A Byproduct of the MBA

As my 52 week intensive MBA is winding down, I've come to realize something.  Due to the amount of reading and analysis done during this MBA, I can no longer read something without really thinking about what I'm reading, and why I'm reading it.

I'm having trouble reading for "fun".....other than Sh*t my dad says, because that's just pure fun :)

I think I've read more in 52 weeks than I have in my life-time.  I guess that's a good thing.

Radio Sucks

I decided to tune into the radio today, and I heard the following songs on repeat

Fireflies - Owl Lights
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
California Gurls - Katie Perry
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias
Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner
What Part of Forever - Cee Lo Green

OMG!  I wanted to stab my ears.  Is it because there isn't enough good music around that everything is just put on repeat?  Martin's response is "It's the Top 40, they're just going to play the Top 40".  Who came up with top 40?  I really thought it was just a label and it didn't mean repeat the top 40 sounds until you want to jab sharp objects in your ears.

And it all sounds the same....ug....i'm not listening to the radio anymore.

Free Concerts Via YouTube

Genius!!!!

What better way for an artist to reach out to their fans than have a concert that is also broadcasted over YouTube.

Tonight:  Arcade Fire Live from Madison Square Garden (http://www.youtube.com/ArcadeFireVEVO) @ 10PM EST

U2 did this and received 10 million streams on a Sunday night.  I was just thinking how YouTube quietly changed how people view the news, music videos, and learn.  This is another one of those "wow that's a cool idea" moments that can change the way things happen, IMO anyways.

I know where I'll be tonight @ 10pm :)

No Shipping to Canada

Well isn't that the story of our live sometimes?  Well, Steph reminded me that Martin and I found this site, http://www.shipito.com/

We haven't used it yet, but it looks pretty simple and cheap.

If you use it, let me know how it is.

We Bought an eReader

So we toyed with the idea of getting an eReader.  Martin was completely unconvinced that an eReader could take the place of his paperbacks.....until he got a hold of my brothers Kindle.

This quickly put us in the market for an eReader.  But which one?  We finally decided on the Nook, because the girl in me like the way it looked :)

It's great.  We love it.  Keep in mind though that the Nook isn't sold in Canada.  This means you have to get the WiFi only version, and you have to register your account with an American billing addresses.  However, you can use your Canadian credit card.  For $189US we are very happy.

BUT!  Amazon has just announced that August 27th it will start shipping it's new lighter Kindle.  I think it's very tempting, but think the Kindle is ugly...just my two cents.

Anyways, I've noticed a trend since we got the Nook.....I'm reading books again!  I have an actual interest in buying new books.  Please stop laughing now....seriously.

I like to read, but I always found a book store overwhelming.  Those who know me, know that I like to read reviews.  Will with eBooks you've got access to reviews and previews of the books right on the Nook....it's awesome!  I can just shop from the comfort of my bed, and not have to go to a bookstore and sift through walls of books.  Be careful though, you can easily drop a lot of coin without realizing it!

Anyways, so far I've purchased two books which I recommend and have read lots and lots and lots of previews.

For the girls:  Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff .  I now have an appreciation for vintage clothing
For everyone:  Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern .  You will laugh so hard ppl will think you're crazy.

Let me know what books your reading, because now I have the urge to use my new toy!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_51/b4160087988511.htm
http://www.digitaltrends.com/gadgets/kindle-vs-nook-an-e-reader-face-off/
http://www.digitaltrends.com/gadgets/amazon-debuts-new-kindles-and-one-is-wi-fi-only/

Bixi Toronto

One of the first things Martin and I said when we saw Bixi in Montreal last summer was "OMG, this is so awesome, I hope it comes to Toronto"

Our wish is coming true....sort of.  As with any new endeavour, the City of Toronto is going about this very carefully.  Montreal actually had 2000 Bixi founding members.  Toronto needs 1000 members by November 30.

Are you planning to ride?  I hope so.  Here are the things that we found handy about it:
1.  You're too lazy to walk 20 mins, and feel too silly to pay $5 for a cab.  Take a Bixi!
2.  Transit doesn't quite take you to where you need to go.  Take a Bixi!
3.  You've thought about buying a bike, but your 750 sq-ft condo and small locker can't accomodate it.  Take a Bixi!
4.  You're late for work, the streetcar isn't appearing.......Take a Bixi!

.....  I think you get my point.  There are many awesome ways to use Bixi :)

Yes, the first year will have hiccups, but trust me the system works.  It's worth dealing with the headaches.  The Montreal system is 100X better this year than last, it's amazing what 1 year does.  But it only succeeds if people want it to succeed.

So sign up.  What's the worst that happens?  If Bixi doesn't roll out, you get your $107 back.  If it does roll out, you've got an elite swanky black key...oh yeah...black is sexy.

http://bikeunion.to/bixi-toronto
toronto.bixi.com
Facebook group:  I will Bixi Toronto!
Facebook group:  Bixi Toronto
Twitter: bixitoronto

For vacation loving friends

This company is following in the foot steps of all those online sites that are selling designer wear cheap(er), but you require a special log (www.beyondtherack.com).

Except this site is for ppl who like to travel.  jetsetter.com is a great site to get some good hotel/vacation/cruise deals.  It should only take about a week to get an account.

helps if I put the link!

www.jetsetter.com