February 2007 Archives
Hillary Declares
Hillary Clinton's announcement that she's officially running for President only confirms what followers of the political game have known for months, if not years. But as important as it is in affecting the course of the 2008 campaign, the manner in which she did so - via a video announcement and subsequent "conversation" at the self-declared "Hillary TV" section of her own website - is but the newest instance of a candidate using new channels to bypass traditional media and take her message directly to voters. In effect, Hillary is now her own TV network.
New Toys
Wondering what are the noteworthy toys and trends coming out of last month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? If so, you've probably had your eyes glaze over reading dozens of articles and blog posts purporting to sum it all up for you. For a truly incisive view, enjoy screenwriter Bob Elisberg's summary. Bob blogs for the Writers Guild of America and The Huffington Post. More important, he's a Chicago Cubs fan.
TV Makes Its Stars
Much is written when movie stars choose to do series television, as in Alec Baldwin's role on this season's 30 Rock. Sometimes overlooked, though, is TV's ability, via weekly exposure and long-term character development, to make its own stars. For a good example, see this profile (registration required, but it's free) of actor Paul Adelstein of Fox's Prison Break.
Shameless Plug
Looking for the perfect gift? What friend or loved one wouldn't enjoy the first season of Family Ties, now available on DVD? Click here to order.
Print and Video Get Hitched
Newspapers and magazines the world over are trying to figure out how to make their content relevant amid challenges from new online and mobile media. For a good example of how one specialty publisher is complementing its print articles with effective video at its website, peruse this recent article in AOPA Pilot, one of the publications of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Shameless Plug II
Ever wonder how to get children interested in art? Publishers Weekly suggests no better way than the 12-book series How Artists See. Author/teacher Colleen Carroll finds just the right tone as she introduces great (and not so well-known) works of art from around the world with inquisitive and entertaining text.
Social Networking and the 2008 Presidential Campaign
Will social networking sites be to the 2008 presidential campaign what blogs were to the 2004 campaign? For an intriguing look at the evolving relationship between candidates and their supporters, compare the MySpace pages of Democratic candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards.
One For My Baby
If you're a fan of Frank Sinatra ... or of old-school show biz ... or of delightful storytelling ... enjoy this remembrance from writer/actor/standup comedian Larry Miller.
Writers Strike?
For an incisive view of the economic issues involved in a possible Writers Guild strike, read this piece by screenwriter Craig Mazin.
The Continuing Broadband Video Evolution
Means for presenting effective video on the internet continue to evolve at a fast pace. Though only three years old, the US Defense Department's Pentagon Channel recently redesigned and relaunched its web interface with help from video solutions provider FeedRoom. For an example of the channel's unique perspective - news and information for a military audience from military broadcasters - watch A New Way Forward, the latest edition of original series RECON. This month's program provides a look back at Operation Together Forward and a look forward to the still-evolving new strategy for Iraq (video below).
In The Clouds
The lines between internal and external communications continue to blur as organizations highlight members of their own communities in the types of feature pieces that previously would have appeared in traditional media outlets. For a particularly inspiring example, read how Army Warrant Officer 1 Derrick Rodriguez earned his pilot's wings with an assist from America Supports You member The Special Operations Warrior Foundation.