Wear BlackBars for instant anonimity

One of the first rules for parents who travel without their kids is to make sure and bring home gifts. But what does one buy in Kingston that you can’t buy at home in Toronto?

Well, thanks to Tommy Vallier, I didn’t have to think too hard. You see he and Francis Wooby helped guide guests at Podcasters Across Borders (PAB) around Kingston. I had no idea that included helping with gifts for the kids too – it did!

Tommy showed up for the pre-conference not only with bags for everyone but also with a cool pair of glasses called BlackBars from a Minotaur, a local gift store. For $10 a pair, I knew they were so ridiculous the kids would love them and I couldn’t resist.

If you’ve ever had flickrphobia (you know, when you’re afraid of having your mug appear on someone’s flickr or Facebook page) then these glasses are for you too. ;) BTW, they can also be purchased online at http://www.stupidiotic.com.

What’s your favourite ridiculous gift?

photo credit (top photo): David Bailey MBE on flickr

Help fight breast cancer and be part of another social media miracle

If you didn’t catch my earlier post about Keith Burtis’ social miracle, you really should read it … now.

Since then, Keith proposed to Michelle and he said “Yes”.

I met them both the next day and they are as lovely as their legend. Keith made a beautiful sushi set for my sister. He called it “The Prosperity Set” and wrote a wonderful story describing his inspiration.

And now he’s at it again. Keith has partnered with Tommy Vallier and Dave Fleet to help Dave raise money to fight breast cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital. Dave is running the Boston Marathon next month and trying to raise at least $3,000.

Keith is creating a special work of art to be auctioned off on Thursday, March 27, to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to Dave Fleet’s fundraising efforts.

So there you have it, you can be part of another social miracle either by participating in the auction or sponsoring Dave Fleet directly.

Note: The auction begins on Tuesday, March 25 at 9 a.m. EST and ends on Thursday, March 27 at 9 p.m. EST. I’ll add a link to the auction webpage as soon as it’s available.

After a Fashion meets PodCamp Toronto

You didn’t think I’d spend a whole weekend at PodCamp without sharing, did you?

If you’ve been following the adventures of After a Fashion, you’ll be pleased to know Jenny Bullough aka Chloe Barbosa and Paradise Wunderland (that’s me) gave a presentation: “Everything You Need To Know About Second Life”.

Of course we talked about shopping. ;) Jenny also shared her wonderful case study about eHarlequin’s book launches in Second Life. I’m leaving a copy of the slides here so you can have a look:

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There were many fascinating sessions at PodCamp. Check out the media archive you can catch up on the latest in social media and podcasting. See, sometimes the best things in life are free! Thanks to all our sponsors.

Personal note: You may know I was on the PodCamp Toronto 2008 organizing team. I want to give a big shout out the other team members: Connie Crosby, Dave Fleet, Rob Lee, Katherine Matthews, Sean McGaughey, Jay Moonah, and Tommy Vallier. You’re amazing!

Join me at PodCamp Toronto 2008

Last year I extolled the virtues of PodCamp Toronto and told you about some of the wonderful podcasts available. But PodCamp isn’t just about podcasting. It’s THE unconference for podcasting and social media. This year, PodCamp Toronto is taking place February 23 and 24 at Ryerson University in Toronto.

I learned a lot and had a great time meeting new people last year. So when Connie Crosby asked me how I felt about joining the 2008 organizing team, I jumped at the chance. In addition to Connie, this year’s team includes: Dave Fleet, Rob Lee, Katherine Matthews, Sean McGaughey, Jay Moonah, Tommy Vallier and yours truly.

Less than five weeks away, there are already more than 200 people registered and a slew of jam-packed sessions. There is an exciting new concurrent track – From Zero to Podcasting (Z2P) – offering a mix of campfire style discussions and technical presentations aimed at helping everyone, from newcomers to advanced podcasters. You can even start from nothing and learn the skills necessary to plan, prepare, produce, publish and promote your own podcast.

Have a listen to the audio promo.

Hope to see you there. Did I mention registration is FREE! Sign up on the wiki. Volunteer, it’s a great way to get involved and meet new people. If you have something to share, why not offer a session. I am.