Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3 Comments
Category: Canada, Canadian, Amway, Global, Montreal, Toronto, Ontario, steamies, Nutrilite Canadian Championship

As Geddy Lee -- with the help of Bob & Doug -- once sang, "it's a beauty place to go."

I am proud to be Canadian. I love this country (political idiosyncrasies and all) with all my heart, and I just do see myself ever living elsewhere. My wife has lived all over the world and says she was always happy to return -- personally, I'm appreciative of what I have and know that I won the geographic lottery when I made my first appearance at the Catherine Booth Hospital in Montreal.

However, one of the things I admire most about Americans is their sense of national pride. I love driving through the States, only to see house after house with the Stars and Stripes flying outside. We Canadians just don't do that -- perhaps we feel it's a little 'showy,' maybe we think it's impolite -- but we should. Where are all those flags that Shiela Copps sent to us, just for asking? Mine's in the basement, but perhaps it's time to change that.

So let me start by unfurling my virtual flag! I'd like to share with you some of the things that make Canada so special to me. Some are shared by many; some are private to me -- but that's what makes Canada great. And feel free to share your list in the comments. One of the biggest differences between Canada and the U.S. is that we embrace a Cultural Mosaic, as opposed to the Melting Pot. Some may not like it, but I think the prevalence of hyphenated Canadians (Italian-Canadian, Portuguese-Canadian, etc...) makes us stronger -- you add to Canada by retaining the best of where you came from, and that adds to the diversity of our nation.

A few of my favourite Canadian things:

• Cities: Obviously, I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Montreal. I've travelled a fair bit, but no matter where I go, Montreal stands head and shoulders atop my list of favourite cities. But I"ve recently had the opportunity to explore more of this country and there's so much more to see. There is no one archetypal Canadian city -- from the west coast to the Atlantic provinces, there is so much difference in people and culture that each city opens a host of new discoveries.
• Movies: I would put people like Denys Arcand, Atom Egoyan, and Bruce McDonald up against the finest directors the world has to offer. Firmly affixed upon my all-time list of top movies are classics like Exotica, Jésus de Montreal, Dance Me Outside, Last Night, and Highway 61. Canadian films often get overwhelmed by being so close to Hollywood, but the search is well worth the time. And don't forget about those films in our other official language. Every time we go back to Montreal, we try to catch up on the major Quebecois releases, and have been delighted with films like C.R.A.Z.Y., L'âge des Ténèbres, and the haunting Aurore. And let's just acknowledge the devestating combination of talent and beauty some of our Canadian actresses (Lisa Ray, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Anna Paquin, and Mia Kirshner jump off the top of my head) possess.
  
• Music: I won't harp on Sloan. You know how I feel about them. Yes, we have Can-Con regulations that mandate a certain amount of local music for radio stations, but artists like Nelly Furtado, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Blue Rodeo, Garou, Rufus Wainwright, Daniel Lanois, and Gilles Vigneault. And with acts like Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire, Feist, et al. it doesn't look like the Canadian music well is going to run dry.
• Food: I love food... not always the good stuff either. A trip to Montreal isn't complete without a stop at Lafleurs for a couple of all-dressed steamies and a bag of frites. And don't get me started on smoked meat (has to be at least... at least medium fat. None of this lean business!). But from coast-to-coast, we have some of the finest food in the world -- and the aforementioned influx of cultures has only made it better. In fact, in London -- long a middle-of-the-road city -- you can find great Afro-Caribbean, Slavadorian, Portuguese, and so much more. I know, I've eaten it all.
• Fromage: Sure, we make good cheese (Oka comes to mind), but we make great cheese! You can have your big, fancy game shows! We Canucks were proud of such gems like Bowling for Dollars, Just Like Mom, the ever-incredible The Mad Dash, and -- of course -- the game show with the greatest theme song of all time, Definition! Keep your $75,000 Pyramid -- we gave away toasters!!! And pantyhose! Yes, the prizes on Canadian game shows were a joke, but that was just part of the allure. And, may I remind you, the Alan Thicke Show had a three-year run on our airwaves?
• Kitaine: It's a french word that resembles the aforementioned cheese, but is so much more. Tacky doesn't do the translation justice. You just know it when you see it (think Céline Dion's Vegas wedding... actually, just think Céline Dion.)
• Tree-Hugging, Hippie Nature: I love the fact that we're a left-leaning country. Gun-control? Check. Universal health care? Check. No discrimination on marriages/benefits? Check. Sometimes we go a little far (the whole Sharia law superceding Ontario regulations discussion, for example) and sometimes our words speak louder than our actions (see: environmental record) but I'd rather we go too far in making this an open, inclusive society than not far enough.
• Canadian TV: The good? Rick Mercer, George Stroumboulopoulos, CBC French. The bad? The rest of the CBC schedule -- and other networks claiming Canadian, while showing nothing but American re-runs. Listen, I get it, there are only so many shows about Prince Edward Island I can watch too, but there's a certain Canadian sensibility we bring to the table that should be embraced. I love what Quebec's done with both their TV and film industry -- they've created a star system that should be the model. And many of their shows are good (I could do without Norman Brathwaite hamming it up everywhere, but you take the good with the bad)! In English Canada, we still seem to only embrace a star once they've suceeded south of the border. That's got to stop.
• Sports: Hockey, yes. After all, The Habs are a gift to the world. But let's not forget the CFL! The Blue Jays are still fighting the good fight (no matter how much the Expos broke my heart), and soccer's making a surge in the collective mentality (see: Nutrilite Canadian Championship). The winter Olympics are coming, so that will put a spotlight on those sports that people don't care about for the other three years (I'll get to that in another post), but the excitement should be incredible (and good for our whole Skate Canada affiliation, eh?)
• Our Way with Words: Both the masters (think Robertson Davies, Roch Carrier), and the everyday writer. I love adding a "u" to words... In my personal correspondance, I use "s" instead of "z" where warranted. And I love the fact that people think we say aboot, despite the fact that I never once have heard a Canadian say that. 

I think I took up enough of your time (and the space on the Internet -- I haven't posted on this blog for a while, I guess), and I haven't even scratched the surface. No mention of Cirque de Soleil, Mount Royal, Ottawa and skating on the Rideau, our wonderful winters, and our odd fascination with overly large objects (think giant nickle, the Big Apple, Canada goose, etc.; no mention of our diverse animal life, nor the pleasure of sitting by a Canadian lake.

So you tell me -- what makes you proud to be a Canadian? I'm especially interested to know about the little things that make this country special to you. Maybe it's the way the sunlight filters through a particular tree on a certain street, maybe it's a stretch of highway. You tell me.

Happy Canada Day everyone! Hope it's a good one.

All the best,

Jay

Thursday, June 11, 2009 3 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, speech, London, words, spelling, writing

There was an article in today's paper discussing the challenges that some of our local students are having passing the Grade 10 literacy test -- again. I have to say, sadly, knowing what I know of our educational system and seeing what I see in day-to-day life, I'm not surprised.

You can read the article here. But I'll give you the synopsis. The good? About 80 per cent of students pass it on the first try. The bad news? Almost half of the students who failed it the first time around, fail it again when they retake it as senior high school students.

View a sample of th is year's test yourself here. Go ahead, I'll wait. 

Pretty easy, right? Should be a snap. Well, that may be the case for those of us who learned grammar in school, but it would be a heck of a challenge for kids who have only been exposed to these concepts by osmosis! And that appears to be the situation facing our students.

My son, in his first year of high school, is getting smacked in the face by both Strunk and White (although he probably won't get that reference). His marks are suffering in English due to the fact that his writing abilities are not up to snuff. I've tried to help, but you know how teenagers are about their parents' understanding of 'modern education'...

The biggest issue facing our kids? Grammar is an afterthought. 

This isn't a new situation -- it's one that's been developing for years, and one in which we've tried to solicit his teachers' help. He's frequently penned pieces that are almost illegible: sentences don't finish, verb tenses come and go as he pleases, spelling -- well, we won't get into it. Yet, despite all of this, he's consistently received A's for his efforts.

Incredulous, my wife and I have approached his teachers, saying, "How can this be an A? It's riddled with errors and it's incomplete in places!" The answer? Let me introduce the bane of any English lover's existence.

Reading comprehension.

Yes, the answer we received from one of his teachers was, "Well, I could figure out what he was trying to say, so that's good enough." Really???? Good enough? 

You see, it's not important any more for our kids to be able to craft a sentence -- to frame a thought with words, written with a specific intent in mind. No, as long as they "get it," that's good enough. Who cares why there's a period at the end of the sentence, or if the kid can't understand every fifth word -- as long as he gets the general idea of the story, he's good to go.

But this isn't a new problem. I never learned grammar in English throughout my schooling. I was in one of those 'gifted' programs, which apparently enabled me the right to be a free-ranged educational chicken, walking through the scholastic barnyard pecking at those things which would stimulate my interest. My math and grammar education? Cards and sheets handed to us once a week. 

High school, university? No better. Again, the focus was on reading comprehension. Understanding the intent, without appreciating the craft. (Admittedly, a university poetry course did get into the technical stuff -- but I rarely write in iambic pentameter any more....)

No, the only places I learned English grammar were: five years of Latin; French classes; and self-teaching as I worked through the newspaper ranks. If I had not taken an active interest in bettering my skills, I would never have been exposed to the opportunity to do so. And that's completely wrong.

So we're willing to take this attitude with the English language: as long as they get it, they don't need to understand how it's done. I wonder if we'd be willing to take such liberties with other disciplines. For example, would you be comfortable going to a doctor who could identify your disease, but would have no understanding of how it interacts with your body, how it progresses, or what causes it to manifest?

Probably not. We call doctors who hack and slash their way through their patients butchers... but that's exactly what we're allowing people to do to the English language.

We've always placed a premium on reading and language in our home. I've been writing for about two decades now, and speak English and French. My wife speaks four languages and has travelled the world. We appreciate the importance of language and communication in expressing yourself and understanding the world around us.

So why are robbing our children of that same ideal? Yes, learning grammar can be long and tedious. But be honest -- when you read a letter from a compay or see a sign for a business riddled with spelling errors, doesn't that change your perception of them? Would you hire someone who came to you with a cover letter and resume that had sentences which didn't finish, or had the wrong they're/their/theres or which/witches?

Of course you would. But where's the answer? How tough is it, when you're trying to teach your kid the consequences to handing in poor work, to have your beliefs nullified by an A+ from a teacher who graded the class based upon understanding the general idea of what they were doing? Unfortunately, we've become credible at the wrong time for our son. He laughed off our concerns in elementary school, but now that he has a teacher who demands a little more, things are changing. 

In the end, English is the foundation for everything in our society. A mastery of reading and writing opens up a world of other opportunities. Sure science and art may be opposites at times, but if you can't read, how are you going to use that biology textbook? Does it not go without saying that the better you read, the more you'll understand, and the greater your ability will be to express your thoughts?

Maybe it's just me. Again, maybe I'm living in a world that doesn't exist -- and didn't even when I was going to school. But as much as I appreciate my ability to 'get' Robertson Davies' works, if he didn't understand how to write in the first place, wouldn't it all be for naught in the end?

Tell me what you think and what your experiences are with the English language. Did you learn grammar in school? How do you react when presented with misspellings, errors, and poor writing? How much do you value good writing? I'd love to hear from you.

All the best,

Jay

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, speech, speechwriting, words, communication

I long for the days of old-style news reporting. I know I can't miss a time during which I wasn't even born, but sometimes I wish we could all set the Way-Back machine for the 1800s and be regaled by reporters and columnists for whom clichés were anathema and hyperbole was a way of life.

I know, I know. I'm the same guy who advocates plain speech in corporate text -- staying away from buzz words and corporate jargon. I get it. They don't mesh -- sue me, I'm complex.

Or maybe I'm just longing for a time when you could recognize a writer based upon their writing. Maybe I'd like to see a little more flavour in all types of writing -- including corporate -- so that we can experience the passion the writer has for his or her subject and craft.

Be honest. When you pick up your local newspaper and read an article, can you identify the author without scanning the byline? I've gone through the journalism route and, as a society, we're so afraid of even the presumption of bias, that we scrub our text for anything that may even resemble a hint of subjectivity. Descriptions have to be measured so as not to infer an opinion based upon describing the item in dark or macabre terms. I think that's why blogs are more and more popular -- freed from the constraints of newspaper style, the author's personality comes through. 

After all, if I'm going to weight someone's opinion or determine whether it impacts my notions, shouldn't I have an idea of who the person is behind the comment? When we strike personality out of writing, then we dehumanize the process. Writing is not science -- yes there are rules, conventions, and standards to which we adhere, but essentially it's a way of allow us to express our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a way that resonates with an audience.

Take this paragraph, "All the news we get from France just now must have a 'grain of salt' with it to give it a natural flavor. Notwithstanding the assurances that everything is quiet; the Bourse confident and buoyant; the kindred despots of Austria, Prussia and Mucovy delighted; there is every possible ground for belief that the authority of the President was never in so perilous a predicament as at the present hour of seeming triumph."

That passage was published on Dec. 30, 1851 in the New York Times. Yes, old-style newspaper reporting can appear quaint, but there was a certain artistry to it. When you read turn-of-the-century sports reports, you can almost hear that nasally voice so familiar from news reels of the day narrating the scene. The picture that these words form may be grainy and flickery, but they are filled with so much heart and passion, you are captivated by the story.

Now? Not so much. There is much talk about the demise of newspapers, but I think the main issue is the lack of personality these papers have. Everyone's so afraid to appear less than impartial, that they hide their belief behind monotony and forced parity. 

It's insulting to the readers, in my mind. I want all sides of the equation -- not just the least offensive middle. If I'm reading a paper penned by a right-wing nutjob, you can be darn sure I'll see what those lefty tree-huggers are saying about the same issue. Then, you know what... I'll form my own opinion.

Gasp! It's true. We, as readers, don't need our opinions spoon-fed to us. We're smart. We can do more than read between the lines -- we can read above, below, behind, and inside of them. And if you can't, find someone who can -- and whom you trust -- and ask them.

Corporate writing's worse. Too often corporations are so afraid of offending anyone that we suck the life out of all our copy. The writing's the equivalent of eating paste: sure, there may be some nutritional value, but you're not going to enjoy it, and -- more importantly -- you won't be coming back.

I know I do my best to try to inject flavour into the What's New articles I write, the speeches I pen, or the other myriad copy for which I'm responsible. Sure, there are limits -- after all, I'm writing on behalf of Amway Canada not Jay's Corp. But behind it all, I think to myself, 'Would I want to read this?' Yes, information is key, but if you've caused your reader to fall asleep due to the mind-numbing monotony or repetitiveness of the initial paragraph, are they getting the information anyways?

Why can't we have fun? Those of us who write -- for the most part -- have a passion for writing. Yes, there are those cynical burnt-out types who are just punching a clock, whether they're working at a newspaper or a corporation. But for the most part, we do it because we love writing. I, personally, love playing with words -- finding new ways to string sentences together, playing with metre and rhythm to invoke feelings in the reader/listener... I know that sounds word geeky, but guilty as charged!

To me there's nothing worse than every corporation sounding exactly the same. How many press releases start the same way, "XYZ Corp is proud to announce the launch of ABC product. The corporation hopes to leverage its core competencies in order to redefine the paradigm in which..." zzzzzz.

Oh, sorry, I nodded off writing that. 

Keeping it simple and keeping it fresh are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd argue that falling into the corp-speak trap is, in fact, simplistic and does nothing to serve the audience. Honestly, will you remember anything from that type of release? Will the canned safe-as-milk quote resonate with you for days to come? Will you be moved to tears by the grip-'n'-grin photo accompanying the release?

Probably not. Of course, I may be way off base here. I'd like to hear from you -- where do you stand on the state of today's writing? Do you believe corporations? Does biz-speak resonate with you or do you see them as empty words? What about newspapers vs. blogs? Do you feel that the personality of the latter is what's lacking in the former? And am I living up to my own ideals? Does my writing reflect a personality -- any personality, or have I fallen in to corporate drone-dom?

I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments!

All the best,

Jay

Friday, June 05, 2009 3 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway

Last night, after watching basketball, I was still in the mood for more. However, being of average height, softer-than-I'd-like physicality, and with no vertical to speak of (I'm pretty sure my daughter gets more air skipping rope), my hoops exploits were confined to the PlayStation 3. 

I popped in my copy of NBA 2K8, chose the Magic (what can I say, I like bigs and I like defense -- sounds like Dwight Howard to me), and prepared for the game. Then I hear the digitized voice of Kevin Harlan say, "Live from Amway Arena..."

You know what? That's kind of cool. 

Just like the other night, when watching the Magic/Cavs series, an under-scoreboard camera panned up to show the Amway logo, and my daughter said, "Daddy, that's where you work!"

You know what? That's pretty cool too.

Now with the Magic in the finals (allegedly... last night's performance kind of indicated that they hadn't quite arrived yet), we'll see and hear more of the Amway name on screen. There's at least two games scheduled for next week (Tuesday & Thursday) and if the series is not a sweep, game five will be there as well -- likely during prime sport-viewing time next weekend! 

The Amway Arena's out there in ways beyond the physical structure. How many thousands of kids (and their parents) who play these games hear the Amway brand each and every time they're virtually playing in Orlando? How many millions hear the name on TV? I have a TweetBeep set up for Amway and you wouldn't believe how many times it's referenced on Twitter by people talking about "heading down to the Amway Arena" for an event or concert.

Is there value to this? It can't hurt.  

Your thoughts? If you're an IBO has the increased attention on the arena, thanks to the Magic's success, impacted you in any way? 

Monday, June 01, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, Ribbon, gifts, birthday

June 1st and the countdown's on. For me, this month is a two-fer in terms of celebrations. My birthday's coming up on the 13th (mark it in your calendar), then there's Father's Day (you know, Mother's Day's neglected red-headed step-child???) on the 21st. So I guess this is as good of a time to discuss gift-giving.

I admit it. I'm a gift-giver's nightmare. I don't want anything -- honestly. But I hate getting money. So for a lot of people, buying gifts for me can be a challenge.

That said, I think I'm the easiest person in the world to buy for. When I said I don't want anything, that's a bit of a stretch. I don't want anything in the material sense, but rather if I'm to receive a gift, I'd like one that shows a little bit of thought.

My wife and I have had this discussion often -- especially when it comes to going to people's weddings. She's fine with the whole, 'write them a cheque' mentality. I abhor that. Money fades, but a well-thought-out gift lasts much longer -- as do the memories that come with it.

We still have a handful of items from our wedding, including a coffee maker. When we got married, most of us -- friends included -- were just starting out, so the gifts weren't extravagant. But every time I use that coffee maker (which isn't often -- only when guests are over, really), for that point in time, I remember who gave it to me. And even though I don't see them anymore (they now live in Saudi Arabia), I think about them and that time.

Now, if they had given me $50 would I remember it? Probably not. The thing is money just goes into one big pile and usually gets frittered away (literally, Tim Hortons doesn't take debit, so any fritters or coffee have to be paid for in cash).

To me the old adage of "It's the thought that counts" doesn't just mean, "Hey, they remembered and gave me something," but rather it's a reflection of the fact that these people know what I'm about and give me something they think I'll enjoy. That's why I keep discouraging my daughter from trying to buy me things -- I'd rather she take the time and draw something, thinking about what's special for us.

But the fact is, I think I may be in the minority here. And I admit I'm contradictory. I don't hand-write long multi-page notes to people, preferring e-mails or phone calls. So why don't I like the expediency that comes from giving currency? Again, it just seems so impersonal -- almost like I'm saying, "I couldn't be bothered to think of what you'd like, so here's $20 -- do the work yourself."

That said, I have a 14-year-old. I understand the appeal of giving cash -- at that age they hate everything equally. And I hate the idea of wasting money on a gift that someone will never use. 

So where's the middle ground? Maybe it's in our own backyard. The Ribbon gift cards here at Amway Global. YOU pick the amount or the collection; THEY choose something they like. I've yet to give the card, but I've received one, and actually enjoyed going through the collection to check out my options. And, best of all, I actually use the item I chose, so the gift card went to good use. 

I may be a gift-giving idealist, but I appreciate the practicality of things. I'd never give someone a blender, but maybe they really want a blender. Ribbon lets me enjoy the idealism of gift-giving, while embracing the practical aspects of it.

How about you? What kind of gift giver/recipient are you? And have you used Ribbon? What was your experience like with it? And have you checked out the new and revised collections we have in Canada? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

All the best,

Jay 

Friday, May 22, 2009 0 Comments
Category: Montreal, Fifth Business, words

Driving home from work last night, I was listening to our local talk radio station (as I'm wont to do -- it's the one I occasionally host/appear on), and my buddy Al was talking about how after what a down day Wednesday was (see previous column), maybe we should take some time to reflect upon the good things in life.

Great idea Al -- hope you don't mind me conscripting it for this blog (steal is such a harsh word). So I'm going to share some of what I sent to Al (by the way, check him and Mike Stubbs on CJBK AM 1290 -- outstanding show and I figure if I'm going to steal his idea, I should give him a plug, eh?)

I want to hear from you -- what do you like? And for the sake of variety, we'll leave out the whole family and friends. I think it's safe to say most of us value them above all others, so let's get into the little things that make you smile.

Without further ado... Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; brown paper packages tied up with strings – wait, those are a few of Julie Andrews’ favourite things…

OK, after a little bit of ado, here are some of Jay’s favourite things:

• That first bite of a real smoked meat sandwich, preferably from Snowdon Deli in Montreal. Extra fat of course – lean smoked meat is a sacrilege and indulging in one artery-clogger once in a while is good for life;
• Watching my daughter sing when she thinks no one’s looking – nothing like seeing a seven-year-old with a mic stand, belting out Hannah Montana songs to an audience that exists only in her mind;
• Speaking of music... OK. I love Sloan; Prince may be my favourite, but is there anything better than Oran "Juice" Jones' The Rain??? ("You gotta get on outta here with that alley-cat-coat-wearing-punch-bucked-shoe-wearing crumbcake I saw you with. 'Cuz you dismissed!")
  
• Words – I like playing with them, coming up with new phrases, enjoying the English language to its finest – I love writing every day and I never want it to become mundane, so I challenge myself with each and every piece;
• Taking pictures – there’s something special about capturing a moment in time. No posed pictures though (especially corporate ones – the grip ‘n’ grins or the Execution at Dawn photo [where you line a bunch of people up and ‘shoot’ them]);
• Cheesy 80's songs -- bad lyrics? Is there anything better? Terrible videos (and, OK, I know this isn't the 80s, but something this spectacularly bad must be celebrated), Mike Reno squeezing himself into various outfits and wearing bandanas around his neck; moussed hair. Ah, the good ol' days.
  
• Nighttime in a city – there’s a certain romance that envelopes every city when the lights go out;
• Montreal – best place in the world, bar none;
• An ice-cold bottle/glass of water on a hot day – especially when you get that chilling feeling through your body as you drink;
• Punks/Wannabe Rap Kids – they always make me smile. Yeah, nothing like rebelling against The Man by conforming to ANOTHER group’s ideals! Reminds me of the Life of Brian, “We are all unique; we are all individuals” Oh, you kids and your middle-class angst;
• Suicide/Spontaneous Combustion/911 Chicken Wings – as long as they have flavour, the endorphin rush is worth it -- that said, I need to find a way to ensure all the oil is off my fingers BEFORE I take out my contact lenses;
• Junior Hockey – kids playing their hearts out for the love of the game. No contract hassles, no prima donna holdouts, just hockey and real fans who can afford the games;
• Montreal Expos baseball (memory) – I loved going to an Expos game, just walking up to the box office, getting a great seat in the bleachers, and sitting back with a few hard-core fans, spending four hours scoring the game and taking time for myself;
• My PlayStation 3 – OK, maybe I’m a big kid. But when you grew up on Pong and thought the Gemini was a revolutionary system (it plays Atari AND Colecovision games!!!!), what the PS3 can do and how immersive today’s games are is just unbelievable;
• Robertson Davies’ The Deptford Triology – no matter how many times I read it, I love it more and learn new things;
• Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Leonard Cohen's lyrics; and
  
• Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater – because the Maple Leafs are evil.
  

Your turn... I know I left a tonne of stuff off the list, but I don't want this to be all about me (and I may need more blog fodder in the future... "Hey, remember when? Let's do it again!"). It's about you and your favourite things. Let's learn a little more about each other by learning what makes us happy.

Share your favourite things in the comments section. Maybe we'll all find some new favourites...

All the best (and a Happy Memorial Day weekend to those of you south of the 49th!),

Jay

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3 Comments

It's a sad day here in Southwestern Ontario. We lost a little girl -- and with her passing, I -- and many others, I'm sure -- lost a lot of faith in the world.

Evil exists. We see it in many forms, but it seems particularly vile when the victim of this evil is a little girl. 

Some of you may have heard the stories, others may not know, but this region has been grasping at the tenuous hope that eight-year-old Tori Stafford, who lived in nearby Woodstock, ON, would be returned to her family after her abduction on April 8th. Today that thin thread of hope was wrested from our hands as two adults have been charged with her murder.

I didn't know Tori Stafford, but I know many girls like her. But for the whims of the Fates, this story could have struck closer to home. My daughter is almost the same age as Tori; she too loves Hannah Montana and has the same backpack as the young girl was wearing. She's wide-eyed, innocent, and in love with life. She's filled with hope and the desire to make the world a better place (especially for animals -- she's determined to raise money for animal shelters), so how do I reconcile her dreams with a world that allows evil like Tori's murderers to walk amongst us?

I look at my daughter, singing along to Hannah Montana or Demi Lovato in her room, microphone in hand, performing for a world all her own. I look at her, but I can easily see Tori doing the same thing. We revel in our children's innocence, but is that partly because we know how precious of a commodity innocence is in this world?

What do we do? How much more can we street proof our children? Why do we have to crush our children's dreams of beauty and purity by essentially telling them to fear the world around them? Don't trust strangers, understand people lie, don't stray to far from us, hold my hand and expect the worst

Yet we do this preparatory work for a small contingent of people. These inhuman few rob the world of its humanity. These people without souls rob the rest of us of the beauty that embracing the soul has to offer. We trust in others with those who are most precious to us. But really, how well do we know these people? Our children's friends, their parents, teachers, activity leaders, mentors... We hope for the best because that's what we have to do. And for most of us that gamble reaps wonderful rewards -- but for a tragic few, their trust is rewarded with nothing but pain and sorrow.

But we can't live in fear, can we? We can't shield and protect our children to the point of sacrificing their opportunity to experience all the good life has to offer. If we do that, aren't we allowing evil to defeat good?

In the end, there will be reasons offered. There will be justice levied, but not served. After all, what justice can there be for parents who have lost their child?

Life goes on. For most of us, Tori's name will fade into the recesses of our memory. For her mother, father, family, and friends, those wounds will close, but never truly heal. Life does go on. And for the lucky few who survive acts like this, they can enjoy full lives. Over two decades ago, my cousin was abducted out of her home -- luckily her abductor was caught running down the street just minutes later, and chose to let her go. She's grown up to enjoy a full life, having friends, going to school, and still able to find love and laughter in life.

Really, that's all we want for our children. And maybe from this evil, good will come. Maybe those of us with little girls Tori's age will cherish those moments a little more; enjoy the laughter a little longer; and feel the highs and lows of life a little stronger.

It's horrible that it takes a tragedy for us to put these gifts into clearer focus. But I know that I'll go home and hug my daughter a little tighter and longer, I'll appreciate those moments a little more, and I'll continue to hope that she'll live the best life she can.

Unfortunately, Tori Stafford and her family won't be able to do the same.

Your thoughts? For those of you with kids, how do you react to news like this? Does it change your view of the world? Reinforce it?

All the best -- and I mean that in every way possible,

Jay

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 2 Comments
Category: Canada, Canadian, Nutrilite, Amway, Nutrilite Canadian Championship, branding

What's in a name?

That's the crux of a debate summarized on the Canadian blog The 24th Minute (read the post here -- after you finish with my post, of course!)

The short version? One camp thinks "Commercialism be damned" and the tournament should refer to the trophy -- the Voyageurs' Cup; the other side says, "Hey, we've been dying for corporate support, so let's acknowledge it when someone steps up" and call it the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

As the official blog of Amway Canada, it should be simple for me to take a side on this, right? Sure -- after all, we're the company that offers Nutrilite product. I've worked on this project and I know how much effort people in this company have put into making the NCC a reality.

Yet my actions betray my thoughts. 

I watch the Memorial Cup, not the MasterCard Memorial Cup; I openly mock the London Knights for their overt cash grabs "This penalty brought to you by Bad Boy; this puck drop brought to you by Badder Bus; this coach's nose blowing brought to you by Kleenex..."; and I still visit the Forum -- not the Bell (né Molson) Centre.

I hate the fact that I have no idea in which ballparks or stadiums most baseball and football teams play in because their corporate sponsor changes every five minutes (that said, I think it's cool/amusing that Dolphin Stadium is now named after Jimmy Buffett's beer.) I respected the Toronto Blue Jays for naming their stadium after a fan vote (SkyDome); and I hate the fact that the fans were summarily tossed aside for corporate dollars (Rogers Centre).

So why should I be any different for soccer just because I work here? I guess it's hypocritical for me to expect any more from others. 

Growing up in journalism, I was taught to fully reference a title on its first appearance, then use whatever the accepted short form would be after. As long as the media covering this event do so, I guess I can't complain.And as a purist who longs for the return of the Prince of Wales and Campbell Conferences (complete with Adams, Norris, Patrick, and Smythe Divisions) and as someone who thinks European hockey teams and NASCAR drivers/vehicles/crew look ridiculous with their millions of ads covering every available part, who am I to decry people wanting to recognize the fan-driven history of the Voyageurs' Cup?

But the grown-up in me understands that sports aren't just games played on big fields. There's money to be made, sure, but there's also an expense to presenting sports competitions to mass audiences. The bills need to be paid and those providing the money deserve to have a return on their investment.

It's easy for me with the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, not just because I'm newer to the sport and have less investment in it, but because of my employment status. And it's probably the same for most of you out there -- the NCC is new and shiny. We're in a good position because we jumped on it from its inception, so people won't know it by any other name. But how would you feel if it was the Artistry Stanley Cup? Or the Tolsom Grey Cup?

On second thought, maybe, since you're on this blog, you wouldn't feel so bad. But what if it was the Tide Stanley Cup? Or the Viagra Grey Cup? How about the McDonald's Winter Olympics or the "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" Summer Olympics? Does that rankle a few more nerves?

Chances are you'd still call it the Stanley Cup, or the Grey Cup. And you'd probably still watch. But if you're not calling it by the name, what's the value to the title sponsor? Is passive viewing of a title and retention through osmosis enough?

Regardless of what it's called, I know we get value for our sponsorship. In a callous, commercial way, we've seen marked increases in our brand's favourability and awareness figures. And in a more sentimental way, we're proud to support Canadian athletics, and we're proud to be part of something that Canadians of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds enjoy. 

Me? I guess I have to keep straddling the fence. I know I'll be more aware of respecting corporate sponsors in the future. After all, they're who we have to thank for presenting these events. If that money dries up, then we'd be crying about something far more tragic -- the loss of the events altogether!

Your thoughts? And don't forget to watch tonight's game on-line!

All the best,

Jay

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 0 Comments
Category: Canada, Canadian, Nutrilite, Amway, Montreal, Toronto, Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Toronto FC, soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact, Ronaldinho

I'm sure you've already got it booked in your social calendar, but I just wanted to remind you that tonight marks game two of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship!

Tonight's game will again take place in Toronto's BMO Field and will see the hometown club host the defending champion Montreal Impact, in a rematch of last year's tournament finale.

Now, I know you've been frantically scouring your TV listings to see when and where you can catch the game -- unfortunately, there's no TV broadcast. But all hope is not lost! You can watch the game live on-line. 

Starting at 8 p.m., simply log onto either torontofc.ca or corrussports.com and you'll be able to catch all the action live in all its streaming glory! The feed will be the same one shown on the Toronto FC video scoreboard, so you'll also get to catch the Nutrilite advertising, featuring soccer superstar Ronaldinho!

Tonight's game should be stellar. Toronto FC's coming off a tournament-opening victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but the club is still licking its wounds (and salving its bruised ego) after last season's crushing loss to Montreal in the tourney's final match. From all the media reports, it's clear that redemption is on the club's collective mind. And Montreal comes in wanting to prove that last year's tournament victory wasn't a one-time deal. The Impact went on to enjoy great success in the CONCACAF regionals, and is looking to repeat that feat this year.

So it's the World's Greatest City (oh, is my bias showing?) facing off against the Centre of the Universe (self-proclaimed). Log on tonight and watch live. And don't forget to share your thoughts on the tournament or tonight's game right here!

All the best,

Jay

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, communication

Later this afternoon, the Communications department will be leaving, en masse, to attend the funeral of one of our own. On Friday, Sean O'Hara passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer and brain tumours. Today, we get to say goodbye.

There are people in life who leave an indellible imprint upon you, regardless of how well you know them, or for how long. While Sean has been with the company far longer than myself, he only joined the Communications' team a few years' back. Since then, he's been frequently off of work due to his health issues.

Yet I can honestly say that I'm a far richer man thanks to the time I did get to spend with him.

Sean taught me -- and everyone he met -- about the values of perseverance, hope, and optimism. Despite all the challenges he faced, he outshone everyone with his positivity. We had a few occasions to talk about pain and suffering (mine in relation to residual pain my wife and I have from a car accident six years back), and if I'm able to maintain a sense of positivity in the face of day-to-day pain, it's in large part because of those discussions. He got it. He understood. And we were able to laugh about agony, suffering, and pain together.

He radiated hope, without being fake. There was no putting on a brave face -- he believed right to the fibre of his being. And I took those lessons to heart -- learning how to make the most of each day and appreciate the good that life has to offer. The great thing about Sean was that he taught all of us so much, without even trying. It was just him.

If I have one regret, it's that I didn't have a chance to know him better. I'm not the one to eulogize him -- there are people far more qualified to do that. But I'm honoured to have known him and I appreciate the lessons he taught me -- they're lessons I know I won't forget.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Nutrilite, Amway, Skate Canada, Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Toronto FC, soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact

So what are you watching tonight? NHL or NBA playoffs? Lost? May I offer another option -- one that's got the NUTRILITE brand all over it?

That's right, tonight marks the kickoff of the second annual NUTRILITE Canadian Championship! This tournament pits Canada's three top professional clubs against each other in a round-robin tournament designed to crown Canada's representative in the CONCACAF region, en route to the FIFA Club World Cup.

Oh, and they get the snazzy Voyageurs Cup as well.

Tonight features MLS' Toronto FC hosting the USL's Vancouver Whitecaps FC. These two teams will also play the tournament's defending champion USL's Montreal Impact in upcoming matches. The tournament culminates June 18th at Montreal's Saputo Stadium in a rematch of last year's tourney finale between Toronto and Montreal.

I'm not a huge soccer fan. I'd say soccer and I have a casual-to-friendly relationship. Like if we saw each other on the street we'd nod and say, 'How are you doing? Not bad... Cool. Talk to you later." But we're not best buds or anything. 

That said, I was at last year's finale and it was no less than awesome. As a Montrealer, it was great to wander into the self-proclaimed Centre of the Universe and watch these Toronto fans, who assumed they'd walk away with the trophy since they play in a superior league, lose to this scrappy Montreal club. I'll give Toronto its props, though. This is a city that's long been beat up for its passive nature at sporting events -- and Leafs and Jays fans warrant that label (are there any Argo fans?). But the atmosphere at BMO Field was unbelievable. Fans were into it, they were chanting, and the spectacle was unbelievable.

I think this year's going to be even better. Last year was the first time something like this was tried. It was new and no one knew what the calibre of play was going to be. This year's different. We've set the bar and now we're going to leap over it.

As you may know, we've inked a three-year deal with the CSA to serve as title sponsor of the NUTRILITE Canadian Championship. The NUTRILITE brand is going to be everywhere -- on the side boards, on the jumbotron, on the TV ads, during the half-time entertainment... even on the kids that walk out with the athletes (well, on their jerseys at least -- it's not like we branded them or anything. That's for Year 2 of this contract.)

If you get Rogers SportsNet, you can catch tonight's game starting at 8 p.m. Eastern (5 Pacific). And if you're in Toronto (first off, accept my apologies), why not head on down to the field and check out the game?

I've got a few requests for you! First, if you're at the game tonight, feel free to send me your thoughts on the event. Maybe, if I'm feeling generous, I'll relinquish control of this blog long enough to allow a guest post!

Second, I'd love to hear your thoughts on these sponsorships (we'll throw ARTISTRY/Skate Canada in the mix here too).  As an IBO, what do they do for you? Do they make it easier for you to get your foot/cleat/skate in the door? Do they make you feel more proud of your association with Amway & NUTRILITE? Are they worth the investment?

As a customer or visitor, do brand sponsorships impact the way you look at a business or product? How much of an impact do they make on you? If you see a sponsorship does this make you feel more comfortable about buying a product, or trust in the brand/company?

Share your thoughts and don't forget to follow our Twitter feed (@AmwayCanada) for updates all throughout the tourney! The ball gets rolling tonight!

Monday, May 04, 2009 2 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, Perspective, Paintball, Balance, Experience

A bunch of us from Canuck Central, figuring we don't see enough of each other during the work week, got together yesterday for a little fun in the sun. OK, sure, the fun involved pelting each other with stinging paint balls from a pressurized gun, but fun nonetheless.

We drove out to the boonies to play paintball. And may I humbly state, if you're looking for a team-building exercise, or if your office is stressed out, paintball is the way to go.

Before I go further, let me state that I am totally anti gun. I know some of you may not like it, but that's the way I feel. For me, guns have one purpose -- to kill. If you want to debate in the comments, feel free, but let's move on here... OK?

Customer Support employee extraordinaire Ed set the whole thing up (then got lost and showed up late, but that's another story!), and about a dozen of us found our way to the middle of the woods in the heart of Canadian Amish country. We then spent a few hours happily firing paint balls at each other and the random participants in various "capture the flag"-style games. From what I know, nobody's the worse for wear. A couple of bruises here and there (Sales' Kristin took a shot off the shoulder that's left a mark -- probably our worst injury -- but she's a trooper!), but nothing major.

It's the "others" that I'd like to write about. You see, we AGers were all newbies to the sport. We showed up in various states of casual dress (read: clothes that we didn't mind not tearing up...) But some of our opponents were taking things a little too seriously.

Fatigues, camouflage, high-powered rifles, scopes, grenades, face paint. All to head out into the woods to compete against a bunch of corporate-types coming out blinking into the sunlight for the first time... ("That big yellow ball in the sky... it's the sun, right? It burns... not like the comforting fluorescent lights and windowless walls we're used to...")

It's a game. It's not real war. I'm doubly bothered by this: a) this false bravado and video-game-esque machismo would probably fly out the window if they were ever dropped into a real war zone; and b) I fear that the time they're not out playing with their high-tech goodies, they're stuck in their parents' basement, penning conspiracy theories on the Internet.

I paid my $5 to get an upgrade on my gun. Apparently the upgrade didn't include the ability to shoot straight. Towards the end, I was approaching paintball the same way I play golf -- face well away from the target to compensate for my killer slice. These guys were bursting 500 shots off in a minute; I was getting carpal tunnel from repeatedly pulling the trigger to get four shots off...

There's fun and then there's unhealthy obsession. And it's all about finding that balance.

If you play hockey in a beer league, you don't need a $300 composite stick. If you're playing rec softball, you don't want to be the guy who shows up in stirrups and cleats, who berates the right fielder who's out for a good time with co-workers. And if you're playing paintball against a bunch of amateurs, you don't need to do aerial flybys of the field or bring out the laser scopes with heat and motion sensors.

But maybe that's just the way I look at life. You have to have that balance. You can't focus on one thing to the exclusion of all other aspects of your life, without having both suffer. You lose perspective of the importance of the thing you're focused on; and you neglect the other aspects of your life that bring balance to your life.

I work a lot -- both here at AG and doing freelance stuff. I enjoy writing -- it's what I do, but it's not who I am. It's a profession and a hobby that allows me to express myself and to share my thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. I'd like to think that a little bit of me is in everything I write -- even in speeches for others and product copy. I never want to be formulaic. But if I only focused on work, then I would be formulaic. My creativity is fostered through my engagement in other aspects of life: my family being first; my interests being second.

I read a lot, both on-line and in those things called books. And every printed word I read adds to my pool of experience from which I draw upon. I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, with our friends -- seeing the world through my daughter's eyes gives me a fresh perspective on everything. She finds beauty in things I've grown to take for granted -- and by sharing her sense of wonder, I've rediscovered the world.

After all, you write what you know. And if you don't experience everything the world has to offer, your frame of reference becomes awfully small. 

So what do you think? Many of you who enter into the AG business do so with the hope of freeing up time to spend with your family... to do the things you want to do. How do you find that balance? Is that balance important to you? Do you place a premium on one over the other? Are you obsessed about anything in particular?

Suffice to say, even though I'll probably play paintball again, I won't be wearing a balaclava and consulting topographic maps to figure out the best way to flank the 10-year-old kid on the other team.

I have other things to do -- and enjoy -- in life.

* Note... I wanted to title this post "Happiness is a Warm Gun," but I'm not at the point -- yet -- where I'm ready to extend my Canadian song title convention to all of the Commonwealth... Yet.

Friday, May 01, 2009 26 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, words, e-mail, communication, Schoolhouse Rock

I was a big Schoolhouse Rock fan (who am I kidding, I still am. About 11 years ago, I was on a trip to Washington and I sat back on the steps of the Capitol and sang, 'I'm Just a Bill' -- mock if you must, but you'd do the same if you were my age) and one of the phrases that's stuck in my head is "As your body grows bigger/Your mind grows flowered/It's great to learn/Because knowledge is power!"

That being said, sometimes I wonder, "What am I doing here?" It's usually at the moment that an IBO sends in an e-mail or calls in saying, "Oh, I didn't know about that. Is that new?" or "Why didn't you tell us about that before?"

The problem is, we usually do. But obviously our message isn't getting to the right place. It's of particular frustration to me simply because I type my little fingers off trying to get the right information out to the right people at the right time. And I try, hopefully successfully, to do it in an entertaining way -- even if it's product copy or a What's New article -- so that I can engage the reader.

But it seems that effort is wasted. My question to you is twofold: Why and How?

The Why: Why do some of you not read what we write? Most everything we do here in our Communications department is to provide you -- either as an independent business owner or a customer -- with the information you need to make decisions that are right for you, whether that means building a balanced business, or learning about a new product. Yet those messages often fall on deaf ears (or, I guess in the case of writing, it should be blind eyes, but I've never heard that before -- maybe I'll coin that phrase, "Our message is falling on blind eyes." I like it!)

The worst feeling is going out with a request, like "Tell us what you think about Product X," and hearing only crickets in return (you see, you couldn't hear those crickets if the message fell on deaf ears, but you could if it fell on blind eyes -- and who really wants to see crickets anyway? This may catch on!)

I do have my theories. One, I feel, would be the overwhelming amount of media you get, especially as an IBO: targeted e-mails, transactional e-mails, messages from upline/downline/customers, plus What's New, Twitter (remember, sign up for @AmwayCanada), RSS feeds, etc. I could be wrong, but maybe we're quenching your thirst for knowledge with a firehose here.

And now The How: As in, how do we fix this? We've got a lot of exciting stuff out there: new products, pricing changes, sponsorships -- including next week's kickoff to the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, our Imagine - True Success training tour, TV commercials, and a whole bunch of other stuff. But how can we make you aware of it?

Or maybe the real question is do you want to be aware of it?

So I implore you to help me be better at my job. What information do you want and what's the best way to get it to you? Do we send enough e-mail? Too much? Not enough? The right kind? What are we doing well? What could we do better? What are we missing? Would you listen to Leadership Hotlines as a Podcast? How do we integrate with the various organizations to ensure that people just starting this business get the information they need?

And there's the rub. It's one thing I've always struggled with since I started as the Canadian writer. How do you balance the new versus the old? We're seemingly always focused on the new and the next? But what about the products that maybe we've taken for granted. Just because you or I know Double X, that doesn't mean the woman who just registered last month does. It's a delicate balance that I don't think we've struck yet.

Please, whether you're an IBO, a customer, or just a visitor to this blog, take a moment to tell me what we could do better!  After all, when it comes to making smart decisions, Schoolhouse Rocky had it right -- Knowledge is Power!

I'm asking for your help. Comments are open, or drop me an e-mail at northofthe49th@opportunityzone.com.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, Flying

You know that designated lane I referenced in a previous post -- the one that should be for me and only me? Well, I'm considering putting in a formal request to have my own section of the airport. Or we could just cut through all of this and just agree to implement Jay's Rules at the earliest possible moment.

I don't like flying. Hate take offs, despise landings, and I'm really not fond of that whole middle part -- especially when the soft air starts buffeting this massive plane all about the skies. I know there's science behind it, but I just don't believe that something as big as a plane, with hundreds of people like me in it, can just ignore gravity for an extended period of time, when my butt gets dragged down in seconds when I jump.

The thing is, I've been flying waaayyyy more often than I'd like lately. In fact, I just got back from a flight yesterday. And  I noticed some things that, in Jay's World, would be changed immediately. Again, contact me and your local elected representative to get the whole "Jay's Rules" movement going.

The Luggage Carousel -- I hereby decree that there should be a minimum five-foot radius around the luggage carousel. Having hundreds of people jostling around trying to squeeze into the small spaces left around the edge of the carousel to wait for their luggage is just ridiculous. And then trying to remove your suitcase from the carousel without hitting anyone is a gymnastic feat in itself. Unfortunately, Bad Jay has a tendency to manifest himself -- especially when obnoxious guys are the ones blocking my path. I mean, is it really my fault if the moment caused by swinging my wife's Sherpa-Inspired suitcase off the carousel, you know, whacks the guy who has been blocking my access to the carousel (usually on his Blackberry)? I think not.

The solution? Maintain that five-foot perimeter around the carousel. That way, everyone can see the bags tumbling down the chute (and breaking any fragile souvenirs/duty-free hooch you've stashed in your luggage). And when -- AND ONLY WHEN -- you see your luggage, you can calmly walk, unobstructed, to the carousel to take your bag. Then you can walk out the door or return to the perimeter to wait for your next bag... Easy, less jostling, and I don't have to go all Gordie Howe with my elbows trying to get in.

Carry-On -- I get it. We're all busy. We all have places to go, people to see, and waiting for checked luggage can be such a drain on your life. I mean, how are you going to get those 30 minutes back? Perish the thought you'd read or -- gasp -- talk with your travel companion. So to avoid all that unpleasantness, several people -- in my opinion -- abuse the carry-on rules.

I think the problem starts with terminology. It's now referred to as Carry-On Luggage. It shouldn't be. It should be Carry-On Bags, or better yet -- Stuff You're Going to Use on the Plane (and Maybe a Change of Clothes in Case We Send Your Suitcase to Guam).  Instead, we've got people wedging their full suitcases into the overhead compartment -- which were not designed to hold everyone's actual luggage. And that means people with ACTUAL carry-on items get shut out.

I understand it -- after all, with some airlines charging to check luggage, you want to save money. But come on. New rule. If you're coming on with a suitcase, you wait until all the people with legitimate Carry-On items have them stowed. Then you can try to fit them into the overhead compartment. If it doesn't, then you have to hold the suitcase on your lap for the duration of the flight. If you don't like it, check your bag!

Cash Grab -- Speaking of checked luggage. Really? Charging for every bag? Like I'm supposed to fly thousands of kilometres with no clothes, no toiletries, no nothing? I understand airlines have to make money, but come on.

On-Flight Tests -- Again, I don't like flying. More than that, I don't like the concept of what happens if we're not flying any more. That's why it's important to know where the security items are ("your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device" -- really? I'm ripping out the whole chair if I have to) and how to use the exit. Jay's Rules include spot checks on the people in key areas -- like the Emergency Exit seating.

You sign up for that responsibility, I want to know that you've been paying attention. I don't want the last thing I hear to be, "Oh, I was watching Family Guy on my iPod when she was explaining how to use the exit door. Sorry Dude, my bad."

At any time, the flight attendant (or concerned passenger) should be able to stop and ask you any safety related question. If you fail the test, you're bumped to the cargo bay. You pass, you get a perk -- like maybe a whole can of Pepsi.

Lean on Me -- Last thing. Maybe it's the Canadian in me, but I hate reclining my seat. I always feel I'm invading the privacy of the person behind me. After all, if someone wants to lie back in my lap, there better be some candles, a nice steak, and a couple of drinks first. Instead Johnny "My Comfort is the Only Thing that Matters" thrusts his seat back -- which can cause problems if your table tray is down. Death by Useless Tray Impalement would be a bad way to go.

I usually ask the person behind me if they mind if I recline my seat. And even then, I do so ever so slightly. For the obnoxious ones who don't care, I say airlines should provide you with a "Seat-In-Front Idiot Kit," which would include the following: a Sharpie, Glitter Gel, Scissors, Peroxide, and Nair. That way at least you can have some fun if the person in front of you decides to recline so far as to provide you with a perfect follicular target for your in-air frustrations.

Jay's Rules -- Airline Edition. So what do you think? And is there anything you'd add? Share your travel stories: the people you meet, the frustrations you experience, or the things you love about flying! The comments are open!

Thursday, April 23, 2009 2 Comments
Category: Canada, Amway, speech, words, e-mail, communication

To paraphrase an oft-repeated quote, e-mail doesn't annoy people; people who use e-mail annoy people. 

This thought crossed my mind as I prepare for a short vacation, which starts tomorrow, in celebration of my and my wife's 10th anniversary. The vacation itself is good -- the copious amount of e-mail that will await my return on Tuesday is not.

I'm sure I'm not alone in this. I've come back from vacations to be greeted by a sea of red (the colour that indicates an unread message in my inbox) -- upwards of 300 e-mails at a time. So a significant part of my first day back from any vacation generally is spent dealing with messages.

The thing is, most of it isn't valuable. It's not exactly SPAM, but it's certainly in the canned preserved meat category. And it's a result of people abusing e-mail. There's no electronic mail etiquette police, but if there was I'd be willing to serve as a lieutenant on that force!

The culprits:

• C.C. Rider -- to paraphrase Ma Rainey, "Oh see, CC rider, oh see what you have done." Chances are you know someone in your organization or business who loves to include seemingly everyone in their address book in each and every e-mail missive. I'm of the opinion that the CC field should be expunged from e-mail programs around the world. Used as an FYI field, the problem is that most people in it don't really need the "I". And after a few (dozen) e-mails, often the message or the request gets lost. Hold off on the CC, send the message to only those who need to act upon it, and let's all be happy.
  
• Follow the Leader -- You know the Reply All function? Don't use it. Chances are the message was started by C.C. Rider, only to then start off a snowball effect of Reply Alls that results in an avalanche of unwanted information. It's like being caught in the middle of someone else's conversation -- only with no door, window, or fake heart attack at your disposal to get out of it.
• King (or Queen) of the Castle -- Listen, we all have jobs to do. We all are busy. And we all think our project or task is the most important thing in the world. The thing is, it often isn't -- at least to me or anyone else on that infernal CC list. You send a request, you put a date on it, then you wait. Following up each and every day to see the status of your project only takes time away from those who are actually working on it. In my case, I serve several masters -- and oftentimes I have to prioritize my work. While I'll give each and every request my utmost respect and attention, sometimes I can't get to it right away. I'll do it, I'll do it on time, but instant gratification isn't always possible.
  
• Steps for Keystrokes Traders -- OK, I admit that sometimes I'm guilty of this, but I'm really trying to work on it. It should be an unforgivable offense to e-mail anyone within a 20-foot radius of you. Get up, talk to the person, work on those social skills. Add instant messaging services and you have more and more people who choose to sacrifice face-to-face interaction for less-personal interaction.

Sometimes e-mail is a necessary evil. We need to create "paper" trails, we need to inform others about the status of projects that we're working on. But a lot of e-mail is just laziness. It may be faster to fire off an e-mail, but too much can get lost in the translation. A five-minute face-to-face conversation can save days of back-and-forth over e-mail. And that doesn't even broach the problems that can come through perception. E-mail's a horrible medium for conveying the intricasies of human language -- words can be read out of context, feelings can be applied or interpreted incorrectly, and the benefits of back-and-forth dialogue -- refining messages, resolving potential issues, and creativity -- can get stunted via e-mail. I find, in many cases, things work better in person or even by phone. E-mail has its place, but it's too often used as a catch-all when other forms of communication may be better.

But maybe I'm old school in this thinking, so I'd like to hear from you. Whether you're in a corporate environment or networking within your organization, what are the pros and cons of e-mail (sorry, but for the pros and cons of hitchiking I'll consult Roger Waters)? Any other e-mail abusers you'd like to add to the list above? And what are the solutions?

Feel free to post a comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Are we too reliant on e-mail, or am I just a dinosaur longing for the days of interpersonal communication that doesn't involve a keyboard and screen?

All the best,

Jay