Zingoz and the Chicken

The recession, if we are in one, must be nearing an end.  I just picked up the Zingoz and the chicken iterations of the fast-selling Webkinz plush toys for my two daughters, 7 and 9.  The new versions are in great demand — and prices remain fairly high at about $17 each.  There were literally hundreds of other models to choose from.  I’m not sure that means inventory is high due to slow sales or that the store wanted to ensure all selections were in stock.   I think it’s the latter given the numbers of kids with them in tow….yet another scientific proof point in my ongoing commentary on the economy. 

Russert Ruckus

The death of Tim Russert was a tragedy, no doubt. For someone, anyone, to die at such a young age, 58, is horrible. This might not be a popular opinion, but I’m not quite sure this warranted “breaking news” coverage.  I’m sure he was a great guy, and I’ll miss his work on “Meet the Press.” He was personable, it seemed, on air, and he exuded an everyman’s persona (for me, particularly, through his love of the Buffalo Bills). I guess I’m just not sure the death of an NBC Washington bureau chief warrants breaking news. Regardless, the Russert death is sad, given he was a person who seemed to be a great father, industry colleague, friend and broadcast news pro.

Job Interview Miscues

Anne Fisher of Fortune mag’s “Ask Annie” column has a great piece on job interview mistakes made by candidates over the years (June 12, cnnmoney.com).  The story cited a poll of 1,000 executives by Office Team, a staffing firm.  Some of the funniest examples: one job seeker arrived with a cockatoo on his shoulder; another candidate sent his sister in his stead; one applicant asked for a cigarette in the middle of the interview; another fell asleep; while one insulted the interviewer’s tie.   I personally know of a great PR pro (and good friend) who noted a photo of Cal Ripken, the retired Orioles shortstop, on the interviewer’s wall during a job interview a few years ago.   The candidate mentioned something along the lines of Ripken being known as “a high-maintenance pain in the ass” in baseball circles.   To this day, I needle my friend (and remind all job seekers) that if the interviewer has a photo on their wall or desk, it’s probably of someone they admire, like and/or respect.     

Belichick for President

According to CBS Sportsline, my main man, Pats head coach Bill Belichick ranked #2 on HR World’s list of “10 Coaches That Could Be Exceptional CEOs.”  As a young PR rep for NYNEX years ago, I think I remember HR World as a rather “ratty, crappy” trade rag, but it’s like my blog.  If you read HR World and/or take a dump in the woods….does anyone see or read it?  Apparently, HR World (short, for Human Resources, that dinosaur-like reference to the corporate personnel department — ergo backwater) listed Belichick’s top trait as a willingness to admit mistakes.  Bill B. is one of the more fascinating personalities on my rather limited horizon, and I’d love to have lunch or coffee with him one day.  However, I think HR World, that so-called pinnacle of human skillsets reporting, is trying to grab a bit of publicity.  Not a bad motive, mind you.   But the poll also cited Denver’s Mike Shanahan, who hasn’t won anything since an Elway was in the NFL. 

Cars for Kids

I wish someone could explain to me what’s driving the huge marketing push behind groups touting the tax benefits of donating cars to charity.  One of the biggest advertisers, I think, is the American Children’s Society, Inc.  I can’t seem to escape the ads, whether it be morning drive time radio, highway billboards and newspaper print.  I hate to be the cynic, but someone has got to be making money here — given what seems to be the enormous ad sums being spent.