Monthly Archives: July 2008

I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it

I just received awesome news from one of my friends from college. As part of a group project my senior year, I worked with a team to create an integrated communication campaign for the League of Women Voters St. Louis chapter.

The organization has a rich and active history, but has been struggling to recruit new members. As part of our proposed campaign, we suggested tying in a special event as a throw-back to the 1916 Walkless, Talkless Parade. Today I got word that the organization is going to have a reenactment on Saturday, September 6th! The event is in conjunction with the Kids Voting program. I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear that the LWV is breathing new life into their organization and teaching kids about the importance of voting. Continue reading

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Filed under Raves

And now a word from the Peanut Gallery

Growing up, I never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. No Reese’s Pieces. No peanut butter Girl Scout cookies. Deprived? Not really. My mom is terribly allergic to peanuts.

While I have a sensitivity to them (attributed mostly to apprehension and the fact that I’ve never developed a taste for them), if my mom is exposed to peanuts in any form (did you know that some SOAP has peanut oil in it?), she swells up. Without a shot, her throat can swell shut and she’ll stop breathing.

Last night, the St. Louis Cardinal’s hosted a Peanut-Free section at Busch Stadium. This section allowed fans (especially families with allergic children) to watch the baseball game without worrying about a reaction. The only bummer is that there are no other peanut-free games scheduled, yet. Continue reading

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There’s no age limit on Internet access

Fast forward to 2008 when we have a 71-year old senator running for president of the United States. On July 14, the Telegraph from Great Britain published a story about how Sen. John McCain is computer illiterate. In the story, they claim that he doesn’t surf the Internet or send e-mail. ow, granted I am nearly 50 years younger than him and work in the technology industry. But there is no way that I am okay with the leader of the free world being incapable of Googling himself. Or sending an important Oval memo. I mean, REALLY?

In response to this report, the Associated Press wrote an article on the web usage trends of American seniors. Continue reading

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Filed under Interactive, Market Research

2X Ultra Cool

I went to stock up on some laundry detergent a week ago and could not find my usual brand/bottle, much to my dismay. Before leaving the aisle with a second choice, I noticed a smaller version of my usual brand on the bottom shelf. I picked it up and saw the words “New 2X Ultra Tide.” Those (smart) people at Tide decided to come out with a concentrated version of laundry detergent that saves plastic, water and space. Okay, so maybe I’m being a bit over zealous when it comes to laundry detergent. But seriously! How many other consumer goods products could eliminate excess from their products and generate excitement about new ways to improve standard products? Continue reading

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Filed under Green Marketing, Raves

Let’s talk about (teen) sex

First Juno. Then Jamie Lynn. Next, it was the Pregnancy Boom at Glouchester High in Massachusetts. Today the CDC reports teen pregnancies are at a 15-year high. And this 2008 International Advertising Festival at Cannes from a Saatchi & Saatchi third party vendor. What’s with the teen pregnancy obsession? Continue reading

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Filed under Pop Culture, Rants

Would you rather…?

Analyzing priorities in a digital world

I spent the holiday weekend at a friend’s lake house. One day while we sat on the dock, his father asked me if I’d rather go without the Internet or my cell phone? To me, this made no sense – considering I can access the Internet from my phone AND make calls online. Add that to the fact that I own a laptop and have a wireless air card for Internet access…I realized that I am fortunate to have so many ways to communicate that I do not have to chose between technologies!

The Beneath the Brand blog recently posted an OTX survey of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, asking them which scenario they would prefer. The findings indicate that today’s adolescents have a completely different perspective on communication, social relationships and technology. Continue reading

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Filed under Market Research, technology

New developments in the Avis Meyer saga

If you haven’t been there in awhile (or at all!) PLEASE visit the Save Avis blog to find out more about the recent media coverage and blog chatter about Saint Louis University’s actions against professor Avis Meyer.

Today, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch published a story by Kavita Kumar about the situation and editorial staff member Alex Mayer posted a great commentary on the logic behind SLU’s actions and their attack on freedom of the press.

Plus, Amy George Rush and Jenny Rolf just launched an awesome new site dedicated to informing people about the situation and supporting a SLU legend. Visit the new SaveAvis.com!
Continue reading

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Filed under Rants

Face-to-Face Facebook

Had to share the funniest video from Idiots of Ants and the BBC’s The Wall.

I don’t think there could be a more true depiction of the phenomenon known as Facebook. Continue reading

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Filed under Random but Fun

Fly Derrie-Air

I am a big fan of funny. And the The Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com did a phenomenal job of making me laugh.

Visit http://flyderrie-air.com/ to find out more about how the ad department at these Philly newspapers fooled readers and proved to advertisers that compelling print ads get attention and drive traffic to the web! Continue reading

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Filed under Raves

Keeping it in perspective

At work, I am constantly reminded of the generational gap between young adults, like myself, and older business colleagues when it comes to both culture and technology. One of my primary responsibilities at work is to educate others on appropriate use of technology and how it can enhance their brand’s marketing efforts.

The gap extends beyond the conference room and into everyday casual conversation. This year, we’ve been experiencing devastating floods here in St. Louis. My coworkers talk about their memories of the last flood. When they turn to hear my anecdotes, all I can offer is that my mom took a picture of me sandbagging in Valley Park when I was in the second grade. Yes, I was in the second grade in 1993.

To help relieve the shock when dealing with youngsters, Beloit College in Wisconsin publishes the Mindset List each year to help college professors understand the perspective of incoming college freshmen. Continue reading

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Filed under Helpful Tips