Thanks a bunch.

Back in late August through September, there was a huge fire in the Los Angeles National Forest dubbed the Station Fire. The fire was one of the largest in recent history, burning over 160,000 acres before being contained. It just so happens that a couple of the earlier points of the fire were situated near my hometown of La Canada. It was close enough that a handful of my friends and/or their families had to (voluntarily) evacuate their homes. I went home a couple of weeks after the fire had been put out and was overwhelmed with the show of support by the local community for the amazing firefighters who worked so hard.


I wish that I had taken a couple of snapshots of all of the signs in people's front yards, but driving safely ruled over taking photos, so this is a shot from Flickr.

The point that I'd like to make is that it's important to send thank you notes to anyone you meet with for interviews - job related or informational or otherwise. It leaves a positive impression and is a little reminder of you. What's even better is if it's handwritten. Everyone can appreciate a sincere, handwritten note as opposed to a quickly shot off email. It's more personable and shows that you have actually put forth some effort. If you want to take the extra step and create your own cards in the vein of your personal brand, it is that proverbial cherry on top of the sundae.

"This holiday season, give with your tongue."

Happy Holidays from Rosetta


Yesterday, Rosetta (the agency that I am with), released our holiday card which uses augmented reality and facial recognition. It's tons of fun (especially if you have a webcam). Check it out! I've attached the explanation of the game so you can see that you're benefitting the children of New Orleans!

"The bottom line is that we need your help to catch one million snowflakes in this augmented reality game we created called SnowDay. In the game you catch (virtual) snowflakes with your (real) tongue. It’s fun and strangely addicting. [Note: If you don’t have a web cam, the application will automatically detect that, and will offer you a “tongueless” version of the game.]

Please share this with everyone you know. When we reach our one million snowflake goal, we’ll make it snow in New Orleans’ City Park on February 20th from 1 to 4pm. The event is for underprivileged children who have never had the joy of playing in snow before. Not just flurries, either. We’re talking six serious inches of snow—with games, food and a visit from Frosty the Snowman. All you have to do to make it happen is stick out your tongue and spread the word (there are also Facebook and Twitter links built into the site)."

A Charlie Brown Ad Agency Xmas

Ahaaha. Given the season, this made me crack up. Warning: Swearing and drug references. Cover your little ones' ears.

New York State of Mind & Holiday Party 2009

Monday night was the One Club's New York State of Mind & Holiday Party 2009. It was lots of fun and I got some networking done. I met up with a couple of friends - Art, Lazar, and my fellow ex-BBDO intern, Kevin. When Art and I first arrived, it was on the heels of Gerry Graf. There were a lot of other big names at the event, but the one that stood out to me was Andy Azula, the CD from Martin who was featured in the UPS whiteboard ads because earlier in the day, I had just watched SNL's spoof with Bill Hader.

A minimum $10 donation went to the New York City Food Bank AND gained you open bar. Drinks were limited to beer and wine, but the wine was lovely. The h'or d'oeuvres were delicious (of course) and included sliders, kobe beef, coconut shrimp, pear tartlets, teriyaki salmon on rice cakes (actual rice made into little patties), and so much more.

Running the whole night were commercials by NY agencies, which included one of my favorites that has been released in the past week or so - JWT's James Lipton's beard campaign for LG. The walls were also plastered with ads, which I always enjoy checking out.

Pictures from the event can be found on the One Club's Facebook page.