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This is a quote from Hey Whipple Squeeze This, A Guide to Creating Great Ads by Luke Sullivan
This is an excerpt he plucked from an email curiosity that makes its way around corporate America. I love this paragraph because its hilarious and really describes peoples view on advertising well. I've been meaning to share it with more people.
"Dear Ann:
I have a problem. I have two brothers. One brother is in advertising. The other was put to death in the electric chair for murder. My mother died from insanity when I was three years old. My two sisters are prostitutes and my father sells narcotics to grade school students. Recently, I met a girl who was just released from a reformatory where she served time for killing her dog with a ball-peen hammer, and I want to marry her. My problem is, should I tell her about my brother who is in advertising?
Signed, Anonymous"Current Mood:  happy Current Music: Nattoppet - Detektivbyrån |
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August
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Jul. 1st, 2009 @ 10:32 am
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I notice I kind of dropped off the earth here, but it's ok, I'm back.
I dont know really if I've explained (although I think I have) but my Dad's 60th Birthday is this august. Trying to do something as special as his 50th I've been planning since January. Lots of shit has been trying to ruin my plans but FINALLY I have it all figured out.
The most recent hiccup was my Dad, he still doesnt know about his surprise so he tried to book a cruise during the surprise in Seattle (his family will be there). He called me and Alex on a conference call to suggest we leave the 9th and get back the 16th (our plans are the 9th-11th). It was a hectic moment of me and alex being excited but going "uhhhh uhhhhhhhhhh." Eventually after hanging up and talking to Alex, we admitted to Dad we have "plans" and couldn't go on that cruise.
The whole day that day I was pretty panicked, worried about how it would all work out but I found an alternative, and so did my Dad.
So the plan: Alex, Dad, and I fly up to Seattle on the 1st and take a cruise to Alaska (OMG!) til the 8th. That night we stay downtown in Seattle and in the morning go to the original Starbucks where my Dad's family will be waiting!! Then we head to Lake Crescent (the Washington State rainforest, HELL YES RAIN!) and stay there til the 12th.
Yay! It's going to be awesome! And still, OMG a cruise to Alaska!!Current Mood: happy |
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My neighbors have either changed or just recently become unemployed or... I have no idea.
But after living here a year, and rarely hearing anything from them except once when a guy yelled something along the lines of "Samantha! It's time to play PARCHEESI!" really angrily, everything has changed this week. So far I've over heard them arguing twice (once waking me up at 6 am). And one of them has decided to play music SUPER LOUD every day so that they wake me up in the morning, including today at 8:20.
Today, they played music with songs on repeat from 8:20-9:40, 10:30-11:50, and just started it up again at 1:10. I really want to break into their house and break their stereo.
Why did they GET LOUDER! I'm a loud person regularly and they're 10 times louder than me this week. I blame today's bad mood all on them.Current Mood:  annoyed |
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Back while working at Geeks, I attended all of the Ad2 events. There was a trip to a Padre's game where I met an owner of a social networking advertising agency. It was a cool conversation where we discussed the pros and cons of social networks.
But either because I stopped attending for a while, or we just haven't crossed paths since I jumped back into Ad2 things, I havent seen David since.
About a month or two ago, he added me on Facebook and twitter. And since then he and I have tried to meet up for coffee to no avail. But because of his persistence I knew something was up. Finally one of the many times he asked what was up with me I decided to just be honest. I admitted that I was still unemployed (something I dont broadcast) and cant seem to get my foot in the door for freelance copywriting.
He responded pretty quickly with an offer of an internship. Something I'm pretty excited about. Only problem... it's unpaid. Augh I am frustrated. I know this is a good opportunity but also, I need a break on the money draining on my savings.
Anyways, I pretty much am definitely taking it but still have figure other things out.Current Mood:  frustrated |
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Today was a Track Your Deeds Cruise for a Cause day.
I got a ride with my bike but wasnt able to get cash ahead of time. So as soon as we arrived I went in search of an ATM. I had no idea the next 45 minutes would be so insane.
As I came down the stairs of the parking garage we were meeting on top of I glanced upon a weird scene. First I noticed three black teenagers walking quickly away from the area I was heading towards.
Secondly I noticed a girl was sobbing, gasping for breath, and spitting a lot on the ground. I came close and paused--a guy was standing by her and he informed me he thought she had just been punched hard in the stomach.
I immediately approached and tried to figure out what the FUCK was going on. Mostly for the first ten minutes she didnt say much, and kept declining my offers of anything I could do to help while still crying, gasping and spitting. Eventually I notice those three guys I originally saw (one was her boyfriend) coming back somewhat in our direction. I ushered her into Maui Wowi, a coffee place I knew well. I followed her into the bathroom where I found out that the person that had punched her was her boyfriend and it was either because--- 1. she thought she was pregnant, or 2. she need $2 to take the Spinter to Vista (her hometown 15 miles away).
Luckily the guy who actually saw the situation went and found the cops. I stuck around Maui Wowi to talk to people and to be a witness as much as I could (the owners were astounded that I didnt know her and gave me a voucher for a free drink). Before they spoke to her I mentioned to the cop that she was in an abusive relationship and the boyfriend had punched her because she thought she was pregnant (which I think was the main reason, although she kept being vague). I soon realized that although the cops had apprehended the teens, she was not cooperating with the cops and was saying she was just upset. As they talked to her I ran and got my money from the ATM.
As I walked back the cops were pretty much leaving and so I asked the girl if I could at least have her phone # so that I could check on her later. She told me she didnt have a cell phone and was going to try to find a ride back to Vista. I offered my cell and we stood around for 10 minutes trying to find a friend or relative who gave a shit enough to come pick her up. Every call was similar in the fact that she would say "You know who beat me up," making me livid that people knew that this happened often. Eventually it was obvious that unless we found her aunt she was stranded. While we tried to make phone calls, clearly the police had released her three friends and two of them walked by pretending she didnt exist, completely ignoring that she was sitting a foot from them. We eventually walked to a bar where her aunt supposedly was, but it was closed.
At this point I was not going to leave her, but knew I was supposed to leave Oceanside on a bike in 20 minutes. We discussed the option of taking the Sprinter--a train that brings you inland and away from the coast. I offered to pay for her ticket and was surprised to find that the trip only would cost $2.
As we walked toward the Sprinter, it became harder and harder for her to move her arm (she'd been hit in more than just her stomach, also she mentioned that he'd beat her in a motel earlier in the morning). She could hardly carry a water bottle. I grabbed ice from the nearest burger king.
Along the 45 minutes I told her that the fact that this guy clearly beats her up all the time (I saw in the bathroom) that she needed to know that no guy should ever be allowed to do that and it should never happen again. I also said that if it did to PLEASE call the police, because punching someone in the stomach because she might be pregnant is absolutely illegal and he should go to jail. I have no clue if she listened. Luckily right before she was going to buy a ticket, her aunt called my phone (her mom and aunt didnt recognize my # and so potentially thought I was a collector) and she told her niece she would be there soon with a group of guys.
This is where I left her. I made her keep the $2 just in case and saw her aunt approaching her as me and a friend who I'd talked to a few minutes before walked away. Luckily her aunt's first words were "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED" so at least someone she knows was concerned.
As I reiterated the story throughout the day I would get stressed and freaked out. It's hard to imagine how any female could let a guy beat her up, and especially not speak to the cops about it. To let someone get away with that.... ugh.
I have the she dialed #s saved in my phone and I think I'm going to call her aunt tomorrow to check on her. |
| » Fish Win! |
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Yesterday after my post, the 2nd fish died and I went back to petco. The plan was to get a refund and go to another store. But after talking to two people (the store manager and a person from the aquatics department) I decided to give it another go.
Man did I go crazy with treating the water and acclimating the fish. Amy Clark unluckily got a play by play. But YAY! He's still alive, beautiful and swimming around as we speak (the first one to make it through the night). His personality overall is cautious. He keeps inspecting the shark toy I have in the tank to make sure its not a real fish. Also has swum by his cave a few times, glances at it, but still hasn't ventured in. I think he's a keeper.
Originally, when I was worried about my ability to keep fish alive, I was calling him Three. Now the name has evolved into Trio. We'll see if it sticks.
EDIT:
probably jinxing myself, but here's a picture:
May. 4th, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
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| » Petco and their bettas |
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Fuck.
Yesterday I decide I want a new fish. I go to Walmart, get the tank, something for it to play around, gravel, food, and a dechlorinator. Sadly I just couldnt find a betta I liked there. Luckily Audrey told me there was a Petco down the street.
I go there and find this BEAUTIFUL halfmoon betta (super expensive for a betta) and fall in love. I take it home, set up the tank, fill it, put in the decholorinator, set the fish in a bag for 15 minutes and finally let him out.
He turns out to be pretty sluggish, swims and explores a bit but eventually floats and the top pretty much immobile, resting.
I went to bed worrying. This morning woke up to find him dead.
Went BACK to Petco, had them test my water, not my fault. Got a new LIVELIER fish. Wash the tank, clean everything, refill it, put in the dechlorinator. This time I put the new fish in his tub into the tank, as Petco told me. He swims out is much more excited swims around and makes me happy. I leave to the room to talk to Audrey come back in... he's resting at the top just like the last fish.
I decide to give him a chance, go to lunch, come back he hasnt moved, he isnt moving. Rush him to Petco to see what was wrong, fish guy says it doesnt sound like he's doing anything too weird. Sends me home.
And now to the present... I've been watching him slowly die for the last few hours. I think he's pretty much gone since he's currently facedown in the rocks on the bottom of my tank.
MOTHER FUCKER THIS FUCKING SUCKS.
May. 3rd, 2009 @ 03:31 pm
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| » Y&R last day |
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My two week temporary job at Y&R is ending. I'm pretty sad. I was sadder 10 minutes ago, but I'll get to that.
These two weeks (ish) have been pretty cool. There were interesting days where people tried to sell me $40 cards for free oil changes. Days where they were editing a commercial's colors (making the pool bluer and the trees greener) while having a wine and cheese party during it. Lots of free food (cakes, cookies, brownies, pizza and more) and alcohol (beer on tap and a champagne bottle that I had some of this morning). There were boring days where the internet was superbly un-entertaining and no one was here (especially good friday). But overall it's been fun, easy and good money.
I was upset earlier. This was because the Creative Director had promised me a project after looking at my portfolio. He kept pushing it back and told me yesterday he would talk to me about it at the end of the morning. He never came by, neither did he today. I was sad because I had been hoping the project would allow me to move into freelance (not being an official copywriting employee but working hourly from home or at the office).
I decided to say goodbye to him 30 minutes early, dropping off my business card. He immediately apologized and explained. He had just been talking to the Creative Recruiter (someone else I had met who gave me good constructive criticism to improve my portfolio) and had meant to tell me. There is a MOUND of copywriting work coming to Y&R and it hadn't come just yet. He had hoped it would be here while I worked. But he said to make sure to keep in touch and email him next week about the work. So I think he was saying that he wants me to work on the project! I think? But if I'm interpreting this correctly... I might get a spot as a freelancer? It's a good sign he didn't just say "oh well, goodbye".
The plan: write emails to the HR director (who got me this job), the creative recruiter, and the creative director tomorrow thanking them for being so awesome and helpful. And then following up with Craig (the creative director) next week. End of plan.
Here's hoping this ends up working out like I want it to.
Apr. 15th, 2009 @ 04:45 pm
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| » HELL YES!! |
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I said earlier last week that the assistant creative director was going to look at my portfolio.
Well he specifically asked for longer copy. So I got ready a paper from college, a funny blog post (about the opossum! Although rewrote it to take out all the curse words and bad grammar), and a set of ads I plan to produce from the Book Shop portfolio school. Which was all in addition to my ads in my book (and on my website).
First of all, I found out today I had mixed up two people and it wasnt the Assistant Creative Director who was from LSU and wanted to see my stuff, but the actual Creative Director.
Secondly, it took him a few days but he was able to look at it today. When he walked away to look at it i freaked the hell out super nervous. Unluckily I left the front desk for 3 minutes and had the book returned to me in that moment, with a note saying he'd discuss later. I didn't know what to think.
After that I saw him a few times (his office is 20 feet from me) and he didnt come my way. I was super nervous.
BUT GOOD NEWS! He just came by, said he had a few projects he could use me on, and would come back later to talk about my book. I WILL OFFICIALLY BE A COPYWRITER FOR Y&R VERY SOON! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
EDIT: to clarify-- I'm not sure if he meant only for the next week and a half or continuing on after I'm finished being a temp. I think he meant while I work here, but I see this as an opportunity to impress and potentially continue on! But that doesnt even matter because copywriting anything for Y&R will be awesome and help my resume IMMENSELY!
Apr. 7th, 2009 @ 03:46 pm
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| » Y&R |
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Wow, working here is cool. I dont have much to do so it can get a bit boring. But I occupy my time with tv, music, websites, and books. The phones are not hard.
EVEN BETTER: the HR manager is awesome, she know's I'm an aspiring copywriter so she emailed the whole company introducing me and explaining my career goals. So far, the creative director has come up to say he'll sit down with me later and try to find me a project. The Assistant Creative Director had the same but just actually sat here with me for a few minutes discussing my bringing in my portfolio and any long copy I have.
Crazy enough the ACD actually went to LSU for TWO YEARS! Hell yes connections! We'll sit down either tomorrow or monday with my stuff!!
Copywriters have also stopped by to talk, one saying they need more writers here. I bonded with them because I helped them pull an April Fools Joke.
This is SUPER exciting. A real opportunity. I wasnt actually expecting one. But AWESOME.
Also, smart me brought in a candy jar with chocolate--that way people come by the desk and meet me and talk :D
Love it here!
Apr. 2nd, 2009 @ 05:01 pm
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| » Young and Rubicam, and more |
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Y&R is an AWESOME place. As receptionist, I deal with the phones, dry cleaning, food delivery, sign in and more. It may be a little hard at first but I think I can handle it.
Now for the perks. I sit in the lobby by a big screen tv all day, where I choose the channel we watch. The HR manager AND the regular receptionist recommended that I bring a book or magazine for my down time. The HR manager also said I could go onto any website I wanted. But wait... the receptionist was sad as I was leaving that she didnt know I liked Gossip Girl. She had paused it on Youtube and we could've watched it.
There's free food upstairs, free tea and coffee downstairs, and I'm amongst some really awesome advertising.
Can I please have this job forever?
Also: 2nd interview yesterday was terrible, job actually consisted of selling makeup and hand lotion OUTSIDE of grocery stores. 100% commission. I was counting down the minutes of the hour I was there as SOON as I got there. Was invited back for the 3rd interview but declined.
Apr. 1st, 2009 @ 06:07 am
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| » (No Subject) |
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I am dating two guys. Both of them were at Dinis tonight. Interesting night for sure.
Mar. 15th, 2009 @ 01:36 am
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| » HELL YES! |
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Ok this is going to sound lame to everyone but me, but i dont care!
Over the last few years, I've been to the LA Mosaic Career fair (an advertising career fair where you meet people who hire for advertising). Over the last three years I've met an HR manager from Y&R Irvine every time I've went.
When I spoke to her this year I told her I'd do anything that would get me in the door.
TODAY! She emailed me and hired me to be theirn temp receptionist for two weeks! Wooooooooo! So excited. It's a foot in the door, its something to fucking do. I'm getting paid well and I'm REALLY REALLY HAPPY!
I know its only a temp job but HELL YESS! Adds to my resume and if I do a good job hopefully they'll give me more options.
Mar. 9th, 2009 @ 07:57 pm
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| » knee... |
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Mardi Gras was fun, and I'll elaborate later...
But lets recap first. I've had a bad knee since high school. I found this out when it popped completely out of place all the way to the side of of my knee mid-show choir practice. The experience was excruciating and I automatically popped it BACK into place myself. It was an interesting experience, I heard guys gasping and it turns out I was screaming curses the entire time.
Since then my knee has been on and off weak, and actually re-popped out of place in Europe mid-traveling.
Well over mardi gras break my knee popped out of place again... but it wasnt the same knee. It was my OTHER KNEE! ahhhh two weak knees! Le Shit!
Today I stupidly went running without my brace, I could feel it moving the whole time. Yay for wearing a knee brace for the next month or so.
Mar. 2nd, 2009 @ 06:00 pm
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| » photoshop musings |
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Reinstalled photoshop CS3, and played around with it a bit tonight.
This is the design I came up with.
Feb. 16th, 2009 @ 11:00 pm
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| » hmmm |
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So I hadnt actually kept track... and today decided to count...
The list is now officially up to 19.
Jan. 30th, 2009 @ 11:35 pm
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| » This Weekend |
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This weekend I traveled 7 hours (ish) to Big Sur, CA (my most favorite place on earth).
It was an adventure for sure.
The last 50 minutes of the drive on Friday were insanity. It was pouring, I was traveling up long, twisty, mountain roads in pitch black darkness, fog descended quickly and suddenly, and there were rock slides everywhere... boulders in the road. I was so afraid of killing my mini cooper.
But I made it and I'm happy I did (they closed the roads 30 minutes after I arrived).
On Saturday we hiked all over the place. One hike led us to a waterfall that landed on a beach (sadly the beach was inaccessible, although we tried every way we could), after hiking over many rocks and cliffs we eventually followed the river to the top of the waterfall. No easy feat. But worth it in the end. My new running shoes look seriously worn and muddy, as do my clothes from the hike.
Afterward, we went to Jade Cove. I've been there before but we took a different path down that led us over a slippery Jade crevice down to the beach. It was absolutely beautiful, especially since the cliffs surrounding us were almost 100% jade.
It was a fabulous weekend. And much to my surprise it rained a LOT. Its as if the weather new I was coming :D
The drive home today was a lot more fun because there was less fog and rain. It was especially nice to have sun on the CA-1 coast because I could actually see the absolute beauty of Big Sur. But overall the drive was phenomenal and it felt I was traveling between Scotland, Italy and Switzerland.
I absolutely love California.
Jan. 25th, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
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| » Running |
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Yay lots of free time.
To keep myself going during this situation I have started a schedule.
I will run m-f for the time being.
When Audrey's around she joins me (well did today at least).
AUGH Audrey is in MUCH BETTER SHAPE THAN I!
She kickssss my ass. I am totally exhausted running with her.
I mean its a good thing, she'll pace me but...I feel like death afterwards.
Wah we're supposed to run again together tomorrow.
Rawr, at least I'll improve my speed.
Jan. 21st, 2009 @ 09:43 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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Hi,
Life sucks.
I got let go on friday.
Have already updated my resume, am fixing my website tomorrow and already have a few leads on job opportunities.
Hopefully this will just lead to a better job.
Jan. 19th, 2009 @ 12:09 am
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| » argh |
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Sucks when you work at a job in front of a computer all day working on (recently at least) pretty boring products. That way, if you're in a bad mood, you just keep dwelling and it wont go away. Argh.
Jan. 12th, 2009 @ 11:03 am
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