Random Musings

This post isn't really about arts, culture or communication.  It's about moving.  Why?  Because I spent the weekend hauling boxes and sorting through all my possessions.  Well, some of them.  The rest are stacked behind me in the den.  When you move, you really realize just how much stuff you have and how much of it is probably unnecessary.  It's a time to start fresh, to reinvent your life by reinventing your space.  Talk about pressure.  Never has the placement of a table held so much meaning.   The options are endless...

In other news, and news that is arts & culture related - Tegan and Sara's new album Sainthood comes out on Tuesday.  I'm taking a first listen on their MySpace right this minute, and I love it. Of course, that's pretty much a given as I've been a fan of T&S since '99 or '00.  They constantly reinvent themselves and push their musical boundaries.  And then there's the fact that they have this really authentic connection with their fans that starts with their on-stage banter during live shows.  Check out the album.  I ordered the deluxe version online that comes with three books they've penned as well as an autographed piece of art.  That's going to be a happy mail day.  Their official website is here.

Must-See TV

I love my television, and now that I own a PVR, I love it even more. It seems like everyone around me is watching TV in new and different ways.  Even my parents have watched shows online. 

Before tonight, it had been a while since I'd streamed a show online.   I'm very happy that television networks have gotten with the program and starting streaming shows on their sites.  If I forget to record an episode, I no longer have to wait for it to come out on DVD.

Tonight, I was catching up on a show on the Space website. Space has 30 second commercials that run where commercial breaks would regularly run on TV.  The problem is, every commercial was for the Save Local TV campaign.  Definitely an important issue that everyone should look into (especially since now, Shaw is  running counter ads that spin the issue in a completely different way), but I really started to get annoyed after seeing the same two commercials cycle on a loop for eternity.  Hyperbole... isn't it grand? I'm not sure if Space regularly sells this space to advertisers, but if I have to sit through a 30 second commercial, some variety would be nice.  Perhaps it sounds crazy that I'm advocating for more commercials, but really - advertising is what pays for shows, and I'm a fan of creative advertising. Which is exactly the type of advertising that belongs online- commercials that are cutting edge and bursting with creativity. Give me something I'm going to remember because it's unique - not because you're repeating it over and over again.  The alternative?  Product placement. Which I think we can all admit is just lame.

Ways of Seeing

A couple of years ago, my aunt asked me if I thought I was a good problem-solver.  I think the implication was that she didn't think I was.  I didn't know how to answer that at the time, and though I couldn't say I was a good problem-solver I knew I didn't think I was a bad problem solver.

It's become clear to me now, as I've gotten to know myself better in the years since, that I actually am a good problem solver, it just might not appear that way from the outside.  Why not?  Well, it really comes down to the fact that when I'm attempting to solve a problem, I'm looking at the problem from every possible angle.  Sometimes, when you can see all the sides of something, it's a bit tough to make a decision. At least, make a decision quickly. Of course, if it's your job to consider all these things, that way of seeing the world is actually a good thing.  In fact, I've recently discovered that this aspect of the way my brain works actually suits me to work in PR because PR is all about thinking about things strategically from a bunch of different angles.  Who knew?