A little bit of sunshine everywhere

Last week a friend of mine passed away. For those of you who knew Nigel Gough, you know he was a good friend, a great friend. The kind of person who walked into a room and lit it up without even knowing; the kind of person you met on the street and then spent the whole day with; he was the kind of person that you would want to know.

He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he was the only person I knew who had 1,613 Facebook friends and was actually friends with every single one of them.

Nyree said it best I think - "Nigel was a little bit of sunshine everywhere." and he was. The only regret I think Nigel would have is leaving behind his family and friends, because he lived the crap out of life. He had an ease about him, as if everything he did was effortless. From his acting to his friendships - Nigel put his whole heart into everything he did.

We met in Guelph - he came there as a mature student already having studied in the States. We first met when he approached me and said "Do you know Nyree??" and our friendship was cemented. He was a friend who was in and out of my life so much, but whenever we saw each other it was as if no time had past.

When he was visiting family in PEI last summer we met up for a whirl-wind day where we not only saw, but also somehow worked our way into the gay pride parade. I showed him my favourite places in Charlottetown, and we met Anne (with an 'e'). Magical things always happened when Nigel was around.

Its hard to imagine a world where he is not but I truly believe the best tribute to Nigel is to live the way that he did. No regrets, no limitations make the impossible, possible. So I'm vowing to go out there and take the world by storm, because its what he would want.


Nigel had a saying, he signed off every email, every Facebook update or wall post with the words shine on. Nigel's light will continue to shine on in the hearts of his family and friends he left behind. My deepest condolences go out to everyone he has touched in his too short lifetime - it is a loss we will all feel for a long time.

Shine on Nigel.

a procrastinators manifesto

Hi, my name is Katie, and I'm a procrastinator.

Right now for example I'm avoiding a group paper on corporate social responsibility. And yet another example to add to the list - I just had a shower to avoid this blog post - true story.

I would stop - really I would, but I have never had a bad mark as a consequence. In fact some of my BEST work happens when I'm under pressure. To be honest a lot of times I get stuff back and re-read it and am surprised by my own genius (half of the time I don't really remember writing it).

So I have a few tips for those looking to put off the inevitable.

#1 - Facebook
Facebook is a great way to avoid work, there are so many people to creep on - so little time (or all the time in the world, your choice).


#2 - Twitter
another social media site I'm aware, but so much of my time spent avoiding work is with the intention of starting soon (a word I am very fond of using as it has no time attached to it).

#3 - Take a shower
How can you be expected to do work if you are unclean?? This may just be my OCD talking.



#4 - Make a snack
Eating is a great form of procrastination. You need nourishment to function at your best don't you?



#5 Call a loved one
I don't know about you but my grandma LOVES to talk, anytime I feel like catching up on the family gossip or feel like telling a joke I give my grandma a call. (or Skype, that's right shes on SKYPE...the camera isn't always pointed at her - but shes there!)

So there you have it. My top five procrastination techniques, and now to think about writing my paper....or perhaps I need a snack???

both hands

this song throws me back to first year uni and well...you know.

Ani needs to make it onto my playlist more often.

we will now take a break from our regularly scheduled transmission...

Not the usual Katie blogging today, but a Caitlin nonetheless. We are commuters, GO train commuters. Katie is fortunate enough to get a ride from time to time, while I ride the GO everyday from Burlington to Long Branch. Remember the show Train48? It aired on Global for about two years. I think the idea was better than the show itself. Sometimes I think I should be on that show. Each episode tracked the lives of 12 daily commuters from Burlington to Union Station. Commuters just like me.

TIP #1: When sharing a four-seat quadrant on the GO, always sit diagonally from the other passenger.

Although we are social beings, when it comes to conversing with strangers we need some personal space. Wherever row seating is present it is preferable to leave a few seats between you and other people. There is always an empty space whether it is at the bus stop, the doctor’s office, on the subway or at the movie theatre. For some reason it’s uncomfortable to sit right next to someone.

TIP #2: Keep conversations to a minimum.

Nothing is more annoying than a loud conversation in the morning. That being said- I’m not saying don’t talk at all; just don’t let the whole train in on the conversation.

Last week, I was riding to school with a friend Kara and we were having a quiet discussion. Behind me was a group of four businessmen. They were not having a quiet discussion but rather a full blown conversation. I could hear their conversation perfectly, but since I too was talking this did not bother me.

Well, there was another man wearing torn jeans, heavy boots, and cycling gloves sitting in the quadrant next to me. The chatter frustrated him as he read his metro newspaper. All of the sudden, this man leans towards me and says, “Excuse me, can you keep it down?”

How do I respond? I’m not being nearly as disruptive as the four businessmen behind me? I’m not swearing, laughing or on the phone.

“Um…yea… sure,” I said. “Sorry?”

I was pissed. There is no way this torn jeans man would have confronted the four businessmen. I was a strategic target. I’m a young lady and in his mind am inferior. By telling me to be quiet he accomplished two things. He not only got me to shut up, but he also managed to get the four businessmen to shut up. And he did this without causing himself any shame or embarrassment.

Guest blog by Caitlin McNamee-Lamb

@caitlinmlamb

cupcakes & activism

Yesterday my friend Kara and I spent our evening baking for a cause. We are part of a group called the Clean Train Student Coalition, and we are advocating for the proposed air-rail link from Union station to Pearson to be electrified.

Metrolinx, a government contracted company, has already started construction on the line and plans to run up to 200 diesel trains through the corridor a day. Diesel poses many problems for both you and the environment. Not only is it hazardous to your health, it affects property prices and pollutes the environment.


The CTSC is a student movement linked to the Clean Train Coalition and are working to build student involvement in the push for electrification.

How can you help you ask?? Sign the online petition! Join our Facebook group! Follow us on Twitter! And if you happen to be near Humber Lakeshore campus today at noon stop by A/B or H to buy a cupcake!

laughter is the best medicine

I do a lot of laughable things in the course of a day. If you're anything like me (klutzy, without a verbal filter and the sense of humor of a 10 year old boy) you do as well. What I believe gets me through my most embarrassing situations is my ability to laugh at myself. I recognize when I've done something hilarious/stupid/embarrassing and I can laugh it off.

I think people appreciate that, because really, what's sad about exploding a canister of whip cream all over yourself??? The answer is nothing - its hilarious. That actually happened by the way...last Sunday to (you guessed it) me.

Now laughter actually IS good for you it can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

So take a leaf from my book and have a chuckle at your own expense every once and awhile! Trust me it makes the whole offending situation less awkward for those around you, and ultimately makes you healthier!

Diary of a Barista Girl

Since high school my fall back job has always been in a coffee shop. It seems to be the one job that is always available.

In University and now College, I spend my free time catering to the coffee elite (or snobs). With their non-fat, decaf, sugar free, half-sweet, no foam why bother lattes. Its frustrating to churn out these drinks - there's no flare in them! (I'm starting to get really interested in latte art as of late and so far can only do the heart.)

Despite what you might think, I actually kinda like my job. We have a lot of really great regular customers, that I name drinks after. Like the Lola latte, a small, skinny, extra hot, extra foam latte.

I've been a Barista for about 5 years - and I can say that it definitely is a skill. One worth having (it's a good party trick) but like with every job it has its downfalls. Like creepers who stay in your shop for the free wifi watch Spanish soaps and talk to themselves. Customers who think they know more than you and co-workers who can be less then pleasant.

I hope to make this a regular or at least reoccurring subject in my blog - I'll upload pictures of my new latte art, talk about funny happenings around the shop and talk (or rant) about customer experiences.

On a less related but hilarious note - have you seen this yet??

I'm glutton for punishment...

And I'll tell you why, I've decided to run a 10KM charity run called the Underware Affair which benefits below the belt cancers this coming August.

I was attracted to the run because of the name. I mean a bunch of people prancing around in their underpants has to be both hilarious and fun right?? right?? Now the more I think about the actual physical activity part of the event, I'm getting scared.

Now lets give you some context. I am in NO WAY a runner. I detested the yearly "12 minute run" in grade school, which I was sure was invented just to punish and embarrass me. I have asthma and always had to stop half way through due to an attack. I somehow talked my way out of the mile run in grade nine and then quit gym immediately following that year (as it was no longer a requirement).

So knowing all this why, oh why did I decide this was a good idea? Well to be frank I think I knew it was a bad idea all along, but I somehow talked myself into doing this and being a taurus - I will see it through to the bitter end.

Whats my big plan you might be wondering. Well the plan is to start training by runing 3km a few times a week - and when I feel comfortable I'll move it up a couple KM and so on and so forth until I hit 10KM.

Now I know this is a lofty goal but as I said I plan on seeing it through - I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress throughout the process and make sure I post some pictures from race day - because I know ya'll are interested in the people in their underpants.

American Idol: keeping up or getting left behind?

American Idol is in its 9th season. Fans who love this show, love it a lot. But the landscape of the show and how people watch, interact and vote have changed significantly over the past 9 years. To keep up American Idol has had to implement an aggressive social media campaign using Facebook, myspace and Twitter to keep viewers interested.

The logical next step for Idol is to implement voting through the use of social media, so fans would be able to vote through Twitter hashtags, myspace comments and even Facebook polls. The only problem with this is infrastructure. Currently the phone lines keep multiple voters to a minimum due to wait time and busy signals, the same is likely to happen with Twitter or Facebook as the servers wouldn't be able to accommodate the influx of users.

Another good step to take would be integrating social media into the live show. They could hold a Twitter poll to see what song a contestant will sing, or ask questions via Facebook. Incorporating social media into live show adds another way for fans to interact which keeps interest in an otherwise formulaic show.

While there has been some amazing talent that has come out of the show not every winner is a hit. Nine seasons is a good run. Paula is gone and Simon is going. American Idol just isn't the same anymore. I think even with the adaptation of social media American Idol is nearing the end.

And to that effect I say don't beat a dead horse.

For more in depth looks into American Idol's social media campaign check out Zoya, Carmen, Caitlin, Kara and Sayurie's Blogs!

Alex and Luke, we finally meet!

I struggled with how to start this because I don't want to a) sound like a super creep and b) gush.

But those two things seem unavoidable so here it goes:


Last week I wrote about Alex and Luke two best friends on a mission to see North America with only social media to guide them. Pretty neat right?? Not nearly as cool as what followed!

I presented their project to my social media class at Humber PR as my "hot topic" assignment never in my wildest dreams did I imagine more then just talking about their awesome endeavor. But the next thing I know my whole class is tweeting @alexandluke to come and talk with us about their trip and they said yes.

That's the power of social media for you, one day Alex and Luke are these two cool people on the internet who don't know me and the next day we are connected! They wrote about my class on their website after our "twitter attack" and we confirmed dates for them to come talk with us.

Yesterday after much anticipation (on my part) I was finally able to meet Alex and Luke. I have to say it was a real pleasure to hear them speak so passionately about their experiment, and that is what makes me believe they will be a success. What they want to achieve across the continent has already started. They are bridging the gap between online relationships, geography and real life. Sure it will sometimes be a challenge - but they seem up for it.

Check out what they had to say about meeting us Humber PR students - and follow their journey! They leave March 20, 2010 and their first directional vote is UP! I am partial to West because of my Guelph connection, but the point is that you get to choose.

Who am I??

well this is my personal brand which puts me one step closer to finding out exactly who I am online. So check it out and let me know what you think!

My Personal Brand

View more presentations from kaitlinthomas.

Road Trip?? Let's let Social Media Drive

Ever just picked up and drove across the country? How about North America? Well Alex and Luke are doing just that, but here's the catch - they have no plans. They're letting all of us out there in the internet world decide where they go, which route they take, and what they see!

This trip has been in the works since September 2009, and they hit the road March 20, 2010. They will be using Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Gowala to get their message out to receive votes and suggestions.



To help them with their road trip you can pledge them anywhere between $10-$25,000. They will send you postcards, souvenirs, cook you a meal and even give away the keys and ownership to the car they used! A portion of all pledges will be donated to charities (different for each region they travel in). I'm planning on pledging to receive a hand made post card from the state, province or territory of my choosing.

I for one can't wait to follow their amazing journey, and participate in something that is truly unique. Right now they only have about 540 fans on Facebook so I'm interested to see how they will use their social media channels and if it will be successful.



Would you be able to hand over control of a road trip and drive across the continent in a Volkswagen rabbit?? I'm not sure if I'm that adventurous but power to you @alexandluke!!

Public Relations IS PR 2.0

I'm not sure about you, but these days I find myself turning to my twitter feed for news on just about anything. I no longer have to pick up the newspaper (and really who wants to? I hate getting ink on my fingers) its all just a mouse click away.

PR 2.0 is the concept, and in Deirdre Breakenridge's article, PR 2.0 a communicators manifesto, this is exactly what she is getting at. PR 2.0 is putting the 'public' back in public relations. As communicators we now have more tools then ever to get our message out there, and reach a wider, global audience.

PR is now driven by technology, and consumers now expect a human connection. A face and voice to put to the brand. Companies are now experiencing more direct communication with their publics then ever before. Its like having a 24/7/365 panel for feedback, and honest feedback at that.

This might have some PR practitioners running for the hills but its in everybody's best interest to embrace PR 2.0. Why you might ask? Because, PR 2.0 is all about effective communication and who communicates better then us? (PR practitioners of course).



Brian Solis makes an excellent point about PR 2.0 in his blog post PR 2.0 = The Evolution of PR, Nothing Less, Nothing More. PR 2.0 is the natural evolution of PR, and it is needed to stay relevant.

PR 2.0 has been ten years in the making , and lets face it, its here to stay. So what do you say we drop the 2.0 already??

light-bulb moments

So from my previous posts it may be obvious that I have mostly been blogging for class assignments. I never really had the desire to blog before, because I felt I didn't really have anything to say.

Well my "light-bulb moment" (Oprah might say ah-ha) came while I was, funnily enough, at a school event (personal brand camp) where I learned that my online identity or my personal brand is just me. Its not about where I want to work, or what part of the public relations field I see myself in, it's who I am as a person and what my values are.

SO this being said, I created this new blog. Its all about ME, and I am aware that this probably isn't what people want to read but it's what I want to read. Get ready for posts about travel, business, music, other light bulb moments, cool things I do and cool things I want to do!

Watch out internet world KATIE'S HERE!!

Kelly Cutrone: New face of PR??

We've all seen her in action on The Hills and The City. She's the boss that everyone loves to hate. Kelly Cutrone makes her employees fire their friends, work until 2am and shake in their boots with her direct, no BS way of communication. In short when you work for her you know exactly where you stand, in the line of fire or out of it.

Cutrone is quickly becoming the public face of PR whether she likes it or not. Gone are the unrealistic images of Samantha from Sex and the City standing at the door of an event with a list dressed to the nines. Instead they are replaced with black clothes, no make up and the rule, which is coincidentally the name of her new book, "If you have to cry, go outside."



On top of appearing on both MTV's The Hills and The City, Cutrone has started filming her own show which follows her firm with the lead up to fashion week 2010. It airs on Monday's starting February 1. This has thrown both her and her employees into the lime light, showcasing their talent and "product". One could argue that this is a perfect pitching tool for new clients, it comes at a perfect time as Cutrone's book is set to launch the day after her show premiers.

MTV Shows

Cutrone giving advice to young girls based on experience

"Give birth to yourself"


Cutrone has built her business from the ground up. Cutrone started her career in in early 20s working for Spin. Between leaving her first PR firm Cutrone & Weinstien and starting Peoples Revolution she took a small break for a year where she lived on Venice beach as a tarot card reader. But the world of PR called her back and she started People's Revolution. Her current company represents 46 clients including Longchamp, Sass & Bide and Vivienne Westwood to name a few.

"Smile a little bit we're trying to sell underwear not beat someone up"

With Cutrone what you see is what you get, she doesn't bend or change herself for anything or anyone. Which is hard to do when you work in a field as dynamic as public relations. To add to her stress cameras are watching her every move during her work day.

Its incredibly refreshing to see the world of PR on display in such a raw form. Cutrone is offering up a more accessible, less glorified version of fashion based public relations, and I for one, like it.

Foursquare....wait...for what?

Foursquare, when I hear that I think of that game I used to play at recess with the rules I could never quite remember. In the internet world Foursquare is the latest social media app that seems to have everyone "checking in" to win. Win what you might ask? Status, badges and bragging rights. Foursquare is a location based social media application, where users "check in" at various locations all over the world. The goal of Foursquare is to unite users with friends and other travellers to unlock the cities in which they live, and travel. As a user you can see where your friends are and recommend different sites, restaurants and activities.


Foursquare was founded by Dennis Crowley, Naveen Selvadurai, Harry Haymann, Nathan Folkman, and Mike Singleton.

Dennis previously worked on a similar project called dogeball.com which was bought out by Google in 2005 and never caught on quite like Foursquare has.




This video is an interesting dialogue from various industry specialists including co-founder Dennis Crowley about the background of Foursquare its various uses and other social media trends.


The site is extremely user friendly with apps for Blackberry, iPhone, Palm and Android making it easy to check in with out the use of a computer. Foursquare is also linked to twitter and facebook making it a logical add on for most people who enjoy merging their various social media outlets. People who use Foursquare get incredibly invested in the "game" aspect of it for the bragging rights but also because businesses have started pairing with the app to offer freebies to "mayors" including drinks and meals, and various other discounts.

But...WHY?

personally, I'm not a fan of this particular application. to me Foursquare seems like a self initiated big brother. You update the members (and lets face it they're mostly strangers) of your exact location. To me, Foursquare seems to be a mugger's dream; if I was looking for an easy mark - I'd look no further then this application, for that reason alone I didn't sign up to see it in use.

Even though they seem to have a stringent terms of use policy it still feels like a blatant over share of your personal whereabouts. And despite that participating in anything that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libelous, deceptive, fraudulent, invasive of another's privacy, tortious, obscene, offensive, or profane; is against their terms of use I am forced to cite the Craigslist murders as an example of violation of on-line trust.

Basically - in this day in age when we can be tracked by cameras or our cell phone usage, how much information is TOO much information?

for a different view check out Jenna's take on Foursquare

for my "elevator pitch" watch below (please don't)

"How To" twitter hashtag

If you are anything like me you recognize Twitter as a new driving force in social media, but you don't quite understand all of its "isms". The concept of the hashtag was lost on me, but after reading this "how to" the world of Twitter has burst open!

I never knew that a hashtag could be used to promote your event, create a group or unite people with common interests. No doubt about it, Twitter has fast become a force to be reckoned with and hashtags are an effective way to create hype and make others aware.

I feel that Ben Parr did a good job of keeping the subject matter low brow (for those of us who are internet challenged) and now I know more then enough to start using hashtags in a way that will enhance my Twitter experience.

If you want to hear more about this particular link be sure to read Zoya and Carmen's blogs!

or if you crave more internet knowledge (as I certainly do) check out these other "How to's"