Gangnam Style

by Meredith

I love that anyone can become a star out of nowhere thanks to YouTube.  A perfect example is Psy and his Gangnam Style.  Even if he only gets 15 minutes of fame, it's been a good run worldwide.

Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest, another new social networking sight gaining popularity? If not, check it out. It's pretty cool!

Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board networking site that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. It's nice if you want to design a room, plan your wedding, organize recipes or pick places you want to visit. Further, you can check out other people's 'boards.' This is a great way to see what other people enjoy and find those with similar interests.

Foursquare

Ok, so I know I'm about two years behind on this, but I just started using my Foursquare account. I knew about the social media site when it first launched, I just didn't understand the benefits of it and why people would be interested in knowing if I'm at McDonalds, Target, or a party for that matter. However, for whatever reason I'm starting to see the benefits of this outlet and am using it often. Maybe another reason I started using it is because I got a new phone that allows me to have Internet... hmm... regardless - I'm starting to have fun with it!

What is Foursquare? For those of you this is new to still, Foursqure is a location-based social networking website based on hardware for mobile device. The service is available to users with GPS-enabled mobile device such as smartphones. Users "check-in" at venues using a mobile website, test messaging or a device-specific application by running the app and selecting from a list of venues the app locates nearby. Each check-in awards the user points and sometimes, "badges."

So, why should you care. This is the struggle I had before. This is what I've learned about using Foursquare beyond just sharing your errands or lunch dates:

Update the fun locations or events you're at that you want to see if others are there too. Foursquare lets you check-in to certain events, or if it's not created yet, lets you create an event once you're there, not just buildings and allows you to see if others are there too. An example I have, is that this past Friday I went to the Edina Art Fair. Someone created an event and I was able to check-in and see others there too. Use this tool for events you host that you want to start a conversation around.

Once checked-in to a certain spot, read the tips. People who have checked-in somewhere post tips that you may not know about. You may learn something new about your favorite spot.

Just recently, Foursquare allowed places to add deals. If you open the program in a certain location you can check out deals in your area and receive coupons. This is a really cool thing that only Foursquare users benefit from!

Foursquare is a very cool tool. But, my advice is just to not get too crazy about it and share your locations with the whole world, especially those you don't know well. This can become an unsafe program that can could allow creepy people to stalk you. Update with precaution.

7 Pieces of Good News Not Being Reported

Between watching news of both national and state politics in MN debating budgets and the hearing the verdict of the Casey Anthony case, I've been depressed to turn on the news again. However, some good news isn't being reported. Ever hear the saying, bad news sells? Maybe that's the current case.

#7 The Gulf of Mexico is almost back to it's pre-spill health levels. The Gulf is recovering much faster than anyone expected it to. Further, what was expected to happen didn't.

#6 The good news about AIDS. Today's HIV patients can expect to live a lot longer - even decades past their diagnosis. Further, the the global rate of new HIV infections has declined by 25 percent since 2001.

#5 The Antarctic Ozone hole is shrinking. Despite what you've heard of the Ozone gap growing, the truth is it is actually shrinking every year!

#4 Traffic fatalities are insanely low this now. Despite what you hear on the news each day about car accidents - the truth is that the number of car accidents happen is the lowest it's been since 1949.

#3 Teen pregnancy is actually at a record low. Even with shows like Pregnant and 16 on MTV, just like the news about traffic fatalities - teen pregnancy is the lowest it's been in 70 years.

#2 People get happier as they get older. A recent survey involving 340,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 85 showed that the older you are - the happier you become. The group answered a series of questions about lifestyle and the results were surprising. The older age groups actually reported being happier, less stressed and more in control.

#1 We're all living longer, better. Statistician Hans Rosling has proved that average life expectancy globally has increased greatly since 1810.

For more information on the blog post check out - www.cracked.com for the whole story.

Lady Gaga's Marketing Mania

Lady Gaga is all over the place - from her music to signing million dollar marketing campaigns. This month she signed deals with some very successful companies - both Google and Starbucks. That makes her a must see where she'll be next kind of gal.

Maybe it's just that Google and Gaga run of the tongue easily. She just signed a 10 million dollar partnership with Google Chrome to be the "face" of the new laptop line coming out this summer starting June 15. Gaga is already the star of the Google Chrome web browser commercial. Watch the video here.

Also, starting this month, the world's largest coffee shop chain will partner with the megastar for a large-scale online promotional campaign. The plan is to have Lady Gaga will engage with fans in a scavenger hunt across Starbucks' numerous digital proprieties, such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. The campaign will run through June 3, and coincides with the release of Gaga's new album, "Born This Way." Scavenger hunt participants can collect prizes, stream the new album, download new songs and watch exclusive videos from the in-store digital networks. Another brilliant PR campaign both both businesses.

So, what's with everyone wanting to be tied to her? The fact is Lady Gaga is possibly the most in-demand artist currently worldwide. This is for several reasons: She's got an army of fans, she knows how to attract attention, She's reportedly engaged in the deals that carry her name, and she's not shy about working with anyone. Another reason, her label-Interscope-shares in the revenue gained from such partnerships through a 360 deal with Lady Gaga. This makes perfect sense as to why everyone wants a piece of her. Don't be surprised to see her popping up a lot more throughout 2011.

Witty headlines: black and white and dead all over (because of SEO)

I always enjoy reading a good headline, they always make me chuckle. However, with the dawning of SEO, witty headlines are causing to be a problem.

Crafty headlines are just not SEO-friendly. A much better headline would include the keywords and wouldn't have much room for puns or plays on words.

The Atlantic has weight in on this notion with its recent article "Google Doesn't Laugh Saving Witty Headlines in the Age of SEO."

Matthew Crowly, a copy editor for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, has won awards for his on-so-clever headlines. "I understand the shift toward search optimization" he told The Atlantic. "But I think we're losing something when we take the wordplay and surprise out of headline writing."
In many ways, SEO is killing the art of the clever headline in journalism, and it doesn't seem like a trend that will reverse as long as such a huge chunk of Web traffic comes from search engines.

Gene Weingarten of the Washington Post addressed this same issue last summer, and he didn't offer optimism either.

Royal Marketing

Unless you've been living under a rock the last few months - you know that Kate Middleton and Prince William were married last Friday, April 29th. It will probably be the most talked about event of 2011. While us commoners have been interested in what Kate's dress would look like, what the wedding would in tale or where the couple would go on their honeymoon, some companies have been trying to raise revenue around the big day.

Food companies, such as Papa John's commissioned food artists to create the likeness of the prince and his bride's on a pizza that "tastes as good as it looks." This pizza can be purchased any where 'across the pond.' Dunkin' Doughnuts created a Royal Wedding Doughnut just for the occasion. It's a heart shaped glazed, jelly-filled masterpiece created with Will and Kate's favorite flavors in mind.

Companies have been jumped into TV ads too gearing up for the big day. T-Mobile made a wedding day spoof ad that caught fire copying the 2009 video known as JK Wedding Entrance Dance. The ad chose royal lookalikes to dancing down the aisle. Check it out here.

In the UK Kodak's ad agency created a series of print ads. They are a bit gimmicky, but most are puns. The other two are "For richer and not poorer" and "Prints charming."

Personally, I think it's odd that Britain has put the royal family's face on anything and everything for the entirely of it's existence, but this marketing tactic is just funny I think. I'm not sure if it even worked.

What royal wedding marketing tactics have you seen?

Find New Buzzwords.

Most communications professionals have been guilty or using, and overusing buzzwords every now and then. Why do we do this, even when we know it's wrong? Even when we know it reflects poorly on us as communications professionals? Even when we know influencers hate it? Further, even when we know these words end up as e-mails in spam folders and cause a glazing (or even rolling) of eyes for those who read them? So why do we use them a lot? It's obvious, because it's the words most people want to read/hear and they are easy to understand.

This week, I invite you to try and be more creative. Pull out your thesaurus and try something new. You may find it to be more successful.

Here are some overused buzzwords you should try to stay away from:

leading

solution

best

innovative/innovate/innovator

leader

top

unique

great

extensive

leading provider

exclusive

premier

flexible

award winning/winner

dynamic

fastest

smart

state of the art

cutting edge

biggest

easy to uselargest

real time

What Good Public Relations Cannot Do

Often I've heard about some one's bad experience with a PR firm that has spiraled into a strong dislike for PR people. It's painful to hear criticisms and generalizations about my business, but I can't resist jumping in to diagnose the problem myself. My feeling is that 95% of client-agency problems comes down to one thing: expectations. On both sides. Expectations for publicity outcomes, service levels and overall return-on-investment are not always articulated during the courtship, or even the negotiation phase of the relationship. However, many times clients have circled back later usually causing misunderstanding and disappointment. This has caused me to think about a few things that event the best PR programs cannot accomplish:

Replace a sales and marketing campaign. PR is actually a very unreliable tool when it comes to driving sales of a product or service. Yes, a strong publicity placement can make the phone ring, but a PR campaign more typically works to drive brand visibility and favorability over time. It's just not a demand generation tool.

Serve as as cheap or "free" advertising. A good way to look at the difference is like this, use advertising for frequency, but PR for depth. Altogether a good, social PR campaign usually has increased visibility as a long-term goal, it's very difficult to achieve an ad-like level of control and frequency with earned coverage.

Overcome a bad product or customer service. PR can help repair customer relations after a service interruption or problem, but unhappy consumers will always share their feelings, and social media is a powerful megaphone. What's more typical PR tactics like implied endorsement from third-party expert or celebrity can actually make matters worse if there's too great a contrast between the PR and the reality.

Make you famous. PR can help you build a brand or personal reputation, and raise your profile in professional circles, but it won't make you an overnight celebrity.

Cure a crisis. Most situations we term "PR crises" result from poor business practices, not faulty communications. Yes, a good crisis program will help you prepare for a problem or issue, and sound communications handling can mitigate its effects, but PR can do little in the face of unethical or shortsighted actions.

In Public Relations, Looks Aren't Everything (But They Sure Can Help)

Many movies hing on a simple wardrobe change as a transformation experience for a character. From My Fair Lady to The Devil Wears Prada, pop culture points to the impact of appearance. Public relations is an image business and how you look is as much your calling card as the one in your wallet.

Everything about how you look, your haircut to your shoe choice, speaks volumes about who you are and where you're going, whether you are consciously trying to communicate that or not. Usually, the safest way to dress is to stick with simple, understated clothing. Men should invest in a gray or black, light wool, two-button suit. For women, keep color, accessories and skin to a minimum. Basic shapes such as a wrap dress or a tie-neck blouse paired with a pencil skirt are sure to impress. Otherwise, a black suit is safe and professional way to dress for your business meeting. It doesn't have to be an exact match- there is no reason why you can't buy a nice blazer and wear it with a pair of chic pants that you already have in your closet. When in doubt, guys (if not on a job interview or uber-formal setting) should wear dressy khaki pants, a blue, crisp, button-down shirt and a good-looking tie. Bring a navy blazer. You can always ditch it at the last minute if no one else is sporting one.

Start by shopping your closet. Buy the basics and then add affordable, amazing pieces to mix in match with. There are tons of affordable choices ranging from online flash sale sites to designed collaborations with big box retailers including pick up some basic wardrobe building blocks. Consignment stops are great for accessories too. A good handbag can make a powerful punch in the style department.

In PR, looking the part is key to being able to communicate effectively to your audience. Consider your client, their expectations, the setting of the meeting and the purpose. This even matters when you're looking for a job. During an interview, you're evaluated not only for what you have to say, but what you're wearing.

Whether you are trying to land a job somewhere full time or freelancing, remember that companies will hire and promote people who help put their best foot forward in every scenario. No matter what you're doing, you are, in essence, the face of the company, so it's vital to pay attention to your style.

What is Klout?

I just learned of the website Klout, an online personal profile social media influence measurement tool. It's pretty cool if you're social media savvy and interact a lot using social media tools.

People are given an 'online score' which measures your overall online influence. The score ranges from 1 to 100 with higher scores representing a wider and stronger sphere of influence. Klout uses 35 variables on Facebook and Twitter to measure True Reach, Amplification Probability, and Network Score.

True Reach is the size of your engaged audience and is based on those of your followers and friends who actively listen and react to your messages.

Amplification Score is the likelihood that your messages will generate actions (retweets, @messages, likes and comments) and is on a scale of 1 to 100.

Network Score indicates how influential your engage audience is and is also on a scale of 1 to 100.

The Klout Score is highly correlated to clicks, comments and retweets. I recommend you check out your own Klout Score if you use social media a lot. Learn more: www.klout.com

Was the 2011 Super Bowl the Greenest NFL Championship Ever?

Just Energy, a green energy retailer supplying renewable energy certificates to Super Bowl venues, is claiming that "the 2011 Super Bowl will be the greenest NFL championship on record." Is this true, or is it just greenwashing?

Just Energy is contributing heavily to the Super Bowl's sustainability with a commitment to offset all direct and indirect carbon emissions from power generation at major Super Bowl venues, including NFL Super Bowl headquarters, the Super Bowl Media Center, the AFC and NFC team hotels, and even the NFL Experience Football Theme Park. For every megawatt of electricity used to power these facilities, Just Energy is purchasing one megawatt of renewable energy from Sweetwater Wind Farm in Sweetwater, Texas. This will be the largest renewable energy credit program in Super Bowl history.

and then there is Cowboy Stadium, the site of this year's game. The stadium, which was the first to be recognized in the EPA's National Environmental Performance Track Program, has targets to cut solid waste by 25%, water consumption by 1 million gallons, and energy use by 20% each year. All solid waste from the Super Bowl will be diverted to local recycling projects, and leftover materials will be sent to local non-profits.

This year is also the debut of the Super Grow XLV program, a partnership between the Texas Trees Foundation and the Texas Forest Service that planted over 6,500 trees in 12 north Texas communities, marketing it the biggest tree-planting effort in Super Bowl history (other Super Bowl-connected tree-planting efforts have been going on for years). The program is intended to offset CO2 emissions from Super Bowl events.

Do these efforts add up to a truly sustainable sporting event? Soft of. Just Energy's renewable energy credits are helpful, but they aren't sustainable as producing all that renewable energy on site. And this year's event will use 15,000 megawatts of power, or enough electricity to power 1,500 homes for a year. It would be more impressive if the NFL could cut that number in half, but the Cowboy stadium does, at least, have noble energy goals, and the NFL is doing more in the sustainability arena for this year's game than it ever has before. Let's just hope every year from now on features the "greenest NFL championship" yet.

How to Pitch a Reporter Using Twitter

I've recently started to use Twitter as a means of pitching my clients. Public relations is still quite a new line of work, but the reality is that PR professionals cannot always just do the same thing, we cannot always rely on sending a pitch and making follow-up calls to see success in our work. As PR professionals we need to keep evolving and thinking of new ways of reaching media. I think Twitter is a great way to do this. Why? Because first, many reporters are doing freelancing and don't have a specific outlet, phone number or email address, and second, most of the reporters we're trying to reach are there and posing questions to their followers! Here is what I've found to be the most successful ways to start the conversation with the media you want to through Twitter.

1. Introduce yourself. Don't jump right into your pitch, especially if you've never contacted this person before. Say "hello!" Otherwise, you're being creepy and rude.
2. Keep it brief. This may seem like a given, as it's Twitter, but try to keep your pitch to the point and don't send more than two tweets relating to the pitch. No one wants to read a book when they check their @ messages.
3. Don't use "netspeak." It's your prerogative to tell your BFF that you're "LOL"-ing at her joke and will "<3u4eva," but keep it professional for a pitch.
4. Link it up! 140 characters isn't going to be enough to hook someone (or event get them to remember what you're talking about five minutes later), so include a link with all the details.
5. Keep the conversation going. Don't pitch and ditch - keep engaging with your new contact (even if they decline your pitch)! You might be making a valuable relationship.

Have any experience with this sort of pitching? Please share your story! Happy tweeting!

The Day Has Come, Companies are Finally Giving Something Back to Employees

For the last three years during the 'Great Recession' employees have felt nervous to ask for more from their employers, worrying that their jobs were at stake. But, the day has finally arrived that companies are giving back to hard workers.

Economic analysts say that often when the market resets, some companies' high-potential employees will start looking or new opportunities because they hung in their during tough times and want a fresh start. In order to survive, many companies have cut all of the perks they used to give - pay raises, flexible hours, even free coffee - but more businesses are realizing that if they want to hold on to their best employees they need to give them back the things they enjoy.

FedEx, the St. Paul Hotel, Ford Motor Co., Winnebago and the McKnight Foundation are among many of the companies starting to restore their perks. This is because many of their competitors are sniffing for talent. Another main reason companies are bringing back lost perks is because it's expensive to replace works and in the next decade many of the baby boomer generation will be retiring already.

As the economy recovers, employers are bringing back the goodies. Some are conducting employee surveys, hiring humorists or just bringing back the coffee and cookies that have disappeared. Here are other examples:

Aveda is lifting its ban on employee travel

FedEx and MPR are reinstating 401(K) and 403 (b) matches.

Ford Motor Co., which was thought to be closing soon, actually saw a raise in sales this last year and plans to hire 7,000 U.S. employees

The St. Paul Hotel has said that business has picked back up and they are restoring most of its 275 hourly works to full-time status. Also, they are breaking out the brownies, cookies and popcorn to revive its all-employee meetings

3M Co. froze wages in 2009, but now has reinstated merit pay last year.

Cambria Inc. rehired about 70 laid-off factory workers last year.

The Marsh fitness club in Minnetonka held its first staff party January 7th after a three-year hiatus.

Besides the fun job perks bring, they provide a lot more - employee satisfaction, and when you happy employees they are going to want to stay and create a happy company.

More optimism is buzzing than ever since 2007 and companies see that now that they can afford some perks, they need to give them, especially since turnover costs a lot more. I think is only going to get better from here.

Cool PR/Fundraiser Idea From Minneapolis Based United Way

A new fundraiser website lets donors grin while giving. In a way you can call it a way of "turning that frown upside down."

The Happiness Exchange website shares depressing statistics - "32 percent of people living in poverty are children," and "1 in 5 American adults can't read enough to get by" - and allows donors to replace them with a smiling video or photo of well, you.

I heard about this fundraiser being managed by the United Way of the Greater Twin Cities and thought it was a neat idea. The site, (http://www.happyexchange.org/) allows donors (it's attracted those who are pretty tech savvy) to post a snapshot or snippet of their grinning faces over a sad fact that they are helping change with their gift. Further, the idea is that benefactors can 'look around' and see other fellow givers, resembling the title sequence of the classic show "The Brady Bunch" in which anything but good cheer was frowned upon.

Know of any other neat fundraisers? Please share!

Year's Most Innovative Products from Good Housekeeping

Recently, I read an interesting article from Good Housekeeping, in which they named the 10 most innovative products of 2010. After reviewing 1,650 products, the GH Research Institute chose its winners and I wanted to share them with you below. Can you guess them before taking a look at the list below?

Nikon Coolpix S100PJ Camera, $430
When the gang wants to see the pics you just snapped, it can be a drag to huddle around a teensy camera screen or take the time to upload images to a computer. This point-and-shoot camera is the first to include a built-in projector, capable of casting images that measure up to 40 inches diagonally. Features like 12.1 mega-pixels, 5x wide-angle zoom, and image stabilization (to keep shaky hands and moving objects from ruining the shots) help you capture clear, enlargement-worthy photos. This newfangled technology may bring back the old-fashioned family.

TravelChair and Cocoon Bunk Sack with Insect Shield, $60 and $30, respectively
Whether camping in the wild or sitting on the sidelines of a soccer game, you'll want this portable chair. An insect repellent embedded in the fabric keeps biting bugs from ruining your good time (and is also EPA-registered and appropriate for use by children and pregnant women). The bunk sack has been similarly treated, and can be used by itself or as a sleeping bad cover for a no-itch night under the stars. (Travelchair.com)

Remington Frizz Therapy Straightening Iron, $50
If you've desperately tried to tame your curly coif only to have tendrils spring up at the first hint of humidity, you'll want to try this new flat iron by Remington - the only one that has conditioning polymers covering the plates. These frizz-fighting substances coat and smooth the hair while the heat straightens it. (stylewithremington.com)

Brondell Perfect Flush, $79
This simple system is the first to turn early any toilet into a water-saving dual-flush uit, for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. And it will slash up to $100 per year off your water bill. Installation takes a half hour or less, even for an inexperienced DIYer. The two-sided button sits atop the tan or can be mounted to the side with double-stick tape. Press one side for a small flush, the other for a full flush (or any of 10 increments you can set). (brondell.com)

Fire Wire Flexible Grilling Skewer, $15 for two
From the why-didn't-they-think-of-that-before? file: THis 27-inch wire skewer makes cooking up kabobs virtually hassle-free. Meat and veggies slide right on, and the whole thing coils to fit easily into a bowl or resealable bag for marinating. Once the grill's going the skewer can be snaked around other food - no need to move burgers in order to make room for long, straight sticks. (amazon.com)

Dolby Volume from Dolby, price varies
Annoyed by blaring commercials, deafening movie action sequences, or hushed dialogue that's impossible to decipher? Stop fiddling with the remote and listen up: Using complicated computer engineering, the folks at Dolby have developed a way to even out sound levels and eliminate your TV noise complaints for good. The Dolby Volume technology is currently built into most Toshiba Regza television ($1,300 to $2,400), but it's expected to become the standard in home entertainment audio (along with versions from competitors SRS Labs and Audyssey). We like the sound of that. (dolby.com)
Carbona 2 in 1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner, $8
Grimy oven racks are a pain to wash (especially because you can't leave them in place during most oven's self-cleaning cycles). And, after a season of barbecues, grill grates can be even worse. This simple kit lets you ditch the scrub brush and soak away the burned-on crud. The oversize plastic bag is roomy enough for two racks or grates - put them in, pour in the cleaner, and let sit overnight. Any residue that hasn't dissolved by that point can be sloughed right off with a scrubby sponge. (carbona.com)

HP Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web All-in-One Printer, $399
Passive printers are so passe. This new HP doesn't need a computer to tell it what to do: Using a wireless Internet connection, it can access a variety of specially designed Web applications (such as Google Maps, weather, and USA Today) through its own touchscreen control panel. Once you find the info you need (say, grocery coupons or movie tickets), just print and go. This machine also copies, scans, faxes, and produces high-quality photos... and, of course, speedily prints documents from a computer. (hp.com)

LG Steam Dishwashers, $1,049-$1,399
Do you run separate cycles for crusty pots and pans (which need powerful cleaning) and delicate glasses you want to protect from chipping? Or run a full wash cycle for stored dishes that are more dusty than dirty? Machines in this new LG line are the only ones that let you select different water-spray settings for the top and bottom racks. They're also the first to have a short steam-powered freshening cycle for quickly and gently cleansing china of dust and film - while using less than one-third the water of even the quick wash cycle. (lge.com)
Procter & Gamble Swiffer Sweeper, $11 for a starter kit and $4.79 for refills
A GoodHousekeeping.com poll asked readers: Which product has stood the test of time and made a significant improvement in your daily life? The SwifferSweeper came out on top - and we're not surprised. It truly changed the way we clean. The cloth whisks up dust and hair better and faster than any broom bristles can, and which less hassle than hauling out the vacuum requires. Used with wet cloths, it's even an efficient mop stand-in. Plus, the low-profile head ducks under furniture. How did we live without it? (swiffer.com)

Holiday Hours Extended to 24 Hours... Is It Worth It?

Over the month of December some stores have been in "we never close" mode. Target and Wal-Mart having been staying open until midnight and Toys 'R' Us and Macy's have been keeping the lights on all night for holiday shopping procrastinators.

For the first time ever, Toys 'R' Us will stay open 24 hours a day from now until Christmas Eve, when the doors will shut at 10p.m. They retailer's five temporary Toys 'R' Us "Express" stores in the Twin Cities and its Babies 'R' Us are not included in the frenzy.

The Macy's at Rosedale Center is one of a dozen of the chain's stores across the country to go 24 hours. It's the second year the store in Roseville has offered marathon shopping. Although Macy's won't share its sales numbers for the 83 hours of selling marathon, Macy's store manager at Rosedale, said the overnight blitz attracts hundreds of customers from around the area each night.

Sure, there are a few procrastinators, but mostly these people are people who have different lifestyles and different work schedules. When you shop at 2 in the morning, there's really a need. There are a ton of individuals in their working uniforms, third-shift workers, husbands and wives who work opposite schedules and come in when someone can watch their children. And then there are groups of women who went to a late show and came shopping after wards.

So, is it worth it? Retailers say staying open the extra hours are worth it. Experts say only two costs go up with the 24-hour concept: labor and utilities. If merchants can grab extra sales on the graveyard shift, it may be worth it. However, workers say different. They are just feeling more burned out leading up the holiday.

Hey, John Boehner: Quit Crying

Is there a difference in how crying is seen between men and women? I say yes. John Boehner, the incoming Speaker of the House, the most powerful Republican in Washington, and a man who is a matter of days will be second in line for the presidency, has twice had an opportunity to introduce himself to the American people. And, on both of these occasions, has cried a lot.

There is a tradition of politics crying in American and it often ends with getting beat at the polls. However, already some of the incoming speaker's supporters are getting worried that the Ohio Republican's penchant for showing his emotions makes him look weak. On the other hand, others have champtioned Boehner for his willingness to be real.

Some have suggested there is a double standard. When Republicans cry, they are "compassionate conservatives" but crying women and Democrats furthers the stereotype that they're weak. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic woman who Boehner will replace has never cried in public. "For men, it is a sign of compassion. For women, it's a sign of weakness. it's the double standard that worries me," said Democratic strategist and ABC news consultant Donna Brazile. When Hillary Clinton cried briefly at a campaign stop in New Hampshire in 2008, she was criticized for manufacturing the tears as a way to appeal to women voters.

Regardless, it's something to think about. I believe that anyone can cry and should cry to work through stressful times or to deal with sadness. I think it's ok for even leaders to show emotion and compassion during a hard time. However, in a professional situation, you need to keep it together most of the time. You can't start crying all the time otherwise people are going to wonder why you're in control.

The Most Powerful Tweets of 2010

Twitter started as a place for users to share thoughts and feelings using only 140 characters. However, over the recent year more celebrities, government officials and PR professionals are using Twitter and share some very exciting and influential news.

Here are the most influential tweets from 2010 according to Twitter:

Ann Curry: @usairforce find a way to let Doctors without Borders planes land in Haiti: http://bit.ly/8hYZOK THE most effective at this.
After the massive 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, Doctors without Borders flew in a team of physicians to assist the wounded, but they were unable to get clearance to land the plane. Reporter Ann Curry used this tweet to convince the U.S. Air Force to allow the flight to land.

White House: Welcome to @twitter President Medvedev! RT @KremlinRussia_E: Hello everyone! I'm on Twitter, and this is my first tweet.
When Russian president joined Twitter, this White House immediately reached out and welcome him to the Twitterverse. Obama quote: Red phones no longer required.

Leigh Fazzina: I've had a serious injury and need help! Can someone please call Winding Trails in Farmington, CT tell them I'm stuck bike crash in woods.
Twitter to the rescue: When she crashed her bike in a fores with no cell phone reception, a gravely injured triathlete saved her own life when she tweeted out a desperate call for help.

BP Global Public Relations: Catastrophe is a strong word, let's agree to call it a whoopsie daisy.
After the Deepwater Horizon platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, causing one of the largest oil spills in history, it was a parody account, not BP's official Twitter account, that defined the discussion -- spoofing the company's attempts to improve its public image. "Gulf Oil Spill" was the #1 Trend on Twitter in 2010.

Presidencia Ecuador: Gobierno declara estado de Exception #Ecuador #30S
In late September, civil unrest in Ecuador increased dramatically after a new law cut benefits for public servants. President Rafael Correa accused opposition and military forces of a coup attempt, and used Twitter to declare a state of emergency in a tweet. Leaders across Latin America and the world tweeted response to show their support for the people of Ecuador.

Clarence House: The Prince of Whales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton - www.princeofwhales.uk.gov
In a royal first, Clarence House, the Prince of Whales' private office, created a Twitter account to announce Prince Williams' engagement to Kate Middleton. Now how Henry VIII did it.

Johnathan Schwartz: Today's my last day at Sun. I'll miss it. Seems only fitting to end on a #haiku. Financial crisis/Stalled to many customers/ CEO no more.
When the CEO of one of the most high-profile technology companies in the world announced he was stepping down, he kept his resignation letter to 140 characters. Johnathan Schwartz left the Sun Microsystems with this simple message.

John M. Foster: Congratulations to Raul Labrador on a hard-earned win, and best of luck as Idaho's next congressman.
Twitter was a powerful campaign tool during 2010 U.S. Midterm Elections, and Election Night results often broke first on Twitter. Demonstrating how quickly the world of political communications is changing, Idaho incumbent Walt Minnick's campaign manager issued a concession tweet.

Carles Puyol: Gran ambiente en la rua!!! orgulloso de ver a tanta gente feliz. http://twitpic.com/24qkg5
The FIFA World Cup final represented the largest period of sustained activity for an event in Twitter's history: during the final game, people from 172 countries tweeted in 27 different languages. Twitter put fans in direct touch with teams, players and commentators - and when Spain celebrated it's big win in the Final, Charles Puyol captured the zeal with a Twitpic of the scene from his perch at the victory ceremony.

The Early Show Makes Drastic Change: CBS Fires Whole Team

Last week every single member of the CBS Early Show was let go. Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez are out, even the weatherman Dave Price. The decision was made after the announcement that the morning show again placed last in the rankings, coming in third behind the number one spot the Today Show and second place Good Morning America.

Sean McManus, the president of CBS News said it was important that the network do something 'dramatic.' So instead they brought in the team hosting the show the other part of the week, Chris Wragge and Erica Hill, who are on "The Early Show" on Saturday. CBS doesn't think the change will make viewers want to check out the new guys, but it will start something different.

Broadcast television is a business built on habit - no more so than in the morning, when viewers mindlessly flip the television on with their first cup of coffee. The inertia is profound and cuts both ways. An object in motion, in this case the Today show, with nearly twice the viewers of The Early Show will remain in motion. It will get the hot bookings, the big guests and the tune-ins.

My question though, is if CBS wants to do something different, why keep the show the same and just change the players? If broadcast behavior is built on habit, CBS will need to do something bigger because I'm not sure this change will do any good. Here are some great ideas from a reporter at the New York Times for the producers at CBS:

Make a show for people who have not reproduced. Instead of running after the other networks and going after the American housewife on the verge of her impossibly busy day, why not try a show for young, new viewers. Something that showcases young talent and goes beyond family issues.

Move around. Where is it written that the three morning shows aim at Middle America must emanate from the same 10 blocks around Times Square? Booking traditional guests might be a problem in Chicago, but The Early Show is not getting that worm as it is. Look at Oprah.

Take a lesson from failing sports teams and hoard your draft picks and plan for the future. Make something truly Webby. "ABC New Now is a test project for a network that is trying on some digital and social media approaches to news, albeit with not many resources.

Create a more hybrid version of a morning show, something that is more portable, more adaptable to the Web and mobile devices. This would be a nice muscle to develop going forward.