Social networking used to be a simple form of entertainment for me. Now, it's a part of my job. Right now I'm currently working with Facebook and debating on whether or not to start a fan page for a new sports web site, a profile, or business ad or all three. Unfortunately the option for building a profile is becoming slim.
Everyone loves Facebook. Despite the changes they've made we all still update our statuses, check up on our friends, and take random quizzes. Aren't those things addicting? Three years ago I wouldn't have thought twice about which famous celebrity I was in a past life. In case you are curious, I was Marilyn Monroe.....I'd prefer to disagree on that one.
Should web sites offer quizzes about which product, article, or blog fits your personality? Do I see a new advertising sale option in the near future?
Anyway, Facebook makes changes, upsets people, changes a few things back, while many speculate the business plan is all wrong by catering to your users. Or is it? When launching a new web site wouldn't it be great to get your potential users opinions before launching it? They could create the marketing slogan, pick the colors, design the logo or the site even. Ideas for content could be submitted by future users.
When I wrote the business plan for a web site not once did it occur to me open a forum on MySpace or Facebook and have people submit their ideas. Instead I developed a brainstorming group from within the current company I worked for. In fact, I don't even think I even knew about facebook then? If I had dedicated a Facebook Fan Page or Myspace profile to future users opinions would we have been saved from doing four re-designs, cutting content, adding it back, and consistently changing the marketing and sales effort?
Social networking has created this idea that we should all participate in everything. We want to comment on pictures, notes, videos, statuses, and read all there is to know about our long lost friend from high school.
How many of you 'Become a Fan of' a business? How many of you would prefer to friend a local reporter and know about how their work day goes? And how many of you believe that social networking is simply a trend that will not be a HUGE help to a business?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Who Would Jesus Smack Down? - New York Times
Who Would Jesus Smack Down?
The above article talks about Mark Driscoll who is know as the 'cussing pastor' in Seattle. He's cutting edge with sermon titles such as 'Biblical Oral Sex' or 'Pleasuring your Spouse' and he's known as the "coolest style and foulest mouth of any preacher you’ve ever seen." Many people argue that the idea of mega churches and appealing to a young audience goes against the Bible and the original idea of worship.
I grew up in a traditional church, sang hymns, and listened to a sermon that I usually didn't remember ten minutes later. Then I was turned on to GCC which is a mega church. All of the sudden I'm able to bring God into my every day life and actually understand my faith more. So, are mega churches really that bad?
Let's pair this hip church phenomenon with TV. TV used to be very traditional. It consisted of news that was conservative, shows that were clean humor, and racy shows were no where to be seen. Then the era of MTV happened and things got a little racier with music videos and sex being displayed on TV. All of the sudden there are cable shows that push the envelope. I can remember only being allowed to watch The Cosby Show, Star Search, and ABC's Family Disney night because they were clean. As I got older this changed.
Then I'm exposed to the Real World and suddenly sex is everywhere with lots of alcohol. I'm disgusted with this and completely enthralled at the same time. I go to college and I see girls kissing girls to gain the attention of men, men treating women like pure sex toys, and women stripping to gain more attention. I'm exposed to people snorting cocaine, passing out because they did too many drugs in one night, and so many people waking up and now knowing what they did. It was all pretty crazy and quite a battle to stay away from it all.
With all of the sex, drugs, and criminal activity in my face it's no wonder that I found salvation in a church that told me how I can bring God into my every day life. Technology that I use every day was used in the sermons, porn was talked about, keeping your partner physically and emotionally happy was taught, and of course learning to live a life by the Lord's word in a world full of more temptation than we ever imagined is taught. Every week you could see people from all the different walks of life and find solace that everyone wanted to hear the word of God and relate to their every day life.
So while Mark Driscoll might get criticized and he may be too cutting edge I believe it'll work. Everything we see is cutting edge and therefore it doesn't hurt that sermons we see are that way as well. I can't imagine being a teenager in this day and age when oral sex is normal and bullying goes on day in and day out in a school. These are the kids that will understand Mark Driscoll and figure out how to bring God into their life. Every Pastor is teaching love and Faith regardless of how big their congregation is.
Here's my one criticism about Driscoll though, he knocked 'The Shack'. This is by far my favorite book. Who is he to say that a book is completely ridiculous when so many people have found comfort in it. It teaches a different way to connect to God. Some people like the approach and others may not. So I guess Driscoll has the right to knock it and make fun of it. But I will continue to love it and I will read it again.....if I can find my copy.....
The above article talks about Mark Driscoll who is know as the 'cussing pastor' in Seattle. He's cutting edge with sermon titles such as 'Biblical Oral Sex' or 'Pleasuring your Spouse' and he's known as the "coolest style and foulest mouth of any preacher you’ve ever seen." Many people argue that the idea of mega churches and appealing to a young audience goes against the Bible and the original idea of worship.
I grew up in a traditional church, sang hymns, and listened to a sermon that I usually didn't remember ten minutes later. Then I was turned on to GCC which is a mega church. All of the sudden I'm able to bring God into my every day life and actually understand my faith more. So, are mega churches really that bad?
Let's pair this hip church phenomenon with TV. TV used to be very traditional. It consisted of news that was conservative, shows that were clean humor, and racy shows were no where to be seen. Then the era of MTV happened and things got a little racier with music videos and sex being displayed on TV. All of the sudden there are cable shows that push the envelope. I can remember only being allowed to watch The Cosby Show, Star Search, and ABC's Family Disney night because they were clean. As I got older this changed.
Then I'm exposed to the Real World and suddenly sex is everywhere with lots of alcohol. I'm disgusted with this and completely enthralled at the same time. I go to college and I see girls kissing girls to gain the attention of men, men treating women like pure sex toys, and women stripping to gain more attention. I'm exposed to people snorting cocaine, passing out because they did too many drugs in one night, and so many people waking up and now knowing what they did. It was all pretty crazy and quite a battle to stay away from it all.
With all of the sex, drugs, and criminal activity in my face it's no wonder that I found salvation in a church that told me how I can bring God into my every day life. Technology that I use every day was used in the sermons, porn was talked about, keeping your partner physically and emotionally happy was taught, and of course learning to live a life by the Lord's word in a world full of more temptation than we ever imagined is taught. Every week you could see people from all the different walks of life and find solace that everyone wanted to hear the word of God and relate to their every day life.
So while Mark Driscoll might get criticized and he may be too cutting edge I believe it'll work. Everything we see is cutting edge and therefore it doesn't hurt that sermons we see are that way as well. I can't imagine being a teenager in this day and age when oral sex is normal and bullying goes on day in and day out in a school. These are the kids that will understand Mark Driscoll and figure out how to bring God into their life. Every Pastor is teaching love and Faith regardless of how big their congregation is.
Here's my one criticism about Driscoll though, he knocked 'The Shack'. This is by far my favorite book. Who is he to say that a book is completely ridiculous when so many people have found comfort in it. It teaches a different way to connect to God. Some people like the approach and others may not. So I guess Driscoll has the right to knock it and make fun of it. But I will continue to love it and I will read it again.....if I can find my copy.....
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My first month in Indy
Yes, it's been a month I think since I've written and it's time to share a few of my most memorable moments in Indy so far.
Colts Game!!! 21st row on the goal line. Lainey (my new friend) and I met up to grab lunch, beer, and watch some football. We both had stuff to get done so we agreed to only a few hours of hanging out. And since it was Sunday we both rolled out of bed threw the hair up and met up. Sunday's are for now make-up and now washing of the hair. Anyway, the owner of the restaurant did not want his tickets and handed them to us forty minutes before the game started. Of course we didn't turn them down! It was a blast and quite the introduction to Indy on my first weekend. And as my dad says, 'It really does look like you two just rolled out of bed.'
Circle Center. I've been downtown twice now and I love it. I park my car a ways away from the circle so that I can walk and explore. I've yet to make it to the library, but I'm hoping to this weekend. It's a beautiful building. I have a lot to see. There is a great brewery there that has yummy food and beer. Great spot to stop and have a quick bite with a good glass of beer.
Meeting new people! A few of my co-workers grab a few beers here and there and they are pretty nice people. I've also met a few people outside of work that are really great. I'm hoping to find a social network to join so that I can make a few more friends.
Eating by myself. This is something I've actually come to treasure. Monday night is my night to take myself out to dinner. I'm usually wiped from the shock of getting up at 4am after the weekend so cooking doesn't happen all the time. There are some great restaurants and it's nice to just have some time alone with my thoughts.
My cousin Eric and his girlfriend Nancy have been kind enough to invite me to a few parties. It's really fun hanging out with them and I look forward to doing more of it.
I definitely took the right step with moving to Indy. I'm so happy here.
Here's a pic of my apartment. A new couch is the next purchase after buying a dryer. It's so glamorous being an adult!
Monday, October 27, 2008
What's Going On???
We're all overwhelmed with everything going on in politics. We're overwhelmed with the financial crisis and how it affects us? But what about those who overwhelmed with losing family members.
In the past month there have been so many assaults, attacks, and murders going on everywhere. Mothers putting they're babies in bags to die or they're handcuffing they're children to stop them from eating. We have mothers who abuse they're children to death and a cop coercing underage girls into sex. A news anchor being beaten to death last week and then we had a triple homicide take place in Chicago. And this is only in the past month. On top of this there were five homicides between 2am and 5am throughout downtown South Bend on Sunday morning this past weekend.
What is going on???? Is this really what our world is coming to? What do we do about all of this? We can pray, but what else. Too many crimes are being committed and too many people are dying. I feel like we're in this never ending cycle. Everyone around here says to get out of South Bend as soon as possible, but it's going on elsewhere too.
And more than anything I scream inside: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TODAY'S MOTHERS???? Why are innocent children being killed and harmed more and more every day?
While I've yet to make my decision on who I'll vote for I will say this. Obama, I truly wish you would take the 2 million you wish to spend on your election night celebration and put it towards our shelters for women, towards our schools, towards our health care facilities, and towards our churches. These are the institutions that will truly help our country.
What will the future hold for South Bend when more people are laid off, when downtown begins losing more businesses, and when we're unable to sell property because of our crime rate?
In the past month there have been so many assaults, attacks, and murders going on everywhere. Mothers putting they're babies in bags to die or they're handcuffing they're children to stop them from eating. We have mothers who abuse they're children to death and a cop coercing underage girls into sex. A news anchor being beaten to death last week and then we had a triple homicide take place in Chicago. And this is only in the past month. On top of this there were five homicides between 2am and 5am throughout downtown South Bend on Sunday morning this past weekend.
What is going on???? Is this really what our world is coming to? What do we do about all of this? We can pray, but what else. Too many crimes are being committed and too many people are dying. I feel like we're in this never ending cycle. Everyone around here says to get out of South Bend as soon as possible, but it's going on elsewhere too.
And more than anything I scream inside: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TODAY'S MOTHERS???? Why are innocent children being killed and harmed more and more every day?
While I've yet to make my decision on who I'll vote for I will say this. Obama, I truly wish you would take the 2 million you wish to spend on your election night celebration and put it towards our shelters for women, towards our schools, towards our health care facilities, and towards our churches. These are the institutions that will truly help our country.
What will the future hold for South Bend when more people are laid off, when downtown begins losing more businesses, and when we're unable to sell property because of our crime rate?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rachael Yamagata has a New Album Out!!!
Yesterday was perfect with my discovery of this news!
I've been waiting for four years for Rachael Yamagata's new album to come out!!! She is one of the most amazing artists in my opinion. Her voice is seductive, intoxicating, and beautiful. I've decided she's my poet. With each album I feel that she is telling some part of my story or troubles. Writing her own lyrics as a release of her grief and emotions becomes everybody's release. With this album she's worked through her grief of a hard time, the anger of it, and finally the Ok I'm over it. Perfect in showing the escalating emotions.
As I'm listening to this CD track 6 comes in and who do I hear? Ray Lamontagne!!!! I clapped...literally in my car driving down the road and I clapped as soon as I heard his voice. He's another favorite and the two of them together simply puts you right on a cloud of musical happiness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachael! You are an amazing artist and you speak to my soul.
Oh and I should mention that next week Ray Lamontagne's new album is coming out. The month of October is looking good. I can't wait.....
I've been waiting for four years for Rachael Yamagata's new album to come out!!! She is one of the most amazing artists in my opinion. Her voice is seductive, intoxicating, and beautiful. I've decided she's my poet. With each album I feel that she is telling some part of my story or troubles. Writing her own lyrics as a release of her grief and emotions becomes everybody's release. With this album she's worked through her grief of a hard time, the anger of it, and finally the Ok I'm over it. Perfect in showing the escalating emotions.
As I'm listening to this CD track 6 comes in and who do I hear? Ray Lamontagne!!!! I clapped...literally in my car driving down the road and I clapped as soon as I heard his voice. He's another favorite and the two of them together simply puts you right on a cloud of musical happiness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachael! You are an amazing artist and you speak to my soul.
Oh and I should mention that next week Ray Lamontagne's new album is coming out. The month of October is looking good. I can't wait.....
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
In God We Trust....
With my last post I spoke about Palin and the her touting that it's God's will for us to be at war. This bugs me and yet I find conflict.
In the past few months I've been relying on my spirituality and may have even side tracked from it a bit. After listening to a sermon about trusting in God and reading an email about finding a penny I wonder -
Would it be better if we all trusted in God?
Would we be without war?
Would we not be in such harsh economic times?
Would our presidential nominees not bicker so much?
On a side note - wasn't the debate between Palin and Biden soooooo much better than between Obama and McCain? I felt I was getting a few more answers as to how things will be with either one in office. Tonight will be interesting.
Anyway,
I still struggle with the question - should religion be a part of our professional careers? While it's fine to speak about our trust in God in politics is right to tout his will to everyone? Would it be more comforting to hear God's will about war out of Pastor's Mouth rather than Palin's?
Either way - In God I Trust!
In the past few months I've been relying on my spirituality and may have even side tracked from it a bit. After listening to a sermon about trusting in God and reading an email about finding a penny I wonder -
Would it be better if we all trusted in God?
Would we be without war?
Would we not be in such harsh economic times?
Would our presidential nominees not bicker so much?
On a side note - wasn't the debate between Palin and Biden soooooo much better than between Obama and McCain? I felt I was getting a few more answers as to how things will be with either one in office. Tonight will be interesting.
Anyway,
I still struggle with the question - should religion be a part of our professional careers? While it's fine to speak about our trust in God in politics is right to tout his will to everyone? Would it be more comforting to hear God's will about war out of Pastor's Mouth rather than Palin's?
Either way - In God I Trust!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Response when I was asked about ACORN and Obama
It's pretty disgusting. I think this paired with an article that was in the New York Times in 1999 clearly points out that the democrats are heavily responsible for what's going on.
Article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=2&sq=holmes%20fannie%20mae&st=cse
I monitor the WSBT comments and many of them have pointed the ACORN issue. They've also pointed all fingers at Chris Dodd. And of course some have blamed Bush. Majority of people are saying to not vote for Obama.
Right now Obama is ahead especially among women. Palin repeats answers in interviews, can't state which newspaper she reads and is cleary directed way too much by her campaign. She scares me on the religion issue. As spiritual as I am I have trouble believing that someone in her position should be allowed to state that it's God's plan for us to be at war. In most professional settings especially those of corporations religion is not brought up. At work we hire and accept atheists, Buddhists, Muslim, christian, etc., so why should someone in that position speak to a nation of multiple religions and beliefs about God's will. Does that truly show what freedom in belief means in the US?
She is inexperienced with economic issues, trade issues, and global issues in my opinion. While I'm not a fan of Hillary at least she had more experience with these issues.
And at the same time, Obama is almost on a similar level with Palin because of his lack of experience. He's going to CHANGE everything, but to what? Will our taxes go up? Will there be more terrorists attacks if he ends the war? Will these countries suffer more? In the beginning he promised change and got everyone on board, but what does that change entail? Hopefully we find out more in the debates.
McCain talks to much about experience and connections and not enough about how to fight this war with a restricted budget. That's the plan we need especially now.
It's an ugly election at an ugly time that my generation will have to pay for out of our pockets. Our 401K's seem to go up and down in value, our social security is gone, and many companies are halting pension plans to new hires. Will I be able to get a loan for a house in five years? What about a loan if I want to get my masters degree? With all this said, who do we vote for? Is there someone that will make our lives better when we become middle age and look towards sending our kids to college and retiring. Are we going to be able to retire?
As Dad always says it's all about personal savings, but the bigger question is which is more valuable putting as much money as possible in savings or putting as much possible in our 401K's?
If only you had to write out a 100 page detailed plan of what would happen in the next four years for the public to read? And they would be held accountable for it the way we are accountable for our budgets at work? But hey, it's clear that accountability is out the window - especially on Wall Street.
Article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=2&sq=holmes%20fannie%20mae&st=cse
I monitor the WSBT comments and many of them have pointed the ACORN issue. They've also pointed all fingers at Chris Dodd. And of course some have blamed Bush. Majority of people are saying to not vote for Obama.
Right now Obama is ahead especially among women. Palin repeats answers in interviews, can't state which newspaper she reads and is cleary directed way too much by her campaign. She scares me on the religion issue. As spiritual as I am I have trouble believing that someone in her position should be allowed to state that it's God's plan for us to be at war. In most professional settings especially those of corporations religion is not brought up. At work we hire and accept atheists, Buddhists, Muslim, christian, etc., so why should someone in that position speak to a nation of multiple religions and beliefs about God's will. Does that truly show what freedom in belief means in the US?
She is inexperienced with economic issues, trade issues, and global issues in my opinion. While I'm not a fan of Hillary at least she had more experience with these issues.
And at the same time, Obama is almost on a similar level with Palin because of his lack of experience. He's going to CHANGE everything, but to what? Will our taxes go up? Will there be more terrorists attacks if he ends the war? Will these countries suffer more? In the beginning he promised change and got everyone on board, but what does that change entail? Hopefully we find out more in the debates.
McCain talks to much about experience and connections and not enough about how to fight this war with a restricted budget. That's the plan we need especially now.
It's an ugly election at an ugly time that my generation will have to pay for out of our pockets. Our 401K's seem to go up and down in value, our social security is gone, and many companies are halting pension plans to new hires. Will I be able to get a loan for a house in five years? What about a loan if I want to get my masters degree? With all this said, who do we vote for? Is there someone that will make our lives better when we become middle age and look towards sending our kids to college and retiring. Are we going to be able to retire?
As Dad always says it's all about personal savings, but the bigger question is which is more valuable putting as much money as possible in savings or putting as much possible in our 401K's?
If only you had to write out a 100 page detailed plan of what would happen in the next four years for the public to read? And they would be held accountable for it the way we are accountable for our budgets at work? But hey, it's clear that accountability is out the window - especially on Wall Street.
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