#offbeat

Before going to sleep tonight I thought I’d look around Craigslist to see if there were any new postings for housing in Washington, DC… Had I known that I was going to run into this, I would’ve just gone to bed:

Talk about opportunistic …

While tons of people are stuck at home, tons of others are stranded due to the airports closing, and others are straight-up homeless; some cold-hearted schmuck is trying to make $400 A DAY off others’ misery??? Let me guess, you haven’t done a single thing to try to help the Haiti relief efforts either have you? Or maybe you’re selling “Help Haiti” T-shirt on some Web site I have yet to stumble upon?

This is NOT how you use free internet sites people.

To the person whose identity I protected, although enterprising readers might probably be able to figure it out if they wanted to — I’m glad your apartment building is safe, because if all this snow wasn’t in my way, I’d probably consider stopping by while you’re watching a movie in your home theater, snug like a bug under your 500 count sheet set… to tell you, in person, that this is not cool.

#offbeat

I happen to think that all things happen for a reason. Two weeks before moving to my new home in Maryland, my car — or Dave, as I named it — moved on to a better place. A most untimely, unfortunate event. I have lived in College Park, Md., in and around the D.C. area, for a little over three months now. I love the city and I think part of it is because I’m always on foot.

I’m half embarrassed to admit that I’m still in a bit of a daze when I walk around the streets of DC. I love riding the metro; having to physically climb the electric stairs, which get shut down unexpectedly at every other station; I love coming out of the dark, smelly tunnel to take in the sights of a new neighborhood; I love walking around the streets because while everyone might be avoiding eye contact with others who are passing by, I’m always looking; I love carrying my computer with me so that I can do a little @workshifting in new places; I love walking around squares and parks; I love staring at the monuments; and I could go on for a long time.

Many will roll their eyes and warn me that the things I like about this city are precisely what I will hate about it in a couple of months. Well, that’s all up to me isn’t it? Kind of like that song:

	BLUE LAGOON – Break My Stride .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Also, I’m postmodern. I like the chaos that you hate.

Here’s another one. SNOW.

I had warned people that I would go BANANA SANDWICH on the first day of snow because, although I saw snow for the first time last year in Minneapolis, I had never been anywhere for the first day of snow. Yesterday at around 9am, I got a call from a friend who knew this about me. Snow had apparently come early to DC. I nearly hurt myself as I raced to the nearest window. No snow in College Park yet, just slush. No problem. I hurried to get the day started. Once ready, I put on my coat and opened the door and I am not kidding when I say that I got… well, emotional. Too much? Maybe. But it was a pleasant surprise for me and isn’t that what we should live for?

On my way to the metro station I read tweets from people in DC and picked up on way too much snow sarcasm. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken those too personally. But maybe we shouldn’t take things for granted.

The holidays can get really cheesy. Embrace the cheese and embrace it 365 days a year. When we become embarrassed we run the risk of not putting the things we’re passionate about out there. So as a general rule of thumb, don’t jump on the “taking things for granted” or “it gets really old, really fast” bandwagons…

I’m watching “America’s Funniest Home Videos” as I type. People dressed as Santa falling off tricycles (and yes, hard objects to the crotch) still get laughs out of me and my dear friend @Dave_in_SA. So if those don’t get old, why should anything else?

PS: Hat tip to @unmarketing for the ” #offbeat ” trick he shared with me during #blogchat .

*It's a blog!*

That’s the WordPress default title for the sample post that comes published with every new WordPress account. On the surface it’s a rather generic, upbeat greeting. Underneath the surface it’s an open invitation to allow yourself to run wild and to unleash your inner blogging beast all over your brand new, endless white canvas.

If you scroll down you’ll come to realize that this is not my first post. And yet it is.

What used to be “Andi Narvaez: Down and Across” is now “Andi Narvaez: Re-learning PR.” Welcome to my refreshed blog.

I lost a couple of hours of sleep here and there thinking about my new life in Maryland (Although I just call it D.C.) as a public relations graduate student at University of Maryland and how I wanted the content of my blog to reflect that new life. And one night it hit me (and then I hit myself again when I realized how simple it was).

It’s no secret that the Web, technology and – to a very significant extent – social media are changing the way we used to do pretty much anything – business, education, religion, media, family… On “Re-learning PR” I will reflect on how much or how little communications and public relations theories and concepts written in ancient textbooks (I’m talking 2008 editions) and taught in the classroom differ from what professionals are currently putting into practice. My personal theory is that what I’ll be re-learning in class and from blogs, research, books, professors, colleagues, etc. will be the kind of stuff that would make Edward L. Bernays’ eyes jump out of his sockets.

Get it?

*

Flick user andycarvin

The most difficult thing of living in the United States is how far away I am from most of my family. Social media has bridged the gap a little bit but on day’s like today, Facebook wall messages, e-cards, Twitters, email and Skype phone calls don’t always cut it. But then I thought, “Hey! Don’t I have one of those blogs?”

Here is a little somethin’ somethin’ about the greatest woman in my life. I figured a blog post in her honor would get me closer to letting the whole world (or the 10 people that read this blog) know how much I love her.

Happy mother’s day mom.

Man, how cool is social media?

This blog post (and the 29 more to come) is part of ProBlogger’s “31 Days to Write a Better Blog” challenge. Feel free to judge.

Write a List Post [Day 2 - 31DBBB]

One of my most brilliant moves ever was when I created an “offbeat” category for posts like these

In March 2009 I traveled to Las Vegas for 4 nights and 5 days. This was my second trip to Vegas and, because I learn new things every time, I have vowed to go there every year. Also, Las Vegas is in essence – escapism – and for five days out of the year, who can’t use that?

I’m sure this list will get revised the more I go and discover new places, tricks and tips. But for now… here is what you MUST do or keep in mind to make sure you have a unforgettable time in Las Vegas:

1. Before you go, Twitter: Social media is your friend. But you already knew that. I tend to follow Twitterers with my same interests – personal and professional – so I often forget that there is an entire Twitterverse out there full of even more wonderful resources. Try Twittering “I’m going to Vegas… Vegas… Vegas!” and you will see just how fast those monitoring services pick up your tweet and, within seconds, @TweetVegas is following you and offering to help.
2. Pack: Comfortable shoes that are also dressy (plan to walk for miles), casual clothes for the day and fancy/trendy clothes to wear at night. Also, for those of us on a budget, pack a pre-party kit for your hotel room so as to not spend exorbitant amounts of money when you’re out on the town.
3. Transportation: To get to Vegas my first instinct is always a road trip because they are fun and unpredictable. However, the first time I went to Vegas I drove 26 hours non-stop from San Antonio, Texas (with three friends) so I was more than happy to buy a plane ticket the second time around. Hotels.com is usually your best in finding a good flight + hotel deal. While in Vegas, walk. There is nothing like going up and down the Strip and walking in and out of hotels. DO get a three-day bus pass though. For only $15 you can make sure that you always have a way to get back to your hotel if you’ve had too much… walking for one day.
4. Location, location, location: The Strip can be quite deceiving. Only because it’s crowded doesn’t mean it’s not miles and miles and miles long. Choose somewhere around the middle of the Strip. I recommend the Flamingo or Harrah’s. if you have more money, by all means treat yourself to a little Planet Hollywood, Mirage or Bellagio.
5. Money matters: Take only cash and don’t let your credit card tempt you. Do be generous with yourself, but spend wisely. Visit the Tix4Tonight kiosk (on the Strip in the same building as the M&M store) and check out what’s on sale. Treat yourself to a Cirque de Solei show and a buffet or a nice dinner – for only $3 you can get a discount ticket for 50 percent off your tab at a few of the restaurants in the hotels on the Strip.
6. During the day: Try to get up at a decent hour and walk down the strip to explore the hotels and casinos. They don’t call Las Vegas an adult’s playground for nothing. At least once, get yourself one of those huge frozen mixed drinks. Trust me, when you are walking around and start seeing every other person carrying one in their hand, starting the night early… you are going to find it hard to resist. Make at least one afternoon a “pool” afternoon and relax (feel free to skip this if you are going during the winter months). And, at least one day, venture off the Strip a bit and check out the places near Circus Circus – Slots-A-Fun followed by the Freemont Street evening light show are the perfect way to start to get in the mood for night time fun. 
7. Mind the taste buds: If you are on a budget, grab yourself a Subway for lunch (at the time this post was written the $5 footlongdeal was made in heaven as far as eating in Vegas is concerned) and take your money to a good buffet or a restaurant for dinner. And you already know how to make this happen without going broke – HINT: re-read #5.
8. At night: After a bit of pre-partying in your hotel room (by the way, this post assumes you are going with your group of 20-something friends. In case it wasn’t evident already) head over to watch teh Bellagio fountains (probably one of the top most magical moments of one’s life) and then, please direct yourself to a bar or nightclub. There is no dancing around this. Except the only way to do so is precisely that – dancing. The clubs in Vegas are too many to name, too dificult to put in order from best to less best and I haven’t seen and done eveything (yet) so I won’t go into terrible detail. I will say that you will be satisfied and have plenty of fun wherever you end up. It’s Vegas afterall.
9. Best for last? don’t even think about it: A lot of doors to exclusive clubs will open for you if you are a girl but because I am not sexist I have four words for you (and an ampersand) – Carnival Court Bar & Grill, A.K.A. one of the greatest places on Earth. One visit here made me want to never have to leave Las Vegas. It could have been the great location (middle of the strip right at Harrah’s), the outdoor-concert-venue-meets-indoor-bar building features, the yard and double-yard Long Island ice tea, the bartenders-meets-circus-performers bartenders or the amazing live music by Heavy Petting Zoo…. actually, it was all of these things coming together as one – no two – of the greatest Vegas nights. Don’t save this for last. You’ll want to do it again.
10. A final word to the wise: If you are a girl going with a group of girls consider yourself MADE. A stroll down the strip is guaranteed to result in at least three encounters with club promoters wanting to get you on their VIP list, which sometimes includes a free first round of drinks. I know, I know. I said I wasn’t sexist… my bad.

You’ll notice how there is nothing whatsoever on this post about gambling. I guess that goes to show that there is so much to Vegas besides the first thing people think about when one says “Vegas.” I hope I did it justice.

But if you are into gambling here is my advice – Don’t. Odds are you are going to lose money and go back home at least with somewhat of a grudge. I prefer avoiding that altogether. But, if you absolutely must, stick with the penny slots. The hurt is lessened there and if you play the odds you might even make $5… Hey! Lunch money!

One last thing. Don’t get married.

Photo credits: Flickr users, roadsidepictures, desert dan and pbo31

This blog post (and the 30 more to come) is part of ProBlogger’s “31 Days to Write a Better Blog” challenge.

Feel free to judge.

Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Blog [Day 1 -31DBBB]

A mutant offspring of the 20th and 21st century I have a multitasking sort of background in public relations, marketing, social media, writing, design and advertising. I have an undying passion for reading news, blogs and books and I force feed myself more mainstream media, brands and entertainment than anyone likes to admit most of the time.

This blog is about communication and the way it is evolving our society. Not unlike my mind, this blog is scattered, but it gets its focus back by extrapolating from current events, other posts, news articles, etc. to determine how – one way or another – they all integrate to essentially point out the same thing. Of course, that’s not always the case and that’s when things get interesting.

Las Vegas 09: Day one.

How is Vegas you ask? Living up to it’s reputation I respond.

Our adventures started off with an adventure when we decided that we would walk to our hotel, Tropicana, from the airport. Bad call on our part but it turned out to be for the best since, after many turnarounds, dead ends and wrong directions, we were finally en route to our destination and able to stop by a store where beverages are sold and – not just that – Subway was right next door and we had ourselves the best dinner of our lives. No joke.

The trek over to the hotel was reminiscent of my two months bckpacking around Europe and that alone explains how much fun it turned out to be in the end.

Long story short, after checking in and finding out that the swim-up bar, the thoughts of which got us through the two weeks before Vegas, was closed an after scoring free stuff from our hotel in compensation for this mishap , we ventured off.

We rode the bus down the strip to the Venetian and went to a bar there, recommended by @TweetVegas (Yay! Social media is part of this story. Post relevance to blog WIN!) I had forgotten that being of the female gender comes complete with free-stuff packages and complimentary everything in Vegas. Yay sexism??

Highlight of the night: meeting 81 year-old Dolly at the Venetian casino and getting our hair did!! She was in the hair, make up and wig business – go figure. Also, being imparted the wisdom that marrying a millionaire that is 20 years younger than you is the way to go in life. And, of course, being offered a trip to Hawaii to be married off to one of Dolly’s grandchildren, along with my two friends.

Vegas. What a town.

Midnight snacks courtesy of Denny’s. Yummmmm?????

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 I came to my office desk to discover a small white box sitting on my desk, on top of my pile of files and papers. In the mystery courier’s defense, my desk was a bit messy and it has been a busy couple of weeks, which left nowhere else to set the box down but atop my pile of mess.

In the box I found a set of brand new business cards with my name on them and I must admit, I smiled… wide.

On Feb. 15 I celebrated my fourth month with  KGBTexas Public Relations / Advertising, a full-service agency based in San Antonio, Texas, and I’m happy to say that I  still get up at 7 a.m. every morning and go to work, gladly.

I am overwhelmed by how fortunate I am to be able to do what I love every day, to still be challenged, to continue to learn new things and to work with a great group of talented, experienced and incredibly personable, friendly people.

One time (not at band camp…) I was watching Chris Rock’s stand-up show “Kill the Messenger” and he did a bit on the difference between a job and a career. His bit was about his job, scrubbing dishes at Reb Lobster, being terrible  in comparison to his career as a comedian – of course he didn’t just say that. He pantomimed and did special effects for the whole thing.

Mine is not a job. I am happy that I am on a solid path to a solid career.

I truly empathize with the hundreds of thousands who have lost their jobs in the current economic recession and I hope that times will get better soon.

I don’t know where it started but I do know that a co-worker tagged me in his “25 Random Things” Facebook Note and that I’ve seen at least a dozen other lists of random things pop up in my news feed. Now, I don’t say this very often but – I give in.

My list is below but as long as I have your attention… How about them time-wasters? Could the time we spend on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and Web sites be dedicated to more productive things?

Steve Johnson would say that the things that we think of as distractions (i.e. Twitter and the usual suspects) are actually making us smarter and improving our time managements skills. I would have to agree. I remember when someone once asked me how often I check my e-mail  and I answered, “at least ten times a day or so.” That must have been, what, like… four years ago! If someone asked me how often I check e-mail now I’d say, “more often than I blink.” If I need to write an article or a press release it probably doesn’t help that I also have e-mail coming at me from left and right… but that’s work too and it has taught me to manage time better, write concisely and be more productive.

What about social media? My Twitter feed gets more updates than my Outlook gets e-mail. In fact, a fourth of my computer screen has been taken over by Twhirl (and I assure you it was a hostile takeover). I let most of my Tweets go by but every now and then something catches my eye and I pause my work to take it in and do some investigation as needed.

I’m sure that most of what I do on Twitter, Facebook, etc. ends up in a dead end. But when something good happens it makes it all worth it. When I see/read/hear something that gets me thinking or teaches me something new, when I get news/content about things that might be worth pursuing for a client or my work, when I get a laugh out of something witty or funny, when I learn about someone who is onto something… those are the moments that make my “wasted” time worth wasting.

This is what many marketers and PR people are trying to get companies to understand. That although we can’t really measure the value of some of the things we do or the campaigns we invest so much in, the probability of one “something” happening is enough to go for it.

I’m writing this well after my regular work hours so I’m safe. Enjoy!

1. I love bad movies – I have the Godzilla collection, Nightmare at Noon, Strike Commando… at home.

2. I will instantly marry someone who can make me laugh.

3. I wish I asked more questions.

4. I’m not really an animal person.

6. I have tattoos.

7. I hate stereotypes.

8. I can never get ready in under an hour.

9. I would do anything for my friends.

10. For the longest time I wanted to be a professional dancer, then a special effects … um, person, then a computer scientist, then a graphic designer… Now I’m in PR

11. I don’t make girlfriends easily but I get along with guys great.

12. Like coffee, I think beer is an acquired taste and I’ve acquired both of those.

13. I’m an awful cook but I love to cook. I’m hoping practice makes perfect.

14. I’m a workaholic and I feel like it’s going to cause me some sort of grief before the end. I hope it’s worth it.

15. I can easily detach myself from people and things. That is a good and a bad thing.

16. It only took four days for me to fall in love with Paris.

17. I want to adopt some day.

18. My iPod has a ridiculous combination or really good and really bad songs.

19. I’d always rather have chicken than steak, or anything else, any day.

20. I love IHOP.

21. I ALWAYS get a tuna Sandwich when I eat at Subway.

22. If I had all the money in the world to be lavish… I’d buy shoes.

23. Even if I never have all the money in the world to be lavish… I want to travel, a LOT.

24. If I could be anything, I would be a professional basketball player in the NBA (sorry girls).

25. I love Batman.

This is not an excuse.

My ears finally popped yesterday and I can officially say that I have gotten over the worst case of the flu I’ve had to deal with in six years. For a while all I could hear was myself chewing. I have a new-found sympathy for fishes living in fish bowls.

There is a saying in Spanish about healthy minds leading to healthy bodies (I’m sure it’s true for other languages), however, I’ve confirmed that there is nothing the mind will do if the body doesn’t feel like cooperating and I can think of other instances where that is true.

A friend introduced me to Larry Lessing (not in person, just his work) who is an advocate of less anal copyright laws that stifle creativity. You can think of copyright laws as the flu virus that is standing between new content, products and services that have the potential of BEING once the original ideas that will drive them cease to be afflicted.

Steve Jobs recently announced he will be taking a six-month leave of abscence due to health issues.  Apple’s stocks dropped as stockowners’s felt that their money was at risk unless Steve Jobs was behind the company in mind AND body.

The U.S. economy is ailing as well and hundreds of thousands of talented people are unemployed and being forced to “take a leave of absence”.  What’s afflicting the country? I could list so many things as the situation seems to propagate and become more widespread.

I drank nasty syrup to get over my personal case of the flu that was cramping my style, productivity, willingness and ability to do anything at all. I had to be consistent. It was not pleasant. It’s done. I’m good as new.

What perscription do we need to get all other things back into good shape?

Too much of a stretch? Probably. But there is so much going on and some things that are completely unrelated seem to mirror each other in many ways. It’s uncanny and… airborne… ?