Unshakable Faith

The Mumbai terrorist attacks killed two pilgrims from Virginia, but not their companions' belief that everything, and everyone, is connected.

I created my blog to communicate my marketing, professional, and creative background, but I thought I would share something personal. My mom was one of many who were attacked by the Mumbai terrorists on November 26, 2008. My mom said: “I am very grateful...full of gratitude for my small part in this Mumbai ordeal.”

It is a long article, but beautiful to read.

ACL to be Recognized as Official Rock and Roll Landmark

I realize that I have mentioned Austin KLRU-PBS station several times, but this news is very exciting!

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that Austin City Limits will be officially designated an historic rock and roll site as a part of the Museum’s Landmark Series this coming October."

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"Shout Out" to KLRU Volunteers

Sara Childress, Membership Manager for KLRU, thanks fundraising Austin City Limits volunteers. Each volunteer brings "something unique to the studio," Sara says.

KLRU has raised $186,000 towards purchasing the quality programs. If you would like to support KLRU-PBS, please make your donation to klru.org/support.

New York Bright Lights

Recently I went to New York City for a fun filled vacation. I stayed close to a landmark for me, The Carnegie Deli, where I dined frequently as a child when visiting NYC.

The first thing I wanted to do after I checked into the hotel was walk down Broadway and see Times Square. My background in marketing and advertising made be curious to view the diverse electronic screens and massive, striking billboards.

It was not hard to get a 360 view of Times Square since it is closed to vehicles on Sundays for onlookers. It felt like I was at a concert as most people were sitting in chairs looking at the amazing lights, sounds, and people watching.

After the vacation I was interested in learning more about the history of advertising in Times Square, so I did a web search on primary search engines. Finding statistics on how much it costs to do various forms of advertising was not easy. Money does not matter to a serious company that can afford the cost. One source said that it costs “$125,000 to $300,000 a month to advertise on a regular billboard….and if electronic with TV screens can cost anywhere from $3 million to $5 million dollars.” Read More

Here are some interesting facts and also articles that I read:
• 500,000 people go through Times Square every day - 250,000 employees and residents and 250,000 additional in tourists and passersby...Learn Why
• A sign in Times Square receives an estimated 1.5 million impressions per day...Learn More
• Every day, more than 10 million viewers see live shots of Times Square through nationally televised programs like Good Morning America...Why do you watch?
• General Motors, that has advertised in Times Square since the 1930’s, is being allowed to cancel its sponsorship deals as part of its bankruptcy filing...Read More
• Coca-Cola unveils it new billboard that is now illuminated by clean wind power...Learn How Coca-Cola Goes Green
• What would you do if outdoor advertising was banned in Times Square?...What are your Thoughts?
• Walgreens unveils the nation’s largest, most advanced digital super-sign...Read How

Volunteering at the Austin PBS Summer Pledge Drive

On Sunday, August 2nd I had the opportunity to participate in the PBS channel's summer pledge drive. My role was to take calls to assist in the fundraising for Austin’s KLRU-PBS station.

The program that I supported featured Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel, which was taped earlier this year for Austin City Limits’ 35th anniversary season. The new episode marks the first time the two recording legends have shared the ACL stage. I met Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel which I enjoyed because I have heard the band many times and danced to their music at Broken Spoke, Austin and Gruene Hall, New Braunfels.

I have been involved with KLRU-PBS since my internship at the UT College of Communication. I was selected to volunteer at the PBS station to support my Bachelor of Science in Advertising degree. The UT communication department has grown into one of the top programs in the country and continues to strive toward best serving its students and the advertising/pr industry.