A New Focus for Honestly
Dear All,
Please bear with me for a week …I’m in the middle of a re-branding effort with this site…we marketers understand the need to keep things fresh, right? I know you’ll get more out of the posts with the new concentrated focus. I’m hoping to have something available Monday, Dec. 8.
So stay tuned and thanks for your patience.
Love the Fez's!
I know the correct buzz word right now is unification, but I would like to take it a step farther and say that I think that unification (bi-partisanship) is crucial to solving our current country woes…but as a sidebar, I’m noticing that our country and well the world is becoming more social.
Thanks to all the new social tools and yes you know what those are - we are becoming more connected, more chatty and well, more intertwined, enmeshed.
A guess another way to describe it is that we are getting more personal with our fellow man.
And we’re getting nicer. We’re sending digital gifts to each other, wishing more people happy birthday than we ever could have imagined and joining groups like crazy.
The days of belonging to our grandparent’s social circles, like the Eastern Star, BPOE or The Shriners are now being replaced with Facebook groups like “One-Million Strong for the Kool-Aid Man,” “The Only Two Men Who Understand Women are Ben and Jerry” (6,999 members) or how about this one “Stop Girls and Women Wearing Pyjamas (sic) on the Streets of Liverpool!!!” (6,000 members) - what’s going on there.
Those were an easy joke, but there are hundreds of other groups that want to make this planet a better place like “Free Rice to End World Hunger” (14,000 members), “Go Green” (15,000 members) and “Stop War in Beirut” (68,000 members.)
So These Are the Experts on Women
Thanks to Facebook and other sites like Classmates.com I have been able to connect with friends from the past that I would have never found and it’s been a wonderful surprise. Who doesn’t like to reminisce about the good old days? Heck, some of you may have noticed that I belong to a random group made up of individuals who bear my last name! I have never met another Ronzoni in my life and now I am connected to 40 in Europe. Did someone say road trip!
The opportunities to network have never been like this nor the ways to know a person deeper. I really could do without reading about who’s going to the gym, or doing homework, eating or laundry. But even as a I write this I still look and read what they’re doing. You can really get to know a person now, in fact you can find out what they’re doing every minute of the day.
With that being said, I’m off to the gym, then will cook dinner, do a little laundry, watch “Friday Night Lights” on DirecTV, yada yada yada.
America: The Land of Opportunity-Then and Now
With the Obama win last week, I think people worldwide feel that America is embarking on some changes. I am optimistic as are I’m sure millions of you, that the change is all for the better in the long run. And well, with this feeling I got a bit melancholy and I don’t know why, but I thought about my grandparents who left their home countries to come to America for a better life. Three of my four grandparents went through Ellis Island. One grandpa was 10 years old when he came to America from Liverpool. My other grandfather and grandmother came separately, three years apart, from Milan in their early 20’s. What an adventure. I don’t know if I could have been that courageous.
Off the Boat Full of Hopes and Dreams
With this thought, I was wondering what they must have heard about America. What “grass was greener” that they endured incredible hardships to come to the new promise land. Maybe they heard that there were plenty of jobs. Or that you could become something in the democratic country. Or that there was plenty of land. I guess maybe what sealed the deal was that they must have heard there was much opportunity.
It’s been exactly 100 years since they came to this country. They settled in Northern Minnesota with barely a dime in their pockets and they worked hard. It wasn’t an easy life that they led and they lived through the depression and sending their boys to war. But all their kids did well and had better lives then they did and I guess we need to thank them for our opportunities when we are reunited in heaven.
I guess I thought about this because if there was a country out there that offered such promises now, I might be tempted to go there too. If there was a place where jobs were plentiful and guaranteed, it would be a consideration. So I understand why they suffered these terrible voyages to America.
Our New Leader
Sorry Keith Olbermann, there’s a new boss that I’d love to work for now, President-Elect Barack Obama.
Did you see his first press conference today? He’s a natural born leader and I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to hear a presidential press conference where the president actually looked the press and the camera in the eye and answered questions honestly. I LOVED IT!
Did we elect the right person or what America! We got it right! Yes we did.
We actually found someone who tackles the relevant problems. I felt like he read the same news that I did in the morning. Did you see our most recent unemployment figures and hear about the state of our auto makers in our country? If you missed hearing about it our jobless rate hit a 14-year high. Over 240,000 people lost jobs last month. It’s crazy.
New Job Sector Opening Up - Green is a Powerful Color
Also, GM is on the brink of bankruptcy. Can you just imagine how many jobs will be lost when our automakers start to shut their doors? Thousands. We need jobs. We need an economic stimulus package. We need help and Obama is on it. He’s so on top of it, he already held a press conference to let us know so. He’s letting us know that he is aware of our country’s immediate problems. He gets it and he’s on it and I do feel confident that help is on the way as fast as possible.
I’ve worked for several bosses and there are some that were definitely better than others. The ones I prefer to work for are the ones like Obama. They were always ever present, focused and ready to take on any challenge. They didn’t duck issues or delegate work that was rightfully theirs. They also were terrific leaders, that lead and had plans and made the tough decisions. They were wonderful to work alongside.
One thing that people close to me have heard me say before is that I really think a good manager knows how to give direction. If people aren’t given a map, they get lost. And Obama gets this and he’s already working on strategy to combat our most pressing issues. He addressed them today: 1) Economy 2) Jobs 3) War and 4) Hiring his staff.
SOS needed by US Auto Manufacturers
Obama gets it and he’s taking his new job seriously. For the first time I felt that I wasn’t alone in the job search that I’m on. I’ve got someone in Washington who understands that there just aren’t enough jobs going around at the moment. That we need some help in generating new ones. I love working for bosses like that.
So President Obama I would love to work for you in any capacity. If that means I might have to wait until February, so to give you a few weeks in office, so be it.
But I’m eagerly waiting for some new jobs to be created so I can help make a difference in America and spur the economic stimulus by re-investing in purchasing goods. Heck, I might even be able to throw some money to the car manufacturers once I get employed again.
A new day is dawning. We finally have someone in charge in the White House. Someone who knows what it is like to barely make ends meet. May the jobs come.
Here’s to a speedy recovery!
Too Bad Joe the Plumber isn't Michael Chiklis playing a part
On tonight’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” Olbermann presented a special comment tonight exposing the absurdities associated with Joe Wurzelbacher (a.k.a. Joe The Plumber). I had thought this little stunt was over, but, no, Joe’s taking his fifteen minutes and trying to extend it his entire lifetime.
Right now Joe is standing on the podium with Palin stumping for their ticket and he’s getting rounds of applause! This “guy” who is rumored to have been a McCain plant is now being treated as a serious politician who is an expert on national issues. People are actually asking him questions about world affairs! It’s unbelievable how gullible some of us are.
But, besides this scary reality, Joe has just hired a publicist. I repeat a PUBLICIST. He wants to become a country recording artist and has been quoted that he wants to run for Congress. I mean if he declared that he could cure cancer some people would actually believe him.
But a publicist. What does he want to start doing? Walking the red carpet at movie premieres? Party with Brody and Lauren of MTV’s “The Hills”? Become one of the Sexiest Men Alive in People?
Again, I’m shocked about the publicist thing. How did he hear about that in his line of work. I mean I don’t know any publicists for wanna-be plumbers? But, I can see why he needs one. He needs someone to spin for him considering the lies he’s been weaving. This is a guy who has lied about everything. He came on to the scene declaring he wanted to buy out his friend’s plumbing company. Well, apparently, he made that statement six years ago. That dream would be very hard to do on his $40K salary as an unlicensed plumber. He hit pay dirt with this Joe the Plumber thing. Hopefully, I don’t think his 15 minutes will last as long William Hung’s, do you? That was a great reference from Olbermann tonight. To watch his special report, click on the link below.
<a href=”http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/”>
</a>”Olbermann’s Special Report Oct. 29″
Keith Olberman-Stands Behind his Words
But this post isn’t about Joe. It’s really about Olbermann. In his special comment he said how crazy it was for Joe the Plumber to have hired a publicist - Olbermann doesn’t even have one and yet his position can require one.
Keith, if you read this, I would LOVE, no I would be HONORED to be your publicist. But, because I know you and your character through your years in news, I know you don’t need a publicist. I would never recommend one for you for you don’t need anyone to speak for you. You are a straight shooter and stand behind your words. You are a rarity, sir. Don’t let anyone ever spin or speak for you.
You stand up for everything you say and never duck criticism but face it head on. You have nothing to hide in your word or nothing that needs deflecting. You are a stand-up guy, an exceptional communicator and you keep America honest. You bring freedom of speech to life. Never stop being our nation’s ombudsman.
I can’t begin to thank you for educating me on what’s “the truth” behind the news stories of the day. I am a grateful student and if you ever are in need of a publicist, I’d love to be considered. I have the experience, great references and would always have your back!
P.S. If Rachel or Chris are ever in need of some extra publicity representation - give them my name too. They also are outstanding. MSNBC has assembled the best news team, hands down.
I’m looking forward to next Tuesday. You’ve done admirable work this election.
New Sarah Palin Internet Game - Palinisms: Ask Sarah A Question (www.tabloidgames.com)
Have you ever wanted to ask Gov. Sarah Palin a question? Well, I sure have and now I can thanks to games “maverick” John P. Roberts (aka “JPR.”) As a pioneer of celebrity/political satire games, JPR was watching Gov. Palin’s performance during the Vice Presidential debates and thought that she would be a terrific subject for an Internet game.
With that thought, today he’s launching “Palinisms: Ask Sarah A Question” and now, thanks to him you can ask Sarah anything at anytime, but be forewarned you may not get a straight answer! The game was produced by flash games production company Splashworks Inc. and it can be easily shared and embedded. So share it. To play the game, just click here “Palinisms: Ask Sarah A Question.”
So what’s on your mind? Is it health care? Unemployment? Moose hunting? Hockey? Or as simple as where’s the best place to dine in Wasilla? Here’s a sampling of a few answers you might get.
• On Wall Street –“I loved that movie! That Charlie Sheen is so cute…”
• On McCain - “Well, McCain is a maverick, just like Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’ so I guess that makes me ‘Goose.’”
• On Dick Cheney - “We plan on goin’ shootin’ one of these days, but I’ll be sure to wear my bullet proof glasses!”
• On hunting – “I never shot a wolf from a helicopter that didn’t have it comin’”
This is not JPR’s first political statement. He cut his teeth on this stuff at Game Show Network where he
John P. Roberts, Games Maverick
produced games lampooning Paris Hilton in prison, Mel Gibson driving drunk, former Rep. Mark Foley chasing pages and Rosie O’Donnell in a verbal fist fight with arch enemy Donald Trump. He has always loved exploring how Internet users can fun on the computer and he has one of the best senses of humor in town. Anyone who knows him will agree.
With newspapers sadly declining, these games that JPR creates are the new political comics. They made bold statements and they make people aware of current events. It’s his hope that this game will spur people on to vote. It doesn’t matter who they vote for - what matters is that they go to the polls on November 4.
I was pleased when he asked me to help him get the word out. I have always enjoyed working with him on his original content. He was always able to grab headlines and brought greater awareness to the company. So please check the game out and pass it along to your friends.
If you would like a copy of the press announcement, click on Palinisms Press Announcement.
To have a copy of the screen grab, grab it here: 
An Actual Photo from the Florida 2000 Recount - those darn chads!
For all the non-Republicans out there, we remember the 2000 election all too clearly. I wore black that day and again on the day that George W. Bush was re-elected in 2004-out of mourning. And now, I dare not say anything to jinx what the polls are saying, but Obama/Biden’s numbers are rising and I think as time draws nearer to election day, we’ll see some more dramatic changes. And I think a party will be in order!
For we Americans are mad. We’re mad at the economy. We’re mad that we not seeing answers. We’re mad at the unemployment rate. We were mad at each other’s parties, but now with the economic crisis hitting each alike - we’ve sort of solidified. We’re now a band of brothers.
We’re all even mad or more mad at President George W. Bush. For there’s one thing that both sides do agree on - it’s time for him and his “friends” to leave office. And it can’t happen soon enough.
Start packing your bags for Texas, President Bush and work on the blueprints for your library. Hopefully, we’ll have enough money to put books on the shelves. Oh, but if we don’t…maybe your buddy Cheney whom you made filthy rich while in office can pay the bill for its entirety. Heck, even put his name of the building. Who cares?
It’s so sad but a few of us were commenting that we don’t even listen to him anymore. When he’s on the news…my ears sort of just hear blah, blah, blah. I’m sure he can’t wait to leave too. I mean, I’m sure he never thought he’d have to deal with this national debt problem on his watch. It was supposed to hit Jan. 20, 2009, his last day on the job.
But enough about Bush. May I never utter his name again on my blog. I want to address McCain. I am starting to actually feel sorry for him. McCain, I believe, always wanted to be the President. But those Bushes got in his way. He should have run in 2000 or 2004. He would have been the right age then. This election is his last and only shot and that’s why he is acting so darn desperate - he changes with the wind. Because his “attacking” defense didn’t work - in fact actually back-fired — (ah who didn’t see that coming) — he’s now becoming a softer, gentler McCain.
He’s now “our friends.” He’s now saying truthful things about his opponent and oh yeah, he’s making amends with David Letterman. He’s the guy in the break-up who didn’t want the break-up and he’s trying desperately to hang on to a relationship that’s over. His party and a great majority of conservatives aren’t dumb. And although they are loyal, they can see right through him - like the rest of us. It appears that America now wants out of the romance with him and his side-kick. Don’t get me going about the antics of Gov. Palin and her “first gentleman.” I could go on and on. But, back to McCain.
Who is this guy and who are you going to get on any given day? Here’s who he is today apparently. He’s a fighter.
“Sen. Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi and Sen. [Harry] Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq,” McCain said. “But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them.
“What America needs in this hour is a fighter; someone who puts all his cards on the table and trusts the judgment of the American people.” McCain said. “I come from a long line of McCains who believed that to love America is to fight for her. I have fought for you most of my life. There are other ways to love this country, but I’ve never been the kind to do it from the sidelines.” The Los Angeles Times (to see the full article - click here - http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign14-2008oct14,0,5623606.story>The Underdog
Well, I do believe he is fighting for his presidential dream here. He’s got 22 days to show America why he deserves to be president. He’s fighting for his life!
We respect that he and the long line of McCain’s put or are putting their lives on the line for our country. There is nothing more noble. But, Senator, we want substance from you. We need more than the fact you possess courage to run into battle against your enemies. We need to see your plan.
You never told us why you chose your running mate. We just deduced the reasons why and they weren’t because of her political accomplishments - it was a means to get more votes. A marketing strategy at best. We don’t mind those strategies if they are for products, but when it affects us - well that’s another story.
The reason I titled this post as such is because when people are anxious the fight or flight syndrome naturally kicks in. And well, McCain just admitted to fighting and so my question to him is how long will he stick by this strategy? I’m sensing he’ll flee it if they numbers don’t rise after a few days. He may have never had “post-traumatic syndrome” as his wife stated last week - I’m no shrink - but it appears he and his campaign does suffer from the “flight or flight syndrome.” These are anxious times for “my friend.”
Facebook Logo
Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m receiving less and less phone calls with social invitations on the line. My social life is full, but all my invites have been coming through social networking devices. It’s crazy how much I rely on my little “Facebook” page now. I mean I love expressing my voice there and sharing photos about fun stuff I’ve done. It’s also been a great way to stay connected with media contacts, friends from college and everyone else that has been in my life.
An example of this came just last week. A guy with the same last name as me “friended” me up. I’ve never met another Ronzoni in my life that wasn’t a member of my family, and this guy was from Italy and to boot, we even share the same birth date. How cool is that. He’s someone I would have never met if it wasn’t for Facebook.
Anyway, back to my main point…because of the success of social networking my social “well-being” and happiness rests on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. etc. It’s now my social life. I get invited to join groups. I get invited in private wall postings to events. I also am getting contacted by head hunters on Facebook for possible jobs. It’s my main contact now. It’s become my valuable piece of real estate. It’s magnificent.
Don't you love being social?
Are you finding that too?
I believe this sudden change is due to the fact that people are getting more and more comfortable using the applications and are understanding how to use Facebook. This all means an ease in inviting others and sharing information. But then there’s a down side to it too. Those darn status report updates.
For on those nights when you’re not invited to something and you click on your page and see what some of your friends are doing at that same moment — it can make you sad for you read that they are doing something fun and you wish you would have been invited too.
I really love reading my friends updates. I learn so much more about them. I can see what types of movies or plays they like. What music they listen to and I learn what makes them pull their hair out. And I can wish them Happy Birthday too.
I guess what I’m saying is it that I’m lovin’ how social I can become because of social networking, personally and professionally. These applications have changed all of our lives and I think most would say for the better. I do find myself watching less TV now and more time cruising Facebook. It’s like a hobby and must-do. It’s also cut into my blogging life.
I hope you are finding it as much fun as I do…if you’re not on Facebook…I highly recommend you do. You can start by adding me as friend right away and from there you’re on your way to connecting with past friends from school. If you’re life isn’t very social at the moment, then this is the answer for you. For even introverts can be social on Facebook and those who think they are shy. It’s a safe way to communicate.
So, my recommendation is this: Forget that “Second Life” stuff and spend more time in your “real life.” Join groups. Share ideas. Learn. Explore. Connect. Be you! Be social!
You can get started by clicking here….www.facebook.com.
Mother's Famous Circus Animal Cookies
Did you hear the news? Oakland based Mother’s Cookies went bankrupt yesterday. What are we going to do? I mean other brands have come out which are better, but this company was in business for 92-years! They have been making those same cookies my entire lifetime and well, they are part of my taste buds. I could pick a Mother’s brand chocolate cookie out of any bunch. It was distinctive and they were the best when dipped in milk. They just soaked it right up. Like Oreos, there was a trick to dipping them in milk. You had to be careful not to leave them in too long or they would break and sink to the bottom of your milk glass. But it was always all good. Whether dry, wet or soaked - they brought comfort and smile to my face and belly everytime. And how about the pink and white animal cookies? Everyone has had those! Ugh. The Dow is dropping like a lead balloon and now even are cookies are gone. How much more can we take!
Please come back Mother’s! We’re be here for you.
In case you were like me and were unable to tune into last night’s “Saturday Night Live,” I’ve embedded their take on the Vice President Debate. It’s a must see. They perfectly captured what we were thinking it when we watched it live last Thursday. There are some classic lines delivered by this maverick (pun intended) show. Enjoy. Just click on the link below and it will take you to NBC’s video player.
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/vp-debate-open-palin-biden/727421/