My resume…I’m career bound.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on August 16, 2009
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/check-out-my-resume-i-am-a-job-seeker-after-all-2/
Occupy Wall Street: Rage against the Machine?
“Bump that, I won’t do what you told me”…I wouldn’t rush to say the Occupy Wall Street movement is the Rage Against the Machine that most conservatives are claiming. In fact, in a matter of weeks the grassroots campaign against corporate greed in America has proven to be a viable, organized, and well-represented social movement.
With help from social networking sites the non-violent, social, and political change craze started by small town multi media company Adbusters (based out of Vancouver) has occupied dozens of cities across North America and there isn’t any signs of slowing down. What I think is beautiful about this movement is it’s a mix of Liberals, Conservatives, Left, Right, Middle, Young & Old…it’s clear Americans are fed up and angry. And with Union backing it’s safe to say OWS is a legitimate cause looking for fundamental change.
Long overdue, but people are starting to realize it’s not Republicans’ fault, it’s not Democrats’ fault…it’s the institution’s fault.
Rather than serving the public, it’s evident the government has once again started their mud-slinging tactics with looming reelections in 2012.
The Republicans fought to the tea over the budget deficit and nearly allowed our country to default. A political strategy, this gives conservatives ammunition to say, “Hey, our credit rating was downgraded for the 1st time in American history under your watch, Obama.”
But it’s on both sides….
I’m sorry Mr. President (I voted for you) but your Create Jobs Bill is not the answer. It’s another Stimulus 2.0, a band-aid on a gushing wound, and a cannonball political strategy for Democrats to fire back at Republicans for not passing a bill that’s only a temporary fix to create jobs.
This country needs to sit down, sit back and look at our society from a grand scheme. At this rate, my children’s and grandchildren’s future career paths may be maids and house boys for the Chinese.
It’s pathetic that in a time where Americans are experiencing record highs in mortgage foreclosures, unemployment and, jobless rates our self-interested government chooses not to do their primary job – serve their people.
So where do we go from here?
Well, unfortunately I hold a much more grim opinion on the state of American politics than most and believe there is no way of avoiding a greater depression. However, there are some ideological steps that if taken, can help us avoid complete disaster.
Occupy Wall Street is a step in the right direction but, without a face for the organization and clearly defined issues to support it can only do so much. Thus far, Dylan Ratigan has been the main voice of the movement and in my eyes a Libertarian like Ron Paul could be the face for these angry Americans.
Mr. Ratigan, unlike most mainstream media faces has been a powerful voice for OWS and I salute him. Think about it, it has been almost a month since OWS began, and in our instantaneous news cycle this tremendously influential story is lacking the coverage it deserves. Well, considering the fact this is a movement against corporate America, it comes to no surprise that most news networks (who happen to be owned by a handful of corporations) would choose not to give coverage to an issue that, is ultimately against their own demise. Thank you Dylan…I have signed your Get Money Out petition.
Why can the OWS movement identify with Ron Paul?
At this point the relationship between corporate America and the government is so big and coercive it’s manipulative.
As a Libertarian, Mr. Paul believes that government spending should be cut drastically, government should be axed rather than scalped. Cutting the head off of government spending, and putting more power in the hands of the people is an idea I think Occupy Wall Streeters could resonate with. To me, this makes sense and would help America’s debt problem. We’re not talking about complex ideas here, it’s simple arithmetic…spend less than we consume.
In my opinion, we should cut our military spending by 50%…maybe even more. Government agencies like the SEC, FDA, DEA, HUD, ATF, EPA, and OSHA – should be abolished, along with the Federal Reserve. Unfortunately, these ideas are too radical for common Americans to consider. Even if Ron were elected, I’m positive he would have the heads of the FBI, CIA, DOD, NSA, and a half-dozen other lesser-known Praetorian guard agencies breathing down his neck telling him, “you’re not going to change the order of business around here.”
Some issues the OWS movement ought to rally around:
Get the money out! Mr. Ratigan, I’m with you on this one. Let’s stop allowing our private industries to buy out our government. SEPARATE MONEY FROM THE STATE. 94% of candidates who raise the most money win their elections, this is an alarming number and a clear identifier Americans are being bought out. Seriously, technology has come a long way…do you really have to travel across the country to make personal appearances using the same rhetoric city to city? Have you ever heard of Skype?
FREE & FAIR MEDIA! It’s clear this is an issue that goes hand in hand with the OWS movement. Our media has become so distorted, biased, and, inaccurate I feel like I’m Winston Smith in Michael Radford’s film of George Orwell’s novel, 1984. Most in part to the fact news networks are owned by a handful of corporations who dominate the dialogue. Check out Save the News.Org for more details…they’re an organization advocating for free and fair media.
Tax discrimination and class warfare are common sayings I’ve been hearing. Is it that radical of an idea for there to be a flat tax across the board and the bottom/top 5-10% get tax decreases/increases to offset the books? And forget loopholes…this is America. WE ARE ONE BIG LOOPHOLE.
All in all, this isn’t the laughable hippie movement many conservatives are making it out to be. People are finally turning their anger into positive and peaceful action. Certainly, this cause raises some legitimate fundamental problems with our country. I see this movement carrying over and many of these issues becoming serious topics of debate for the 2012 election. So please, make sure you register to vote, do research and, vote for the politician that will represent YOU and not corporate greed.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on October 12, 2011
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/occupy-wall-street-rage-against-the-machine/
Radford Auto Center – Going Green
Posted by McConnell's Corner on April 15, 2011
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/83/
Radford Auto Center – Going Green
Jason Bowman, the owner of Radford Auto Center is truly an example of an organization willing to accept the tides of Change and Innovation well before the waves come crashing down organizations unwilling to recognize inevitable change. Let’s face it, “the times are a changing.” The economy is in recession, fuel costs are up, budgets are down as a result organizations are forced to change the way they do business. Whether that is cutting costs through eliminating middle management positions, eliminating work force, or choosing to cease existence as a business….change is inevitable. Radford Auto Center is a great example of a business foreseeing such economical trends. Instead of waiting for these predictions to affects their business, Jason Bowman is ahead of the learning curve by becoming the first recognized “Going Green” Auto Center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on April 15, 2011
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/radford-auto-center-going-green/
Rodger Roeser Highlights Regional PRSA Luncheon
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America held their bimonthly luncheon at the Virginia Tech Inn Thursday, April 15th. “The professional association serving public relations practitioners,” invited students from James Madison University, Liberty University, Lynchburg College, Radford University and Virginia Tech to join with practicing professionals from the Central and Southwest Virginia area to the networking event.
Guest speaker and Cleveland native, Rodger Roeser, President of The Eisen Agency highlighted the event in providing incredible insight on the PR field in the ever-increasing digital world we live in today. The energetic Roeser, spoke of his experiences in the communication mix and how he founded what would become the largest and most successful PR Agency in the greater Cincinnati area.
Rodger, expressed the importance of embracing newer technologies and the growing role they play in the PR, Advertising and Marketing mix. Social media sites especially, have shifted the way public relations professionals practice. The level at which companies can target and influence consumer behaviors through various channels is borderline intrusion and brings up many privacy issues however that’s a different conversation.
The fact is, today’s PR scientists must utilize the vast variety of tools at their fingertips. Long ago were the prehistoric days of merely distributing monotonous press releases to lengthy contact lists and expecting results. Integrating messages across traditional and innovative forms of communication allows practitioners the advantage of appealing to far reaching AND local audiences. Roeser considered pod-casting as a tool that ought to be a part of this mix. The success of his agency is somewhat in part to The Marketing Show, a show he co-host once a week that talks all things communication.
At the end of his presentation Roeser was asked, what’s next? Rodger jokingly responded with “telepathy.” He went on to discuss how communication is increasingly becoming hyper-local and extremely geared to the individual…..I agree. With the increasing presence of mobile devices, geo-spatial technologies and companies utilizing social media sites like Facebook to connect with consumers in ways like never before; you have to wonder where we’re heading???
FADE IN:
INT. APT. – DAYTIME
A college students sits glued to a couch with his dog, he suddenly thinks to himself…
STUDENT (To Himself)
‘I’m starving, I could really go for some…
“Ding-dong,” the doorbell unexpectedly rings.
STUDENT
…Papa John’s
The student answers the door only to find a pizza deliveryman.
DELIVERYMAN
Hi! I’ve got a Large pepperoni, 2 liter coke and an order of cinnasticks…….Please sign the top copy to confirm your “tele-pal” payment.
FADE OUT:
Exaggerated but one could imagine if trends were to continue their course…
All in all, I found the luncheon to be incredibly resourceful. I was able to meet new connections, strengthened already established networks and really enjoyed Mr. Roeser’s presentation. I found his points on pod-casting useful….a hobby I soon plan on taking up.
Below is a list of websites providing information on pod-casting….I found them useful for someone who is inexperienced in ‘the cast of the pod.’
Posted by McConnell's Corner on April 14, 2011
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/rodger-roeser-highlights-prsas-april-luncheon/
Google High Speed Internet Proposal
The proposal for Google’s new fiber optic network has become quite the high school homecoming queen election, everyone making claims for why their city deserves to make the final court. Cities like Blacksburg, VA, Topeka, KS, Buffalo, NY, Ann Arbor, MI are amongst thousands of cities bidding for Google to bring their experimental futuristic networks to a town near you. And why not? Google’s fiber optic networks proclaim unthinkable internet capabilities. Details of the network remain unclear, however Google’s fiber-optic networks would deliver data at 1 gigabit per second to homes, businesses and school. That would be roughly 50 to 300 times faster than the DSL, cable and fiber optics connecting most U.S. homes to the web today.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on April 6, 2010
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/65/
The Green Team; Local Organizations Recognized as Eco-Friendly
The New River Valley, “Go Green” organization is an organization that recruits local businesses in the NRV area to become more eco-friendly organizations. This past February, eight local organizations were recognized from go green NRV: Radford Auto Center, Wall Residences, Mountain Lake Hotel & Conservancy, Service Master Commercial Cleaning, Environmental Services and Consulting, East Coasters, Tuck Chiropractic, and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.
Of all these recognized businesses, Jason Bowman, the owner of Radford Auto Center is truly an example of an organization willing to accept the tides of Change and Innovation well before the waves come crashing down on organizations unwilling to recognize inevitable change. Let’s face it, “the times are a changing.” The economy is in recession, fuel costs are up, budgets are down as a result organizations are forced to change the way they do business. Whether that is cutting costs through eliminating middle management positions, eliminating work force, or ceasing to exist as a business….change is inevitable. Radford Auto Center is a great example of a business foreseeing such economical trends. Instead of waiting for such trends to affect his business, Jason Bowman is ahead of the learning curve by becoming the first recognized “Going Green” Auto Center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
While Mr. Bowman’s business has just recently recognized as green friendly, it is a lifestyle he has been living since returning from the War about a decade ago. “Seeing the destruction man can cause through violence and war,” made him an environmentally conscious man. Upon returning, Jason opened up Radford Auto Center in 2001 with aspirations to make his auto center as self sustainable as possible. Some of the things that have been done include: Installing roof sun lights to allow more sunlight to enter his shop, increasing the temperature and light thus allowing him to save on heating and light costs. Furthermore, this unique Auto Center has installed insulated windows and doors for the same effect.
With only four employees all living about half an hour away, Jason and his co-workers all car pool to work together. Normally, it would take a total of 4 hours driving time if each employee drove to and from work separately. With car pooling, Radford Auto Center is able to transport all employees to and from work in 1 hour of driving time.
Radford Auto goes out of their way to recycle materials. Jason takes all paper and cardboard recyclables to a nearby recycling plant in Radford, VA. Furthermore, Mr. Bowman has also caught on to the digital revolution no longer using hard copy paper as a form of receipt or appointment reminders. “Most of the transactions are done via email,” drastically decreasing the use of printing paper and ink. With paper and ink costs it has become to costly to do business practices strictly through hard copies, and going digital is a clear way to save money.
At one time, the organization had to ship their tools and parts out of house in order to degrease and clean them properly. The traveling costs to clean such items proves to be costly after some time. To counter this, Jason purchased his own self generated cleaning system to properly handle and clean tools effectively. Not only is Radford Auto saving money because they no longer have to ship their parts out of house but this tool cleaner and all electricity in the shop is run through a self generated electrical system.
Certainly, one of the most advanced technologies Jason and his colleagues have employed is installing a self generated electrical system. This system allows Radford Auto to reuse what was once useless oil and transmission fluid from customers’ car and regenerate the recycled lube into electricity. Such innovations have decreased Jason’s electricity cost by almost a grand. During peak winter hours, he would spend about $1,000 a month in electricity, however with this system their costs have gone below a $100 a month.
The extent to which Radford Auto Center is going green is certainly phenomenal and Mr. Bowman encourages other organizations to participate with NRV Go Green. Not only will your organization gain positive exposure by going green but they will be taking their part in preserving the environment. Jason predicts such green concepts will be mandatory requirements for businesses. Resources will run dry and, “I foresee such green concepts as being required by the government one day.” Mr. Bowman and Radford Auto are well above the learning curve in this regard. Through such innovations, Radford Auto is certainly going to succeed as an organization while others unwilling to change will face great challenges in playing catch up.
Going green is a win/win situation, by becoming more sustainable his business is cutting costs while business is picking up from the positive feedback he’s receiving. And ultimately, he’s preserving the environment one step at a time.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on March 24, 2010
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/the-green-team-local-organizations-recognized-as-eco-friendly/
Thoughts on the Pay What You Want Model
Danny’s presentation on the Music Industry in class Monday got me thinking about the potential of the Pay What You Want Model. I could really see the Pay What You Want Model taking off as a paradigm and evolving into a gratuity type system. Imagine going to your favorite artist’s website, purchasing they’re music, and much like tipping your server at a restaurant leave the amount you feel you owe for the services being provided to you…truly revolutionary.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on March 4, 2010
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/thoughts-on-the-pay-what-you-want-model/
May you be a wise and innovative spring breaker…
As Spring Break approaches I can’t help but to think of how this annual week of debauchery is different from years past. Spring break just doesn’t seem to have the glory it once had in the MTV Daytona beach days. Unpredictable travel delays, costs, annoying airports, and unstable and unsafe countries housing popular spring break hot spots. Indeed, traveling to your destination can be more of a hassle than a vacation….o and don’t forget your passport. Certainly, the recession, airliners terrorist attacks, and drug cartels have changed the spring break experience. Rather than reflect on how this honored college tradition has changed, I will offer some innovate spring break tips on how to keep your vacation safe, inexpensive, convenient, and care free.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on February 24, 2010
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/may-you-be-a-wise-and-innovative-spring-breaker/
Tiger Woods to Break His Silence
For the first time in months, Tiger Woods will break his silence with the press as he announced Tuesday he will hold a press conference Friday morning.The events that have unraveled since his Buick SUV crashed into a fire hydrant some three months ago have transformed the public perception of a man who was once looked upon as an American idol.To think, last January Woods gave a speech at Obama’s Inauguration.
Woods fall from fame is obvious and arguably his poor communication strategies throughout his fallout are to blame.As a sports figure, Tiger has certainly proven his ability in the realm of golf earning millions.However, the majority of Woods’ income comes from endorsements.Accenture, Gatorade, and Buick amongst others have dropped Tiger as an endorser costing the golf super star millions.These organizations determined that they didn’t want to be involved with the image and transgressions Woods is now associated with.
The way in which Woods has managed media relations during this crisis has been less than flattering.Furthermore, the limitations he has placed on tomorrow’s press statement restrict journalism. The conference is invitation only for reporters who likely have vested interest and no questions will be taken. It is clear, Woods will continue to have limited contact with the press.People have questions and Woods will not give any answers.By choosing not to open up to the media and only offering limited information to the press, Woods, is only giving his critics more reason to drag him down with today’s bull dog press.
Woods image may be tarnished, but his legacy has yet to be determined.Ultimately, Tiger will let his skills on the golf course do the talking but by doing so he is prolonging a crisis that could have been resolved with effective communication tactics.The way Tiger has secluded himself has cause the situation to become increasingly publicized.I’m not saying Tiger should have came out with a tell all book by now.However, Tiger should have opened up to the media and offered some more information in front of the camera much sooner. By waiting so long to come out, Tiger appears artificial and insincere. The information communicated by Tiger will be as pre scripted speech written by his lawyers and publicists. A more timely and sincere response from Woods would have saved face and perhaps prevented some of his endorsers from dropping him.
Posted by McConnell's Corner on February 19, 2010
http://mcconnellls.wordpress.com/2010/02/19/tiger-woods-to-break-his-silence/






