A Room Of My Own

Nortel has been known to Canadians as many things from ‘our darling’, ‘our baby’ to {insert something not so nice} , and as the devoted parents, we have been watching anxiously, hopefully. Like most Canadians and many people around the world, I have been reading the news surrounding Nortel since it filed for creditor protection earlier this month. In a time when we are all too familiar with the word ‘recession’, Nortel faces bankruptcy, which is a direct reflection of the industry it is competing in. The consumer wants everything better, faster and cheaper. Additionally, this market is changing by the minute; one bad decision can devastate a reputation which is then reflected in the stock market. This was certainly the case with Nortel; at its peak in mid 2000, the stock was valued at more than $1100 per share as compared to 15 cents Canadian on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day of the bankruptcy announcement. Impressively, Nortel remains one of the countries largest employers, and...

A wee blather... Amidst the flitting and festinate noise of my full working kitchen at home, many interesting and ground breaking (if only for me) conversations erupt around our harvest table. On one particular recent evening, I overheard the statement ‘I need to get on Facebook and change my relationship status.” I found this statement quite intriguing and yet at the same time vexatious. Intriguing because I have been watching this young romance slowly get more serious and I was wondering what was considered the pivotal change. Vexatious because why does Facebook need to know right now? I was incensed! Now, I am not impervious to new love and understand the temptation to want to share the news with the world, however, there are consequences to be considered here. Mainly, what happens when the break up occurs? Again, you are faced with sharing this with the world, only now you may not really want to. What is worse, Facebook makes it easy. They have added a ‘cancel relationship’ button....

“49 songs from North of the 49th parallel” In response to the American Obama playlist (yes, there is one), Canada, by way of CBC Radio 2, is composing an all Canadian playlist for the president elect. Considering it our gift, this number one radio station nation wide is accepting nominations until January 12, 2009 from all Canadians. This playlist should represent all genres of music spanning the gamut from classical to rap and all in between (or not). Check it out – www.cbc.ca/radio2/obamasplaylist/ You can make your own suggestion by simply sending mail to obamasplaylist@cbc.ca, or call 1-877-222-8166. Ensure you leave a message as to why you think yours is a good submission. Unlike the American list which is comprised of songs reflecting Barack Obama’s campaign message of celebration and hope, the Canadian list is distinct in its mission to exemplify or truly represent Canada at its best through music. Many well known Canadian artists such as Ron Sexsmith and Great Big Sea have alre...