Archive for March 9th, 2008

Lately I’ve been obsessed about how radio can do things better.

I think we offer great a great product, provide a necessary service, but the way it’s marketed and is moving into the future could use a shake up.

Enter Seth.

Back in 1996, Z95.3 was the first radio station in Canada to get a website. For over a decade we’ve been online, but we’ve not really done anything with it. At a recent music conference, programmers from across the country were talking about strategies for the internet etc.

“As the web evolves, it’s becoming more and more obvious all the time that this is a whole new medium.”

That’s the problem right there - it’s 2008, and we are, just now, planning for this “new medium.”

Radio has been online for almost 12 years, with no direction. Stations have websites cause they know how to make them, and think they should have one. But there’s no true strategy about how to make it work to enhance the brand, generate revenue and build listenership.

Check out the website for this wine store by someone who truly understands how to mix this “new medium” with an old business.

I’ll have some ideas on how radio can get it right coming soon.

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When you go on vacation, and you’re bombarded with the ticky tacky, do you wince under the pressure and part with your pesos for a Corona bar towel? Do you get the Tommy Hilfiger knock tshirt that says “Nassau Bahamas” on it? Maybe pooka shells, or hair braids are more your style?

Not me.

I try and make my souvenirs truly memorable, after all that’s what the name comes from;souvenir is french for memory.

When I went to Morocco in 2002, the pressure to buy Berber rugs is immense. Every market in every town we visited was keen to offer us mint tea and peel off a stack of rugs for us to watch. And they’re clever salesmen. Honestly, had I not been worried about the luggage limit to go back to Canada, I might have relented, but in the end I picked up something much more meaningful, and something that makes me think of Morocco every time I use it.

A mini tagine.

I use it store my kosher salt next to the stove. Everyday as I cook and prepare, I crack it open and think of the ancient mazes in the souk and medina of Fes, where I bought it.

In 2003, I went to Thailand. I took a cooking class and got an apron, complete with the recipe printed on the front. I also picked up a mortar and pestle in Chiang Mai. When I crush cardamom pods to make Coconut Cardamom Burfi, I’m taken back to the elephant ride in the Thai north.

Also in 2003, I ran a marathon for Team Diabetes in Iceland. I really wanted some ice from Iceland. I thought it would be easy to find reusable ice cubes made with the water from the Iceland glaciers and fjords, but they were nowhere to be found. Instead, I found these Icelandic “ice cubes.”

They’re cubes of Icelandic Gabbro rock. You keep them in the freezer, where they stay cold, and then drop a couple in your glass. It’s a chance to truly have a drink “on the rocks” without diluting it.

In a couple weeks we’re heading to France with Zacharie. My souvenir purchase might be a little different. Yes, we will get wine from the Loire. Yes, I will get some Fleur de Sel from Croisic, and I might even be tempted to get an Eiffel Tower keychain on the banks of the Seine. But, I already know the main souvenir I am getting for me and my son - matching shirts with the name and number of his namesake on the back.

Deux maillots avec le numero dix de Zizou.

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My sister in law wrote up a post about how she has successfully navigated some parenting pitfalls over her 2 year career, notably she discovered the music you play your kids does not have to suck.

I totally agree. While we regularly spin some french children’s cds, complete with Frere Jacques lullabies and the like, and I did do up a mixed disc of Sesame Street classics, we’re trying to expose Le Grand Monsieur to something other than a steady diet of Raffi and Charlotte Diamond, mostly for our own sanity.

Here are some child friendly favourites you can drop into the mix, feel free to add your own in the comments.

The Beatles - 1: Yellow Submarine, Penny Lane, She Loves You, 8 Days a Week .. they’re all upbeat, simple to sing, full of rhymes and easy to dance to (for both of you).

Jack Johnson - Curious George Soundtrack: If I didnt tell you it was a kid friendly cd, you would never know. Jack’s laidback flip flop friendly music fits right in for a long Sunday drive.

They Might Be Giants: These guys are legendary for bringing cool music to the kids, they’ve already served up 3 albums, and a DVD of the stuff.

French Playground - Despite its kid-centric vibe, the disc is fun since every track stands out as great world muisc.

Barenaked Ladies - Snack Time: Their last album proclaimed Barenaked Ladies Are Men, and they’re dads too. The Scarborough Lads will serve up this kid’s disc on May 6.

While we’re on the topic of kid friendly stuff that’s easily digestable for adults, you should check out Working Dad’s ongoing series of posts about Children’s Books That Won’t Make Your Hurl.

The Blog According to Buzz. Spread the word, ya heard?