Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Watch "The Soloist"

My husband and I just finished watching "The Soloist", the story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Jr. originally of Cleveland, an accomplished cellist and violinist who struggles with schizophrenia and at one time lived on the streets of Los Angeles.

Ayers is played by Jamie Foxx, who gives an outstanding performance. Robert Downey Jr. plays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times reporter who discovered Ayers playing one day in an open park. After getting close to him, Lopez starts writing about Ayers in his column.

Over a period of one year, Lopez befriends Ayers, manages to get him off the street and helps him have a better life, while also reuniting him with the sister he hasn't seen in years. Throughout the year, Lopez continues to write about Ayers in his column. It is these columns that eventually form his book about Ayers, which was ultimately turned into the movie Soloist.

The whole time I was watching this movie, I couldn't help but think about all the other homeless people out there and the stories they might have to tell. I was reminded of a Native American man who begs on the streets of New York. I haven't seen him in probably 7 or 8 years, since I no longer go into New York during the day on business. But I remember his long braided grey hair like it was yesterday. He always seemed so normal to me and I remember coming very close once to asking him, 'Why are you here?' If there ever was a person who was my "soloist", it would be him.

Anyway, if you want to be completely moved, watch this movie.

Please check out my novel, In Fashion's Web on Amazon.

Heartfelt Prayers

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Haiti. I pray that we react swiftly and are able to save lives.

I don't understand why we're not seeing reports of aid already on the ground. I understand that ships don't move very fast, but they could easily have flown aid into the Dominican Republic today and driven over to Haiti. We should be on the ground making progress right now. I think we're taking too long.

Please check out my novel, In Fashion's Web on Amazon.

Friday, January 08, 2010

Two Thumbs Way Down for H&M and Walmart

I'm shocked and appalled by the story in the news that H&M and Walmart would rather destroy old clothes than give them to the needy, particularly after the year we've had. They don't deserve any of our business.

I'm already pissed off at Walmart because they don't sell any recycled paper products (i.e., tp, paper towels, etc.). They're supposed to be "the most" green retailer in the world and they don't even sell any recycled paper products here. At least I got to say something to a district manager today. Three big wigs were visiting our local Walmart store and were discussing something on the store floor when I walked up and said "excuse me". I was nice about it and they listened. Hopefully they'll do something about it.

But this, this is beyond low. It doesn't get any lower than this. This is pathetic.

Please check out my novel, In Fashion's Web on Amazon.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Two Thumbs Up for Domino's Pizza

I am not a Domino's Pizza customer. In fact, if I had my choice of pizzas, Domino's would be last on my list and I'd have to be pretty desperate to eat it.

But I have to give credit where credit is due, and credit is due to Domino's' current television campaign. If you've seen it, then you know what I mean. They bare all when announcing the results of a customer survey. "Our crust tastes like cardboard." "Our sauce tastes like ketchup."

Those are pretty strong statements to admit, but to do it in front of millions of TV viewers is about as vulnerable as it gets.

They are making a commitment to improve the quality of their menu, and I will leave it up to their customers to decide when and whether the new product will pass the test. But they're off to a great start. In this age of the consumer in control and the consumer as the influencer, Domino's gets the concept of transparency and how it leads to customer trust and loyalty.

For that reason, I give two thumbs way up for Domino's' current advertising strategy.

Please check out my novel, In Fashion's Web on Amazon.