The recent launch of Apple’s iPad has many people in the publishing industry wondering what it means for their business. With the device’s ability to integrate print with digital content through cyberspace has some publishers excited about its capability. And for good reason: if you are an art director, editor or creative director, this new product could very well leave the door open to the endless possibilities for storytelling through words and art. Wired magazine has harnessed the opportunity...

ABJ’s ANTONIA McGUIRE dissects the issue of private health care with Richard Baker, who is founder of the Vancouver-based company Timely Medical Alternatives in which helps Canadians obtain private health care, including in the U.S. Following the national story about Canadian provincial Premier Danny Williams’s decision to have heart surgery in the U.S., I weighed in on the Globe and Mail’s live discussion with Richard Baker who explains the ins and outs of getting private health care....

Ah, how money talks. This is especially the case when it comes to the power of money in U.S. elections. For those of you who haven’t heard the news yet, the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted limitations on corporate donations for political campaigns. The extra dollars would go toward political advertising in support of or against a politician looking to get elected for public office. The news came as a lobbyists’ wet dream. While Conservatives welcomed the changes, Liberals condemned the decision...

After a week of haggling and jokes below the belt, NBC has agreed to pay former late night TV host, Conan O’Brien US $40 million to walk away from The Tonight Show in favor of Jay Leno. The two comedians went head-to-head after the network announced its plans to bring Leno onto its flagship late night show. O’Brien fought back with words and through brilliant comedy to build pressure but after the way he was mistreated by his former network, he deserves every penny. His fresh rebuttals and...

Today, on Martin Luther King Day people around the world honor a great civil rights leader. But few remember that he had a three-part agenda. And as we try to help in devastated, poverty-stricken Haiti, the forgotten parts are more important than ever, argues Norm Beach his The Star article. I couldn’t help be agree. After all, King is mostly remembered for his fight to end racism. Through his powerful and compelling speeches, he challenged us to think about the equality of all people but also...

After the last candy canes is eaten, candles and tree lights turned off, many people find January to be the toughest month to endure, which why more experts are called to assist employees with family, financial and mood problems, according to a report in the Globe and Mail. There are many reasons for January blues with the first being, of course, stresses after the family-centered holiday to which many find to stressful and intensive. According to LifeWorks, calls for help to employee assistance...

With the start of another year and my recent engagement (to a lovely French beau), I found myself attending a “total wedding show” with friend who is actually in the midst of planning her big day. When walking around the glorified household, beauty and everything-bridal exhibits one couldn’t help but wonder how this materialistic allure of the bridal fantasy in North America all began. Historically speaking, DeBeers ran the most successful diamond advertising campaign in the mid-20th century,...

With the Senate’s historic vote yesterday, 60 to 40 in favor of passing the health bill, which includes among many things, a provision that requires all Americans to purchase insurance—pushing several thousands of Americans who haven’t yet acquired coverage, into the welcoming hands of insurers. This successful passing of the health bill is indefinitely a victorious win for President Barack Obama, despite it being a far cry from what he initially set out to have become law. It is a positive...

A major shift in how we work is coming to a workplace near you. So long are the days of hierarchical, power-driven office settings, where the higher up and closer you are the CEO predetermines the location of where you work from. Leaders on the cusp of innovation are opting for an interactive workspace designs that promote collaboration. This might look more like an IKEA catalogue than your cubicle-ladden building: a casual lounge atmosphere with a living room feel; open space for casual gathering...

You know the publishing industry sales hitting a new low when even sex doesn’t sell. Hugh Hefner’s flagship magazine, Playboy, is cutting its base rate by 38 percent, as a result of slumping ad sales and circulation declines. Starting in the New Year, Playboy will also be combining its January and February issues. With the appointment of its new CEO, Scott Flanders, a big shake up at the icon men’s magazine has been promised due to its troubles with advertising and circulation revenue. A report...