At my college, I do work study at the college's switchboard. As exciting as that might sound, I mostly answer phones, questions, and explore YouTube.com. We've since got a Santa that can sing any song-- just plug him in to my laptop. This has provided hours of entertainment... BUT nothing tops this video I found last year:
I know I know... I just can't help myself... So hilarious! Anyways, have a happy Thanksgiving-- and hope this provides a nice break from productivity. :)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Gold Stars and PR
So, for my PR Campaigns class had a Gold Star contest based on a short analysis of a current event or some other PR case. While I didn't win, I did come in only one star behind. Below are my weekly blogs from the Angel class module. I hope you enjoy!
Mothers deciding who to feed.
What is the situation?
Mothers in Haiti are having to decide which child lives and dies, as they ration what tiny bit of food they have left, CNN reports.
What is the background of the situation?
There has always been impoverished countries and starving people, but we have seen a dramatic increase as the population continues to explode; and as the economy around the world is hurting, food pantries in even the US has seen a significant increase in the number of people that need food.
What is the significance?
This is an awesome opportunity for Monsanto, as there genetically altered food might be a solution to this problem. This might lead to increased funding in research in how to better grow and produce a higher yield of food. This provides the opportunity to build relationships with government and find ways to cheapen the cost of production: this is something that Monsanto wants to do anyways. It also is an obstacle for farmers, b/c we know that this food is not cheap. It's cheaper to buy two hot dogs from Sheetz, than it is to buy a pack of strawberries, or a piece of grilled chicken.
I would suggest that Monsanto needs to inform farmers about this, and encourage them to make more food. The more food will need to meet the high demand at a reasonable price. This should increase the profit for Monsanto, build better relationships and, most importantly help provide some relief for families across the globe.
Healthcare Crisis: Toothless in Appalachia
What is the situation?
The Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps. travel to Wise County Fair Grounds in Virginia for three days to treat the uninsured and underinsured in Appalachia. The Washington Post did a multi-part feature story, including articles, pictures, video and more on the web and in their paper on the crisis and how severe it is in Appalachia.
What is the background of the situation?
Appalachia has been stereotyped, not just in America, but throughout the world as shoeless, toothless, impoverished hicks. The cost of health care, has created a situation where people are literally dying of diabetes but only seek health care once a year when RAMV come to town. A bigger problem being that the ADA is accused of intimidating schools and lobbying against allowing dental hygienist to operate without a dentist supervision or allowing/sponsoring dental therapy majors or consortium for individuals in isolated areas. (They threatened one school by saying they would have members stop donating to the university if they moved forward with the major).
Mike Riggs, writer/intern at reason.com, wrote, "Despite the ADA's best efforts at controlling the cost of dental care, the tide may be turning. In May, reports The Charleston Gazette, West Virginia (whose dental problems rival those of its neighbor, Kentucky) passed a bill that will allow dental hygienists—whose services cost a fraction of those of a licensed dentist—to practice outside of a dentist's office and without a dentist being present. Legislators passed the bill—in spite of loud ADA objections—after journalist Eric Eyre wrote a series of articles detailing the state's abysmal dental care. Bills like the one in West Virginia create new jobs while lowering medical costs."
What is the significance of the situation?
This situation effects a variety of organizations; the State of Virginia, West Virginia, & Kentucky; the ADA; dentists in VA, WV, KY; colleges and universities; lawmakers and policy makers in those states; the RAMV...and many more.
I think that the best opportunity lies with the colleges and universities and law makers. I think that colleges that look at a dental therapy major, and work with legislatures to pass legislation similar to that of WV; allowing people with this major to perform these basic dental practices. For example, if a school like Virginia Tech added the dental therapy major, then worked with the VA legislature to pass this, it would help create a solution to the dental crisis we're seeing in south-western Virginia and southern region of Kentucky by providing a lower cost care for those in need. If a school like Wesleyan did that, and worked, it would help provide jobs in this area, allowing students to stay close to home and also giving students an opportunity to work in this field without 7 or 8 years in school; it would help the people in need in the area, and should help provide relief when it comes to health care costs.
This is an obstacle for the ADA, as they have gained a bad reputation with these articles. Much like Monsanto, they need to find a way to regain a positive reputation within the media and (not so much Monsanto) help foster relationships with colleges and universities. Perhaps they, too, should explore areas to expand the dental arena or sponsoring free dental days within Appalachia so that they are also helping to find a solution to this plague we're experiencing.
Bittersweet Victory
What is the situation?
Obama's grandmother passed away today.
What is the background of situation?
We know that Obama's grandmother has been sick. Last week, he took a couple days off from campaigning to visit his grandmother.
What is the significance of the situation?
First, this is an obstacle for McCain. We know that McCain has really based his entire campaign on criticizing Obama; calling him a terrorist, socialist, radical and inexperienced. In the final hours of campaigning, McCain can't be too harsh on Obama without appearing like an ass. He also can't do a 180, and suddenly be an empathetic to someone about whom he has made such serious accusations.
Second, and most interesting is what this means to Saturday Night Live: Presidential Bash 2008. Most of the skits are pre-recorded, but this untimely death is an obstacle for the comedians. NBC must not ignore this, but also cannot be soft in a manner that makes them appear biased for Obama. They must provide a great show without being insensitive.
Obama describes the feeling as bittersweet. He is less than 24 hours away from being the next president, and just lost the 'rock' of his family. I think that continuing through the campaign, while acknowledging and reacting to this tragedy will, much like everything else he has done, be one more challenge that he will shine through.
What are you doing?
What is the situation?
The New York Times just wrote an article called "U.S. Army lays out scenarios with terrorists using Twitter"
What is the background of the situation?
Twitter is a networking tool that asks, "what are you doing." It allows you to join groups and follow friends by asking that question. It also has the capabilities of getting pictures and almost like an instant message between friends. Last month the Republicans used Twitter to protest a piece of legislation. It has grown to hold some extremists, and has some government officials concerned about terrorism and the impact this tool can have for terrorists.
What is the significance of this situation?
This is a huge obstacle for Twitter. The New York Times is a reputable liberal paper— and if it is concerned with terrorism vs. free speech, then I bet this story will be picked up by others in the media in no time. This is also a company that is interested in growing, and when stories like this are released, it might spark fear in some people. No one wants to be associated with an organization that is deemed as untrustworthy. It really puts the creator of Twitter in an awkward position. Part of it is allowing people to express their views and message people. It also doesn't have a mission statement online to tell exactly what its purpose is, however it does say, "Twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. "
I think that the opportunity here will be with government relations. This article made me very afraid. I wasn't familiar with Twitter, and I began immediately to distrust this organization. If, however, I knew that they were working with government to police the website— not to quiet the public, but to ensure safety of the general public, I would feel much better about the organization. If the organization developed some way to track things like this, they could also become a leader within the virtual realm that other organizations such as Facebook, MySpace, AIM, MSN, and others could follow to keep the world safer.
Drive through Voting
The situation:
Early voting has started in many states
The background of the situation.
States, in recent years, in an effort to get more people out to the polls have started using early voting to entice people so that they do not have to wait in long lines on election day
the significance of the situation
America has turned to a place where people want instant gratification. Orange County California recognizes this, and again, in an effort to get more people out to the polls has started drive through voting. This is an awesome opportunity for the state of California and especially the Secretary of State's office. If this turns out to be a good thing, then it might catch on across the nation. This could also be an obstacle, because it isn't so much of a secret. The article does not tell how they make it a secret; there could be others in the car, and we must watch out for voter fraud. However, this allows the soccer mom to vote on her way to the game...
This makes us wonder what kind of voter will come out for this voting; who will it help— the democrats or the republicans...
Ut-Oh Enrollment
The situation?
The economy is a state of crisis.
The background of the situation?
It started as bad prime mortgage loans, and a recession, and has quickly spun out of control leading to tightened credit, panic on Wall Street, and several banks and companies filing bankruptcy, or being bought by other corporations.
The significance of the situation:
With companies like Wachovia Corp. freezing assets, it has transcended across housing market lines, and is affecting over 1000 colleges and private schools. In a time of economic recession, private schools have a hard time recruiting students anyways, but with headlines such as "Colleges Scramble as Fund Is Frozen," in the Wall Street Journal doesn't help with the recruiting process.
However, within this crisis lies an opportunity for WVWC. West Virginia Wesleyan College did not have assets frozen in the Wachovia crisis. While our stock has been hit by the tough economic crisis, our portfolio is very diverse, so we weren't as affected as schools such as Bethany. That means that when students come to Wesleyan to visit, we can say that we have not had to find other sources of revenue to pay our faculty and staff. We can also say with confidence that we are still a strong school that is not in jeopardy of closing with the current crisis. This could be used as a recruitment tool. Another advantage is that we are a residential school, meaning that housing and food is equated in our financial aid package. Since most of the loans and payments are through the federal government, and most aid is from endowed scholarships, our admissions staff can confidently say that although the US might be facing an economic crisis, it should not deter students from applying to Wesleyan. With our enrollment not meeting the goals last year, it is imperative that we work to achieve these enrollment numbers. Who would have thought that this crisis would be a tool that Wesleyan could use to met that goal?
It seems we're outta gas...
The situation:
There is a gas shortage in Georgia, North Carolina, and other southern states, leaving drivers waiting for hours for a tank of gas.
The background of the situation:
There is a pipeline that was affected by Hurricane Ike. This has not only sparked a shortage— but a huge panic. Drivers at one station near Charlotte, NC waited 9 hours for a gas truck at a gas station. They didn't just leave after 9 hours either; an attendant had to come out and tell them that the gas truck was not coming. To make matters worse, Kenneth B. Medlock III, an official from Rice University said “If I had to put a date on it, I’d say things won’t be normal for two more weeks.”
The significance of this situation:
NASCAR returns to Charlotte in less than two weeks. Although they hope to be back to normal in two weeks, when you talk about NASCAR, we're talking about over 2000 gallons of gasoline (assuming their tanks hold 22gal, and they make at least 3 pit stops). This isn't taking into account the other two races, the trailers used to pull in the cars, the buses that the drivers bring, and the campers, cars, trucks and SUVs that fans bring to the race. I know a lot of people that go from WV and even as far away as Florida or Ohio. This gas shortage is going to be a huge obstacle for NASCAR, not only because it will be harder to fans to get there, and getting gas for the cars, but also because they have been a company that has traditionally cared about its fans. Moving forward still having the race without releasing some kind of statement about the gas shortage, would be seen as negligent and careless on the part of the company.
Cheap gas
The situation:
Fuel prices are rising around the world.
The background of the situation:
Gas prices began to surge after 9-11, and have increasing gone up around the world. Within the past year, with the slowing economy, they have not only gone up here in America, but also abroad. One place in particular is Australia. However, many Australians, rather than driving around and finding the cheapest gas, would search for it on in the internet. People that googled "petrol prices" often were looking for Australian cities.
The significance of the situation:
The significance is that Google recognized the opportunity that afforded itself. Once marketing directors noticed how many hits they were getting in Australia for cheap fuel prices, they began to look for ways to get more users. This came with making a new gadget that would help Aussies find cheap gas along their route.
The obstacle will be from the perspective of the gas stations. Stations that are off the beaten path, thus probably costing more to get gas, will find it hard to compete with the places that can afford to get gas cheaper. They must find a way to retain the customers they already have, because many people would wait 15 miles to get gas for ten cents cheaper, even though it ten gallons is only one dollar more.
Texting and Driving
The situation:
There was a train wreck in Los Angeles on Friday that investigators think may have been caused when the engineer was distracted by a text message.
The background of the situation:
Some states have passed laws outlawing texting or using phones while driving. One news article claims that it can be as harmful as alcohol when mixing with driving. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Cell_phones_as_harmful_as_alcohol_when_mixed_with_driving/articleshow/3485020.cms) This is really the first case that has been in headlines of an engineer or driver of some type of mass transportation killing over 20 people in a cell-phone related accident. This was the deadliest train accident in over 15 years in America killing 25 people, and injuring over 40.
The significance of the situation:
The news media has made this story pretty big. Investigators have not released what provider of cell phone the engineer had, but you have to believe that has to be a concern for the company. Currently, they have no literature about safely using cell phones. AT&T actively works on philanthropic projects, especially in the wake of natural disasters, but have not made any kind of comment about this situation. This accident could be an obstacle for gaining potential customers. If I were the parent of a teen, I might be hesitant about getting my son or daughter a phone with text messaging. For parents with teens that already have that service, they might think about having it removed as their teen(s) start driving. However, if they respond to this by talking to the families, and perhaps starting a campaign about the dangers of talking & driving, and texting & driving, families will see AT&T as a responsible company that cares about their customers. This might sway potential customers to pay a little more for a company that cares. In this case, it would be a great service to the public AND an opportunity. Taking no action could come back to bite them later.
In addition, this might even be a time for them to work on their government relations. This is an opportunity to pass regulation on a national level regulating when people cannot use their cell phones— which, again, could also be an obstacle if they are not proactive in those relationships with law makers. Although no one has mentioned AT&T or any other cell phone provider, this is a crisis not directly related to the company that they should have a plan in order to respond.
Britney's Big Comeback!
What is the situation?
The situation is that Britney Spears was again asked to be part of MTV's Video Music Awards.
What is the background of the situation?
Britney came out in the late 90's. She was the Mousekateer, American sweetheart. Pre-teen and teen girls idolized this new pop goddess. She had number one hits after another. She was thought to be dating the boy band heart throb, Justin Timberlake. After their devastating breakup, he leaked that America's sweetheart may 'not be that innocent.' From there, her reputation began to go downhill, and only slipped faster after a weekend marriage, shaving her head, endangering her children, and her alleged drug and alcohol use. She has tried to make comebacks a couple other times, but has been unsuccessful. Last year, during the VMAs, she came out in a bikini looking as if she was high on some sort of drugs... In addition to being criticized for not performing well, most of the public and press criticized her for being a little too curvy for that outfit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK-T5Y1ZeVg
What is the significance or importance of the situation?
This is a PR opportunity for her. At this year's VMAs, she came in a dress that covered her. Her eyes were bright, and she spoke clearly. She looked very much like her 'old' self. She was once the Princess of Pop, and she still has a pretty large fan base that are currently just disappointed in her actions. If she could come back with a positive image, she could again be making records, and again be a role model for tweens and teens. It mostly affects her popularity in the eyes of the public, as well as her wallet. If she makes a complete comeback, she, much like the New Kids on the Block, will be on the covers of magazines, doing concerts on The Today Show, and making tons of money, again. This was her big opportunity to really reach out to her target audience as the new and improved 'Britney.'
Republican do-gooders
Organization: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Situation: Hurricane Gustav
The background is that Hurricane Gustav appeared last week to be a storm of major significance that could influence the lives of thousands, if not millions. It gained strength after killing many in the Caribbean, and appeared to present an imminent danger for the Louisiana & other southern coasts.
The significance of this situation is that FEMA had a terrible response after Hurricane Katrina. There reputation is currently in terrible condition, and being prepared for this situation—or not being prepared for this situation could either cause further detriment to the organization, or it could help in regaining the trust of the public. This situation, from the eyes of FEMA can be a HUGE obstacle, or it could be an opportunity. I feel that this time, this will be an opportunity, because there are many in Washington who have worked to get funding and supplies to these areas already. This is apparent in both FEMA’s website, as well as the influence it has created at the Republican National Convention.
Mothers deciding who to feed.
What is the situation?
Mothers in Haiti are having to decide which child lives and dies, as they ration what tiny bit of food they have left, CNN reports.
What is the background of the situation?
There has always been impoverished countries and starving people, but we have seen a dramatic increase as the population continues to explode; and as the economy around the world is hurting, food pantries in even the US has seen a significant increase in the number of people that need food.
What is the significance?
This is an awesome opportunity for Monsanto, as there genetically altered food might be a solution to this problem. This might lead to increased funding in research in how to better grow and produce a higher yield of food. This provides the opportunity to build relationships with government and find ways to cheapen the cost of production: this is something that Monsanto wants to do anyways. It also is an obstacle for farmers, b/c we know that this food is not cheap. It's cheaper to buy two hot dogs from Sheetz, than it is to buy a pack of strawberries, or a piece of grilled chicken.
I would suggest that Monsanto needs to inform farmers about this, and encourage them to make more food. The more food will need to meet the high demand at a reasonable price. This should increase the profit for Monsanto, build better relationships and, most importantly help provide some relief for families across the globe.
Healthcare Crisis: Toothless in Appalachia
What is the situation?
The Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps. travel to Wise County Fair Grounds in Virginia for three days to treat the uninsured and underinsured in Appalachia. The Washington Post did a multi-part feature story, including articles, pictures, video and more on the web and in their paper on the crisis and how severe it is in Appalachia.
What is the background of the situation?
Appalachia has been stereotyped, not just in America, but throughout the world as shoeless, toothless, impoverished hicks. The cost of health care, has created a situation where people are literally dying of diabetes but only seek health care once a year when RAMV come to town. A bigger problem being that the ADA is accused of intimidating schools and lobbying against allowing dental hygienist to operate without a dentist supervision or allowing/sponsoring dental therapy majors or consortium for individuals in isolated areas. (They threatened one school by saying they would have members stop donating to the university if they moved forward with the major).
Mike Riggs, writer/intern at reason.com, wrote, "Despite the ADA's best efforts at controlling the cost of dental care, the tide may be turning. In May, reports The Charleston Gazette, West Virginia (whose dental problems rival those of its neighbor, Kentucky) passed a bill that will allow dental hygienists—whose services cost a fraction of those of a licensed dentist—to practice outside of a dentist's office and without a dentist being present. Legislators passed the bill—in spite of loud ADA objections—after journalist Eric Eyre wrote a series of articles detailing the state's abysmal dental care. Bills like the one in West Virginia create new jobs while lowering medical costs."
What is the significance of the situation?
This situation effects a variety of organizations; the State of Virginia, West Virginia, & Kentucky; the ADA; dentists in VA, WV, KY; colleges and universities; lawmakers and policy makers in those states; the RAMV...and many more.
I think that the best opportunity lies with the colleges and universities and law makers. I think that colleges that look at a dental therapy major, and work with legislatures to pass legislation similar to that of WV; allowing people with this major to perform these basic dental practices. For example, if a school like Virginia Tech added the dental therapy major, then worked with the VA legislature to pass this, it would help create a solution to the dental crisis we're seeing in south-western Virginia and southern region of Kentucky by providing a lower cost care for those in need. If a school like Wesleyan did that, and worked, it would help provide jobs in this area, allowing students to stay close to home and also giving students an opportunity to work in this field without 7 or 8 years in school; it would help the people in need in the area, and should help provide relief when it comes to health care costs.
This is an obstacle for the ADA, as they have gained a bad reputation with these articles. Much like Monsanto, they need to find a way to regain a positive reputation within the media and (not so much Monsanto) help foster relationships with colleges and universities. Perhaps they, too, should explore areas to expand the dental arena or sponsoring free dental days within Appalachia so that they are also helping to find a solution to this plague we're experiencing.
Bittersweet Victory
What is the situation?
Obama's grandmother passed away today.
What is the background of situation?
We know that Obama's grandmother has been sick. Last week, he took a couple days off from campaigning to visit his grandmother.
What is the significance of the situation?
First, this is an obstacle for McCain. We know that McCain has really based his entire campaign on criticizing Obama; calling him a terrorist, socialist, radical and inexperienced. In the final hours of campaigning, McCain can't be too harsh on Obama without appearing like an ass. He also can't do a 180, and suddenly be an empathetic to someone about whom he has made such serious accusations.
Second, and most interesting is what this means to Saturday Night Live: Presidential Bash 2008. Most of the skits are pre-recorded, but this untimely death is an obstacle for the comedians. NBC must not ignore this, but also cannot be soft in a manner that makes them appear biased for Obama. They must provide a great show without being insensitive.
Obama describes the feeling as bittersweet. He is less than 24 hours away from being the next president, and just lost the 'rock' of his family. I think that continuing through the campaign, while acknowledging and reacting to this tragedy will, much like everything else he has done, be one more challenge that he will shine through.
What are you doing?
What is the situation?
The New York Times just wrote an article called "U.S. Army lays out scenarios with terrorists using Twitter"
What is the background of the situation?
Twitter is a networking tool that asks, "what are you doing." It allows you to join groups and follow friends by asking that question. It also has the capabilities of getting pictures and almost like an instant message between friends. Last month the Republicans used Twitter to protest a piece of legislation. It has grown to hold some extremists, and has some government officials concerned about terrorism and the impact this tool can have for terrorists.
What is the significance of this situation?
This is a huge obstacle for Twitter. The New York Times is a reputable liberal paper— and if it is concerned with terrorism vs. free speech, then I bet this story will be picked up by others in the media in no time. This is also a company that is interested in growing, and when stories like this are released, it might spark fear in some people. No one wants to be associated with an organization that is deemed as untrustworthy. It really puts the creator of Twitter in an awkward position. Part of it is allowing people to express their views and message people. It also doesn't have a mission statement online to tell exactly what its purpose is, however it does say, "Twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. "
I think that the opportunity here will be with government relations. This article made me very afraid. I wasn't familiar with Twitter, and I began immediately to distrust this organization. If, however, I knew that they were working with government to police the website— not to quiet the public, but to ensure safety of the general public, I would feel much better about the organization. If the organization developed some way to track things like this, they could also become a leader within the virtual realm that other organizations such as Facebook, MySpace, AIM, MSN, and others could follow to keep the world safer.
Drive through Voting
The situation:
Early voting has started in many states
The background of the situation.
States, in recent years, in an effort to get more people out to the polls have started using early voting to entice people so that they do not have to wait in long lines on election day
the significance of the situation
America has turned to a place where people want instant gratification. Orange County California recognizes this, and again, in an effort to get more people out to the polls has started drive through voting. This is an awesome opportunity for the state of California and especially the Secretary of State's office. If this turns out to be a good thing, then it might catch on across the nation. This could also be an obstacle, because it isn't so much of a secret. The article does not tell how they make it a secret; there could be others in the car, and we must watch out for voter fraud. However, this allows the soccer mom to vote on her way to the game...
This makes us wonder what kind of voter will come out for this voting; who will it help— the democrats or the republicans...
Ut-Oh Enrollment
The situation?
The economy is a state of crisis.
The background of the situation?
It started as bad prime mortgage loans, and a recession, and has quickly spun out of control leading to tightened credit, panic on Wall Street, and several banks and companies filing bankruptcy, or being bought by other corporations.
The significance of the situation:
With companies like Wachovia Corp. freezing assets, it has transcended across housing market lines, and is affecting over 1000 colleges and private schools. In a time of economic recession, private schools have a hard time recruiting students anyways, but with headlines such as "Colleges Scramble as Fund Is Frozen," in the Wall Street Journal doesn't help with the recruiting process.
However, within this crisis lies an opportunity for WVWC. West Virginia Wesleyan College did not have assets frozen in the Wachovia crisis. While our stock has been hit by the tough economic crisis, our portfolio is very diverse, so we weren't as affected as schools such as Bethany. That means that when students come to Wesleyan to visit, we can say that we have not had to find other sources of revenue to pay our faculty and staff. We can also say with confidence that we are still a strong school that is not in jeopardy of closing with the current crisis. This could be used as a recruitment tool. Another advantage is that we are a residential school, meaning that housing and food is equated in our financial aid package. Since most of the loans and payments are through the federal government, and most aid is from endowed scholarships, our admissions staff can confidently say that although the US might be facing an economic crisis, it should not deter students from applying to Wesleyan. With our enrollment not meeting the goals last year, it is imperative that we work to achieve these enrollment numbers. Who would have thought that this crisis would be a tool that Wesleyan could use to met that goal?
It seems we're outta gas...
The situation:
There is a gas shortage in Georgia, North Carolina, and other southern states, leaving drivers waiting for hours for a tank of gas.
The background of the situation:
There is a pipeline that was affected by Hurricane Ike. This has not only sparked a shortage— but a huge panic. Drivers at one station near Charlotte, NC waited 9 hours for a gas truck at a gas station. They didn't just leave after 9 hours either; an attendant had to come out and tell them that the gas truck was not coming. To make matters worse, Kenneth B. Medlock III, an official from Rice University said “If I had to put a date on it, I’d say things won’t be normal for two more weeks.”
The significance of this situation:
NASCAR returns to Charlotte in less than two weeks. Although they hope to be back to normal in two weeks, when you talk about NASCAR, we're talking about over 2000 gallons of gasoline (assuming their tanks hold 22gal, and they make at least 3 pit stops). This isn't taking into account the other two races, the trailers used to pull in the cars, the buses that the drivers bring, and the campers, cars, trucks and SUVs that fans bring to the race. I know a lot of people that go from WV and even as far away as Florida or Ohio. This gas shortage is going to be a huge obstacle for NASCAR, not only because it will be harder to fans to get there, and getting gas for the cars, but also because they have been a company that has traditionally cared about its fans. Moving forward still having the race without releasing some kind of statement about the gas shortage, would be seen as negligent and careless on the part of the company.
Cheap gas
The situation:
Fuel prices are rising around the world.
The background of the situation:
Gas prices began to surge after 9-11, and have increasing gone up around the world. Within the past year, with the slowing economy, they have not only gone up here in America, but also abroad. One place in particular is Australia. However, many Australians, rather than driving around and finding the cheapest gas, would search for it on in the internet. People that googled "petrol prices" often were looking for Australian cities.
The significance of the situation:
The significance is that Google recognized the opportunity that afforded itself. Once marketing directors noticed how many hits they were getting in Australia for cheap fuel prices, they began to look for ways to get more users. This came with making a new gadget that would help Aussies find cheap gas along their route.
The obstacle will be from the perspective of the gas stations. Stations that are off the beaten path, thus probably costing more to get gas, will find it hard to compete with the places that can afford to get gas cheaper. They must find a way to retain the customers they already have, because many people would wait 15 miles to get gas for ten cents cheaper, even though it ten gallons is only one dollar more.
Texting and Driving
The situation:
There was a train wreck in Los Angeles on Friday that investigators think may have been caused when the engineer was distracted by a text message.
The background of the situation:
Some states have passed laws outlawing texting or using phones while driving. One news article claims that it can be as harmful as alcohol when mixing with driving. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Cell_phones_as_harmful_as_alcohol_when_mixed_with_driving/articleshow/3485020.cms) This is really the first case that has been in headlines of an engineer or driver of some type of mass transportation killing over 20 people in a cell-phone related accident. This was the deadliest train accident in over 15 years in America killing 25 people, and injuring over 40.
The significance of the situation:
The news media has made this story pretty big. Investigators have not released what provider of cell phone the engineer had, but you have to believe that has to be a concern for the company. Currently, they have no literature about safely using cell phones. AT&T actively works on philanthropic projects, especially in the wake of natural disasters, but have not made any kind of comment about this situation. This accident could be an obstacle for gaining potential customers. If I were the parent of a teen,
In addition, this might even be a time for them to work on their government relations. This is an opportunity to pass regulation on a national level regulating when people cannot use their cell phones— which, again, could also be an obstacle if they are not proactive in those relationships with law makers. Although no one has mentioned AT&T or any other cell phone provider, this is a crisis not directly related to the company that they should have a plan in order to respond.
Britney's Big Comeback!
What is the situation?
The situation is that Britney Spears was again asked to be part of MTV's Video Music Awards.
What is the background of the situation?
Britney came out in the late 90's. She was the Mousekateer, American sweetheart. Pre-teen and teen girls idolized this new pop goddess. She had number one hits after another. She was thought to be dating the boy band heart throb, Justin Timberlake. After their devastating breakup, he leaked that America's sweetheart may 'not be that innocent.' From there, her reputation began to go downhill, and only slipped faster after a weekend marriage, shaving her head, endangering her children, and her alleged drug and alcohol use. She has tried to make comebacks a couple other times, but has been unsuccessful. Last year, during the VMAs, she came out in a bikini looking as if she was high on some sort of drugs... In addition to being criticized for not performing well, most of the public and press criticized her for being a little too curvy for that outfit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK-T5Y1ZeVg
What is the significance or importance of the situation?
This is a PR opportunity for her. At this year's VMAs, she came in a dress that covered her. Her eyes were bright, and she spoke clearly. She looked very much like her 'old' self. She was once the Princess of Pop, and she still has a pretty large fan base that are currently just disappointed in her actions. If she could come back with a positive image, she could again be making records, and again be a role model for tweens and teens. It mostly affects her popularity in the eyes of the public, as well as her wallet. If she makes a complete comeback, she, much like the New Kids on the Block, will be on the covers of magazines, doing concerts on The Today Show, and making tons of money, again. This was her big opportunity to really reach out to her target audience as the new and improved 'Britney.'
Republican do-gooders
Organization: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Situation: Hurricane Gustav
The background is that Hurricane Gustav appeared last week to be a storm of major significance that could influence the lives of thousands, if not millions. It gained strength after killing many in the Caribbean, and appeared to present an imminent danger for the Louisiana & other southern coasts.
The significance of this situation is that FEMA had a terrible response after Hurricane Katrina. There reputation is currently in terrible condition, and being prepared for this situation—or not being prepared for this situation could either cause further detriment to the organization, or it could help in regaining the trust of the public. This situation, from the eyes of FEMA can be a HUGE obstacle, or it could be an opportunity. I feel that this time, this will be an opportunity, because there are many in Washington who have worked to get funding and supplies to these areas already. This is apparent in both FEMA’s website, as well as the influence it has created at the Republican National Convention.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Week in review...
It's down to the wire. Today, I watched an Obama rally in Columbus, Ohio. He said two words that made the crowd go insane... what words?TWO DAYS.
It seems like yesterday that I was looking at the BBC for the first time... and now this is the last time that we look at the site to see who the winner is going to be.
The BBC has not really tried to frame things in a way that has lead me to believe they are endorsing one candidate over another. They really have been fair and balanced. I remember being in England watching the news, and being shocked at the little emotion that newscasters put into their news; and now I believe it is shining through with the writing...
For the final week before the election, these have been the top stories on the BBC:
1. Obama moves into Republican states.
Obama has moved into historically republican states. He has more money, and isn't afraid to spend it. He is even spending in Georgia, a state that has only voted Democrat ONCE in the last 20 years. While some pundits say that it may be a sea of blue November 4, the BBC says that within the states, it still might be close...
Meanwhile, McCain is focusing on Pennsylvania...
2. Obama's auntie!
Apparently Obama has an aunt living in America... illegally! He said that he had no knowledge of his Kenyan aunt living in Boston. "David Axelrod, Mr Obama's chief media strategist, told reporters he believed that people would be "suspicious about stories that surface in the last 72 hours of a national campaign". " The BBC made this story about Obama's history, and really didn't do a whole lot of investigation. Sometimes I feel like the BBC just waits for fact sheets from the candidates, and then writes the articles accordingly. I haven't had a chance to watch the news-- but I hadn't heard of this story either... at this point, I think it's too close and the economy is in too bad of a shape to focus on an illegal immigrant aunt...
3. Palin's duped!
Bahahaha!! A Canadian comedian pranked called Sarah Palin, pretending to be the French Prime minister... Good news for the McCain campaign-- she didn't embarrass the family. the BBC even included a taped portion that is very funny. I hadn't heard of this, but apparently the people in Europe got a kick out of it.
4. Cowboy Up
In an effort to give McCain some good press, the BBC wrote an article about how Wyoming voters would never send Obama to the White House... However, I don't know that it really shows McCain in a good light. One statement said, "One said a mixture of habit and tradition, sprinkled with a douse of racism, put paid to any hopes they had of winning Wyoming."
Is it better to foster racism to win an election, or lose? I think it might be like that Ketchem commerical... I don't what he calls me, as long as he votes for me...
This has made me think about uneducated voters-- and the Australian way of making everyone vote... Should educated voters votes count for more? Don't we want smart people that understand politics picking our leaders? and does it benefit the democrats or the republicans to have this demographic voting??
5. The Gov-a-nator
Arnold travels to Ohio to help John McCain in his bid for the presidentency. This is something that I've heard about. McCain has to make a comeback... and what better person to help that the man who is known for the "I'll be back" line? The funny thing about the article, though, is the fact that the reporter actually talks alot about how (see #1) Obama is running ads in places like Georgia... and even in McCain's home state of Arizona... If this story is saturated with these reports about Obama, then is this even the story??
One last thing that I want to add is a video from the BBC... There isn't an article, but I do believe that this should be something that you see.... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7704636.stm
I think it says something about the way America is stereotyped around the world...
I believe that McCain should probably start working on that concession speech...
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