tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:03:38 +0000http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/catherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)Blogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-3497689293607628795Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:27:00 +00002008-09-20T17:03:38.917-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/DVSC---Carol-Crane-ppt-794723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/DVSC---Carol-Crane-ppt-794299.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's Saturday and I'm just getting back to normal - whatever that is! Slept all day yesterday and may take a nap this afternoon, but I wanted to put up some final photos from the presentation Friday morning to all of the nonprofits.<br /><br />Domestic Violence Service Center - the powerpoint showed the visuals for the video and Catherine read the script as we presented it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/HADC-website-795049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/HADC-website-794699.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Carole Reinert - PAWebDoctor (second from right) - coded and presented the Housing Association and Development Corporation's new website. It goes live shortly!</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Tom Panatieri -Corcoran Printing ( in hat) designed it.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/MOW-brochure-and-logo-796547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/MOW-brochure-and-logo-796178.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We collaborated on the name for the Meals on Wheels of Northampton County's new catering service - Elegant Eats. Then Amy George (not in photo) went to work on the copu.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">James Luft - Corcoran Printing (with the beard) and Valerie Horchos - Wyde Eyed Design Studio (to the right of James) collaborated on the design of the logo, brochure and order form.</span><br /><br />James also updated their current Chef's Pack brochure!<br /><br />Sure made us all hungry!<span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/JFS-brochure-762055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/JFS-brochure-761700.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Catherine wrote the copy for the Jewish Family Service Endowment brochure and Tom designed it and the campaign letterhead.to go with it. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/VIM-brochure-and-folder-767810.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/VIM-brochure-and-folder-767462.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Volunteers in Medicine received a patient brochure (that will be printed in English and Spanish), a presentation folder and four inserts!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dawn Leas - redj (not in photo) did the copywriting and James did the design.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/BNE-brochure-718777.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/BNE-brochure-718384.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Ballet Northeast 25th Anniversary "Company to Company" campaign brochure was written by Karen Martin - Spectrum Creative (not in photo). Tom then took over to design the piece and the accompanying campaign letterhead.<br /><br />Ask Tom about those ballet steps he was practicing!!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/YMCA-brochure-778436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/YMCA-brochure-778024.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">iSPORTS is the name we came up with for the Greater Pittston YMCA' s program for Teens.<br /><br />Catherine wrote the copy for the self-mailer and Doug Martin - Turtleboy Productions (not in photo) did the design.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/CPJs-postcards-797312.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/CPJs-postcards-796934.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Cat's Pajamas received four direct mail postcards. Catherine wrote the copy and Valerie found the terrific photos and graphics for each one. Her designs should really get the postcards noticed</span>!<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Once I consolidate all of the files from all of the various thumb drives I'll put up the final design pieces so everyone can see them close up. Thanks again to everyone who helped this year - and to Kurt and Kate of NCAC who opened their doors and turned over the conference to us.<br /><br />See you all next year!!<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/we-did-it.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-7320263967294994331Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-19T07:32:00.931-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Can't quite figure out why a file looks right on one computer but doesn't on another - but never fear, we will be ready by 9 a.m.<br /><br />Valerie has been printing, trimming and cutting all of the final pieces. Catherine has put the Domestic Violence Service Center video into a powerpoint to simulate the end product. And Carole has the HADC website up live and running.<br /><br />Hard to believe we're coming to a close......<br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/730-and-there-are-gremlins-in-computers.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-7746058202593599078Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-19T01:33:38.999-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">We've got Micheal Jackson - Thriller - playing now - need to have some upbeat music playing at 1:30 a.m. And we're hitting the chocolate (the cookies, the tootsie rolls, the chocolate covered raisins) and coffee hard at this point. But I have to tell you - these guys are good.<br /><br />So far the troops have created:<br />A 25th Anniversary "Company to Company" Capital Campaign Brochure for Ballet Northeast.<br />A iSPORTS brochure/mailer for a new YMCA teen program.<br />A Elegant Eats brochure/order form and magnetic sign for Meals on Wheels along with an updated Chef's Pak brochure.<br />An Endowment Campaign brochure for Jewish Family Services.<br />Four direct mail post cards for Cat's Pajamas.<br />A patient brochure for Volunteers in Medicine along with a presentation folder and four inserts.<br />A video script and storyboard for the Domestic Violence Service Center.<br /><br />And Carole's still coding the Housing Association and Development Corporation website.<br /><br />Each of these pieces is unique, interesting and amazing. The designers are so talented!!<br /><br />We can't wait to show every one later this morning!<br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/these-guys-are-good.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-2034271475394415246Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-19T00:17:46.891-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/VIM-sneak-peek-711136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/VIM-sneak-peek-710749.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Midnight and the pieces are really starting to come together. Here's a sneak peek. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/MOW-sneak-peekl-772947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/MOW-sneak-peekl-772606.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/HADC-sneak-peek-731366.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/HADC-sneak-peek-730967.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/DVSC-sneak-peek-777294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/DVSC-sneak-peek-776742.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Doug-YMCA-732769.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Doug-YMCA-732381.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Cat%27s-PJ%27s-sneak-peek-700680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Cat%27s-PJ%27s-sneak-peek-700313.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We're getting ready to start proofing - although doing that at this time of night is always risky. Then we'll print out the final pieces and mount them on black boards to show everyone when they arrive at 9 a.m.<br /><br />More later......<br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/sneak-peek.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-6441817669897780371Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-18T21:03:01.294-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-Karen-Doug-784842.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-Karen-Doug-784491.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The projects are coming along just fine - and we've had more visitors and volunteers show up!<br /><br />Doug is working on the Pittston YMCA project. Carole is still coding and has decided to go into her own world - notice the headphones!<br /><br />Speaking of music - Pandora contacted us! We told them we were creating a CreateAthon mix with everyone's favorite stuff and they've been in touch to say what we're doing is cool! Thanks Pandora! You're really helping us keep up the energy!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-w-headphones-729653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-w-headphones-729191.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Santana!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Catherine-and-Valerie-752560.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Catherine-and-Valerie-751961.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Catherine and Valerie have been working on the Cat's Pajamas and Jewish Family Services.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Group-in-the-corner-792279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Group-in-the-corner-791932.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here's the braintrust in the corner. That's our friend Emily Christ in the middle there - her mom Beth took a bunch of these pictures.<br /><br /><br />It's now 9 p.m. and we're getting close to finishing a couple of the projects. Next blog we'll start showing you some of them.<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/chugging-along.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-6896441202174991298Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-18T17:26:25.098-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">How did it get to be 5 o'clock already?</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Valerie-Dawn-797638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Valerie-Dawn-797196.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-Lou-Amy-734602.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Carole-Lou-Amy-734243.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />We've had lots of visitors and volunteers stop by - Lou Ciampi from Independent Graphics dropped in to check on us and has volunteered to print the postcards for Cat's Pajamas! Thanks Lou! Amy is here too - working on copy for the Meals on Wheels brochure that James is designing. We won't let any cats out of the bag yet - but we've come up with a great new name and logo for the program.<br /><br />Ballet Northeast brought lunch and then snacks this afternoon! Domestic Violence Service Center brought lots of munchies and salsa (Carole's in heaven) and pizza is about to be delivered courtesy of Jewish Family Services! Needless to say we are all going to gain about ten pounds in 24 hours!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Food-2-757105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Food-2-756544.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So far, the script has been written for the DVSC the initial designs for the Volunteers in Medicine presentation folder is complete, Dawn has completed the copy for the VIM brochure and the Ballet Northeast Company to Company 25th Anniversary Campaign brochure is well under way.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Valerie-James-Kurt-Tom-743772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Valerie-James-Kurt-Tom-743417.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Karen is working on Ballet Northeast's brochure </span><span style="font-family:arial;">copy.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Karen-790272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Karen-789906.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/5-oclock-oh-noooooooo.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-1501688797020187814Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:10:00 +00002008-09-18T12:51:56.202-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/P1010001-785969.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/P1010001-785581.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hi all!<br />CreateAthon 2008 is underway! This year we're using the office of the <a href="http://www.nepa-alliance.org/">NCAC</a> Nonprofit &amp; Community Assistance Center so it took a little time to get all the equipment brought in - and of course all the food and supplies!<br /><br />James and Tom took charge of setting up the wires and getting us all on line - it looks like a spider's web but we're all cabled together. Valerie has the music playing from <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a> on her computer and we've been rocking to Motown and the Eagles.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Wires-751880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Wires-751869.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yes, we are actually getting some work done too! Catherine is working on the script for the Domestic Violence Service Center, James is starting on the Meals on Wheels brochure while Tom is deep into the Ballet Northeast 25th Annual Campaign brochure, Valerie has taken on the Cat's Pajamas direct mail postcards and Carole is coding the Housing Association and Development Corp website.<br /><br />We'll get to the Pittston YMCA, Jewish Family Service and Volunteers in Medicine a little later!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Tom-759768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Tom-759756.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/James-793800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/James-793786.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Catherine-and-Valerie-725164.JPG"><br /></a>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/09/createathon-2008.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-7860893546470378032Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:38:00 +00002008-01-15T07:58:56.271-05:00<span style="font-family: arial;">I recently purchased</span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="Godin%27s">Seth Godin's</a> newest book, Meatball Sundae. His books are always a fast, interesting read and by the time I have gone through them a couple of times the pages are dog-eared, there are notes in the margins and yellow highlighter throughout. <br /><br />So it was with great gusto that I began the book. Then a strange thing happened. At around page 42 (the end of a chapter) I began to feel some deja vu. Had I read an excerpt somewhere before and this was it? Did I read this in the introduction? I stopped. Went back. It wasn't my brain going off the deep end, I was indeed reading the same words again. <br /><br />The book repeated pages 9-42. Then picked up again on page 79. How strange! Was this done purposely? Was Seth trying to make a point? After all, here he was using a "meatball" way of communicating his message (a book!) as he was talking about how marketing products, ideas and services has changed. Was he pushing me to go to his website? To read the book online?<br /><br />I returned to the <a href="http://www.tudorbookshop.com/">Tudor Book Shop</a> (my favorite local bookstore, cafe, gallery in Kingston, PA) where I had purchased the book. They went to the shelf to replace my book and found the other copies of the book with the same repeated and missing pages! A conspiracy? A conundrum!<br /><br />A few days later Tudor called to let me know a replacement copy of Meatball Sundae had arrived with all the pages in the right place. Mystery solved. It was simply a printers error.<br /><br />But for a while it was fun to think something more interesting was afoot.<br /><br />On to the next!<br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/01/meatball-sundae-mixup.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-7142219730500877638Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:58:00 +00002008-01-09T09:12:26.247-05:00<span style="font-family: arial;">The 50 + conversation continues. Last evening I was out to dinner with women friends in the same age bracket and I mentioned my most recent thoughts about marketing to boomers. This quickly led to a discussion of the many faces of menopause. <br /><br />Each of us had different experiences. Mood swings were the bane for one. One took an herbal remedy. We all had stories of hot flashes but the biggest question of the evening was -do knee caps have sweat glands? One of our group sweats profusely around her knees every time she gets a flash. Knees? Yup. Just goes to the point that each of us is unique - even when we're talking about something that we all experience. <br /><br />Our discussions quickly moved to updates on our children and our careers. The New Hampshire primary brought politics to the table. We talked about taking care of our parents and getting ourselves back to the gym.<br /><br />We marveled at how warm the weather had been and that led to a discussion about how much sunshine we need in our lives. A new study came out saying that sunshine is GOOD for us. Last week it was evil. One of our group actually prefers cloudy days - as she say - everyone expects you to be happy when the sun is shining. When it's cloudy they don't! That drew a laugh.<br /><br />Each of the women sitting at that table were accomplished in their fields, intelligent, caring, funny and interesting people. We're travelers, readers, concert goers, etc. This is who marketers need to talk to - so perhaps they ought to join us for dinner.<br /><br />Let me know your thoughts<br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/01/do-kneecaps-have-sweat-glands.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-8125040302972052386Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:23:00 +00002008-01-07T08:34:19.714-05:00<span style="font-family: arial;">Over the past few weeks I've encountered several instances where age was front and center - in particular, people my age. Yes, I'm the 50+ group. I've moved up on the survey boxes (you know, the ones that break down age by groups) and my doctor is now insisting that I get that colon check<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span>.<br /><br />It began with a project for a client that is creating a "back to school" collaboration of the various colleges in our area aimed at boomers and seniors. There is a difference in these two groups and the client was looking for a way to reach both audiences. As we did some research on the subject we found marked differences in how these groups read, learn, react and perceive themselves as consumers. (We ended up creating a brand name for the collaboration and when it's launched in May I'll let you know if it strikes a chord.)<br /><br />An article in yesterday's New York Times titled <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">"</span><a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/weekinreview/06duhigg.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin">Six Decades at the Center of Attention, and Counting"</a> clarified the boomer buyer even further for me. According to Blaine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Branchik</span>, an associate professor of marketing at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Quinnipiac</span> University who has studied the history of selling to the elderly - "Seniors, particularly baby boomers, each believe they belong to a market segment made up of exactly one person. Many believe the only thing they have in common is that they are all so unique that they have nothing in common." <br /><br />Wow. There it is in a nutshell. We also still believe we are invincible and why not? We are becoming bionic men and women. Knee replacement, hip replacement, face lifts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">viagra</span>. We're good to go for twenty more years. Don't you dare call us old!<br /><br />So why are there so many ads talking about ailments that come with age? Bladder problems and constipation lead the lists (and often the ads run back to back). Arthritis and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">osteoporosis</span>? We're not listening! If we have issues with these ailments we're more likely to check them out on <a href="http://www.webmd.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WebMD</span></a> or talk with friends. We will make our own decisions thank you.<br /><br />Retirement planning? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hah</span>! We're going to be working for a long time because we can and we like it. Born in an age of self-exploration, we will continue to look for new avenues of adventure. Retirement homes will never be the same - trust me. We'll be living in grand old homes, sharing communal areas and taking turns making dinner. Sounds like a bunch of hippies on a commune doesn't it -well think about it! We may enjoy some of the finer things in life (a good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Merlot</span> rather than Boone's Farm Apple wine) in our new digs, but we will still view ourselves as unique, counter-culture beings .<br /><br />A final note. When the college collaboration I mentioned earlier told us about their launch event in May I had a hard time keeping my thoughts in check. You see, they are holding a event on a Friday from 9 -3 with presentations on the types of courses that will be offered. And the day kicks off with a speaker sponsored by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">AARP</span>. I am their target market - but I am not going to take a day off from work to attend an orientation session. And I really don't want to be associated with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">AARP</span>. I'm hoping this group will create a website will all the information I need to attend a class and an easy way to sign up on-line. <br /><br />Let me know your thoughts<br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/weekinreview/06duhigg.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin"></a></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2008/01/50.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-5424230488491964474Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:03:00 +00002007-11-12T21:47:51.887-05:00<span style="font-family: arial;">Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Okay, the kids will tell you that I'm a little nuts when it comes to Christmas too, but Thanksgiving is four days of watching the Macy's parade, eating too much, watching tons of football and yes, starting the Christmas decorating. There are no pressures, no gifts to worry about, no over the river and through the woods. My biggest worry is trying to get all of the items on the dinner menu to be ready at the same time! (Don't get me started about the 50 year old stove)<br /><br />This year is a little different. Our family and my brother's family (that's 8) plus two friends and a cousin (that's 3 more) are all going to Cabo San Lucas for Thanksgiving week. Sun, sand, snorkeling, ATVing, golf, suntanning - what could be better? No phone service, no grey Pennsylvania days, no daylight savings time darkness. As I said, what could be better? <br /><br />Actually this isn't the first time we've all gone away together for Thanksgiving. We've had Talkin' Turkey in Tampa I and II. And Breakin' Bread in the Bahamas. All wonderful family gatherings with tons of laughs, silliness and storytelling.<br /><br />But there has always been one constant. The turkey. <br /><br />When my son Harry heard we were going to Mexico for the holiday the first question was - will we still have a regular Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, dressing, sweet potatoes, dressing (you getting the idea?) I assured him we'd be dining on drumsticks as always. And there'd be enough dressing for seconds.<br /><br />We leave on Saturday. I can't wait.<br /><br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/11/mexican-turkey.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-4751788605941617540Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:58:00 +00002007-11-02T09:36:30.515-04:00<span style="font-family: arial;">I've been watching and reading news reports about the potential writer's strike on the west coast. An article this morning in the New York Times, <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/business/media/02cnd-hollywood.html?hp">Writers Set to Strike, Threatening Hollywood,</a> summed up the possible impact - not only on writers and studios, but on all of the ancillary businesses that feed the movie machine.<br /><br />A cleaners who processes 2,000 costumes a day. A nursery that supplies the plants needed for those jungle scenes. Caterers. The only company that doesn't seem to be dismayed at the thought of a strike is<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.starbucks.com">Starbucks</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> </span>- since all of the unemployed actors, productions assistants, props people, etc will need <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> place to hang out.<br /><br />The issues surrounding the strike are important. Like the music industry where artists and studios have seen changes to the way their art is delivered, downloaded and shared, the movie and television industry is facing the same challenges. Should writers be compensated when their words appear online or on a cell phone? <br /><br />I fall squarely in the writer's camp. <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/employees.htm">Writing is what I do</a>. It's my job and I deserve to be paid for my creativity and ability. It is my choice to give my words away or sell them. It has always driven me crazy when I hear people say they copied a movie DVD or downloaded songs from a share site. Someone wrote that, created that. You have just taken food out of their mouths. <br /><br />I have another reason to be watching this strike. Our son Harry graduated from <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://newhouse.syr.edu/">Syracuse's Newhouse School</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> </span>in May, moved to Burbank, and is trying to make his way as a film writer. He knows full well that it is a competitive business and it won't happen overnight. He has taken non-writing jobs to pay the bills as he pursues his dream. A possible strike directly impacts his choices. It also affects his roommate Dennis who is a production assistant on <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://alpha.cbs.com/primetime/two_and_a_half_men/">Two and a Half Men</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">.</span> Once they run out of already written scripts, he will be probably be layed off. <br /><br />Does the industry need to look at new ways to structure compensation. Yes. Will the conglomerates that own the studios look beyond bottom line to the backbone of the industry - the people who create what's on the screen - and protect that asset. It remains to be seen.<br /><br />One final note. The writers may have to go on strike, but that will not keep them from writing. It's in our blood. It's how we think and understand the world. If writers stopped writing - the world would be a very sad place.<br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/11/writers-strike.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-1187139722817328071Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:10:00 +00002007-10-26T09:33:26.905-04:00<span style="font-family: arial;">Scott Donaton recently wrote a column for <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://adage.com/">Advertising Age</a> where he coined the phrase The Clog - or Column Blog. As he said in his column - "What I don't get is why bloggers seem so hell-bent on establishing a clear set of rules around what does and does not constitute acceptable blogging practices. One of those being the idea that you need to update your blog at least once a day, preferably more. Says who? Posting for the sake of posting is absurd."<br /><br />He goes on to say that his blog <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://adage.com/whentrainsfly/">"When Trains Fly"</a> is such a Clog and that he will only write when he has something to say that's worth his readers' time. <br /><br />Amen! And today I'm adding Speedos, Slides and Slippers to the Clog category. Like Scott, I promise not to be so infrequent in my blogging that you wonder if I'm alive, but when I do blog I hope it will have some interest to you.<br /><br />This question of how often to blog is one I often hear from clients. It's usually followed by the words, "But I don't have time for that!" That's when the conversation takes a step back to a discussion of the purpose of the blog. Is is a corporate blog? A volunteer blog (our clients are mostly nonprofit organizations)? Just general musings on the world? There is so much conversation around this topic that I have decided it will be the topic of my next <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/">Green Sheet </a>(our version of a white paper). <br /><br />So, I'd better start writing.<br /><br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/10/clogs-no-not-shoes.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-67759951726370959Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:56:00 +00002007-10-15T08:52:38.169-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">About a month ago (yes, I know I've been blog absent for a few weeks) I read a blog that talked about Prime Time Women. This was the phrase the writer used to describe women 50+ with plenty of resources, strong convictions and who make up a large part of the present economic market. These are women to whom attention must be paid!<br /><br />Prime Time Women. I like the sound of that and I know many of them. When they adopt a project they commit to it fully. Read on.<br /><br />Last week I was involved in a pilot program called <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;">YouAreYou, </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">an all day session held for 10th grade girls focused on improving self-esteem. The girls attended sessions called Uniquely You, Circuits and Static (internet bullying), Money Talks, Knowledge is Power (legal issues), There's A Better Way (self-defense) and Healthy Relationships. The afternoon sessions had them listening to<a href="https://www.templewb.org/TheProfilesPage.htm"> Rabbi Kaplan</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> </span>on Happiness and watching RYOT (Rally Youth Organized Together) socio-dramas. It was a full day and there was definite "girl power" in the room. Our hope is they discovered something about themselves and discovered some tools they can use everyday.<br /><br />Will these girls become Prime Time Women? That is the hope of <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.luzernecounty.org/county/commissioners/todd_a_vonderheid">Rose Tucker</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> </span>who wrote down the idea for this event one night when she couldn't sleep. She'd been thinking about the obstacles young women face and how much harder it is than ever for young women to feel good about themselves, especially in the tough teen/high school years. A trailblazer and mentor herself she approached her fellow <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://wilkesbarre.org/coc/">Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber Athena</a> winners and laid out her plan. The Athena women immediately jumped on board. Knowing their small group of 21 women wouldn't be enough to manage a project with 400 girls, Rose also approached the <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" href="http://www.circle200.com/">Circle 200 </a>women CEO's and they, too, became part of the project.<br /><br />Talk about Prime Time Women. This group used their resources to find the best presenters, locate a site, and raise the dollars needed to get this pilot program off the ground. They established The Athena Fund at the<a href="http://www.luzfdn.org/"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Luzerne Foundation </span></a>so that donors could make a charitable contribution. The have agreed to be mentors (big sisters) to any of the girls who ask. Many volunteered their day to help greet the girls and shepherd them to sessions. These are women with careers, families, other volunteer responsibilities - it just proved the old adage. "When you want to get something done, ask a busy woman."<br /><br />This group is already planning for next year.<br /><br /></span></span></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/10/prime-time-women.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-1221414478317318647Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:41:00 +00002007-09-14T05:50:08.138-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/tshirt_lg-707402.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/tshirt_lg-707398.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And amazingly it's only 5:45 a.m.<br />Actually this is not a good thing as we need to stay awake for three more hours before our nonprofit groups show up and the unveiling occurs!<br /><br />This will be my last post as my fingers just aren't responding to my brain's directions anymore. We'll put up visuals of all of the projects next week for all to see.<br /><br />In the meantime, thanks for coming along for the ride! See you next year!<br /><br />Catherine<br /><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/were-done.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-3852325964038420594Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:38:00 +00002007-09-14T03:57:59.602-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/jen_fred_lg-789917.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/jen_fred_lg-789914.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My last post mentioned some folks who came to visit - now we have the pictures to prove it!<br />Here's Jenn - our massage therapist friend. Her magic fingers helped up keep on typing!<br /><br /><br />I also mentioned Beth's daughter Emily and exchange student Marina. Here they are on the slide - yes we do actually have a slide in our office going from the great room on the second floor to the reception area on the first floor. And yes, we use it all the time!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/beth_girls_lg-741341.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/beth_girls_lg-741338.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br />Another friend - Flinn - arrived later this evening. He's a website genius and Carole quickly grabbed him to ask about a coding issue on the GAIT site. It's fixed and the site is almost done! Thanks Flinn.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/flinn_lg-767111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/flinn_lg-767109.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another marshmallow fight broke out. I think we're going to be finding mini-marshmallows in nooks and crannies for months to come!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/marshmallows-_at_midnight_l-765367.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/marshmallows-_at_midnight_l-765363.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The smartest one of our bunch is Fred. Check it out.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/tired_fred_lg-760062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/tired_fred_lg-760060.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/345-am-345-am.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-5839603669418026783Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:25:00 +00002007-09-13T23:28:02.536-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/dr_mellon_lg-729882.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/dr_mellon_lg-729880.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We've all had our massages (thank you Jenn!) and now we're ready to refocus and get back to work!<br /><br />But we've had so many visitors - Dr. Mellon and his class from Misericordia stopped by and we showed them what we've been doing all night.<br />The class had lots of questions for me, Amy and Doug about what we do at the agency, what our background is and how we came to be part of cds creative.<br /><br />Dr. Mellon's class joins us every year and we always happy to see them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Carole's daughter Katie came to visit.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/katie_carole2_lg-764665.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/katie_carole2_lg-764663.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Our friend Rod Gereda and his daughter Arisa stopped by with Girl Scout cookies.<br /><br />Emily and Dan (daughter and husband of Beth) along with their exchange student Marina came by with monkey bread and brigadeheiro - yummmmm!<br /><br />Shaf (Catherine's husband) dropped in with Dairy Queen - ice cream sandwiches and dilly bars.<br /><br />Are you sensing a theme here - if you show up you better bring food.<br /><br />Amy's friends stopped by including her one from Arizona!<br /><br /><br />Jim from Corcoran Printing joined us and has designed the new Dressed for Success brochure.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/jim_corcoran_lg-723616.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/jim_corcoran_lg-723613.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It looks great and we really appreciate his help!<br /><br />He's also helping us with the Family Answers displays by printing out large size pieces for us when he gets to work at 5 a.m. Friday morning.<br /><br />Thank you thank you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So far we're still all smiling</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/charlei_specialdoug_doug_lg-766838.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/charlei_specialdoug_doug_lg-766836.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/pearly_whites_lg-730106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/pearly_whites_lg-730104.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/its-ten-oclock-do-you-know-where-your.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-3733052094553603116Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:54:00 +00002007-09-13T17:49:21.881-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Thank you Candy's Place! They have provided us with dinner this evening - pizza! (and salads!)<br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And a big basket of candy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone had their fill - even Carole's "horse."</span></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/hobbyhorse_eating_sm-722265.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/hobbyhorse_eating_sm-722263.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> Seems the hobbyhorse also stole Carole's glasses. But never fear - Carole has at least three more pairs hanging around her neck.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/carole_working_sm-739246.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/carole_working_sm-739245.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">See? Carole is working on a website for GAIT, a group that provides horseback riding as therapy. Doug created a new logo for them and while Amy writes the copy, Carole is coding away!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Karen has been working on the display boards for Family Answers. There are five of them, each focusing on one of the programs this organization provides in the community. She has two computers going at once!</span><br /><br />More later!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/karen_working_sm-702934.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/karen_working_sm-702931.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/family-answers-logo-702309.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/family-answers-logo-702304.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/pizza-has-arrived.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-5037780610960621358Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:25:00 +00002007-09-13T14:37:48.798-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/kickoff_sm-741703.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/kickoff_sm-741702.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yes we are working on projects, but I thought you might like to see a few photos of the crew.<br /><br />We started this morning bright and early at 8 a.m.! That's Carole, Karen, me, Amy, Beth and Doug. Oh and, Fred - doesn't he look great in his CreateAThon t-shirt? This was taken outside in front of our building. We're looking pretty wide awake aren't we?<br /><br />Here's our schedule for the morning and so far we're on target. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Schedule_pg1_sm-759484.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Schedule_pg1_sm-759478.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Marshmallow_1_sm-753286.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Marshmallow_1_sm-753285.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> <span style="font-family:arial;">We've tested out our new toys - marshmallow shooters and Doug has become quite adept at catching them in his mouth -<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And our friend Mike Gorga from Megcomm Digital Filmakers stopped by to take some shots for a CreateAThon "reality show" video that we'll post to our website when it's all over.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Mike_filming_sm-787801.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Mike_filming_sm-787799.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">After another post lunch brainstorming session we're all back at the computers working hard.<br /><br /><br />More later!<br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/some-scenes-and-silliness.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-991826887460225881Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:31:00 +00002007-09-13T13:51:04.999-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/ff_meetinghouse-786050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/ff_meetinghouse-786047.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is my first project of the day - a brochure for an historical (200 year old!) Meeting House that is actually only a block away from our office.<br /><br />As I read the history of the building, the first structure used as a house of worship in Northeastern Pennsylvania (built in 1807) I noticed names that appear in many ways in our community - on buildings, street signs and parks. This is an area rich in history!<br /><br />The building is unique in architecture but is now in need of restoration. Hopefully, this brochure will help tell the Forty Forty Meeting House Story and raise needed funds.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Dress-for-Success-Logo-729796.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Dress-for-Success-Logo-729789.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Amy has bee working on this brochure. Dress for Success is a terrific organization that helps women who are getting into the workforce and do not have the means to purchase clothes for their interview a selection of interview suits - at no charge.<br /><br />Of course to do this, they need resources. A space, funding, donations of many kinds. Amy is creating a message that will resonate with all types of donors.<br />Look how hard she is working -<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Amy_working_sm-704876.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Amy_working_sm-704872.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">More later....<br />C<br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/130-and-were-well-on-our-way.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-4322413122203345987Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:26:00 +00002007-09-13T08:59:13.558-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/logos_combo-756846.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/logos_combo-756805.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Yes, it's CreateAThon time again. Twenty-four hours of creative madness culminating in, what we hope is, terrific marketing materials for the six nonprofits chosen this year.<br /><br />They are:<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Candy's Place</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Forty Fort Meeting House</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dress For Success Lackawanna</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Family Answers</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">GAIT</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">National Student Partnership</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />By the time we're done there should be a website site, brochures, displays, a marketing campaign, internet newsletter and banner ads, posters and print ads. I say should be, because who knows what will happen - we're not used to all nighters.<br /><br />Okay, the marshmallows are flying (we have new marshmallow shooters!) and we're about to start our first brainstorming session.<br /><br />More later!<br />We'll be posting photos on our website all day (and all night long) at cdscreative.com so check it out. Email us! Call us! Stop by!<br /></span></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/09/createathon-2007.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-8178141499795188667Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:21:00 +00002007-06-05T09:16:18.918-04:00<span style="font-family:arial;">It doesn't happen often, but when it does it at first depresses, then amazes me. This morning I stopped for coffee at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">Starbucks</a>. I'm actually a <a href="http://www.dunkindonuts.com">Dunkin Donuts</a> fan, but I wanted to pick up the new <a href="http://www.paulmccartney.com">Paul McCartney</a> album. I like Sir Paul and I find it interesting from a business and cultural perspective that this CD is being released through Starbucks.<br /><br />I order a large (yes, large not venti or whatever they call a large coffee) black (yes, just black - no latte, mocha, half this or that) coffee and I pick up the CD. The young woman behind the counter gives me my coffee, picks up the CD and says, "This is a big deal isn't it? I didn't even know who he was until this morning."<br /><br />AAAAACCCKKKK!<br /><br />Not know Paul McCartney?<br /><br />I held my hand to my chest and told her, "Please, please don't say that to anyone else my age today." Now I know I'm old (just ask my kids) but I find it very hard to believe that someone would not have heard of Paul McCartney - if only because of his very public divorce and his ex being on Dancing with the Stars! Doesn't she read the tabloids?<br /><br />Okay, I'm probably over-reacting. But it occurred to me this is a symptom of something larger, a lack of a sense of history in our lives. New is revered. New music, new gadgets, new art, new videos on YouTube. (no one sends dumb jokes anymore - now it's links to dumb videos.)<br /><br />This is not necessarily a bad thing. New discoveries have enhanced society over and over again. What's missing is perspective. New comes from old. There is a connection that can be very powerful.<br /><br />I attended a <a href="http://www.shallowbay.com">Breaking Benjamin</a> concert this past Saturday night. I go to a lot of concerts (again, just ask my kids) but I had never seen anything like this. The young (20's) crowd arrived totally drunk and got drunker. Fights averaged one per minute. Beers were thrown (they closed down the beer stands) and there seemed to be a complete disregard for others. But when the music started the crowd become one large head-nodding sing-along group. Even though the lyrics were being screamed rather than sung, this group screamed along and knew all the words. There was a connection.<br /><br />That connection is no different than the Beatles' screaming fans. We knew all the words. We sang along. But I am wondering if, 40 years from now (it was the 40th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band this past weekend also) Breaking Benjamin will still be screaming? And will they have learned another word for f##k?<br /><br />Thank you Sir Paul.<br />On to the next! Let me know your thoughts.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/06/sir-who.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-3419426662597845201Mon, 21 May 2007 11:13:00 +00002007-05-21T07:40:46.065-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Harry-Slippers-756609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Harry-Slippers-755821.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Hard to believe, but we are now the proud parents of two college graduates. Our younger son strode across the stage at the <a href="http://newhouse.syr.edu">Newhouse School</a> at Syracuse University convocation last weekend receiving a glorified "trapper keeper" instead of a diploma. Yes, he did actually graduate, but the diplomas are mailed later.<br /><br />It was easy to spot him on Saturday as he and his pal Frank managed to be the last two to walk across the stage. On Sunday at the all school ceremony he was easy to pick out again - those dinosaur feet were easy to spot.<br /><br />All during the ceremonies, if you listened carefully, you could hear the click click of text messages being sent. To Mom and Dad in the stands. To friends present and not. A game of "text tag" was started and continued throughout the speeches, pomp and circumstance. In an instant there were critiques of the speakers, jokes about last night's parties and plans made for the next ones.<br /><br />This group is amazingly connected. Needs to be connected. Touching base all the time. They will stay together as they move on into careers and life. What a wonderful thing that is.<br /><br />But I hope they also take time to pull their noses out of the cell phones and computers long enough to see what is happening in the world around them. They have passion for what is important to them and they share that instantaneously. As they join the "real world" it is my wish for them to make a difference there. They can do it.<br /><br />Harry heads cross country this week to find his fame and fortune in LA. He and his friends plan to head straight out, driving four days for eight hours a day. I'm hoping they slow down and enjoy the ride.<br /><br />Meanwhile Dad and I will figure out what will need to be shipped.<br /><br />We're proud of both of our sons. They are good men. We can't wait to see where their lives take them next.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Mom-George-Harry-Dad-762016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/uploaded_images/Mom-George-Harry-Dad-761509.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/05/graduation.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-1989220957304595566Tue, 01 May 2007 11:54:00 +00002007-05-01T10:21:33.036-04:00sportsimpactfootballnfl draft<span style="font-family:arial;">The<a href="http://www.nfl.com/"> NFL</a> draft is over. Finally. Did you watch? Even for a couple of minutes? Millions did and therein lies a mystery - why?<br /><br />Do we think that by watching we can somehow influence the decision of our favorite team, or perhaps our team's arch enemy? Is that why <a href="http://www.radiocity.com/">Radio CIty Music Hall</a> was filled with booing and cheering fans?<br /><br />Perhaps it's because at the end of last year we said, "Wait 'til next year." The draft is the first step towards "next year" so are we watching and hoping our words will ring true?<br /><br />Is it the drama of watching when a player will be chosen - what round? what pick? by what team? Did you feel bad for Brady Quinn? And better when the commissioner moved him to a private room away from the cameras?<br /><br />And how about Wisconsin lineman Joe Thomas who decided to go fishing with his dad instead of getting dressed up and heading to NYC. He knew he'd be drafted. He knew he had no choice of team and it really didn't matter. Fishing did.<br /><br />I'm going to keep an eye on him. He's in Cleveland.<br /><br />Then there's Mr. Irrelevant, Ramzee Robinson. The last player to be drafted after two interminable days, he has become a celebrity of sorts. In June he will receive the Lowsman Trophy, Irrelevant Week's answer to the Heisman.<br /><br />So, why am I spending this morning opining on the NFL draft? Am I a huge football fan - not really although I will admit to being a Giants fan. Do I really care which player signed with which team? No. What is fascinating to me is the impact of sports on the psyche of this country. Lives revolve around it from Little League to high school basketball to college football to the professional level.<br /><br />Heck, during the last winter Olympics fans watched curling at 2 a.m. and then talked about it at the office the next day. Are we crazy?<br /><br />On to the next!<br />Catherine<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/05/nfl-draft.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27744346.post-117077153736469777Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:35:00 +00002007-02-06T13:17:30.086-05:00<span style="font-family:arial;">This has been a very strange winter. Until this week, temperatures had been bearable. There hasn't been any snow to speak of. The sun has actually been shining. As I said, not the typical Northeastern Pennsylvania winter where we see gray for months - in the sky and on the ground as the snow is pushed to the side and speckled with road salt. People are already talking about spring.<br /><br />But it's still 2 degrees out this morning. Two degrees.<br /><br />We hurry from house to car. From car to office. From office to meetings. From office to the store. From store to home. We nod to each other in greeting as our mouths are covered by scarves. We tend to look at our feet hoping to avoid an icy fall and miss seeing the world around us.<br /><br />I think this is one reason the SuperBowl has become such a social event (second only to Christmas by some reports.) Watching the game or the commercials isn't the point. We head out the door bundled up. We arrive, unwrap and reconnect! It's a celebration that coincides with the end of football season (yes I know the ProBowl game is next weekend) but more than that, it signifies the halfway point of winter. We're going to make it!<br /><br />One friend of mine says the SuperBowl is the signal to get out his golf clubs and head to the indoor practice range. He says, unless you're a hockey or basketball fan, it's Tiger on the screen on Sundays.<br /><br />I'm still looking forward to March Madness. Go '<a href="http://www.suathletics.com/">Cuse.</a>" And my thoughts are already turning to baseball now that we have the Yankees in our own backyard.<br /><br />But today it's still 2 degrees. Two degrees.<br /><br />On to the next.<br />Let me know your thoughts.<br /><a href="catherine@cdscreative.com">Catherine</a><br /></span>http://www.cdscreative.com/cds_blog/2007/02/2-degrees.htmlcatherine@cdscreative.com (cds creative)