tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93951332012-01-23T10:43:08.438-05:00PR & Marketing Professional, Writer, Traveller, MusicianAnn Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-31053025471338487492012-01-23T10:42:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:43:08.445-05:00

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-75273119289236750202012-01-02T22:21:00.000-05:002012-01-02T22:23:42.303-05:00

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-28945808657099065102011-12-21T16:00:00.002-05:002011-12-22T09:39:49.667-05:00

Lawyers. We all love' em, right? Hiring a lawyer is an essential part of the home closing process. I was skeptical about the fees lawyers charge - and there seemed to be such a wide variance for simply shuffling around some paperwork. Far from it.Plan to spend at least $1,000 for a lawyer's services. What does your money get you? Title search Obtaining and reviewing a copy of the offer from your

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-47808993179878397242011-12-18T11:40:00.000-05:002011-12-19T10:59:38.239-05:00

There's a feeling you get when you enter the house where it just feels right. After months of house-hunting, I finally found a cozy, two-bedroom bungalow nestled in an older neighbourhood. Many original owners of the post-ware era homes were moving out. An influx of young professionals, families and their dogs were moving in.I was sold before I walked through the front door of my bungalow. No

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-64298196733367273812011-09-08T17:40:00.014-05:002011-09-09T09:12:33.012-05:00

My first visit to NYC left a profound impression on me, quite literally. I was in my early 20s and sitting in a tattoo parlor in Greenwich Village when I was really supposed to be chaperoning a high school band trip.How I managed to squeeze myself away from a pimply-faced brass section to get inked I have no idea. But wandering Manhattan's lower west side is forever etched in my memory (and my

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-30763235787520794842011-09-05T21:20:00.005-05:002011-09-05T21:36:46.458-05:00

You have only been looking at homes for a short time, but you think you have found "the one". It's OK if it's love at first sight, but prepare for the unexpected. Like any relationship, sure, you can't see brains from across a room. It's normal to feel instant attraction at first glance; but, be sure to look beyond the cuteness to find out what's really going on.Is it a nice home next to sketchy

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-74985373796502895142011-07-15T21:45:00.005-05:002011-07-15T21:55:45.702-05:00

Life is unpredictable. Have at least 6-8 months of living expenses in an emergency savings account before you decide to buy. If by chance you lose your job or face a major expense (e.g. car is shot) after you buy your home, you'll rest easier knowing you have a reserve fund to keep you and your house afloat until things get sorted out financially. Banks aren't necessarily as forgiving as a

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-44288290279634560212011-07-06T19:35:00.006-05:002011-07-06T20:05:56.996-05:00

"Ma wee hoose." Someday soon I hope to be able to say these words with pride. If you aren't familiar with the Scottish dialect, it means my little home. When my grandparents immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario in the 1950s, they bought a small but cozy place near the escarpment. It is here where they got their start building their lives in a city where they'd remain for the rest of their lives.Now

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-67364719815095493602011-05-26T23:36:00.003-05:002011-05-27T00:00:21.933-05:00

The other day I was sitting out in the backyard with my mom when the topic of my grandfather suddenly popped into my head. I am not sure why, but I was for some reason curious about how soon after he turned 90-years-old that he passed away. Just as my mom was about to respond, out came the familiar guitar intro of 'California Dreaming' by the Mommas & the Poppas on the radio – the very song that

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-79988174742520473062011-03-14T12:53:00.007-05:002011-07-06T19:31:07.991-05:00

Imagine you had to leave home with nothing but the clothes on your back - what would you need and/or miss the most?I'm organizing a needs drive for Inasmuch House, a temporary safe haven in Hamilton, Ontario for women, youth and children fleeing abusive situations.I'm collecting the following until April 8th, 2011. These are items that Inasmuch is in constant need of:- Non-perishable food items,

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-24030450194655779792011-02-23T21:47:00.016-05:002011-07-06T19:34:49.947-05:00

I don't know if it comes from my humble upbringing, or just recently paying off the last of a massive debt I accumulated since university that left me sick to my stomach, but I am cheap. And proud of it. Here are ways I try to keep more of my dough, 'cause I worked hard for it and there are too many wankers trying to get their cut.Only use coupons when stuff is on sale for extra discount. There

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-29253549662691188112011-01-08T20:36:00.003-05:002011-07-17T15:07:13.837-05:00

If I follow your brand...on Facebook, Twitter, wherever...give me VALUABLE content. Info that is going to help me in some way. Not fluff. I don't want to hear just about EVERY PRODUCT you're shilling. I give you my eyes and my attention because I have some degree of trust and connection with your brand. I already know what you sell - but how can you keep me engaged within this community I've

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-2138046848179117232010-12-04T21:52:00.009-05:002010-12-04T22:43:14.048-05:00

Over the last few days, I've noticed a campaign on Facebook asking you to post your favorite childhood cartoon to stop violence against children. It's great to see awareness spread virally from one simple idea (my favorite childhood cartoon: She Ra, Princess of Power).And now I want to talk to those who have been abused.I can't help but borrow from The Trevor Project, featuring celebrity

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-4689560511865684202010-11-17T21:27:00.001-05:002010-11-18T14:02:42.799-05:00

A short while back, The Pacific, a $120 million miniseries backed by Hollywood heavyweights Spielberg and Hanks, premiered on TV. It depicted the glory and might of the U.S. Marines as they battled the Japanese in WWII. While the miniseries slanted heavily towards the American viewpoint, it would have been interesting to see the story touch upon how a tiny, poor island nation mobilized its

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-14550063544285288352010-09-07T11:41:00.005-05:002010-09-08T21:49:08.130-05:00

What can be said of snowflakes could easily be said of NYC...no two visits are ever the same. As many times as I've visited, each time I've come away with a different flavour of this delightful city, a new perspective on the island of a hundred villages.Within the last year, I've visited Manhattan twice. First, my fiancee and I rang in 2010 with thousands of other revellers, singing John Lennon's

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-37099082135551721912010-08-14T13:33:00.018-05:002011-07-17T15:07:40.686-05:00

My brother, Kevin. Goofball... baseball fanatic... entrepreneur and dad to an amazing little 9-month-old (my nephew Jackson). I totally admire my little bro, and I thought I'd put my PR skills to good use to help him and his fiancee Kim out in a big way. You see, they really want to get married but can't afford a nice, lavish ceremony. So, they decided to enter the Carlsberg Big Wedding Bash

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-9916203095813144652010-03-22T18:37:00.009-05:002011-07-17T15:08:03.087-05:00

Whether your're just starting out in PR, or any other field of work, it can be very hard in the first year or two to harmonize your work and personal life…for many with years of experience, it’s still an ongoing challenge; but, if you’re good at your job and you work hard, your job will always take care of you. Don't give up your passions!For several years now, I've been listening to Inside PR, a

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-53233900473607958672010-02-28T12:35:00.006-05:002011-06-13T09:27:45.180-05:00

I'm sharing a very touching video I saw on our official Olympic TV station this morning...it is a retrospective of the Olympic Games and what they did for the Canadian spirit. This amazing piece was written and narrated by Stephen Brunt of the Globe and Mail.http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=16afced6-f953-42f8-88ce-46c9493947e9&cid=sbtgam Today is the day. Men's Hockey Showdown..

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-86548492002668661472010-02-21T22:13:00.020-05:002011-02-23T09:50:59.156-05:00

My grandfather passed away February 24, 2007 at age 90. As sudden as his passing was, I took comfort in the fact that I had a very close relationship with him over 30 years. Growing up, I couldn't understand a lot of my friends who dreaded the trip to grandma and grandpa's house. For me, those visits couldn't come soon enough! Especially the sleepovers - memories of late nights staying up with my

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-89366385063414933832010-01-30T14:19:00.010-05:002010-01-30T16:39:03.342-05:00

40 years in the vault. Never before heard Jimi Hendrix cut just released. How FREAKING excited are you?This week's big music news inspired me to go into my own vault and see what was lurking in the darkness...my vault being a two-drawer filing cabinet holding every word I ever scrawled over my high school and university life, spanning about 10 years (from 1991 to 2000).It's been interesting going

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-7013342584473061762009-12-06T09:19:00.001-05:002011-07-17T15:08:29.830-05:00

Bill Gates is quoted as saying: "If I only had two dollars left, I would spend one dollar on PR.”Our good friend Bill should know. It was PR that helped catapult Microsoft from fledgling start-up into global brand (although to this day the annoying paper clip guy still wants all the credit). Fortunately for Bill, while his minor skirmish with the law in the late 70s may have earned him some

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-64154295077244317522009-10-31T13:37:00.004-05:002009-10-31T13:49:18.543-05:00

I know I've been neglecting this site for some time, and I promise to get back into it soon. There have been many exciting events over the past few months in my life that I haven't really had much time to sit down and reflect. You're looking at one of the most exciting right on your screen! There's something about becoming an auntie for the first time that just makes you all giddy inside.Happy

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-69392805194513020562009-06-17T21:10:00.004-05:002009-06-18T08:14:08.636-05:00

"And Warner Bros. seems to be pretty much into re-releasing all of their catalog. So there's the Warner Bros. stuff and the stuff that we have control over, we're gradually re-releasing it. Some stuff we don't have control over."And for Jerry Garcia, that was perfectly groovy.Losing control not only meant concocting a sonic brew of improvisational, mind-twisting jams at live shows.It meant giving

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-45173226603944262592009-06-15T13:50:00.011-05:002009-06-16T16:34:55.369-05:00

Technology and tools are changing the PR and marketing industry at a breakneck pace. It seems everyday there's a new 'killer app' in social media...and 'killer apps' within 'killer apps'. Want a wild visual? Check out the 'Twitterverse' designed by PR2.0 blogger Brian Solis.Rapid change can be daunting; if you’re not using these tools, it’s still important to be aware of what’s out there. Even if

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-45025024971346131592009-06-03T21:51:00.000-05:002009-06-03T22:42:35.557-05:00

In this world there are four kinds of people: Those who make things happenThose who watch things happen Those who have things happen to themThose who wonder what happened I'm not certain of the origin of this quote, but it could not be more appropriate for the times we're currently living in. While some companies are flapping their arms to stay above water, others have risen above the surface and

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-57784190976175533162009-06-02T10:34:00.005-05:002009-06-02T12:36:11.735-05:00

There are things that happen and you write off as quirky coincidences and others that...defy explanation. This morning I had a moment that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end as I was scanning the news headlines. Authorities have just reported possible sightings of the wreckage from that Air France plane that went down yesterday. The actual location mentioned in reports is a set of

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-40563821253737990082009-05-26T12:54:00.014-05:002009-05-26T23:48:36.896-05:00

Listen...hear that? No, it's not the early spring awakening of baby birds craving a worm breakfast. It's the endless pinging of 140-character 'tweets' on your iPhone. Your mailman tweets. Obama tweets. Apparently Ashton Kutcher is the tweet king. Pretty soon, even your grandma will be tweeting (at first I thought this was a joke). Here a tweet, there a tweet, everywhere a tweet tweet. I get how

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-52213065469815751592009-05-15T11:50:00.003-05:002009-05-15T12:19:31.835-05:00

I've always been taught that when it comes to mass media, don't believe everything you consume. Read between the lines and look for the subtext. Over the years, I've become quite good at yelling 'Bull$hit!' at my television screen.Most media outlets strive to serve as beacons of truth and objectivity. But these days it’s all about advertising of course, and food companies are some of the largest

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-11540020640783762942009-04-29T07:35:00.020-05:002009-05-08T13:29:26.772-05:00

I'm almost embarrassed to say it, but until recently I hadn't stepped into a library in almost 10 years.My public library as I remembered it was a special place where you could scan headlines from 100 years ago on microfiche, flip through a musty smelling card catalogue, and, as the Dewey Decimal master, find that obscure book on medieval combat. Oh, and avoid the stern glare of the old librarian

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-11767209820105036602009-03-19T22:09:00.009-05:002009-03-19T23:11:39.376-05:00

Fleetwood Mac put on a stunning performance at the Air Canada Centre the other night. The group's legendary interpersonal turmoil over 40 years is well documented; however, in the performance I witnessed, the powerful connection between the band members was unmistakable. All of their demons seemed to flood out and evaporate into the space above the arena stage. Yes, there was a considerable age

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-78407625875454543652009-03-11T10:35:00.018-05:002009-03-12T14:21:46.488-05:00

I had a chuckle when I opened up my iGoogle this morning. Retirement in Spanish is la jubilación. First, what is iGoogle? iGoogle has the search toolbar you know and love, but the page is beefed up with fun applications you can select from to customize your own browser. Think of it as your own personalized "front page". You can add news feeds, a crossword, and your daily horoscope. You can even

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-47870692926458971842009-02-16T11:41:00.007-05:002009-02-16T12:38:29.327-05:00

His son has been immortalized in song, on a box of Wheaties, and in the hockey hall of fame. You'd think the greatest hockey dad of all time, Walter Gretzky, would have his pick of platinum box seats for any NHL game, enjoying the action on the ice with a bottomless icy cold beverage in hand. But this is a guy who seems to have never lost his small-town charm. This was evident when my fiance and

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-61368942194598692032009-02-03T17:12:00.004-05:002009-02-03T17:23:49.720-05:00

Check out the amazing 2009 Bonnaroo Line-Up!I attended this event for the first time in 2008 and am so impressed with the artist roster so far. Outstanding!I guess Kanye got the message - this year appears to be free of laser light shows! :)

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-16154701403249165062008-12-31T13:44:00.017-05:002008-12-31T15:43:06.112-05:00

2008 no doubt was a year of profound change. One man rose above the negativity to reach the highest level of office in the US...others consumed with greed and self-entitlement were met with public humiliation. The economic tailspin uncovered even more greed in the corporate sector, and left many retirees wondering what hit them...and their bank accounts. OK, I'll stop! Enough of the dirty 'e'

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-65671306512785108222008-12-08T13:40:00.021-05:002008-12-31T13:42:48.159-05:00

When the warm breezes blow on a Saturday night, and you see a curious bunch of Canadians wearing hockey jerseys and clinking their beer mugs with the friendly locals, it can only mean one thing. That's right...it's Hockey Night in Barbados. Who knew I'd be catching an NHL game in an open-air bar, Bert's, nestled in the tropics...while back in Canada it was 10 below? That's the funny thing about

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-79834557218253910812008-11-03T22:37:00.007-05:002008-11-26T12:27:57.747-05:00

I'm not an expert at giving tips on how to deal with your lazy husband or your nosy neighbour, but I do know a bit about how to survive and thrive in the world of PR, where you are building and nurturing many types of internal and external relationships. PR is a hot industry, and I'm noticing more schools adding PR modules to a larger communications/marketing curriculum or designing its own

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-45828327127242579092008-11-02T15:48:00.003-05:002008-11-02T15:56:01.736-05:00

When it comes to problem solving, are you more inclined to identify areas for improvement, get to the root cause, offer plans for a solution, or take action?According to Dr. Min Basadur, Professor of Innovation at McMaster University and CPRS Hamilton’s guest speaker, truly progressive organizations are comprised of employees that demonstrate strength in each of these four preferred creative

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-32561872527795412992008-09-08T14:46:00.004-05:002008-09-08T15:15:02.242-05:00

Most consumers today turn to the Internet first to find instant information regarding a vacation hot spot or the latest high tech gadget, and companies are getting savvier with their cyberpresence to influence the purchasing decisions of consumers. Websites with flash animation, vibrant colours and other interactive features definitely grab one’s attention. But, no matter how it’s packaged, if

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-40386199867598553252008-07-16T22:46:00.011-05:002008-11-03T22:34:44.499-05:00

I'm not an expert at giving tips on how to deal with your lazy husband or your nosy neighbour, but I do know a bit about how to survive and thrive in the world of PR, where you are building and nurturing many types of internal and external relationships. PR is a hot industry, and I'm noticing more schools adding PR modules to a larger communications/marketing curriculum or breaking it out into

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-20898179774685473232008-07-16T12:53:00.005-05:002008-12-10T22:25:16.235-05:00

About a month after surviving Bonnaroo, I'm about to venture out this weekend to another music festival - The Mile High Music Festival in Denver. Geez...the things I do for live music, I tell ya. No camping this time though! Hello, sweet, sweet hotel. Hello Rockies!Headliners include Tom Petty, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and The Black Crowes. A personal favorite also appearing, although not

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-76155389709081249302008-07-09T09:47:00.000-05:002008-07-09T08:53:41.016-05:00

Lately, my e-mail inbox has been clogged with air fare deals and special offers. Travel companies are getting more desperate to lure vacationers, many who are now thinking twice about the grand overseas adventure and opting to spend their time off at home - on a 'staycation'.Inflated oil prices have been driving up airline and cruiseline operating costs, which are being passed down to passengers

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-40077849342358209682008-06-30T22:10:00.012-05:002008-12-10T22:25:16.436-05:00

Once in a blue moon I like to dust off my old trunk of keepsakes. I laugh (and shudder) when I come across the long, blond ponytail my mom saved the first time I got the dreaded blunt cut in 1986.My parents also saved some newspapers and magazines from my birth year, so that one day their daughter could see how utterly disco-tacular the late 70s were. Looking more closely through them recently, I

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-32495719403766753822008-06-17T08:42:00.016-05:002008-12-10T22:25:16.917-05:00

It began with a struggle to find the perfect campsite...and ended with the 'Battle of Evermore'.From June 13-16, I went to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN. A 'Bonnarookie', I was about to plant myself for 4 days among 90,000 people on a giant farm in the sweltering American south.It's been several weeks since the event, and I'm glad to report I'm now fully recovered from the

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-74576959512890056582008-06-01T12:11:00.006-05:002008-12-10T22:25:17.047-05:00

Self-awareness, re-invention, forgiveness, love. All of these themes are explored in Sex & The City - The Movie.It's been four years since we last signed off with Carrie and the gals, and while they still retain their unique personalities, don't expect the same old penis jokes. These are clearly women in transition, and the movie steers towards more serious events.We find the women now well into

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-81909302050040243552008-05-24T11:33:00.006-05:002008-12-10T22:25:17.441-05:00

In mid-June, I'll be taking a trip down to a farm in Tennessee to take in four days of camping and music at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. You could say it's sort of a modern-age Woodstock without the brown acid. Line-up includes Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Robert Plant (yes THE golden-locked one himself), Kanye West, and my personal faves Aimee Mann and Ben Folds. There are also

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-28723808715525312582008-05-20T09:13:00.038-05:002008-12-10T22:25:18.509-05:00

So much for puttering around the house this past holiday weekend. On a whim, I took a one-hour flight down to New York for one night. Crazy, right?Yes, it can be done. Follow my itinerary and have a small but very satisfying bite out of the big apple. 2:00 p.m. - Board a 1 hour flight to NY (LaGuardia). Enjoy free peanuts and touch-screen movies. Save precious time with carry-on. Clean undies and

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-30335216980057003962008-05-15T21:57:00.007-05:002008-12-10T22:25:18.679-05:00

OK, I know this is just a few days late, but here goes. A few words about my mother...Selfless is the best way to describe her.She just turned 62, still works full-time and is on her feet constantly. The benefits are few and the pay is minimal. She would love to retire, but can’t afford it. My mom enjoys very few perks; yet, like both my grandparents, she is content with the non-material things

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-13954081871282810892008-05-12T13:27:00.005-05:002008-05-21T12:24:43.521-05:00

The warm weather is approaching. I know it when I can hear the obnoxious yet eerie jingle of the ice cream truck and I see tween girls wearing inappropriate clothing (Mothers! Cover up your children!)If and when I can manage to take time off, here are some of the books I can't wait to crack open this summer. Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon--And the Journey of a Generation

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-78085921346519149182008-05-11T12:06:00.011-05:002008-12-10T22:25:18.893-05:00

Last night, I almost got kicked out of Massey Hall. For humming along to a few lines of 'Sundown' at a Gordon Lightfoot concert. From time to time, there are displays of human behaviour that you can't help but shake your head at. Recently, a Tim Hortons employee was fired for giving a free donut (actually, a timbit, which is a fifth of a donut) to a fussy 2-year-old whose mom was having a hard

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-86385642974120775732008-05-02T08:33:00.005-05:002008-12-10T22:25:19.710-05:00

A young doctor in a big city wants to start his own private practice, and is approved for a bank loan to get his office up and running; meanwhile, a skilled, female medical officer in Uganda, Africa, needs a loan to keep her clinic stocked with medical supplies. She hopes to one day turn her clinic into a maternity home. Both have the drive and determination to be entrepreneurs; unfortunately,

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-85154938267481933872008-04-20T14:41:00.005-05:002008-12-10T22:25:19.844-05:00

"Ethics Has To Be Key."Last year I was profiled in the newsletter for the Canadian Public Relations Society's Hamilton Chapter. The topic was PR and ethics, and I offered my thoughts on this very important subject. Practitioner Profile: Ann Lamanes, Manager of Public Relations, Pink ElephantJob responsibilities: Responsible for implementing global PR strategy and tactics for a rapidly expanding

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-24199013855380320602008-04-10T08:12:00.005-05:002008-12-10T22:25:19.984-05:00

Some of the most poignant and touching interviews I've seen or heard seem to be those that occur as the subject is nearing the end of his or her life. In most cases, the person doesn't know the end is coming. When John Lennon gave his final interview, he talked openly about the Beatles, his solo work, and you sensed life was moving in a good direction for him.I think the most powerful interviews,

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-64928672694943296142008-04-08T20:50:00.003-05:002008-12-10T22:25:20.113-05:00

...Communications Director for the NRA. God love ya and RIP, Mr. Heston...you were great as Moses, but backing an extremist pro-gun organization puts you on my very bad boy list.

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-34442600453877913582008-04-03T12:35:00.004-05:002008-05-21T12:27:20.207-05:00

Someone wake me up and tell me I'm just having a bad dream.New Kids On The Block are reuniting.

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-60387444698817619612008-04-03T09:49:00.002-05:002008-04-03T09:57:33.139-05:00

Who better to have looking after the climate change program in the White House than a Nobel Prize winner?This week Obama publicized that he would ask former Vice-President Al Gore to lead the charge on climate change issues in the next administration, if Obama becomes President.There's also talk of a joint Obama-Gore ticket.Even though I'm Canadian, I understand how much what happens in America

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-66072260797139278782008-04-01T21:20:00.006-05:002008-12-10T22:25:21.223-05:00

I can just hear the collective gasp of wine drinkers all over the world.Just when you though global warming was messing up our planet...now it's getting personal.News spread recently that the Australian wind industry is suffering a detrimental growing season due to severe drought caused by global warming. Industry groups estimate up to 1,000 winegrowers out of around 7,000 may be forced to leave

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-4617028637819723832008-03-31T09:11:00.005-05:002008-03-31T09:35:43.812-05:00

Over the weekend I had the chance to participate in a charity bowling event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Hamilton-Burlington.I was happy to take part in this well-organized event. There was a good showing of corporate and media support. The theme was 'rock n' roll' so as good sports, my team (The Big Lamaneskys) dressed up in 50's gear (but you'll never see me wear a poodle

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-41231344022444075482008-03-28T21:39:00.013-05:002008-12-10T22:25:21.401-05:00

Snow cover over North America and much of Siberia, Mongolia and China is greater than at any time since 1966. The National PostI feel like I've been hibernating this winter. Literally. I just wanted to sleep. Normally an active sprite, I wanted to cocoon myself at home with a healthy mound of M&Ms, beef chili, beers and Sex & The City DVDs. I ended up with a little more paunch, and a lot less

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-23414697815866767862008-03-28T10:32:00.007-05:002008-12-10T22:25:21.619-05:00

OK, this is kind of scary but I just had to pass it on. Feel like monitoring terrorism & other suspicious events in real time? Well now you can!I just got this e-mail forwarded to me. I don't need to go into a whole lot of explanation, so here it is: "We are truly in a global age, and if you don’t think so check this out. Here’s a link to a world map showing what strange and dangerous times we

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-19698865800996257022008-03-28T09:18:00.021-05:002008-12-10T22:25:21.891-05:00

China's carefully managed international media tour of Tibet's capital ran into a public-relations roadblock Thursday -- a protest by screaming Buddhist monks at a holy shrine. CNN.com CNN was not actually allowed to join the dozens of journalists invited by the Chinese government to tour Lhasa, in a PR move to show that all is just fine and dandy after the recent unrest. The news organization has

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-37862327884779050152008-03-26T14:49:00.008-05:002008-03-26T20:47:53.642-05:00

I recently heard about a new website called Help A Reporter Out (HARO), created by Peter Shankman, who is a PR consultant with several global clients. He also happens to be very well connected to many journalists (some who he calls good friends). Peter came up with the idea to start a Facebook group to link these journalists with subject matter experts and those who can offer a relevant

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-16264675092052264052008-03-24T09:04:00.006-05:002008-03-24T09:27:16.292-05:00

And in a follow up to last week's story about Starbuck's plans to bounce back from their plummeting stock...another D'oh!At the AGM, Starbucks announced they would be putting fancy new cappucino machines that are shorter and let you see your friendly barista making your beverage. This was just one of several plans to help the company become re-engaged with its customers, who have been turning

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-52625821649400090492008-03-24T08:13:00.003-05:002008-04-02T08:28:23.106-05:00

Four U.S. soldiers died Sunday night in a roadside bombing in Iraq, military officials reported, bringing the American toll in the 5-year-old war to 4,000 deaths. The grim milestone comes less than a week after the fifth anniversary of the start of the war. CNN.comAnd how many more innocent civilians is this bloody war going to take? How many more billions of dollars need to be spent before our

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-33840509846445762702008-03-23T12:51:00.009-05:002008-12-10T22:25:22.229-05:00

Last night the Foo Fighters played to a sold out crowd (and their biggest audience ever in T.O.) at the Air Canada Center and blew the roof off the place for over two solid hours. For those die hard fans like me who have already seen Dave, Taylor, Nate and Chris kill it on stage, their performance yesterday outshone all others and only sealed their status as the world's most energetic and

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-57759432938798279912008-03-19T22:03:00.014-05:002008-03-20T09:22:27.143-05:00

“We somehow evolved from a culture of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation to a culture of, in a way, mediocrity and bureaucracy...” Howard D. Schultz, the chief executive of StarbucksThis week, the CEO of Starbucks said these cheerful and uplifting words in front of thousands of shareholders at the company's annual general meeting. It seems the economic downturn is finally catching up to

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-73703659161381016182007-01-26T21:24:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:27:48.186-05:00

New evidence from Foundation Research reveals that with all the choices available today, Canadians continue to spend one third of their daily media time with radio. It further solidifies earlier findings that radio is a perfect fit for modern life. It’s effortless, entertains and informs throughout the day, and is uniquely compatible with the Internet. Above all, radio remains relevant to

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-63312166982162165152006-11-01T09:08:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:27:33.490-05:00

After a long and courageous battle with consumerism, it is with great sadness that the recording industry announces the passing of the compact disc on October 27, 2006 at the age of 24. Sadly missed by parents Sony and Philips. Predeceased by the reel-to-reel tape, gramaphone record, cassette and the 8-track cartridge. Dearly loved by millions, including starving musicians (who were able to

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-39183128200568980132006-10-27T23:08:00.000-05:002006-10-27T23:20:04.024-05:00

The best thing to do on a cold, rainy night in Canada....Beers and batter. Baking rocks.

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-4966127286159142942006-10-20T16:11:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:26:27.780-05:00

The fab four have done it again! Or rather...legendary Beatles producer George Martin has done it again.On November 21, Apple/EMI are to release the Beatles LOVE album in 5.1, marking the first Beatles album available in this format (to the non-A/V pro, 5.1 = kick ass surround sound). There will also be a stereo CD release containing 78 minutes of music; and, for the true Beatles fan who just

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-17197092639429522712006-10-17T22:04:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:27:57.934-05:00

When politics and popular music cross over, what are the real motives...and who is really benefitting the most from that symbiotic relationship?It's no new phenomenon. Musicians have been using their influence over the masses to generate political awareness for ages. It goes back way further than the protest music of the 60's. Many classical musicians devoted their works to pay homage political

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-74474964946093289482006-10-14T16:25:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:26:41.368-05:00

Once upon a time in lower Manhattan, a musical movement emerged. To some, NYC's Bowery and Bleeker neighbourhood was a cess pool of vagabonds, hookers, tokers and discount appliance stores. But to aspiring artists looking for a gig, the area was home to CBGB. This little hole-in-the-wall club that originated as a Country, Bluegrass & Blues jam spot, eventually became a breeding ground for some

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-14140812988548178052006-10-12T21:43:00.002-05:002008-05-21T12:28:13.243-05:00

Last Sunday as I was chilling out with tea and toast and listening online to San Francisco's KFOG, which has a wonderful Sunday morning program called Acoustic Sunrise, I heard the most unbelievable rendition of Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven.It was performed by guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, who frequently tour in and around the Bay area. They are of Mexican descent, but are actually based in

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-1160432776033237652006-10-09T17:13:00.000-05:002006-10-11T04:19:33.417-05:00

What is it like to soar from 10,000 feet, with nothing but a piece of fabric preventing you from splattering face first into the ground? Exhilirating. Incomparable to any wild and crazy thing I'd ever done before the age of 30. The music playlist for the video to forever capture my five minutes of insanity included: DJ Champion - No Heaven Disturbed - Down With The SicknessHowie Day - CollideIt

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-1159454926827847382006-09-28T09:47:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:26:53.527-05:00

Most of us have seen those famous, glossy shots of the fab four...but some of the most insightful and revealing are those that were captured during one of the band's most prolific and introspective periods. I work in marketing for an IT services company that runs a large annual event for thousands of technology professionals from 'across the universe'. For our next event, coming in February 2007

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-1159277093019260812006-09-26T08:23:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:27:06.294-05:00

Whether you're headed to Toronto or Tokyo, find out who's coming to town with Pollstar.com. Since 1994, this site has been the largest database of concert tour information on the World Wide Web. Covering all genres and all types of musicians (including cover bands!), you can search by artist, city, or venue. Plus, you can check out some great worldwide concert photos updated daily and set up a

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-1158635991783951112006-09-18T22:18:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:25:52.799-05:00

As soon as I saw him on E! Talk, Canada's answer to schmaltzy celebrity TV, I knew the buzz had taken a whole new turn. After receiving nods from several influential Canadian mainstream media, I was amazed to see a profile on Tomi Swick on the program, right after a segment on Brad Pitt. Yep, that Brad Pitt.How does a former football player, military drummer and bagpiper from Hamilton Ontario (

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9395133.post-1143212177531008452006-03-24T09:09:00.001-05:002008-05-21T12:28:23.455-05:00

The Blue Van: The Art Of RollingTVT Records/UniversalUpon my first listen to The Art Of Rolling, the debut EP from Danish quartet The Blue Van, I got so turned on to it that I had to double-check I hadn’t put on one of my treasured rock vinyl from four decades ago. It was also hard to pry this CD from my dad, who, like myself, is a die-hard 60’s rock junkie – both as consumer and performer.The

Ann Lamaneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178098304822105775noreply@blogger.com0