Get Your Big Idea Funded

Asian Millionaires Overtake Europe...

2011-06-23T16:20:00.002-04:00

Solid Gold Bathtubs

As per Kelvin Chan's Associated Press article (as mentioned in the Globe & Mail), Asia had more millionaires than Europe for the first time last year and is fast closing in on North America for the top spot. The report's findings illustrate how Asia's economic growth has progressed much more quickly than developed countries and, in the process, minting scores of new millionaires and billionaires. Asia's growth has been powered by China and India, whose economies grew 9-10 per cent last year while European and North American growth was in the low single digits.

“It is entirely conceivable that Asia would overtake North America in the near future,” said Wilson So, a managing director at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management. “I would be surprised if that does not happen very soon.”

Six of the 10 economies with the fastest growing millionaire populations were in Asia, led by Hong Kong and Vietnam, which each saw annual growth of 33 per cent. Others included Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore and India.

Globally, women are increasingly in the ranks of millionaires. The report found that 27 per cent of the world's wealthy last year were women, up from 24 per cent in 2009.While the majority of wealth is held by Americans, Japanese and Germans, the authors of the report expect the distribution to become more diverse over time as developing countries continue to grow faster than developed ones.

The super rich, defined as people worth more than $30-million, also fared well. Their numbers grew 10 per cent to 103,000 last year.

For the complete article, please click here.

June 23rd: AUCTION of PRINCESS DI's DRESSES...

2011-06-16T17:17:00.005-04:00

We Are Mentioned In THE STAR...

2011-03-27T03:30:00.068-04:00

With ACTRA Awards Nominee Maurice Dean Wint

Media Room, The Carlu: Toronto, ON

Photo by Steve Blackburn, YYZ Events

Thanks to the Toronto Star for featuring us again. (Last time, it was Laina Dawes' article about President Obama.) Thank you to writer Simone Abrahamsohn, a professional via Media Bistro functions. Established in both national and local papers such as the Globe & Mail and the National Post, here's just an excerpt from Simone's enveloping business article Making Multitasking Into Your Life's Work:

[Get Your Big Idea Funded's] Gillian Moody can’t chat for long. She is... a public relations and communications consultant...[who must] update her two blogs... Moody’s Global and Moody’s for Youth...

It can be a juggling act, but it’s worth it to me,” says Moody, a resident of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. “After 9/11... I had to create my own opportunities... It’s about choosing a big picture that you really care about, and going with it. I crave variety, and this way, I can devote my time to many different projects."

Career and employment coaches are now referring to work schedules such as Moody’s as a “portfolio career"... With shrinking industries resulting in fewer full-time positions, many... are becoming entrepreneurial and trying on several different hats...

Please click Making Multitasking Into Your Life's Work to read the full article. Thank you!

Philip Sparks FW 2011, Toronto...

2011-03-21T09:03:00.017-04:00

Photo by Briony for BlogTO

It's show day and the team of established designer Philip Sparks has spent the weekend at TO's historic Burroughes Building "We were building our set, finalizing details with our amazing team of sponsors and going over every last piece of clothing with the steamer and a lint roller.

Tonight, sponsored by Hamilton Watches, Sparks gives us his second womens' wear collection just prior to TO's prestigious LG Fashion Week. Women’s apparel is Mr. Sparks’ response to all the positive feedback he regularly receives from women on his preppy line of boots, shoes, and trim trousers and vests.

After developing an interest in heritage tailoring in the design departments of the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada and the Stratford Festival, inspired by found photographs, Canada’s great outdoors, vintage fabrics, hardware and notions, Sparks founded his men's clothing line in 2007. "All clothing and accessories are proudly made in Canada by specialized manufacturers, leather workers and knitters. We also partner with Town Shoes on Philip Sparks branded footwear.

Our brand [feels] nostalgic, referencing vintage details and classic tailoring, but [with] a contemporary sensibility that connects men and women [with] quality, fit and [functionality]". Tonight, expect womens' wear as "some tailored (and very warm) wool coats with collars made of Italian mountain sheep shearling. I wish we had a photo of the silk dresses and skirts custom printed from photos snaps. You’ll just have to wait until [the] show".

Other Fashion Week designers' shows we look forward to viewing are David Dixon and Lucian Matis. See you there.

Photo by James Kachan for BlogTO

ACTRA Awards: The Carlu, Toronto...

2011-02-26T10:31:00.007-05:00

Host/Actor Ennis Esmer (The Listener), Actor Cle Bennett (Stag)

ACTRA Awards, The Carlu

Photo by Della Rollins
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Members of the Canadian film and television community celebrated the ninth annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto presented February 25th, 2011 at The Carlu. Host Ennis Esmer welcomed industry luminaries including actors such as Kris Holden-Ried. (Photo: Holden-Ried with ACTRA Awards President/Actor Heather Allin, The Carlu, Photo by Della Rollins)

Gillian Moody with ACTRA Awards Nominee Maurice Dean Wint

Media Room, The Carlu: Toronto, ON

Photo by Steve Blackburn, YYZ Events

ACTRA Award nominees chosen for recognition by their peers included Maurice Dean Wint for his performance in Beasts Of The Bible. This 90-minute documentary explores the most extraordinary creatures in the Biblical tales. The Bible's beasts have captivated our imagination for centuries, but did they really exist? In this eye-popping, myth-busting film, ancient writings are decoded, hidden meanings of symbols and legends unlocked, and the most famous and most mysterious Beasts of the Bible are uncovered.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners.

How To Get Rid Of Your Audience...

2010-12-09T10:32:00.008-05:00

For the fifth annual Eva Holtby Lecture at the prestigious ROM in Toronto, multi-award-winner Dr. Henry Gates gave us a most informative talk.

The following week, we were enjoying our usual read of the city's top entertainment paper. This particular paper's opinion is important due to its established reputation. To our surprise, their writer's coverage of the ROM talk often consisted of (1) nonsensical negative comments about Dr. Gates, (2) assumptions made about the audience and (3) a lack of writing quality and research in general. Activism and entertainment editor Laina Dawes corresponded that she agreed with us.

After several emails and phone calls complaining to the publication's editor about their writer's coverage, it was great to find out that the Letter To The Editor we had written would be printed. This meant that an alternative--albeit heavily editted--view of Dr. Gates' talk would be presented to their readers.

It was therefore so disappointing when the letter that the editor actually printed was editted with a negative ending(!). In other words, not the impression we wanted to convey at all, easily causing confusion for the reader. To read our entire Letter To The Editor, click here.

So, what's best? Not to make a habit of writing Letters To The Editor (to this particular editor)? In truth, this lopsided (read: incorrect) editting of a Letter To The Editor has occured to us before, but with a national publication. The letter that they printed made no sense and definitely didn't reflect our point of view.

The Joy Of Jaguar , LA Auto Show: Los Angeles...

2010-11-19T04:46:00.005-05:00

Jaguar CX75 Concept Electric Car

Photo by Robyn Beck

Blogger Extraordinaire Danielle C. Belton Remembers...

2010-11-11T11:54:00.096-05:00

Photo by D. Finney

I remember, lest we forget. Over the past few weeks, our previous Remembrance Day photo has received much of your attention. Thanks so much! This year, I want to appreciate inspirational American politico-celebrity blogger Danielle C. Belton--a recent speaker at the Essence Magazine Women's Conference followed by a stint on CNN. Tearing herself away from her hundreds of thousands of worldwide fans, Belton (whose logo is below) has generously chosen to share one of her own family photos (Coloured Regiment, France), explaining "Remember those who served today".

Lest we forget.

Nov 6th: Heart Of Fashion, A Show Against Breast Cancer, Toronto...

2010-10-29T12:20:00.330-04:00

INDULGE in Decadent, Provocative, Divine

Immerse yourself in a cultural and fashionable affair... Hot on the heels of Toronto's fabulous LG Fashion Week, North York General Hospital will hold its annual Heart Of Fashion^® fundraising event in order for its proceeds to help fight breast cancer (via its BMO Financial Group Breast Diagnostic Centre (BDC)). Scheduled for November 6^th, 2010 in the stunningly renovated, upscale Bayview Village during the shopping centre's 10th anniversary, Heart Of Fashion proudly welcomes internationally-renowned fashion model Yasmin Warsame as their Honorary Fashion Show Chair. A Somali-Canadian, Warsame began modelling while pregnant with her son Hamzah. After two years, her look was considered too haute couture for North America so she flew to Paris, London and Amsterdam. Warsame had a career breakthrough when she was photographed by Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue and she has since modelled all over Europe and America, but still manages to find time to volunteer for the Somali Youth Coalition of Canada.

"I'm honoured to chair the fashion show and continue to bring awareness to North York General Hospital's fight against Breast Cancer. There is no better way to give back then supporting a hospital that helps so many women in the community."

Since 1997, North York General Hospital's BMO Financial Group Breast Diagnostic Centre (BDC) has provided comprehensive services for women with a potential diagnosis of breast cancer, dealing with approximately 1,300 new patients each year.

"For the past 10 years, Heart of Fashion has provided significant financial support to the BMO Financial Group Breast Diagnostic Centre. The funds from this year's event will be directed towards the purchase of a new ultrasound machine for the Centre, " says Dr. Donna McRitchie, Division Head of General Surgery for NYGH.

In a setting transformed into a sleek condo space by The Rockport Group for over 2000 guests and celebrities to sip champagne and enjoy exclusive Privé gift bags, everyone will come together in a celebration of fashion and philanthropy, featuring performances by Juno award-winning songstress Jully Black, along with entertainers Paisley Jura and The Alma Quartet.

Highlighted in a vignette setting--as opposed to a traditional runway--the designs will have more of a vintage and editorial feel, and will be broadcast on large screens throughout Bayview Village for all the guests to enjoy. Featured Canadian designers and boutiques include NADA and Franco Mirabelli.

Back by popular demand are the Heart of Fashion Mystery Bags. For a mere $50, you have the chance to experience luxurious and extraordinary gift opportunities that include golf trips, in addition to watches, shoes and fashions by designers that include Andy The-Anh, Brian Bailey and various others.

Continuing in the celebration of fashion and philanthropy, Heart of Fashion is proud to announce exclusively-signed fashion sketches, created for the silent auction by such iconic Canadian designers as Wayne Clark, Farley Chatto and Linda Lundström.

Won't you join us?__

Tickets
$75 per guest
$250 including the VIP Privé Reception at 6:30pm.

Doors Open (2901 Bayview Avenue)
7:30pm for general admission
(includes decadent food, divine cocktails, fabulous entertainment, and a unique fashion show)

Attire
Cocktail Chic with a splash of pink!

Oct. 20th-24th: ImagineNative Film+Media Arts Festival...

2010-09-20T05:46:00.004-04:00

“imagineNATIVE is situated at the intersection of ideas, issues, narratives and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples from around the world,” states Executive Director, Jason Ryle. “What these film and media makers are doing is constructing history in engaging, entertaining and beautiful ways.”

The world's largest Aboriginal festival is the CTV-sponsored imagineNATIVE Film+Media Arts Festival. The festival features highlights such as outstanding artist and performance events, popular music showcases, one-of-a-kind media mash-ups, panels and talks with industry insiders.

For example, Taika Waititi will be in Toronto and in attendance for the Canadian Premiere of "BOY", now the #1 highest grossing film in New Zealand and scheduled to open this year’s imagineNative festival on October 20th at 7pm in the Bloor Cinema. Inspired by Waititi’s Oscar-nominated "Two Cars, One Night" about heroes, fantasy and magic, BOY is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story written, directed and starring Taika Waititi. The story enfolds in 1984, on the rural East Coast of New Zealand, a time when youth were so affected by Michael Jackson's video “Thriller”. Come and be part of a truly original festival.

Promote Your Bike Shop Or... Bike Film Festival?

2010-08-18T16:03:00.003-04:00

Photo by Fabrizio Bensch of Reuters

Co-owner Christian Petersen looks outside as he poses for the media at his bicycle shop in Altlandsberg, north-east of Berlin. The owners attached about 120 bicycles on the facade to promote their shop.

On till August 22nd--the Toronto version of--the 10th annual worldwide Bicycle Film Festival celebrates all styles of bikes and cycling, er, biking. What is the ultimate goal of the film festival? Bicycling advocacy, of course. And what better way to celebrate these bike lifestyles than through art, film, music and performance? Films include styles such as Tall Bike Jousting, Track Bikes, BMX, Alleycats, Critical Mass, Bike Polo, and Cycling to Recumbents, just to name a few. See you there.

Obama's View...

2010-08-18T15:49:00.001-04:00

The Sierra Nevada Mountains as seen from Air Force One as it flies north towards Seattle from Los Angeles with President Barack Obama.

Photo by Larry Downing for Reuters

Do You Own Your Business Or Does Your Business Own You?...

2010-08-03T14:50:00.007-04:00

Systemize and Own It!

What’s the definition of a business system?

It depends on if we’re talking about funny business, show business, or serious business. There are all types.

But let’s focus on serious business. And though I kid, it’s nothing against the mom and pop businesses out there, the stores people love to go to specifically because there are certain people there who run them, know everything there is to know, answer questions honestly and conduct business with integrity. The same goes for any small business owner who operates like that.

There is, however, no way around the truth that you’re not really a business owner if that business can’t run without you. Just because you start a company and you work for yourself doesn’t mean you own a business in the entity that we’re talking about here. At best you’re a business manager, and without systems in place that repeat themselves in a multiplying effect so the business runs without you, that business could very well feel like it owns you.

The business system definition is ‘A repeatable process that produces a profit.’ If it doesn’t produce a profit, it’s not really a valuable business system. So the idea is to systemize your business so that it can work without you. Most people do not own a business, they own a job! They’re self employed. But even if you employ yourself you’re still an employee, and like most employees you’re probably still freaking broke, or at least you’ll never create wealth.

Some of you are probably familiar with Robert Kiyosaki and the Four Quadrants. ‘E’ stands for Employee. You have a job working for someone else. The ‘S’ stands Self employed. You own a company but you are the one providing the primary service. You are the primary product. Without you the company doesn’t exist.

So the only two ways that you can create wealth are the ‘B’s and the ‘I’s, the Business owners and the Investors. Simple math. You can never get rich with a limit on your income.

If you have to be there for your value to be delivered, you will dramatically limit your income! The same problem occurs if you make your money by the hour or by salary. You’re being paid for your time. Time is limited!

I am not putting anybody down for being employed or self employed. What I would say is that it’s going to be very difficult for you to create wealth and you need to re-structure your thinking, time and energies in a way that can produce wealth.

That’s where systemizing comes into play. The business systems approach considers the company as a system of interrelated factors of strategy, management, workers, finance, processes, procedures, products, suppliers, customers, competitors—make no mistake, when it’s growing, it’s a frickin’ job!

But the better job you do of getting the right people in there and balancing those systems, the more vacation time you have coming with some pocket bills to boot!

Now it’s your turn! The stories of small business owners can be of great value to the Millionaire Mind community. The issues and challenges are so common it can be cathartic to share some of those insights from fresh experience. It’s your turn to share!

According to industry expert and best-selling author (Secrets Of A Millionaire Mind) T. Harv Eker, the truth is that you’re not really a business owner if that business can’t run without you. Just because you start a company and you work for yourself doesn’t mean you own a business in the entity that we’re talking about here. At best you’re a business manager, and without systems in place that repeat themselves in a multiplying effect so the business runs without you, that business could very well feel like it owns you. For the full, extensive article, click HERE.

How Joe Halstead Lead North America's Largest Festival to Success...

2010-08-02T03:45:00.008-04:00

As per the Eye Weekly article, much of the credit for the phenomenal turnaround of the formerly debt-ridden Scotiabank Caribana Festival goes to current chair and CEO Joe Halstead whom many see as the catalyst for the entity’s recent success.

After four years at the helm of North America’s biggest and most anticipated summer bash, Halstead is soon to be the former head of the Festival Management Committee. His successors are Denise Herrera-Jackson as CEO and Christopher Alexander as Chief Administrative Officer.

Now an over-$300-million enterprise that gives prestige and tax dollars to all three levels of government, Halstead has some words of wisdom for his successors: “This is an awesome responsibility,” he says. “Take it seriously, because you are being watched not only by the community, which cares deeply about this festival, but also by other festivals and events that are trying to catch up and surpass us.” Being closely watched is something Halstead knows all about... For the full, extensive article, click here.

(Upper LEFT PHOTO: Mr. Halstead accepts an award for his distinguished years of service at the beautiful Caribana Festival Gala on the evening of July 24th.)

Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill Opens, Toronto...

2010-06-19T13:06:00.028-04:00

Toronto Star Style Writer Derrick Chetty and Publicist Susan Chong

O & B Cafe Grill

Photo by J.J. Thompson

In the heart of the city’s downtown core, O&B Café Grill is the result of the dynamic partnership between Peter Oliver and celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini. Together since 1993, Oliver introduced an O&B concept called “emotional service”, gaining loyalty for the partners’ numerous restaurants. Boasts Bonacini, “We wanted [our restaurants] to reflect a down-to-earth attitude.”

The vast 14,500 square-foot project (230 seats, a stylish bar, a lounge and a wraparound patio) faces both Front and Yonge streets. A collaboration between Chef Bonacini and Anacleto Design, former Yabu Pushelberg associate, designer Lindsey Anacleto created intimate gathering spots, dotted with communal tables, “hidden” booths, and a loft-like dining room.

A refined, but refreshing menu Chef Bonacini created in collaboration with Chef Anthony Walsh, it designates such delicacies as Pancetta and Mushroom Pizzetta and Lamb and Spinach Pasta. Adds Bonacini, “It’s important to keep evolving our culinary style to suit the tastes of the sophisticated downtown crowd, and embrace culinary trends [that are both] local and artisan.”

Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Taro Root Fries

O & B Cafe Grill
Photo by J.J. Thompson
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Food Delivery Entrepreneur Cameron Reid and Investment Advisor Patrick Boland
O & B Cafe Grill
Photo by J.J. Thompson
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Concept Chef Mark Bestig

O & B Cafe Grill

Photo by J.J. Thompson

Hats Abound at the Royal Ascot Races, England...

2010-06-16T09:05:00.008-04:00

Racegoer On The First Day of the Royal Ascot Races, England
Photo by Luke MacGregor

May 26th: TIFF Student Film Showcase, Toronto...

2010-05-26T17:44:00.004-04:00

Comment se noie une legende by Mirek Hamek
(Concordia University)
This masterful production tells the story of virtuoso pianist André Mathieu who moves to the countryside where he plans to give a concert while drifting on the lake. Nobody gets to attend, yet a man lives to tell the story.

See the work of the best young filmmakers of the year! Student Film Showcase is brought to you by the team that brings you the Toronto International Film Festival. TIFF recognizes the importance of nurturing aspiring filmmakers and is proud to provide a forum and platform for student filmmakers to exhibit their work at the Student Film Showcase. Here are just a few samples...

Sunrise Documentary by Eva Caspar (Emily Carr University of Art & Design) Two young girls walk through the woods at dawn, videorecording their search for birds and the morning light. Computer animation and video images blend into an ethereal experience.

Every 28 Days by Kenny Chow

(Capilano University)

Explosive, original and uncompromising, this zombie comedy makes its mark by mixing natural physical occurrences, the dangers of untested pharmaceutical products and the power to overcome them.
~

A Glimpse, Naghmeh Abbasi

(Emily Carr University of Art + Design)
A young girl wends her way home through urban streets, followed at a distance by a boy tracing her path, providing a child’s perspective of a daily routine.
~

Escarpment Surfers,Mark Bone

(Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning)
Witness thrill seeking long boarders speed through the winding hills of Southern Ontario, narrowly avoiding enormous peril in this incredibly photographed documentary

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This annual event is presented in association with the Film School Consortium, a national group of 17 universities and colleges across Canada that provides a wide, diverse and exciting range of student works including animation, documentary, fiction and experimental films.This initiative presents opportunities for these filmmakers to make important contacts and develop career-enhancing relationships with peers and industry professionals. Films included in past showcases have gone on to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada’s Top Ten, Sprockets and other notable festivals.The showcased films are selected by TIFF prorgammers from more than 500 submissions and are considered for a prize by a jury of film-industry processionals.

Join us...

Wednesday, May 26
7:30pm
@
AMC Yonge & Dundas
Tickets $8

Get yours today at Student Film Showcase

SNL's Seth Meyers Hosts 'Stand Up For Kids!' Fundraiser, Toronto...

2009-10-27T14:35:00.007-04:00

Tonight, Saturday Night Live's Seth Meyers hosts Stand Up For Kids!, an annual evening of standup comedy, presented by Dundee Wealth in association with Dynamic Funds, with some of Canada's most successful comedians as well as internationally recognized comedic names like Paul Wilmot and Daily Show veteran Lewis Black. The event benefits Canadian charities who focus on at-risk youth. This year's beneficiaries include Covenant House, Dixon Hall and The Robin Barhydt Rocks on Fund at the SickKids Foundation. (Photo by Christian Weber)

About to return for his eighth season on Saturday Night Live, and his third season as head writer, and anchor of the show's "Weekend Update", Meyers can currently be seen alongside Canadian Brendan Fraser in "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

This evening's additionally impressive comedians included Irwin Barker, Kate Davis, Nikki Payne and Rob Pue.

See you at the show!

Recycling Sandals Saves Africa's Lions....

2009-08-24T21:14:00.010-04:00

Lion Sculpture Created from Used Sandals,
One of Several Sculptures Showing the Need to Save Africa's Lions
Nairobi, Kenya

Photo by Noor Khamis

September 10th: TED Toronto.... Highlights From TED World 2009....

2009-08-24T10:35:00.011-04:00

TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design)...Ideas Worth Spreading

Toronto's own TED Talks event will be here soon.

The theme of TEDxTO is “What’s Next?”

What's next in terms of new, undiscovered ideas, projects, and people that will shape the future of our city, and ultimately the world? Iit’s new ideas ONLY.

In the spirit of "Ideas Worth Spreading," the TEDx program that enables schools, businesses, libraries or just groups of friends to enjoy a TED-like experience through events they themselves organize, design and host. These approved organizers are offered a free toolkit that includes detailed advice, the right to use recorded TEDTalks, promotion on our site, connection to other organizers, and a little piece of our brand in the form of the TEDx label.

This channel is intended to highlight:

-Original speaker presentations at TEDx events
-Experiences of those who've attended TEDx events
-Teasers for upcoming TEDx events
-Anything else TEDx-related

Many TEDx speakers choose to give their talks in a multitude of different languages. For English translations, please visit our TEDxTalks collection. Below is the World TED 2009 talks for your perusal:

Marketing Fit: 7 Quick Ideas To Generate An Endless Stream Of Content...

2009-08-24T06:39:00.016-04:00

Marketing Fit expert Leesa Barnes responds to her most common question, “How do I create meaty content for my podcast, blog or virtual event?”

Interview Experts

Put out a call to clients whose area of specialization compliments yours. Run through your list of online connections - the professionals who contribute their ideas to the same social networks as you do. Think about this in terms of audience intrigue. Who else might your subscribers learn and benefit from, besides you?

(PHOTO: Marketing Fit's Leesa Barnes and Toronto Argonauts' Vice Chair Pinball Clemons accept their prestigious Harry Jerome awards.)

Dig up Recordings from Tele-classes or Workshops

Maybe you ran a telecourse last summer that went over big. To you, that class feels like old hat - but remember there are still plenty of people out there who will really appreciate the information. Syndicate portions of your old learning materials, then package in podcast or video format and upload to your blog.

Check Your Inbox

Did you email some spot-on advice to a client or colleague recently? Well, turn your advice into a blog post or a teleclass.

Check Your Website’s Referral Keywords

Make your back end work for you. Use Google Analytics or a similar tool to find out who’s landing on your pages via which keyword phrases. Do some research on those topics of interest and share your findings with blog readers. Sometimes your web traffic results can surprise you.

Be the Answer Guy (or Gal)

Post a question on your blog. “What are the top 3 questions you have about [insert your industry here]?” Have podcast listeners call in their question via a telephone recording line set up Virtual Event Audio. Write up your responses as a blog feature or record as a podcast interview.

Get Success Stories

Other people’s success stories inspire and motivate us. It develops confidence, builds trust in our readership and brings more business. Why not add a category to your blog called Success Stories? Each month, highlight a recent victory or milestone - yours, a client’s or a colleague’s. Win-win for all involved.

Provide Updates from a Conference or Trade Show

Create a buzz around your next trade show or exhibition. Bring the digital camera or video recorder along. When you return, take a few moments to jot down event highlights. Share commentary and footage with your audience.

New Eco-Designers Reimagine Our Detritus...

2009-08-07T12:02:00.004-04:00

Dinnerware

VerTerra

What is compostability? According to CEO Josh Parker, VerTerra steams, heats, and pressurizes fallen palm leaves, processing 10-12 tons a month into high-end disposable dinnerware. The plates, bowls, and trays aren't just compostable but biodegradable as well. They are now the china of choice in tier-one luxury boxes at the new Cowboys Stadium. For the entire article of designs, please click here.

Easy, Peasy Investment Portfolio...

2009-07-17T17:00:00.011-04:00

Anyone can build a great investment portfolio. All you really need is just 15 minutes per year. And just like great house plants, this portfolio thrives on neglect and grows abundantly even if you pay attention to it for that15 minutes each year.

Just think, there are people out there who spend hours every week literally sweating over their investments. Some of these investing junkies actually seem to enjoy reading balance sheets and analysts' opinions.

Most people, however, don't do this. We want good performance with low risk — but between our jobs and our families we don't have a lot of time to follow the market.

Does that sum up your situation? If so, MoneySense has the perfect portfolio for you. It will not only beat out the performance of most people who spend hours and hours of their time on their investments, it will beat about 80% of the money that is managed by professionals. Best of all, like an ideal house plant, this portfolio thrives on neglect. It performs superbly even if you pay attention to it for only 15 minutes a year.

For more information about the incredible Couch Potato strategy click here.

Ashley Judd, Mario Andretti Grace Indy 2009, Toronto...

2009-07-17T16:59:00.009-04:00

Actor Ashley Judd, Husband Race Car Driver Dario Franchitti

WINNER: Sebastian Saavedra
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Photos by G. Balogh

A Moscow Moon...

2009-05-12T13:34:00.006-04:00

Girl Traverses a Moscow Bridge Under A Full Moon
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Photo by Dmitri Kostyukov