I must give it up to the illustrious, eccentric, and often times didactic deliverer of syrupy mindcakes, Miss Aunt Jemima. Your words and sewing are magical; although, Houston does look a little skeptical of the sweater you knitted him.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Based on a tip from Tampa I Am, I decided to take a little stroll out at Brooker Creek Preserve this past Saturday. It sounded nice enough, and with its close proximity to downtown Tampa there was hardly any cause to consider it a huge commitment (even if it meant sacrificing precious weekend hours). Just throw the word, “preserve” into the same sentence with outdoors and hiking, and I am apt to be sold. Plus, how can one not be grateful for a morsel of land in the Tampa Bay area devoid of condos and mini porches with a compromised view?
Upon pulling into the parking lot, it seemed to be a nice enough place. I could hear some trigger-happy people popping off shots from their pistols somewhere in the distance, but aside from that there was relative calm. The boardwalk, albeit short, is quite nice, and the education center and corresponding facilities are obviously well-funded. The displays along parts of the trail are creatively composed and informative, but then they, well, just end.
Beyond that is the 4-mile wilderness trail, which I did in full, and while it held my observance I doubt I would ever do it again. Don’t get me wrong, there is subtle beauty in the pines and palms, but the trail was a road, and the pines had obviously been harvested not that long ago.
As further encroachment ensues land management becomes even more important and challenging. That is why I really am appreciative for places like this and would fork over additional tax dollars to protect more of the same. The diversity of wildlife, and the knowledge that one day those pines will be old growth is heartwarming. But it felt a little like being thankful for dissatisfaction. I wanted more!
I did have the chance to spy a pygmy rattler; although, I was not quick enough to capture a picture. I also picked up this turkey feather (see picture), and spotted a small buck cruising through the trees. In each case, I am glad they have room to roam.
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BrandEvolution Comes to The Depot November 13th
We are stoked to present to you a conference that, well, is thankfully not a conference. Produced by QuarterHorse, BrandEvolution is our Fall 2008 symposium, and it is coming to The Depot on November 13th.
Set in a collaborative environment and designed to get at the heart of questions such as:
How do businesses effectively translate and transform their brands to connect with their customers both online and offline?
How do businesses stay ahead of relentless consumer expectations, and form emotional connections between customers and products.
To answer these questions and more, Stanley Hainsworth, world renowned global creative director for Starbucks, Lego and Nike is joined on stage at The Depot November 13th with fellow digital storyteller and business improvisation visionary Mike Bonifer, and David LaPlante, entrepreneur, web strategist, and CEO of Twelve Horses.
In 1994, Disney became the first entertainment company to boldly drive its customers to a narrative brand Web experience by launching the Toy Story movie web site under the creative strategy of Mike Bonifer, a move that forever changed branding.
In 1995, David LaPlante launched Lake Tahoe’s first ever ski resort website – skiheavenly.com. Today, Heavenly Mountain Resort ranks number one in skier visits, commands an impressive presence on the web, and delivers its message via video, podcasting, blogging, Twitter, Facebook, email, and more.
In 2004, Stanley Hainsworth left Lego and took the helm of Starbucks as VP-global creative and set in motion transformational creative and design strategies that created the ubiquitous brand of our coffee-shop connected generation today. As stated by AdAge.com, “Stanley Hainsworth put his stamp on nearly every piece of creative at Starbucks; he devised the “brand book” that defines the Lego image; and he helped push Nike into entertainment.”
In addition to gleaning real world branding experience, you will also benefit from a collaborative workshop that takes participants beyond the scripted and linear models of strategy, and challenges them to engage in an improvised branding discussion. The exercise is designed to develop greater emotional intelligence, and push the boundaries of defining a brand.
Come be a part of it!
For more information or to register for Brand Evolution visit events.twelvehorses.com.
A Good Man is Gone
Life is full of regrets, and the passing of one particularly remarkable individual reminds me that time is best served trying to minimize the amount of them.
I suspect Chase Ambler of the Asheville School had very few regrets, for he was motivated beyond measure to make the most out of life and was a solid soul to the core.
My regret is that I never took the opportunity to let him know how grateful I am for recognizing the good in me, and giving me not only a second but a third chance to prove it. He was a tough man with a stoic expression, but I will never forget the bear hug and big smile he gave me after graduation.
For Mr. A life was more than a poor player…signifying nothing, it was a chance to make a difference. And even though I am just a fraction of the man that he was I will continue to do my best to meet him halfway.
You can read more about Chase Ambler here on the Asheville School’s web site.
Fat, Bald & Innocent
I’ve been taken into sleep deprived custody.
