Colin's Blog

Cambridge Reporter Revisited

Colin Carmichael — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:56:14 +0000

It seems that my foray into community publishing in 2008 has garnered some interest on the Twitter... There is some confusion, understandably, about who was doing what when and under what when.

I may do an in-depth post sometime on the whole experience, but for now I'll offer a simple timeline to clear the air:

(I'm doing this from memory, so I may revise these a bit after publishing)

June 2008: I launch CambridgeReporter.ca. it's a community-driven site where anyone can submit stories and opinion. It's intended to be more news than opinion - similar to NowPublic.com but on a smaller scale.

October 2008: TorStar sends me a friendly email about how they still own the Reporter name and they'd appreciate it if I could stop using it. Important to note that in Sept 2008 TorStar did not own any of the relevant URLs, but in October, CambridgeReporter.com suddenly appeared with syndicated content from the K-W Record. Update: Rabble.ca did a story about this here: http://www.rabble.ca/news/cease-and-desist-i-dont-think-so

Later in October 2008: CambridgeReporter.ca becomes CambridgeVoice.ca.

Spring 2009: The Cambridge Voice becomes The Cambridge Advocate under new ownership. (I'm totally drawing a blank on the timing here, so I'll update after a little research)

There it is - my best recollection of the events surrounding my involvement with the Cambridge Reporter.

On the Twitter, there's already talk about trying again to create a community-driven local news & opinion website. Stay tuned.

Clay Shirky on Institutions vs. Collaboration

Colin Carmichael — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:33:49 +0000

This video is now a half decade old - but is still every bit as revolutionary now as it was then.

On The Twitter This Week: 2010-02-06

Colin Carmichael — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0000

RT @dotboom: Apple should've sold iPad first, then iPhone: "we shrunk the iPad so it can fit in your pocket ... and we added a phone. BOOM." #
Google's decision to drop IE6 support for Apps will have zero impact on its zombie-like refusal to die. IE6 users are not Google Apps users. #
Elegant Themes Icon Pack, For Free!-Elegant Themes Blog http://bit.ly/bZBtbE (via @twttimes) #
Ok, I give up... Multiple trojan alerts from AVG and hijacked Google results on Firefox. AVG/SpyBot/HiJackThis seem unable to clear. Ideas? #
http://twitpic.com/10s3mw - I love this 1875 "bird's eye" map of Galt... Going to try to get a hi-res capture of it. #
http://twitpic.com/10s414 - Detail of the downtown area of Galt. #
http://twitpic.com/10s4u5 - @mdenny, your neighbourhood was a little sparse in 1875 #
RT @ikepigott: I might be willing to watch the Pop-Up Video version of the Grammys, with the pop-ups coming from select Twitter humorists. #
RT @andybeal: Sorry Grammys, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but the VMAs had the best Taylor Swift award ever! #
RT @andrewhyde: omg rt @dannynewman iPad spotted at walmart! http://bit.ly/dwMcgP #
RT @joetech: RT @DotSauce: 13 Useful WordPress SQL Queries You Wish You Knew Earlier http://lnk.gd/03n - Truth! #
Hangin' out with Hannah (and getting some work done) (@ Melville Cafe) http://4sq.com/7yn7la #
http://twitpic.com/10wkk8 - The next generation of cafe workers. ;) #
anyone have examples of good social media practices at a Canadian hospital? #
damn. Something is still hijacking Google search results in Firefox. AVG & Spybot come up clean... guess I should rip out and re-install FF? #
anyone have demographic data on mobile SMS donation usage? or just texting in general? #
Anyone know if Foursquare allows for biz owners, etc. to 'claim' their venues and be notified of activity? That would be very useful. #
.@saffyre9 @mikedriehorst closest I've found is the promotions form which *could* be used as a claimed/verification process... #
CIRA says carmichael.ca is reserved for a Canadian municipality. This was all I could find: http://bit.ly/bBZbPR - Really CIRA? #
trying to decide whether or not to make the trek to Waterloo tonight for StartupDrinks... need some social. #
I'm heading up to Waterloo early to beat the traffic but need to get some work done ... suggestions? (@melle, @jrodgers) #
I'm listening to AgeOfPersuasion at double-speed. Pretty sure there should be a law against this. #
I'm at Coffee Culture (King St) (31 King St North, at Dupont St E, Waterloo). http://4sq.com/8nqOvT #
I think I've asked this before but here goes anyway. I'm looking for a self-hosted alternative to Ning. Suggestions? #
I noted today's predictions of 6 weeks of winter. Well, that'll be a nice change. #
http://twitpic.com/112z4g - I'm strangely amused by this... #
I'm early for StartupDrinks and being anti-social while I get some food... (@ McMullan's) http://4sq.com/4I3fCG #
Do you think they know? http://www.wtfgroup.com/ #
Early night tonight folks. I'm signing off. 'Nite. #
Writing, writing, writing... (Reports, nothing exciting) (@ Melville Cafe) http://4sq.com/7yn7la #
Do you think they know? http://www.wtfgroup.com/ #
RT @jrodgers: Have been saying this for a long while: http://bit.ly/9n5av2 #coworking #waterloo (cc: @ENBdavies @soma__ ) #
RT @kitestring: The Chamber of Com promotes your biz by mailing your biz card to 500 people. COME ON! Why don't they just drop from a plane. #
Apparently anything funded by Trillium has a 60-page minimum. They coulda said it in six pages. http://bit.ly/9n5av2 #coworking #
This G&M article slamming cafe workers is still grating on me... Trying to #ignore... not working. http://bit.ly/cIOfDH #
ooh... good idea... RT @seyDoggy: debating whether I should make a beatles day. #
Anyone know if this oft-repeated Gretzky quote is verifiable? http://bit.ly/c2IQKn #
RT @BiancaFreedman: remind me not 2 go 2 zoots cafe. I try not to complain too much but this article really offends me: http://bit.ly/cIOfDH #
heh... RT @Szczepko: Why do we want to "own the podium"? I would rent it, as the value is going to fall way off in March. #
RT @unbrelievable: Any web designers out there looking for contract work available immediately? (cc: @slideawaymedia ) #
Session meeting - wonder if I'll be home by 10:00pm... (@ Central Presbyterian Church) http://4sq.com/4UrK6T #
Um... That's a joke, right? RT @isfan: "websites are like bilboards with buttons" - Allan Isfan #
i love a little irony... RT @sarahcasm: Valentine's Day has been shortened to VD? Really? VD... #
RT @davefleet: OH: "Apparently Ashley Maddison is the new preferred supplier for the PGA Tour." [LOL] #
minimalism to the extreme... http://bit.ly/8XZw1O #
RT @ENBdavies: RT @wendyhoomo: I'd like to see where this hash tag will go. Please RT! Thanks #hashtagDemo #
RT @jrbizzy Know any small non-profit orgs pushing a green initiative in an urban neighborhood? I want to write a news story about them. #
RT @jaybaer 11 Mind-Blowing Reasons Your Company Needs Facebook http://bit.ly/cyuhoE #
anyone know off-hand how much of GM & Chrysler the CDN and US governments own? #curious #alreadygoogledit #
Wow... Kitchener-Waterloo MP Peter Braid gets smoked on CTV: http://bit.ly/d98Ine #
And in the category of missed opportunities, http://bit.ly/aQLXJS #
RT @noprorogue ChangeCampTO: Designing a Civic Engagement Toolkit http://bit.ly/aysvuO #
about to try AppMakr - are there better options before I click the go button? #iphone #
Watching CPAC... wow this guy talks fast... has he taken a breath yet? #cdnpoli #
On a few Facebook fan pages I admin, imported notes are showing up in fans' newsfeeds but not on page wall. Is this normal? #

Facebook just keeps growing (with grey hair)

Colin Carmichael — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:51:28 +0000

Eric Eldon over at InsideFacebook.com has a great post outlining the growth trends at Facbook for January 2010. There are lots of pretty charts to look at, but I think the most interesting one is this:

Facebook Growth by Age and Gender (InsideFacebook.com)

It's getting harder and harder to dismiss Facebook as the domain of young people. Indeed, according to Eric's post, a full 60% of Facebook users are over 25. Some have suggested that the influx of older folks will drive the kids away and we'll see something new crop up for them - MySpace 2.0? For my money, this won't happen - at least not in the foreseeable future. The ubiquity of Facebook just makes things easier for everyone - if a little uncomfortable at times when you get a friend request from dear Aunt Agnes. Young Facebookers have figured out (mostly) how to manage these little inconveniences.

Pranav Mistry on SixthSense Technology (TED Tuesday)

Colin Carmichael — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:00:05 +0000

Welcome to TED Tuesdays on the blog. Each Tuesday, I will post a video from TED with a little commentary from me on why I think it's worth sharing. I don't want to compete with TED itself, so I'll be reaching back several months for these.

This absolutely blew my mind. The video pretty much speaks for itself, so I'll shut up now and let you watch.

On The Twitter This Week: 2010-01-30

Colin Carmichael — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Just watched Conan's farewell speech. Woah. Classy. #
http://twitpic.com/zdrgd - The Waterloo Region NoProrogue Rally! #
RT @MissQuickley: http://twitpic.com/zea6z - Is pleased to find a huge and happy crowd in Dundas Square. #noprorogue #toronto #
RT @cyclaw: Another shot of the #noprorogue crowd and Peace Tower. #CAPP #ottawa http://twitpic.com/zear3 #
RT @judyrebick: So many people in Dundas Square they are closing Yonge St. #noprorogue #CAPP #canpoli http://tweetphoto.com/9384148 #
RT @K4M4: http://twitpic.com/zecpj - #CAPP Toronto Rally #noprorogue #
RT @q_e_d: http://twitpic.com/zegoa - It's so packed, @judyrebick #Toronto #CAPP #noprorogue #
RT @rabbleca: Not everyday you see NDP banners and Liberal banners side by side. Harper seems to have united Canadians: #noprorogue #
RT @pmarcoccia: Drummers on the street as the march begins #noprorogue #CAPP http://tweetphoto.com/9390864 #
RT @rabbleca: RT @cyclaw: More crowd shots from the "stage". #noprorogue #ottawa #CAPP http://twitpic.com/zeioy #
RT @ChrisInKW: Uploaded 6 new photos to my PicasaWeb ""No Prorogue" Protest - Waterloo Region" album: http://bit.ly/739Uzg #noprorogue #
RT @judyrebick: Huge march down Yonge St maybe 10,000. Biggest I've seen in yrs #noprorogue http://tweetphoto.com/9391421 HT @NoToProrogue #
RT @MaynardM: @noprorogue Oshawa: "It's not about right or left. It's about right or wrong." #
RT @rochlatinsky: http://twitpic.com/zenw3 - #noprorogue ralliers turning onto bay street. #
RT @rabbleca: RT: @SusanDelacourt Fave poster: "my sign is half assed like your gov." #noprorogue http://myloc.me/38PVr #
RT @DRPCalgary: RT @a_picazo: hey Harper, Canadians DO care! http://twitpic.com/zepqz #noprorogue #capp #cdnpoli #canpoli #
RT @joelaf: "prorogue Harper" and "get back to work" chants at Harper's constituency office #Capp #yyc #noprorogue http://twitpic.com/zetz6 #
I'm at Melville Cafe (7 Melville St, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/7yn7la #
http://twitpic.com/zpnjv - I just watched this huge slab of ice sail down the Grand. Wild. #
RT @rabbleca: Have you checked out rabble.ca's photo-roundup from the rallies? http://is.gd/70FFG #
RT @enniscath: My photos and videos from the anti-prorogue rally in Vancouver on Saturday http://tr.im/LyxG #Cdnpoli #noprorogue #CAPP #
RT @noprorogue: Update: Rally Photo Roundup from Rabble.ca http://bit.ly/7bAyWh #cdnpoli #noprorogue #
RT @q_e_d: http://twitpic.com/zqvv6 - "I'm not proud of stunts" "All you have to do is vote us out" - Clement #noprorogue #
Just tethered my laptop through my Blackberry for the first time... Burned through 5 mb in about 2 mins. Won't be doing that very often. #
Hmm... Bell seems to have removed the unlimited data plan? I swear it was there in October... A little rate plan stability would be nice. #
RT @ChrisNalty: Wow! My boys were watching an old Walt Disney cartoon and Mickey Mouse just pulled a gun on Donald Duck. Times have changed. #
RT @jhuinink: My favourite photo I've ever seen using the Droste effect: http://bit.ly/8Vnmmu Wow, so cool. #
This is a neat little Twitter story from @Nannidale : http://bit.ly/53M6W8 #haiti #
wow. this is so wrong in so many ways... http://www.waycoolcafe.com/menu.htm #
Interesting that amalgamation talk in K-W is suddenly being phrased as a "merger"... #
RT @AdeleMcAlear: Cds:Looking for someone who's had an exp. with accessing a loved one's online accts after they've passed. For journo. #
this is the funniest thing I've seen in my FB feed in a while... http://twitpic.com/zva19 #
this is so awful... I don't even want to see the whole commercial... http://bit.ly/cSpF9V #
Wow RT @GlenCochrane: @ccarmichael Heres the full ad. Heard it cost $35000 to air. Maybe should've invested elsewhere.. http://bit.ly/8Yig8U #
Annoying? I use it all the time! RT @BlackberryBuzz: Remove The ANNOYING Voice Activated Dialing From Your BlackBerry http://bit.ly/bAoolM #
I'm tiring of the term 'social media' because media has always been social, albeit in different ways. What are the alternatives? #
.@benjaminbach @acriley agree with you both - but neither catches the distinctiveness of what we call social media. Keep landing on digital. in reply to benjaminbach #
This ain't no Tim Hortons... ;) (@ Dark Horse Espresso Bar) http://4sq.com/35GbY6 #
Looking for free (or cheap) wifi and a power outlet in King & Spadina area... Suggestions? #
Late lunch and a pint... (@ Irish Embassy Pub & Grill) #
"Celebrity" sightings in downtown Toronto today... Mark Evans and John Duffy... #iamawebgeek #iamapoliticalgeek ;-) #
I just updated my PodCampToronto session description - hope to see you there! http://bit.ly/ap1XQ2 #pcto #noprorogue #cdnpoli #
Related: my Windows PC prorogued itself earlier today RT @davidakin: @pmharper will meet with Bill and Melinda Gates at #wef in #davos #
RT @craigritchie: RT @Stwo: Steve, I'ma let you finish, but Moses had the greatest tablet announcement of all time #
RT @ikepigott: Why did Apple change the name, when it could have gone with the original CrunchPad? #
Awesome. RT @ikepigott: @ccarmichael - If Machiavelli were alive today, he would write a book called the iPrince. #
Almost home... (@ Milton Go Station) http://4sq.com/b5IUlR #
Tipping point? RT @pollingreport: New Ekos poll: #lpc 31.6 - #cpc 31.1 - #ndp 14.6 - #gpc 11 - #bq 9.1 - other 2.6 #cdnpoli #elxn41 #
HaHa! RT @brundle_fly: iPad is going to cause a lot of confusion in Boston-area Apple stores. #
RT @joeboughner: Designer and IT guy having the age-old PC vs. Mac debate a few desks over. Guess who's pleading which case? #
I don't know if it's a problem with TweetDeck or Twitter, but I keep getting API exceeded when it shouldn't be. argh. #
RT @prodigaljohn: Although not technically in the Bible, Comic Sans is the official font of Christianity. Ignore it at your own peril. #
What are your recommendations for personal finance mgmt tools? I used to use MS Money back in the day... Is Quicken all there is? #
I just listened to NPR's Car Talk for the first time... I'm kinda exhausted now. #
YouTube - Charlie Brooker - How To Report The News http://bit.ly/aDYiyf (via @twttimes) #
CBC - So good it's worth paying for twice | rabble.ca http://bit.ly/a4INBa (via @twttimes) #
How to Suck at Facebook - The Oatmeal http://bit.ly/aodqQY (via @twttimes) #
RT @spellbunny: Patrick Stewart is my hero! http://bit.ly/97bbrv #
RT @slideawaymedia: If Cambridge City Hall is so advanced and futuristic you'd figure they would offer free wifi http://slideaway.ca/kdu #
I just added Mutual St Deli! RT @PodCampToronto: Blog: : Community Mapping Project http://bit.ly/cWLHCc #pcto2010 #
http://twitpic.com/10c2e2 - Today is V-Day, commemorated by @mdenny's crochet mastery... #
So Google Apps will no longer support IE6? Great, but it won't help kill IE6. With few exceptions, Apps users aren't IE6 users. #dieIE6die #
iPod Touch is lock and home together. Not sure if iPhone is same RT @paulina1 RT @iggypintado Anyone know how to capture iPhone screen shot? #
RT @GeorgeDearing: {not much you can add here} Selleck Waterfall Sandwich http://bit.ly/6R88Bs #
Wait, I'm confused... Why is Dragon's Den now on GlobalTV and called Shark Tank? #

On The Twitter This Week: 2010-01-23

Colin Carmichael — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +0000

I'm at Galt Arena Gardens (Shade St, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/77zK5I #
I'm at Cambridge Farmer's Market (Dickson St, Ainslie St, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/4uDHZr #
Kinda surprised I had to add the Cambridge Farmer's Market to Foursquare... I'm really the first square here? http://myloc.me/2W63A #
anyone able to help me band-aid a really annoying bug in WP2.9.1? it's making managing noprorogue.ca a real pain... #
#WordPress coders... I just submitted a bug to Trac http://bit.ly/8DEEmR - but need a quick fix in the mean-time. Any suggestions? #
London, England joins New York City as the NoProrogue rallies go global! http://bit.ly/5PnUtz #noprorogue #
RT @andrea_r: RT @ozh: "Save as PDF" WP hack: download this page as pdf #
The 4-yr-old is teaching her grandmother (@Nannidale) how to play games on my iPod... Hilarity ensues. #
I just became the mayor of John Dolson Centre on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/4O7J2e #
Swimming lessons x 4!! (@ John Dolson Centre) http://4sq.com/4O7J2e #
I'm confused. Isn't this how figure skates have been sharpened for years? New way to sharpen skates - http://bit.ly/5xm3fR. (via @markevans) #
I just became the mayor of Cambridge Ice Park on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/5SLvRN #
I'm at Boston Pizza (Pinebush Rd, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/4Lj8VK #
Dallas, Texas ( http://bit.ly/5SiR6s ) joins the international rallies while North Bay, ON gets on board at home. ( http://bit.ly/5pDlEp ) #
RT @modsuperstar: RT @phronk: Thanks to Twitter, I never have to actually WATCH an awards show ever again. #
Hello Monday... (@ The Presbyterian Church in Canada) http://4sq.com/6xl9z8 #
RT @canadagood: Canada Senate Appointments: Suggest Rick Mercer, Scott Thompson, Marg Atwood & Mary Walsh. Who could argue with that list? #
Business-related stock photography is hilarious... #
RT @noprorogue CAPP Welcomes 200,000th Member http://bit.ly/59JVM3 #
RT @CollinDouma: dog pass, human #fail http://bit.ly/6ZdZFU #
#wordpress question: is there a way force the display of the author's name (rather than username) in the theme? #
RT @DavidAndGoliath: Explaining dns propagation or caching to someone is like being kicked in the face repeatedly by a horse. #
I just became the mayor of McDonald's on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/6vhBhi #
I just submitted my session for PodCampToronto! http://bit.ly/8yhxH6 Looking forward to it! #pcto #
Looking forward to your session! RT @zoeDisco: I'll be speaking at PodCamp Toronto this year - http://bit.ly/5wjkKR #
Brilliant! RT @bobledrew: LOVE LOVE LOVE these WW2-meets-Web2 propaganda posters: http://store.brianmooremedia.com/ #
this tweet to inform you that there is no news... wow. RT @570newsradio: Gas prices are expected to stay the same overnight. #
Just had a nice chat with a reporter from TheRecord.com about NoProrogue.ca. :D #
The Guelph NoProrogue Rally is serving perogies! I love it! http://noprorogue.ca/guelph/ #
#galtcowork meeting! (@ Cafe 13 Main Street Grill) http://4sq.com/6fUv97 #
RT @wmacphail: Rejected #pcto2010 Talk "I'm theTipless, Badgeless Mayor of Sweet Bugger All" #
Snooze button x 5 this morning. Cannot. Get. Started. #caffeineIVplease #
I've already unhooked 4sq from Facebook - likely going to stop pushing to Twitter as well... #
Clearly, the Foursquare leaderboard is b0rked... last night I 30+ points - today 4? What's the point if the points don't work? #
Good Luck Chris! RT @christindal: Just registered my candidacy for councillor of Ward 27. http://bit.ly/5qqEbt #Vote TO #
RT @CBCNews: Main foreign lenders forgive Haiti's debt http://bit.ly/6yELHn #
I'm downloading the new Foursquare app for Blackberry and am a little more excited than I probably should be... #
the kids just requested "Hold Me Now" by the Thompson Twins - totally unpromtped... they're 4 & 2. I have weird kids. #
Anyone else prompted to upgrade the 4sq app on BB? I don't see anything different... #
Just added 2 more cities to NoProrogue.ca: Lethbridge, AB (http://bit.ly/7WAnGM) and Maple Ridge, BC (http://bit.ly/4Kn6Nk) #noprorogue.ca #
Just added 2 more cities to NoProrogue.ca: Duncan, BC (http://bit.ly/6FdswN) and Inverness, NS (http://bit.ly/4uWtTm) #noprorogue #
Just added 2 more cities to NoProrogue.ca: Kamloops, BC (http://bit.ly/7uCEmw) and Wolfville, NS (http://bit.ly/5fSKJz) #noprorogue #
RT @andybeal: Really? @BillGates gets welcomed by thousands & he thx @aplusk? How bout picking a regular Windows user Bill, & thanking them? #
"Client" meetings... ;) (@ St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church) http://4sq.com/7FIWDf #
RT @DonBColeman: Some people don't understand "now, we're going to move on to something else." #meetingfrustrations #
RT @terrybean: 'If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.'-Mark Twain #
Me too... RT @sarahcasm: All the talk about rush adoptions of Haitian children is not sitting really well with me. #
quick #wpmu question: Is it possible to create "private" BuddyPress community? #
the WVMP page at LinkedIn continues to fascinate me... #
Cool, speaking to a member of the foreign press tomorrow about NoProrogue.ca. Who knew the Germans and Swiss were so interested in #cdnpoli #
OH: I have a sudden hankering for a Tom Selleck movie. #
Listening to Nirvana's Nevermind front to back for the first time in about 15 years. #
According 2 the German reporter I spoke 2 this morning, Europeans are totally baffled that a CDN PM can suspend parliament at will. #cdnpoli #
one of the unfortunate side-effects of having a URL that's your name is that occasionally you add a TLD to your name in other contexts. #
wait, GoogleMaps doesn't suport oEmbed? Arghh... #
Anyone know if I can use Adobe Media Encoder with Skype? Another way to get DV cam audio in Skype? #
Anyone else heading up from Cambridge? RT @noprorogue No Prorogue! » Waterloo Region Info & Events http://is.gd/5VpRV #
This SMS->Twitter->CoverItLive gateway is neat RT @noprorogue: Update: Live Coverage of NoProrogue Rallies http://bit.ly/6y76mZ #cdnpoli #
Just confirmed an national TV news appearance live from the Waterloo #noprorogue rally! #exciting #
I love this comment: http://noprorogue.ca/waterloo/.....omment-406 : the visual of 3 little old ladies mad as hell kills me. #
How is it that the 4sq locator is more accurate on my non-GPS iPod than it is on my GPS-enabled Blackberry? #
RT @KrisReyes: My TO techies, anyone available to do an oncamera interview on password safety this morning? Somewhere downtown. #
RT @singpolyma: Best website EVAR! http://www.havenworks.com/ #epic #epic #fail #
RT @zoic: Is there an app to record phone calls? I have an interview to do this afternoon <- on an iPhone? #
RT @Szczepko: Life is like a box of chocolates. Expect the chocolates are hornets. And the box is a hive. And the chocolates are angry. #
RT @RamaraMan: PMSH elimination of the per vote subsidy in the Mar budg will be the poison pill forcing #elxn41? http://is.gd/6OCSG #cdnpoli #
looks like I might be needing this soon... http://bit.ly/5BHDgX sigh... #
Haven't had lunch yet - anyone heading out to eat in Yonge/Eglinton area? #
Stocking up! (@ Grand River Brewing) http://4sq.com/4tg50L #
heh... RT @danielrose: On the dufferin bus. So far the driver is awake. #
Wow. RT @CherylMcKinnon: FCS @cbc "We're sorry the video you've selected cannot be streamed outside of Canada"... #canadaforhaiti #
amazing how much havoc a simple stray can cause... sigh. #
RT @kady: okay, this is now my favourite anti-prorogation facebook group: http://twurl.nl/egv78i #

On The Twitter This Week: 2010-01-16

Colin Carmichael — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +0000

RT @remarkk: Point #noprorogue organizers to @acoyne 's "The real issue" http://bit.ly/6RRY2q #cdnpoli #
RT @adamwc: I'm making www.iPhoneographi.es opened up to user submissions within a few days. Let me know if u want to be included. (@muntz) #
Looking for a new watch (1st in many years) - popped over to Casio.com and thought I'd been transported back to 1992! #throwback #
I really can't handle movies with a really slow pace - no matter how good they're supposed to be... #imdyinghere #
RT @mathewi: RT @itsdgc: Best. Headline. Ever. "Skywalkers in Korea Cross Han Solo" http://bit.ly/63ekym [@mattfrehner] #
Just saw the new #LPC ad... They might have done better to just redux Daisy or Bear-in-the-Woods. #cdnpoli #
I'm at Central Presbyterian Church (7 Queen's Square, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/4UrK6T #
HaHa RT @bmorrissey: the people of walmart commercials are very different from peopleofwalmart.com. #
prepping for swimming lessons x 4 this afternoon... Should be interesting! #kidlogistics #
RT @CAPP2010: 5k citizens intend 2 Rally, if u are part of the orig #CAPP FB group, pls join http://bit.ly/8r8V8u. Get out & Rally! #cdnpoli #
RT @fowgre Prorogued Display Window http://flic.kr/p/7uKHiW (via @xxRonny) #
I'm at John Dolson Centre (212 South Street, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/4O7J2e #
Oh... I know that look well. ;) RT @sulemaan: Just got the 'put BB down or you die' look. Must go. Peace out. #
Back at hockey after missing almost 2 months. Gonna hurt. (@ Cambridge Ice Park) http://4sq.com/5SLvRN #
heh... RT @spaetzel: And if you're going to fill my blog with spam, the least you could do is keep the HTML valid... #
I just became the mayor of Tim Hortons on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/6ZqaQu #
I'm at Tim Hortons (Franklin Blvd, Saginaw Blvd, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/6ZqaQu #
RT @dchurbuck: ScanBuy a revborn CueCat? don't think so. barcodes work with phones, not dumb cat-shaped barcode readers http://bit.ly/4T1WQL #
Great, according to @Szczepko, I'm now the mayor of the worst Timmies in Cambridge. in reply to Szczepko #
Ohhh, great quote: "In radio advertising, the listener becomes your art director" - Terry O'Reilly #
I'm at The Presbyterian Church in Canada (50 Wynford Drive, Toronto). http://4sq.com/6xl9z8 #
weird, FourSquare venues take address, phone and Twitter - but no URL? #
RT @noprorogue The Video http://is.gd/64oPS (pls RT) #
RT @noprorogue Just added to noprorogue.ca » Mississauga Info & Events http://tinyurl.com/yc34jvx #
RT @KrisReyes: @ccarmichael skypeing in on CityOnline to talk about his site: http://noprorogue.ca/ #
Anyone able to record/PVR/DVR or otherwise capture CityOnline for me today at 12:30? #
RT @kevinodotnet: Whoohoo! A $100 donation just arrived from "M.D." in Ottawa. Way to go! http://noprorogue.ca/ottawa #
wow... live TV is not fun if you're not in the studio... #
.@alexaclark really? I always use "this" for the wknd coming and "next" for the one following starting Mondays... #
RT @eimaj: @noprorogue mentioned in the @globeandmail - http://bit.ly/4P1dWT #
RT @noprorogue Video: 3 tunes for democracy http://is.gd/65dTI #
RT @shawncoons: I really wish I had thought of this blog. 1) Put the camera self-timer on two seconds. 2) Run! http://bit.ly/ArvLy #
Anyone's local call-in radio show discussing the NoProrogue movement? If so, reply with the number. Thanks! (Pls RT) #
Ottawa folks! I'll be on CKCU-fm with Michael Powell tomorrow morning at 7:30am. If you're up early, have a listen. #
.@greenspotting @emonfared RT @CarolFil: C-51 which included HRTC passed Dec 15 2009. http://bit.ly/5RPCKp #
Now running UberTwitter and Seesmic simultaneously on the BB - just to keep up! #noprorogue #
RT @kevinodotnet: my head is still spinning that NoProrogue.ca/ottawa raised over 750 today. #
RT @matness: is in a jam packed room at the #montreal #noprorogue rally organizing meeting... http://twitpic.com/xq0h7 ... noprorogue.ca #
RT @mbpowell: Tomorrow on the Special Blend: 7:30 Colin Carmichael of noprorogue.ca; #ckcu #ottawa #cdnpoli #
I'm at Tim Hortons (95 Saginaw Pkwy, Franklin Blvd, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/6ZqaQu #
Thinking about how the noprorogue.ca phenomenon is an example of the limitations Facebook activism... More to come on that I think #
Any WP coders able to help me out with a small but annoying glitch in the theme used at NoProrogue.ca? #
Who's got the best NoProrogue.ca posters? have these so far: http://bit.ly/5UNNlI & http://bit.ly/8KKwfJ Any more I can share? #
I'm at The Presbyterian Church in Canada (50 Wynford Drive, Toronto). http://4sq.com/6xl9z8 #
RT @noprorogue Posters! They’re Everywhere! http://ow.ly/1mWTBj #
Just added pages for Newmarket and Orangeville to NoProrogue.ca! #
the /events/ page at NoProrogue.ca is becoming unmanagable... any WP suggestions to leverage the content from the city pages automatically? #
heh... RT @kinnon: I hate my boss. I tried to punch him this morning. And broke the mirror. #
#WordPress help... I tried using the number and offset params with wp_list_pages to create 2 columns... didn't work. Suggestions? #wp #
Just heard from someone planning a NoProrogue rally for ex-pats in New York City! Info/link to follow soon! #noprorogue #
Hey Cambridge folks... is the Waterloo #NoProrogue rally close enough for us? Or does does someone want to step up and organize one here? #
Support Podcamp Toronto - #pcto2010, add a #twibbon to your avatar now! - http://bit.ly/4VJtvB #
how do you un-Twibbonize your avatar? #
nevermind, figured it out... #
Support The PCC, add a #twibbon to your avatar now! - http://bit.ly/5ggeYN #
wow... Twibbon is completely screwing with my avatar... #
RT @mbpowell: From the Radio Show: @ccarmichael talks about @noprorogue. http://bit.ly/5Zsidm #cdnpoli #CAPP #ckcu #
I really wish I could have follow notifications come in as @replies or DMs so I can act on them via apps #
Congrats! Still loving the album! RT @jonrbryant: Just found out im chosen as the INDIE SPOTLIGHT FOR ITUNES!! #
.@mikepgww I'm confused by the all-day kindergarten news since we already have that... I assume they mean every day kindergarten? #
Hmmm... My last Foursquare check-in didn't come through the Twitter... You didn't really want to know where I am anyway... #
attended Waterloo-Wellington Presbytery meeting tonight - very interesting discussion about creating the PCC's first Executive Presbyter #
Q to #PCUSA folks - do you value having an Executive Presbyter? We don't have them here, but my presbytery is exploring the possibility... #
I think this is kind of a big deal... RT @noprorogue No Prorogue! » New York City Info & Events http://ow.ly/1mXRW0 #
gotta love an email address that starts with "smellslike" #
apparently when writing a note on FB, Everyone doesn't really mean Everyone... can anyone see this? http://bit.ly/52QV7F #
RT @sarahcasm: Canadians concerned about relatives in #Haiti can call the emergency ops centre in Ottawa 1-800-387-3124 http://bit.ly/4xZcwc #
RT @noprorogue No Prorogue! » Saskatoon Info & Events http://ow.ly/1mYI9K #
RT @noprorogue No Prorogue! » Bolton Info & Events http://ow.ly/1mYKXn #
trying to find a wrodpress plugin that will allow me to post notices in the admin panel for other authors/contributors... any help? #
NoProrogue.ca: 5 days, 40 blog posts, 85 comments, 35 city pages, 95 contributors, 30k pageviews. 10 days to go.... #
The Cambridge Branch Office of The PCC ;) (@ Melville Cafe) http://4sq.com/7yn7la #
RT @prorogue NoProrogue.ca: 5 days, 40+ blog posts, 85+ comments, 35+ city pages, 95+ contributors, 30k+ pageviews. 10 days to go.... #
hmm... someone just registered at the site with a username of MALICBOT - consider me concerned. #
not digging the tunes at Melville Cafe this morning... and I forgot my earbuds... sigh. #
I've always found it odd that Wikipedia URLs are Case-Sensitive... #
RT @remarkk: Joy! Timelapse zamboni and outdoor ice skating: http://bit.ly/6dRUV1 h/t @BlogTO #
I'm at Melville Cafe (7 Melville St, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/7yn7la #
seeing lots of trackbacks from Topsy.com and UberVu being flagged as spam by WP... are they? #
Interesting lesson for the Freeconomy: my Dad didn't "get" Skype until he discovered he could pay for cheaper int'l calls #
I just found the most awesomest website ever... http://bit.ly/5Rk9Rp #
I'm at Tim Hortons (95 Saginaw Pkwy, Franklin Blvd, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/6ZqaQu #
I'm at The Presbyterian Church in Canada (50 Wynford Drive, Toronto). http://4sq.com/6xl9z8 #
RT @WRPSToday: Police attempting to locate Cassandra BROZ, 15, of Kitchener. please call 519 650 8500 ext. 4499. http://bit.ly/8HSDnB #
Nice to see to former professors on this list: http://bit.ly/5zRBpQ #noprorogue #
RT @melle: RT @SuzanneHyatt Looking 4 short term rental apts (prefe. furnished) effective Feb. 1 for 3-6 month term (KW area) Referrals pls! #
RT @theflagsofdawn: Any clergy/churches out there organizing/participating in the protest rallies against proroguing parliament? #noprorogue #
anyone know why some of my Google Analytics profiles have annotations avail but some don't? #
I'm at Tim Hortons (860 York Mills Rd, York Mills Rd. & Lesmill Rd., Toronto). http://4sq.com/6UbVI5 #
restisting the urge to engage the WP-related tweets coming from #kwdesigntweetup - since I'm, y'know, not there. #
RT @PCConnect: News: Update from Haiti – Canadian Government Matching Individual Donations to PWS&D http://bit.ly/5skbpM #
In the last few hours we've added Calgary, Huntsville, Stratford, and Prince Rupert to NoProrogue.ca. Now over 40 cities. #cdnpoli #
I'm at Tim Hortons (95 Saginaw Pkwy, Franklin Blvd, Cambridge). http://4sq.com/6ZqaQu #
Wow... I'd forgotten how good Jim Cuddy's All In Time solo album is... #
RT @sandy_wakeling: Canadians have truly caught Prime Minister Harper with his #pantsontheground regarding prorogation! #cdnpoli #Capp #
I'm at The Presbyterian Church in Canada (50 Wynford Drive, Toronto). http://4sq.com/6xl9z8 #
geek-alert RT @spaetzel: Great post on re-interpreting the original star wars in light of the prequels: http://bit.ly/VR6oJ #
If Foursquare is supposed to be a game, why can I not find out how many points I have and if I'm winning? #
weird, apparently you can put in anyone's Twitter ID to find friends on Foursquare... #
Stout Drunken Burger FTW (@ Granite Brewery) http://4sq.com/6An9wr #
RT @elleameno: RT @CdnPress_Ott: Ottawa loses appeal in supervised injection site case; site to remain open #cdnpoli http://ow.ly/WVg7 #
RT @maggiefox: Sign the petition to cancel #Haiti's debt! http://bit.ly/8skesI (tough picture to look at, but welcome to reality) #
One for the road.... (@ Tim Hortons) http://4sq.com/6UbVI5 #
I'm at Home #
I just beat Julius Caesar in Imagine Poker 2 for iPhone/iPod touch! http://tinyurl.com/yl7sas9 #
With the addition of Saint John, New Brunswick today, there are now NoProrogue rallies in every provincial capital. http://bit.ly/5FQbut #
I really don't like that Seesmic forces me to RT the new way... Looks like it's back to Uber... Again. #

Oh those questions!

Colin Carmichael — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:30:12 +0000

photo credit: Leo Reynolds

So there we are (myself and the two older girls) in the car driving to the dump of all places when Hannah (4) blurts out "I don't think I want to have any babies, Daddy."

Woah. What? My mind suddenly filled with scenarios of jealosy and resentment towards the twins, etc. I quickly replied "Oh yeah, honey? How come?"

Her answer was very matter-of-fact: "I don't want a big cut on my belly."

Whew! Is that all? That's nothing! Now, I should have had my guard up as soon as we got anywhere near birth, but I was so sure of my answer that I plowed ahead. I dove in without checking for depth.

Confidently, I assured Hannah that not all babies require "cuts" to be born, and that, in fact, both her and Bella had been born without any cuts required!

Great, right? No, you see it, don't you... her next question.

"Well, then, how did I get out of Mommy's tummy?"

Panic. I blurted out the only answer that came to mind - it's served me so well in the past: "You'll have to ask Mommy when we get home."

The Punchline

Knowing the conversation on this topic was decidedly over, Hannah turned to Isabella and concluded: "I must have made my own hole."

It’s All In The Timing

Colin Carmichael — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:52:44 +0000

photo credit: How can I recycle this

I was recently reminded of this little story and thought I'd share.

I was at a "local search" conference and one of the keynote speakers was the owner of an upstart yellow pages publisher that was taking a huge chunk of the market share in a major Metro.

In the Q&A, the guy was asked: How did you erode the incumbent's market-share so quickly?

His answer went something like this:

"Ma'am, what do you do with your old yellowpages book as soon as the new one shows up?"

Her answer was, predictably, "Get rid of it."

He continued: "Of course! Which is precisely why we publish our book three months after the other guys."