Weekof June 1, 2009

Hey everyone, here we go. . . . . .

 

IN OUR WORLD

 

A full week in town, in my own bed and setting my own work schedule.  Had an ambitious to-do list and made a strong push in getting stuff done, but I had misplaced my memory as to the need to be flexible as a series of client issues arose throwing my best laid plans into an unpredictable realm.  No worries though as that’s my favorite way of thinking.

 

Looking forward to finally getting to a couple of Creative Ventures projects that have taken a back seat to client issues.  I am in the second phase of storyboards on a complete web site revision.  Dr. Jim Hengstenberg, a trusted advisor and friend as well as a part of the Creative Ventures team for years, has been in town all week and we have worked through some back-logged issues.

 

June newsletter is available.

 

All in all a great week of work!

 

 

 

 

HEY, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER –CREATIVEVENTURE

 

AND ON FACEBOOK – STEPHEN HARVILL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

There is so much going on I thought I would just scattershoot on those things that I found interesting:

• The National Assoc of Realtors gave us a bit of good news when May showed pending home sales increased 6.7%, exceeding all expectations.
• General Motors has agreed to sell their Hummer brand to a Chinese manufacturing company.  Kind of weird to think of those tank size cars driving around in China.  GM has 16 buyers interested in the Saturn line and 3 interested in Saab.  The new GM will be a leaner organization, downsizing brand lines which will provide opportunity for those who can step in and revitalize existing brands.
• Overall auto sales are still down from a year ago, but almost across the board, are up from last month.
• Colorado State University has lowered the impact projection for the 2009 hurricane season that started on 6/2.  I’m not sure how a landlocked, mountain state university gang are the hurricane experts, but they seem to be quoted a lot.  No matter, as Jimmy Buffett said; “it’s hard to reason in hurricane season.”

Just a few tidbits of interest.

As usual, I am easily fascinated and have already filled three idea journals for the year.  What, you don’t keep idea journals!  Drop me a note and I will show you how.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

 

MOVIES:    The Hangover:   Not a good week in the blockbuster season, but the previews of this movie has made me laugh each time I have seen them.

 

NetFlix Fans:  Defiance:   WWII movie about escaping Jews who find refuge and conflict in the forest.  Laura loved this movie and I only liked it.

 

TV:    USA launched its new summer line up last night with the new season of Burn Notice and the new series, Royal Pains.  USA is the BEST at its character driven philosophy.    Both great new TV viewing.  Also the NBA Finals and the French Open (will Roger tie the great Pete Sampras?) are on the tube.

 

BOOKS:  Ignore Everybody   – By MacLeod.  A great journey into how we drive the creativity right out of people and what to do about it.  One of the best, original minds around.  Great graphic artist and insightful marketer.  Check out the web link to his web site.

 

MUSIC:   Not the best video, BUT the latest from The Dave Matthews Band

 

 

WEB SITES:   BEWARE OF BAD LANGUAGE.  This is Hugh MacLeod’s web site.  GREAT STUFF.

 

 

www.gapingvoid.com

 

 

SOUTH OF NORMAL

 

Here is an interesting list of the three absolutely worst brands and types of alcohol you can put in your body.  For some of you this will be a must buy list, for others an avoid list:

 

# 3   –   Absinthe:  This is that Greek liquor you have heard about.  This stuff is actually a psychedelic and is so bad that it’s been banned from the US since 1913.  Bottoms up and break out the Pink Floyd.

 

# 2   –   Devil Springs Vodka:  This is a New Jersey produced vodka that will take the hair off your head.  You can really take over a party with this one

 

# 1   –  Everclear:  Yep, the old fraternity fall back booze.  95% alcohol by volume makes this 190 proof.  Flavorless and colorless, it can be added to any other liquid.  By the way, car battery acid shares these same properties

 

 

Confidence is preparation.  Everything else is out of your control.

Richard Klive