11.30.2006

Yet another reason to boycott the MAN

Yes, yes, we've all heard about it, all rolled our eyes at the obvious blunder it is, all reaffirmed our commitment to boycott Larry Miller...but one more comment can't hurt can it?

This comment, though, is less about Miller (who I have no respect for and even less dollars for anyway) and more about EnergySolutions. This was not just a stupid move on Miller's part. It was an obvious PR gaffe on the part of EnergySolutions.

I mean, look at the direction they were heading in. Positive commercials portraying them as harmless, even as environmental stewards of the non-nuclear type. Never using the "N" word in any commercials. Giving EnergySolutions Foundation dollars to environmental organizations. Repairing their reputation in the tried and true way: quietly.

By splashing their name all over downtown Salt Lake City, they have brought up the bad blood and set themselves back further than they were before they started the positive spin stuff. What was the big idea anyway? And has the person that came up with it been fired yet?

I mean, while I think stadium sponsorship is tacky, I can see the usefulness of companies such as Delta Airlines doing it. They have these big advertisements splashed all over every network and targeting every fan.

But what Jazz fan is heading into the Melta Center thinking "God, I have all this nuclear waste lying in precarious piles around my kids' swingset and no idea where to put it. I mean, it's building up in my back yard and my dog is growing a third eye. I just need to get rid of it, but how?" Suddenly, said fan looks up and like light from heaven the EnergySolutions banner is flapping in the wind. Problem solved and EnergySolutions gets another customer, right? You can see why this advertising/marketing move makes absolutely no sense on their part.

Duh.

11.20.2006

Compulsory Giving Shouldn't Count!

I know too many people who think that because they've paid their tithing they're not required to give anything else to anyone else...so they buy their big houses and oversized SUV's instead and rejoice in being the 3rd highest state of givers in the nation. The difference is that New York and DC give because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to.

11.15.2006

Back from Canada

I just got back from Canada, where I married my partner, so I haven't been able to blog on the recent election. I heard from Canada that the Democrats are back in control, which actually made me want to come back to the U.S. rather than find a job and settle somewhere in British Columbia. My faith and pride in America is somewhat restored!
Of course, Utah was no surprise, as everyone stayed right where they were. But one issue has been overlooked, and that is the passing of Prop 2 in Salt Lake County. One blogger gives some good reasons why this should be something that is statewide, and paints a picture of life without open space.
Kudos to voters in Salt Lake County for voting for foresight.