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AMY INK
Sharing noteworthy and sometimes amazing ideas, people, and sites

  • And this would be...what?
    One activity I'm getting much too much practice at is going through a loved one's accumulated treasures after a major life event and deciding where things should go. Sometimes, I even have to decide just what certain things are.

    Here are two examples:
    This was made by the Fuller Brush Company. It's only 4-1/2 inches long, with a wooden handle and a metal brush. What in the world could it have been used for? I'm clueless, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.




    Likewise, the 5-inch device on the right has me scratching my head. It says "Perma-Curler" on the metal shaft -- at least that's what I think it says. It's kind of hard to tell. At one point, there was a debate among relatives whether this was a compass or a curling iron. I'm leaning toward the hair-styling tool myself, but there must be some parts missing -- like a power plug.

    Want to join the fun? Post your thoughts...and what you think I should do with these things now. (No, I won't make millions on eBay.)

    And one final word to the wise: go home and clean out a closet or two. Just think of all the stuff you really don't want someone else going through when you can no longer do for yourself. 


  • A breath of fresh…Old Spice
    What product in the world could be more tired than Old Spice after shave? It’s been around since 1938, and the biggest impression it has ever made on me is its iconic milky white bottle. Until recently.

    Now, I have the Old Spice whistle as a ring tone, alerting me to incoming calls from my husband. It’s all thanks to the New Old Spice guy, who has become an instant phenomenon. Instead of skipping past his commercials, millions of people are watching them again and again on YouTube. He’s even making custom YouTube videos for his fans. Variety calls it “…the viral ad campaign you wished your viral ad campaign would look like.”

    What could have been just another paying gig has taken former NFL player Isaiah Mustafa from soap operas to the big screen. He was recently cast in "Horrible Bosses," alongside some big names in Hollywood: Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, and Kevin Spacey.

    What accounts for the immediate embrace of “this man your man could smell like”? My vote is serendipity. No focus group or demographic study or advertising strategy could be that clever. I much prefer the story going around that the night before the shoot, Isaiah called one of his pals and left a message on his answering machine – and, in doing so, he decided to play up the Old Spice guy to the Nth degree.

    And a star was born.

    As much as I love the commercials-- and the guy -- I love the spontaneous combustion of dusty old product stereotypes when ignited by pure inspiration.

    The new Old Spice guy. Everyone gets him – immediately.

    You never know when a fickle public will move on to the next media star. What happens to a has-been GEICO gecko, Aflac duck, or the Snapple lady?

    For now, at least, the public is gaga over a cool dude wearing little else than tight abs and a little Old Spice. That's enough to make me whistle.


  • Down home music
    Years ago, while sitting in my living room, I played the music of my favorite artists so often I nearly wore down the grooves of their black vinyl records. One of these artists -- Iain Matthews -- will be performing this weekend at the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

    You would think I'd be packing my bags, tickets in hand, ready to relive my youth.

    The trouble is: I'm spoiled. I'm not willing to bear the heat, the crowds, the camping facilities anymore. I've found something better: house concerts.

    Last night, I saw Iain Matthews perform in Jen & Dave's living room, accompanied by Jim Fogarty on guitar. They were amazing. And I was, maybe, eight feet away from the action in this audience of 50 fans.

    I was introduced to house concerts via Andi & Neil Hunt, who have hosted a variety of artists in their own home, just four miles down the road from where I live. In their cozy living room, I've been within arm's length of Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens, Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Garrison Star, and a few others. This kind of intimate venue brings a whole new meaning to the term "live performance."

    When you think about it, living-room concerts have been around as long as music itself. What's new to me is the ability to see established names and up-and-comers in small, informal settings.

    And, as you might expect, there's a Web site where you can find out more -- whether you want to host, play, or find a concert close to you.

    If you love listening to live music, nothing beats the personal experience of a house concert. Give it a try.






  • This is not about politics
    As much as this posting might seem to be about politics, it's not. It's just my way of lauding the work of a local journalist who, like me, is worn out by all the negativity and name-calling in political circles.

    In today's Philadelphia Inquirer, Annette John-Hall writes, "...what makes me most tired these days is having to listen to the constant bickering and anger -- from Congress, pundits, and everyday people who'd rather rage than resolve."

    She calls it "An endless cycle of negativity on the hamster wheel."

    Amen.

    And now there's Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly making himself the butt of a negative news story by taking on Hollywood, trying to stir the pot and turn everything into a political statement. This time he's incensed that Jennifer Aniston, in promoting "The Switch," made comments about single women -- like her character -- not having to wait for a man to have a baby, using a sperm donor instead. He says she's "diminishing the role of the dad," and is "destructive to our society."

    What's really destructive is the constant posturing and negativity by those angling for their own 15 minutes of fame.

    What we need now more than ever is clear thinking, rational reporting, and a lot less outrage. We need more journalists like John-Hall to point out the folly in political gridlock and social spin. We can solve the nation's problems, Republicans and Democrats together, if we agree to disagree, consider the greater good -- and then move on.


  • Nobody likes to read anymore

    At least that's what I said in my post as featured creative firm in the June 2010 edition of Philly Creative Guide. But, as a friend quickly emailed: "Saw your article. Was going to read it, but I don't read anymore. Can you podcast it to me?"


    Well for those of you who still read, here's the story:


    "Nobody likes to read anymore."


    That’s often one of the first things potential clients tell me. Then they hire me to write a clear, concise, effective message to their employees, their shareholders, their customers, or their potential “all of the above.”


    Whether one likes to read or not is a moot point. The reality is: reading happens. The constant challenge is to present content in a way that engages the reader. So let me amend my opening statement: “Nobody likes to read boring material.”


    That’s why my first objective in starting AMY INK, back in 2000, was to bring fresh thinking and effective writing to the table. I had been in the corporate world for many years, working my way through the various disciplines and levels of the communications function. Eventually, I became vice president of corporate communications for two global corporations—and then I jumped to the freelance side of the fence.


    As a corporate staffer, I had never dreamed of outsourcing the writing of annual reports, executive speeches, employee publications, marketing materials, Web sites. How could someone else quickly come up to speed on my company?


    Now, I know. It’s how I make my living.


    I still do many of the same kinds of projects I did while in the corporate world—but now I write for clients big and small, for global concerns and local players, and on everything from complicated science to the simplicity of choosing wallpaper. The common thread running though my work is a focus on communicating key messages with clarity and purpose.


    I understand the stresses and demands on the people who have the corporate jobs I once held. I can anticipate their needs, fill the information gaps, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. I see my job as making my clients look good —be they corporate communicators, design firms, or business owners—and to make their lives just a little bit easier. Maybe that’s the reason I have so much repeat business with long-time clients. They have come to rely on me, and they delegate projects with full confidence I will deliver.


    I’ve had clients call me about new projects the day before Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. Apparently, it’s never too late to call a freelancer. The bad news is I work from home and can always be reached. The good news is I work from home and can always be reached.



  • Cut to the chase
    I’ve been writing for the Web for decades, and the first lesson I learned was to get to the point. The necessity of doing so was reinforced recently after I was stung on the thumb by a bee.

    My first thought: Eeeeyow, this hurts.
    My second thought: What do I do now? Better check the Web for the best treatment.
    My third thought, after having checked the Web: CUT TO THE CHASE!

    When time is of the essence, and my thumb is swelling to the size of a big toe, I don’t want tips about how it’s best to avoid bees. It’s too stinging late for that. Now what?

    Several articles began by listing the side effects of bee stings. Yes, it’s hot, red, swelling, and really, really painful. Tell me something I don’t know – like what to do now.

    I sprinkled some baking soda onto the sting, based on a hazy memory of kitchen home remedies. But would an onion have been better? Steak sauce? A steak itself? I couldn’t remember.

    C’mon Web, cough up an answer.

    I stumbled upon a promising article titled, “How To Treat a Bee Sting,” and the first words were less than encouraging: Bee stings are either annoyingly painful or deadly… Then followed tips about avoiding bees. Argggggh.

    Slate had a long article about the best remedies for a bee sting, but it was probably meant as future knowledge rather than a prescription for an immediate need. Before getting to any useful answers, I had to sort through the author’s own experience, his research, and then a laundry list of possible fixes, both good and bad.

    While wading through all the words, I wrapped my thumb in ice – which, I eventually read, was a good thing. I also took Benadryl and Excedrin. Two other good things.

    By the time I read that I had already done what was appropriate, the situation was well in hand (sorry, I couldn’t pass up the pun). The anxiety that was listed as a possible side effect was only a result of not finding the information fast enough.

    My thumb returned to normal size and function in short order, but I learned a long-lasting lesson. When writing for the Web, especially “How to” articles, get to the point quickly. Don’t tell someone who asks the time of day how to build a watch.

    Just cut to the chase.


  • An unseasonable season

    These days, the Fourth of July can signal either the start or the end of summer’s high season.

    It’s a great start if you’ve just made it to the beach, taken that first swim, begun to lose that whiter shade of winter pale.

    More and more, however, the Fourth has become a harbinger of the upcoming fall season. Back-to-school sales are already underway (see below) and save-the-date announcements for holiday events are readily found.

    Unseasonable and almost unreasonable temperatures have helped to push along the calendar this year. Heat waves made March seem more like May, and June more like August. So far July feels like we're living on the sun. My late summer flowers have bloomed and withered already, which leaves me wondering whether I can keep anything green until Labor Day.

    The cycle of days, of seasons, of calendar dates seems to speed by with the years, but maybe that’s because I spend too much time anticipating what’s next – thinking about deadlines and scheduling new projects. Today, however, I’ll do none of that. My clients are either on holiday or their projects have slowed. This is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the relaxed pace of summer, whatever the temperature.
    * * *

    Those of you looking for a jump start on end-of-season sales can start here:
    • The Apple Store has special “education pricing” on Macs, with a free iPod touch, through September 7. 
    • T-Mobile, AT&T, and other mobile carriers are (or will soon be) having back-to-school sales. Check their Web sites or an aggregator site like Bestincellphones.com.
    • The latest on back-to-school sales and coupons at CouponClock.com. 
    • More end-of-season deals at TheBarganist.com.  

      # # #





  • Cleaning up
    I recently attended a bridal shower where guests were requested to bring cleaning products for the Wishing Well. At first I thought that seemed quite sexist.

    Then I remembered all the amazing products I've come to rely on -- ones I knew nothing about when I got married. So with the perspective of sharing some great finds, I assembled a few must-haves:
    • Magic Eraser This product truly lives up to its name. It works like magic -- and it erases dirt from all kinds of surfaces. I was hooked after using it on white kitchen chairs I was preparing to paint. With a little water and virtually no elbow grease, those chairs came out so well, I put away the paint brush. Similarly, a go-round on my outdoor furniture saved it from the landfill. 
    • Bar Keepers Friend You have to go to your friendly neighborhood hardware store for this one, but it's well worth the trip. Start in the kitchen with the powdered cleanser and you'll throw out all the other half-used and forgotten products under the sink. This stuff shines up everything from stainless steel, chrome, and copper to china, ceramic tile, and composition sinks.
    • IKEA dish brushes OK, so you have to scrub a little with these brushes, but they're just so cute, cheap, and colorful you almost don't mind. And the rubber suction cup on the end allows them to stick upright and air dry. 
    BTW: The shower was a lot of fun, and the bride-to-be got tons of wonderful stuff. In fact, she cleaned up.


  • Things that don't age well
    I'm a saver by nature. I learned at an early age to put some of each paycheck aside. I save mementos from visits to other states and countries. And I always save room for dessert.

    There are a few things, however, that should be used, used up, and never saved:
    • Pharmaceuticals: Prescription drugs should not be shared with others or saved for the future. Several moves ago (my own and in helping others), I developed the habit of checking expiration dates. It's surprising how much old and questionable medicine can accumulate -- and how many people have stories about reactions and rashes from expired drugs. So...what's the best way to dispose of old drugs? Flushing is not the answer. The EPA and FDA advocate similar disposal methods, designed to keep drugs out of both the water supply and the hands of those who would abuse them.
    • Wedding gifts: When I first married, the only glasses I had were the crystal ones I received as gifts, and so I used them on a daily basis. My mother was shocked. But I've been no less shocked to find beautiful, well-kept china, crystal, and other expensive items in the homes of elderly relatives -- rarely, if ever, used. Some were in the original packaging, decades after receipt. After 30 years of my own marriage, I've come to the conclusion that the Queen is never coming to visit, so there's no reason to save the crystal for company. Use and enjoy everything.
    • Spices: Another of my wedding gifts (again, 30 years ago), was a fully stocked spice rack. I thought I was set for life. Not so. The McCormick spice company recently ran a series of educational/promotional ads about spices and their expiration dates. The pictures they used told the whole store: if you have these in your cabinets, they're wayyyyyyy old.


  • Phine Pheathered Phriends
    Philadelphia has a fondness for notable birds. Yes, there are the Eagles, but I'm talking more creature-oriented than football players. There's the beloved Philly Phanatic. And the Benjamin Phranklin Phanatic, currently standing outside the Franklin Institute, as part of the Paint the Phanatic Public Art Project.


    And now there's another set of fine furry friends (or phriends) sitting outside the Franklin Institute: Momma red-tailed hawk and her chicks, which hatched this week. The action was captured via webcam -- and continues to be streamed live from the nest perched on a window ledge.




    When I tuned in, along with 1,093 other viewers at that moment, Momma was watching the world (and the cars down below) go by. Babies were tucked underneath, staying warm, and just beginning to poke their heads out. It's a mesmerizing sight (and site), which has spawned a fan base of Hawkaholics, both on Facebook and Hawkwatch.

    Got a minute? Take a peek during daylight hours, as there are no lights to disturb the goings-on at night. It's the best armchair slice-of-nature I've seen in awhile. And harmlessly addictive, too.