CWC/Corus

2004-07-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

WOW,

It's been a while since new info was put on here.

Is there another blogg that everyone's using that I'm not aware of? There's got to be lots of new info out there from all of us?

Well on my end, everything is going great with the job. Made our bedget and more. We're hiring new people finally to generate content, we've developed a content manager, and we're kicking butt.

Personally, I went on a one week vacation to NB a week ago. That was funa nd relaxing. Also went to my high school graduation and that was fun!

That's it...hope to hear from someone on here pretty soon,

Mia

2004-06-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone--it's been ages and just thought I'd put an interesting article out here re: women & online gaming. Hope all is well.

Christian Science Monitor (Boston, MA): Games women play
June 11, 2004, Friday
SECTION: FEATURES; ARTS; Pg. 13
LENGTH: 1178 words
HEADLINE: Games women play
BYLINE: By Gloria Goodale Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES

HIGHLIGHT:
Women once gathered in quilting bees or over the backyard fence. Today, they can connect through online games - and these aren't what the boys are playing.

BODY:
Pamela Borgos recently moved from Tacoma to Lakewood, Wash., where she knows few people. But the move doesn't worry this nursing assistant who lives by herself. She says she has a community that transcends the bricks and mortar of a new town.

Ms. Borgos is part of one of the fastest growing groups on the Internet: adult women who play cyber versions of familiar games such as gin and cribbage. She says this community gives her a rich social life.

"You 'meet' a lot of fascinating people from all over the world," she says.

Women age 40 and older, when they go online, spend a longer time playing games than men or teenagers do. Cyber games are replacing TV, books, films, or exercise for 44 percent of these women, according to a recent survey by AOL Games/Digital Marketing Services.

Industry pundits cite the growing number of women in games as evidence that the industry itself is coming of age. Ten years ago, "the core gaming market was teenage boys," says Douglas Lowenstein, president of the Entertainment Software Association. Today, he says, "the average age of gamers is 29, the core demographic is 18 to 35, and a third of game players are women."

This shift reflects major changes in the videogame landscape. Primary among them: a generation of computer-literate players has now come of age. Many of these are women who have never played the violent, complex, time-consuming, and expensive games that have evolved primarily for the three major consoles: Playstation, GameCube, and Xbox. But they understand computers and traditional games. As broadband connections have made games faster and easier to play, researchers say these often free, simple, online versions of traditional card and board games appeal to women with limited time but a desire to socialize. They are to the current generation what the phone was to women of the past.

"What a lot of people don't realize is that video games are a part of our cultural fabric," says Jason Della Rocca, program director for the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). "Where your mom and her girlfriends would agree to meet at someone's house to play bridge, you and your girlfriends agree to meet online and play bridge over the Internet."

This social component is vital for many women, says Ms. Borgos, who has one adult son and two grandchildren. She adds that this online world can yield true friends, not just the casual contacts of a chat room. Borgos tells a story of the woman she calls her salvation, an online game player who gave her a new lease on life. "She's my guardian angel," says Borgos.

The two met during a game of Jungle Gin on the Club Pogo website, one of the Web's biggest online game sites. "We were talking via the game chat about work," says Borgos, who adds that her job has irregular hours, low pay, and no sick days or vacation benefits. "This woman, I'll call her Marcie, started talking to me about if I'd thought about going back to school and what I would do if I could." Borgos told Marcie that she'd be interested in learning about medical billing, but didn't know how she'd pay tuition.

"She said she'd pay," says Borgos, who was initially too surprised to take the offer seriously. But she eventually decided to take Marcie at her word and now has two semesters under her belt.

Researchers in the still-young discipline of interactive entertainment say such games will attract more players in an era of far-flung families. "The way Americans are all over the map, the online game world facilitates people getting together," says David Cole, president of DFC Intelligence, an industry research group.

And that includes the off-line world, as well. Contrary to the early stereotype of the typical video-gamer as an antisocial loner, many of the groups that have been playing online for a year or more often make plans to get together off-line, visiting vacation hot spots such as Las Vegas and taking Caribbean cruises.

It makes sense that the industry is expanding into a wider marketplace, says videogame researcher Peter Vorderer.

"This is pretty much what you see with any new medium and its content," says Professor Vorderer, who heads the newly established Computer Games Project at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication.

"It usually starts with a product that targets specific groups; with this it was young males," he says, pointing at the preponderance of high-testosterone games that have dominated the videogame world. "But now ... they're looking for additional audiences. There are only two groups to target: older [people] and the other gender."

New sites sporting these easy games are proliferating, adding competition for the big sites such as the MSN game site (zone.msn.com), Yahoo!, and Pogo.com. A recent Web search for "easy online games" turned up 579 sites (excluding gambling areas). While most of these are free, Pogo.com boasts that in nine months, its subscription area, Club Pogo, has attracted 400,000 members - and more than 75 percent of those are women.

Verifiable Internet-wide numbers of women are harder to come by since mainstream institutions have only recently begun to regard video games as a legitimate field of study.

But while total numbers may be unclear at this point, Vorderer says that emerging distinctions between the way men and women play are not. "It's a stereotype, but confirmed by research, that women are more interested in communication and interaction and constructively putting things together when they play online," he says, "while guys tend to fight and compete and are more likely to be violent in pursuing goals."

Because of this difference, and as more women play these games, game developers can be expected to take notice, says Mia Consalvo, an Ohio University researcher who is also on the steering committee for the first Women's Game Conference to be held in Austin, Texas, in September. An avid player whose favorite is a flash game called eyezmaze.com/grow3, she says, "I can't say that if you add women and stir it will automatically change games." But she maintains that the women's style of play will encourage the development of more social and less combative games.

"Part of the problem is that [the big] games are getting so expensive to develop that, just like movies, companies are falling back on the ... formulas for what sells. But," she says, "if there are more women, you will see different things going on."

While researchers are still compiling data, avid players already know the score on at least one front: identity.

Thirtysomething Keri Craighead has been in cyber play for nearly three years. She says the women she knows enjoy playing online because they feel empowered. "Women have more confidence when they play online," says Ms. Craighead, who got hooked first on cybercribbage. "They have a much stronger sense of self because they're not being judged by their appearance," she adds. "They can just be who they are, person to person."

2004-05-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hi,

In case anyone knows of any opportunities, I have a friend that is looking for technical developer or technical producer type position in the rich/new media area. He is a sweet guy that worked with us at HorizonZero all last year and is presently working for a company in the states on voice recognition software. He would really like to be back in Canada- don't think he is super picky about WHERE in Canada. If anyone has anything let me know and I will pass this on to him.

Things are going well with my new job, I love finding interesting stories from our history and from past participants. I am also honing my writing skills, which is a bonus.

It has been a great spring, between the jazz program and the writing programs I have something fantastic to attend almost every night. As well, the trails are starting to open up so I am hiking again. It is mainly limited to the front country but still it is beautiful.

Please let me know if any of you are coming to the TV festival- I would love to get together for a drink and catch up on what everyone is doing. I believe Judy and Roma will be here.

Take care,
Lori

2004-05-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just an FYI of you know someone interested, we have 2 content managers position at Corus Radio. One of the positions is on Toronto and the other in Calgary. If you know of anyone interested I can send you the job postings.

Cheers,

Mia

2004-05-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Girls, me again!

Just started my new job and I am presently looking for the following freelancer:

-reasearcher on alternative pop-culture that knows about movies, video clips and imovies. We need french and english archives from NFB, National Archives and industry sources. I already addressed this one to Judy, but maybe some of you know poeple that are pop-culture amateurs.

Any ideas? Send them to me at vhenaire@yahoo.ca.

Thanks!
Valerie

2004-05-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone,

I hope you are all doing well. I have been very bad at writing (back or at the blog) so please forgive me. So here is what's happening: I'm becoming a landlady (just like Elisabeth) next week, I will be moving in, I am starting an adoption process (don't know where it will take me, though) AND I'm changing job, which will take me in montreal half of the time. I'm also part of a new Game Summit commitee. The Game Summit, happening next November in montreal, should be announced after tomorrow. Roisin, did they ever contact you or one of your collegue for some funding?
So I'm taking a one year mandate to produce a 13 x 30 minutes, both languages, for Teletoon. Please take note of my personal coordinates: vhenaire@yahoo.ca and 418.529.7473.
I might be back at Sarbakan after this mandate but I will also be trying to develop other projects with (other?) broadcasters.

Let me know if you go in montreal or quebec city. We could share a drink or a meal. (Michael and I almost did it last month...).

Have a great spring!
valerie :)

2004-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well the last post on our blog was on April 16th. There has to be somethings going on with everyone so that we can use our blog!
New with me, I moved in with the lavalife boy this week-end and my car was sold last week-end. Thanks to Autotrader...it's a great tool.

A big gang of the Toronto peeps are going to the CWC event tomorrow morning.

That's the update on my end!

Take care everyone,

Mia

2004-04-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Anne Marie must have an in at the Vancouver Sun. Every Friday we have a giant spread - today there are three pictures as well - of the Rona Home Show. The writer thinks the contestants have gone "loopy" and goes on to describe their antics. Anne Marie - is this a comedy disguised as a home improvement show?
Judy - send me your email and I'll try to get you on the blog. Have a great weekend all.

2004-04-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, y'all!

Hosting the lovely Lori Ward in my office. She's as divine as ever.

Never did receive my own invitation to the join the group blog.

Judy at Bravo!FACT

2004-04-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

LORI...I'll meet up with you!
Thursday...for drinks...yummy!!!!

Let me know

Mia

2004-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Oh and by the way...my car is for sale if anyone is interested in the greater Toronto area...or if you know of anyone interested.
http://edge.autonet.ca/UsedCars/Home.cfm?&Subsection=View&VehicleId=404244

Mia

2004-04-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness...I've been MIA for a very long time. Where to start for an update....hummm well I was in the mall on Thursday and I bumped into Amy. That was so cool!
Work wise...well I'm very busy, and I'll just say this: things are looking very good for me and my goal :-)
I've reached my sales quota for the year and the year only ends on August 31st. So that's a lot of pressure that is off.
I'm hooked on Cadbury Mini Eggs...can't get enough. hummmm eggs! Got to go get some before the stores don't sell them anymore and I'm stuck for another year without them.
I can't wait to see everyone again...I know it'll be easier to see the gang from Toronto...by the way when are we getting together Toronto peeps????

Mia

2004-04-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've just discovered an incredibly media rich and beautiful site on music and new media. Check it out at www.cbcradio3.com. I'm warning you. You'll spend hours like I did late on a Sunday night. There's a great photography / multimedia tour travelling across the country soon called Connect the Dots, starting in Vancouver on April 23. Check out the site for more info...looks like a killer show. Cheerio.

2004-04-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Just want to let people know that I will be in Toronto on Thursday April 15th and would love to get together with any of the group that evening for a few drinks. I am thinking of Rodney's Oyster House @
469 King St. W. between 7-9pm. (This was a friend's recommendation and I apologize for anyone that has a seafood allergy). Of course would love to see each and every one of you that is in the Toronto area- but realize that this is a hard request given busy schedules. I am also going to put the word out to some of the folks from the 2002 group and with a bit of luck we can expand the circle.
I shall be attending a course at Ketchum all day Thurs. and then running off to Stratford on Friday for a little quality time with my niece. Hope to see a few of you on Thursday and the rest of you on some not too distant future occassion.
Lori

2004-04-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, this is me - Iwona! I've been reading your blogs and updating all the presentations, but I haven't had time to actually post something myself. So, here we go!

First, I just wanted to thank you all for being the best event participants ever! I hope you all come back to Banff and we can do this (or something like that) again.

As I mentioned, I've been busy organising couple of other events. Lori is gone :( to "bigger/better" world of Development Dept. and we all miss her terribly, but we got competent Jennifer Dysart in her place, so things are still running smoothly in BNMI.

Cheers for now, and hope you are all well! Iwona

2004-04-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Louise, thanks for posting your photos!

Lori, any progress on getting Roma's presentation up? This is the one I'm really waiting for. Thanks!

Have a good pre-Easter week ...

2004-04-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Helllooo. I'm sorry that I've been so MIA lately. I was skiing in Whistler last weekend before heading to Seattle for a world wide sales & marketing conference at Microsoft HQ. It was the first time I met my Xbox colleagues from every region outside of the US and it was such a fascinating group of people. I also felt really great about being able to share my own experiences in my role working with Xbox publishers; many regions haven't fully implemented this kind of support relationship and I'm happy to say that I'm on my way to London in May or June to share some more ideas with the European team. I'm also very happy to report that the new content that is coming out for the Xbox addresses many themes we discussed relating to the periphery of women with gaming entertainment; and reinforces what I was preaching, ie; that developers are now broadening their scope to be more inclusionary, towards men & women who are in the same 'peripheral' consumer category. There's some great stuff happening in this space and it's very exciting.

But on another note; my sister is looking to me to suggest some candidates for this opportunity at Merrill Lynch in Toronto. Are you or anyone you know interested?

Marketing Communications
> Merrill Lynch Canada Inc.
>
> This position will report to the CAO/CFO Merrill Lynch Canada and matrix
> to GMI Marketing & Communications in NYC.
>
> Overview: Based in Toronto, the candidate would be responsible for
> providing strategic communications and marketing planning and delivering a
> range of corporate marketing communications activities, including media
> relations, employee communications, events, advertising, sponsorships,
> philanthropy and all other related disciplines. Significant interaction
> with senior management, marketing and communications professionals,
> external vendors, and media contacts will be required.
>
> Key objective: Enhance, promote and protect the reputation of Merrill
> Lynch. Coordinate regular reporting on market share and analysis of market
> position.
>
> Experience: Experience within the financial services arena is critical,
> preferably in investment banking. Relevant media relations and marketing
> communications experience is preferred. Minimum of a bachelor's degree and
> appropriate combination experience, industry accreditation.
>
> Core responsibilities:
>
> * Media Relations
> * Serve as primary point person for responding all news media
> inquiries - both routine and sensitive -- in Canada regarding the company
> and developing personal ongoing relationships with key media in the
> market.
> * Research communications - manage all research media contacts in line
> with NASD/NYSE regulations and local regulatory requirements.
> * Enhance reputation through proactive media strategies, dissemination
> of good news stories, regular media relationship management.
> * Management of public relations agency, as appropriate (Edelman).
>
> Employee communications
> * Coordinate all internal communications for ML Canada (e.g. employee
> announcements, policy changes)
> * Strategic and communications support to employee events and
> information (e.g. town halls)
> * Strategic and communications support for BCP and other critical
> business issues.
> * Manage WorldNet - Canadian site and ml.com Canada.
>
> Philanthropy
> * Raise awareness of corporate donations strategy with employees,
> clients and public.
> * Develop strategy for ML Canada philanthropic efforts, in
> coordination with Global Philanthropy and ML Canada Philanthropic steering
> Committee.
>
> Marketing/ Sponsorships
> * Research and make recommendations on appropriate sponsorships,
> advise business on strategic leverage of sponsorships.
> * Marketing & advertising support on business initiatives (example,
> new GELP products).
> * Analyze and prepare monthly package to include market statistics
> (IDA, Brendan Woods, TSX)
>
> Event Planning
> * Provide innovative ideas and strategic review of major events.
> * Liaise with global colleagues to leverage ML events. Keep senior
> management informed about opportunities for client hospitality.
>
> Government and Regulatory Issues
> * Monitor and report on major government and regulatory issues that
> affect company and industry.
>
> If you know someone who would be interested in this opportunity and would
> like additional information on this posting or to view other employment
> opportunities within Merrill Lynch, click onto
> <<> >>> .
> If you are interested or would like to refer a candidate to the above
> position, please send the resume to Sabrina Antonopoulos, Human Resources.

2004-04-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Just sitting at home on Sunday trying to avoid doing some work. Thought I would let you know that I have posted my Banff pictures online - www.fivefeetunder.com/cwc. Check out the "people" and "skiing" sections - you might find a nice picture of yourself. "Fivefeetunder.com?" you ask. It belongs to a friend and he's letting me post my pictures there so I don't ask questions.

Since returning from Banff, I have been working madly to create or enhance some websites for myself, friends and family (thus the Banff pictures website). I have this intense urge to spend all of my spare time either working on the websites or playing in Photoshop with my digital pictures (for the sites). The New Media Program definitely sparked my creative interests!

Ok, enough procrastinating...back to work!
....Louise

2004-04-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

FYI - Car found!

2004-03-31T13:24:00.000-08:00

Listen to you jet-setters... Well I look forward to watching the new show in August Anne-Marie. Anything to do with promoting social services is a winner in my book and good luck with "If Only You Were Me" (working title)! On a "related" note - our vehicle was forcibly removed from underground "secure" parking over the weekend - so it looks like we're moving on to something new after 5 years, if the police can't find our poor little Gertie Blue. CBC did a story on auto theft in Vancouver last fall - I just didn't think I would become one of those statistics! Ah, if only it weren't me...

Kranked Designs is moving onwards and upwards. Some of the key areas I highlighted in the goals for 2004 are coming to fruition. I began the process 2 weeks ago by interviewing and meeting with key players who could join the team and help to grow the company - graphic designers, pr people and potential business partners. I'm also about to start a direct mail campaign once the print job is ready. New clients since returning from Banff include a whale watching company from trendy Granville Island and more work on the wedding web site I mentioned during my intro to you on Day 1 - we're implementing an online shopping cart service.

Our last speaker at CWC Vancouver was Tod Maffin, "Technology Futurist". Amy requested I give a little feedback on what he was all about. Let me just say he was very cheaky about ripping apart each and every broadcaster (including his own - CBC) for over-branding -eg 'This program was brought to you by CTVNewsnet, CTV Sports (and every other CTV affiliate, as if you didn't get the point)'. He was careful to offend everyone so that no one felt left out. And what he had to say about opportunities for advertisement vs. creating good content made me think about all that was learned in Banff, and what the future holds for Canadian broadcasting in general.

In that light I realized that I needed to learn more about mass communication so have begun the process of re-educating myself in broadcasting. Working in my team in Banff made me realize I want to know more about the business of broadcasting through a variety of media, and know more about government involvement etc. I know this is a huge undertaking - and I plan to do it the same way I learned about web design - by reading about it on my own. But this is the best way to learn. No? I'm also attending my first Women in Animation screening tonight at Vancouver Film School. I want to see what's going on in animation - my former life - and see if the passion is still there...

Thanks for letting me rant. Now back to work Greening! (a whip cracks somewhere in the background)
-Penny

2004-03-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

Hi all - This is my first blog entry since coming home (sorry no fancy pictures to attach) but it's been great to read about what some of you have been up to post-Banff. Since Laura mentioned MIP, I though I'd let you all know that I administer the Corus Export Initiative which provides travel grants and advertising/promotional support to production and distribution companies traveling to MIPTV and MIPCOM. Of course there are guidelines to be followed, but drop me a line or check out our website if you or someone you know are interested.... www.corusent.com > About Corus > Funds & Initiatives

Cheers!
Susan

2004-03-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well this isn't as exotic as a blog message from Amsterdam,...but I'm BACK! The new lighter version of Anne-Marie. Lots has happened with our project and I'm still working hard to get the pilot of this show done. Meeting with Rogers in early April to talk about a co-venture with magazines and still awaiting the TV side to respond (and I would hope favourably if Andrea has her way.)

I was back in the 17 degree weather in Calgary last week on another TV adventure. We're shooting a reno show with the United Way out there and I was doing a location scout and meetings with all the partners. It was fun and the show will be exciting to see come to fruition since it is for charilty. The show is titled "Prime's Ultimate Team Makeover" for the United Way and will feature all the hosts of our various and sundry make-over shows in one mega-reno for the independent living resource center. The center helps people with phsyical and mental disabilities transition into everyday life. They teach them how to cook for themselves among many other wonderful workshop programs. The building they are in is in dreadful shape -- our help couldn't be more timely. Watch for the show on August 8th on PRIME. Oh, don't worry, I WILL remind you before then!

Hope all is well in your world...those of us in Canada...and those of us on some foreign adventure in Holland....

AMV:)

2004-03-29T01:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.
This posting is from Amsterdam. Blogging is just as easy from here as from anywhere.
Now we have an international blog.
Fabulous time here. Now back to speaking English.

2004-03-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely accerated ladies,

How goes? After a week last week of the bone tiredness (see previous posting) I am back at it and racing with a million things on the go.

OPENING NIGHT for my play was last night and the first time I've been back on stage in 10 years! I had such a blast with no forgotten lines and really felt ON. Must have been the recharging I got in Banff with those crazy theatre exercises. We did have a few fallen set pieces and the devil character in the play after us had his horns fall off mid-monologue! He adlibbed something about it being a sign of age and the audience roared. Audience laughed in all the right spots and in all sorts of extra spots - an especially at a bunch of my over-the-top character stuff (I play a cross between Mae West and Al Capone). Ah what a release - much fun!

WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of my documentary WRESTLING WITH THE NORTH on Prime happened on Sunday the 21st hilariously accompanied by ads for Ben Gay and pain relief medication. Most excellently synchronicity! The website for the doc. is still under construction but should be properly launched in the next month so we can have it up and running before the June broadcast on Global's main network. Andrea W. and Roisin are helping me out with PR spin for that launch and Penny's helping me put together some design elements for our press kit and sales. Aiming for MIP in Cannes in September and hoping to convince Canamedia to come on board as a oursales agent. Looks like CanWest Media Sales is interested in partnering on home video release which might be good.

Lots of new project ideas have sprung up and have started pitching the one sheets around to the broadcasters. Mostly docu/reality TV shows with some interactive components. Really want to produce a reality tv show. BUT ALSO a producer here at work brought me the most incredible feature script the other day - truly one of the best scripts I've ever read. She wants me to help her get it financed so that might be fun. Also doing lots of informational interviews with producers around town but want to do more with some of the gaming or animation companies like Radical Entertainment and others. Anyone know anyone in gaming in VAN? I applied for a job at Mainframe here in Van (they do CG animated movies and series for Sony and Mattel) which might be a neat change but you know when things go out into the HR universe and you have no idea if anyone actually read your stuff... Anyone know anyone at Mainframe? Penny meant to ask you if you'd talked to your neighbour about it.

Anyways gals, hope you're all still feeling accelerated and inspired. A bit frustrating definitely when change doesn't happen right away. But we can make it happen.

Best,

Laura

2004-03-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Note to self: View blog first before publishing a post. Thanks, Lori, for getting the first batch of presentations up!

2004-03-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello, women. Just a quick note to let you know that one of my clients (www.mophone.com) was the overall winner of the first-ever North America-wide wireless application contest, sponsored by the WINBC (wireless innovation network of B.C.). Since the press release went out, they've been flooded with calls from venture capitalists, partners etc. It's been a fun week.

Also, I wanted to let Murielle know that I finally did bump into Valerie at the airport -- she had hooked up with Judy. (Mysterious airport disappearance solved.)

Lori, any luck getting the presentations posted? As usual, I'm chomping at the bit. However, I realize that I need to get yogic and practice patience -- it's all good.

2004-03-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

is blogging a verb?
did you blog today?
i blogged, we blogged, we continue to blog
i should have blogged more
ahh, can we dance to the blog?

helen, i want your hubby to produce a blog tune!

2004-03-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Wow! I've been back for almost a week. I agree with Mia - I really miss the beautiful Banff scenery. I never truly realized how flat it is here in the GTA. Now I'm glad I took all of those pictures of the mountains.

Andrea G - Thanks for the dog-sledding recommendation. It was really fun - we had a great day!

Andrea and I spent a few extra days in Banff - as you can see, we had quite an adventure. Here is a picture of Andrea's run-in with a bear. :)

Penny - As you may have noticed, yes, I have been playing around with Photoshop!

Looking forward to seeing some of you Toronto folks at the CWC Networking Event next week! Talk to you soon,
....Louise

2004-03-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hi all. I just wanted you to know that I am still savvy enough to figure out how to get into this blog. I am not as technically challenged as you thought!

I'm working away on our project and have been in touch with Andrea a few times to start the process of getting the Rogers portion (sms, magazines) sorted out. Stay tuned.

As some of you know, I was on a major diet at the Banff Centre and I'm happy to report that I managed to stay away from the desserts and lost a total of 5 pounds over the week. That's the best I've done in the two months I've been working off the weight. I can only credit it to the copious amounts of herbal tea that I consumed throughout the week.

I hope all is well in your world...more breaking news as it happens....

Anne-Marie:)

2004-03-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

I finally returned home to Vancouver (and a clean house - wow!) last night - after a week in small-town Saskatchewan visiting my sister and newborn son, John. I managed to get a lot of work done on her home computer - and it didn't even seem like I was that far away from my clients, although there was occasionally one dissatisfied client (aka baby) in the background.

I had an amazing week in Banff with each of you and despite the fact that my boss can sometimes be hard on me, I am fortunate enough to have buy-in from upper management to start implementing new strategies right away (funny how that works). It was quite a transition going from Kranked Penny to Auntie Penny - but now that I'm back in the swing of things at my own desk - the excitement of "what comes next" is finally starting to hit me. My "creative" and "business" split personalities are now refreshed.

Thanks to everyone for opening my eyes to the bigger picture (especially Jo from HP and Elizabeth from FXPAL - VERY EXCITING stuff to come in the next 5 to 10 years.)

See Baby John - attached -
-Penny

P.S. Has anyone tried playing with Photoshop yet??

2004-03-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies,

Back in Toronto - miss Banff lots!! Dogsledding was fun ...now if only I could train my little Mocha to pull me around!!
We tried to ski at Sunshine on Sunday but the power went down after our first run !! We were pretty bummed but started the 'apres ski' a little early!
Hope to see you all soon - we need to plan our very own winespace event soon!!
Later
Andrea G.

2004-03-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well it's Thursday and it's been a very busy week trying to get back on top of things and also not feel bummed out leaving the beautiful Banff Scenery! :-(
I was in so much pain on Saturday evening until today. Sunshine is a great skiing spot but those hills are like mount Everest for people like me. I saw Kim and the Blond Drunk Import as well!
Trying to incorporate the learnings of last week into my current internet strategies...could take a while to get my mates to buy into it.
oh and Iwona was in to meet with my Interactive Guru. Stay tuned for her story!

Ok Bye
Mia
XXX

2004-03-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Helen here. Yes, getting back into the office game has been tough this week. Doesn't anyone understand that we all want to do NEW things now ;-)
Talked to Andrea G today and the dog sledding sounded great. I'll bug her to post here.
Great to "hear" your voices again here on the group blog.
Nice job Penny on the formatting.
Cheers!

2004-03-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

This is my favourite blog. Pamela is marketing a very cool mophone group. I checked them out at the Advanced Systems Institute ASI fair which was a nice sunny bike ride away. Pamela's group was doing the only thing close to any media and very high priced media at that - $1.50 for a ring tone and I don't know how much for transmitting pictures over your mobile phone! I think we're all in the wrong business. Everyone (well almost) was on about collaborative workspaces. Elizabeth's white board project is right up there, and of course we know about that.

2004-03-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

Like NASA I think someone should think about the reentry strategy into the real world after such a fabulous week...not exciting. - Amy

2004-03-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Okay is anyone else feeling bone tired this week? I just keep practically sleep walking everywhere! Here's a reminder that the 1st airdate for my documentary is Sunday March 21st at 8PM. Keep an eye on our website for more details. Should be up soon.

2004-03-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

This is a note for Jo (in case she checks in). I seem to have lost the great photo of us on my blog (the one that I coloured purple to cleverly disguise age lines... but I'm trying to get it back, so stay tuned.

2004-03-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Just back from Calgary today. It's great to be home. I wanted to let you know that I'm going to take it upon myself to keep you informed of the goings' on in the video game world, particularly as it relates to women gamers...they are out there as you well know! And for those of you who actually remember playing Atari 2600 (one of my best Christmas presents yet), check out Pitfall Harry. It's the classic remade for next generation consoles and is on the Xbox...(ahem--shameless plug).

So check out my blog for gaming updates. Just put one there on rocker celebrity Fefe Dobson and the "Game with Fame" program with Xbox.

And here's the link for Pitfall Harry.

2004-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

The new format looks great (thanks, Penny!) Can't believe I'm back in the real world already. Ditto on Amy's moo-moo comment, by the way. Gotta waddle off to my next meeting ...

2004-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Wow is it ever quiet and lonely without all of you here! I am working with the team to start getting presentations, pictures etc up on the blog- keep watching for updates.-Lori

2004-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

So I realize I did eat my entire 2004 dessert quota last week. My choices for office attire this morning were sweat pants or a moo moo.....so I decided to telecommute. Hopefully everyone made it home safe and sound. Can't wait to hear about dog sledding. - Amy

2004-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Penny made a great title for our team blog. Thank you Penny. Apparently this is not a community blog according to Judy's workmates at CHUM. Technically this is a team blog because only the team who have been invited can post here. Judith Campbell of CWC will become the blog administrator as soon as we get her on here.
Thank you Judith!
posted by Elizabeth despite what the posting caption might say

2004-03-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hi guys - I made it! Thanks for a great day of skiing :)

2004-03-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

great day of skiing!!

2004-03-04T16:44:00.001-08:00

Guess what? Louise has offered to post all our pictures on her site. So, e-mail her with your pix. for all to check out. That way, we can print out what we like. Thanks Louise!!!

2004-03-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why my id is blogger,...but there you have it! AMV

2004-03-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

well finally,...I've arrived. :)

2004-03-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

This is going to be great fun.....
brenda

2004-03-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

For game industry events and news, go to IGDA - International Game Developers Association

2004-03-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yay. I'm here....finally.

2004-03-04T16:15:00.001-08:00

Favourite thing today: hot chocolate on the XX ski trip. A close second was the long downhill run on the way back. Worst thing: my sore arse.

This almost happened to me.

2004-03-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone Im hopefully connected!

2004-03-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

Survived my first cross-country ski experience...and LOVED it! We should all do it again!

2004-03-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

This is so cool for us to have a group blog!
hehehehehehe

Can't wait to stay in touch via this blog!

Mia

2004-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

Loved the hand dance

2004-03-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is my fave shot

2004-03-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

This is my fave shot - free & happy

2004-03-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Just kidding, Andrea's dog is SOOOOOOO CUTTTTE!!

2004-03-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

I think Andrea's dog is ugly.

2004-03-04T15:18:00.001-08:00

Who said girls don't play!

2004-03-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Andrea your niece is adorable!!! - amy

2004-03-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

ohhh! this is so chic - to be sending you all an email - OH!

here's CWC trivia: which faculty member has a dog with a blue eye and a brown eye?

2004-03-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Yo. Powerful accelerated blogging women of unusual spirit and aptitude -- let's keep in touch.

2004-03-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - skiing , blogging and aching muscles!

2004-03-04T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hi all you CWC bloggers! Looking forward to staying in touch.

Cath Gray

2004-03-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies,
Welcome to CWC's new "national" blogging account.
Can't wait to see all your photos online next week!

-Penny (penny@krankeddesigns.com)