Trying Twitter

Being in communications, I know how important (and sometimes daunting) it is to keep up on the trends. Of course, everyone is now well aware of the micro-blogging phenome, Twitter, which has been the talk of all media channels for the past number of months. While I joined Twitter a year ago, I didn't really get it until earlier this year. 

It's a powerful communications form that blends many aspects of life in one place. Used well (I'm definitely still learning), it's a dynamic and convenient way to monitor volumes and volumes of news, updates and opinions while sharing the same. 

That said, Twitter also feeds the already problematic online addiction begun with blogging, facebook, the blackberry et al. Time consuming it is to make and manage all the connections that comprise our social networks. A good example: I need to drag myself away from this laptop right now - grocery shopping is still waiting!

It'll be interesting to see how all of this nets out, but for now, I plan to keep exploring - both from a personal and professional perspective. 

For his hilarious take, check out Stephen Colbert's chat with Biz Stone, Twitter co-founder. And then make sure you follow both!

Literacy, learning and the love of reading

Working at a library continues to provide many new insights for me. A major one is the role of literacy in all of our lives.

Admittedly, I have taken my own literacy for granted. Having been raised in a family and society that nurtured learning, I was lucky to have all the opportunities required to build a life based on choice. 

My affinity for books and reading has been a lifelong affair - one that I continue to encourage in my nieces and nephews on every occasion with books as gifts. I've always had a somewhat romantic dream of owning a book store and spending my days learning and sharing the inspiration that comes along with reading. 

Since beginning work at TPL, I've begun to see first hand just what a role we play in the lives of thousands of people. Our services beyond simply lending books are tremendous, ranging from early learning resources to adult literacy to ESL to computer training to youth volunteering groups to literary programs and beyond. From providing access to the basics to instilling the love of reading, libraries everywhere provide such an amazing foundation for society.

What has especially struck me are two things: 

1. There are so many stats regarding how critical literacy is to pre-school age children as it will impact their success throughout school and into their adult lives
2. There are so many inspirational stories of how literacy programs have changed peoples' lives - whether as children, adults and even as seniors

We recently featured several of these 'success' stories in a Foundation campaign including that of a woman who at age 60 went through our literacy program after putting her four children through university. Originally from Jamaica, she was then able to complete her Canadian citizenship exam and now feels liberated by her new found abilities and sense of pride.

Another young woman was part of our leading to reading program when in grade 2 and went on to volunteer at the library in high school before becoming a high school teacher herself.

Lawrence Hill, award-winning author of The Book of Negroes, was interviewed on CBC today and he mentioned that one of the reasons for the salvation of his main character was the early literacy instilled by her father. Stolen from her African village she endures slavery in the American south, amid other challenges, and is sustained by her sense of hope and her desire to read and understand and eventually return home. This struck me as he felt it important to convey this early-learned knowledge stayed with her and contributed to her resilience throughout her life. 

Librarians, staff and volunteers working with individuals every day are nurturing the need for knowledge and personal growth. The spirit of public service that exists throughout our system of 99 branches is quite stunning. While I've worked in other public organizations, I'm still learning about just how deep that passion runs here. As well as the level of the public's trust in this role we play providing free, democratic access to a wealth of information within safe and welcoming public spaces.

And then there's simply the joy of reading that is encouraged through book clubs, author readings and a host of programs that connect readers to books, writers and each other. Pretty inspiring stuff.

Photo: Daily Mail, UK

Thanking Paul Martin

I was fortunate to attend the Toronto Public Library Foundation's Book Lover's Ball on February 12, which was great fun and a memorable occasion. The Ball is an annual event for library supporters including many of Toronto's philanthropic and political leaders as well as 56 of Canada's outstanding authors. Writers attending included Margaret Atwood, Alissa York, Joy Fielding, M.G. Vassanji, Paul Quarrington, Russell Smith, Vincent Lam, Wayson Choy, Debbie Travis, Ian Brown, Dan Hill, Jan Wong and Christie Blatchford, among many more.

My highlight, however, was realizing that former Prime Minister Paul Martin was there (having recently released his memoir Hell or High Water). I noticed him upon arriving at Toronto's renowned Royal York Hotel as he mingled with guests. 

At that moment I knew I must meet him. While dinner and speeches ensued, it was in the back of my mind that I would make my way to his table to say hello. 

That amid the flurry of mingling and events onstage - including a live auction and fashion show as well as a video tribute by Rick Mercer and wonderful MC duties performed by CBC's Diana Swain. It was all very exciting - especially to see so many celebrities as well as my TPL colleagues all dressed up for the black tie affair. (And yes I found myself in a 'gown' for the Ball which was a surprise - to me most of all! Sorry though no pics to be found... :)

Suddenly, Mr. Martin was approaching me. Even if I'd wanted to, I couldn't have avoided meeting him. What an opportunity! 

I realized he was saying his goodbyes and so I waited patiently for him to arrive at my spot. At which time I said hello and shook his hand. Then I said that I just wanted to thank him for all he's done for Canada. He said thanks very much and that I was "very kind." To which I added "I also want to thank you for coming tonight as we at the library really appreciate it." He smiled and held onto my hand a few seconds longer and then we said goodnight. 

It happened very quickly and then it was over. And yet it was such a meaningful encounter for me. I believe he's a man of integrity and grace and we would have been in a much better place if he was our PM now. At any rate, I also believe events happen for a reason and he has gone on to do some important work both in Canada and internationally. 

Funny enough I just saw an interview with him on TVO's The Agenda this evening which reminded me to tell you about this meeting. 

Oh yes and I also bumped into (literally) Stuart Mclean as I arrived, and had a quick and friendly exchange with Giller recipient Joseph Boyden - both which were almost as thrilling!

Hats off to the Toronto Public Library Foundation - especially Julie and Heather - for a wonderful and successful event. 

Photo: Toronto Public Library Foundation

Word on the Street

Just checked out my first Toronto WOTS Book and Magazine Festival at Queen's Park and was really impressed.

There were hundreds of different organizations promoting literacy, freedom of expression, the joy of reading, storytelling, political awareness & advocacy, and everything in between. There were also different stages devoted to authors, performers and personalities participating in readings, panel discussions and concerts. Everyone from age 1 to 100 could find something of interest, including refreshments around every corner.

I was there primarily to see our Toronto Public Library presence which was strong with a children's booth and bookmobile, another youth and adult-oriented booth, participation in an adult literacy display and support for the City of Toronto's Toronto Book Awards effort. A combination of librarians, program staff and others were there to let everyone know about our amazing programs, services and collections.

Along the way I happened upon legendary Maple Leafs goalie Johnny Bower reading from his new autobiography - and heard some great anecdotes including his memories of team mate Tim Horton starting his now-prolific donut business. In the audience were a whole group of 60-70ish men looking not unlike my dad, eating up all his stories.

Further along, I was handed a complimentary copy of Towards Understanding Islam which I gladly took and will definitely read.

The TVO stage was just setting up for a performance with about 40 young audience members waiting somewhat patiently for their favourites to come out on stage.

2008 Toronto Book Awards finalists Elyse Friedman, Barbara Gowdy, Glen Downie and others were onsite for readings of their new works.

The most crowded of the tents I saw was featuring a discussion on Graphic Novels which had attracted a youth-oriented audience hanging off the words of the panelists.

A whole host of Canada's large and small publishers, many periodicals, the Toronto Womens' Bookstore, PEN, theatre groups and many other organizations were all there offering books, magazines, subscriptions, tickets and other cultural wares.

Upon leaving at the end of the day, I realized that next year I'm going to get there early as there is way too much to see and do in just one afternoon.

Photo: Toronto Public Library children's booth at WOTS, Toronto Public Library

A different perspective

While wanting to emphasize the positive as much as possible, I have to admit I might have caught a glimpse of the 'cold and unfriendly' or at least 'conservative' Toronto today. I'm attending a 3-day Canadian Marketing Association conference (ok, that should've been my first clue) and must admit I was struck by the homogeneity of the folks in the room. Let's call them 'the suits' - of which I admittedly was one. A friend at Tourism BC - William who is the 'push the boundaries, e-leader' there - once commented on the difference between attending a web conference vs a marketing conference as the geeks definitely outcool the marketers - especially when looking at the way they dress and how they approach life and business.

One of today's keynote speakers embodied that this afternoon. Google's Avinash Kaushik, described as Author, Blogger and Analytics Evangelist, appeared onstage in blue jeans and white shirt and peered into the audience saying he doesn't even own a suit. He proceeded to present a colourful, dynamic and provocative case for "putting the marketer back into marketing with web analytics 2.0." Like most web people I've met, he's irreverent and challenges traditional business structures and approaches. He laughs at decision-making by 'hipos' (highest paid person's opinions) and counsels innovators to prove them wrong and then move on with customer-centric solutions.

Mostly he prods us to pay much more attention to the 'whys' and 'what elses' versus just the 'whats' and 'how muchs' of online results. And to intelligently use the amazing tools available to do so.

A key metric = bounce rate "- if 67% of visitors to your site don't click through once you should be crying."

Key questions to ask your users:
- why are you here?
- were you able to complete your task?
- if not, why not?

Main message - let customers tell you - capture their voice and don't just interpret their actions.

Important approach - experimentation and testing.

Key takeaway for me - Avinash's blog has been recreated in book form for sale and he and his wife decided that all proceeds will go to charity as he doesn't want to be paid for something that was already free nor for something he loves to do. So in addition to the clothes, this is one of the big differentiators between geeks and suits, at least that's the way it appears.

Next week I get to hang out with web people at MESH - Canada's Web Conference. Tomorrow I'm wearing jeans.

Photo: Avinash Kaushik

Nice people

The city of Toronto has a bad rap in other parts of Canada. You often hear that residents of Toronto and even the rest of Ontario feel they're the centre of the universe. Or you'll hear that Torontonians are cold and unfriendly. I'm happy to say that really hasn't been my experience so far - as I've mentioned before. People are friendly on the subway, on the street, in most stores, in elevators, and in my neighbourhood.

This past week, while getting lunch right at Yonge and Eglinton, I found I only had my visa card which the small shop didn't accept. Just as I was standing in line deliberating how to make cash materialize out of nowhere, the young man next to me said he'd pay. At first I said, no that's ok, but he persisted. He was offering a random act of kindness to both me and the sandwich shop owner and both of us were quite appreciative. I asked for his business card so I could pay him back and he said, 'no, no, don't worry about it'. And so I said thanks very much and that I'd pay it forward. To which he replied 'exactly!'

When I told my friends at work what had happened it made their day - just as it had mine.

Literary Lunch on Ice

Today, although on holiday, I ventured to North York Central Library for a meeting and then one of our Keep Toronto Reading events. With the theme "Ladies who Lit," this was one of a number of lunchtime author readings scheduled throughout the month.

The first author, Governor General's Award-Winner Diane Schoemperlen, read from At A Loss For Words, a current-day look at how email correspondence is no substitute for real-time romance, or even love letters of old.

The second author's novel, Town House, features the agoraphobic son of an Ozzy Osbourne-like rock star, and explores the influences of nature and nurture in cultivating anxiety disorders. Interestingly, this very first book by Tish Cohen is being adapted into a screenplay to be produced by Ridley Scott.

Both readings were great, and the audience asked a lot of questions about the process of writing (and having one's writing chosen for film) as well as about societal and cultural influences on their respective themes.

I have to say, though, the highlight of the day for me was sitting in the beautiful concourse of NYCL with huge windows letting in gorgeous sunlight and through which we could watch lunchtime skaters. This is not a typical "Toronto" image and it was a reminder that TO has way more character and charm than it is often given credit for. It was a very enjoyable afternoon combining both my new hometown and new workplace. Very cool indeed.

Reaching for something...

Today was a 'found' day as I was supposed to go to an all-day meeting and then begged off to try to get on top of things in my office. And while I got a lot accomplished, a portion of my time was spent listening to colleagues' feelings of unrest, uneasyness and a sense of something not quite falling into place.

My challenge in these circumstances is to lend an ear, share some shared experience or insight and then NOT take on the negative energy. Gradually I progressed from feeling quite upbeat and blessed with time, to sensing that things were not quite right. And then I remembered that over time I've realized that my nature is to absorb the moods of others and that more constructively I need to empathize, but with some detachment. Too late for today, but lesson learned once again!

So, this vague, unsettling sense that 'something' is off in the distance, just out of reach for now- not sure if that's me or someone else's intuition at play. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Full circle moments

Yesterday I got a phone call from Vancouver regarding a potential job opportunity. As it turns out, it was one that I was interested in a few years ago at the Royal BC Museum. Though I competed for it, once on the short short list, I pulled out as it involved a move to Victoria. From time to time I've wondered if that was the 'right' decision. And though I believe it would have been wonderful to work at the Museum, I'm very happy with the experience I gained by staying where I was and with the way life has unfolded over the past year.

I'm loving working at the Library and am fortunate to have landed here. I'm close to family and have reconnected with them and with old friends on a day-to-day basis. I'm also making new friends and truly enjoying living in Toronto - yes seriously! :)

It was quite nice to get the call though and to, for a moment, consider the opportunity - no, not seriously! ;)

For now, I'm quite content to stay put (and know that Maggy would put all feet down if I even suggested yet another move!).

Amazing weather, awful commute

The amazing fall light, beautiful warm weather and changing leaves all make the drive to and from Toronto quite aesthetically appealing. Especially as I can opt to take smaller roads through rural areas for part of the morning trip. And even the Don Valley Parkway looks out across the surprisingly green ravine system that runs through the city. All that said, though, the daily travesty that takes place on Greater Toronto Area highways is alarming.

Cars and way too many tractor trailors crawl along, sometimes idling or moving as slow as 5 kms/hour for miles and miles. A one-way journey that should take up to 1 hour, regularly takes 2. And I, along with hundreds and hundreds of other drone-like commuters, are sitting alone in our cars, spewing ridiculous amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. Constantly, day in and day out.

I have one week left to commute and readily admit it would never be my choice of how to live. Whether driving or travelling by public transit, the infrastructure here doesn't support the fast, efficient and convenient transport of the ever-expanding population outside of the city of Toronto (or inside for that matter). I have also travelled by Ontario's GO train and found that it did not save me time, money, nor was it a pleasant way to go. It's extremely crowded (after just its first few suburban stops) and is ergonomically deficient. Passengers are stuffed into cramped spaces, face each other bumping knees and elbows, have no where to place belongings such as coats, umbrellas, briefcases, or cups of coffee and can barely open a tabloid (forget a broadsheet) if they choose to try to read the newspaper. It's definitely a more green way to commute and if I found myself living in the burbs long term, that would become a necessary way of life. Many do and will continue to do so in order to own homes in residential areas that are affordable and ideal for raising families.

With the upcoming Ontario election, I'll be paying close attention to the partys' transportation plans. A few ideas:
- expand and improve the GO experience to the east, west and north of Toronto in order to move more people via public transit (it has to be affordable and/or convenient and/or somewhat pleasant to get people out of their cars)
- improve the overall GO and TTC transit infrastructure as they are not scaled to handle the population growth as well as increasing demand for green solutions
- disallow tractor trailers to travel during rush hour as they take up a lot of space, are spewing that much more emissions and are dangerous when trying to brake in stop and go traffic (and can be terribly aggressive as well)
- stagger business operating hours in order to spread out the rush hour periods in the morning and evening

In the meantime, I'll take GO at least twice next week to try to offset some of my environmental transgressions, as well as my guilt.

Yonge and Bloor

More than a year ago, I was staying at a hotel in the heart of Toronto at Yonge and Bloor. I was still living in Vancouver and was visiting on business. During those few days in the city I looked around closely, then closed my eyes and listened inwardly for the answer to the question "could I live here?" I received resounding intuitive confirmation that "yes I could live here, happily!".

During that visit I began letting my close friends and family know that Maggy and I would indeed be moving back to Ontario, to Toronto, to be close to them and to build a new life there - within the next year.

That was in May 2006. In December 2006 Maggy and I made our journey home. In August 2007, I found myself wandering those exact streets as I headed to my new job at - you guessed it Yonge and Bloor!

This weekend I stayed at the same hotel, this time exploring the nearby neighbourhoods to see where I would feel most comfortable living - at least for the next year or two until Maggy and I have found our feet.

Again, I felt the need to connect with the environment - to actually feel and live and breathe it - before I could start my official search for a place to live. I found myself excited and invigorated as there is so much energy here. The ROM and University of Toronto are just down Bloor, Queen's Park is nearby, Yorkville is right there, the Village is several blocks south, restaurants and theatres and interesting shops are everywhere. I even discovered a natural health store where the aromatherapy scents smelled oh so much like Vancouver! And believe it or not there are wonderful residential enclaves all around.

It was clarifying for me as now when I look at a map, the locations have meaning. Although I still have a lot to explore, I am ready to move forward with the next step of finding that new downtown home. Wish us luck!

Exhausted and happy

Things went very well today - I was able to drive into TO rather than commute by the GO train and subway and that took at least an hour off the trip. Plus I drove my beautiful new Toyota Matrix which was fun. Music on, sunroof open. No chattering, no sleeping people, no crammed quarters. For now, this is the preferable way to go, til I move closer to the city in a month or two.

Work is great. I'm already getting immersed in several interesting projects and am meeting really talented and devoted colleagues. Still getting used to getting lost in the building and trying to figure out if I've met everyone yet (not even close!). It's definitely the beginning of a new adventure.

All that to say, I'm exhausted after 3 days back at it and must call it a night!

Day One

So, after 8 months of 'getting reacquainted' with Ontario, I've returned to work. Bit the bullet and am again wearing business attire (including footwear), arising at 6 am (yuck), and commuting downtown to the Toronto Public Library (!).

My first day was great - met lots of very nice people, had lunch with colleagues on a rooftop restaurant in the sun, and got the initial 'lay of the land' intro to our team, the organization and the inevitable politics that go along with any job (I've learned the hard way that it doesn't matter where you work, politics will be there...).

I'm really excited about the opportunity to join a community-oriented, socially responsible organization that provides amazing programs and resources to absolutely everyone. Children, youth, newcomers to Canada, seniors. Book clubs, literacy and ESL programs, universal access to info and knowledge and ideas, a tremendous collection, and extensive online services, for example.

Walking into the atrium today, I felt elated and somewhat in awe of this new opportunity. I'm excited and yet also feel it is meant to be. I couldn't have landed in a more perfect place and feel very grateful that I'm here.

Good things gro ow ow in Ontario

Over the past while we've seen some 'retro' advertising as old television spots are reprised to appeal to those of us who remember them. For example: the 'two scoops of raisins' lumberjack, the 'gouda' ad with the young boy who forgets what cheese he was sent to buy, or the Chef Boyardee ad featuring kids running through the town square while church bells ring. Most of us remember these ads from childhood and now that we're feeding other generations, they appeal to our sense of nostalgia and harken back to what we remember as a simpler time... and apparently they work.

A similar approach is being used with a new version of the old jingle "Good things grow ow ow, in Ontario" that ran in the seventies and eighties. Today's ad features a farmer singing the song (not so well) over the loudspeaker in a grocery store. It's an ok ad, but again it's the fact that we remember the jingle that makes it so effective. And once you hear the song, of course, you can't get it out of your head for days! It's a campaign by the Ontario government to promote buying Ontario's fresh food products, wines and beers. It's timely as it reinforces the 'buy local' message that is now gaining in popularity.

And speaking of good things that grow, Bret, Jill, Claire, Aleah and I went blueberry picking last week. It was spectacular as the weather was great and the berries were perfect. It was my first time, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable. The best part is we now have enough personally picked and transported fresh blueberries in the freezer to last through til next year. You can't get much more local than that.

facebook phenomenon

A friend sent an invite to http://www.facebook.com/ a while ago. After some delay, I finally checked it out and signed up last Sunday. A few days passed and then as friends were added, it has taken off into a budding addiction!

My family's concerned as they see me regularly dash to the computer to see who has written, who has joined, who has sent an invite to join their friends. They're already talking intervention and it hasn't been a week!

The amazing thing is you really can find long-lost friends that you often think about, but can't find a trace of. For example, Sheila, my university roommate for 3 years and MC at my long-ago wedding. We've reconnected this week after many years living in different cities and now that we're both in the TO area, we'll be able to get together soon and catch up. Very cool.

As well, having just moved here from Vancouver, it's great to be able to keep an eye on the activities of everyone back there in one spot - and not simply by trying to remember to email or call, or by surfing everyone's blogs.

I simply love facebook so far! Personally and professionally as it's an interesting study in communication, social networking and the continuing power of the web. According to Marketing magazine, facebook has 24 million users worldwide, with almost 5% growth per week in Canada - "in under a year facebook has become Canada's hottest online social network."

Now the challenge will be prioritizing between blogging and facebooking... thankfully I no longer have a crackberry...

Focus

Life has settled down somewhat and I can now really focus on my career game plan - you know establishing objectives, targets, milestones in a very left-brain way.

Trouble is I've been enjoying the social, fun, creative right-brain approach to life for the past few months and it's kind of a drag to have to do this. Don't get me wrong, time and project management are what I actually do for a living so it's not too much of a stretch. That said, the sunshine and Maggy are calling so off we go outside for now. It's supposed to rain tomorrow...

"What have you been up to?"

This is a commonly asked question as we slowly but surely catch up with friends far and near. Maggy and I have been BUSY settling into our new environment.

There was Christmas, New Year's & Easter with family in Oshawa, visiting friends in Toronto and Ottawa, 5 birthdays - with 3 more fast approaching, babysitting, seeing movies, going to
hockey games, visiting the zoo, helping family renovate, and for Maggy - making peace with Ginger, her new companion and competitor. (They have actually become an interesting balancing act and tag team. What Ginger doesn't like to eat, Maggy does. When Maggy goes outside, they both get a treat; when Ginger goes out they both get a treat, and so it goes. You'll note that the entire universe for both now revolves around food.)

My friend Debrah recently observed that this has been the honeymoon period following our move. We've been able to hang out and get re-acquainted with everyone. Life has been rich, full and fun. Very social, little stress - joyful, really. What a wonderful way to transition... and a great new beginning, indeed.

I know what you're thinking - yes, but what about a job? As much as this hiatus has been enjoyable, reality is now dictating the need to work once more. An employment search is now in full swing with lots of networking, applying and interviewing taking place. I'm very lucky to have the family support that is allowing my search for the right fit. And while summer and my parent's backyard pool are beginning to beckon, it looks like I'll soon be heading back into the trenches once more. Will definitely keep ya posted.

Photo: Nieces and nephew Aleah, Liam & Claire celebrating something!