Thursday, July 31, 2008
Carter BloodCare
Talented PR pro and friend Linda Goelzer is going to work with them as their PR director. Three cheers for Linda!
Ann Coulter
I'm not a fan of hers at all but she has an interesting opinion on the whole John Edwards saga/gossip that the mainstream media is avoiding weighing in on. If it is true, will be a real big disappointment.
http://www.anncoulter.org/
http://www.anncoulter.org/
Brett is wanting to sign up the girls for golf camp
He says they would really enjoy this and want to learn the game!!! Now, what do you think about that? Pretty good plan on his part: "But, honey, the girls want to play golf this weekend!"
Mimi is getting there...
Slowly but surely she is getting back to normal. She now admits she should have had her surgery 20 years ago! She'll be a whole new woman in a couple of weeks. We're hoping she'll go visit Ruthe in Hawaii for a few weeks come the fall.
Prayers continue to be with Aunt Martha Moore
She is in critical condition. Got through surgery. In the ICU.
Here comes the bride...
The big girls planned a wedding for Bella this week! We'll have to showcase this photo 20 years from now at one of the "real" weddings.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How Comcast is handling upset bloggers
From PRSA
http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/viewNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347492
SOURCE: PR Tactics and The Strategist Online
Comcast reaching out to disgruntled bloggers
When people complain online about Comcast, they’re likely to receive an unsolicited message from the company, offering to help resolve their issues. Some call the practice an evolution of customer service, but others find it disturbing.
“The rest of his e-mail may as well have read, ‘Big Brother is watching you,’” The New York Times quotes a student at the University of Washington as saying about a message he received from a Comcast representative after the student griped about the company, the nation’s largest cable provider, on his blog. Frank Eliason, Comcast’s “digital care manager,” says he was just trying to help. From his desk in Philadelphia, Eliason uses online tools to monitor public comments on blogs, message boards and social networks for any mention of Comcast, the Times reports. And when he finds a complaint, he contacts the source and tries to defuse the problem.
As blogs, forums and social networking sites expose potentially thousands of people to the experiences of individual customers, companies have grappled with how to respond. Some — including Southwest Airlines, Whole Foods Market and the Internet shoe store Zappos — are trying to reach out to customers online, often through the social “mini-blogging” service Twitter. But Comcast, which ranked at the bottom of the most recent American Customer Satisfaction Index, is taking an extra step by contacting customers who discuss the company online. While some people find the cable giant’s online outreach annoying, overall it appears to be good for the company’s image. Eliason reportedly told the Times that he believed the benefits far outweighed the occasional awkwardness, and that he remembered only seven cases in which customers had called him creepy. — Compiled by Greg Beaubien for Tactics and The Strategist Online.
Kids' sayings; love 'em
"Mom, can you pretend you're a professional?"
Bella, age 4, as I was about to start painting her nails
Bella, age 4, as I was about to start painting her nails
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Mimi is in the hospital this weekend; here's what I'm thinking this moment about what makes a great hospital
- cleanliness to the max (spotless, no trash, looks freshly painted, smells pleasant and fresh)
- sweet, kind, loving, smiling, neatly-dressed, gentle staff members
-where it is obvious every employee has had HIPAA and patient safety goals etched into their brain
- wonderful, patient-focused doctors who don't mind if you ask them 101 questions including where they studied and trained plus their quality track record
- helpful nurses and employees who willingly provide directions and will even escort you to where you are trying to go without having to ask
- everything is new or looks new and pristine
- clear and detailed directional signage inside the hospital walls and outside around the hospital campus
- leadership that instills a culture of caring, healing, compassion, respect, ethical conduct, and excellence
- mission-focused and one that values faith in healing
- gentle, skilled lab staff. Needles = ouch!
- little or no overhead announcements
- soft toilet paper
- soft sheets
- fold out couch for a loved one
- nourishment station for loved ones (juices, crackers, ice, cups, coffee, etc)
-roomy patient rooms ~ may I have some elbow room, please?
-all private rooms
- restrooms with plenty of towels, washcloths and soap
- everyone washes their hands before and after caregiving and wears gloves for all patient encounters
- responsive nurses, i.e. once you hit that buzzer they arrive
- DVD player in room is nice but not mandatory. We have not turned on the TV
- lighting that dims
- windows to the outside
- every staff member introduces themselves by name and position and explains what they are going to do before they do it
- volunteer/employee who keeps the family updated every step of the way while patient in surgery
- gift shop and cafeteria with late/later hours for people who visit after work - many may not be able to arrive until 7 or 8 p.m.
- flexible visiting hours
- kids' stations/activity stations for children who are visiting
- current, clean-looking new magazines in waiting areas (not torn or crumpled)
- Free WiFi in every possible area on the campus
- quick to arrive elevators
- managers who are open to suggestions and new ideas
- housekeepers who are nearby at all times and up-to-speed on getting trash out of the room at a moment's notice
- a place where the patient and family comes first, the staff members treat each other with respect and the pride factor in the hospital and parent organization are clearly evident
- sweet, kind, loving, smiling, neatly-dressed, gentle staff members
-where it is obvious every employee has had HIPAA and patient safety goals etched into their brain
- wonderful, patient-focused doctors who don't mind if you ask them 101 questions including where they studied and trained plus their quality track record
- helpful nurses and employees who willingly provide directions and will even escort you to where you are trying to go without having to ask
- everything is new or looks new and pristine
- clear and detailed directional signage inside the hospital walls and outside around the hospital campus
- leadership that instills a culture of caring, healing, compassion, respect, ethical conduct, and excellence
- mission-focused and one that values faith in healing
- gentle, skilled lab staff. Needles = ouch!
- little or no overhead announcements
- soft toilet paper
- soft sheets
- fold out couch for a loved one
- nourishment station for loved ones (juices, crackers, ice, cups, coffee, etc)
-roomy patient rooms ~ may I have some elbow room, please?
-all private rooms
- restrooms with plenty of towels, washcloths and soap
- everyone washes their hands before and after caregiving and wears gloves for all patient encounters
- responsive nurses, i.e. once you hit that buzzer they arrive
- DVD player in room is nice but not mandatory. We have not turned on the TV
- lighting that dims
- windows to the outside
- every staff member introduces themselves by name and position and explains what they are going to do before they do it
- volunteer/employee who keeps the family updated every step of the way while patient in surgery
- gift shop and cafeteria with late/later hours for people who visit after work - many may not be able to arrive until 7 or 8 p.m.
- flexible visiting hours
- kids' stations/activity stations for children who are visiting
- current, clean-looking new magazines in waiting areas (not torn or crumpled)
- Free WiFi in every possible area on the campus
- quick to arrive elevators
- managers who are open to suggestions and new ideas
- housekeepers who are nearby at all times and up-to-speed on getting trash out of the room at a moment's notice
- a place where the patient and family comes first, the staff members treat each other with respect and the pride factor in the hospital and parent organization are clearly evident
Caregiving
It is so important to be patient when caregiving. When someone is taking a lot of pain medications they are anxiety-filled and just not themselves. That's been my experience with my mom this weekend. She is a sweet, lovely patient but it is the little things that seem to bother her ~ like how the blankets are folded; where her water glass is placed; is her hearing aid safely secured in its case, etc.
Brett says "like mother like daughter." You may recall he took care of me and stayed in the hospital all the nights after the three girls were born. As we know, I am likely the worst patient that a hospital ever had. Anxiety and OCD on cleanliness definitely kicks in when we are inside a hospital room. Mom was happy with a Starbucks this a.m. She did not sleep AT ALL last night. She is resting comfortably now. We'll see how the day goes. Be sweet to your nurses and all the staff members who take care of you. They have a tough job and do it with a lovely smile and a helping hand.
Brett says "like mother like daughter." You may recall he took care of me and stayed in the hospital all the nights after the three girls were born. As we know, I am likely the worst patient that a hospital ever had. Anxiety and OCD on cleanliness definitely kicks in when we are inside a hospital room. Mom was happy with a Starbucks this a.m. She did not sleep AT ALL last night. She is resting comfortably now. We'll see how the day goes. Be sweet to your nurses and all the staff members who take care of you. They have a tough job and do it with a lovely smile and a helping hand.
Friday, July 25, 2008
How to be the ideal source to the journalists you work with?
Read this article from PRSA. Article includes an excerpt from a book written by Robert Deigh.
Good and practical stuff in this article.
http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/viewNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347487
Good and practical stuff in this article.
http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/viewNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347487
Mom is having her surgery today
A week or so to recover. Hope she'll be better all soon. She is being strong and brave. Love to Mimi! In our prayers.
I'm enjoying his emails
Peter is a funny guy and has many good leads to respond to. His notes regularly make me laugh and smile. They brighten up a workday. Think about registering for his free service and see what you think.
www.helpareporter.com
www.helpareporter.com
Tootsie
Watched Tootsie with Mimi and the girls last night. Talk about laughter. Still a great movie after 20 years.
Mamma Mia made us laugh for two hours!
What a wonderful, fun movie! Grab your best friend, daughter or mom and go see this movie. We were singing and swaying our arms. So good! We're going to see it again this weekend.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
eChaser newsletter
Overview from the e-Chaser site: The eChaser newsletter is produced by the Fort Worth chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators.
July newsletter is here:
http://spjfw.org/ec0809/p1jul08.html
Thanks to John Dycus, who does a fabulous job with this publication.
July newsletter is here:
http://spjfw.org/ec0809/p1jul08.html
Thanks to John Dycus, who does a fabulous job with this publication.
Upcoming Meetings presented by GFW PRSA
Always the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Invite a friend to join you. Learn more here:
http://fortworthprsa.org/events.htm
August at Joe T's (topic is diversity)
September at the Petroleum Club (professional development day and the topic is safeguarding corporate reputations)
October at the Petroleum Club (Julie Wilson, APR, GFW PRSA past president, and natural gas/energy speaker who will talk about her company's current campaign)
November - joint program with Dallas PRSA (topic is Ethics)
December - holiday luncheon
http://fortworthprsa.org/events.htm
August at Joe T's (topic is diversity)
September at the Petroleum Club (professional development day and the topic is safeguarding corporate reputations)
October at the Petroleum Club (Julie Wilson, APR, GFW PRSA past president, and natural gas/energy speaker who will talk about her company's current campaign)
November - joint program with Dallas PRSA (topic is Ethics)
December - holiday luncheon
New Social Media Club in Fort Worth
A message from:
Lauren Vargas
Public Relations Blogger
Communicators Anonymous
817.714.7516
12comm@sbcglobal.net
It is official! Social Media Club: Fort Worth will officially kick-off with a meet-and-greet at the Blue Mesa Grill on Tuesday, 22 July. Details and registration for this free event may be found on Eventbrite.
The Social Media Club is being organized for the purpose of sharing best practices, establishing ethics and standards, and for promoting media literacy. This is the beginning of a global conversation about building an organization and a community where the many diverse groups of people who care about social media can come together to discover, connect, share and learn.
Public relations professionals, marketers, advertisers, journalists, entrepreneurs, developers and all others are invited to come play in this social media sandbox! I hope to see you Tuesday. The Social Media Club: Fort Worth will continue to meet the third Tuesday of each month. Location and topic will vary. Also, if you are in the Dallas neighborhood, please join us for our monthly meeting this Thursday! Typically, Social Media Club: Dallas meets the last Thursday of each month.
Please forward this message to anyone you know interested in social media and how it is impacting business strategy.
Thank you.
Lauren Vargas
Public Relations Blogger
Communicators Anonymous
817.714.7516
12comm@sbcglobal.net
It is official! Social Media Club: Fort Worth will officially kick-off with a meet-and-greet at the Blue Mesa Grill on Tuesday, 22 July. Details and registration for this free event may be found on Eventbrite.
The Social Media Club is being organized for the purpose of sharing best practices, establishing ethics and standards, and for promoting media literacy. This is the beginning of a global conversation about building an organization and a community where the many diverse groups of people who care about social media can come together to discover, connect, share and learn.
Public relations professionals, marketers, advertisers, journalists, entrepreneurs, developers and all others are invited to come play in this social media sandbox! I hope to see you Tuesday. The Social Media Club: Fort Worth will continue to meet the third Tuesday of each month. Location and topic will vary. Also, if you are in the Dallas neighborhood, please join us for our monthly meeting this Thursday! Typically, Social Media Club: Dallas meets the last Thursday of each month.
Please forward this message to anyone you know interested in social media and how it is impacting business strategy.
Thank you.
Wind, Green, etc.
So much happening with energy these days. Check out wind energy efforts in Texas:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/business/19wind.html?ref=science
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/18/AR2008071802614.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/business/19wind.html?ref=science
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/18/AR2008071802614.html
Friday, July 18, 2008
Value of public relations ~ a few high points
Public relations practitioners are and can be:
- a conscience for the organization who keeps truth, honesty, integrity, advocacy and values paramount
- a facilitator of two-way communications
- a sounding board for issues
- an advocate for important/critical issues
- a protector/nurturer of an organization's reputation
- a voice for the organization and its stakeholders
- a counselor to leadership
- one who constantly and consistently weighs the ethical issues and applies a specific Code of Ethics to each and every PR effort, strategy, organizational outreach, etc.
- one who helps the organization remain a good corporate citizen
- one who promotes fairness and respect with all audiences and stakeholders (leads by example and helps set a standard for accountability and practice)
- a bridge/link to key publics as well as to the media
- one who helps the profession thrive by supporting, mentoring and helping new PR professionals
- a barometer for hot topics/brewing issues
- the one who leads research, planning, execution and planning of initiatives, efforts, programs, campaigns, etc. all with the best interests of the organization and publics in mind
- a critical, needed part of the leadership team with a voice of reason in times of crisis
- a vital component of every organization and a position that needs to have a seat and a voice at every boardroom table
* created/drawn from personal experiences, education, time spent in ad/PR graduate school, and in keeping and in following the mission of PRSA.
- a conscience for the organization who keeps truth, honesty, integrity, advocacy and values paramount
- a facilitator of two-way communications
- a sounding board for issues
- an advocate for important/critical issues
- a protector/nurturer of an organization's reputation
- a voice for the organization and its stakeholders
- a counselor to leadership
- one who constantly and consistently weighs the ethical issues and applies a specific Code of Ethics to each and every PR effort, strategy, organizational outreach, etc.
- one who helps the organization remain a good corporate citizen
- one who promotes fairness and respect with all audiences and stakeholders (leads by example and helps set a standard for accountability and practice)
- a bridge/link to key publics as well as to the media
- one who helps the profession thrive by supporting, mentoring and helping new PR professionals
- a barometer for hot topics/brewing issues
- the one who leads research, planning, execution and planning of initiatives, efforts, programs, campaigns, etc. all with the best interests of the organization and publics in mind
- a critical, needed part of the leadership team with a voice of reason in times of crisis
- a vital component of every organization and a position that needs to have a seat and a voice at every boardroom table
* created/drawn from personal experiences, education, time spent in ad/PR graduate school, and in keeping and in following the mission of PRSA.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
More on video Web sites, Web TV to communicate corporate messages, changing times
From the Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/071708dnbuschesapeake.4080366.html
Lots of feedback on the column in yesterday's FWST. I appreciate it when news organizations ask for reader feedback and make it available for all to see. Read more here:
http://pod01.prospero.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=3480&nav=messages&webtag=kr-fortworthtm
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/071708dnbuschesapeake.4080366.html
Lots of feedback on the column in yesterday's FWST. I appreciate it when news organizations ask for reader feedback and make it available for all to see. Read more here:
http://pod01.prospero.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=3480&nav=messages&webtag=kr-fortworthtm
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My take on the Web TV venture being debated in DFW
It is different, it is creative, and it is catching everyone's attention.
No, it is not your father's news or communication vehicle, or even your grandfather's plan for sharing information, but a top-of-mind energy company is definitely trying something that's out of the box.
They've tapped into some proven talent and have joined with journalists who are currently at the top of their game when it comes to ethics and professionalism. Are these seasoned journalists taking a risk? Are they taking a leap and trying something new? Sure they are. But up until this point, they have not, as of yet, to my knowledge, compromised their values and ethics. I would be very surprised if they do so at this late juncture in their distinguished careers.
The venture has journalists, PR pros and politicians alike giving their thoughts, opinions and forecasts on what this new venture with Web TV means for the company, the consumer and the fields of journalism and public relations.
The program/effort discussed in the articles below will be web-based via a company called brandednews.com. I found the site interesting.
What concerns me most about the articles highlighting this new communication initiative is when politicians and journalists use a news story like this to take a jab at those individuals who work in the field of public relations and communications. The people I know and work with in the field follow a strict Code of Ethics that is a part of the national association of PRSA of which I am a member.
Read more below:
http://www.prsa.org/aboutUs/ethics/preamble_en.html
When reporters go to work in PR, I often hear the phrase "they are going to the dark side." I usually surmise that the person who made the comment knows very little about public relations. I use the opportunity to share the stories about the chances I've had to advocate for important causes and help tell others' stories - like the Fort Worth man who was living on $300 a month and was attacked by a pack of dogs while out on a morning walk. He lost part of his arm and his eyeglasses were destroyed in the tragedy. A viewer saw his story on the evening news and mailed a check for several hundred dollars to him so he could replace his glasses. Or the dear patient, David, who lost his home in the Fort Worth tornadoes. I mean he lost everything, including his beloved truck, and he had survived to tell about it. He was living on a very limited income and he wanted to thank those who helped save his life. He shared his story from his hospital room and within a couple of days a "Good Samaritan" showed up with a new truck for him, keys to a furnished apartment and offered David a new life and a second chance. The Good Samaritan told me at the time: "David's story touched me. I'm here for him and I'll be here for him as long as he needs me." The field is rarely dark and I have always found it to be challenging, educational, rewarding, exciting, heartwarming and a wonderful place to be because it is a place where I can help people and advance important issues around health and wellness.
I think those who make the "dark side" comments or even the "not a bunch of chumps" comment may have forgotten that many of us in "PR" went to journalism school and earned a degree in the field. Whether a journalism major is in the newsroom or the corporate board room, they have an obligation and a duty to tell the truth, share the facts and do the very best job they can do for those they are advocating for ~ be that their company, the consumer, their customers, their readers, their viewers, etc. In my opinion, PR practitioners are very often a stable, sound and vital link from the corporate board room to the newsroom and vice-versa.
Let's see what this new venture offers and reserve judgment as the players requested. Let's watch local talent venture out and try something new and hope for the best. Let's keep a watchful eye and continue listening to our customers and our stakeholders. It is an exciting time for our field and we shouldn't let a quote in the newspaper or on a Web site diminish the work we do and believe in.
Just like in Girl Scouts, here's a pledge for you. This time it is from the PRSA Code of Ethics and it can be easily applied to people in many different fields. It was written with PR professionals in mind: "I pledge to conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public; To improve my individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency of the profession through continuing research and education; And to adhere to the articles of the Member Code of Ethics 2000 for the practice of public relations as adopted by the governing Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America."
The truth will always prevail. Those who do great work and live by a code of ethical behavior and judgment will succeed, and those who keep their stakeholders, customers, and the needs of their fellow man (woman and child) paramount and advocate for truth, honesty and fairness will always sleep soundly at night and have a place in this ever-changing world of communications and public relations.
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/07/tracy_rowletts_finally_leaving.php
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_13met.ART.State.Bulldog.4d56c65.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-rowlettshale_11met.ART0.State.Edition2.4e5e3ad.htmlhttp://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/07/tracy_rowletts_finally_leaving.php
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/762349.html
No, it is not your father's news or communication vehicle, or even your grandfather's plan for sharing information, but a top-of-mind energy company is definitely trying something that's out of the box.
They've tapped into some proven talent and have joined with journalists who are currently at the top of their game when it comes to ethics and professionalism. Are these seasoned journalists taking a risk? Are they taking a leap and trying something new? Sure they are. But up until this point, they have not, as of yet, to my knowledge, compromised their values and ethics. I would be very surprised if they do so at this late juncture in their distinguished careers.
The venture has journalists, PR pros and politicians alike giving their thoughts, opinions and forecasts on what this new venture with Web TV means for the company, the consumer and the fields of journalism and public relations.
The program/effort discussed in the articles below will be web-based via a company called brandednews.com. I found the site interesting.
What concerns me most about the articles highlighting this new communication initiative is when politicians and journalists use a news story like this to take a jab at those individuals who work in the field of public relations and communications. The people I know and work with in the field follow a strict Code of Ethics that is a part of the national association of PRSA of which I am a member.
Read more below:
http://www.prsa.org/aboutUs/ethics/preamble_en.html
When reporters go to work in PR, I often hear the phrase "they are going to the dark side." I usually surmise that the person who made the comment knows very little about public relations. I use the opportunity to share the stories about the chances I've had to advocate for important causes and help tell others' stories - like the Fort Worth man who was living on $300 a month and was attacked by a pack of dogs while out on a morning walk. He lost part of his arm and his eyeglasses were destroyed in the tragedy. A viewer saw his story on the evening news and mailed a check for several hundred dollars to him so he could replace his glasses. Or the dear patient, David, who lost his home in the Fort Worth tornadoes. I mean he lost everything, including his beloved truck, and he had survived to tell about it. He was living on a very limited income and he wanted to thank those who helped save his life. He shared his story from his hospital room and within a couple of days a "Good Samaritan" showed up with a new truck for him, keys to a furnished apartment and offered David a new life and a second chance. The Good Samaritan told me at the time: "David's story touched me. I'm here for him and I'll be here for him as long as he needs me." The field is rarely dark and I have always found it to be challenging, educational, rewarding, exciting, heartwarming and a wonderful place to be because it is a place where I can help people and advance important issues around health and wellness.
I think those who make the "dark side" comments or even the "not a bunch of chumps" comment may have forgotten that many of us in "PR" went to journalism school and earned a degree in the field. Whether a journalism major is in the newsroom or the corporate board room, they have an obligation and a duty to tell the truth, share the facts and do the very best job they can do for those they are advocating for ~ be that their company, the consumer, their customers, their readers, their viewers, etc. In my opinion, PR practitioners are very often a stable, sound and vital link from the corporate board room to the newsroom and vice-versa.
Let's see what this new venture offers and reserve judgment as the players requested. Let's watch local talent venture out and try something new and hope for the best. Let's keep a watchful eye and continue listening to our customers and our stakeholders. It is an exciting time for our field and we shouldn't let a quote in the newspaper or on a Web site diminish the work we do and believe in.
Just like in Girl Scouts, here's a pledge for you. This time it is from the PRSA Code of Ethics and it can be easily applied to people in many different fields. It was written with PR professionals in mind: "I pledge to conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public; To improve my individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency of the profession through continuing research and education; And to adhere to the articles of the Member Code of Ethics 2000 for the practice of public relations as adopted by the governing Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America."
The truth will always prevail. Those who do great work and live by a code of ethical behavior and judgment will succeed, and those who keep their stakeholders, customers, and the needs of their fellow man (woman and child) paramount and advocate for truth, honesty and fairness will always sleep soundly at night and have a place in this ever-changing world of communications and public relations.
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/07/tracy_rowletts_finally_leaving.php
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_13met.ART.State.Bulldog.4d56c65.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-rowlettshale_11met.ART0.State.Edition2.4e5e3ad.htmlhttp://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/07/tracy_rowletts_finally_leaving.php
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/762349.html
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
From HARO
From Peter's site:
"PS: If you're a podcast fan, Shel Holtz at For Immediate Release did
a podcast interview for Peter Shankman Friday that really explains the logic behind HARO.
It can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/55rxb2"
Prayers of thanks for sparing Matt Rowntree's life
Cousin Matt was electrocuted this weekend and by the grace of God was spared. He is still in the hospital but it appears he will survive and be o-k. Matt and the entire family stays in our prayers.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ethics and pharmaceutical companies --- new rules will x gifts and meals
Read more...
SOURCE: FWST, Associated Press
July 11
New pharma ethics rules eliminate gifts and meals
AP Business Writer
"NEW YORK -- Drug company sales representatives will have to stop doling out coffee mugs and pens that push their products when they visit doctor's offices. But they can still sneak in the occasional free lunch.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Thursday that it has revised its conduct code for interacting with health care professionals. The updated guidelines ban the knicknacks bearing company and product logos.
Sales representatives are prohibited from providing restaurant meals and entertainment or recreation. But they can still provide the occasional, modest meal in a healthcare professional's office "in conjunction with informational presentations," according to a statement from PhRMA.
The updated code also emphasizes that drug companies should separate any funding they provide for continuing medical education from their sales and marketing departments. It notes that the funding should support education "on a full range of treatment options and not to promote a particular medicine."
PhRMA said meetings between sales representatives and doctors should be focused on informing health care professionals about products, sharing scientific and educational information and supporting research and education.
The new rules take effect Jan. 1."
Help a Reporter Out Web site ~ take a look
http://www.helpareporter.com/
The guy running this site is the author of "Can we do that?"
http://shankman.com/
The guy running this site is the author of "Can we do that?"
http://shankman.com/
Thursday, July 10, 2008
GFW PRSA
RE: July 9th program ~ Social media under construction with Richie and Terry from Mansfield ISD
It was wonderful! Great job, guys!
It was wonderful! Great job, guys!
Karen Hughes, etc.
From the Wall Street Journal
Clinton, Bush Advisers Steeped in Crisis Join Forces
Penn and Hughes Also Have Sights Set on Comeback
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121556919458138073.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121556919458138073.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Scary
From Dallas Morning News
Two accused of shooting woman at NorthPark Center parking lot
Dallas police arrested two men Monday night in the May shooting of a Waxahachie woman outside NorthPark Center.
Acting on a tip phoned in to CrimeStoppers, police arrested the men, whose names and ages were not immediately released. Investigators were still interrogating them late Monday.
The men are accused of shooting 43-year-old Mary Boyd in the face about 9 p.m. May 16 as she sat in her truck, waiting to pick up her daughter from a movie. The gunman walked up to her in the parking lot outside Nordstrom department store.
Police said at the time that Ms. Boyd sensed something was wrong as the man approached, so she put her vehicle in gear. That's when the shooter opened fire, police said.
Police have said they believe the attack was random. The attack was a relatively rare occurrence of violent crime at the largest mall in North Texas.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Vote for Dylan Forbus!!
From my dear friend Mandy:
Hi! Please vote for Dylan Forbus as the "Cutest Baby in DFW"!
Hi! Please vote for Dylan Forbus as the "Cutest Baby in DFW"!
Here's the link...
FYI - It sometimes takes a while for all the photos to upload.
Please feel free to pass this onto other people who you think would like to vote for our Jammin' Dylan!
Thank you very much! Hope you are having a great summer.
Many hugs, -Matt and Mandy
Gotta get some cowgirl boots!
From FWST
July 7
These boots are made . . .
One young lady does a backward flip in her Justin Gypsy Cowgirl boots. Another uses her boot as a flower vase.
They’re in some of the videos floating around on YouTube that contestants recently sent from around the country.
The Fort Worth-based Justin Boot Company recently picked five women to serve as spokeswomen for a new national advertising campaign promoting its new line of fashionable boots aimed at women ages 17 to 28.
Justin started selling the first of its Gypsy Cowgirl line in September and it’s already up to 25 styles, quite a few splashed with at least a little pink.
The boots are priced from $79 to $99.
Over those 10 months, the style has apparently caught fire — accounting for about 5 percent of total Western boot revenue at Justin, said Louis Russo, brand manager. He declined to give the company’s total revenue.
Shortly after putting the boots on the market, Justin rolled out a contest asking women to submit a commercial explaining why they should be the next Gypsy Cowgirl.
The company, which based the image on an archived logo it found from the 1940s, said a Gypsy Cowgirl is "a rogue, rebellious, authentic, self-reliant young lady with a lot of self-confidence."
Russo told reporter David Wethe that he was surprised to get roughly 100 video entries from across the country.
"I would have thought it would have mainly been focused in the West," he said. "It was amazing that they would take that much time and effort to become part of this."
Five women were selected and brought to Fort Worth a few weeks ago. After dining at Joe T. Garcia’s, the winners went for a photo shoot in their boots to Rocky Top Ranch. The boot company also brought in local contestants for the shoot, which made for a mix of "the real authentic horse person" and simply "kids who like the look," Russo said.
"It would have been real easy to hire models," he said. "You could really tell these ladies wanted to be part of the Justin brand."
July 7
These boots are made . . .
One young lady does a backward flip in her Justin Gypsy Cowgirl boots. Another uses her boot as a flower vase.
They’re in some of the videos floating around on YouTube that contestants recently sent from around the country.
The Fort Worth-based Justin Boot Company recently picked five women to serve as spokeswomen for a new national advertising campaign promoting its new line of fashionable boots aimed at women ages 17 to 28.
Justin started selling the first of its Gypsy Cowgirl line in September and it’s already up to 25 styles, quite a few splashed with at least a little pink.
The boots are priced from $79 to $99.
Over those 10 months, the style has apparently caught fire — accounting for about 5 percent of total Western boot revenue at Justin, said Louis Russo, brand manager. He declined to give the company’s total revenue.
Shortly after putting the boots on the market, Justin rolled out a contest asking women to submit a commercial explaining why they should be the next Gypsy Cowgirl.
The company, which based the image on an archived logo it found from the 1940s, said a Gypsy Cowgirl is "a rogue, rebellious, authentic, self-reliant young lady with a lot of self-confidence."
Russo told reporter David Wethe that he was surprised to get roughly 100 video entries from across the country.
"I would have thought it would have mainly been focused in the West," he said. "It was amazing that they would take that much time and effort to become part of this."
Five women were selected and brought to Fort Worth a few weeks ago. After dining at Joe T. Garcia’s, the winners went for a photo shoot in their boots to Rocky Top Ranch. The boot company also brought in local contestants for the shoot, which made for a mix of "the real authentic horse person" and simply "kids who like the look," Russo said.
"It would have been real easy to hire models," he said. "You could really tell these ladies wanted to be part of the Justin brand."
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Profile on Julie Wilson, APR
Wow! Fellow PRSA member is doing such much.
Read this profile in FWST. She's the talk of the PR community in N. Texas and probably beyond.
http://www.star-telegram.com/851/story/737144.html
Read this profile in FWST. She's the talk of the PR community in N. Texas and probably beyond.
http://www.star-telegram.com/851/story/737144.html
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Congrats to a very special friend who is expecting her first child.
Announcement coming soon. I'm so very happy for them!
Kit ~ An American Girl
What a wonderful movie. Very timely. Every family should see this. We all need to be more conservative in our spending and realize the Great Depression could happen again very soon. I'm working hard to demonstrate by actions and words and talk with my girls about how we must be more mindful of the current realities of our economy, be so very grateful for our many blessings and not take anything for granted.
http://www.americangirl.com/movie/kit/
Summer fun in Santa Fe
Fun things to do with kids:
- Waldorf School ~ summer camp
- Children's Museum
- Movies
- Pottery
- Hiking
- Nature walks
- Bumblebees
- Bobcat Bites - watch out for Bobcats!
- Driving up to the base of the ski mountains
- Community Center pool
- Riding horses at Bishop's Lodge
- Pancakes from Plaza Cafe
- A visit to Jackalope
- Shopping at Trader Joe's
- Visiting the Native American jewelers
- Strolling on the Plaza
- Talking to all the dogs
- Meeting new friends; visiting with the locals
- Learning new card games
- Reading books
- Walking down Canyon Road and getting inspired by the artwork
- Shopping for jewelry
- Quick trips to Starbucks
- Picking apples
- Playing in the teepee
- Pretending like we're skiing in the backyard with daddy's ski poles
- Target runs
- And more...
Top places to get something delicious with green chili in Santa Fe
- Plaza Cafe
- Pink Adobe
- Bobcat Bites
- Dave's Not Here (He's really not here!)
- The Shed
- Tesuque Village Market
- Bumblebee's
- Harry's Roadhouse
- Rancho de Chimayo
- The Burrito Co.
- Cowgirls
A sampling of the girls' art from Tie Dye Camp
These are just a few of the things they made over the course of two days. They have three more days of items to bring home. We will be a tie dye household!
Concerning
This video is hard to believe.
From NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07022008/news/regionalnews/shakeup_at_ignore_the_dying_hosp_118181.htm
From NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07022008/news/regionalnews/shakeup_at_ignore_the_dying_hosp_118181.htm
Updates to the AP Stylebook
From Editor and Publisher: "WMD," "iPhone" and "anti-virus" are in, while "barmaid," "blue blood" and "malarkey" are out. READ MORE...
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003821221
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003821221
Momee
While we've been in Santa Fe, New Mexico this week the girls have been seeing red apples and lots of paintings everywhere we go. Blaine has said more than once, "Momee is following us. She's with us on this trip."
Today in SF we were having lunch and struck up a conversation with the family next to us. We discussed good places to eat, shops to visit, etc. and they said, "Oh, we're not from around here. We live in Grand Prairie... off of NW 19th in N. Grand Prairie if you happen to know where that is..."
WHAT? We were almost speechless and then only a few questions later we learned that the father had "Mrs. Rowntree for his teacher at Lee Elementary," as a postman he delivered her mail and still remembered exactly which room on the second floor of the school was her classroom. "I loved Mrs. Rowntree. I remember her well," John Alexander said.
The wife? A painter named Rebecca who invited mom to her studio so they could paint together and attend GP art programs together.
Momee is with us!!!!
Laura
P.S. This photo includes from L-to-R: My mom, Momee, my dad and me as a tot!
lucilerowntree.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
A sign of the times
FROM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: "Starbucks to close 600 stores nationwide; Slow consumer spending leads to more cutbacks" http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-starbucks-sbux-jul02,0,4293515.story
Hopefully not "my Starbucks."
Hopefully not "my Starbucks."
Artists in the making
Here are the girls at Tie-Dye Camp at the Santa Fe Waldorf School. Wow, what a place ~ All about making the environment and the world a better place.
Learn about Twitter here
Overview: Twitter
When is it the right time to incorporate Twitter into your PR efforts?
http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/pfNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347446
When is it the right time to incorporate Twitter into your PR efforts?
http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/pfNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347446
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Laugh a little (or a lot!)
Bryn
Big sister, age 9
Blaine
Middle Sister, age 7
Bella
Baby Girl, Age 4
Brett and the girls
Mom and the girls
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