Are You Nervous?

Over a year ago, I saved up all my pennies and bought my best friend a diamond. I could talk about the Philly Festival proposal but I’ll spare you the details. Just know, that was the most nervous I’ve ever been. So, it may come to a surprise to you to know that, I’m getting married in 3 days, and no, I am not nervous.

This week the question being asked is “Are you nervous yet?” And sometimes I’m confused if they’re asking about the Cardinals series or the wedding.  To answer the question, no, I’m not, the hard part is over! She said, “Yes,” and so did her Father, so why should I be nervous? I’m not giving any speeches this weekend. The only things I need to remember on Saturday is to say “I do” and remember my 1-2 steps on the dance floor. Other than that, it’s all smiles, shaking babies and kissing hands. Now, am I nervous that I might shed a tear or two? Sure, I tend to lean on the emotional side.  Am I nervous that we might have bad weather? Not anymore, we’ve been checking the weather since we set the date. But am I nervous about the wedding? Nah.

All the stress and anxiety is coming to an end as my fiancé and I are tying up the loose ends and making sure everyone knows the game plan (Shout out to “The Boss” for being so beautifully organized and well-planned; perks of marrying a teacher). With the few days leading up to the big day, it’s only fitting I use the Aaron Rodgers’ quote, “R-E-L-A-X….relax.” While that might be hard to convey to everyone involved in the wedding, I’m hoping everyone understands that the most important thing is that all our friends and family will be celebrating alongside with us and enjoying the day.

The idea that I’m getting married didn’t really set in, until I woke up Monday morning the week of with a head-cold and my fiancés car was broken into (luckily nothing was stolen, and I’m feeling fine now). But, that’s when I realized, can’t nothing stop this train! Now, is the fun part.  We went to 9 of our awesome friends’ weddings this wedding season, and if I learned anything from my former bachelors it’s, make sure to soak it up and as Coach Mitchell used to always say, “enjoy the process.”

This blog might be more of a reminder for myself, than it is to the reader. But, you should know… No, I am not nervous for Saturday.  I’m not dying, this is not the end, we’re cementing something that’s been in the works for a long time.  I’m pumped, excited, thrilled, ecstatic, energized, elated, blissful, jacked and ready to roll, not nervous….at least for now...

Red October or Blue October: A State Divided

The Kansas City Royals finally got a chance to see what a win in the playoffs tastes like last night beating the Oakland A’s in the AL Wild Card playoff game. In the words of Dana Carvey’s Church Lady, “Well, isn’t that special?” In all honesty, it was kinda cute to see the Kansas City fan base cheer for their team who hasn’t made the playoffs in my entire lifetime, (since 1985). But, this is the MLB playoffs, and Missouri isn’t big enough for two teams to be in the playoff, right?

As you can tell, as a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, October is when the Birds turn on the heat. The Cardinals tend to keep their heads above water throughout the season, make the playoffs and then start to hit their stride at the right time. We’re the San Antonio Spurs of baseball; we’re fundamental, never flashy, selfless, have great coaching and somehow always compete in the playoffs. October is usually red.

What usually happens is the loyal Royals fans either halfway cheer for the Cardinals or turn their focus on the Chiefs; but not this year.  This year they have a baseball team in the playoffs and they are loud and proud. Winning their first game last night in dramatic fashion was huge for the city. They were so excited they decided to whip out the “Blue October” hoodies prematurely in the dugout even though it was still September. Scrolling through my timeline and newsfeed it looked as though my fellow Cardinals fans were happy for our fellow Royals fans as if they were saying, “Awwww, good for them. But, when do the big boys play?” But, I think it’s safe to say the Royals could really do some damage in the 2014 playoffs. They have the pitching, they play small ball and grind out wins.

Cards fans should really be cheering for the Royals to make it to the World Series because we’ll probably be there waiting for them.  Something on my personal Bucket List is to watch an I-70 World Series.  I’m comfortable enough in my love for the Cardinals to understand a little Royal success won’t affect the strong reputation of the Birds history.  After a year of negativity in the national spotlight, nothing would make the state of Missouri, home of two of the best baseball fans in the world, happier.

That being said, GO CARDS!! 

Major Announcements in the Apple Keynote Speech: Why Everyone Should Being Paying Attention

As Apple CEO Tim Cook took to the stage yesterday morning at the Historic Flint Center in Cupertino, California iPhone and Apple lovers everywhere were filled with anticipation as they tuned in on their Apple product. With rumors swirling of the new iPhone 6 launch and some skepticism of the long awaited Apple Watch preview, tech nerds everywhere were like kids on Christmas Day as Cook broke the latest announcements beginning with the new software.

As expected, the new iOS 8 will be launching on all Apple products starting September 17^th.  New updates and additions to your current Apple products will be available from everything like tracking your health habits to new horizontal keyboarding, your iPhone, iPad and iPod will all be getting a refresher.

Next Cook went into the much anticipated iPhone 6, but not without giving it a twist; there were two completely different phones and in different sizes.  “Today we are launching the biggest advancement in the history of iPhones,” exclaimed Cook.  The iPhone 5 model is four inches, so obviously the first noticeable difference how much larger the iPhone 6 screens were. The iPhone 6 is 4.7 inches and the iPhone 6 Plus is 5.5 inches. The first thought that might come to mind was could affect or cannibalize their own Apple product, the iPad. Another physical feature that looked different is how thin the new iPhone 6’s were at 6.9mm and 7.1mm wide including a curve edge to better fit in the hand.  One of the many new features that the iPhone 6s possess, was the ApplePay function.  Per usual, Apple thought “how could we make the buying experience more simple?” and targeted the futuristic idea of eliminating the wallet.  Cook even admitted that the idea of revolutionizing the payment method has been attempted before but never successful and this phone will be the answer.  ApplePay will store your credit cards, debit cards and banking information in a very private manner.  The iPhone 6s now have a sensor on the top on the phone to which you can scan in front of a device at the store.  Shopping online? No problem. With one touch, the phone taps into your payment information as well has your shipping information already stored, making the online purchasing process virtually complete all in a few simple touches.  I don’t know about you, but this could be very, very dangerous for my shopping addiction.  With the new slogan, “Bigger is Bigger,” the iPhone 6 ($200-$400) and the iPhone 6 Plus ($300-$500) will be available for presale September 12^th and will be sold September 19^th.

After the details of the new iPhones, Cook came back on the stage proclaiming a phrase Steve Jobs commonly used “One more thing,” and the crowd went wild, standing, cheering as if they knew what was coming next, (as if the iPhone 6 wasn’t enough).  The long-awaited Apple Watch was announced and previewed. I could go on forever with all the new traits, features and even a completely new user interface, but there’s a few major highlights I found extraordinary.  The super-sleek appeal of the watch was the first thing I noticed, leaving me wondering how durable the watch would be.  It was later explained that the watch was coated in a unique formulation of 18-karat yellow and rose gold.  The watches came in screens of two sizes, 38mm and 42mm and in three different designs: Apple Watch, Apple WatchSport and Apple WatchEdition.  If you are like me, the thought of how one would navigate the on the watch would be possible.  Outlining the evolution of their past Mac and Apple products’ navigation tools such as the mouse for computer, the scroll pad for the iPod and the multi-touch design on iPhone, Apple was proud to announce the Digital Crown.  Providing as the Home button, a knob located on the side of the watch, similar to a knob used on a traditional watch to change the hands, would help zoom in and out of the screen.  Of course the multi-touch design would be utilized as well, the AppleWatch could function just as the smartphone. 

It was clear Apple wanted to cover and perfect all aspects of the AppleWatch before launch including the durability, the functions and even the way it looked.  They even offer 6 different styles of innovative straps for individuality.  “We’ve set out to make the best watch in the world,” beamed Cook who was thrilled to about unveiling the futuristic watch.  The AppleWatch (starting at $350) will be released early 2015, so you know what I’ll be asking for next year. 

Let The Man Live in the Starlight

While LeBron is going through his choices of where he wants to move his family, continue building one of the greatest legacies of our generation and figuring out what team gives him the best opportunity to achieve that goal, ESPN and every other news channel is reporting every single detail of his life as if he's a celebrity getting caught cheating in People Magazine. And guess what? He deserves this stardom!

Everyone hated him for "The Decision" last go-around, because they thought he was being too "into himself" and too cocky; everyone hated LeBron and painted him a villain of the NBA. So, this time, LeBron decides to lock everyone out. He's not speaking with the public and neither are his clique of "agents."  And he's catching just as much crap as he did when he was being open to the public. What do you want from this man? Haters will hate, but it's important to understand what he's going through and respect that.

Dan Gilbert sent him off to Miami after "The Decision" with a ruthless, personal attacking letter in which he posted on the Cavs website. Do you realize he just now took that letter down from the website THIS WEEK?! This guy had the letter denouncing LeBron for 4 years!! Holding a bit of a grudge on your ex, don't ya think? Talk about a bitter break up (coming from one side of that relationship). Then all of a sudden, after he flashes a hint of interest back at Cleveland, they bend over backwards like nothing ever happened. Hmmmm...

Personally, I'd love to see LeBron go back to the Cavs. First, because I would LOVE to see Kyrie Irving, LeBron and young Andrew Wiggins fly up and down the court. How much fun would that be to watch? Second, I want LeBron to go home and save that town. It'd make Dan Gilbert look like a sucker, even though he'll be a very rich sucker. LeBron would be making him swallow his words. LeBron could make Dan Gilbert get on his knees and beg publicly, and he would, just to get him back. Could you imagine LeBron having a "The Decision Part Deux?"

All I'm saying is with the world of social media and constant around-the-
clock reporting, we are an impatient generation. Let LeBron relax, make a well-though out decision and watch his greatness when he gets there. This type of player doesn't come around in a sport very often. Whether you like him or hate him, you've got to respect him.

Will You Tune into the World’s Most Popular Sport Tournament?

This Thursday kicks off the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and I could not be more excited about it.  Though you wouldn’t know it living in Mid-Missouri, soccer or futbol for everyone who isn’t in America, is the world’s most popular sport. Don’t believe me, just look at these statistics from the 2010 World Cup:

According to FIFA (Federation International of Football Association) in the 2010 World Cup:

• ·         909.6 million worldwide television viewers watched at least 1 minute of the Final game between Spain and Netherlands played in Johannesburg, South Africa
• ·         It topped 1 billion viewers if you include online viewers and public places
• ·         64 matches were played by 32 countries in a 1-month span
• ·         Over 3.2 billion worldwide, which was 46.4% of the world’s population watched at least 1 minute of live coverage of those 64 matches
• ·         FIFA earned $2.4 billion in broadcasting deals tied to the tournament

Still don’t think the World Cup is that big of an event? Tell that to Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, McDonald’s and Visa all of whom are forking millions over for this month-long event.  Not only do I thoroughly enjoy watching the matches and rooting for the underdog US, but the commercials building up the World Cup are amazingly entertaining.  Some of my all-time favorite commercials are the Nike World Cup commercials.  They are able to grasp the compassion, the heart and the skill of all the world’s best players all in a short story (they’re never you’re traditional 30-second commercial).  U.S. advertisers spent $378 million on marketing products during soccer telecasts last year, a 43% increase from 2010, when the prior games were held, according to a study published by Nielsen on Monday.  This is important because if you’ve ever watched a soccer game, there are no commercial breaks.  Except for halftime, it’s rare to cut away for a commercial break during the continuous 90-minute half.

This is where social media comes into play, as it has exponentially grown from 2010 to 2014.  There were no such things as hashtags back in 2010.  Now, marketers are taking full advantage of trending hashtags during the games.  Companies such as Kia, Volkswagon, Marriott and Johnson & Johnson have already started to get buzz behind their hashtags, hoping these interactions will be trending during the games.  It should be interesting how companies will be advertising and marketing their brand through social media in accordance to the World Cup.

So, I leave you something to think about while watching the countries collide starting this Thursday. Watch for advertisements and how companies are marketing their brand around the world throughout these matches. After all, there is going to be a lot of people watching. GO USA!!

What Does Valentine's Day Teach Us About Advertising?

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, and if you haven’t ordered your flowers for that special someone, you better get on that quick. If you’re like me and used the excuse, “I don’t know where to find flowers,” well my friend, that excuse will be acceptable no longer thanks to the advertising efforts of 1-800-Flowers.com.

It seems as though 1-800-Flowers.com is all over my websites, social media apps and music apps. I hear them interrupt my music on Pandora and remind me to order those flowers for my Valentine. My Facebook app is flooded with Promoted Posts, and my Twitter is littered with reminders to hurry up and order flowers. Even the sports talk broadcasters take a second to remind me to order from 1-800-Flowers.com before cutting away to commercial break. Even more, if I order flowers and use the keyword “fill in the blank,” I’ll get an additional 20% off!

For 1-800-Flowers.com this is a very calculated and intentional approach around this time of year. According to Amit Shah, 1-800-Flowers.com VP of mobile and social media, “It’s very clear that our customers are migrating to mobile, and that’s not a surprise anymore. What excites us is that customers are more than ever before not afraid to engage and transact with our mobile e-commerce site, across iPhone, Android and BlackBerry users.” (AdWeek.com 2013) Last year 1-800-Flowers.com bought the nationally exclusive Facebook log out page for Tuesday, while serving Facebook Exchange and Facebook Offer through Wednesday leading up to Valentine’s Day. While Amit Shah didn’t spill how much was spent, it was believed to cost nearly $700,000 alone for the log-out page.

I even clicked on the link to see what the fuss was all about and now it seems like they’re advertising everywhere; it’s like they’re tracking my online (genius of remarketing campaign). No wonder 1-800-Flowers.com has been stuck in my head these last few weeks. Unless you’ve been hiding from social media or completely tuned out from your mobile phone, you’re probably feeling the same way.

Source: http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/facebook-mobile-ads-push-flowers-valentines-day-147217

The Underlying Factor behind the Big News in Sports

Driving to work this morning I was listening to Mike & Mike, as I always do, and they asked a tough question. “Would you trade places with Alex Rodriguez right now? Would you take $400 million (what A-Rod is estimated to have made) to have your name tarnished with steroids, lying and cheating scandals?”  That got me thinking; “What is the real reason for all these controversies in professional sports? Why do players take steroids? Why do football players jump right back up and play after a concussion? Why do these (NOT ALL) professional athletes lie, cheat, steal and throw every ounce of dignity into their professional sport? To quote my friend Puff Daddy, “It’s all about the Benjamin’s”.

That’s right, look at the pay scales in major league sports right now and how much money is being paid to these athletes.  Here is what a rookie would make:

In 2013, in the MLB, if you played the whole year the minimum salary was $490,000.

In 2013, in the NFL, if you played every game the minimum salary was $405,000.

In 2012, in the NBA, the minimum salary was $490,180.

This is the bare minimum professional athletes are making, so put that in prospective with these top athletes that are under the microscope. The Yankees thought Alex Rodriguez was worth $29 million dollars a year to perform. If he does not perform, he’s a failure. Do not misconstrue this as me defending A-Rod!! Curt Schilling was quoted on Mike & Mike saying, “If you look back on the night of the ‘Bloody Sock in Boston’, and a trainer says he could give you a gummy bear to make all his pain go away but it’s illegal….would you take it?” Think about how much money is being thrown at them to perform, what would you do?  Talk about a moral-check, a little soul-searching there, huh?

Okay, let’s get away from steroids. The NFL is under some heat for players getting hurt, i.e. concussions.  Players are putting everything on the line every Sunday, Monday and even Thursdays now.  Major lawsuits are being settled because brain-damaged veterans of the league are feeling the effects of not taking safety precautions.  Players are hitting harder, and higher (causing head injuries), and lower (causing leg injuries) and just now the media and us, the audience, are realizing it’s a problem?  Players are getting bigger and stronger, why? Because the bigger and stronger and the harder they run and hit, the more dolla-dolla bills they’re getting. Used to be, a player catches a pass through the middle and gets rocked in the head, they’ll be wobbling on the field for the rest of the game, because they need to make the money. The NFL is just now starting to implement a concussion precaution. But, they want to make more money too, as if they don’t have enough. Let’s make teams play on Thursday, let’s consider making them play two more regular season games, etc. Look at it from another perspective other than a fan.  The fan wins in these situations with more football.  The NFL is making millions and millions. The players get paid right?  Not necessarily.  If you don’t play the game that day, you don’t get paid my friend.

Here is what a salary looked like in the 80’s:

In 1980, in the MLB, the minimum salary was $30,000.

In 1980, in the NFL, the average salary for playing every game was $78,657.

In 1985, in the NBA, the minimum salary was $70,000.

My point in this blog is that professional sports is generating more money now than they’ve ever done before. Ticket sales, retail sales, concession sales, etc. are at an all-time high, but so are ticket prices, retail prices and concession prices.  The athletes are being paid more money than ever, putting more pressure on them to perform.  The rich keep getting richer and they’re doing everything they can to become the richest.  What would you do in that situation?