Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Fat Princess Game
Feminists cry foul over Fat Princess
Does Sony's cartoony castle game cross the line?
By Ben Silverman
She's plump, powerful and ready to cause more controversy than "SuperSize Me."
She's Fat Princess, the star of Sony's upcoming video game of the same name. Debuting at last week's E3 expo, the colorful Fat Princess is a capture-the-flag game with a twist: you can thwart capture attempts by locking the once-thin princess in a dungeon and stuffing her full of cake, thereby increasing her girth and making her harder for your enemies to haul back to home base.
According to popular gaming blog Joystiq, two feminist gaming sites have already voiced their displeasure with the weighty issue.
Feminist Gamer's "Mighty Ponygirl" rings in diplomatically, suggesting a new way to play the game altogether.
"Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest. The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry," she said, before adding, "Oh, but that's not as "cute" as cake and fat chicks. Right."
Over at Shakesville, however, writer Melissa McEwan cuts to the chase, telling Sony she's "positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative ---holes."
Sony has yet to issue an official response, although Joystiq did receive a particularly informative update from James Green, Fat Princess' lead art director, who clued gamers in on the origins of the game:
"Does it make it better or worse that the concept artist (who designed the look, characters, everything) is a girl?"
Does Sony's cartoony castle game cross the line?
By Ben Silverman
She's plump, powerful and ready to cause more controversy than "SuperSize Me."
She's Fat Princess, the star of Sony's upcoming video game of the same name. Debuting at last week's E3 expo, the colorful Fat Princess is a capture-the-flag game with a twist: you can thwart capture attempts by locking the once-thin princess in a dungeon and stuffing her full of cake, thereby increasing her girth and making her harder for your enemies to haul back to home base.
According to popular gaming blog Joystiq, two feminist gaming sites have already voiced their displeasure with the weighty issue.
Feminist Gamer's "Mighty Ponygirl" rings in diplomatically, suggesting a new way to play the game altogether.
"Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest. The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry," she said, before adding, "Oh, but that's not as "cute" as cake and fat chicks. Right."
Over at Shakesville, however, writer Melissa McEwan cuts to the chase, telling Sony she's "positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative ---holes."
Sony has yet to issue an official response, although Joystiq did receive a particularly informative update from James Green, Fat Princess' lead art director, who clued gamers in on the origins of the game:
"Does it make it better or worse that the concept artist (who designed the look, characters, everything) is a girl?"
Monday, July 28, 2008
Crocs sales plummet
Let me just put it out there that I am not a fan of crocs - especially those with the holes on top. I thought for a while that I may get a pair to just have because hell, they were so "in." But alas, I did not, and apparently, all the hype has died down because their sales have plummeted like there is no tomorrow...
Crocs stock plummets after warning
By STEVE LADURANTAYE
July 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM EDT
Shares of Crocs Inc., the once high-flying shoe maker, fell 47 per cent at the open Friday after the company warned it wouldn't come anywhere near its previously announced expectations for the quarter.
The company had told investors they could expect profits of 42 cents (U.S.) to 47 cents a share in its second quarter, but it said after the market closed Thursday that 3 cents to 7 cents would be a more reasonable expectation as sales volumes declined. Analysts were looking for 41 cents.
“Although we made important progress reducing costs in our manufacturing and distribution platform, primarily shutting down our Canadian facility and lowering our headcount, it was not enough to offset the lower than projected sales volumes,” chief executive officer Ron Snyder said in a statement.
Crocs shares closed trading Thursday at $8.95 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. At the open Friday, they were trading for $4.73, down $4.22. They were trading for as much as $75 in October, as the company's brightly coloured, lightweight shoes peaked in popularity.
Mr. Snyder said retailers around the world were being “extremely cautious” with their orders, and were keeping leaner inventories than a year ago. While sales were up 65 per cent in Asia and 13 per cent in Europe in the quarter, the gains were less than expected.
“We are obviously disappointed with the economic situation in the U.S. and parts of Europe, however, we remain confident about the long-term prospects of this business,” he said. “We are currently in the process of sizing our business to be profitable on lower projected sales volumes, and these cost actions will continue through the end of the year.”
Sales projections in the quarter were lowered to $218-million to $223-million, from $247-million to $258-million.
For more on this story, read it here.
Crocs stock plummets after warning
By STEVE LADURANTAYE
July 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM EDT
Shares of Crocs Inc., the once high-flying shoe maker, fell 47 per cent at the open Friday after the company warned it wouldn't come anywhere near its previously announced expectations for the quarter.
The company had told investors they could expect profits of 42 cents (U.S.) to 47 cents a share in its second quarter, but it said after the market closed Thursday that 3 cents to 7 cents would be a more reasonable expectation as sales volumes declined. Analysts were looking for 41 cents.
“Although we made important progress reducing costs in our manufacturing and distribution platform, primarily shutting down our Canadian facility and lowering our headcount, it was not enough to offset the lower than projected sales volumes,” chief executive officer Ron Snyder said in a statement.
Crocs shares closed trading Thursday at $8.95 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. At the open Friday, they were trading for $4.73, down $4.22. They were trading for as much as $75 in October, as the company's brightly coloured, lightweight shoes peaked in popularity.
Mr. Snyder said retailers around the world were being “extremely cautious” with their orders, and were keeping leaner inventories than a year ago. While sales were up 65 per cent in Asia and 13 per cent in Europe in the quarter, the gains were less than expected.
“We are obviously disappointed with the economic situation in the U.S. and parts of Europe, however, we remain confident about the long-term prospects of this business,” he said. “We are currently in the process of sizing our business to be profitable on lower projected sales volumes, and these cost actions will continue through the end of the year.”
Sales projections in the quarter were lowered to $218-million to $223-million, from $247-million to $258-million.
For more on this story, read it here.
Predictions for the marketing industry
How Are We Doing? And How Will We Do?
PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2008 Global Media Forecast
By Maxwell Lakin Published: July 25, 2008
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Consulting and analysis firm PricewaterhouseCoopers released its five-year global entertainment and media forecast this week. PwC Entertainment & Media Practice Chairman James O'Shaughnessy in New York and Managing Partner Marcel Fenez in Hong Kong note that this latest version of the report, which is now in its ninth year, marks emerging-market growth, in addition to unprecedented established-market gains.
MediaWorks takes a look at the forecasts for several of the media market's largest sectors, including internet-access spending and internet advertising, TV advertising and subscriptions, newspaper and magazine publishing, radio and out-of-home advertising, and recorded music, film and video games.
Internet advertising and spending posted notable gains through the past 18 months, and is projected to steadily increase over the next five years. In general, and with the exception of the lapsing recorded-music sector and a struggling newspaper market, the media industry has done well for itself of late. PwC estimates that total global media and entertainment spending rose 6.4% in 2007, with internet-access spending in particular posting a 16.7% increase.
Read more about these predictions at Advertising Age.
PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2008 Global Media Forecast
By Maxwell Lakin Published: July 25, 2008
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Consulting and analysis firm PricewaterhouseCoopers released its five-year global entertainment and media forecast this week. PwC Entertainment & Media Practice Chairman James O'Shaughnessy in New York and Managing Partner Marcel Fenez in Hong Kong note that this latest version of the report, which is now in its ninth year, marks emerging-market growth, in addition to unprecedented established-market gains.
MediaWorks takes a look at the forecasts for several of the media market's largest sectors, including internet-access spending and internet advertising, TV advertising and subscriptions, newspaper and magazine publishing, radio and out-of-home advertising, and recorded music, film and video games.
Internet advertising and spending posted notable gains through the past 18 months, and is projected to steadily increase over the next five years. In general, and with the exception of the lapsing recorded-music sector and a struggling newspaper market, the media industry has done well for itself of late. PwC estimates that total global media and entertainment spending rose 6.4% in 2007, with internet-access spending in particular posting a 16.7% increase.
Read more about these predictions at Advertising Age.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sebastian Look A Like
Or maybe Sebastian just looks like this dog... Anyway, this is a maltipoo, Jessica Simpson's maltipoo to be exact.
And here is my baby.
I can see some differences, but overall, pretty similar. A lot more similar than Sebastian and Falcor!
I promise I will not write about my dog.
I promise I will not write about my dog.
I promise I will not write about my dog.
I promise I will not write about my dog.
I promise I will not write about my dog.
For you fans...
This was a really interesting article from Advertising Age. It's especially an interesting read for people who are into the entertainment industry and definitely if you are into marketing and PR.
'Iron Man' vs. 'The Dark Knight'
Which Superhero Movie Packed the Biggest Media Punch?
By Antony Young Published: July 24, 2008
Summer blockbusters "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight" both showed superhero-like powers when it came to pulling in box-office receipts. "The Dark Knight" delivered a thumping $158.4 million last weekend -- an industry record. "Iron Man's" $98.6 million initial weekend take surpassed all expectations. Talented directors, great lead talent and sensational reviews from critics were naturally a major part of both films' successes. But the marketing and media behind these two Hollywood franchises was a critical ingredient to maximizing both films' potential. Paramount developed the "Iron Man" media strategy for Marvel Entertainment's first funded production, while Warner Bros. was behind "The Dark Knight." The companies took quite different media strategies. Let's review how well they did.
Read the rest of the article here.
'Iron Man' vs. 'The Dark Knight'
Which Superhero Movie Packed the Biggest Media Punch?
By Antony Young Published: July 24, 2008
Summer blockbusters "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight" both showed superhero-like powers when it came to pulling in box-office receipts. "The Dark Knight" delivered a thumping $158.4 million last weekend -- an industry record. "Iron Man's" $98.6 million initial weekend take surpassed all expectations. Talented directors, great lead talent and sensational reviews from critics were naturally a major part of both films' successes. But the marketing and media behind these two Hollywood franchises was a critical ingredient to maximizing both films' potential. Paramount developed the "Iron Man" media strategy for Marvel Entertainment's first funded production, while Warner Bros. was behind "The Dark Knight." The companies took quite different media strategies. Let's review how well they did.
Read the rest of the article here.
This made me laugh
I was telling a colleague that I "felt old" this morning because I was listening to Westlife and Celine Dion.
Colleague says: celine dion is never old. the hoe can sing. when i first heard her everyone thought she was black
Me: she's not really a "hoe" LOL
I'd never think of describing Celine Dion that way, so it made me nearly laugh out loud at my desk when I read that. Oh goodness!
Colleague says: celine dion is never old. the hoe can sing. when i first heard her everyone thought she was black
Me: she's not really a "hoe" LOL
I'd never think of describing Celine Dion that way, so it made me nearly laugh out loud at my desk when I read that. Oh goodness!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Little Things in Life are the Best!
So I absolutely LOVE Pandora. You put in a favorite song and/or artist, and the program pulls up songs that are similar. Then as you listen, you can rate songs you like and don't like, creating an overall better playlist of songs to fit what you want to hear. After weeks of nagging him to try Pandora.com, I got this e-mail from him the other day...
"Pandora knows me pretty well….started with Flaming Lips…then Modest Mouse then Beatles….then Radiohead.
Sorry it took me so long to try it."
I told him that this e-mail was one of the best I had received in a long time. It shows he listened and he appreciated my thoughts. A rare time, but happy that it happened. Isn't that sad that a gesture so small and insignificant was so significant to me? It's all about the little things in life!
"Pandora knows me pretty well….started with Flaming Lips…then Modest Mouse then Beatles….then Radiohead.
Sorry it took me so long to try it."
I told him that this e-mail was one of the best I had received in a long time. It shows he listened and he appreciated my thoughts. A rare time, but happy that it happened. Isn't that sad that a gesture so small and insignificant was so significant to me? It's all about the little things in life!
Most Innovative Celebrities in Digital Media
I thought this was an interesting article. Who knew? Do you think these people actually get online, or do they have a publicist who manages a team behind it? Also, why isn't P. Diddy on this list. I hear, but have not seen, that he has some pretty great online videos! Anyway, just sharing...
Announcing The Econoclast10: Most Innovative Celebrities In Digital Media
By Rafat Ali - Wed 23 Jul 2008 09:00 AM PST
In conjunction with our EconCeleb conference later today, we present the Econoclast10, a top 10 list of the most influential and innovative online celebrities. Whether they’re blogging, investing, entertaining or, well, updating their MySpace profiles, these celebs are finding new ways to reach and interact with their fans. Check out the fancier, illustrated version here.
Our Econoclast10 is below. Please feel free to tell us which picks you agree with—and which ones you don’t—and add your own nominations in the comments.
#1) Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy and Adam McKay: The trio’s venture FunnyorDie.com has funny videos featuring celebrities, comedians and you. HBO, which couldn’t make its own comedy site work, recently took a small stake in the site. The trio has wrangled in a plethora of Hollywood’s hipper comedy elite to contribute to FunnyorDie.com and other sites in its network. More named after the jump...
#2) Will.i.am: Black Eyed Peas hip-hop star Will.i.am has his own social network online, Dipdive, and has struck a deal with RIM (NSDQ: RIMM) to put it on Blackberry handsets. He also served as a spokesperson at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Beyond that, Will is responsible for the “Yes We Can” video supporting democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, The video was released on Dipdive.com and YouTube.com, and featured 35 stars including Kate Walsh, John Legend and Scarlett Johansson. It was viewed more than 17 million times and inspired dozens of others to follow suit.
#3) Ashton Kutcher: Ashton Kutcher co-founded the production company Katalyst, which has created TV shows and movies. The company has gone digital and signed a deal with AOL (NYSE: TWX) to produce five programs each with at least 20 mini-episodes to be distributed on AOL.com and AIM. Kutcher is also creative director for tech start-up Ooma; Kutcher’s spearheading the marketing campaign and producing viral videos to promote this service.
#4) Oprah Winfrey: Oprah.com has daily coverage of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and provides millions of users with extensive expert advice, interactive workbooks, photos, video, inspirational stories, books and product information from the show. For some early online cred, Oprah was a founder of multi-platform Oxygen Media long before most people knew you could have multiple platforms. Now she’s partnered with Discovery. In addition, Oprah’s Book Club allows members to connect with other readers from their local area or around the world. Oprah also has a webcast named, “Soul Series,” and an online adaptation of “Live Your Best Life.”
#5) 50 Cent: From drug dealing to fame with the release of his 2003 album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” Curtis James Jackson III has become a rap mogul, founding G-Unit records and achieving multi-platinum success. In addition, Fifty founded the G-Unit Clothing company, has dabbled in movies and consumer products, and has used his Web sites, 50cent.com and thisis50.com, to push the promotion of 50 Cent events and memorabilia arguably more than any urban rap artist to date.
#6) Stephen Colbert: Well known for his popular Comedy Central show, “The Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert has used the Internet to interact with his fans in new and innovative ways, from Google SEO to a presidential campaign complete with Facebook groups. A winner of the 2008 Webby Awards for “Person of the Year,” Colbert has also used his fame and success to raise funds for his education charity, DonorsChoose.org.
#7) Radiohead: At the end of 2007, Radiohead released their newest album, “In Rainbows,” online in a “pay what you want” form. Some artists are commending the move, most notably, Bono, and others, such as Coldplay, have followed suit by offering their latest single online for free. Radiohead has since re-released their album on-demand on Last.fm and now have their own branded section and new music video available on Google (NSDQ: GOOG) and iGoogle.
#8) Peter Gabriel: From his initial fame as the lead vocalist of the rock group Genesis, Peter Gabriel has had a successful solo career and more recently has become a pioneer in digital distribution for music. Gabriel backed OD2, one of the first digital music companies We7, and more recently TheFilter.com, an entertainment site that filters users tastes in music, movies and Web video.
#9) Tila Tequila: Beginning her career with modeling in “Playboy” and “Import Tuner,” Tila Nguyen had begun to find some success as a reality TV star and TV host before her MySpace page catapulted her to fame and “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila” debuted. She is now turning to music and with an unconventional tactic: instead of signing with a major record label she will release her first songs only online.
#10) Martha Stewart: Martha Stewart has made her mark in the digital space with MarthaStewart.com, which not only houses her blog and social net, but also recipes, gardening tips and home decorating advice, to name a few—oh, and did we mention she reads the WSJ on her Amazon (NSDQ: AMZN) Kindle? This year her company bought Emeril and a large stake in wedding planning community site WeddingWire. Late last year, it launched the Martha’s Circle network, enabling advertisers to reach targeted audiences via its niche blogs and sites. Additionally, MarthaStewart.com has everything from recipes to entertaining ideas, and her TV show. The Martha Stewart brand has integrated partnerships online with companies including 1800 Flowers, Everyday Food and Macy’s.
Announcing The Econoclast10: Most Innovative Celebrities In Digital Media
By Rafat Ali - Wed 23 Jul 2008 09:00 AM PST
In conjunction with our EconCeleb conference later today, we present the Econoclast10, a top 10 list of the most influential and innovative online celebrities. Whether they’re blogging, investing, entertaining or, well, updating their MySpace profiles, these celebs are finding new ways to reach and interact with their fans. Check out the fancier, illustrated version here.
Our Econoclast10 is below. Please feel free to tell us which picks you agree with—and which ones you don’t—and add your own nominations in the comments.
#1) Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy and Adam McKay: The trio’s venture FunnyorDie.com has funny videos featuring celebrities, comedians and you. HBO, which couldn’t make its own comedy site work, recently took a small stake in the site. The trio has wrangled in a plethora of Hollywood’s hipper comedy elite to contribute to FunnyorDie.com and other sites in its network. More named after the jump...
#2) Will.i.am: Black Eyed Peas hip-hop star Will.i.am has his own social network online, Dipdive, and has struck a deal with RIM (NSDQ: RIMM) to put it on Blackberry handsets. He also served as a spokesperson at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Beyond that, Will is responsible for the “Yes We Can” video supporting democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, The video was released on Dipdive.com and YouTube.com, and featured 35 stars including Kate Walsh, John Legend and Scarlett Johansson. It was viewed more than 17 million times and inspired dozens of others to follow suit.
#3) Ashton Kutcher: Ashton Kutcher co-founded the production company Katalyst, which has created TV shows and movies. The company has gone digital and signed a deal with AOL (NYSE: TWX) to produce five programs each with at least 20 mini-episodes to be distributed on AOL.com and AIM. Kutcher is also creative director for tech start-up Ooma; Kutcher’s spearheading the marketing campaign and producing viral videos to promote this service.
#4) Oprah Winfrey: Oprah.com has daily coverage of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and provides millions of users with extensive expert advice, interactive workbooks, photos, video, inspirational stories, books and product information from the show. For some early online cred, Oprah was a founder of multi-platform Oxygen Media long before most people knew you could have multiple platforms. Now she’s partnered with Discovery. In addition, Oprah’s Book Club allows members to connect with other readers from their local area or around the world. Oprah also has a webcast named, “Soul Series,” and an online adaptation of “Live Your Best Life.”
#5) 50 Cent: From drug dealing to fame with the release of his 2003 album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” Curtis James Jackson III has become a rap mogul, founding G-Unit records and achieving multi-platinum success. In addition, Fifty founded the G-Unit Clothing company, has dabbled in movies and consumer products, and has used his Web sites, 50cent.com and thisis50.com, to push the promotion of 50 Cent events and memorabilia arguably more than any urban rap artist to date.
#6) Stephen Colbert: Well known for his popular Comedy Central show, “The Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert has used the Internet to interact with his fans in new and innovative ways, from Google SEO to a presidential campaign complete with Facebook groups. A winner of the 2008 Webby Awards for “Person of the Year,” Colbert has also used his fame and success to raise funds for his education charity, DonorsChoose.org.
#7) Radiohead: At the end of 2007, Radiohead released their newest album, “In Rainbows,” online in a “pay what you want” form. Some artists are commending the move, most notably, Bono, and others, such as Coldplay, have followed suit by offering their latest single online for free. Radiohead has since re-released their album on-demand on Last.fm and now have their own branded section and new music video available on Google (NSDQ: GOOG) and iGoogle.
#8) Peter Gabriel: From his initial fame as the lead vocalist of the rock group Genesis, Peter Gabriel has had a successful solo career and more recently has become a pioneer in digital distribution for music. Gabriel backed OD2, one of the first digital music companies We7, and more recently TheFilter.com, an entertainment site that filters users tastes in music, movies and Web video.
#9) Tila Tequila: Beginning her career with modeling in “Playboy” and “Import Tuner,” Tila Nguyen had begun to find some success as a reality TV star and TV host before her MySpace page catapulted her to fame and “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila” debuted. She is now turning to music and with an unconventional tactic: instead of signing with a major record label she will release her first songs only online.
#10) Martha Stewart: Martha Stewart has made her mark in the digital space with MarthaStewart.com, which not only houses her blog and social net, but also recipes, gardening tips and home decorating advice, to name a few—oh, and did we mention she reads the WSJ on her Amazon (NSDQ: AMZN) Kindle? This year her company bought Emeril and a large stake in wedding planning community site WeddingWire. Late last year, it launched the Martha’s Circle network, enabling advertisers to reach targeted audiences via its niche blogs and sites. Additionally, MarthaStewart.com has everything from recipes to entertaining ideas, and her TV show. The Martha Stewart brand has integrated partnerships online with companies including 1800 Flowers, Everyday Food and Macy’s.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sebastian - a small version of Falcor?
Some believe that my dog looks like that creepy dog in the Neverending Story. Yes - the long dog that can fly... Here are the comparisons!
This is Falcor...
Now this is Sebastian...
Do you see a resemblance?
This is Falcor...
Now this is Sebastian...
Do you see a resemblance?
Another day, another thought
I am quite proud of myself today. My life since moving into my own place has been quite boring, of course except on weekends. I come home from work, take my dog, cook dinner and then watch TV until bed. Yes, that’s me –
I came to my computer, turned on the “Mamma Mia” movie soundtrack and started dancing around the apartment. This led to singing, then dancing with Sebastian (yes, he danced with me because I don’t have another man in my life who will) and then vacuuming. As I write this, I am sitting in my room – deskless, exhausted, sweaty and yet, smelling like clean carpet. Can you believe that is what has made my night? I swear I need to live a more exciting life. But then again, we choose our own destinies right? I keep saying, one of these days… Ugh I just need to make the leap. Save up for a few years and then take a few weeks off and do things I want to do.
Go to
Live it up big in
I think I could only be so extravagant for a week or so. And not just because of the finances, but I think mentally, I have to be grounded. At the end of the day, that’s the kind of person I am. Just someone who is grounded and simple. I joke a lot that I’m a 40 year old person in a 20 year old’s body, and friends confirm this. Some say it’s because I’m wise, with which I have to disagree. I think it’s because I’m into things I shouldn’t be into yet – like having kids, yes my maternal clock feels like it’s just ticking away, having a home, etc. I mean, goodness – I’m not even 25 yet! Give me a break! Wait five more years! Haha. Well, for now I have Sebastian, and he’s quite a handful already.
There are so many other thoughts, but alas, it is beyond my bed time. Until I can gather all my thoughts, a list of my random thoughts will suffice for the evening…
- I’m annoyed that he only calls me when it’s convenient for him. What’s the saying? Don’t make him a priority when you’re only an option to him.
- I am sickly in love with Westlife.
- I don’t care what anyone says, I DO like the country version of “Home.” It features the kick ass Miranda Lambert.
- I think I am getting annoyed with my cell phone already. It’s only been a few months!
- It’s official, I’ll be in GSO for another year at least!
- Times have changed since I started blogging. A colleague told me yesterday that I should reserve my blog for more interesting things like cool videos and funny pictures. Hope readers will still enjoy my random meanderings anyway... But I'll try to find some cool videos eventually...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
1. I love it when we have brainstorming sessions at work.
2. I had leftover Chinese for lunch. Might have not been the best choice.
3. Sending out that [impersonal] e-mail blast about my new blog has gotten me in touch with old friends. Nothing I love more!
4. If you're not doing on August 1, join us at Village Park in Kannapolis for a movie on the lawn!
5. I am such a bad mom. This morning, Sebastian woke me up at 5:30 a.m. barking, so I brought him into the bedroom with me, shut the door and went back to sleep. I think he whined for a little bit because he doesn't like being confined to my room anymore, but then he laid next to me and went to sleep soon there after.
2. I had leftover Chinese for lunch. Might have not been the best choice.
3. Sending out that [impersonal] e-mail blast about my new blog has gotten me in touch with old friends. Nothing I love more!
4. If you're not doing on August 1, join us at Village Park in Kannapolis for a movie on the lawn!
5. I am such a bad mom. This morning, Sebastian woke me up at 5:30 a.m. barking, so I brought him into the bedroom with me, shut the door and went back to sleep. I think he whined for a little bit because he doesn't like being confined to my room anymore, but then he laid next to me and went to sleep soon there after.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Police: Women Arrested In Monroe May Be Sex Slaves
POSTED on WSOC-TV: 10:28 am EDT July 21, 2008
MONROE, N.C. -- Two women arrested in a prostitution investigation at a North Carolina massage parlor may have been sex slaves illegally brought to the United States, police said.
Son Jarkowsky, 40, owner of the parlor in Monroe, was charged Saturday with trafficking people and allowing a business to be used for prostitution. Police said she violated a total of 33 city ordinances.
The massage parlor opened in 2007 and police said it catered to male customers, but that females who sought massages were ignored.
Police said the business advertised on the Internet and customers came from hundreds of miles away.
Two employees also were arrested, one on a charge of an attempted crime against nature and the other on two counts of indecent exposure.
Sgt. T.J. Goforth said the women didn't speak each other's language and slept on mattresses in the parlor. He said it wasn't clear if they ever left the business
Goforth also said authorities were seeking counseling for the employees.
The four-month investigation showed one woman was from China and another was from South Korea. The probe began when officers received a tip in April and sent undercover officers into the business.
RELATED STORY: Police Shut Down Spa, Arrest Owner On Sex Charges
Nice Charlotte, nice...
MONROE, N.C. -- Two women arrested in a prostitution investigation at a North Carolina massage parlor may have been sex slaves illegally brought to the United States, police said.
Son Jarkowsky, 40, owner of the parlor in Monroe, was charged Saturday with trafficking people and allowing a business to be used for prostitution. Police said she violated a total of 33 city ordinances.
The massage parlor opened in 2007 and police said it catered to male customers, but that females who sought massages were ignored.
Police said the business advertised on the Internet and customers came from hundreds of miles away.
Two employees also were arrested, one on a charge of an attempted crime against nature and the other on two counts of indecent exposure.
Sgt. T.J. Goforth said the women didn't speak each other's language and slept on mattresses in the parlor. He said it wasn't clear if they ever left the business
Goforth also said authorities were seeking counseling for the employees.
The four-month investigation showed one woman was from China and another was from South Korea. The probe began when officers received a tip in April and sent undercover officers into the business.
RELATED STORY: Police Shut Down Spa, Arrest Owner On Sex Charges
Nice Charlotte, nice...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Random note
I think in another lifetime, Colin Firth and I were meant to be together.
If not Colin, Chris Martin...
If not Colin, Chris Martin...
Another list
1. Yes, I enjoyed "Mamma Mia."
2. http://mylifesucks69.blogspot.com/. 'Nuff said.
3. I'm so cranky today.
4. Poor Sebastian. He must hate me cranky. Nhia + Cranky = lots of yelling
5. One beer down. Another 12 pack to go.
2. http://mylifesucks69.blogspot.com/. 'Nuff said.
3. I'm so cranky today.
4. Poor Sebastian. He must hate me cranky. Nhia + Cranky = lots of yelling
5. One beer down. Another 12 pack to go.
Old and New Things
Last night, the boy and I discussed one of the most used high school yearbook acronyms - KIT (keep in touch). As you and friends exchange yearbooks, you leave notes including what you'll be doing in the summer, phone numbers, addresses and in my time, e-mails :). We were looking at his own yearbooks recently and he joked that he should try calling some of the numbers that had been encrypted in his book of memories. After all, friends and acquaintances had invited him to KIT. But he said that he just didn't feel like he should keep in touch with others if they weren't willing to do the same. I whole heartily disagree, but maybe that is why I'm in public relations. I've always known I wanted to be in public relations because I like being able to network with others, I like being social and I like the opportunities public relations can open. Most of all, I like what PR can accomplish through understanding these separate entities. I don't think that I treat my friends like I do business professionals, but the way I am with my friends helps me in tackling the business world.
I like to think I have friends in almost every chapter of my life - high school, college, and definitely at all of the jobs I've held. Maybe these people are just acquaintances, but I like to think of them as friends. These aren't people that I just knew, but people I continue to keep in touch with, whether it's every day, every week, every month or even years in between. It amazes me how much people transition in the time that I have know them and I'd like to continue to follow the steps they make because life is all about the experiences people endure.
Since I am talking about old friendships, there is one thing I will definitely reprise for my blog. A friend of mine used to always post lists on his blog - lists of thoughts, rants and every now and then, to dos. They were so fun to read, but short snippets so I didn't feel like he was dragging me on and on about what he was thinking and doing. And I like to start posting lists on my blog as well. So in his honor :), here is my first list!
1. Sebastian is the funniest, but sweetest dog in the whole wide world.
2. Can't wait for the wedding this evening
3. I finally saw Dark Knight - it was a LOT better than I thought it would be.
4. I anticipate going to see "Mamma Mia." Ugh, will someone go with me?
5. I miss Justin Vick, to whom this list is dedicated.
I like to think I have friends in almost every chapter of my life - high school, college, and definitely at all of the jobs I've held. Maybe these people are just acquaintances, but I like to think of them as friends. These aren't people that I just knew, but people I continue to keep in touch with, whether it's every day, every week, every month or even years in between. It amazes me how much people transition in the time that I have know them and I'd like to continue to follow the steps they make because life is all about the experiences people endure.
Since I am talking about old friendships, there is one thing I will definitely reprise for my blog. A friend of mine used to always post lists on his blog - lists of thoughts, rants and every now and then, to dos. They were so fun to read, but short snippets so I didn't feel like he was dragging me on and on about what he was thinking and doing. And I like to start posting lists on my blog as well. So in his honor :), here is my first list!
1. Sebastian is the funniest, but sweetest dog in the whole wide world.
2. Can't wait for the wedding this evening
3. I finally saw Dark Knight - it was a LOT better than I thought it would be.
4. I anticipate going to see "Mamma Mia." Ugh, will someone go with me?
5. I miss Justin Vick, to whom this list is dedicated.
Friday, July 18, 2008
I do love Coldplay, but this may be too much
Coldplay to team up with Miley Cyrus?!
Coldplay singer, Chris Martin, says he would like to tour with teen Disney actress, Miley Cyrus, in a bizarre musical match up.
Martin, 31, revealed his secret admiration for the Hannah Montana actress and aspiring pop singer, 15, saying: 'I like Miley Cyrus... I like the TV show.'
Quizzed on a possible touring team up, the Viva la Vida singer, said: 'I'd do it. Anyone we like or respect, no matter how different they may be, we would play with.
Miley
'She's doing something quite different... I just think she seems to have a sweet character.'
Would you like to see Coldplay and Miley duet?
Coldplay singer, Chris Martin, says he would like to tour with teen Disney actress, Miley Cyrus, in a bizarre musical match up.
Martin, 31, revealed his secret admiration for the Hannah Montana actress and aspiring pop singer, 15, saying: 'I like Miley Cyrus... I like the TV show.'
Quizzed on a possible touring team up, the Viva la Vida singer, said: 'I'd do it. Anyone we like or respect, no matter how different they may be, we would play with.
Miley
'She's doing something quite different... I just think she seems to have a sweet character.'
Would you like to see Coldplay and Miley duet?
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun... A new day has come
This is my first official entry since my last one nearly two years ago. Things have changed so much in my life, and for that, I’ve decided to delete all my previous entries. For one, I am no longer in college. Took 3 ½ years to finish up my degree in communication studies. And now I am young public relations professional – learning the trade, already in a second job.
Second, I’m no longer in a floundering relationship. I had always been on the brink of a break up going into college and even during it. My assumption was that it was the person I was seeing at the time. I’ve come to realize that a lot of those problems stemmed from my own insecurity. Now I’m fatter and even less attractive than I have ever been, but feel more secure and confident in who I am and how I look than ever. I’ve had my ups and downs – as life will have it – and I’m sure I will continue to have those, but for the most part, I am content with my life. I believe a large part of what I was going through when I was in college was just because I felt I needed to be overly dramatic, and boy, did the drama follow. But the tides have changed. I’m no longer a young adult, and feel I have truly moved into the adult phase of my life.
Third, I have responsibilities now. And I don’t mean the responsibility of nagging my boyfriend to spend time with me or the responsibility of going to class on time. I have a small apartment and another life that depends on me. I think we all have a need to feel needed or responsible. My dog satisfies that for me. He is everything I could’ve ever hoped for and completes my life in a way that I didn’t know he could. And I actually pay all my bills now – rent, electricity, water, cable and more.
Well, what’s to come? It’ll be documented here in my very own, revamped online journal. Hopefully it won’t be allllllllllll about my dog, as some have speculated… Thanks for visiting and I hope you’ll come again.
Second, I’m no longer in a floundering relationship. I had always been on the brink of a break up going into college and even during it. My assumption was that it was the person I was seeing at the time. I’ve come to realize that a lot of those problems stemmed from my own insecurity. Now I’m fatter and even less attractive than I have ever been, but feel more secure and confident in who I am and how I look than ever. I’ve had my ups and downs – as life will have it – and I’m sure I will continue to have those, but for the most part, I am content with my life. I believe a large part of what I was going through when I was in college was just because I felt I needed to be overly dramatic, and boy, did the drama follow. But the tides have changed. I’m no longer a young adult, and feel I have truly moved into the adult phase of my life.
Third, I have responsibilities now. And I don’t mean the responsibility of nagging my boyfriend to spend time with me or the responsibility of going to class on time. I have a small apartment and another life that depends on me. I think we all have a need to feel needed or responsible. My dog satisfies that for me. He is everything I could’ve ever hoped for and completes my life in a way that I didn’t know he could. And I actually pay all my bills now – rent, electricity, water, cable and more.
Well, what’s to come? It’ll be documented here in my very own, revamped online journal. Hopefully it won’t be allllllllllll about my dog, as some have speculated… Thanks for visiting and I hope you’ll come again.
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