Whistler – the rules of the game

Daryl HattonFun

The game of Whistler originated in Whistler, BC, Canada in the summer of 2005 in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel. It is loosely based on the game Thirty-One and is ideal for families to play together given the simple rules but potential for strategic play that challenges parents and children alike. PLAYERS. Two to six. The game becomes progressively harder with more players and is best played with three or four. CARDS. The pack of 52. The cards in each suit rank A (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. Aces count 11, face …

West Coast Whisky Society Robbie Burns Toast to the Lassies

Daryl HattonHumor, Poetry, West Coast Whisky Society

Here is the Robbie Burns Dinner toast to the Lassies I penned for the West Coast Whisky Society… Old Rabbie Burns, a man ‘mongst men,Sure had his way with women,His wife, his maid, four girls (it’s true!),This many bore him children! And there was talk of many more,High and lo abou’ the country.‘Twas no matter, high or common,They’d fall, like night, for poetry. His suff’ring wife, the bonnie Jean,When asked how she survives,Responded slyly, patiently,“He should ha’ had twa wives.” What was special ‘bout this wee man,That made the women swoon?Perhaps he simply loved them more,From this, they weren’t immune. …

Starting a company is hard

Daryl HattonConnectionPoint

It is hard to explain to people (at times) why starting a new company is so hard. I think Paul Kedrosky did a great job in the following quote: Creating a successful startup is among the hardest things you can do in a capitalist economy. Entrepreneurs must successfully navigate a sea of multi-dimensional uncertainty, from technology (will it work?), to people (do I have the right employees?), to market (will anyone care?), to financial (can I finance doing this, and can I then sell the produce or service for more than it costs?) At big companies you can fail at …

Witness to the start of a new era

Daryl HattonConnectionPoint

Sometimes, I’m very aware how lucky I am. Today is a good example. I was fortunate to be present when Google launched Wave. I can hear the snide comments now: “Give me a break – it is just a piece of software”. “Techies – just a bunch of self-centered geeks”, “OMG, get a life”. This is different. It is impossible to describe Wave succinctly – there are too many aspects that, by themselves, are very important and impactful. However, there is one thing it does that stands out for me – Wave is the first big implementation of the transition …

I’ve heard there is a recession but I’ve decided not to participate

Daryl HattonEntrepreneurship

Apparently the economists and other experts who, as a group, failed to predict the biggest recession in decades now feel qualified to predict it will last a long time. They were wrong before and they are probably wrong again. We need to avoid the trap of believing them, holding back our businesses and our lives and causing the recession to deepen and lengthen. We can control what will happen if we play “our game”, not “theirs”. Let’s ignore all the negative news, maintain our optimism and continue to run our businesses and live our lives with gusto. Tell everyone you know that you’ve heard there is a recession but you’ve decided not to participate. Share your stories of positive, anti-recessionary things happening in your business and in …

West Coast Whisky Society Founder’s Poem

Daryl HattonHumor, Poetry, West Coast Whisky Society

Here is the poem I penned to explain our (my) fondness for whisky… ‘Tis dark and cold when late at night,My feet begin to wander,And visit, shhhh!, my Secret Stash,Its treasures mine to plunder. A dram I crave, fine liquid gold,With flavours strong and subtle,Vanilla, fruit, nuts, smoke and peat,Pure magic in a bottle. The drink that warms me heart and soul,‘Tis aged rare Scotch Whisky,A vice so fine I can’t complain,Tho’ financially quite risky. Dilemma shows itself tonight,What selection shall I make?With so many fine expressions,From which will I partake? Tho’ whisky flows ‘cross all Scotland,Small Islay makes my …