Give Back to Your Fans

Last week I was surfing the web for tickets to sing along with Jason Mraz at the Hollywood Bowl, unfortunately for me they were sold out. I was so upset and nearly cried. Okay, maybe I'm overacting but I hoped Craigslist would be my ticket savior. I didn't care if all I found was one ticket and had to go alone. To my disappointment tickets were going for $85 to $500, yes $500 (they went on sale for $22). I think there's something wrong with people who rip off die-hard fans such as myself but, that's a whole other blog. I decided to search the internet for a more reasonable deal. Luckily, I came across a blog that mentioned Jason's Mraz's announcement to perform a free show in his hometown, San Diego, on October 11th. I thought no way, a free show-there has to be a catch. I went on Jason Mraz's website and there it was, right in front of me, that very special word that we all love so much, "FREE."



As my blood rushed to my head and I nearly fell out of my chair, I quickly read through the announcement. Reserved seats would be $1, lawn seats (all 10,000 of them) would be free, VIP tickets would start at $75, and 30 orchestra tickets with a meet and greet would be auctioned off on Sept 26th at 10am. All auction proceeds will go towards The Surfrider Foundation. The concert is dedicated to helping other charities such as VH1 Save the Music and San Diego Youth Services. This is a very generous act from Jason Mraz who already performed in San Diego on his tour and was suppose to close the night before in Los Angeles.

But, what does this really say about Jason Mraz? For one, he values his loyal fans especially the one's who helped him start his career, he acknowledges his fans and expresses this by giving back to them, and he wants to create and maintain positive relationships with fans. He also believes in causes and by sharing this with fans he develops an emotional connection, making them even more loyal. Jason Mraz not only supports the eco-system but encourages eco-friendly actions by offering incentives. In addition to offering a free show that benefits charities, parking will also be free for fans who carpool with 3 or more.

Indeed, I did get tickets for Jason Mraz's San Diego show and yes they were free! I couldn't be happier to see him live in my hometown. As Jason Mraz would say , "I'm Yours," he won me over with this and I will forever be a grateful and loyal fan!


I highly recommend playing on Jason Mraz's website if you haven't already: http://www.jasonmraz.com/#

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans.

VH1 Save the Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools

San Diego Youth Services is an organization that has worked to stabilize the lives of over 500,000 homeless, runaway, and abused and at-risk youth in the San Diego area.

Monica Camacho, Jr. Strategic Planner

"Paz sin Fronteras"

Those who know me personally probably “figured” that I would write about this concert that I haven’t had the pleasure of watching but felt it was worth blogging about. I’m not sure if you have many Colombian friends but if you do you will know where I am coming from as you read my piece on Juane’s concert, “Concert for Peace” that took place in Cuba. According to several news papers during the planning process of this concert he had been threatened to be murdered if he went through with the concert. When I heard this I was astonished as to why our society continues to fear “GOOD”. Growing up in this country I have been exposed to many things that I was never taught in Colombia. Like my own home, which in some textbooks within my “Child Development” classes say, “The home is the #1 School”. With that said I learned at the age of 8 while living in Florida what ‘racism’ was. I wasn’t accepted in a predominantly “Anglo” community because I didn’t speak English and I wasn’t accepted in my Hispanic community because I wasn’t “Latina” enough. But when I would come home I would feel the most accepted.

I tried to fit in and so I wouldn’t speak Spanish and just focus on speaking English so that my peers would accept me. I would go home and my mother would say, “Sorry you are Colombian and you will speak Spanish in this house”. I can say that I thank her for that. In my home love is something that is very important. We were taught that we were a “Team”. What affects one affects us all. Music was a huge part of our lives as well. I remember watching Juanes in concert at the age of 12 in Medellin. He had about 1.5 million attendees and he was singing for “Peace”. He was tired of seeing people in our country fear for their lives when all they wanted to do is to live their lives. As I read about his plan to do a concert in Cuba, I thought to myself, “Wow, this man stops at nothing to spread Peace”. I was honored to be from his country and represent that in our people. Stereotypes are such a negative way of classifying people that it can in turn into a bigger problem. I believe that this is what has happened in Cuba.

I recently read that, almost 10 percent of Cuba's population showed up and about 30 percent of Cuba’s youth was present at his concert on September 20th. I felt these percentages to be astonishing and very proud of Juane's mission to spread “Peace”. I will leave you with this quote from Carlos Saladrigas, a reporter from http://www.cubastudygroup.org/. “The massive attendance highlighted the large and growing disconnect between the exiled hardliners and the Cuban people. More Cuban Americans have come to the realization that we cannot afford to continue with failed policies to meet the challenges of the future. We need to engage. It is not reasonable to expect to partake in a new Cuba if we don't partake in the process that creates it.” What do you think??

Post Graduation; Intro Into an Entry Level Life

I came along with an intention to focus my efforts into a passion. Now after college I have seen my fermented seeds proliferate into a life. It began on Ventura Boulevard in a fallacious one bedroom apartment. Fortuitously, my brother Daniel and I had all of the equipment needed to create. Only what time would paragon, our expression, ourselves through film. Our goal was to submit our 15 minute short film into; Top 25 ranked Film Festivals around the United States. We submitted 10 out of the 25 at $50 dollars a submission. That was a $500 dollar investment. Didn’t matter, we’re raised by life a tacit. Daniel’s Short Film entitled; A Reason To Live was recognized twice amongst our 10 submissions. A capacity crowd of fifty independent film directors and critics viewed our production. At the very moment when my brother and I were answering Q&A from the audience. I felt a drizzle of equanimity over my soul. I encountered my purpose. Since that experience, I have continued to live in pursuit of my dream. There will be an answer. Let it be.


A Reason to Live; http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=40822965

What Do Your Facial Expressions Say?

Are you aware of your facial expressions? Do you wonder what your facial expressions communicate? Through a recent conversation, I became aware that my facial expressions weren't necessarily expressing what I thought and felt. I was actually surprised when my co-worker said to me "Sometimes it's hard to read you," and I asked "What do you mean?" She said "Why did you make that facial expression." "What facial expression?" I asked confused. She said "You made a smirk." I gave her a perplexed look and then she said "Well, not a smirk, it's more like a grin, why did you make a grin when I mentioned the article?" I had to think about it for second. We were discussing an article about social media. She mentioned that the article was about Hispanics and their traditional uses with the internet prior to social media compared to their interactions online after the social media boom. Why did I grin? Well, I'm a collective listener. I listen, collect information, and then react. So, as she was talking I found what she was saying prevailing. My way of communicating this was to make a smirk, wait, I mean a grin without interrupting her. However, obviously my facial expression was an interruption because it communicated that I was amused or was laughing at her comment which is the meaning of a grin (without further interpretation beyond it's definition).

Amusement or laughter was far from what I was trying to communicate. In my mind I was thinking that's interesting, let me listen to the rest of what she has to say, then I'll ask questions and make comments. This topic made me aware of my facial expressions and what they may communicate. I decided to do take a quick dive into facial expressions and discovered there are many ways to express emotions using our face and simple gestures such as raising an eyebrow can have a strong communication message depending on the context of the conversation. Some expressions I came across were: so funny, bliss, not sure I believe you, so shy, I'm ashamed-so sorry, pain, and then I came across the expression I was thinking but didn't convey-"that's interesting" According to Aquiziam.com the expression of that's interesting is expressed by " The "quizzical" facial expression of a person who is paying close but cautious attention to what is said or displayed. The face is relatively neutral although there is a hint of a frown that tends, in this case, to suggest concentration rather than disapproval. The eyes are open and fixed on the subject and the lips are relaxed. This is the intelligent expression that a lecturer would like to see on the faces of the students in the hall. If the person depicted had a hint of a smile or nodded their head from time-to-time, this would indicate approval of the communication."

Maybe my facial expression wasn't that off. It does say a hint of a frown or smile indicates interest. Since I was only expressing the facial expression I cannot comment on my grin since I could not see it. However, this will make me think more before raising an eyebrow, smiling, squinting my eyes, making the wrinkles on my forehead visible, etc.

Facial expressions can communicate strong messages as seen below from President Obama

Click here to watch a very amusing video from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon highlighting Obama's many facial expressions and comically what they mean: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2009/07/obama-facial-expressions/

As a lesson learned or remembered we should all be aware of our facial expressions as they have the power to communicate emotions, thoughts, understanding, agreement/disagreement, and opinions.

Monica Camacho, Junior Strategic Planner

Graffiti Advertising

Graffiti in the last few decades has grown wildly popular and become widely regarded as an art form, a shift from the past and a stigma of vandalism. In the last few decades graffiti has also went from the underground work of passionate artists, to an awareness and engagement tool to deliver brand messages by advertising agencies.

Graffiti arguably started as far back in history as our ancestors the cavemen or ancient Egypt and Rome, but for the purpose of this post let’s start with the origins of modern graffiti which started in the Northeast (Philadelphia and New York) in the 1970’s by guys named Cornbread, Vic 156 and Taki 183 with the intent of getting a “rep” (reputation), a street code word for raising your brand awareness. So it makes perfect sense that it has grown in popularity with advertisers who are always looking for creative ways to connect with consumers.

Some companies that specialize in creating graffiti advertising include Alt Terrain and Tats Cru Inc.; Tats Cru is a Bronx based company of professional graffiti artists who started out as teenagers creating subway graffiti.

Graffiti remains a mostly outdoor medium that has extended brand benefits like making a brand cool, edgy and urban, and for that reason marketers from all categories are using graffiti as part of their integrated marketing plans around the globe.

Latinos on the Map of the US Open

To all of my blog fans, sorry I missed last week. But if you know me personally you know that I wear a lot of hats. On a good note, I am following up with a great and very influential sports figure. Juan Martin Del Potro. He outlasted Roger Federer last night during the Men’s Finals during the US Open in New York City.



I was lucky enough to catch this great match because I had to take my car to the mechanic and they happen to have very beautiful 57'. plasma in the waiting area. The shop staff was pretty down and out when I arrived but I was able to “liven” it up with my cheering and yelling for Del Potro’s win. For those "Non Tennis" fans, you need to WATCH! This sport is very entertaining as you see the player’s passion that their faces reflect as they hit the ball across the court going at an average speed of 100mph.


So back to Del Potro because I’m not a sportscaster! He won his very first professional match, at the age of 15. He began playing tennis at the age of 7 with coach, Marcelo Gomez. He was then discovered by Italian ex-tennis professional Ugo Colombin, who accompanied him through the initial phases of his young career, and is still today his agent and close friend.

The match went to a 5th set and in Tennis that isn’t common. He won 2 sets, Federer the other 2 and was forced to go to a 5th. As soon as Del Potro made the breakpoint he couldn’t believe it. He dropped to the ground after cheering his win. Once he got up after realizing he won, he walked up to the bleachers and kissed and hugged his family, a perfect illustration of true love. By his win, Del Potro is the second only other Argentine to have won this title. Guillermo Vilas won this title 32 years ago.

After getting kicked out of the auto-shop while watching the game for 2 hours, I drove to a local lounge in Jackson Heights, Chivatazo. I had been there for the Brazil vs. Argentina soccer match where Argentina had lost. It was a great feeling to know that they won in the Us Open. I’m not Argentine but we all represent one race and that is Hispanics. Juan Martin Del Potro is another positive influence and represents us in a wonderful way.


Here is the link of his acceptance speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHsAX792PN0

Sprouting Ideas

Sometimes you just wish things could magically appear when you need them to. Sometimes you wish things were simple, quick, efficient. As simple as pressing a button- or in this day in age, with just a simple touch on a screen and what you need appears. The iPhone is the first thing that pops into our head. It assists and entertains us more than we could have ever imagined. Now how about if it were to bring our transportation to us and even start the car? It's not a far fetched idea and as I most recently read in September's issue of Fortune magazine, the "Best New Idea" has zoomed in.

Zipcar is a shared form of transportation. As they call it, it's the "Netflix for cars." The company has about 325,000 members relying on this shared form of transportation that is not only financially smart but Eco conscious. The average savings per month is about $600 for those that give up their car to join Zipcar and surveys in Europe are saying CO2 emissions are being cut by up to 50% per user. Granted this may be too far fetched for those that prefer owning their own car no matter what, but in a challenging changing world ideas like these are more welcoming than ever especially in an Eco-minded urban lifestyle setting.

So how does it work?

Fairly simple.

You go online or use the iPhone application to make a reservation and the car's computer system grabs your information. Once with the car you wave the Zipcard to open it or with the iPhone app unlock it and enable it to start. You must be mindful of the rules in using Zipcar though: do not return it with an empty tank, keep the car clean, and announce if you will need a time extension with the car. These plus plenty more maintain the cleanliness and curtious kindness for all the users. You pay hourly or daily depending on location, car and day of the week, plus gas and insurance are attached.

According to Zipcar's CEO, Scott Griffith, car sharing is entering the mass market with the demographic becoming older and more reflective of the national average. Of what began with a younger smaller demographic, it is now gaining so much momentum that a variety of businesses are looking into this form of sharing and evolvement. A basic idea based on early taught manners: sharing. This makes me think twice about jotting down those random ideas throughout the day, who knows when they can sprout to be the next big idea.

http://www.zipcar.com/

Planning baby geat the "smart” way

The phone rings and I hear a voice on the other end say: “Hi prima, guess what? I’m pregnant!! I’m so excited; I can’t wait to go shopping for baby clothes!”

It brought flash backs from my first pregnancy, how I wanted just the best for my baby; and to me, the best meant new items! I went out of my way to get the best baby gear I could afford and recall turning down offers of hand-me-downs by using lame excuses…. Now I’m startled at how much I’ve changed from one child to the next as I now I know what it takes financially to get new gear. Also, some baby items appear as “must-have” at the beginning, end up practically unused! I can think of several baby items that never even saw the light of day and I passed unopened to other expecting moms.

So, if you’re a mom in the making with baby on the way, or you are thinking about kids, be smart and optimize your budget.
Don’t use BabiesRUs gear check list to decide what you need, instead research with your friends who actually have kids, use real mom blogs for brand research (versus brand blogs). You might think you need a bouncer, swing and baby play station but after talking to those moms you might discover one of those items can do the trick. By all means accept those hand-me-downs. I would probably not recommend accepting a crib or an infant car seat as regulations and safety features change regularly; items such as diaper bags, clothes, booster or high chairs, swings, bath tubs, strollers, can definitely save you a lot of money. You will be tempted to get all new items but hold off as you will probably get a great deal of items from relatives excited about your soon to arrive baby. Be smart and retain your shopaholic impulse. Now I not only take hand-me-downs but also hand down to others as well.

My advice to my “prima” and to all of you is to buy a cute little outfit and get the immediate urge to buy it all out. Talk to your friends with kids about gear, check out blogs to build your baby needs list and wait until your baby shower happens as this is when you’ll really know what you truly need to purchase.

I Love New York!

I love New York City! I have lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City, and currently Orange County but I love New York City the most!



San Diego is a gorgeous town with perfect weather, but I grew up in San Diego. So, I've gone to La Jolla, Balboa Park, Coronado, Del Mar and the Gaslamp hundreds of times. Not to mention the "World's Famous Zoo," and the "Home of Shamu"- I have all of the show's scripts memorized. Don't get me wrong, once you step outside of the tourist attractions culture is in the heart of San Diego. My friends and I decided we're tired of going to the same crowded, over-priced, non-entertaining spots. If you like boutiques, coffee shops, good food, dive bars, and art then I recommend checking out these areas in San Diego-North Park, South Park, Hillcrest, and Normal Heights.



Los Angeles is my favorite West Coast "material" city, but we can all agree traffic is annoying. I don't even know how many hours of my life I spent in traffic listening to the same songs over and over but one thing that LA knows how to do is shop. My favorite places to shop in LA are Abbot Kenny Blvd, Main St in Santa Monica, and the Promenade, oh you have to check out the Farmers Market. A drive down Sunset Blvd filled with expensive cars says "city of dreams." A hike to the the top of Griffith Park is breathtaking. Many young people move to LA every year in hopes of becoming a star and many settle because they find LA offers them something that they didn't have before like great food from China Town, an abundance of fabrics from The Fashion District, the opportunity to network in Hollywood. LA offers a little bit of everything for everyone.



Orange County is the perfect little city. Everything matches from the colors of buildings to dogs with matching outfits. It's absolutely stunning and beautiful but has very little culture.



I love New York City! In the city you meet people from all over the world. Next time you're in the city strike up a conversation with a NYer you might be surprised what you may have in common and you may actually learn something. I like New York because the people are smart. Time is precious and laying on the beach isn't an option. New York really goes by "play hard and work harder." A walk around the Met, reading on the subway, or a picnic in the park is a sense of relaxation. When you're in NY, stand stiil, slowly turn your body to a full 360 degrees, look around, everything is beautiful-the people walking, the high-rise buildings, the sun peaking in, the architecture, the history. Then close your eyes and listen to the conversations, the cabs, the wind. Smell the food, and depending on what time of year it is smell the rain, the flowers blooming, or the smell of autumn. I like New York because ideas are developed in basements, warehouses are turned into art galleries, concerts are played in theaters, advertising masters Times Square, and most of all, I believe the best in people comes out when we are forced to interact with each other on a continuous basis and experience so many backgrounds in doing so. It's almost like traveling the world in one central hub. I <3 NY is an iconic brand, people travel to NY everyday looking for this brand, an I <3 NY t-shirt gives them a piece of NY to take with them and besides who doesn't love NY?



Note: When I refer to culture I'm talking about what makes a particular city different from others, basically what is the cities culture as a whole and not necessarily independent cultures.

Monica Camacho, Strategic Planner

Oliver Rios, "The Next Big Thing"

Last week I’d planned on writing about this artist I came across on Face book, Mr. Oliver Rios. Native New Yorker Oliver, Rios was born and raised in Spanish Harlem. He has been creatively designing and photographing for about 20 years. The urban art form of graffiti helped the artist to strive in the everyday life of El Barrio. Painting murals and airbrushing in the late ‘80s and ‘90s gave Rios the opportunity to expose his artistic talents. Rios now focuses his energy designing posters for charities like breast cancer awareness, with the use of digital photography and graphic design. Raices (Roots) - with the use of digital photography and graphic design this exhibit is a beautiful example of Puerto Rico’s traditions and lifestyle in which he loves and embraces.

I feel Oliver to be a very positive influence within our society today. Through his expression of his passions and talent in his imagery we are able to see his way of viewing the issues we face today. In this post you will see samples of his work. He has worked with names such as, Sony Music, Tommy Hilfiger, Urban Latino Magazine, El Diario, La Prensa, American Latino TV, Latination and many more. He explained to me that playing with his father’s Canon when he was younger helped spark his interest in photography and his true passion for collage. Also, through graffiti art he learned, “To get respect, you have to give respect”.

For more information on Oliver Rios’ work please visit http://www.oriosdesigns.com/ or email info@oriosdesigns.com