Glynis... FTW!!!!

Fascinating and intriguing morning I've had. My head is full of questions, thoughts, concerns, desires, dreams and potential opportunities. What challenge am I going to place in front of myself? Do I have "the stuff"?

With my fancy-pants new haircut (it was a Locks of Love donation time) and positive outlook, I'm having a great day. Coupled with some inspirational quotes from the strangest of places, I wonder if this is the new direction my career may be heading? Who knows!

"Sometimes you are the dog, sometimes the fire hydrant." - as seen outside Veterinarian on Josey Lane.

"If you're not going forward, you are going backwards." - Nor'Kirk Church sign

"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable or happy. The amount of work is the same." Francesca Reigler on Little Pink Book email.

White copy on a black shirt

One of my favorite web comics is 'Questionable Content' (thanks to Rhett for recommending it a few years ago.) Each day, I take a few moments to immerse myself into the world of Martin, Dora, Hannerlore and more... my recent favorite addition is Marigold, who WoW geeky and introverted as she is, also is learning to take chances and try new opportunities.

To add to your feed, go here: http://questionablecontent.net

Something New

If you haven't checked out reveries.com put it in your daily feeds to check. Cool News of the Day is full of innovation, ideas and general insights that come in short thought-starter snippets. If you like to learn something new everyday, this is the place to do it.

Meet Dan for "Lunch"

Lane Bryant is challenging the networks with a new ad promoting their Cacique Lingerie line. Stating that the spot had been denied access on the air, with final approval in the 9:00pm hour of American Idol, the question is what is really controversial (if anything) about the ad.

A beautiful woman tries on various intimate apparel. She then looks to her phone for a reminder to "Meet Dan for Lunch". Slipping on a jacket directly over the chosen set and walking confidently to the door, she leaves for her date. The implied assumption is that she will be meeting Dan for an intimate rendezvous.

Is Lane Bryant drumming up the "controversy" for PR? Were the media networks nervous about the implication of sexual activities? Is is because the women is full figured and not a waif-thin "typical" lingerie model? Can you make any argument when Victoria's Secret spots air at the same time?

For full spot: http://www.youtube.com/lanebryantcurves

For AdWeek article: http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/media/e3if5cd846de3bb1b4bc560e01513c480f4

Dr. Evildriver or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Boston Roads

Learned quite a few things about driving around Boston, Massachusetts this past weekend.

One: Don't travel to Boston on the weekend of the Boston Marathon. Furthermore, do not expect to be able to negotiate the city with roadblocks and numerous pedestrians. Pedestrians will not adhere to crosswalks or signals. Much like a squirrel running in front of you, be prepared to stop.

Two: The maps Enterprise Car Rental will give you are wrong. Bring (or in my case buy) a GPS system. And preferably, get it before the last day of your visit. Boston is notorious for either NOT displaying a road sign, camouflaging it, or making it generally impossible to figure out where you are. One way streets will change. Names of streets will change. You will end up in Southie before you know it.

Three: As soon as it turns green, you need to move. Otherwise, you WILL be honked at repeatedly. To offset the frustration, honk back with "shave and a haircut".

Four: A word about round-a-bouts... they are evil. The potential for fun is there, but until you get used to them, you may end up reenacting a Griswald European Vacation scene. Why this country has round-a-bouts, I have no idea. Boston is NOT a grid city and the City Planners should be reprimanded.

Five: Try to relax. Easier said than done, but high blood pressure and panic attacks aren't going to help when Tremont goes one way and Washington the other and there doesn't appear to be a cross street.

Sold!

Have you heard about The Buckle? Perhaps you've heard of Lucky Brand jeans? Named one of the top 50 Brands of 2009, The Buckle is a retail store (physical and virtual) selling designer jeans including men and women's fashion apparel. Based out of Nebraska, this company has flourished under a weakened economy with relatively little national marketing and media presence. How do they do this?

From word-of-mouth, high associate interaction, and a true "experience" for the customer, The Buckle has differentiated themselves in the marketplace.

"It's about the person's experience in our stores," Cody said, that famous modesty kicking in again. "Not because we had a cool ad. Our department just adds a little extra to the mix. People come back because they know we'll really take care of them."

Just like Trader Joe's, this is a stock that I would want to buy.

For more, please read this Brandweek article: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BDW/is_44_41/ai_67315438/

Promotions, FTW!

Yesterday, I bicycled down to Tom Thumb for a tasty sammich (had to use that coupon nearly everyday this week. $4 artisan sandwich good until 4/16.) I have had the Pastrami & Swiss Panini, The California Club, a Roast Beef with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions, and so on. So much better than Subway and I have now purchased 7 out of the 7 sandwiches needed to earn a FREE sandwich. (And yes, I still call them sammiches.) Coupon + Incentive Offer + Great product = WIN!

Now, on the way out of Tom Thumb there was a bright maroon NASCAR car, a tent and people setting up. I cruised on over to see what was happening and a lovely lady informed me that Beringer Wines was on site for tasting, provide recipes, and have the opportunity to take your photo with their Beringer Wine sponsored NASCAR car. While intrigued, I didn't see a clear connection between NASCAR, Tom Thumb Shoppers and Beringer Wines. Perhaps the MRI data is much higher than I would anticipate.

(Side note: a few years ago I worked on a fun Beringer Wine promotion from a strategic alliance perspective. But this was an online promotional game driven via hang tags on bottles in-store... and the prizes were diamonds or $$ off online diamond purchases. Not quite the same as wine tastings with recipes at a Tom Thumb on a Tuesday midday... oh, with a NASCAR play.)

A great promotional connection came to my email this morning however. Dove Hair Care & Glee. Simply go to the sponsored site and play a casino style slot machine, match up three products and win. Grand Prize is a VIP makeover, a la Glee fantasticness. The lead actress, Leah ?, has such gorgeous hair, I could see the tie-in. That, and everyone wants to jump on the Glee bandwagon. But, to make it a BETTER promotion, they will deliver a free sample of their latest Dove Hair Care product, Fiber Actives, to your door (while supplies last.) Chance to win + Free product = WIN.

I'll let you know when/if the free sample arrives, about the product and whether I would purchase it again. My assumption is that Unilever is smart enough to provide a generous coupon with the sample for any Dove product. In the mean time, I'll be biking down to Tom Thumb to get my free sandwich.

Scooby Dooby

I adore Craig Ferguson. I would like to set up camp in his audience as a hobo and he can feed me chicken. I'd even be willing to polish Geoff the Skeleton Robot Sidekick's feet. That how much I heart Craig.

Ok, so this video is random, but that's kinda why I love him even more. Listen to this song, Brazilian lounge music, who could hate that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6rc448Gs14

"Foodies are people who love food and love talking about food. They're like Trekkies but even fatter." - Craig Ferguson

Just a perfect day

I returned home from a lovely bike ride along the Carrollton Greenbelt this morning. The city has recently expanded a portion near our house, with new paved paths to link all the way from Hebron to Beltline. Granted, we only made it as far to the Disc Golf fields and my thighs are burning, but it was so pleasant and warm outside.

Stopped at a park bench and chatted with an older gentlemen, Chris had an extra Gatorade and he was happy to share. Lots of people walking their dogs, going for a stroll and enjoying the ponds. With the exception of the gnats flying into my face, it was a perfect morning. And yes, we spent a considerable amount of time at the children's playground on the swing set.

I really need to invest in a digital camera to share these photos, but holler if you'd like me to mobile them to you.