Leave The Rat Race Now

Leaving the Rat Race Blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:52:00 +0000

I'm moving over my blogging thoughts to my new website. Those of you wishing to follow me can find me there. PoshPorts is a site I think you will find different and fun.

Although I didn't write as often as I should have on this blog, I enjoyed the time I did. Now that I'm more focused on the new business all my thoughts on travel, wine, food and media will be combined into one blog. Hope you join me.

WOTW Twitter Event Today

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:09:00 +0000

I had a fun time being a panelist at today's Women of the World, "Twitter While You Work" event. As always, the topic of Twitter and any social media platform makes for great conversation and debate.

The audience was very interested in the topic and asked a lot of great questions. Joining me on the panel were Jeannie Walters of 360 Connext and Jacqui Monieson of Gossip Genie. I don't think Donna Gutman, WOTW's fearless leader could have done a better job of picking three people with completely different backgrounds and views about using Twitter, and how we personally use Twitter for our businesses.

I think we did all agree that you need to talk in your authentic voice whether using Twitter for business or personally and that it is imperative that you listen to what your followers are saying especially if they are talking about your brand, product or services.

It is also essential to keep in mind your over arching marketing strategies and goals when considering using social media. Using social media in conjunction with your marketing plans will assure that your messages will be in lock step with your marketing objectives.

We also discussed at length that if you are considering hiring someone else to manage your social media messaging that they are given specific guidelines to follow. They also need to understand your marketing goals and objectives.

In a nutshell, Twitter is a terrific micro-blogging platform that can help you stay connected with friend, colleagues and customers. And can also be a wonderful resource for information and business. Most importantly, it's fun where else can you connect with people from around the world with similar interests and have a great conversation in just 140 characters at a time.

Thanks to all who attended and I look forward to answering more questions and continuing the conversation.

Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Is there anywhere in the world that people aren’t shopping? Doesn’t matter where you go…Paris, London, Chicago, Barcelona, Singapore at some point they all look the same. Endless shopping at the same upscale stores. Why do people go to these world famous destinations to shop? And to shop in stores that are undoubtedly available in their own cities? It’s baffling to me. Some say because the prices are lower. Really? I certainly didn’t see that. Expensive stores are expensive no matter where they exist. Does Singapore really need a two Prada's on the same block on Orchard Road?

I wonder where people are going to put all the merchandise they buy. We cram our suitcases and our carry-on bags till the point of bursting. Then get home and add it to our pile of stuff and wonder why we don’t have enough room. Do you really need another Ralph Lauren sweater? Of course the answer is I don’t need it, I want it. Seeing all the shiny merchandise under the bright florescent lighting must make the goods more appealing. To me it makes me not want to buy. It’s kinda like going on a cruise ship and seeing a rather blotted passenger load up their plate at the midnight buffet. It makes me not want to eat at all the rest of the trip.

I have seen the opposite occur. People see folks piling up their carts or plates and immediately want what the next guy has, and usually more of it. Maybe that’s why all the stores everywhere are busy. And people aren’t just looking they’re buying. Carrying around lots of nice looking shopping bags brandished with the fancy status logos.

And yet we all know that the world economy is on the brink of another disaster. One of my friends believes that people are spending any money they can get their hands on and expecting to not pay it all back when they lose their credit line or their house or their job. Basically, just keep going until another bubble bursts. I find that hard to believe. Maybe people are doing better than they let on and were actually conservative with their money and now are buying. They say more people are going on vacation this summer than last year. Things are improving they say.

Who knows? But it annoys me none the less. All the people running around the duty free shops in Heathrow airport like they are getting a deal of the century. Really? And they’ll all from different countries, so it’s not an American or European thing.

What am I doing? Exchanging my pounds back to US dollars that’s what I’m doing. And putting the money right back in my pocket for the ride home. Sure I thought about buying something. I only had about 70 pounds left. But after wandering around I thought first, I don’t want to carry anything else, I hate carrying things and second I don’t really need anything else, truly I don't.

Ugly American? Perhaps. But just one that doesn’t want to shop anymore.

Memorial Day...Can it really be happy?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:48:00 +0000

I know we all spend the time before Memorial Day preparing for parties and visiting with friends and family. If our family does not have an active member of the military we still send out our best wishes to all who have.

But as I hear myself and others wishing each other a "happy" memorial day I wonder is this really possible? Memorial Day commemorates all the folks who have lost their lives in service to the United States. So shouldn't Memorial Day be more of a solemn holiday? I guess because it also falls at the start of the summer season people tend to focus on the fun outdoor activities and delicious food that comes along with BBQ season.

So I am suggesting that in between your weekend celebrations you take a few minutes to really remember what this day is all about. Whatever your political leanings every American should feel a heartfelt gratitude to those who lost their lives while serving this country. We should also honor all those who willingly joined the forces, served and made it home. They should have a special place in our hearts. And lastly, the folks that are actively servicing today as we enjoy our freedom here at home. We should wish them a safe return and protection while they are away.

Let's just dream that someday we won't need to have these courageous people and lives will not need to be lost in order for everyone in the world to live in peace and harmony.

Here's to that dream.

John Lennon Video from YouTube Imagine

More Government Folks Watching Porn

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:42:00 +0000

After reading the article from Fast Company Meth, Porn, Guns, Graft at Agency Overseeing Gulf Oil Companies I became further frustrated not only with the current environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico but the apparent availability of government workers to view and share porn on government computers shared on government email systems.

Seriously?

Just when you think it's the world running a muck you find that it's not the world it's the people who are running the world that are running a muck. Big corporations and big government agencies have proved that bigger is not only not better but is in most cases not responsible or holds no one responsible.

Ok, I know I said I was going to stay on media topics. But this story, while it does pop up in the media, still deserves more attention than it's getting right now.

Too many people have their fingers in the till on this one. Too many boondoggles, too many bad promises and clearly no sense of simply right and wrong.

Folks in the Gulf Coast and around the rest of the country should be out protesting. This catastrophe needs to be made right. We need answers and we need people held accountable. No more finger pointing.

Hasn't the Gulf area suffered enough? First Hurricane Katrina, now this? It's unimaginable.

If you can help, please contact the Sierra Club or some other environmental group to help save the environment the many species that may not recover from this disastrous oil spill.

Boycott BP. Do not provide financial support for this company this includes Castrol, Arco, Aral, am/pm, Amoco, Wild Bean Cafe and Safeway Gas. Join the Facebook Boycott bp Group which provides news updates as well.

Lastly, it's time to let the government know that the time for usage of alternative sources of fuel is now, not years from now. It needs to be a priority. We need to stop pandering to the big oil companies and start seriously looking for alternatives.

Thanks for listening. As you know, I think this is an important situation, I do not typically discuss these types of situations but this article just made a bad situation even more deplorable.

It's Just Getting Started

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 20 May 2010 22:20:00 +0000

So now Time wants to take on the Facebook privacy issue. I still can't get over how many people are still talking about this. To me it's like people who complain about certain television shows, or movies or any "entertainment" they might consume. It's so simple. Turn if off, close your account, change the channel, read a book, take a walk, talk to your family - just do something else.

Before I continue, I must say that I am also shocked that Facebook privacy has become more important that the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. I just can't think of something that is more important than the effects this mess will have on our environment for generations to come. I digress.

While I'm on the topic of privacy. I forgot to mention in my post yesterday that during one of my scans of my Tweetdeck yesterday, I noticed a rather large media companies tweet about how cool a certain perk that a certain vendor had provided was. I usually wouldn't pay much attention or comment on it but I've noticed this several times from the same company, and it irked me. Yes, irked. Although working in media does inherently come along with a certain amount of perks, I don't think it's right to brag about it or even call attention to them. I was schooled by a very bright media director who very rarely talked about the perks that he got, with co-workers or clients. I followed that rule and thought it was smart knowing that not all people in the business or for that matter sometimes even on your team have the same privileges. It's just a little classier. Anyway, back to the subject at hand, since this type of information was sent out for the John Q. Public to see I immediately felt like here's some junior level media person bragging about their perks. In the current environment, there are still plenty of people looking for jobs, or struggling in the one they do have so I don't know what good this post does for anyone. One might say reading this post that others may be encouraged to go work there, I hope there's more reason to work there then free pizza and a night out with co-workers.

When all is said and done I would hope that someone in management is reviewing or guiding the messages that are being shared. If we haven't learned anything from the social networking sites it's that information spreads very quickly. You want to be sure you know what's being said and you want to be sure it reflects your company in the most positive light it can. It's very much like PR. It's hard enough to repair damage that may come around when something really does go wrong - KFC on-line coupon anyone? But to outright create a bad impression on your own - or through a company "spokesperson" is as a favorite media planner I know used to say "nutty".

Privacy, What Privacy?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Wed, 19 May 2010 23:59:00 +0000

There's been an awful lot of talk around privacy as it relates to social networking sites. I'm confused as to why people are shocked and amazed to hear that people can find out a lot of information about folks from these sites. I'm further confused that many people don't know how to adjust their privacy setting, either because they don't know they exist or don't care to find out. Lately there has been a litany of apps that people can download to help them be sure they have the correct settings.

I guess my confusion is centered around the fact that people just don't bother to check out what they are signing up for. How often do people really look at the terms and conditions that some corporate lawyer has created for any site they use let alone a social networking site. It would amaze you what the rules of the road are on some of these sites.

I recently signed up for a small business networking site and was asked to check the box on the "I agree to the terms and conditions below". The very detailed terms included that the site could use anything that was written in any "comment" section as they saw fit, you lost any rights to it. They could develop an idea or sell an idea you may propose. They also prohibited the reposting of any of their material. I'm certain that most people don't check a sites policy before reposting material on the web, their blog or elsewhere. Interesting.

So what does this all mean? Here's a couple of rules to think about, it may not include everything but it's a good start:

1) First off I'm not suggesting you leave Facebook. We all assumed the risk to some degree when we joined. Just check your privacy setting and determine which settings work best for you. Just keep in mind that the more you keep to yourself the less "social" the experience is.

2) This is an easy one. For goodness sake, don't put information on any social networking site you don't want anyone to see. That includes your employer, your HR department, your co-workers, your boss, your spouse/significant other, your family, and most importantly as I always say to my students your Grandmother. That's the bar I always use if I'm not sure. If I wouldn't want my Grandmother to see it - it doesn't go up. Period.

3) Know what you're getting yourself into. If you're not prepared to talk about certain subjects: religion, politics, sex, life-style choices, then don't start, like or comment on those conversations.

4) Stop whining, may be the most important one, surprise, surprise, social networks are trying to make money with advertising. To do that they look at your information and target messages to you that you might more likely respond to. Shocking. I guess we forgot about all the other forms of media that have been doing this for years. This is called engaging, captivating, targeting (or some other clever name) a captive consumer group.

5) It's only 2010. The creepiness has just begun. Is it creepy? Certainly, and will it get creepier, you betcha. Anyone seen the facial recognition out-of-home screens yet? I have, and I think everyone can agree that it's creepy.

6) Have fun. Sharing information and staying in touch is wonderful. Folks a half a world away are seeing your ideas and experiences in real time. It feels like they are closer and still part of the dialogue. And guess what? People like that. Sharing photos of loved ones, travel highlights or just life's simple pleasures couldn't really be any easier.

So please stop the chatter about privacy. It's gone, whether we like it or not.

SNL: Season Closer

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Last thoughts on SNL for this season. Alec Baldwin although hosting for the 15th time was not enough to save SNL. The season closed with a typical boring and not funny show.

The fact that they started out the show with a bit on the Gulf oil spill was in such bad taste given the enormity of the ecological incident. It only got worse from there. I won't even bother to comment on Tom Petty - who is my musical artists I don't like list. It wouldn't be fair, since I'm far too biased.

So we'll wait to next fall to see who will host the opener. Time will tell if Lorne Michaels will continue to be swayed by the audience and bring in someone that is lobbied for, or stick to their usual suspects.

SNL: Who's Next Carol Burnett? More Cowbell...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:21:00 +0000

The social media sites are a twitter today with who the next iconic comedian will be to be nominated for the SNL hosting spot. There's already a Carol Burnett to host SNL (Please?) fan page set up on Facebook, 37,000 folks have already signed up.

Should SNL capitalize on this fan based phenomenon? With fans begging for the show to feature their favorites where will it end? There's certainly lots of talented folks to tap into. Would the fan hosts increase the show ratings? In the end isn't that all the network is interested in? Ratings, and advertisers who want the highest ratings and the most buzz. SNL hasn't enjoyed this much buzz in a long, long time.

When was the last time you looked up a SNL clip on YouTube or nbc.com? Mine was Cowbell with Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell. Check it out.

More Cowbell

Still funny stuff. We'll have to wait till next season, as this years season ends this Saturday with Alec Baldwin as guest host. Will he reprise his role and attempt Schweddy Balls again? I don't know but I'm guessing a few people will tune in to find out.

Betty White - SNL's Savior

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:49:00 +0000

I have to tell you that I was an early fan of the "Betty White to Host SNL (Please?)" fan page on Facebook. I've always been a fan of Betty's. Even before her stint on my all time favorite, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Betty has always been a brilliant comedic actress. Password, Match Game, Golden Girls, Boston Legal, countless movies (I loved her in Lake Placid, that was the first time we got to see her more wild side, she was so cute with the tiny aligators) and the list just goes on and on.

As the Reuters article below points out SNL posted it's highest ratings since November 1st, 2008 with Betty at the helm Saturday night.

Reuters Betty White article

The fact that a Facebook page helped launch the effort to have Betty host the stage is now a social media legend. There is just something about this woman that the American people just love.

If you missed the episode check it out on the link below:
Saturday Night Live Episode

I loved the show, Betty was at her best. Her comedic timing is impeccable. The fact that they brought back Tina Fey, Amy Pohler and Molly Shannon was just pure gravy.

I haven't been a regular SNL viewer for a zillion years. I grew up watching it with Jim Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris and the crew, so watching the show deteriorate over the years and become unfunny has not been fun. Here's hoping that with the good ratings that come along with great hosts and great sketch comics the team at NBC and SNL will finally take a hard look at the cast and writers and make some changes. Clearly, television viewers will watch this kind of content but only if its fresh and good. The only bits that should have been deleted were the MacGruber segments. No matter how you slice it they are just not good, even Betty couldn't save it, although she certainly tried. I won't even get into the fact that this character is now in a full length motion picture forum - seriously?

Betty White - God bless you for saving SNL this week. I heard a rumor on Facebook that someone is going to launch a campaign to get Betty into the next Kennedy Center Honors. One can only dream.

Seriously, I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Ok, I admit that I've been away far too long. I've decided after much thought and angst that I need to keep up with the blog. I was going to switch to a website - but I've read too much about how abandoning a blog is a bad idea(Cardinal Rule #1) For many reasons. So I'm back at it.

I admit that I was shocked and amazed that when I did come back that there were actually 10 comments on my last post. Sure, a lot of them were spammy but nonetheless folks did comment. I thought that I set it up so I would get an email when I had posts. So I need to check those settings. Now I feel bad that I didn't respond. (Cardinal rule #2 broken).

So I'm back and I'll be responding, I promise. Seriously, I promise. I'm going to renew my focus on media. Of course, that doesn't mean that I'll stray from travel and leisure - but I'm going to focus on the media and all the fun stuff I've been learning, sharing and implementing with clients.

I'll try and save most of the travel and leisure for PoshPorts. Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think.

Website Building

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Another fun day at the office. We now have our PoshPorts splash page up and it looks great. Looking forward to more progress over the next month. Very exciting lots we've learned and still a lot more to come.
Also looks like there may be a lot of serious travel coming up over the next very months. Which means of course...more Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts. Fun times ahead, guaranteed.

Holiday Greeting Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:56:00 +0000

We all love the holidays. We like sending our holiday best wishes to everyone. Friends, family, co-workers, clients, vendors - our list sometimes seems to never end. How best to tell folks you work with that you hope they have a wonderful holiday season?

This blog today on Harvard Business hits the nail on the head.

http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/cs/2009/12/the_holiday_card_quandary.html?cm_re=homepage-112509-_-secondary-1-_-headline

While it may seem easier to send out an automated email holiday card - they often do not send the message that you intended to send. Yes, everyone can appreciate the efficiency of the process. Everyone is stretched for time. However, since the holiday only comes around once a year, it's best to really consider what kind of impression you want to make on these important business people.

Sending a personalized note or card will always make a much better impression, period. I know I've already received several automated holiday cards from some vendors. People I know very well. One of them used my formal first name, which I never use and was so impersonal from some who knows me personally that it has quite a negative effect.

So if you really want to wish someone a happy holiday, write a note, send a personal card - they will appreciate it and remember that you thought they were important enough to take the time.

Time is on your side

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Everyone talks about time and how fast it seems to go by at this time of year. We're always amazed at the passing of another year. How time "flew" by and how many things we didn't accomplish.

I read this interesting article this morning on the HBR blog about managing meeting times.

I can certainly sympathize with the trouble of back to back meetings, as we all can. Some days are worse than others but one of the biggest challenges in business is how to manage your own time as well as the time of others on your team.

The suggestion Professor Silverman makes to change meetings to 50 minutes instead of 60 is interesting. Obviously, this creates a 10 minute window of opportunity to not only get to your next meeting, check your voice mail and email.

At first blush, this sounds like a great idea. I'm all for creating more efficiency and trying to manage your day better.

But I wonder, does this help or does this create even more angst as you see more problems, more work projects and more future appointments in between meetings when you often can not take the time to solve the problem immediately, although it may demand your immediate attention. This sometimes means that people then miss the next meeting to care for the "more urgent" matter they just learned of in their in-box.

In fast moving business settings it might be more advantageous to limit the amount of people attending all day meetings to only the people you need in attendance. Often too many unnecessary people are in long, non-productive meetings.

As a manger, my suggestion would be to know your teams schedule and understand who is going to what meetings. Assign the correct people to the meetings they can either most learn from or most add to. This will free up the rest of the team to keep the actual work moving forward, especially when working for clients.

One of the comments from this blog worried how implementing this 50 minute rule would impact client meetings. I agree this is a huge consideration. From not starting on time to running late, clients expect their vendors to be at their beck and call.

One of the best solutions is to have the meeting as choreographed as possible. Let folks know what you want from them up front, do you need questions answered? Then provide the questions prior to the meeting. Do you need a decision made? Clearly outline the decision you need and the implications if you don't get a decision in that meetings. What information will be covered. Again, only invite people who add value to the meeting. Clients rarely want folks in a meeting from your side that are not participating, so don't include them.

At the end of the day, you need to manage your time, your meetings and your whole day. Of course things come up that may seem beyond your control. All you can do is manage the 24 hours of each day. Don't overbook, don't over lap meetings, this will only add more frustration to your day, and not allow you to give your full attention to each meeting you attend. Block out time in your day to handle the daily influx of email and phone calls. Most importantly, be present in each meeting you do participate in. Don't check your email incessantly, don't start thinking about the next meeting or what other problems are going on while you're away from your office. Be there, be attentive, ask and answer the questions necessary and move on to the next thing.

The Goal is Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:53:00 +0000

I met a woman a few weeks ago who runs her own company. She places disabled people into jobs. Clearly, her "work" helps multiple people. She finds jobs for people who really need work and often times have trouble finding them. She fills positions for companies who have openings and open minds. Win-win. I asked her what she liked best about owning her own company. Her immediate answer was, "I am happy every day. I wake up and can't wait to start my day, I'm just happy". I chuckled when she said that because I could relate to her "happiness". When I left my corporate job last year there were many aspects of my life to take into consideration. The number one priority for me was my personal happiness. When I first made the change folks often commented on how relaxed and happy I looked. Although I was glad for the positive feedback, I wondered did I look stressed and unhappy before? I probably did. Surprisingly, no one ever commented on it while I was in it. Perhaps because we all were in the same boat.

Today when I read the following article on the HBR blog it really rang true to me.

While the article outlines 4 "buckets" that make up your "work life", my partner and I follow the two-bucket rule. When we are considering anything in our lives we ask ourselves (not each other), does the event/decision/task we're considering fit into one of two buckets. The two buckets are: does it make you happy? and does it help your business if any way? If it doesn't fall into either bucket the answer needs to be no. Simply no. No excuses.

This simple method makes otherwise seemingly complicated decisions much easier. You also have to consider that sometimes your decision may change as time goes on. What makes you happy today, or could possibly grow your business today will change so you need to be receptive to that fact and willing to sometime change your decisions.

But at the end of the day the most important thing is to enjoy whatever it is you're doing and be happy. Life is simply to darn short to do anything else.

How Is It Possible?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Any one who knows me, knows I spend an inordinate amount of time reading, researching and following media/marketing/advertising news. Today when I saw an article that stated that CBS has sold 90% of the Super Bowl spots I thought, good for them.

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/national-broadcast/e3if462c05e6538163719d9637ab962e237?pn=1

How is it possible in this economy advertisers are still snapping up $2+ million, 30- second spots?

First off, we know the economy is improving. More advertisers are bringing money into the marketplace.

Second, TV is not dead. Although there have been numerous commentary on why television numbers are actually up and improving. Folks still turn on their TV's for diversion, entertainment and mindless entertainment.

Third, Super Bowl Sunday is a sacred American holiday. It's no secret that the viewership numbers for the Super Bowl are huge for every demo. The ROI, even at the huge price tag is still pretty good.

Fourth, Super Bowl is almost DVR-proof. Almost because folks still DVR the game in hopes to catch another wardrobe malfunction, ala Janet Jackson and to hopefully catch an awe inspiring performance from a NFL player.

I'm sure that with 2 months to go, CBS will have no problem selling the few remaining spots. Will they go for a premium, probably not but some lucky advertiser will get their message out there in front of a whole lot of people.

Long Time No Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Wow, it's been too long. Although I'm not officially in the "corporate" rat race I certainly have created a rat race of my own. The summer has been filled with traveling to France, looking and finding a new home. Moving and setting up new digs. And further solidifying my committed relationship as "permanent".

Did I mention starting a new business? Yes, PoshPorts is off and running. Not as smoothly as we had hoped but going none the less. We're in the process of looking for a web designer/developer to give us a hand. We haven't "officially" launched the site but we do have one up. It needs some help and quick.

So I'm spinning trying to get everything done and in the meantime getting nothing done. Frustrating. So I'm going to refocus and start the process over again. No excuses. Just do it.

Review and Get Free Books from Thomas Nelson Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:25:00 +0000

New Format

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:48:00 +0000

In case you missed the change. I now am parsing off travel thoughts to leavetheratracenowandtravel and food and drink thoughts to

I'll be updating all three blogs as I go through daily life. Fun stuff!!

10 signs you don't understand web analytics - iMediaConnection.com

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:18:00 +0000

View >>

Koko Taylor Queen of the Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:13:00 +0000

It's taken me way too long to pen my tribute to Koko Taylor. I've commented on a couple sites but haven't done the dear lady the justice she deserves.

My personal favorite Let the Good Times Roll starts out with one of my favorite all-time lines, "You only live once, and when you're dead you're gone". Ain't it the truth.

I first heard Koko Taylor on the infant WXRT, on the Blues Breaker Show. I was a huge XRT fan, back then they featured the latest cutting edge music as well as spotlighting Chicago musicians and singers. I heard about her and then found out she was doing a show up on the north side at Biddy Mulligans. After twisting my friends arm to go all the way up Sheridan Road (almost to Evanston, the other side of the world, LOL). Off we went. We arrived at this rather small divey bar that was pretty crowded for a week night. We sat at the bar and ordered a few beers. The band was playing (she always had a great band) and they started to really roll. We were enjoying the music even without a singer.

Then an older woman comes and sits down next to me. She smiles and says, how are you doing tonight? In that gravely voice of hers and I smile and say great. We all sat and bopped up and down and sideways to the music (I love the blues). Next thing we know, the band is really getting into it and the announcer says let's welcome Koko Taylor! And who gets up to go on stage (which was really the floor level and about 10 feet from where we were sitting) the woman next to me. I just about fell off my chair, and my friend just burst out laughing. Well needless to say that was my first introduction to the Queen.

We staying all night and closed the bar, we danced to every song and had an unbelievable time. The next day at work was a little rough - but it was always worth it. We went back every time we could and brought more people with us. It was back in the late 70's and the parties were always wild and fun.

I followed Koko throughout the years and always enjoyed seeing her in person. The last time I saw her was at Blues Fest last year. She needed help getting on stage, but when she started singing it was just like the first time I saw her. That same great voice and energy. What a performer.

You will be missed Koko, but you will most certainly not be forgotten. Thanks for all the wonderful memories I love them all.

CAF 2009 Ad Woman of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I recently had the privilege to be a judge for the CAF 2009 Ad Woman of the Year. The results were released last week.

Karen Sauder from FCB was the winner.

Still Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Blogging, tweeting, facebooking as much as I think I know, is as much as I don't know.
I'm now getting familiar with "linking". Seems like a baby step I'm sure but one I completely missed.

Presidential Pinot I liked this story on how the Obama's had the 2007 "Hirsch Vineyard & Blue Hill" cuvee on their big night out in NYC. Good to see that the couple enjoys a fun night out with a fine bottle of wine.

Here's some fun celebrity tatoos.

Here's hoping this first test on inserting links works. Enjoy the evening!

Review of "Collapse of Distinction"

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 +0000

As someone who is interested in starting a new business, I was intrigued by the title Collapse of Distinction. I have been reading a lot of books, blogs and web articles to learn how to best approach branding and how to make my brand “distinctive”. This book does an excellent job outlining rules for success simply and succinctly. From the explanation of how we got into a world with no distinction to highlighting ways to create a differentiating factor that for you business. Using Mr. McKain’s four cornerstones of distinction: Clarity, Creativity, Communication and Customer-Experience Focus, it is easy to understand how to differentiate your business from others and most importantly from your competition.

The book illustrates the main points with case-studies on business successes from a small Mom and Pop diner to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The examples make it easy to see what steps companies have taken, and what they continue to do to make themselves distinctive.

Each chapter provides a helpful executive summary, action steps, questions and ideas to implement for your own business. There are also many additional resources that Scott recommends including business books and blogs, as well as a website created for the book and a place for folks to chat and learn more.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make themselves or their brands more distinctive.

Lots to do...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Reddel) — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:41:00 +0000

But what's new? Spring semester is finished, grades are done, everyone passed, so all is right with the world. We survived the big Greek funeral in LA. Four days of eating and drinking, made us closer to the family and FAT. Always good to see D's folks and especially nice to meet the out-of-towners. Quite a good group of people, lots of talk about Uncle Byron. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but he sounded like an interesting guy.

Interesting group the Greeks. I'm not sure how it works as it does, but ex-wife's, girlfriends and assorted extended families all mix and mingle quite well together. I found it fascinating. I'm guessing that they are not the only ones to carry on this way I just hadn't been exposed to it before.

The Greek church St. Sophia was magnificent. A true Hollywood story the church was build by Charles Skouras. He promised that if he became successful in the movie business the would build the most beautiful church to show his gratituge. The church is simply stunning, intricate mosaic work, crystal chandeliers and gold leaf paintings was masterminded by the Greek Hollywood producer and his two brothers.

After four days in LA we were back and at it hard. We're working with a web designer and trying the get our web-site up two months earlier than intially planned (and I thought clients were bad, I'm now one of those clients).

We're also still looking for the perfect home. We're meeting a new realtor tomorrow, so fingers crossed that he can help us find our dream home.

Also played our first round of golf of the season on Sunday. My drive is still dead on and long (thank goodness). The rest of my game is awful and spotty at best. Much to practice on this summer. And I look forward to it all :)