not just competing with other brands in our space. We are competing for the attention (heart and minds) with our friends, family, other companies and finally our competitors.

Creating content (social or otherwise) that our consumers and potential consumers want is paramount if we want to rise above the noise and capture the hearts and minds of people and businesses.

Uncategorized

Album Review: Reflektor – Arcade Fire

arcade fire reflektor
arcade fire reflektor

One of this year’s most anticipated albums was released a few weeks ago: Reflektor by Arcade Fire. I must admit that I am a recent convert to the Montreal band’s fusion of pop, rock and big, bold sounds.

I am also attracted to their amazing videos and how they use various media to showcase their musical art. When their interactive video for the title track to their latest album came out I wrote a piece on it here.

This latest double album release continues to showcase Arcade Fire as one of the world’s most original and genre bending bands of today.

Disc 1:

  • Reflektor – a perfect song to introduce their Haitian inspired sounds that reverberate throughout the album.
  • We Exist – an addictive song that is Arcade Fire’s only pop-sounding song on Reflektor.
  • Flashbuld Eyes – a fusion of dance and rock.
  • Here Comes The Night Time – one of my favourite songs. Put on your dancing shoes for this one. And while you’re at it, watch the “movie special” of the same name.
  • Normal Person – do you like rock and roll music?
  • You Already Know – yes, you do like rock and roll.
  • Joan Of Arc – Billboard magazine calls this the most U2 sounding song of Reflektor. Maybe.

Disc 2:

  • Here Comes The Night Time II – the second half begins…
  • Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice) – percussion instruments dominate this 6 minute tune
  • It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus) – a beautiful symphony of rocking guitars and soulful silence.
  • Porno – a song that sounds like the the theme song for a space adventure.
  • Afterlife – another fun song to dance with and rock out to. And another fun video to watch.
  • Supersymmetry – a beautiful end to 2013’s Album Of The Year.