Saturday, March 14, 2009
I'll Be Back Soon, I Promise
I'm running around like crazy with finals week coming up. Cannot wait for this quarter to be over, as it brought tons and tons of stress. I'm trying to get better about timeliness, and not wasting the free time that I have. And now that I mention it, if I was able to keep my room clean I think I would have a lot more free time on my hands, haha. I'm working on getting organized, the room renovations and furniture buying is finally finished. I'm very excited about things in store for me in the near future...new jobs, new school quarter, the summer!, and looking at internships for next year. I'll be a bit more attentive to this blog...I promise!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Change Doesn't Come from Washington, Rather Ben Self Helped Bring It to Washington
Soapbox Media, a Cincinnati website and e-zine, held their anniversary party last week to celebrate their first year in business. Local journalists and the members of Soapbox mingled over drinks and appetizers, while the highlight of the night, Ben Self, gave an impressionable speech that hits home for these journalists.
Ben Self is a founding member of Blue State Digital, a firm that focuses on technology and media for companies, non-profit organizations, and politicians. He had a hand in revamping the online abilities of the DNC and its voter file. Self gave a speech on the impact technology and interactivity had in Barack Obama’s election. Blue State Digital was a dominant force behind the online grassroots organization and support of Barack Obama. The abilities given to the public by the websites allowed for involvement in the campaign and donations as well. He stressed the importance of the internet in today’s business and economic world, and how its communication developments can be used to produce results never thought possible.
“This was fundamentally different than any other campaign,” said Self. “$770 million was raised for the campaign, over half a million of that raised online,” he continued.
Online donations totaled about $500 million, and on average the donations were less than $100 each.
Self stressed that the online media in recent years has been used to spread false rumors about people, and that candidates were no exception to this. He focused on how these same tools can be used to promote candidates in a positive light and reach out to the public, voters specifically.
“Through websites like mybarackobama.com, you can form a local group, and even move the events offline,” said Self.
Ben Self focused on the point of making it easy for users to interact, and that email is one of the most underestimated and important part of not only communicating, but this campaign. To make it easy on users you must, “Be authentic, be transparent, talk to people regularly, and be relevant.”
René Brunelle is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and while studying, she interned for Soapbox Media. She now is a freelance writer for the ezine. Brunelle attended the anniversary party, and agrees with Ben Self’s ideas and attitude toward internet media.
“I would never have expected a website to have a big impact on an election, and quite frankly I think it’s pretty dynamic because the last election I didn’t think it played a big part at all,” said Brunelle.
Internet media is currently in the works to find its place as major source for news in the world, and Brunelle says that it’s incredibly important, especially when thinking of the viral markets and creations like blogs and Twitter.
She agrees with Ben Self’s points that people expect to interact with you, and these websites are not a place where you want the information to be heard, it’s where they can interact with it. She says it’s becoming a major staple in an industry dominated by print because it’s easy to communicate, it’s fast, and it’s astounding how many people turn to the internet for their news, and mostly because it makes their voice heard.
“Interactivity is incredibly important because it makes it easier for journalists to build on ideas supplied by their readers,” said Brunelle. “It’s not just journalists talking to journalists, it’s the general media as well,” she continued.
It’s safe to say that the success of the campaign was directly related to the support given by online users. Internet media is becoming more common by the day, and has become a staple in aspects of the media ranging from entertainment to politics, as the success of Ben Self’s technology and the campaign of Barack Obama have shown.
“I don’t say technology solves all of your problems as an organization, but it focuses passion. Technology can be used to take the passion and build to something bigger with more results than you ever thought possible, “said Self.
For more information on these organizations, you can visit Soapbox Media at soapboxmedia.com and Blue State Digital at bluestatedigital.com.
Ben Self is a founding member of Blue State Digital, a firm that focuses on technology and media for companies, non-profit organizations, and politicians. He had a hand in revamping the online abilities of the DNC and its voter file. Self gave a speech on the impact technology and interactivity had in Barack Obama’s election. Blue State Digital was a dominant force behind the online grassroots organization and support of Barack Obama. The abilities given to the public by the websites allowed for involvement in the campaign and donations as well. He stressed the importance of the internet in today’s business and economic world, and how its communication developments can be used to produce results never thought possible.
“This was fundamentally different than any other campaign,” said Self. “$770 million was raised for the campaign, over half a million of that raised online,” he continued.
Online donations totaled about $500 million, and on average the donations were less than $100 each.
Self stressed that the online media in recent years has been used to spread false rumors about people, and that candidates were no exception to this. He focused on how these same tools can be used to promote candidates in a positive light and reach out to the public, voters specifically.
“Through websites like mybarackobama.com, you can form a local group, and even move the events offline,” said Self.
Ben Self focused on the point of making it easy for users to interact, and that email is one of the most underestimated and important part of not only communicating, but this campaign. To make it easy on users you must, “Be authentic, be transparent, talk to people regularly, and be relevant.”
René Brunelle is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and while studying, she interned for Soapbox Media. She now is a freelance writer for the ezine. Brunelle attended the anniversary party, and agrees with Ben Self’s ideas and attitude toward internet media.
“I would never have expected a website to have a big impact on an election, and quite frankly I think it’s pretty dynamic because the last election I didn’t think it played a big part at all,” said Brunelle.
Internet media is currently in the works to find its place as major source for news in the world, and Brunelle says that it’s incredibly important, especially when thinking of the viral markets and creations like blogs and Twitter.
She agrees with Ben Self’s points that people expect to interact with you, and these websites are not a place where you want the information to be heard, it’s where they can interact with it. She says it’s becoming a major staple in an industry dominated by print because it’s easy to communicate, it’s fast, and it’s astounding how many people turn to the internet for their news, and mostly because it makes their voice heard.
“Interactivity is incredibly important because it makes it easier for journalists to build on ideas supplied by their readers,” said Brunelle. “It’s not just journalists talking to journalists, it’s the general media as well,” she continued.
It’s safe to say that the success of the campaign was directly related to the support given by online users. Internet media is becoming more common by the day, and has become a staple in aspects of the media ranging from entertainment to politics, as the success of Ben Self’s technology and the campaign of Barack Obama have shown.
“I don’t say technology solves all of your problems as an organization, but it focuses passion. Technology can be used to take the passion and build to something bigger with more results than you ever thought possible, “said Self.
For more information on these organizations, you can visit Soapbox Media at soapboxmedia.com and Blue State Digital at bluestatedigital.com.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Economy's for Animals Too
Watching the drip from a wet nose slide down a chain link fence in anticipation of a pat on the head can make anyone emotional. The thought of this becoming more common during the economic downfall tugs on heartstrings.
Mankind and its best friends are both affected by the economic recession. As the wallets become thinner, and the bank accounts shrink, even pets are becoming sometimes unaffordable. It seems like an inexpensive luxury: food, toys, and an occasional trip to the vet. When the animals become too much to handle, they end up in many rescue centers and shelters.
The SPCA is a nationwide animal shelter. It offers homes to those animals given up or found on the streets, and also veterinary services. The majority of pets that come through are cats and dogs. The Cincinnati chapter has its main office on Colerain Avenue, and has just opened a new facility in Sharonville.
Karen Terpstra, vice president of operations for the SPCA Cincinnati, has seen a few fluctuations recently. She does not think the economy is the absolute reason, but has heard many stories of its effects on the influx of animals.
“You hear about foreclosure being a reason, a few mentioned that they lost a job and couldn’t afford it. Sometimes they move in with family members, or into a residence that doesn’t allow big dogs, which all reflects the state of the economy,” said Terpstra.
Soon the cost of the necessities, immunizations, and medicines could be unaffordable.
“We operated a food bank and expect to be doing so again,” said Terpstra. “Even the human shelters sometimes offer food for animals too,” she continued. On the note of immunizations, regardless of cost, “It’s a lot cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it.”
In 2007, the SPCA Cincinnati took in 15,021 animals, and in 2008 it rose to 16,598. Terpstra mentioned that they saw an 11 percent increase in animals coming in during the last year, and also a 19 percent increase in animals being adopted out.
Jenna Burck, a culinary student at Cincinnati State, has volunteered over the years at various animal shelters. “Seeing the number of animals that come through these places without a home is incredulous,” said Burck. “But the fact that it’s becoming more common right now, no doubt in relation to economics, is crazy.” Burck herself is an owner of four cats, one she recently took in from the street. “I think the increase in adoptions could be that it is relatively inexpensive from the SPCA, as compared to a breeder.”
For more information on the SPCA, volunteer work or adoptions, you can visit their website at www. SPCA.com
Mankind and its best friends are both affected by the economic recession. As the wallets become thinner, and the bank accounts shrink, even pets are becoming sometimes unaffordable. It seems like an inexpensive luxury: food, toys, and an occasional trip to the vet. When the animals become too much to handle, they end up in many rescue centers and shelters.
The SPCA is a nationwide animal shelter. It offers homes to those animals given up or found on the streets, and also veterinary services. The majority of pets that come through are cats and dogs. The Cincinnati chapter has its main office on Colerain Avenue, and has just opened a new facility in Sharonville.
Karen Terpstra, vice president of operations for the SPCA Cincinnati, has seen a few fluctuations recently. She does not think the economy is the absolute reason, but has heard many stories of its effects on the influx of animals.
“You hear about foreclosure being a reason, a few mentioned that they lost a job and couldn’t afford it. Sometimes they move in with family members, or into a residence that doesn’t allow big dogs, which all reflects the state of the economy,” said Terpstra.
Soon the cost of the necessities, immunizations, and medicines could be unaffordable.
“We operated a food bank and expect to be doing so again,” said Terpstra. “Even the human shelters sometimes offer food for animals too,” she continued. On the note of immunizations, regardless of cost, “It’s a lot cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it.”
In 2007, the SPCA Cincinnati took in 15,021 animals, and in 2008 it rose to 16,598. Terpstra mentioned that they saw an 11 percent increase in animals coming in during the last year, and also a 19 percent increase in animals being adopted out.
Jenna Burck, a culinary student at Cincinnati State, has volunteered over the years at various animal shelters. “Seeing the number of animals that come through these places without a home is incredulous,” said Burck. “But the fact that it’s becoming more common right now, no doubt in relation to economics, is crazy.” Burck herself is an owner of four cats, one she recently took in from the street. “I think the increase in adoptions could be that it is relatively inexpensive from the SPCA, as compared to a breeder.”
For more information on the SPCA, volunteer work or adoptions, you can visit their website at www. SPCA.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
Retail Boom or Bust?
Melissa Teter stands inside her store in Kenwood Towne Center, waiting for the usual midday boom in business that doesn’t exist anymore. Could this widespread trend in retail be here to stay?
“Sales are way down and people are being laid off all over the place,” said Melissa Teter, an assistant manager at Pacific Sunwear in Kenwood Towne Centre. Melissa is a graduate of Miami University with a B.A. in political science. Teter knows that the malls will revive themselves once the economic status of the country improves. She says that it is only a matter of time before business is booming again. In the meantime, all they can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Cincinnati’s malls are an example of the effects this economy has had on businesses, retail in particular. Northgate Mall in Colerain is owned by the Feldman Mall Properties, and the company reported a total $78.9 million loss in 2008. Large chain stores left such as Champs, Whitehall Jewelers, The Disney Store, among others. JC Penney, an anchor tenant, relocated to the new developments in Stone Creek. Northgate Mall declared bankruptcy in Fall 2008.
The Cincinnati Mills Mall, located in Fairfield, has been sold three times in seven years, as told by Greg Kathman, a development director of the area. In December, he announced that the property had been sold once again. The mall itself is only half-occupied and lacks any anchor stores.
Evidence of the economic crisis in retail became apparent during the Christmas shopping season in 2008. Gallup.com reports that Americans had planned to spend 29% less on the holiday season than a year ago in 2007. Bloomberg.com says that some retailers experienced a boom in January. Ethan Harris is co-head of economic research at Barclays Capital Inc. As quoted on Bloomberg.com, Harris said that January discounts may have brought in consumers, but he does not think it is sustainable.
June Phillips is a second-year student at the University of Cincinnati, and a hairdresser at Mastercuts in the Tri-County Mall. She feels that the economy is hitting the malls harder than she could have expected.
“Our sales in both retail and cuts are dropping quick,” she said. “Not only that, but customers give very little tips too. They’re being cautious about where every piece of their money goes.” Phillips is one of five girls that work in the salon, and one of the few designated as part-time.
“Most of the girls’ hours have been cut back,” said Phillips. “With declining business, it’s all you can do to help the store’s budget.”
Scotty Chang, 25, also works in the Tri-County Mall. He is an assistant manager for Hatworld/Lids. He found that sales were worse during Christmas than he had expected, and hours are slowly diminishing for employees as well.
“I knew the economy was bad, but I figured we’re a hat store, and people would be buying smaller,” he said. “The difference that still continues between now and last year’s sales is ridiculous.”
“Sales are way down and people are being laid off all over the place,” said Melissa Teter, an assistant manager at Pacific Sunwear in Kenwood Towne Centre. Melissa is a graduate of Miami University with a B.A. in political science. Teter knows that the malls will revive themselves once the economic status of the country improves. She says that it is only a matter of time before business is booming again. In the meantime, all they can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Cincinnati’s malls are an example of the effects this economy has had on businesses, retail in particular. Northgate Mall in Colerain is owned by the Feldman Mall Properties, and the company reported a total $78.9 million loss in 2008. Large chain stores left such as Champs, Whitehall Jewelers, The Disney Store, among others. JC Penney, an anchor tenant, relocated to the new developments in Stone Creek. Northgate Mall declared bankruptcy in Fall 2008.
The Cincinnati Mills Mall, located in Fairfield, has been sold three times in seven years, as told by Greg Kathman, a development director of the area. In December, he announced that the property had been sold once again. The mall itself is only half-occupied and lacks any anchor stores.
Evidence of the economic crisis in retail became apparent during the Christmas shopping season in 2008. Gallup.com reports that Americans had planned to spend 29% less on the holiday season than a year ago in 2007. Bloomberg.com says that some retailers experienced a boom in January. Ethan Harris is co-head of economic research at Barclays Capital Inc. As quoted on Bloomberg.com, Harris said that January discounts may have brought in consumers, but he does not think it is sustainable.
June Phillips is a second-year student at the University of Cincinnati, and a hairdresser at Mastercuts in the Tri-County Mall. She feels that the economy is hitting the malls harder than she could have expected.
“Our sales in both retail and cuts are dropping quick,” she said. “Not only that, but customers give very little tips too. They’re being cautious about where every piece of their money goes.” Phillips is one of five girls that work in the salon, and one of the few designated as part-time.
“Most of the girls’ hours have been cut back,” said Phillips. “With declining business, it’s all you can do to help the store’s budget.”
Scotty Chang, 25, also works in the Tri-County Mall. He is an assistant manager for Hatworld/Lids. He found that sales were worse during Christmas than he had expected, and hours are slowly diminishing for employees as well.
“I knew the economy was bad, but I figured we’re a hat store, and people would be buying smaller,” he said. “The difference that still continues between now and last year’s sales is ridiculous.”
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"Yes we...will?"
With an approval rating of 79%, Obama surpasses the par set by his predecessors. But during the biggest economic hardships in decades, how will he hold up to such high expectations?
Now is the time when his plans for our country will be put to the test. Now is also the time when we question whether these efforts will pay off or not. Who better to judge than the American public? The New York Times and CBS News did exactly that.
The New York Times and CBS News teamed up to conduct phone interviews of about 1,000 adults to gather their opinions on Obama a few days before the inauguration. The poll was based upon opinions of the country’s well-being five years ago and today, jobs, and the economy. According to the study done between January 11th and January 15th, 2009, the current optimism in Obama stands at an extraordinary 79%. We have not yet experienced what he has to bring to the table, but it seems that even though we have optimism, this rate may change depending on how soon the effects take place.
Phyllis Harden was one of the Americans who participated in the poll, and also voted for Obama in November. “It’s going to take a couple of years at least to improve the economy. I think anyone who is looking for a 90-day turnaround is delusional,” as quoted in the New York Times.
“I think those of us who voted for McCain are going to be a lot happier with Obama than the people who voted for him,” said Valerie Schlink, quoted in the New York Times. Schlink, a Republican for McCain, also participated in the poll. Torey Lacey, a criminal justice student at the University of Cincinnati, voted for Obama in the fall yet holds a similar opinion to Schlink. “I think everyone that voted for Obama expects the same things. Those for McCain may now see how Obama may or may not hold up to his campaigns, and in the end will be impressed,” said Lacey.
Although it is refreshing to see such high hopes after the disappointing approval rate of George W. Bush, this rate for a president-elect is not uncommon. The same type of polls taken in previous years just before inaugurations by CBS, show the same patterns. George W. Bush and Bill Clinton entered their first terms with levels of optimism at 64% and 70% respectively. Ronald Reagan entered at 69% and Jimmy Carter at 69%. It seems common, and almost patriotic, to have high hopes for any new leadership offered to our country.
Before each inauguration, the polls show a heightened confidence in each and every president. It seems as though we are all rooting for Obama, and even more our country as a whole, to take a turn and create greener pastures for ourselves. Republicans, Democrats, Independents all seem to be on the same page when it comes to the willingness to give Barack Obama a chance to make changes happen.
Now is the time when his plans for our country will be put to the test. Now is also the time when we question whether these efforts will pay off or not. Who better to judge than the American public? The New York Times and CBS News did exactly that.
The New York Times and CBS News teamed up to conduct phone interviews of about 1,000 adults to gather their opinions on Obama a few days before the inauguration. The poll was based upon opinions of the country’s well-being five years ago and today, jobs, and the economy. According to the study done between January 11th and January 15th, 2009, the current optimism in Obama stands at an extraordinary 79%. We have not yet experienced what he has to bring to the table, but it seems that even though we have optimism, this rate may change depending on how soon the effects take place.
Phyllis Harden was one of the Americans who participated in the poll, and also voted for Obama in November. “It’s going to take a couple of years at least to improve the economy. I think anyone who is looking for a 90-day turnaround is delusional,” as quoted in the New York Times.
“I think those of us who voted for McCain are going to be a lot happier with Obama than the people who voted for him,” said Valerie Schlink, quoted in the New York Times. Schlink, a Republican for McCain, also participated in the poll. Torey Lacey, a criminal justice student at the University of Cincinnati, voted for Obama in the fall yet holds a similar opinion to Schlink. “I think everyone that voted for Obama expects the same things. Those for McCain may now see how Obama may or may not hold up to his campaigns, and in the end will be impressed,” said Lacey.
Although it is refreshing to see such high hopes after the disappointing approval rate of George W. Bush, this rate for a president-elect is not uncommon. The same type of polls taken in previous years just before inaugurations by CBS, show the same patterns. George W. Bush and Bill Clinton entered their first terms with levels of optimism at 64% and 70% respectively. Ronald Reagan entered at 69% and Jimmy Carter at 69%. It seems common, and almost patriotic, to have high hopes for any new leadership offered to our country.
Before each inauguration, the polls show a heightened confidence in each and every president. It seems as though we are all rooting for Obama, and even more our country as a whole, to take a turn and create greener pastures for ourselves. Republicans, Democrats, Independents all seem to be on the same page when it comes to the willingness to give Barack Obama a chance to make changes happen.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Naivete
Ya know what? I honestly can't remember the last time I thought about what I truly want, and today it decided to start eating away at me. So much has happened within the last year that I've lost sight of the things that meant the most to me, and I can't believe I've let myself get this deep. I've put faith in so many people, relationships, my job, and almost all of that is up in the air. Don't get me wrong my job is fun, but I just don't think it suits me anymore. I like the people that I work with, for the most part, but I think it's just time that I move on. Let that be another chapter ended on my journey. The few things I can always take with me is my friendship with the most awesome Melissa, and quite a bit of experience, considering it introduced me to the real world. School used to be such an important part of my life growing up. I was satisfied with nothing less than success in everything that I did. That surely has gotten away from me. Now more than ever that should be my first priority. Before relationships, work, and all.
Faith that I have bestowed in people in the last year could take up another blog. The hardest thing to do is let go of someone that you love. But I think a time comes when you realize that until you do, nothing can get better. About a year ago I did this exact thing, and it really did help me to find a few things in myself. But now I've reached another point that it's time to let a few more go. It hurts a lot, and the pain will worsen, but maybe there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. No one stays forever. Honesty from anyone is hard to come by. I've been so naive to the words I've been hearing. I put trust in all the wrong people and situations. I've planned my life around a few individuals....and yet they've each vanished with time. Will I ever learn? Sure doesn't seem like it. And now that I feel that I'm doing the right thing..I feel more alone than ever. One of the guys I work with the other day told me that anyone who would pass up the chance to be with me when I've given my whole heart, is comepletely retarded. Haha, he makes me laugh. I appreciate him and respect him a lot. I guess it could be true. He sees a lot in me that I don't most of the time. Sometimes you need someone like that around to remind you what you've got deep down. If nothing lasts forever, then what makes love the exception?? That holds so much truth at this point in my life. I can only wait so long to find it. Can you blame me for being impatient? It's been long enough. I need to find someone who truly appreciates me, everything I have to offer. Someone that I can hold a conversation on more than two topics with daily. Someone who would jump at the chance and be faithful in a heartbeat. Haha, I look in all the wrong people.
I guess my time will come, but when is the question. Maybe I should just focus on me. Live up to no one's expectations but my own. I'm not here to wait around for others, I'm not here to fill any voids. Concentrate on what means the most to me, and nothing else. All else will fall into place with time.
Faith that I have bestowed in people in the last year could take up another blog. The hardest thing to do is let go of someone that you love. But I think a time comes when you realize that until you do, nothing can get better. About a year ago I did this exact thing, and it really did help me to find a few things in myself. But now I've reached another point that it's time to let a few more go. It hurts a lot, and the pain will worsen, but maybe there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. No one stays forever. Honesty from anyone is hard to come by. I've been so naive to the words I've been hearing. I put trust in all the wrong people and situations. I've planned my life around a few individuals....and yet they've each vanished with time. Will I ever learn? Sure doesn't seem like it. And now that I feel that I'm doing the right thing..I feel more alone than ever. One of the guys I work with the other day told me that anyone who would pass up the chance to be with me when I've given my whole heart, is comepletely retarded. Haha, he makes me laugh. I appreciate him and respect him a lot. I guess it could be true. He sees a lot in me that I don't most of the time. Sometimes you need someone like that around to remind you what you've got deep down. If nothing lasts forever, then what makes love the exception?? That holds so much truth at this point in my life. I can only wait so long to find it. Can you blame me for being impatient? It's been long enough. I need to find someone who truly appreciates me, everything I have to offer. Someone that I can hold a conversation on more than two topics with daily. Someone who would jump at the chance and be faithful in a heartbeat. Haha, I look in all the wrong people.
I guess my time will come, but when is the question. Maybe I should just focus on me. Live up to no one's expectations but my own. I'm not here to wait around for others, I'm not here to fill any voids. Concentrate on what means the most to me, and nothing else. All else will fall into place with time.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I'm just curious...
Has anyone ever wondered why we put in trust in the people that we do? We always seem to think that these people will be around forever, and that they will be the ones to confide in. People come and go like gas station patrons. (Yes, that sounds like GCH now that I wrote it.) But it's true. There are very, very few people that will be around long enough to disprove this statement. Sometimes it's not that big of a deal. But then there are days that you realize these people have inadvertently become the center of your life, and it all comes down like an avalanche. Some people truly are trustworthy. But you also wonder how many other people have heard the same words dripping from their lips. It's something you'll probably never know the answer to. Once confronted, the same people like to think they have no reason to explain why they do and say the things that they do, and it only propels my belief that it was all...nothing. Nothing of substance, nothing worth the time, and it never will be anything. I like to think that everything is a learning experience, but you can only be burned by this situation so many times before you begin to think that it will always be this way. And I wonder why I have trust in no one?
"Well I've been afraid of changing, 'cause I built my life around you."
"Well I've been afraid of changing, 'cause I built my life around you."
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