Just a quick heads up...

Hello everyone! Just a quick heads up that you can also follow my personal brand blog titled

Bridging the Gap

This is for people who want to know which area(s) I will be aiming to work in the future!

Thanks so much!

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Houston...we have a problem..OHNOOOO"

For those who of you who were not watching the Olympics over the last two weeks...what the hell were you doing all that time? In case you need a recap...all you need to know for this discussion is that Canada has won the most gold medals of any other country in the world. What could top that? American athletes and journalists eating their words. In this case, it was US speed skater and ballroom dancer extraordinaire Apollo Anton Ohno, and USA Today journalist Erik Brady.

Apollo Anton Ohno...where do I begin with you? You haven't done anything personally to me, but is it just me or do you give off the vibe of a cocky speed skater who is better recognized for winning Dancing with the Stars? Okay...well in saying that let's recap why I am so happy about the events of Friday night.

There is no question Ohno is a talented speed skater, but I can't help but notice that every time an American is asked a question regarding the Canadian Olympic program, the tone of the conversation seems very patronizing and sarcastic. In a recent article in USA today written by Erik Brady, Ohno stated, "They can own the podium, we just want to borrow it. Just for the month of February and then we'll give it back."

Hahahahaha okay Brady and Ohno listen up...take your heads out of your rear ends and take a look at the Olympics with just two days left.

APOLLO ANTON OHNO: Your Olympics end with you having a silver medal, two bronze medals and a disqualification...Congratulations on owning the lower stems of the podium and celebrating by having to listen to every anthem except your own. I mean, yeah Canada did let you borrow the podium...we pretty much rented you the basement apartment. Doesn't it sting knowing you were never invited to party in the penthouse suite this Olympics? No worries... maybe if you tag along with Evan Lysacek and Shaun White, they'll get you in with them!

In an interview following the race, TSN personality Darren Dutchyshen quoted Ohno saying he thought it was a "conspiracy done by Canadian officials to ensure two Canadians hit the podium." Apollo, you are the face of United States speed skating, but GET OVER YOURSELF. Maybe if you didn't push Francois-Louis Tremblay out of the way, you would have come away with yet another ALMOST GOLD...

Take off your bandanna, cut your hair, stop polishing your Dancing with the Stars trophy and start practicing for 2014!

ERIK BRADY: Excellent job on framing your article and point of view that makes the Own the Podium program look like a joke. In fact, Canada finished with more gold medals than any other country. That's right...O Canada has been played more times than any other country's national anthem, including the "Silver Spangled Banner." From no gold medals on home soil to the most in the world, next time you write an article like this, just keep in mind that when a United States flag is shown flying high at the Olympics...the Canadian flag is flying just a LITTLE BIT HIGHER! That's what happens when you win GOLD! =)

Check out Team Canada's highlights in short track speed skating from Friday night. GO CANADA GO!

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*I do not own the video. I merely subscribed to CTV's Olympic Youtube Channel and found the video on there. They own it and it is only intended to be used in this blog.*

"Facebook me...Tweet it...yo Google that ish"

The importance of PR 2.0

Deirdre Breakenridge emphasizes that PR 2.0 places a higher value on the profession by connecting the world through online communities.

The Internet and online communities serve great importance to the PR industry. It outlines the benefits of a connecting a world online, and provdies a realistic point of view of the challenges that PR practitioners will face with this movement. With PR 2.0, it is easy to propose ideas to a large audience. Ideas that receive widespread exposure will succeed. PR 2.0 gives consumers a voice and includes them in decision making processes.

Challenges for PR practitioners

The biggest challenge that face PR practitioners is that information is so readily available that there may not be a need for their services to keep the public informed. With PR 2.0, "PR people have this incredible opportunity to embrace and engage in PR 2.0 communication and allow their brands understand the value and meaningful conversations with customers," Deirdre Breakenridge, author, PR 2.0: A Communicator's Manifesto.

Is this type of connectivity good or bad?

PR 2.0 is beneficial for the world for the following reasons:

1) The PR practitioners who can adapt to new environments and be quick thinkers, especially in times of uncertainty and rapid change will flourish with the help of PR 2.0.

2) PR 2.0 eliminates traditional communication barriers and brings the consumer voice to the companies, as well as the company's voice to the consumer.

3) PR 2.0 helps establish a feeling of trust through an online community where information is free and readily available.

The rise of PR 2.0 ensures that "public relations can now participate in the online discussions that define our markets" (Brian Solis). You can hear Brian Solis' thoughts in an interview giving his perspective on PR 2.0.

Concluding thoughts

Mitch Joel's book Six Pixels of Separation is a play off of the quote "six degrees of separation". This means that with technology dictating change within the PR industry, that people are separated by no more than a click of a computer mouse or "six pixels on a computer screen". PR 2.0 allows for a personable experience without face to face interaction and is a key networking tool to keep this industry alive.

For more information on the buzz about PR 2.0, see an interview conducted by social media manager Robert Sears.

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The only "tragedy" is NBC's perspective...

Canada may as well be in a depression the way that NBC is framing their coverage of the Olympics.

On Saturday night Jennifer Heil was second last to go in the Women's Mogul's ski finals. After a sensational run, she found herself in first place with American Hannah Kearney still waiting to do her final run.

Kearney, as any fierce competitor would, put up the run of her life and took the gold medal, leaving Heil with silver.

Alright so now that that recap is done, let me tell you what really gets on my nerves. NBC...you douchebags...you one sided, narrow-minded douchebags.

For those who were not watching the Olympics Sunday, NBC aired a midday segment hosted by Al Michaels that framed this event's story to make it seem as though this result would dampen the hearts of Canadians and that are Olympics were ruined.

Also featured in this segment was a video montage "recapping" the events of the previous night. During this video were video shots of Kearney celebrating (understandably) but also of Jennifer Heil in tears. Towards the end of the video when attempting to "capture" the essence of Canada, they also showed a shot of a tractor...because apparently a tractor is a valid representation of Canada.

Alright rant almost over. First of all, NBC, as proud Canadians, we recognize the efforts of our athletes. To any Americans who buy into this travesty of a video and believe that Canadians are depressed over Jenn Heil's silver, get over yourself.

The Olympics are not about focusing on the fact that until last night, Canada had not won a gold medal on home soil, it is about recognizing our extremely talented athletes who may not receive the recognition they deserve outside of these games.

The ONLY person who should be disappointed is Jenn Heil, and seeing as she is NOT, we should not be either. All Canadians, including myself, are so proud of Jennifer and the effort she put forth. Perhaps CTV should make a few video montages showing how Apollo Anton Ohno's silver medal in short track was a let down for his country. Oh wait...it isn't a tragedy and CTV has this quality called class...something NBC may want to think about.

Hannah Kearney had the run of her life and deserved her victory. A huge congratulations to her is in order, so congratulations Hannah!

However, Jenn Heil will always be among the top names in Canadian sports and we want her to know that her name is held in very high regard!

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Hot Topic: WHAT'S UP NOW HARVARD?!?!

Having worked in recruitment as an ambassador at Laurier, I was made aware of this video titled That's Why I Chose Yale. This promotional video takes prospective students on an interactive tour around the campus. Sections include residence life, student life and program information.

The video first gained exposure when Rainn Wilson, better known as Dwight Schrute from The Office tweeted about it. Once fellow tweeters viewed the video it gained a lot of recognition in a very short amount of time.

YouTube identifies with multiple demographics, with videos that appeal to people of all ages and types of humour. Yale's idea to upload a promotional video, coupled with musical numbers that keep the viewer engaged as they take a virtual campus tour is a brilliant idea.

The tune is catchy and leaves a lasting impression on those who view it. It has only been up for three weeks and already has over 355 000 views.



What I disliked about the video and the settings on YouTube

The only thing that did not sit well with me for this video were the stipulations that the account user set in regards to rating and commenting on this video. Aside from the account holders who really have nothing constructive or intelligent to say, there is no room for feedback as "Adding comments has been disabled for this video". This can be frustrating for prospective students who may have had questions that could have been answered regarding the school and all it has to offer.

The elimination of two way communication for this video is a barrier for students to find out more information regarding certain aspects of the school. In addition, there is no way for alumni to give feedback or comment on how much they liked/disliked the video.

An effective PR/recruitment tool

I very much liked the idea that Yale's ambassadors created and uploaded a video that has gained massive popularity among young adults applying to, or already attending Yale. The spirit and commitment of the students to make this video would definitely entice more young students to consider applying to Yale; and for some, it may confirm their decision to attend once they graduate high school. This is a very effective way of reaching a specific target audience; as well as enlisting the help of a popular television actor who is easily recognizable with the public.

Why did I choose this as my hot topic?

Although not as thorough as the Yale video, I was apart of a virtual campus tour video that focused on the Athletics and Recreation at Wilfrid Laurier University.

UPDATE

In just two months, this video's views have jumped over 200,000 people. Not bad considering the academic year is coming to an end. If enrollment standards increase, this video may have had a larger impact than originally thought!



For those who want to see and poke fun at me more than you already do on Facebook, check it out here!

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Coach Taylor: Exceeding all expectations

Eric Taylor; a football coach, loving father/husband and community leader. A former Texas high school state champion coach of the Dillon Panthers, coach Taylor finds himself resurrecting a new program at East Dillon High as Head Coach of the Lions.

A damn good football coach

Coach Taylor takes his job very seriously as it depends on one thing; winning. He coaches a team loaded with potential an talent. Thus, finding a balance between winning on the football field and inspiring these young men to succeed in life becomes challenging. However, through football coach Taylor teaches valuable skills to his players such as:

• Teamwork
• Discipline
• Communication
• Respect

These skills help his players succeed both in football and in life; it is because of him, that these opportunities present themselves.

A loving father/husband

Eric Taylor's home life personality is one people would never expect to see after having witnessed "Coach" Taylor. He deals with his 15 year old daughter Julie, who happens to be dating the starting quarterback of his team and his two year old daughter Gracie-Belle. When his wife Tami becomes the new guidance counsellor and eventual principal of Dillon High, it only adds to Taylor's ordeals. He now has to not only deal with the stress of his job, but he has to separate his personal and professional relationships from his wife, daughter and quarterback.

A respected community leader/father-figure

Anyone who has seen coach Taylor agrees that he is the pillar of support for his team, his family and his players. There are many responsibilities that he takes on in his position. The most important role he takes on is a father-figure for his three star players, all who do not have fathers in their lives. It is crucial, though, that Taylor does not ever cross the line between coach and father. His role is to impart his wisdom and guidance so that his players succeed on the football field and are able carry themselves past high school.

If you do not watch Friday Night Lights I hope that you will consider it after reading this!

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