9 Favourites of ‘09

1. Movie
Where The Wild Things Are
It’s fresh and tells a great story – just as a good movie should.
Changeling can take a runner’s up – though it probably was released in ‘08. I didn’t see it until this year.

2. Destination
Whistler
If you know me this is a ‘huge shocker’ isn’t it? Whether you’re chillin’ or riding Whistler’s people are rad. As one friend said, “it’s like living at camp.”
That being said, I spent some time on beaches along the East Coast – was definitely feelin’ it.

3. Canadian Airline
WestJet
Though 2009 saw me give Air Canada a chance and I’m not complaining… at all.
It really comes down to who’s got the best deal – either way, there’s no telling who you might find yourself sandwiched among. Raise a glass to economy seating!

4. News App for iPhone
Time Magazine
The pictures always make me want to read the articles… and I actually get into what they’ve written about.
In a close second, The New York Times and The Globe & Mail have also done a bang-up job on their news apps.

5. Magazine
Monocle
But we can’t leave out the media of yesterday. Monocle couples a stack of class with a pile of inspiring stories and people who are moving things forward.

6. Music
Love The Empire – Actions
Absolutely no bias here (I designed the artwork), he’s got lots of good stuff to say.
And after ignoring my cousin’s suggestion, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has definitely received a lot of play in the vehicle after some friends invited me to a concert (that I didn’t go to).

7. Snowboard Innovation
Anything Reverse Camber
The corporate big wigs are getting that rider’s are looking for a good time and pretty much every major brand has their version of a reverse camber board.
A couple year’s back I made the leap to Burton’s EST and ICS and have been lovin’ it… which definitely limits my board options, but once the bank account permits I am eager to get on the Reverse Camber Train. Ride that bus!

8. 3D Movies
Up!, Coraline, A Christmas Carol, Avatar (though I’ve yet to see it).
3D movies ‘brought the heat’ in the past year. Mind you I enjoy when things that say a bit rare as it allows for a deeper appreciation – but this is definitely another great idea that is getting “milked for all it’s worth.”

9. Technology
iPhone
It’s definitely easy to tire of all the hype, but this thing has really changed the way I work and communicate – and for that reason I cannot leave it off the list. Twitter has been a ‘riot” but really wouldn’t be what it is without the smartphone revolution that the iPhone helped to usher in. I can’t ignore Google Voice which is looking very cool… but some things should be saved for 2010.

Hope you had yourself Merry Little Christmas.
And here’s to an even happier New Year!

*That photo was snapped  to congratulate some friends after hearing of their engagement. Fun place to hear good news!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just wanted to take a minute to actually wish you all a Merry Christmas… and an even happier New Year.

To do so – a motion graphic from my friend Mel. Get down with her work at www.melodiepapp.com.

Merry Christmas – Holiday Eating Tips

I got this in an email – definitely worth passing along.
(And if you’ve got another minute, do yourself a favour and check out SketchySantas.com)

1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rumballs.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something . It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’sChristmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating . The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of egg nog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.