The Artist Formerly, and Currently, Known as Ricky.

A little bit about M.E. (my.experience.)
Name: Ricky
Nickname of choice: ricky friggen kruger a.k.a RFKjunior
Current industry: Art and all that.
Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys: Spice girl....i never found any of the backstreet boys attractive.
My roots.
Hometown: Kanata Ontario..silicone valley north WHAT.
School attended: Ryerson University
Program: FASHION Communications baby
Approximately how many classes I slept through: Never...im pretty sure i went to every class....except in 4th year..i was slightly dissenchanted.
Favourite crunch-time snack: POUTINE!!!!
In the beginning.
Favourite first industry-related job or internship: IDEA shop event planning.
Company: IDEA SHOP
How many years ago: 6 now....wow
What this experience taught me: Taught me that im good at things and that event planning/fashion is really stressfull all the time even though it shouldnt be..........I absolutely loved it though as i got to do some amazing shows and work with some amazing people...my bosses included(shout out to David and Jann)
The one thing I can’t believe I did here: So many exciting things happened there...looking back i cant believe i dressed up so friggen much..i hate button up shirts because i sweat so much....i remember sweating my balls of at the royal york looking after joan rivers for her show....she siad, "whats wrong with you honey, you look a little hot...how are you gonna get me water when im thirsty if you passing out from god damn heat exhaustion"....oh joan.
Why I’m cool now.
Current employer: My self i guess..haha.
Position: Artist
Cubicle, desk or office: HAHA...not a chance on either of them...i prefer million dollar beach houses(ok...not my full time office...but i worked/ painted in uruguay for 6 months in that very location...SOOOO amazing)...when im not on the coast of U are gay(simpsons) im either in someone/anyones garage or my moms basement...as i am now in ottawa for the next 4 weeks.
Favourite song to get you pumped for work: Anything by rihanna or byonce...but at the moment, "debasser" by the pixies gets me going all the time.
What’s interesting about what I do: What i do is mildly a joke in that i havnt really sold that many paintings yet but i live the life of an established artist..i guess people believe in me early..so i just have to give back some fame and fortune when i do make it big...I travel all over the world..paint sometimes and then meet amazing people who want to help me on my journy..this is the year when i actually make a name for myself...but so far...SOOOO Friggen good.
What I love about this job: I get to paint fun colourfull things and love it.
Work I would prefer to give to the intern: Nope....ill take it all...i even like cleaning my brushes because i like seeing the paint go down the drain.
How can you be as cool as me?
well...if you trust anyone you meet in a dark alley..your on your way..its pretty much the reason im where im at today.
Never leave home without: A smile, a sharpie and some tooth picks.(oh ..and only bring the smile if you know how to use it.)
Just say 'NO' to: Nothing...saying no will only bring you down in life..honestly. ....well a hand job your just not in the mood for...actually...always say no to a hand job..i just dont get them really...waste of my time and my time is worthless.
Advice for people wanting to take your job: Hmm....not sure..i seem to have some steller luck...so unless your packing that...maybe be warry. OHHH yah....leave where you are and go do your art somewhere new...go creat in a dessert or a land fill..if your used to being hot...go cold..if you live in this country..go to that one...art is everywhere you go...no need to hole yourself up somewhere you are used to and bored of.
Caveats of the industry: I honeslty dont even know what that means....but lets go with RED
Kick-ass perks: work your own hours....paint fumes make you forget about student loans sometimes...so thats a plus.
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you: I have no idea what im doing with my life, but I love where its going.

Closing statement: All in all, things are going pretty darned good..i have myself an art patron who is helping me out greatly in helping me find my artistic focus. that really helps...without him i wouldnt be living in coastal beach houses and getting to do what i really want to do...PAINT. The year 2010 seems to be my biggest yet...so if im not settled in my craft by the end of the year i may never come down from this random orbit that is Ricky and my life..we will see. Is that a bad thing...not at all...but it would be nice to buy a toothbrush every month rather then every 5 and wear my 2 week contacts for 2 weeks and not a month and a half...some extra cash to give me those little pleasures would be welcome at some point in the near future. Life experience does is currency in its own right...im loaded...i just want to wash my clothes when i want, not when people make me..haha.

   Ricky's Masterpiece, for more look for his fanpage on FB.

Fake It 'Till You Make It.

A little bit about M.E. (my.experience.)

Name: Alannah
Nickname of choice: Ange or A-Dogg
Current industry: Automotive
Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys: Spice Girls all the way!!!  Girl Power!!!


My roots.
Hometown: Markham
School attended: UofT
Program: Sociology Major
Approximately how many classes I slept through: Too many to name

In the beginning.
Favourite first industry-related job or internship: Fashion
Company: Holts
How many years ago: 6
What this experience taught me: Fake it till you make it (joking).  It's important to be true to yourself.
The one thing I can’t believe I did here: Too many situations to name =P

Why I’m cool now.
Current employer: Mercedes-Benz
Position: Marketing Analyst and Consumer Insight Specialist
Cubicle, desk or office: Cube
Favourite song to get you pumped for work: Don't stop (more of a song of the moment vs. getting pumped for work song)
What’s interesting about what I do: Hot cars =P
What I love about this job: My cool coworkers =)
Work I would prefer to give to the intern: Dealer with lead data

How can you be as cool as me?
Never leave home without: My cell phone
Just say 'NO' to: Nothing, try everything at least once.
Advice for people wanting to take your job: It's not as fab as you might think.
Kick-ass perks: Driving the cars (even if it's on a limited time basis)

Closing statement: Gossip websites are not only entertaining, they are educational as well (joke).  Seriously though, life is short, so enjoy the ride.

Doodle by Alannah. Sweet, no?

Repo Men Movie Review.

I had the unfortunate luck of being convinced to go see the movie "Repo Men" last Sunday. I must admit that I had not once had the desire to see this film but decided to comply as I was going to see it with friends. I do like Jude Law, but that's beside the point.

Repo Men is about the future in which a (monopoly) company offers the residents of the world artificially created organs at an unaffordable price, thus forcing the purchases to be made on credit. If payments are past-due by XX number of days the 'Repo Men' come and reclaim the goods.

Disgusting, cheesy, nonsensical. This movie left me confused, bored and quite frankly mad that I had to sit through it. Too graphic with organ retrieval scenes, too many plot holes and very sad action scenes (think swinging saws and hammers... really, hammers?!?). OH! And my personal favourite- intercourse DURING organ removal. No lie.

The only saving grace was a technical glitch which happened during viewing where the lights turned on and the movie stopped playing mid terrible-action-scene. I thought of it as the Movie Gods answering my prayers. To my disappointment they fixed the issue, but thankfully they did give us all free movie passes for the inconvenience. The staff were standing at the doors when we were exiting saying "sorry for the technical glitch, here's a free movie". They should have been saying "sorry for the two hours of your life you will not get back, the least we could do is a free movie".

DO NOT see this movie. If you do, we are no longer friends. It was quite possibly the worst movie I have ever had to see. In the words of Meryl Streep in DWP, "That's all."

0 out of 5 heels.

Dear Starbucks, I love you.

Today is free pastry day.
Enjoy!

Crossing into Spring...

Spring is here! by Jenny B featuring Shashi bracelets

Alice in Wonderland Movie Review.

Ok, I did it. I finally saw Alice in Wonderland. Koodos to the art direction, costume and make-up design and Tim Burton's usual wondrous style, but truthfully I was underwhelmed.

What do you mean how was the 3D? What 3D? Wait, oh yea - I guess it WAS! They just didn't use the technology well enough to make it count. The marketers sure did their jobs perfectly for Alice in Wonderland, though. Having us trapped in their webs squirming and itching to lay our eyes on the latest tech-savy tale. Unfortunately, the 3D seemed to be an afterthought and I just about forgot the entire thing was shown using this latest medium. Kind of unnecessary, if you ask me.

Apart from the cinematic display that Burton's imagination conjured up, as a package this one really 'lost it's muchness' next to the hype. It's a solid watch, keeps true to the original story and Mr. Depp doesn't disappoint. Actually, I think Johnny Depp is my favourite part. See it in theatres, sure, but skip the IMAX. Rent it, definitely. Just make sure you bring your expectations down before you watch it and you will be just fine.

JB Rating:
3 out of 5 heels.

Luxury Retail Never Looked So Good. The Bay to Holts this Girl's Got Them All Covered.

A little bit about M.E. (my.experience.)

Name: Allison Saretsky
Nickname of choice:  A++
Current industry:  Fashion/Retail Marketing
Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys: Dressed up as Scary Spice through 3 years of Junior High & High School. Respect it.


My roots.
Hometown:  Lloydminster, AB/SK (Canada's only Border City!)
School attended:  Ryerson University
Program:  Fashion Communications, Bachelor of Design
Approximately how many classes I slept through: None. Figured out an AM schedule with my compadres, which "rotated" us through our morning classes
Favourite crunch-time snack: All-Bran Strawberry Squares & Fruit Loops with Skim Milk

In the beginning.

Favourite first industry-related job or internship: Assistant to HBC's Fashion Director, Suzanne Timmins
Company:  Hudson Bay Company
How many years ago:   Five
What this experience taught me:  Express your opinions honestly. Maria Cornejo is always the new black
The one thing I can’t believe I did here:   Spent 52 hours straight in the same 400-foot office space

Why I’m cool now.

Current employer:  Holt Renfrew

Position:  Interactive Marketing Coordinator

Cubicle, desk or office:  Desk at a semi-cubicle, like to think of it as my "Pod"

Favourite song to get you pumped for work:  ANYTHING Hall & Oates, Dirty Dancing by NKOTB

What’s interesting about what I do:  The Interactive side of Marketing is constantly evolving, my job description's been completely rewritten during the past 32 months

What I love about this job:  Working alongside an interesting "motley crew" of Marketers. My shoe collection's also appreciated the attention!

Work I would prefer to give to the intern: Both have been AMAZING! A big plus is copywriting skills, not a soft spot for me, just time-consuming, so any help in this department is appreciated!

How can you be as cool as me?

Never leave home without:  Red, Red Lipstick. YSL, Chanel or NARS

Just say 'NO' to:  I should learn to say no to 60-hour work weeks. Should, coulda, woulda...

Advice for people wanting to take your job:  Ask questions, learn how to work big with a tiny, tiny budget. Network, but be prepared to apply online!

Caveats of the industry:  I'm not my customer (a luxury consumer) by a long shot, but I'm learning more about him & her

Kick-ass perks:  Shoe + Collection

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you: Somebody also said something about Sample Sales... (but you didn't hear that from me!) Thought about Slalom Snowboarding as a career. Yes, a lofty, lofty goal.

Closing statement:  Be good, be bold & speak well of others. You and They will benefit in the long haul.

I asked Allison for a doodle. This is what I got. 
Speaks to her dedication ;)  I'm starting the bid at $50...

Remember Me Movie Review.

Last night a group of 5 girls set out for their Robbert Pattinson fix. What they found was something more.

Remember Me, first and foremost, is absolutely a chick-flick. Boys, steer clear or watch at your own risk. For the ladies out there, be sure to check this one out either in theatres or as a rental. It's not a blockbuster by any means but this movie captures a beautiful side of life - the imperfect side. It speaks to family hardships, coming of age, dealing with loss and finding beauty in life's little moments. At times Remember Me was guilty of trying too hard and teetered on the edge of typical, but quickly redeemed itself.

I was happy to see that there was a 'surprise' reveal towards the end of the film; not exactly Sixth Sense material but a good attempt none-the-less. All the actors including Robert Pattinson (of Twilight), Emilie de Ravin (of Lost) and Pierce Brosnan (of the still sexy, hehe) displayed strong performances. I have to warn you though, if you are known to shed a tear or two be sure to bring some tissues. All five of us caught ourselves swelling up.

JB Rating:
3.5 out of 5 heels.

A little Robby P. to close.

Let it Rock.

This has been the week of rocking out for me. It has also been the week of crawling through the next day of work, Starbucks in hand. Against my better judgment, I decided to grab my leather jacket, skinny jeans and sexy platforms and watch a couple great performances.

First, on Monday March 8, I went to the Muse concert at the Air Canada Centre. Row 16, on the side. Perfect view! These guys were amazing. I had never seen them in concert before and had fallen in love with their music (wait for it - this is the part where you judge me) after hearing Supermassive Black Hole on the Twilight soundtrack. AND WHAT?!  In any case, I was a converted fan. The set was brilliant, a 360 view, no obstructions, with floating blocks where the band members would stand and elevate at times. The energy was perfect and so was the drink in my hand. They played all of my favourites, setlist found here. I highly recommend to see these guys live.

JB Rating:
5 out of 5 heels from this chick.


Next, on Wednesday evening, after Booty Blast class at Flirty Girl Fitness, my girlfriend and I thought it would be a good idea to continue on our musical high from Monday and attend another concert. This time it was a Canadian indie band, Pumps (formerly The Racket), whom I have listened to for many years now. They were playing at Tattoo Rock Parlour, an amazing Toronto venue. After a few shots of Jager we were jumping around and rocking out to their songs, even though we didn't know a single lyric. Pumps played their hearts out and gave an A+ effort equipped with strong vocals, catchy hooks, high energy and hard-core musicality. The night played out more like a Saturday evening but, sadly, we had work the next day. The band and the groupies headed to The Courtyard after the show, but my crew and I all retreated for some well-deserved sleep.

JB Rating:
4 out of 5 heels. The Pumps did hump-day proud.

PUMPS - Things I Wanted to Say from PUMPS on Vimeo.

On a related note, this week is Canadian Music Fest here in Toronto. Be sure to catch some great performances if you are in town and LET IT ROCK.

Let Them Eat Cheesecake. Tamir's Microsoft Journey & How You Can Get There Too (With A Little Cheesecake).

A little bit about M.E. (my.experience.)

Name: Tamir Bar-Haim

Nickname of choice: Tambo
Current industry: High-Tech (hardware/software/services)
Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys: Please. Is this a trick question? New Kids on the Block. The passion, the music, the rat tails, the dancing, the style, it’s no contest.


My roots.
Hometown: Richmond Hill
School attended: Wilfrid Laurier University
Program: Honours BBA, with a focus on marketing
Approximately how many classes I slept through: Almost single Economics class years 1-3
Favourite crunch-time snack: Cheesecake. Any kind. In case you haven’t tried it, the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory can work miracles.

In the beginning.
Favourite first industry-related job or internship: Jr. Product Manager for Multimedia Graphics.
Company: ATI Technologies (now AMD Inc.)
How many years ago: Almost 7 years ago
What this experience taught me: What it takes to survive in the hi-tech industry. Work/Life balance is limited, everything you think you know changes daily and, to be truly successful in the long run, you need to be passionate and knowledgeable about technology (sounds obvious, but many don’t get it).  
The one thing I can’t believe I did here: Day one, I show up to work at my first internship. As I wait for my computer/laptop/something my boss tells me – “there are tons of loose computer parts lying around, build your machine.” I’m a marketing major working in an environment where everyone else was an Engineer so I was a little bit shocked. Not only did I figure this out, I later built critical machines from scratch for the press to test out our newest graphics cards and learnt a tremendous amount about PC architecture along the way.

Why I’m cool now.

Current employer: Microsoft Corp.

Position: Sr. Marketing Manager

Cubicle, desk or office: Office, complete with Raptors bobbleheads, calendars, wind-up toys, figurines and a lunch box. 

Favourite song to get you pumped for work: Renegades of Funk by Rage Against the Machine (not a fan of the politics, but damn, this song does the trick)

What’s interesting about what I do: My job involves helping to launch Microsoft’s most important products (e.g. Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, etc.) and ensuring early adopters are familiar with the technology, are trained to use it and motivated to deploy it within their organizations. 

What I love about this job: Billions of people around the world use the products my company makes and I help to market. There are very, very few other companies that have left such a strong imprint on the world. I know many marketers who feel they are “selling out” by working for the Big Corporation and feel that they aren’t doing any good to society. This is nonsense. I love my company - Microsoft helps everyday people easily share stories, pictures and conversations with each other. I love that Microsoft helps businesses around the world be more productive and provides a platform for those businesses to innovate on. Like Microsoft and others, it’s possible to make a difference and have a positive impact in the Corporate world.  

Work I would prefer to give to the intern: I’ve been that intern! I think it’s important not to just dump busy work on students. For the most part, interns are willing to work harder than everyone else and just want a chance to succeed and learn.

How can you be as cool as me?

Never leave home without: My raincoat. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, Arbor Day, doesn’t matter. It’s not that Seattle is flooded with a tone of rain, but you can bet 6-8 months of the year it will rain at some point during the day. 

Just say 'NO' to: Apple, Google, Linux, CP24. It’s not that I drink the Microsoft kool-aid every day (though it tastes so sweet and wonderful) and insist that our products are always the best of the best (though Zune is great, try it!). I’m the kind of guy who is intensely loyal, and if I’m going to give years of my life to a company, I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot as a stockholder and employee just for an iPod or GoogleTalk. 

Advice for people wanting to take your job: Go for it! Be aggressive. The best advice I ever got was that you OWN your career and nobody will care more about it than you do. Think about your career path often, meet with people who have the job you want and learn what it takes to be successful, create a 5 year plan and look for opportunities to help you get there. 

Caveats of the industry: Everything moves very, very, very quickly. Technology is ever growing and game changers come along all the time. Your 3-year plan will likely last no more than 6 months. You need to constantly innovate and look out for what your competitors are doing. This means long nights and painful days coming along often – make sure you love it and that it’s worth it for you. 

Kick-ass perks: Free drinks (pop, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.) and shuttles to drive us around “campus.” But more importantly, the best perk is a Microsoft Card that gets you 50% a dinner for two at tons of restaurants around the city. When there are 50,000 or so employees in the same city who work at the same company, they can sure band together for kick-ass perks. 

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you: In America they call Pylons “Cones” and they don’t know what a “Garborator” is. Every day is a struggle. 

Closing statement: The Cheesecake Factory has more than 50 different types of cheesecakes. Every single day. Even right now.

And now, a depiction of Tamir's everyday thoughts presented in doodle form.
Click to enlarge.

Fast and Furious Oscar Party.

Decided last minute it might be cool to throw an Oscar party but have NOTHING the day before? Here is your guide to the easiest, fastest and craziest Oscar party!

Step 1: Send your eVites NOW. Not after you read this post, but now. This second, it's ok, I will wait... Text your friends, Facebook them, Tweet it. GO. .... ... .... Ok, good. Now, pause and take the Oscar style quiz! Don't ask why - just do it.

Step 2: Alcohol is always essential when you are having an incredulous party so set up some fabulous drinks for the evening. Here are some themed drinks that will be sure to thrill your guests. Yummy. Let's not forget the Oscar drinking game. Get juicy.

Step 3: Plan your food. Typically on nights like this it's best to let guests know they are free to bring their own snacks and also have some hors d'oeuvres available. Try serving these on cool trays like mirrored plates, star shaped coasters, in shot glasses, on spoon scoops, old DVDs or cases... get creative. Dollar store, IKEA, Wal-Mart or Party Packager's type stores are great for this. If you're really short on time pick up some party platter appetizers at M&Ms or Loblaws for some President's Choice Blue Menu goods (for those watching the waistline). Here are some additional fun movie-themed menu options.

Now that your guests will be taken care of, it's time for some ambience.

Step 4: Decor. Oh my, what a topic. Now keeping in mind you are only a day away, you will need to make-do with a little last-minute decoration.

Create an entrance fit for the stars. Pick up some red vinyl, red fabric or red sheets. You now have a red carpet. Create an entrance 'photo-op' zone by having a friend or camera stand with a timer waiting for guests to take their pictures. A white, gold, silver or black set of sheets will create a great backdrop for this. You can have some plastic trophies as props or even a celebrity image blown up in the background! Brad Pitt anyone? Also, deem a guest as the official 'papparazzi' of the party. Give them a camera and unleash them into the night... post the pictures the next day with captions!

In the main area decide on a colour theme. Black and gold or black and silver tend to work best. Again, Party Packagers or party stores carry great items to throw up with ease. Think stars, streamers, confetti, balloons, boas and disco balls - anything sparkly. Put up 8x10 pics of this year's celebrities around the room in frames to add some star-studded presence. Try using interesting pieces like top hats for candy or flowers. If you have the time to hop out to a flea market or second hand store, this can be a great resource for some magical movie-themed finds.

Step 5: Games. Who can forget about games?! There are a number of ways to handle this. You can have guests participate in many or just one. Here are some ideas: 1) When a guest enters, tape a celebrity name on their back. This is a version of 20 questions. Have them ask other guests questions to find out who they are. If they guess correctly, they win a prize. 2) Get all guests to complete an Oscar pool and pay $2 - $5 each. Winner takes all, ties split. 3) Commercials are boring. Use this time to read speeches guests have made via this acceptance speech creator. Funnn. 4) Have Oscar trivia questions ready to go. 5) Play BINGO during the show. This one is from last year but still works! 6) I said it before but I'll say it again... Oscar drinking game is key.

For prizes try popcorn, fun glasses, DVDs from the $5 section, mini trophies, candy, movie passes or rental certificates.

Step 6: Le voilà! Sit back and enjoy your party. Report back to me on how divine the evening was and have your excuse ready for why I wasn't invited. Hmph.

PS. I totally pick Avatar over Hurt Locker. Sorry.

Party and Bullsh*t - A Designer/Editor's Life.

A little bit about M.E. (my.experience.)

Name: Diana Brucculieri
Nickname of choice: Dee
Current industry: Motion Graphics Designer/Video Editor
Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys: Spice Girls. Definitely.


My roots.
Hometown: Stoney Creek, ON
School attended: Ryerson University
Program: Image Arts New Media
Approximately how many classes I slept through: Definitely a few, but nothing a Tim Ho's double double couldn't fix at the mid-class break.
Favourite crunch-time snack: Super Nibs 

In the beginning.
Favourite first industry-related job or internship: Flare Art Department because I didn't think it would happen!
Company: Flare Magazine

How many years ago: 2

What this experience taught me: That you don't have to match your purse to your shoes shoes and to be aggressive when it comes to snatching a bottle of Hermes perfume from the beauty sale. But really, how to work with a small team within a large company and that working hard and keeping a positive attitude in the work environment will only help you in the future.

The one thing I can’t believe I did here: Scored a bottle of Hermes Kelly Caleche pure perfume at a beauty sale--see above--but shhh... 

Why I’m cool now.

Current employer: RTN Media

Position: Editor

Cubicle, desk or office: Desk within an office/studio space with 2 other editors/designers

Favourite song to get you pumped for work: Currently, Miley Cyrus vs. Biggie Smalls "Party and Bullshit in the USA" Kind of hilarious. 

What’s interesting about what I do: I get to learn everyday while working by making new ads and designs for local companies, whether it's finding a new motion preset or learning a new keyboard  short cut.

What I love about this job: That it's in Whistler, BC. I thought I would come out here to be a lifty, but I was wrong!

Work I would prefer to give to the intern: Converting my motion files into .swf files.

How can you be as cool as me?

Never leave home without: Money, cell phone, iPod, and lately, my camera.

Just say 'NO' to: Conforming.

Advice for people wanting to take your job: Have a strong portfolio and a good personality and don't get upset if people give you constructive criticism, instead, use it, and go back to the person and show them that you can handle change.

Caveats of the industry: Everyone wants to be a graphic designer or does web design--it's pretty competitive, so don't get discouraged. 

Kick-ass perks: Media passes, free lift tickets, having the option to snowboard in the morning and work in the afternoon if it's a sweet pow day.

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you: I found a vintage YSL hand bag in Thailand for under $85 CAN.

Closing statement: The future is now, and time doesn't exist. Live life and don't let money ruin you.

And now... a look into the mind of sweet Dee.