Rick Steeves is my Hero!

I believe the guy who has the best gig in life is Rick Steves who does the PBS travel show and I'm getting to understand his world better every day.

Last Monday I touched down on my 35th flight this past year, spending parts of my time in Germany, Spain, France, England, Italy and now the Czech Republic. Sixty eight of us joined the NHL season opening with the Phoenix Coyotes playing the Boston Bruins in the O2 Arena (cell company) last week in Prague and had an amazing time in this Republic.

Europe is a joy and it truly is enriching seeing how others live.

So much is different with some good and some bad.

Spending time in churches and buildings that are anywhere from 500 to 1100 years old is simply stunning.

Most enjoyable is talking to the locals. I spent some time talking with people who lived in the former communist regime. It's overwhelming to hear phrases like "I lost half my life in that rule."

Their English was way better than my Czech but communication is relatively easy as most Czech schools have English immersion.

Their transportation system is tremendous. Prague has 1.2 million people and their metro (lrt) has three lines reaching all corners of the city with 57 stations. They are color coded, lettered, and any important building has an icon so you can see where to jump off.

The system is busy all the time. On the roads all cars are small, as are the streets. I was surprised to see few motorcycles or scooters here as they make up about 35% of the vehicles in other European cities.

The food is excellent, and you'll find precious few fast food outlets. People walk almost everywhere so most of the locals looked in great shape.

Dinner takes a good hour and a half in preparation and they laugh at North Americans for always being in a rush.

"Life is for living" or "good food takes time to prepare" was constantly restated to us.

Try the local food whenever you can. Simple things like fresh bread may amaze you.

Coffee is hit and miss. Some places it's like 1030 weight while others it's just passable. Generally if you order coffee you get espresso. Starbucks is like an oasis at times.

Non smoking areas in restaurants are "few" in Prague so get used to smoking while dining, including cigars.

The money will drive you insane. They use crowns which are approximately 17.35 to a Canadian dollar. Try figuring out a tip while you get over the shock of a 2,000 crown dinner with your pals. ATM's are everywhere, as well as banks. You're advised not to use the "exchanges" found around tourist areas as they have high commission charges.

Most overwhelming on this trip was the difference in terrorist perception warnings. We left the morning of the big Al Queda warning in North America yet saw "no increase" of security at any point along the way including London's Heathrow airport. In fact the highest security was actually in the arena - which is overwhelming - as they make you go thru metal detectors; a hand and bag check; and security is constantly wandering around the arena checking things out.

There was nothing of concern anywhere on the streets and life was virtually normal yet CNN continued to pound away to the world for almost the entire week.

The dominant theme for me, is that I wished I had paid better attention when I went to school. When you're standing in front of those giant historical landmarks, staring at paintings like the Mona Lisa, or hearing stories about King Wensaslas, the feeling of awe was amazing.

I tried as hard as I could to close my eyes and visualize people from 500 years ago walking down the cobblestone roads, or walking over bridges that somehow were built by hand generations ago and not only are functional but often depict history through statues and carvings on them.

Jet lag isn't much fun to deal with and there is little you can do about it. It's different for everybody but simply put you travel for anywhere between 9 to 18 hours and sleep is difficult on the plane. Your stomach and brain quickly loose their time clock as you try to figure out do I have dinner or breakfast. Day by day it gets better so the longer you can stay here the better.

Make sure you advise your bank and credit card companies that you are here or your bank accounts could be frozen due to security concerns. Travel with little cash and, as they say, "beware the gypsies" who are professional pick pockets. You can't feel a thing and it only takes an instant for them to fleece you of your purse, wallet, credit cards and passport. Lock those important things in your hotel room.

The hotel Concierge is your best friend and will point out these things as well as give you maps and valuable advice. Most big cities in Europe have very efficient and cheap transportation services. Take some time to map your stops/transfers off and you will be fine. Driving can be a challenge on very small roads and parking is often impossible.

Remember a universal power adapter as Europe is on a different system. You'll need to charge cell phones, iPods, etc.

Cabs can be frightening. On this trip the cabbie hit 170 kph down a road that would resemble the Whitemud. Speed limit was 80 kph.

Caution first in travelling, and especially late at night after you've been tipping a few local ale. You'll get around most of these countries with just English. Often you have to ask one or two people for help, and their speech is fractured, but it really isn't hard existing without speaking the language.

Again I wish I'd have studied harder in school as many Europeans speak multiple languages.

People are very knowledgeable OVER THERE about the sport and extremely proud of any Czech player who makes it to the league. One waiter told me that he has the NHL centre ice package and he wakes up at 4 am his time to watch his favorite team, the LA Kings play. "I pray the game doesn't go to a shoot out on the days I have to work."

Finally, A TIP...set up a Facebook site if you're travelling with a group. Give each of the guests access to post pictures. Often you'll get different views or pictures of areas you may have missed and when you pool all the shots can us "the best of them" when you print later.

Kudos to the Phoenix Coyotes and the NHL for the amazing showcase. They show up with tents, a stage, and a mini rink that gets set up in the centre of Old Town (400 years ago) and play road hockey with kids. Same to Foxsports Arizona's Graham Taylor who made me "Fan of the Day" and posted my comments on their site.

As a final 'thank you' the Coyotes President Mike Neely came by to invite 'all of us' to a reunion at a future Coyotes game. Bonus!

Service in Canada is an Oxymoron

On my trips back and forth from Canada to Arizona (and back) one thing has become very apparent to me in my travels.

Service in Canada is far worse than it is in the United States.

Now I know everybody hates generalities BUT I could go on for a very long time about the poor service we are 'used to' in Canada.

A few examples.

Ace Hardware is a small chain in the United States. They've resisted the urge to become one of those 'mega' size stores that often can bridge two time zones in one building. If you need help there a friendly human being will guide you directly to the proper aisle and then stand with you to make sure you buy the exact item - which in a store like that can be difficult with the various sizes. In Canada you're lucky to get someone who will say "Aisle one hundred and seven."

Last week I was looking for a simple $9.00 'timer' that I wanted to bring back here to Edmonon with me. Actually I needed three - and they only had two.

The place was being renovated so the gent apologized that it might be difficult to find the part quickly so let me take your cell number and I'll order one for you and you can pick it up later. Later ended up being half an hour. Instead of sending me to another store another ACE member 'drove it over' to the store I was shopping in.

Contrast that with my visit to ROGERS Wireless Store today where I wanted to buy the new Blackberry Torch. It officially doesn't arrive here til Friday (except they couldn't even confirm that even after stating to them that it is all over their advertising on television) - so I asked if I could pay for it now so that I could pick it up on Friday. Nope.

Then I asked if I could leave a DEPOSIT and pick it up on Friday. Nope.

Then I asked if they could let me know IF and WHEN the Torch came in on Friday. Nope.

I was handed a card and asked to call THEM sometime on Friday. Nope.

Now this, depending on the package you buy, could be as little as a $200.00 purchase or as high as (guessing)$600.

Plus the major bucks I have to spend to have a package that works in both Canada and the United States. (My average bill is $225.00 a month) - and this should qualify as a 'major' purchase - right?

Well I took the card and drove about two blocks away where, in about 30 seconds, BEST BUY took my deposit and guaranteed me a Friday pickup of my new BB Torch. (Being an early adapter has its inherent problems eh?)

If you Google "worst companies in Canada" - guess who shows up in the top 3? Our Canadian Cell providers.

Roll this out to restaurants, car dealerships, etc. and you'll see what I mean.

I cracked a windshield on the BMW Z4 on the way down last time and when I called to make an appointment they asked me "what time do you want US to come by?" That's right - two guys were over to my garage within the hour to install it at the condo. Anybody do that here?

The Cheesecake Factory down there is a gem - with deserts as big as Rexall Stadium. At a dinner one time the waitress came over and thanked us for the business and gave all FIVE of us a gift certificate to visit again, which actually matched the full value of what we spent.

Now you can bash the Yew Ess of Eh all you want - and I'm again being general in my comments - but time after time when people come to visit they have the exact same observation.

So ROGERS - thanks again for reaffirming my belief in how well you treat your most loyal customers. I get a big laugh out of the "call one of our live agents" commercials on television right now. I would - but I just don't have the time to sit and wait an hour and a half listening to a piano solo while 'on hold' ....

The Name Game

I was watching tennis this morning and thinking it's a good thing some of these players didn't play a 'team' game because their names are so long they'd go from elbow to elbow on their jerseys and the play by play guys would have a fit pronouncing them.

Then I got to thinking about how important your last name is.

On my last visit to see Mom in Toronto I asked her to sit down and tell me about her extended family. Her Mom. Her Father. Grandfather. Grandmother. Etc. Mom is over 80 years old so I was expecting a foggy memory but it was amazing how quickly and clearly she went back to her childhood and gave me some great insight into how she (I) got to our lives here in Canada.

My Dad died too young for me to be wise enough to ask that same question so I don't have that opportunity to search the other side of the clan.

Luckily he must have had some interest in it too because there was a Genealogy folder in his house when he passed away and it chronicled the "Forbes" legacy going back hundreds of years to Scotland. It's how I know the family credo "Grace Me Guide" and for my former interest in a certain local libation.

A scan through the 'tree' is a fascinating adventure and you can easily dream up some entertaining fantasy from hundreds of years ago that your family members were probably involved in.

I get two questions, mostly about my name.

1) Are you related to the Forbes Magazine family (answer: I wish) and
2) Are you related to Mugsy Forbes (no: but he gets the same one about me)

I'm happy to say the Forbes name carries a quality perception due to what my family has accomplished in our chosen industry.

My late father left us in 1981 and his legacy with CHED and Santa's Anonymous is being recognized in the building of the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit. (www.jerryforbescentre.ca) As I'm sure you can imagine his image in the business carried brothers Gord and Gerry to an expected height.

The two biggest compliments I ever received were:

1) "The name is as close to royalty in Canadian radio as possible.
2) "The name is synonymous with success."

Thank you gentlemen.

The unfortunate part for the Forbes clan now is that I have two daughters who, when they marry, will most likely drop the Forbes name. Brother Gerry has been banned from having children (I Jest) and that's a good thing. Brother Gord also has a daughter and thankfully a son (Joel) who carries the name. We indeed will put great pressure upon him to have 12 children - all boys - (I don't mean it in a sexist way) so that they can carry the Forbes torch into the next century and so that his children can sit down one day and wonder why a European tennis player would use a hyphenated name that had a letter count well into the 20 digit area and also so that his kids can share a little historical pride in his heritage too.

Your name has 'great' importance and the more you know about it the more it rewards you.

I'm damn proud of the Forbes name and hope you are of yours too.

Ask your Mom and Dad the same question - Grampa and Granny if you can too - and I'm sure their faces will well up with pride when they unfold your interesting path from the past.

Leadership

I've spent the last week or so talking about 'leadership' after throwing out the challenge to Edmonton's youth in my Edmonton Sun article a few weeks back. It's been an interesting project and I'm working on something tentatively called "Bridging the Gap" that should be ready in the upcoming weeks. Til then, this Business Week article is of great interest and timely in my discussions with the upcoming leaders of our city.

Put Leadership Training on the Front Burner

The recession prompted corporations to cut leadership programs, and the deficiency will show up—in their bottom lines

When organizations worldwide took belt-tightening measures after the recession officially began in December 2007, training in general was on the chopping block—and along with it went leadership training. In a 2008 study conducted by learning service firm Expertus, 48 percent of the 84 corporate and government training professionals surveyed reported they were slashing their 2009 training budgets. That was up from 41 percent the previous year.

As the recession progressed, organizations continued cutting these programs. A 2009 article in The National Law Journal noted: "Leadership consultants said that firms are reducing leadership training, scaling back earlier training commitments."

Now that the economy is showing signs of strength, it's time to bring back leadership training.

KEEPING WEEDS IN CHECK

A protracted lack of training is much like a neglected garden; ultimately, weeds stifle and choke organizational growth. Over the past three years, job insecurity and economic uncertainty have dampened morale. Add to that the lack of leadership training and cohesive guidance from top management, and you have a double drain on productivity.

During lean times, managers have been in crisis mode, not taking the time to motivate or follow the corporate vision, but rather maintaining the status quo instead. People skills have fallen to last place on the priority list, and the company vision broadcast in 2006 is stated nowhere but on some dusty rolled-up poster.

Now imagine how a new leadership training program, even a modest one, can provide much-needed manicuring to the untended garden. Your chief executive—the landscape architect—should initiate the effort via a vision of growth and innovation and ultimately, greater profits.

WHEN RESULTS CAN BE IMMEDIATE

Organizations may have cut funds for training, but they may not be able to afford putting it off forever. Perhaps the myth still exists that leadership training is a costly, time-consuming measure with only long-term gain—when in fact, relatively low-cost measures can reap immediate results.

For example, you could give a one-day workshop on strategic growth initiatives, motivating staff through enhanced communications or improving skills for virtual-team leadership. Sure, this will mean time spent planning the workshop and perhaps money invested in hiring an outside facilitator, but it could contribute to the bottom line in hours. A motivated salesperson, invigorated by a sales manager's genuine public praise one morning, can easily precipitate a sales spike that afternoon.

Other good subject matter for leadership training sessions includes: implementing career pathing for employees; setting objectives and expectations and monitoring them among staff; delegating tasks to others; team building and creating a sense of community; mentoring and helping teams maximize their potential; and establishing alignment with business and personal goals.

These days, businesses have a segment of employees inspired to work only because they want to keep their jobs. But as employment improves, survival won't be enough to compel them to leap out of bed in the morning.

A KEY TO INVIGORATING EMPLOYEES

Leaders must know how to motivate their teams to work for mutual success and the larger success of the company. Even with the economy still faltering, more progressive companies are considering restarting leadership training. They recognize it as a wise investment in creating an invigorated workforce.

Researchers from Harvard and McGill universities carried out a six-year global study of companies that sought improved working conditions at all levels of their business and managed to be profitable at the same time. The researchers found that these companies—ranging in size from small outfits of 27 employees to Fortune 50 corporations of 126,000—knew how to support leadership at every level and how to listen to employees,

One company, Costco, found that developing the skills and talent of its employees helped recruitment and improved the long-term quality of management.

Managers must include interpersonal intelligence in their leadership tool kit. They must demonstrate that they are trustworthy and transparent. In numerous studies conducted by our own firm, the "trust gap" between the boss and employee is clearly evident. But the trust gap can be reset.

You can initiate the charge for leadership training in your company. Components of such a program may include the following:

• Connecting with staff. Managers need good communication and emotional-intelligence skills—sensitivity to people's feelings and the ability to work through those feelings. Whereas many managers will do anything to avoid conflict, emotionally intelligent ones thrive on confronting situations and resolving them.

• Making managers better coaches and mentors. Leaders should be trained by senior management and HR on how to guide employees in their career development. Managers should carefully review policy manuals and uphold expected "good character" standards and serve as role models for other employees. That also means being open to suggestions and genuinely appreciating diverse opinions.

• Listening and giving feedback. When designing a training program, solicit managerial input as much as possible. Ask frontline employees for their insights on what kind of corporate learning would make the company more competitive, for example. Customer-facing employees possess a treasure trove of data that is rarely mined sufficiently. If a client expresses interest in a modification to a product or service—but your representative feels like a cog in a wheel who is too junior to act on such "high level" input—it can mean lost revenue opportunities. In one study our firm commissioned, 93 percent of employees said that job satisfaction improves when managers are receptive to new ideas and approaches.

• Having a clear vision. Make sure leaders understand the corporate vision and can enlighten employees about it. If the company wants to focus on its hometown roots instead of its global capabilities, for example, leadership training should outline that plan. If the company's mission is stated clearly and often, it will help guide employees in their thinking and create a sense of purpose.

• Understanding how parts make up the whole. Leaders need to learn how to communicate the company's big ideas and objectives to workers and to commend individuals for their contributions toward goals. For example, a manager might say, "Your data mining project is really helping to increase sales, because we can now target users with advertising better than ever before." By keeping employees in the loop, leaders constantly uplift and engage staff.

Companies that weed out bad practices and nourish new leaders will see renewed growth, yielding a flourishing landscape of profits.

Bak too Skool

One of my late Father's best sayings was "I got old too soon and smart too late." Today I can relate. I attended a special lunch put on by the Edmonton Public School Board Foundation in the Sir John A McDonald School downtown.

Unlike most media events at places like the Westin we had home made sandwiches - and they even baked me a cake as extra bribery. PS: It was great!

This is a 100 year old school that, after renovations a few years ago, looks brand spanking new - and carries the ambience that only a school that old can carry.

I was a guest of the amazing Sandra Woitis - one of those women that can only operate on two speeds. Full. And Off.

She is a charmer; smart as a whip; and probably 'thee' most motivated woman on the face of the earth - because she works in an atmosphere of almost insurmountable challenge - yet you'll never see or feel any frustration about it.

She simply works harder - and smarter.

The EPSB Foundation operates to help raise funds to do 'special' work within the school system that is either partially funded or NOT funded at all through normal channels.

Today we saw the results of their Early Intervention program.

To over simplify - research has proven that most of the cognitive growth in children happens in years 3 to 6 - or the 'pre school' era. During this time it is extremely important to get them off to a fighting start in both 'life' and 'education.'

Now this is a special school - because it's in a very poor part of town - and is virtually the United Nations of education. Children from all over the world were in the classes we toured through and 'many' of them relatively recent arrivals from another country.

I'm sure you can see the challenge. They hardly even know 'English' and here they are starting their education cycle in a land where they are very unfamiliar with the surroundings.

Many of these kids have rough home environments or no home environment at all so it's important to fill them with optimism and opportunity.

The Assistant Principal is a Paul Bunyan kind of guy - tall and imposing - and certainly garners the respect of the children instantly. Of note in wandering around the school I was knocked out about how clean and well organized it was - certainly not the same vision we see in 'bad movies' from around the world.

Sandra's purpose today in inviting many of us was simply to 'open our eyes.' Often we live in a bubble and don't realize how some of these kids live.

In my years in the United Way it was clear to me that a 'healthy' community starts when kids are educated and 'happy.' When they see hope they are motivated to continue to learn. When they don't - well we've seen the results.

Drugs - robbery - drop outs - no jobs - jail - it's an endless cycle.

After lunch we went on a tour of the school and I was thrilled to walk into the Music Room and see the kids on musical instruments that we paid for a few years back with The Bear's Children's Fund. It's this type of funding that doesn't come through the 'normal' channels and these kids simply wouldn't have this opportunity (most can't afford private lessons) - so they can now follow their musical goals within the school system.

So my job is to 'spread the word' and 'write a cheque.' I'm going to do both.

Paula Simmons from the Edmonton Journal was there and has written columns about the EPSB Foundation in the past and I believe is highly supportive of the program so I'm sure we'll be reading more in the newspaper too.

But to my friends, and associates, please take the time to ask me about the program and if you can help out "great."

I can safely say the highly motivated teachers and good people like Sandra would highly appreciate it - and I know that the money donated would go to a very good cause.

Good kids who need a break!

Edmontonians

OK. It’s time for me to weigh in on the Edmonton "entertainment complex" issue.

To be clear I'm on the very positive side of the "I really want one of these" debate, but not at ‘any cost’ and certainly not under the ‘cloudy skies’ of transparency that I see right now.

Like most others in our city I’m a tad confused on the Katz Group approach, so far, to building this great new complex.



So let's review. We want to develop an area that includes: great shopping, several top notch retail outlets, hotel(s), movie theaters, restaurants and bars, and it has to have lots of parking spots and all be centered around a hockey rink!

Correct?



Bingo.

What’s the concern? We already have one. It's called West Edmonton Mall.



Ok they'd have to charge for parking at WEM and add a few seats to the arena to make it work, (I jest!) and they’d have to hope that people forget that the Mall ‘is’ the reason our downtown core got decimated a generation ago.



But seriously, with no disrespect to the great job that Jim Taylor and the Downtown Business Association has done over the past several years, there is no doubt that the downtown needs to be further revitalized and an ‘on going plan of improvement’ be unveiled for the ‘former’ City of Champions but I’m terribly concerned about the way this whole thing has been brought forward to the citizens of our city to date.

First off, the timing is horrible.

We have an election coming this fall and our Mayor (and several Councilors ), have to protect the non sporting fans interests (rightfully so) and they probably don't want to wear the referee's uniform on the Arena issue by making it the main point of interest in a city that is going through massive growing pains and has several other ‘must need’ concerns to deal with BEFORE we build this new edifice.



But the biggest baffling point to me is at the man who's vision we are asking to embrace has not been seen anywhere in public except on You Tube.

To this point only Katz Group or Edmonton Oiler officials have presented drawings and concepts publicly to date.

Other than the “zoning” meeting the ‘big players’ (Katz/City of Edmonton/Northlands) have not been in the same room at the same time getting the concerns of each in a face to face progressive discussion.

Now rich people are a different sort from you and I but one thing I know is at they got rich off the money from the same people who are the ones who are asking the relevant questions - that being - who is going to pay for this – and what’s the benefit in my back yard?





Next I think the people of this city need a few more major corporate names to publicly state that they have indeed bought in.

Names like Westin, Mariott, Best Buy, Sears, Canadian tire, etc – or better stated… “the companies that will be making considerable profits off of people in that area who are attending the games supporting businesses in this new complex.



Next, I think the people of Edmonton would like to see a little more respect displayed for Northlands, who seemingly are being left out of the cold at this moment. 



Northlands economic impact on our city has been huge and has operated very successfully for a very long time in the ‘entertainment’ field in Edmonton.

They have the expertise – the contacts – and the ‘depth’ to handle that portion of the needs while the hockey team focuses on “getting out of the bottom of the league” during this same three year time frame to build the arena complex.

This should be a ‘partnership’ not a ‘competition’ between buildings.

On another point, Edmonton Oilers President Patrick LaForge had promised me an explanation on the Oiler Community Foundation story about the exceedingly high ‘expense rate’ that they operate their foundation under – in order to help build “City High” downtown. Unfortunately deadlines didn’t align and I didn’t receive the document.

I know their intention is good; and the project very worthwhile, but running a highly expensive lottery up against the United Way; Caritas Foundation and the Royal Alexander Hospital Foundation simply doesn’t make sense. Time to rethink that and focus on what you do best while the fundraisers focus on what they do best.

Finally this is no time for smoke and mirrors.

I like what I saw at the Art Gallery demo day and I'm pleased at the hiring of highly respected media guy Steve Hogle, as that signifies ‘new blood’ in the organization, but please Mr. Katz – “get off the Internet and get your 'brass' in front of the media and the people of Edmonton” so that we can get tons big questions answered by the guy who ultimately has the final say.

Book Rexall Place. Put the media in the front few rows; then fill the rest of the seats with concerned citizens. Open the mic up – and answer the tough questions – all of them – and get us ‘all’ on side of the proposal.

Bring Kevin Lowe too – he’s the biggest link from the very successful past to the ‘who knows’ what future of this hockey team.

Put ALL the positives on the table.

It’s time!

Or I simply think you’ll be risking a plebiscite and from past history that probably won’t play well in to your favour.

Edmonton needs to know….Who pays for what? Who benefits from this? When will the Northlands scenario be announced? When will we win the Stanley Cup? Are we going to pay controversial “Seat Ownership” fees?

Edmonton is long known as a city that doesn’t think big (sorry guys – had to say it) – and this is a very very BIG deal with ‘great’ benefits for Edmonton.

Not being totally visible and transparent is not the way to go… being a little “Trump-ish” wouldn’t hurt a bit at this time.

Ipad - get ready Canada

My friends and family joke that I have the 'best toys' in the world - yet being an early adapter I have paid the price. $2500 for the first Betamax that weighed about 18 pounds - another $2500 for my first cell phone. But I just bought the best toy ever invented and I don't care what it costs because "it's worth it."

I bought my IPad in Arizona yesterday - and intiated it down here in the States. It's a huge benefit because you will probably have 'triple' the video choices and possibly 'double' the book and "app" choices due to the competitive landscape down here versus the 'not so' competitive media landscape in Canada.

Most of the best video rights are 'tied up' in the States and unavailable in Canada.

But the up side is "wow is this amazing." A 9.5 inch crystal clear screen. HD video. About a pound and a half. Very quick start up time. With little or no instructions you're playing with this thing in about fifteen minutes.

It's hard to make a mistake. Just hit buttons and good things happen.

Without playing on it yourself it really is hard to describe the amazing impact with this unit. It does EVERYTHING - and at lightening speed. Audio - video - newspapers - apps for virtually every banking feature; restaurants; google; Netflix (download unlimited new movies for $8.99 a month - get outta town!)

I got the 'big' unit - 64 gb cuz I know I'll be using it lots for both personal and business use. Wifi/3G gives you 'every' option you need. Use your home wifi - then walk outdoors and it works off a 3G subscription. ($14 to $29 a month)

I've loaded it here in the States for viewing and use in Canada - and that will remain my pattern.

Hurdles? I signed on with my Canadian ITUNES account (you need one) - and it immediately shut down the APPS store as it is N/A in Canada - to date. I then got signed on and tried to use my American Express and it again shut me down. You can order FROM Canada on an Amex - but not the other way around.

So back to the bank - rejig to my American visa and away it went.

It took mere minutes to load several 'free' apps - and the descriptions of both free and paid apps were clear.

I then ordered a new book - which took less than 15 seconds to download and debit my Visa. See a word you don't know - hit the button and in less than a second the Dictionary kicks in.

Video is amazing. I watched last nights NHL game this morning. If you want 'just the highlights' theres a button for that.

The worst part of the new IPad? It's addictive....because you can leaf through 'the world in an instant' any time you want. It's very hard to put down because there's just so much practicality (and fun) at your fingertips.

One thing Canadian media will have to be aware of is "you need an Apple app" for your Media Players or Digital editions to work. Websites are fine but theres a big black hole where the video player sits in Canada on the US unit. Digitals come out in very strange unreadable version. Check the USA TODAY app and you'll find it simple and easy to use.

Canadian media will 'have to adapt' or be left behind.

As I posted to my Twitter earlier today "I may never speak to a human being again." My good friend Daryl Hooke replied "works for us too."

Seriously this is a category changer and when it comes to Canada you'll see what I mean.

Back to the Apps store. The pool can wait!

It's all about respect

My daughter Rayanne asked me if I would come to the Military base to help welcome her boyfriend Nate back from his 7 months of 'fighting for his country' in Afghanistan last night.

It took me about one second to say "absolutely.'

I'm glad I did because I 'upped' my respect not only for the Military who make the world a safer place for all of us - but for the women, children, and spouses who also pay a huge price while they stay back here in Canada.

Like most of us the longest I think I've seen a report on the terrible war is about 'twenty seconds' - because that's about as much content television shows give us during the nightly news - that is until there's a death over there and then we at least get to know 'a little' about the military men and women who lost their lives.

I walked into a very empty 'gym' on the base thinking we had the wrong spot - then one by one - the place began to fill up. Tim Hortons donuts and coffee were provided for us (Thanks Timmy!) - and then a four piece military band showed up and started to play songs.

After about twenty minutes the room started to fill up with Mothers - Fathers - Wives - children - and 'babies' - many of them clutching gifts for the soldier. Flowers. Pictures. Balloons.

Most of the groups sat 'alone' - not in large groups - which only magnified the 'personal" aspect of the welcome back event.

There was no look of 'happiness' on their faces - it was more a look of "thank god they are coming home safe" look.

I tried to guess the ages of the babies in the mothers hands - and, with help from my wife Kim, figured that most were "under" one year old - meaning that the Fathers probably were fortunate enough just to welcome their child into the world only to kiss the wife and baby goodbye - and to fly half way around the world to fight somebody else's war.

Finally - the door to the gym opened up and a beautiful large bus poked it's nose into the hall. Later we heard that the POLICE had ushered the troops from the Edmonton Airport all the way through town to enjoy this moment without interruption from traffic - which surely helped the Troops hearts beat just a little bit quicker.

As the door opened - 'everybody' in the room cheered. The band hit a high note - and one by one 'in full uniform' the soldiers walked into the gym. It was virtually impossible to figure out who was who quickly as they simply all looked the same.

The moment that the eye to eye contact was made by soldier to family member a most beautiful look became visible on their faces. A massive hug took place - a sigh of relief was felt - and that moment or two of 'love' that was being shared simpy overwhelmed me.

The most touching moment for me was standing beside a mother who was holding about a six month old child in her hands. "Dad" walked over - she handed him his new baby - and all i could think about was quickly snapping a picture and placing it on my Facebook site with a small caption that said "Dad - meet your son!"

Nate simply walked over to us - hugged Rayanne - and about the third phrase that came out of his mouth was "I don't ever want to go back there."

After seven months; after living in foxholes - dodging IED's' - losing some friends - he stated "I really don't know how much progress we made - they don't seem to want to change anything - and their religious beliefs can not be overcome."

He had flown for 25 hours - was 10 and a half hours out of whack time zone wise - and was now back on 'secure' land for the first time in more than half a year.

I shook his hand as firm as I possibly can - but don't know if there was 'any' way I could tell him how much respect I have for what he had just accomplished. My generation can only be described as "spoiled" - and never had to serve in such a situation.

We have overpaid hockey payers whining about their lots in life and I could only think how wonderful it would be to exchange that hockey stick for a gun and see how much their lives and their families lives would change.

In any case - life becomes 'normal' again in our household. My daughter doesn't have to stay up worrying anymore when another military death occurs over there and we all wait until the announcement of their names to make sure that Nate was still alive.

Oh - and the most ironic part. The news clip on their arrival was on the television this morning. I timed it. Twenty seconds.

That's way too little to express what I saw last night.

God bless our military and their families - they all pay the price for our wonderful life on this side of the world.

Radiothon's are more than just $'s

Our big Astral Media "National Day of Caring for Kids" Radiothon goes Thursday, April 29th, from 6am to 6pm, coast to coast across Canada - and for those involved for the 'first time' in an event of this magnitude let me tell you some of the 'bonus aspects of the Radiothon.

First off, we will raise 'millions" of dollars for Children's Miracle Network Hospital foundations and many various child related hospitals or organizations. That's our job.

But the 'bonus' part happens in the most personal of manners when you 'get it.'

Let me explain.

The Bear/EZ Rock/Team 1260 in Edmonton has been doing a Radiothon for the Stollery Children's Hospital for the past several years. The team of broadcasters; support staff; and foundation members co-ordinate a most amazing day of fund raising 'inside' the hospital.

A few years ago, when we added the Sports station to the broadcast, one big burly Talk Show host who hadn't done one of these events before gave me a bit of a bad time about why he "had" to do his show from the hospital - in that "it wasn't sports."

We discussed the situation, and we made sure that he knew that the guys he'd be "talking to" on the air we're actually sports personalities. Edmonton Eskimo CFL players; Edmonton Oiler Hockey Players - "Dads."

As the broadcast started one of the families we were dealing with had a piece of equipment called a "Berlin Heart" being used on their child. He was only about six years old and this "plastic looking" heart was keeping him alive while they waited for a heart transplant. As you can imagine the only way he was going to get a new heart would be if there tragically was a death of another child who could provide a 'compatible' organ.

This Berlin heart is visually overwhelming.

Here's how it works:

http://lane.stanford.edu/portals/cvicu/HCP_CV_Tab_1/BerlinHeart.pdf

While interviewing the parents of the child my big burly sports guy welled up with tears. His heart was in his throat. The mother spoke confidently about the process and the child, in fact, was simply playing with one of his toys beside us like it was just a normal day.

When my sports guy finished the interview the family moved on to the FM stations to conduct interviews on those stations and my guy walked over to me - looking me right in the eye and said "Sorry..I get it."

He's a dad of two small children himself and until you sit in an atmosphere like this; expose yourself to the children, the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, Doctors, Nurses and Foundation members assisting with the cause - you too won't know the magnitude of this amazing day.

The "millions" of dollars are the goal.

The "appreciation' for the incredible people involved in the Health care industry is the bonus.

The 'love' and respect of the parents - says it all.

Thanks for your help guys.

You will sleep with great satisfaction this Thursday.

Jackie Rae Greening

Last week I was invited to speak at the Power Luncheon for the Canadian Women in Communications – Edmonton chapter – which I highly enjoyed.

Today I attended the Edmonton Broadcasters Club Spring Luncheon and listened to guest speaker Jackie Rae Greening.

Too bad these two events weren’t connected because Jackie, as expected, “knocked it out of the park” as I totally knew she would!

First off please understand I have ‘huge’ respect for what Jackie has accomplished ‘not only in radio’ but also for her connection to the community – which is substantial – and also for her being an amazing ‘role model’ for Women broadcasters, heck lets not be sexist for “all” broadcasters.

Jackie prepared her speech on “bar coasters” just like the late Wes Montgomery taught her how to do. She chronicled ‘exactly’ how she got to the top of her field…
a) by paying her dues in smaller markets b) by taking on new positions for the ‘experience’ and not the ‘pay’ understanding that she needed this knowledge to take the next step in her broadcast career.

Next she highlighted how she carefully moved from city to city – station to station – company to company – because each move “lead to the next best thing.”

This did NOT take overnight (sorry kids) – and in between she not only got married (to a rich guy – cuz he had $10,000 in the bank) – but also became one of the top notch curlers in our Province.

Jackie, as classy as she is, carefully ‘thanked’ and acknowledged the people who helped her in her career; but not without the odd witty funny shot or ‘secret’ that had many of us grinning in the audience.

She spent a great deal of time talking about another ‘radio great’ (they won Country Morning show of the Year twice at CMW) – and was very emotional about the moment she had to announce to the CFCW audience on the morning show ‘live’
that the beloved Wes Montgomery had passed away.

She now runs CFCW Camrose/Edmonton, one of the biggest and best Country Music stations in Canada!

So – very simply – the reason I wish these two events had been held together is for the simple fact that the #1 question I was asked at CWC was “how can a women get ahead in broadcasting? – and my answer is simple.

Pretend you’re Jackie Rae Greening.

The world will be your oyster.

Friendship

My father told me many years ago that "if you have three very close friends at the end of your life count yourself lucky." Well I found that hard to believe and I can say I've got a 'plethora' of good friends who'd go to the wall for me - and vice versa - as well as 'friendships' with my family. (I simply can't believe more than 800 of you count 'me' as a Facebook friend - cool)

When you leave a job - a position of influence - and become 'not important' to people anymore it truly is amazing how you can quickly separate friendship from people simply using your 'influence' in their lives.

As well - when you leave a job - a position of influence - and old friends come out of the woodwork and 're-engage' with you that friendship becomes even more important - because these are the friends that are with you 'thru thick and thin' in life.

I often thought a 'friendship' should have a pledge like marriage does "Do you Friend X take me as a friend for life - in sickness and in health - in good times or bad? Because at the end of the day, no matter who you are - what you've accomplished - what you own - or how 'big' you were in your chosen field - friendship is not judgmental in any manner.

They love you for "who you are."

Over this past year in my 'semi-retirement' I've found out that several of my friends were, well not really friends at all. No problem. I move on.

The up side is that some people who were what I would simply call "casual friends" have become very very close friends.

I'm spending more time with them. Laughing with them Creating new ventures with them. Sharing thoughts with them. Traveling with them. Riding motorcycles with them and I haven't missed the 'old friends' at all which I can safely say is "their loss."

Radiowise Inc

Who am I and what am I doing here? I'm a 40 year radio vet - that operates a little consulting company called - ok you allready guessed. Radiowise Inc. With the cutbacks and layoffs prevalent in the industry over the past several years there's a great lack of 'mentoring' out there and this seems to be a role that fits my skills to a tee.

Now - I get to not only work with new - young - upstart companies in small to medium markets - but also with companies that need "media liason."

I do a monthly column for EDMONTONIANS magazine (www.edmontonians.com) and a radio column for Puget Sound Radio (www.pugetsoundradio.com) - but from time to time I just like to vent and spew about the 'rest of life' so that's what you'll find in this little 'blogspot' down the road.

Some of the projects I've completed this past year include all media for the Edmonton Shrine Circus; forming a grassroots advisory committe for the Alberta Research Council; I helped launch a 'great' radio station in Red Deer (Kraze); work with another 'excellent' company in Lethbridge/Medicine Hat (Clear Sky) plus the 'big one' - Astral Media Radio's National Day of Caring for Kids Radiothon (both I and II) - where we'll be raising close to $10 million for Children's Hospitals in Canada on Thursday, April 29th 2010: and I get calls almost weekly from companies in Canada attempting to understand "Social Media" (which has allready exploded in the United States.)

In between 'working' I ride motorcycles in both Alberta and Arizona - spending time in both great areas.

So "just saying hi" - brief introduction with "more to follow."