I am such a softy when it comes to animals- particularly squirrels.
Let me tell you why...
One time my dad brought home an infant squirrel that had fallen from its nest in a parking lot. That squirrel became a part of the family for the next year. We nursed "Rocky" to a healthy adolescence. He was so much fun. I remember having a canopy bed that Rocky would sleep in sometimes. It was a sheer canopy, so when I lay beneath him I could look up and see him curled in a ball where the canopy drooped in the center. I would poke him with a toe to wake him and he'd bounce up ready to play any time. One of his favorite games was boxing. We would fake punch the air in front of him and he'd do the same in our direction. Nobody ever made contact but we ducked and swerved as if in a real fight. Rocky would crawl around in our doll houses, too. When he was very small, he could fit perfectly onto a doll's bed. He seemed to always be putting on a show. We took home videos of him boxing, playing house and napping. Eventually, as all young boys do, Rocky began to get rambunctious beyond our control. He would bound around the house and chew on things he shouldn't. Our vet assured us his pep was a result of puberty, and he probably needed more room to roam. So, Dad took him up to the restaurant where he works. There, Rocky had a freedom to explore the hill country. He still thought he was a human, so when he was tired from scaling the trees and dining tables across the deck, he would wait near the door for Dad to bring him inside. When Dad wanted to play with him, all he had to do was shout "Rocky!" and there he came, swirling up Dad's leg, until he landed on Dad's shoulder. Once there, he'd swish his tiny hands around Dad's hair and circle from one shoulder to the next. Eventually Rocky became a part of, the work (restaurant) family, too. He was so at home at the restaurant that even during business hours he would hop around the dining tables, which startled customers. They had no idea the squirrel was a pet and they would complain to a manager every time he greeted someone. Once people saw how friendly Rocky was, and how tame, they would lighten up and couldn't deny his cuteness. However, we had to make the responsible business decision and find Rocky a more suitable home. We ended up finding a couple who takes care of animals like Rocky. On their land, they had a few pet ducks, some deer and dogs. The day Rocky left was a tough one, especially for Dad. They had one last round of boxing before Rocky was picked up. This time, Rocky used a blue ink pen to box with but it ended up exploding all over his face! So now the people who adopted Rocky say that they see him playing with all the other squirrels every day, can call him to their back porch and he has made good friends with a duck on the property. They can always tell him from the other squirrels because of the permanent blue ink stain across his cheeks and chest.
So, if you are ever around the Austin hill country and see a squirrel with blue ink on him trying to cross the street or if he comes running up your leg to perch on your shoulder - please don't be alarmed. He's great.
And on a larger scale: I know it's dangerous to avoid hitting squirrels on the road, but when you can do so safely, please try. I saw three dead squirrels on my way to work this morning, which prompted this post. So sad.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Bless America
If you own expensive items, a array of clothes and shoes, a car made a after the year 1990 and go on trips and to shows you should NOT be asking for ANY government assistance whatsoever.
I use a Go Phone from TMobile. It's ugly, box shaped and doesn't have a camera on it (gasp). I have a $100 television set that can be lifted only with the support of two people. I rent a duplex and eat at Taco Bell because it's super cheep. I have no health insurance, no dental insurance, a 10 year old vehicle with 230,000 miles under its belt and still- I have not applied for any government assistance. I know I can afford a comfortable lifestyle though, and I'm proud of what I do have because I have worked to earn it for the last eight years of my young life. I also know that in the next ten years, I'll have even more to be proud of if I continue to work hard.
Why?! Why do I personally know more than three people in my network of friends, who were raised in middle class families, attend college and have all the latest gadgets who apply for things like food stamps and other forms of government assistance. They know they can get away with it. I know of one couple that doesn't get a job because their parents give them - GIVE THEM - more than $600 per month to live on and then they applied for aid. Wow! I can't belive my taxes go towards people who drive nicer cars than I do when there are actually people in this country who need that help. I would understand if there was a war vet with three kids who has only one leg and his home burned down by accident getting some help. That person more than deserves a hand up. I would personally help him rebuild and buy his kids dinner and I'm not even rich. But I believe in supporting people who are down and out- and willing to work to start over. I have also heard stories of these people and I'm happy to live in a country where they have the chance to survive, too. They use this chance for actual survival, not just a savings plan to that left over money goes towards a new Blackberry. I'm ashamed when I see my friends benefiting from flaws in the system. What's the old saying? "Character is what you do when nobody else is looking." It speaks to someones character when you see them running up credit card debt to buy fun toys but using government aid on the side.
In America, people have the opportunity to start over, to work from the bottom and reach the top (or at least close). I am proud to live in a country of opportunity. I'm proud of the ideas our country was founded on, and I live by them. I will not take advantage of them.
I use a Go Phone from TMobile. It's ugly, box shaped and doesn't have a camera on it (gasp). I have a $100 television set that can be lifted only with the support of two people. I rent a duplex and eat at Taco Bell because it's super cheep. I have no health insurance, no dental insurance, a 10 year old vehicle with 230,000 miles under its belt and still- I have not applied for any government assistance. I know I can afford a comfortable lifestyle though, and I'm proud of what I do have because I have worked to earn it for the last eight years of my young life. I also know that in the next ten years, I'll have even more to be proud of if I continue to work hard.
Why?! Why do I personally know more than three people in my network of friends, who were raised in middle class families, attend college and have all the latest gadgets who apply for things like food stamps and other forms of government assistance. They know they can get away with it. I know of one couple that doesn't get a job because their parents give them - GIVE THEM - more than $600 per month to live on and then they applied for aid. Wow! I can't belive my taxes go towards people who drive nicer cars than I do when there are actually people in this country who need that help. I would understand if there was a war vet with three kids who has only one leg and his home burned down by accident getting some help. That person more than deserves a hand up. I would personally help him rebuild and buy his kids dinner and I'm not even rich. But I believe in supporting people who are down and out- and willing to work to start over. I have also heard stories of these people and I'm happy to live in a country where they have the chance to survive, too. They use this chance for actual survival, not just a savings plan to that left over money goes towards a new Blackberry. I'm ashamed when I see my friends benefiting from flaws in the system. What's the old saying? "Character is what you do when nobody else is looking." It speaks to someones character when you see them running up credit card debt to buy fun toys but using government aid on the side.
In America, people have the opportunity to start over, to work from the bottom and reach the top (or at least close). I am proud to live in a country of opportunity. I'm proud of the ideas our country was founded on, and I live by them. I will not take advantage of them.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thoughts on traditional PR
I'm looking for PR agencies who are not afraid to try new techniques. I understand that traditionally, press releases sent to specific reporters followed by a phone call or check- up e-mail can do the job. But what about sending more impersonal notes or more elaborate press releases. What about NOT sending a press release (gasp!)? Does everything have to have a title, background information, contact information and ###? I don't think so. If I were a reporter, I would not mind hearing about something in a new way. So it is my new mission to create a catalog of all the ideas that pop up on creative PR.
A job where you exist to let people know what is new and exciting, should always be exciting and challenging. There is tedious work to be done in every profession. But in this one, even the list making and research can be thrilling. I am a planner, naturally so research and preparation are fun for me because I'm always anticipating the outcome of what I prepare. How can I use this? How can I make this interesting? How can I relate this to my project? Will people like this? How can I get recognized for this? What are other people doing that I can leverage off of?
These are just a few questions that persist in my mind, constantly. I can't help it. I want to know how to gather information, reformat it, twist it around, put some bows and ribbons on it, show everyone what I found and why I'm so intrigued with it. It doesn't sound like work to me. It sounds like fun!
Tradition is restricting while necessary, which leaves me confused. You might say I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Your client wants a press release but they hire you thinking you can really get them noticed and you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. So many agencies claim to want to branch away from tradition, be more creative, be innovative but who really is consistently shocking? And are shocking new approaches to publicity really working? There must be a balance between a structured release paired with a couple of lunch dates and crazy parties and stunts. What is that balance? Who has mastered it? That's who I'm looking for.
A job where you exist to let people know what is new and exciting, should always be exciting and challenging. There is tedious work to be done in every profession. But in this one, even the list making and research can be thrilling. I am a planner, naturally so research and preparation are fun for me because I'm always anticipating the outcome of what I prepare. How can I use this? How can I make this interesting? How can I relate this to my project? Will people like this? How can I get recognized for this? What are other people doing that I can leverage off of?
These are just a few questions that persist in my mind, constantly. I can't help it. I want to know how to gather information, reformat it, twist it around, put some bows and ribbons on it, show everyone what I found and why I'm so intrigued with it. It doesn't sound like work to me. It sounds like fun!
Tradition is restricting while necessary, which leaves me confused. You might say I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Your client wants a press release but they hire you thinking you can really get them noticed and you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. So many agencies claim to want to branch away from tradition, be more creative, be innovative but who really is consistently shocking? And are shocking new approaches to publicity really working? There must be a balance between a structured release paired with a couple of lunch dates and crazy parties and stunts. What is that balance? Who has mastered it? That's who I'm looking for.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
My Mentee
I'm mentoring a great little guy. His name is D and he is so much fun. He's 8 and is new to his school. He loves chocolate milk, snakes and football. I can't wait to get to know him better. I have never had such an easy time talking to someone.
Curious Adventures
I have become a cartoonist in the last two days. It started when I needed to design some super hero characters for my sister's web site. She wants a comic book theme. It couldn't have been anything simple. So now I'm attempting to draw comic book characters. The ones I have tend to look more like Betty and Veronica mixed with Betty Boop. I like them, though. I have the sketches ready to go and now I'm getting them into a digital format and making them beautiful with color and shading. I was sketching my super hero characters (all female and quite cute) at work last night and I think people liked them so far. We will buy the domain space www.curiousadventures.com once the designs are ready. So keep an eye out and tell me what you think of the characters so far. [will post ASAP]
Monday, September 22, 2008
Confidence and Strength
I read an article in ForbesLife Executive Women about Cathie Black called "Why you can't save your way to success." In it are not-so-detailed instructions on how to be a successful business person (woman?). One line I really liked was this:
The way you carry yourself sends a message, and you want to portray confidence and strength.
If all people, including myself, lived by this slogan I think the world would be a better place - at least on the outside. I also learned by looking through this publication that successful women tend to be in pretty healthy shape. Cathie doesn't outline her diet, ;). It is inspiring to read about and see pictures of the highest paid women in the country. What a dream to one day be among such ranks? I'll keep dreaming, and from now on I'll portray confidence and strength while watching my calorie intake.
The way you carry yourself sends a message, and you want to portray confidence and strength.
If all people, including myself, lived by this slogan I think the world would be a better place - at least on the outside. I also learned by looking through this publication that successful women tend to be in pretty healthy shape. Cathie doesn't outline her diet, ;). It is inspiring to read about and see pictures of the highest paid women in the country. What a dream to one day be among such ranks? I'll keep dreaming, and from now on I'll portray confidence and strength while watching my calorie intake.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
How To Pick Up Girls
I was introduced (as a joke) to an amusing book called How to Pick Up Girls, published in the 70s and written by Eric Weber. This piece is priceless. There are chapters entitled "Be Cool," "Be Funny," and "Say Her name." The author talks about women like we are aliens that must be studied and examined before approaching.
Some funny tips, compliments of my new favorite pick-up-line book-- and a girls point of view.
"Do you like this blouse?"
- when in a department store, tell a girl you're shopping for your sister.
... hilarious! But, you know? I think this may actually work. Think about it, especially if a guy is kind of cute. He's probably already got your attention because he's in the women's section of the store. I think it would be best if he acted a little scared, lost and desperate. But it could turn into you helping him shop for a while. I just wonder, would he then buy "the perfect shirt," or try to sneak out of spending the $30 somehow? And I hope if a guy does this he actually has a sister or else I would think he was shady. But I would give this approach 4 out of 5 stars.
how about this "Excuse me, but you are terrific-looking."
- the direct approach.
... hmmm, I don't know. I would smile and probably say thank you. I have had this one before but without the word "terrific." It's flattering but sometimes a little mystery is good, too. I wouldn't recommend starting off so direct but maybe after talking for a little bit, admit that you thought the girl was pretty so you were nervous to talk to her. A friend of mine and I were out the other night and a guy approached us and just started with "hi," but eventually he told us we were intimidating because we were so pretty but he was relieved we were cool (and sorry we both have serious boyfriends). Wow, talk about flattery. But it made him look a little vulnerable, too. So maybe that's the key: confidence mixed with vulnerability. Does that even make sense? I would give this strategy a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
last one "... if you happen to be in a singles' bar some crowded Friday night and you see a girl you dig, don't hesitate. Don't knock yourself out thinking of a witty approach. All you have to say is, 'Hi, how ya doin'."
- don't sweat it
... All girls are different, but I would probably not respond well to this. I think it's great if a guy put some thought behind his approach. I would love a joke, a compliment, hesitation of some sort. I would probably answer this one with "Fine. Thank you," then return to what I was doing. A little creativity next time? Then again, confidence is attractive. So, like Mr. Weber also recommends, practice pick ups for about a month before you actually expect to succeed. Just say anything for a while and see what works for you, but for at least a month don't expect much of a response.
I would give this approach 2.5 out of 5 stars also.
Summary: I don't think it's the line a guy uses that's as important as the way he says it. If it's sincere, a little shy, but mysterious at the same time- with a smile and perhaps a joke to follow up, it is sure to work for a girl like me. But please, wait to ask for a phone number until it is obvious she is into you. Worst pick up lines are ones that involve someone asking your number. For some reason I think that's a bit intrusive.
Some funny tips, compliments of my new favorite pick-up-line book-- and a girls point of view.
"Do you like this blouse?"
- when in a department store, tell a girl you're shopping for your sister.
... hilarious! But, you know? I think this may actually work. Think about it, especially if a guy is kind of cute. He's probably already got your attention because he's in the women's section of the store. I think it would be best if he acted a little scared, lost and desperate. But it could turn into you helping him shop for a while. I just wonder, would he then buy "the perfect shirt," or try to sneak out of spending the $30 somehow? And I hope if a guy does this he actually has a sister or else I would think he was shady. But I would give this approach 4 out of 5 stars.
how about this "Excuse me, but you are terrific-looking."
- the direct approach.
... hmmm, I don't know. I would smile and probably say thank you. I have had this one before but without the word "terrific." It's flattering but sometimes a little mystery is good, too. I wouldn't recommend starting off so direct but maybe after talking for a little bit, admit that you thought the girl was pretty so you were nervous to talk to her. A friend of mine and I were out the other night and a guy approached us and just started with "hi," but eventually he told us we were intimidating because we were so pretty but he was relieved we were cool (and sorry we both have serious boyfriends). Wow, talk about flattery. But it made him look a little vulnerable, too. So maybe that's the key: confidence mixed with vulnerability. Does that even make sense? I would give this strategy a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
last one "... if you happen to be in a singles' bar some crowded Friday night and you see a girl you dig, don't hesitate. Don't knock yourself out thinking of a witty approach. All you have to say is, 'Hi, how ya doin'."
- don't sweat it
... All girls are different, but I would probably not respond well to this. I think it's great if a guy put some thought behind his approach. I would love a joke, a compliment, hesitation of some sort. I would probably answer this one with "Fine. Thank you," then return to what I was doing. A little creativity next time? Then again, confidence is attractive. So, like Mr. Weber also recommends, practice pick ups for about a month before you actually expect to succeed. Just say anything for a while and see what works for you, but for at least a month don't expect much of a response.
I would give this approach 2.5 out of 5 stars also.
Summary: I don't think it's the line a guy uses that's as important as the way he says it. If it's sincere, a little shy, but mysterious at the same time- with a smile and perhaps a joke to follow up, it is sure to work for a girl like me. But please, wait to ask for a phone number until it is obvious she is into you. Worst pick up lines are ones that involve someone asking your number. For some reason I think that's a bit intrusive.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lazy PR People
On PR Newser today, I found an article about how PR people don't gear their stories towards their targeted reporters enough. The article criticized PR practitioners for being lazy, not keeping up with industry news (especially on the Web) and not making press releases creative enough or specific enough for the reporters they send them to. I think there are a few reasons for this:
1. A reporter who gets a release about an announcement that pertains to their beat should respond to the release sender for more information, right? Who is being lazy here, the PR people who offer the gist and more information upon request, or reporters who expect their story to be spelled out for them? A really good reporter is one a PR person wants to work with, to sit down with, to arrange interviews for. A really good reporter catches the story and even if it is so niched they could pretty much send it in as is, they will research further and add their own findings. They will get new quotes, even better angles than the release provides. A good reporter writes a great story regardless of how mundane or personalized a pitch may be.
2. It would take months to write different versions of the same story in order to make the story re-telling easier for reporters.
Example Headline: A new Bean was Discovered!
Reporter 1, food writer for the Statesman: Texas farmer discovers a new bean. It smells sweet and tastes great in soup.
Reporter 2, health columnist for Elle: New bean discovered by Texas farmer that may aid in weight loss.
Reporter 3, travel writer for Travel Mag: If you are in Texas this week, try out the newest bean. This important discover is also delicious and is served at Texas Steak House along I10.
Reporter 4, business writer for BizMag: New bean discovered and may halt the sales of the beloved pinto.
Imagine how many versions of this story may be told and twisted for different audiences. When a PR person has only so much time to construct a general release and send it out to all possible interested parties, they cannot re-write their release for every possible interested reporter.
3. Time and Money: Deadlines are crucial in the PR profession. If the launch of a new client is about to start, you must get press packages and releases ready for distribution ahead of time. Sure a PR guy can study all related industry news and have a ton of ideas on how to structure a press release but they must be as general as possible so everyone will be interested and the release will be sent out on time. Time/deadlines = money. You must perform and you are in just as much of a crunch as the reporter you pitch to. Your job is to send them the news, theirs is to adjust it for their audience.
My thoughts on the subject. It would be fantastic if we had the time to write a new release for every reporter we hoped would publish the story and sometimes we can if time and budget allow. I think I will make it my goal in the future to make stories as perfectly written for each medium as I can <-- my vow to the PR and journalism industry.
http://www.prnewsonline.com/blog/index.php/why-are-pr-people-so-lazy/
1. A reporter who gets a release about an announcement that pertains to their beat should respond to the release sender for more information, right? Who is being lazy here, the PR people who offer the gist and more information upon request, or reporters who expect their story to be spelled out for them? A really good reporter is one a PR person wants to work with, to sit down with, to arrange interviews for. A really good reporter catches the story and even if it is so niched they could pretty much send it in as is, they will research further and add their own findings. They will get new quotes, even better angles than the release provides. A good reporter writes a great story regardless of how mundane or personalized a pitch may be.
2. It would take months to write different versions of the same story in order to make the story re-telling easier for reporters.
Example Headline: A new Bean was Discovered!
Reporter 1, food writer for the Statesman: Texas farmer discovers a new bean. It smells sweet and tastes great in soup.
Reporter 2, health columnist for Elle: New bean discovered by Texas farmer that may aid in weight loss.
Reporter 3, travel writer for Travel Mag: If you are in Texas this week, try out the newest bean. This important discover is also delicious and is served at Texas Steak House along I10.
Reporter 4, business writer for BizMag: New bean discovered and may halt the sales of the beloved pinto.
Imagine how many versions of this story may be told and twisted for different audiences. When a PR person has only so much time to construct a general release and send it out to all possible interested parties, they cannot re-write their release for every possible interested reporter.
3. Time and Money: Deadlines are crucial in the PR profession. If the launch of a new client is about to start, you must get press packages and releases ready for distribution ahead of time. Sure a PR guy can study all related industry news and have a ton of ideas on how to structure a press release but they must be as general as possible so everyone will be interested and the release will be sent out on time. Time/deadlines = money. You must perform and you are in just as much of a crunch as the reporter you pitch to. Your job is to send them the news, theirs is to adjust it for their audience.
My thoughts on the subject. It would be fantastic if we had the time to write a new release for every reporter we hoped would publish the story and sometimes we can if time and budget allow. I think I will make it my goal in the future to make stories as perfectly written for each medium as I can <-- my vow to the PR and journalism industry.
http://www.prnewsonline.com/blog/index.php/why-are-pr-people-so-lazy/
Thinking about clicks
Not petty circles of friends who exclude the "unworthy" of the day - that's another topic. Today I found a site using Stumble called dontclickit.com. The site is a tool for a project that tests peoples' mouse clicking reflexes and to see if they can overcome them.
I thought it was great. The goal is to navigate the interface without ever clicking your mouse. Instead of clicking on things, you simply roll your mouse over something and new boxes open. Conveniently, though, you can always see the background with the link choices on it so you never feel abandoned by the homepage.
I admit I clicked, but just once. When you do accidentally (or intentionally) click on something, the screen turns into some sort "The Ring" - type fuzz and a message pops up asking to you fess up, was your click intentional or not? Mine was because I wanted to leave a message for the site creators telling them how smooth and cool I thought their concept was. Imagine never having to use a mouse again. Anyway, as I went to put my text into the comment field, I slipped because I didn't see a flashing cursor. Now I know better.
There are areas on the site that talk about ways to activate buttons by rolling your mouse in different directions and statistics on how long people stayed on the site without clicking, their favorite areas to roll into and statistically, how many visitors to the site liked what they experienced.
To me, it felt like floating in a website, which was delightful. Try it out. Maybe one day all sites will be like this one.
I thought it was great. The goal is to navigate the interface without ever clicking your mouse. Instead of clicking on things, you simply roll your mouse over something and new boxes open. Conveniently, though, you can always see the background with the link choices on it so you never feel abandoned by the homepage.
I admit I clicked, but just once. When you do accidentally (or intentionally) click on something, the screen turns into some sort "The Ring" - type fuzz and a message pops up asking to you fess up, was your click intentional or not? Mine was because I wanted to leave a message for the site creators telling them how smooth and cool I thought their concept was. Imagine never having to use a mouse again. Anyway, as I went to put my text into the comment field, I slipped because I didn't see a flashing cursor. Now I know better.
There are areas on the site that talk about ways to activate buttons by rolling your mouse in different directions and statistics on how long people stayed on the site without clicking, their favorite areas to roll into and statistically, how many visitors to the site liked what they experienced.
To me, it felt like floating in a website, which was delightful. Try it out. Maybe one day all sites will be like this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
