Communicators Anonymous

Zany: Improv Everywhere

Perhaps we should stir something up for SXSWi?

http://improveverywhere.com/missions/

The latest mission, Mobile Desktop, is my fave!

Twitterdeedee, Oh, Twitterdeedum

The Oscars did not bring in favorable ratings, but I suspect it is because of backlash from Writer's Strike and low comedy expectations. I, however, had a blast watching pre-Oscar Red Carpet show on E! and then the actual ceremony...while twittering what would have been an exclusive inner commentary.

Thanks to Ike Pigott and Shannon Whitley, Tweme #aa08 rocked the twittersphere Sunday evening. No monetary value, back channel or thought leadership vibes, but good old fashioned community entertainment. And, along the way, I found more movie twits to tweet.

Get my autograph now because soon it will be me accepting the award for Best Original Screenplay!

Fun Zone Update

Don't forget, check out Now Is Gone and Media Bullseye for a triple dose of Lauren!

This week:

• Now Is Gone: Comments About Comments
• Media Bullseye: Politics in Second Life

Zany: "Biomimicry" Design Movement

In a creative rut? Look outside to Mother Nature for inspiration. The process of using nature infused ideas as foundation to innovation is known as biomimicry. If you drive a high-end Volvo, you are experiencing a biomimicry solution known as Accident Avoidance System. A swarm of locusts was the bright idea for this technology.

If you are unable to "dial-a-biologist" for creative insight, look forward to the Biomimicry Design Portal - a free, open-source, wiki compilation of nature's solutions to industry problems. Visit the prototype.

Photo courtesy Flikr/vegan.rock.candy.

Group Conscience

Tradition 2: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a representative group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action: to follow the dictates of conscience.

While the public relations industry does not have one central authority, our principles are the same. Those of us with a Web presence are those trusted servants.

UPDATE:

Group conscience does not equate to clique. See Geoff Livingston's take.

Zany: Nervous Energy

Had to share...this came from my best friend recently.

Lauren,

If you were a dog, this would be you...not because you like to look in the mirror, but because you have this nervous energy about ya.

Love ya,

Lisa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSPXgFggOek

Not my bellybutton birthday...

In the beginning (of what Wikipedia could quickly divulge) on 13 February...

• 1542 - Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII of England is executed for adultery.
• 1635 - The first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School, is founded.
• 1689 - William and Mary are proclaimed co-rulers of England.
• 1866 - Jesse James and his gang commit the first armed bank robbery in United States history during peacetime in Liberty, Missouri.
• 1880 - Thomas Edison observes the Edison effect.
• 1950 - Peter Gabriel, English musician and composer, born.
• 1977 - Randy Moss, football player, born.

The list could go on and on, but most importantly...Happy Second Birthday Communicators Anonymous!

My professional and virtual relationships forged in 2007 have ROCKED! I have learned more this year than all of my school years combined. Thank you.

Lessons Learned:

• "There is a difference between fresh blood and experience." DOC 2/05,
• Managing 5 blogs requires extreme discipline and organization. Staying consistent with each blog's editorial mission is challenging.
• Be humble.

Some have said PR blogs are in degringolade. I say we are evolving. We need to remember all of us lead busy lives getting our hands dirty practicing what we preach. Balancing core principles study and social media growth takes a toll on the number of hours we can contribute. I hope this will lead to rich and more focused content.

Thank you to those who have opened new doors of opportunity for me.

Now I am off to get my hands dirty...

My blog will undergo design renovation, so stay tuned!

CA Redesign

In anticipation of my blog's second birthday, I am redesigning the site. Any suggestions?

Mobile post sent by vargasl using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

National Handwriting Day

Last week, daughter and I were fighting a wicked cold, so I was remiss in posting about National Handwriting Day, 23 January. When was the last time you received a handwritten letter from friend or family?

Handwriting allows us to be artists and individuals during a time when we often use computers, faxes and e-mail to communicate. Fonts are the same no matter what computer you use or how you use it. Fonts lack a personal touch. Handwriting can add intimacy to a letter and reveal details about the writer’s personality. Throughout history, handwritten documents have sparked love affairs, started wars, established peace, freed slaves, created movements and declared independence.

"Though computers and e-mail play an important role in our lives, nothing will ever replace the sincerity and individualism expressed through the handwritten word," said Robert B. Waller Jr., WIMA’s executive director.

In honor of National Handwriting Day, I have dropped a letter to some of my pals -- Kami, Ike, Geoff and Karen. Also, I sent a handwritten card to Lindsay Olson sending her good luck and congratulations for upcoming wedding. Perhaps it is time you take a time out and give thanks.