Tangents in the Virtual Playground is on to Something

Would anyone ever admit that they are in love with War? Hard to imagine. Both of my parents lived through a World War and my upbringing was largely focused by their experiences. But, I have to give credit where credit is due. Maybe there is something to be said for the glamorization of toughness, determination, perseverance, and commitment.

I don’t think there is anything glamorous about War. But, I do believe people gravitate towards symbols of strength. So, even if we don’t understand the realities associated with a 20-year old solider in Afghanistan, we applaud her strength and courage for being there, representing our country and our beliefs.

When we talked about War last week, we talked about the fact that many of the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan today grew up with images of military engagement in their minds due because of Hollywood. This had never occurred to me before because I personally discount images that are – in my mind – entertainment.

But, perhaps I am in the minority. And, if so, the War in Iraq is even more provocative today than it was yesterday, which, is hard to believe.

 

Fusose Talks and People Listen

During any given day, we here multiple comments about the War in Irag.  You can’t avoid.  If you are trying to just “tune out” because it’s too depressing, too overwhelming or to infinite, your plans are soon foiled by the person in front (or behind) you at Starbucks.

“I can’t believe Clinton claims she was opposed to the War.”  That was the unsolicited comment I heard today when picking up coffee.

Fusose Talks makes some very important observations about the difficult aspects of this War and how the U.S. soilders are expressing themselves.  A few months ago I met a solider that had recently returned from Iraq.  We were in mixed company and another person made a comment about losing weight.  She went on and on about how it’s hard: temptation is everywhere, blah, blah, blah.  After 15 minutes of being polite, he told her that if she wanted to lose weight she should enlist in the U.S Army.  The room was dead silent.

“Just spend 18 months in 140 degree heat with a 50-pound back-pack eating meals out of a zip-lock bag and you’ll lose more weight than you could ever imagine.”

Fusose Talks blogged about how soilders are, indeed, human and the War in Iraq is very real for the people that live it every day.  I believe the U.S. citizens think about it more often than anyone gives them credit for, but they feel powerless when it comes to voicing their opinion and getting a response from the people who are making the decisions.  And age-old problem indeed, but difficult nonetheless.

 

Along the Tigris

The United States military continues to impress me – time after time. In 2007, Thomas L. Day, a U.S. Army public affairs officer, published the book entitled “Along the Tigris.” It’s a fascinating look at the War in Iraq during its early stages.

Five years ago, to the day, there were no less than three divisions of Army officers sitting on the Kuwait boarder waiting to enter Iraq in search of weapons of mass destruction — and they were joined by reporters.

As we all watched the war unfold, I often wondered about the reltationship between the battalion commanders and the reporters that were imbeded in their units. Is it smart and appropriate to allow the news to witness first hand the military at work? Well, in short, most of the commanders thought it was a good thing. They had nothing to hide and they were 100 % comfortable with letting the American public witness their efforts in Iraq – provided, of course, that the reporter was smart enough not to relay tactical information to the world. (Jeraldo, are you listening?)

I was surprised. With so much to worry about, including the lives of each and every soilder in the battalion, why would a commander welcome the presence of a reporter who had his or her own reasons for being in Iraq?

Well, most commanders see this as a simple equation: our country is great because of its openness and transparency and that applies to the U.S. military as much as it applies to everyone else. Talk about being consistent….

I was also surprised to learn that so many reporters joined forces with the battalions they covered and fought when necessary. In one case, the reporter shaved his head, military style, in order to show solidarity.

The Iraq war will live with us forever. And, hopefully, we will remember just how exceptional our U.S. military is and we will continue to support them, period.

 

Apple – We Need Some More Innovation!

In general, my friends and colleagues consider Apple to be among the most – if not the most – innovative companies in the world, able to see and create trends long before anyone else. Here’s something I’d like them to consider: designing a stand-up desk for my PowerBook.

I want something stylish and, if possible, portable. I am spending a lot more time on my computer and, as a result, a lot more time sitting down. Most of my friends work in public relations or advocacy. A small group of us were together last week and we concluded that over 10 years in PR amounts to more than an extra 10 pounds!

Sitting – thinking – writing – typing – eating and coffee drinking: it all ads up. Lets keep social media tipping the scales – but in a good way.

 

Who Marketed to Me Today: Pepsi Max

In the US, many of us are watching the Superbowl. As always, the advertisers are going for it. Pepsi Max got everyone’s attention with an ad they aired which used a host of celebraties and a 1980s song: “What is Love?” by the group Hadaway. No one had heard of Hadaway until the song became part of a Saturday Night Live skit featuring three (and then two) playboy wantabees. I could never do it justice with words. (See above)

I thinks Pepsi’s approach was perfect. That song and the skit reminds us of the best – and worse night – we have evr had out. It has universal appeal…

Will I buy Pepsi Max? In truth, I’ll probably try it, which is a big deal because I swear by Coke. But the ad was so fun, it made me feel like it is worth a try. Why not? If the taste is not unique AND better than Coke, I can always go back.