WOW, look at those numbers! I would have thought they'd be a WHOLE LOT more!
Ready? Hit us at nanoburgh (at the mail service known as) gmail.com -- and say I'm in!
(Click on the graphic for better readability)
Jul 21, 2011
Get on the Nanoburgh train!
And why the hell not? Here are the introductory rates for attaching your name to this great and beloved brand.
WOW, look at those numbers! I would have thought they'd be a WHOLE LOT more!
Ready? Hit us at nanoburgh (at the mail service known as) gmail.com -- and say I'm in!
(Click on the graphic for better readability)
WOW, look at those numbers! I would have thought they'd be a WHOLE LOT more!
Ready? Hit us at nanoburgh (at the mail service known as) gmail.com -- and say I'm in!
(Click on the graphic for better readability)
Jul 19, 2011
Saratoga: 40 Tips for 40 Days
Valuable wisdom from a native Saratogian with five decades of experience at America's home for the great sport of thoroughbred horse racing
1. Best day for filly-watching? Opening Day!
2. Rain? Mass scratches? Go home
3. Class on the grass
4. Never bet the rail out of the 7f chute
5. Don't drink if you're there for serious betting
6. Spot plays vs betting everything that moves
7. Don't dis' the jumpers
8. Belmont grass form doesn't hold up well
9. Ignore the jockeys -- they're all good
10. Be wary of both the rail and outside posts at 5f grass races
11. Follow Pletcher from the paddock to the windows; and listen
12. Loose speed kills -- lay it down.
13. Double-up Tip #12 for route races.
14. Watch for fillies & mares getting distracted, mid-August onward
15. Two pools at the Spa Park -- bring the Form
16. The worst horse tips come from jockeys
17. Trainers are a close second
18. Long race on soft turf? Christophe Clement
19. Siro's is for poseurs, the Horseshoe is for racing fans
20. Come Week #3, avoid 'duck' (winless) trainers
21. Inspect your tab in the Dining Room
22. Golf? Saratoga Lake over Saratoga National
23. Better yet, drive north
24. River rafting in Luzerne - ahhhh
25. Avoid Lake George. You're trying to get away from those people, remember?
26. If you see the Irish barn boys out drinking: run!
27. Best betting opp's? Pick 3's
28. House mates will get on your nerves by Alabama Day
29. If your definition of entertainment is shitty cover bands, you're in luck!
30. Worst viewing spot? Those glorified trailers on the clubhouse turn
31. Sneaky wet-track breeding lines? Lemon Drop Kid and (deeper in pedigree) Cyane
32. OCD lucky first stop upon arrival? Big Red Spring.
33. Most under-rated handicapping tool? Today's track bias
34. Best way to ruin your visit? Visit Caroline Street at 2AM
35. Lost that race? Find a new viewing spot for the next one
36. Blue silks on gray horse is unlucky -- avoid
37. Don't walk away from the self-serve machine without your voucher
38. Washed-out horse = washed-out bankroll
39. Want to sound like a long time local? Call it the race course (not track) and learn the correct way to pronounce Travers
40. Best kept local secret? The Northway southbound entrance ramp off Crescent Ave
RM
Contribute Now
.
1. Best day for filly-watching? Opening Day!
2. Rain? Mass scratches? Go home
3. Class on the grass
4. Never bet the rail out of the 7f chute
5. Don't drink if you're there for serious betting
6. Spot plays vs betting everything that moves
7. Don't dis' the jumpers
8. Belmont grass form doesn't hold up well
9. Ignore the jockeys -- they're all good
10. Be wary of both the rail and outside posts at 5f grass races
11. Follow Pletcher from the paddock to the windows; and listen
12. Loose speed kills -- lay it down.
13. Double-up Tip #12 for route races.
14. Watch for fillies & mares getting distracted, mid-August onward
15. Two pools at the Spa Park -- bring the Form
16. The worst horse tips come from jockeys
17. Trainers are a close second
18. Long race on soft turf? Christophe Clement
19. Siro's is for poseurs, the Horseshoe is for racing fans
20. Come Week #3, avoid 'duck' (winless) trainers
21. Inspect your tab in the Dining Room
22. Golf? Saratoga Lake over Saratoga National
23. Better yet, drive north
24. River rafting in Luzerne - ahhhh
25. Avoid Lake George. You're trying to get away from those people, remember?
26. If you see the Irish barn boys out drinking: run!
27. Best betting opp's? Pick 3's
28. House mates will get on your nerves by Alabama Day
29. If your definition of entertainment is shitty cover bands, you're in luck!
30. Worst viewing spot? Those glorified trailers on the clubhouse turn
31. Sneaky wet-track breeding lines? Lemon Drop Kid and (deeper in pedigree) Cyane
32. OCD lucky first stop upon arrival? Big Red Spring.
33. Most under-rated handicapping tool? Today's track bias
34. Best way to ruin your visit? Visit Caroline Street at 2AM
35. Lost that race? Find a new viewing spot for the next one
36. Blue silks on gray horse is unlucky -- avoid
37. Don't walk away from the self-serve machine without your voucher
38. Washed-out horse = washed-out bankroll
39. Want to sound like a long time local? Call it the race course (not track) and learn the correct way to pronounce Travers
40. Best kept local secret? The Northway southbound entrance ramp off Crescent Ave
RM
.
Jul 18, 2011
The State of Local Journalism - Part 1
CASE STUDY #1:
Here is a real world email I received a few months back:
Really? Wow. Good luck with that.
I'll link to the story in my weekly web round-up.
Feel free to make an offer on any of the stories
in XXXX (my publication). LOL.
Background
The gentleman behind these words is the Owner-Publisher-Editor of a certain news service in New York State.
He was replying to an offer I had made whereby he could reprint a lengthy story that I had authored two months prior and which had been previously published in a local specialty, narrow niche magazine. Given that the piece concerned economic, energy and quality of life issues within his specific geographic coverage area, I thought it only natural for there to be interest in making it available to his constituency.
The original publisher agreed, and we were to split the requested reprint fee of $60 between us. We're talking real high finance here.
The reply to that offer is the above greeting.
===========================================
CASE STUDY #2:
Here is a real life email from June:
"Thank you for the interest in placing a
feature profile story in XXXXX Magazine!
As the premier showcase publication for the area's
movers and shakers, XXXX Magazine provides you with
exposure to the elite decision makers that will
buy your product or service.
I have enclosed a Rate Card for highlighting your
story in XXXX Magazine."
Background
The author of this message has as her title that of being Account Executive for a monthly, glossy style magazine that is seen around the area at coffee shops, waiting rooms and libraries as a freebie.
Her A/E title is most interesting, given the fact that I had initiated this conversation with an inquiry to the publication's listed Editor as to whether they would be interested in profiling my suggested mover & shaker: a successful gentleman in the process of putting together an investment fund with a mission of funding local startups. I had no dog in this fight, with no financial motivation --- I just thought it would be helpful for this story to get out there.
Instead, I was handed a bunch of dollar signs telling me how much it would cost to get that story out there. An inside profile? $1250. If I want the front cover? $5000. Website-only was also available, but I needed to inquire by phone to get that particular good news.
===========================================
CASE STUDY #3:
A former intern received this email one year ago:
"Our Web Editor must have competent writing
and editing skills as well as excellence in SEO
strategies and implementation. Our web-only content
must have as its first priority the ability to draw
readers based on both its topical popularity as well
as optimized pages."
Background
Our young friend, in her quest for gainful employment, had responded to a job opening at a local weekly newspaper. The above was the reply to her followup question on some of the specifics of the job's responsibilities.
===========================================
So, there we have it: the three hot buttons of today's world of local journalism:
1. Uncompensated writers
2. Pay-to-Play
3. SEO-first
Part Two of this series will dive deeper. But I thought these three nuggets would serve as a good warm up.
Here is a real world email I received a few months back:
I'll link to the story in my weekly web round-up.
Feel free to make an offer on any of the stories
in XXXX (my publication). LOL.
Background
The gentleman behind these words is the Owner-Publisher-Editor of a certain news service in New York State.
He was replying to an offer I had made whereby he could reprint a lengthy story that I had authored two months prior and which had been previously published in a local specialty, narrow niche magazine. Given that the piece concerned economic, energy and quality of life issues within his specific geographic coverage area, I thought it only natural for there to be interest in making it available to his constituency.
The original publisher agreed, and we were to split the requested reprint fee of $60 between us. We're talking real high finance here.
The reply to that offer is the above greeting.
===========================================
CASE STUDY #2:
Here is a real life email from June:
feature profile story in XXXXX Magazine!
As the premier showcase publication for the area's
movers and shakers, XXXX Magazine provides you with
exposure to the elite decision makers that will
buy your product or service.
I have enclosed a Rate Card for highlighting your
story in XXXX Magazine."
Background
The author of this message has as her title that of being Account Executive for a monthly, glossy style magazine that is seen around the area at coffee shops, waiting rooms and libraries as a freebie.
Her A/E title is most interesting, given the fact that I had initiated this conversation with an inquiry to the publication's listed Editor as to whether they would be interested in profiling my suggested mover & shaker: a successful gentleman in the process of putting together an investment fund with a mission of funding local startups. I had no dog in this fight, with no financial motivation --- I just thought it would be helpful for this story to get out there.
Instead, I was handed a bunch of dollar signs telling me how much it would cost to get that story out there. An inside profile? $1250. If I want the front cover? $5000. Website-only was also available, but I needed to inquire by phone to get that particular good news.
===========================================
CASE STUDY #3:
A former intern received this email one year ago:
and editing skills as well as excellence in SEO
strategies and implementation. Our web-only content
must have as its first priority the ability to draw
readers based on both its topical popularity as well
as optimized pages."
Background
Our young friend, in her quest for gainful employment, had responded to a job opening at a local weekly newspaper. The above was the reply to her followup question on some of the specifics of the job's responsibilities.
===========================================
So, there we have it: the three hot buttons of today's world of local journalism:
1. Uncompensated writers
2. Pay-to-Play
3. SEO-first
Part Two of this series will dive deeper. But I thought these three nuggets would serve as a good warm up.
Jul 16, 2011
Big to small banking
When a bank is shut down, it is always a small bank that is shut, with its assets being handed off to a large bank.
That process should be reversed
When the banking system used to work, it was because local institutions, with their hands on the pulse of its own community, were the standard. Consolidation and de-regulation changed all that -- and we all know what happened.
Reverse the curse.
That process should be reversed
When the banking system used to work, it was because local institutions, with their hands on the pulse of its own community, were the standard. Consolidation and de-regulation changed all that -- and we all know what happened.
Reverse the curse.
Jul 15, 2011
SPAC's new push: chain gangs
This morning, we read of a SPAC press conference that herald the Crusade-like revival of the Shock & Awe campaign against special event attendees. It goes like this: get caught with alcohol on the SPAC grounds and parking lot and you'll be arrested and sentenced to chain gang labor of garbage pickup duty.
Let's roll the tape:
Just a few days ago, we were subject to SPAC's whining about the lack of attendance at the ballet, and how it's not their fault that younger people will not go to see the NYCB.
Now we see this microphone session, compete with public safety officials on hand threatening to lower the hammer with their mission to wipe out this lager madness.
Well, the latter certainly provides a warm & fuzzy SPAC experience for those young people for whom SPAC is trying to get to come to the ballet once in a while, aren't they?
Yes, indeed: hassle the heck out of them, arrest them, make them do chain gang labor -- or as an option, charge them $12 for "official & approved" beer.
Yep, that's the way to build up a deep sense of SPAC loyalty among the targeted demographic.
Let's keep an eye on the Stun Gun Report that the city is being forced to release by the courts: I have a feeling that quite a few of the line item entries will have a Spa Park address attached to them.
Let's roll the tape:
Just a few days ago, we were subject to SPAC's whining about the lack of attendance at the ballet, and how it's not their fault that younger people will not go to see the NYCB.Now we see this microphone session, compete with public safety officials on hand threatening to lower the hammer with their mission to wipe out this lager madness.
Well, the latter certainly provides a warm & fuzzy SPAC experience for those young people for whom SPAC is trying to get to come to the ballet once in a while, aren't they?
Yes, indeed: hassle the heck out of them, arrest them, make them do chain gang labor -- or as an option, charge them $12 for "official & approved" beer.
Yep, that's the way to build up a deep sense of SPAC loyalty among the targeted demographic.
Let's keep an eye on the Stun Gun Report that the city is being forced to release by the courts: I have a feeling that quite a few of the line item entries will have a Spa Park address attached to them.
Jul 13, 2011
Tweetin' Old Timey Tunes
Old School Marketing Is Still Old School Marketing
Milkman Mike is a true old school businessman. Every morning, five days a week, he delivers bottles of the white stuff to little tin boxes on the doorsteps of suburban homes. He's been doing it for 25 year; his family has been doing it for close to 70. If that's not old school I don't know what is.
Now, if Mike trades-in his rusting truck for a brand new-this-year model, does he lose that old school tag? Is his business now fundamentally different? Of course not: despite the new wheels, he's still delivering milk the old fashioned way. The basic business model remains unchanged.
Let's turn that same exercise and direct it to the modern crop of self professed marketeers: Does your heavy use of Tweeter (or facebook for that matter) automatically signal that you have fundamentally changed your marketing model?
In examining most cases, that answer is NO. Here's why:
Despite its value as social platforms, most marketing types still employ the old school broadcast methodology when they are handed the keys to these net's. You know: Priority 1 is to accumulate as many contacts/friends as possible; and Priority 2 is to constantly barrage them with tweets & feeds. Such an approach truly defeats the purpose. They are still in the milk delivery business, despite the new delivery vehicle.
For many in the marketing profession, this is a bitter pill to swallow. But a look in the mirror would be a healthy procedure --- especially for your clients' sake.
Milkman Mike is a true old school businessman. Every morning, five days a week, he delivers bottles of the white stuff to little tin boxes on the doorsteps of suburban homes. He's been doing it for 25 year; his family has been doing it for close to 70. If that's not old school I don't know what is.
Now, if Mike trades-in his rusting truck for a brand new-this-year model, does he lose that old school tag? Is his business now fundamentally different? Of course not: despite the new wheels, he's still delivering milk the old fashioned way. The basic business model remains unchanged.
Let's turn that same exercise and direct it to the modern crop of self professed marketeers: Does your heavy use of Tweeter (or facebook for that matter) automatically signal that you have fundamentally changed your marketing model?In examining most cases, that answer is NO. Here's why:
Despite its value as social platforms, most marketing types still employ the old school broadcast methodology when they are handed the keys to these net's. You know: Priority 1 is to accumulate as many contacts/friends as possible; and Priority 2 is to constantly barrage them with tweets & feeds. Such an approach truly defeats the purpose. They are still in the milk delivery business, despite the new delivery vehicle.
For many in the marketing profession, this is a bitter pill to swallow. But a look in the mirror would be a healthy procedure --- especially for your clients' sake.
Jul 12, 2011
Saudis=Yes; Ruskies=OMG!
I guess the Russians still scare us more than the Saudis. Proof: here's a breaking scandalous business story from the AP today:
AP Sources: Russian steelmaker to get US loan
$730m US government loan to update Michigan plant
DETROIT (AP) -- Two people briefed on the matter say the North American arm of Russia's largest steel company is getting a $730 million loan from the U.S. government. STORY HERE
Now, shhhhh'ush: don't anyone tattle on the Luther Forest chip plant project; OK? The AP might have a brain aneurysm when they learn about those $$$ numnbers.
AP Sources: Russian steelmaker to get US loan
$730m US government loan to update Michigan plant
DETROIT (AP) -- Two people briefed on the matter say the North American arm of Russia's largest steel company is getting a $730 million loan from the U.S. government. STORY HERE
Now, shhhhh'ush: don't anyone tattle on the Luther Forest chip plant project; OK? The AP might have a brain aneurysm when they learn about those $$$ numnbers.
Jul 11, 2011
Murdoch's Chess Move: Oops!
Wouldn't it be nice if the US had a similar mechanism -- and the integrity -- to bitch slap its own tabloid, broadcast news and talk radio cretins? (see story, below).
It looks like Murdoch's tactic of quickly closing down his London scandal & rumor rag didn't ensure the intended goal of serving up a head in return for keeping the BSkyB deal on track.
Instead, all it did was give the shareholders a little haircut and took one plague off the world's media landscape -- both good things.
--------------------------------------------------
Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB Bid:
Government Lawyers Reportedly Moving To Block Buyout
By Paul Sandle
LONDON, July 11 (Reuters) - British government lawyers are drawing up plans to block Rupert Murdoch's bid to buy out the broadcaster BSkyB, the Independent newspaper said on Monday, a move that could spare Prime Minister David Cameron a potentially damaging parliamentary vote. READ MORE
Jul 5, 2011
O.J., Act II
Aren't we blessed to have a justice system that locks up a psychopathic mom who disposed of her little girl's body like a piece of trash, with the death having been the result of either dearest Mom's gross negligence (at best) or outright murder (at worst)?
Wait, what?
How could the prosecutors blow this case? Maybe it has something to do with relying on 'odor chemistry'? But just like Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden gained fame and fortune for losing the O.J. Simpson case, I'm sure these fine public servants won't go idle or hungry.
Not when we have the American media always on the prowl for new star power!
Wait, what?
How could the prosecutors blow this case? Maybe it has something to do with relying on 'odor chemistry'? But just like Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden gained fame and fortune for losing the O.J. Simpson case, I'm sure these fine public servants won't go idle or hungry.
Not when we have the American media always on the prowl for new star power!
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