The Donger Needs a Drink

I was a big fan of John Hughes films. I think The Breakfast Club had the most influence on me. The dissection of the cliques, the principal, the janitor, detention, and the common bond of having parents who just didn't 'get' it. Who can ever forget the final scene: the Dear Mr Vernon letter & Simple Minds. Powerful stuff.

I also loved Ferris. I wanted to be him, or at least hang out with him. We all knew a 'Cameron'. Maybe you were Cameron? We all still laugh when someone says 'Abe Froman, The Sausage King of Chicago'.

There are many other Hughes flicks that had an impact on me and they probably had an impact on you too. The work lives on... so go and rent something... and enjoy.

cheers for reading.
js

My Writing Career

So I just finished up my first five articles for a career-themed magazine that launches in September. The editor seemed pretty happy about my submissions, which is cool.

The funny thing is - I'm really not much of a writer. I just kinda think of things and start typing. My speling and grammar really suck. It's all stream of consciousness.

I think back to all those email communications I wrote for the radio station I used to work at; and they had pretty much the same feel. Just whatever was on my mind. My dog, the fights, footy, TV, music, movies, whateves. Those emails went out to over 300, 000 people... but I designed them to feel like it was a one on one relationship. (Note: I'm actually surprised that of all the stuff other media copied from the station, this 'style' of audience communication wasn't one of them) It was 'just an email between friends.' It seemed to really work. After all, the database in question was only 14,000 members when I found it) I wonder if readers of this new magazine will get the same vibe. Once those words get officially published, I'll share them with everyone. Would love to hear what you think.

Anyhoo... Not sure if I'll actively search out writing opportunities... Probably not. like I said, I'm not much of a writer.

cheers for reading.
js

Martin Streek

Martin was a colleague and a friend.
We worked together for 6 years.
He was an amazing person.

I'd like to share this little ritual we had...

Sometime during summer, Martin would come into my office at the station. He'd shut the door and pull up a chair. He'd have this look in his eyes, like a little kid at Christmas. His energy was contagious. I knew what was about to happen...

He'd give me 3 hints on what his Halloween costume would be this year and I'd have a chance to guess what it is. His costumes were always so elaborate. Over the six years of trying to guess, I never even came close. (That's Martin above in his "Uncle Sam" costume.)

Fast Forward

I met with Martin a few weeks back to discuss 'what's next' for him. He had some amazing ideas. We were all pretty excited about a future that included working together once again.

This is a real shock. Martin will be missed by so many.
Prayers to his friends, family and fans.
js

below photo: flickr.com/photos/mbake

My Attempt at the World's Shortest Blog Entry

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Big Thinker Gets Some Press!

Twitter can be a powerful tool for a brand.
We just partnered with Pizza Nova and had some great success.
Story is below.
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http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20090617/pizzanova.html

Site re-design & Dancing Deya

So I always thought "who cares what my website looks like?" Clients will hire me, based on our relationship. I was wrong... and a little bit right. Yes, it's all based on relationships, but I need a better looking website!!!! So I'm working on it....

In the meantime, check out this video of my lil' girl dancing. Camera work by mommy/Jessica. Cameo by pointer/Gracie. Music by MGMT. Oh, and that's not a garbage can she's digging in at the 20-something mark, that's where we keep the dog food. I'm just saying.
cheers,
js

5 reasons Twitter is awesome... or Twaesome!

I love Twitter. I spend all day on it. It's a huge part of my business. Twitter is the perfect social media forum... Here's why:

1)Short attention spans unite! Keeping things under 140 characters allows just enough text to get your message out there, post a link, and/or show some creativity. At the same time 140 characters is not enough space to ramble.

2)It's not exclusive. I don't need permission to be a part of a world. If I choose to follow, then I follow. If someone chooses to follow me, then they can. Be my guest.

3) Less me, More us. I will do you a favour and not show you the 72 pictures from my weekend at the cottage and you will do me a favour and not ask me to join many groups or play many games like f'n Knighthood.

4) Instant info. If you see something in the Trending Topics, then it's news happening right now. You do not need to sign up to someones breaking news alerts, to receive breaking news. It's always breaking on Twitter.

5) Experimental. You can say whatever you want. Tweet & ReTweet away! (Just remember that whatever you say is forever and your name usually appears right next to your tweet)

@BigThinkerJon

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