Friday, September 26, 2008

McCain Debate Ploy in Urban Terms: A Punk Move

McCain is Punkin' Out

Let's put McCain's recent campaign in "urban context". Suspending his campaign and participation in the Presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi is what can be called in the vernacular; "a punk move, punkin' out". With Obama leading all major polls on all issues except for taxes. McCain admittedly said through his actions, "I'm scared".

I find the activities of the Republican party absolutely puzzling. The selection of an inadequate VP candidate in Sarah Palin that is fizzling quickly after "energizing the base". While her introduction into the campaign was heralded with fanfare she is quickly fizzling out the more she speaks to the media reminding us of a Dan Quaylesque pick.

Palin's interview with Katie Couric was comical and almost not fair to poke fun at. As my grandmother used to say, "Everything that starts out thick, ends up thinnin' out in the end." When asked about Israel she responded with her noble intention of preventing a "second holocaust"? But even better she had an intensely cerebral "good guys" and "bad guys" analogy that had to make the GOP proud.



McCain's most recent decision to return to Washington to add his proverbial 2 cents to the current solution has clouded a pressing issue of resolving our countries financial crisis.

Obama called it right when he advised against bringing Presidential politics into a critical issue that is being solved in Washington and that the debate is "More important than ever".


The McCain recommended White House summit was a sham and McCain emerged as mostly silent while Obama asked Hank Paulson critical questions whether the bail out would work and he responded frankly it wouldn't.


On the streets when you have a conflict or "beef" with someone you have two choices; address it squarely or punk out. Obama and McCain have beef. They were supposed to meet in the parking lot after school in Oxford's Presidential debate and what did McCain do? He said that he had to be somewhere and pulled a historic punk move.


Can we coin the new term "Re-punk-lican". The good part is that we know Obama will be in the parking lot tonight at the debate ready to battle. Even better is that if McCain shows he's taken a hit on looking ready and is sure to get stomped.


I'll be in watching either way as the revolution continues to be televised.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Hocky Mama for Obama: Alaska Anti-Palin Rally



Although the campaign is currently suspended...I received a great email and photos from a recent Anti-Palin Rally in Alaska. The following are excerpts from the body text. I don't know the original source but great photos (Thx ATMWT).

[The] Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was to be held outside on the lawn in front of the Loussac Library in midtown Anchorage. Home made signs were encouraged, and the idea was to make a statement that Sarah Palin does not speak for all Alaska women, or men.
The Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was significantly bigger than Palin's rally that got all the national media coverage! So take heart, sit back, and enjoy the photo gallery. Feel free to spread the pictures around to anyone who needs to know that Sarah Palin most definitely does not speak for all Alaskans. The citizens of Alaska, who know her best, have things to say.







The revolution continues to be televised.



Friday, September 19, 2008

Nuance Marketing Goes to Toronto to Support the Rally for Kids With Cancer



Toronto was the most recent destination for my agency, Nuance Marketing's support of our client AutomotiveStreetStyle.com and their owner, former Toronto Raptor Jerome "Junkyard Dog" Williams. It was my first time in Toronto and I was overwhelmed by the kindness and friendly nature that pervaded with the residents of this fly international city.


Johnnie & Jerome "JYD" Williams in Toronto


AutomotiveStreetStyle.com was supporting Solutions With Impact, a cause based marketing company that was throwing their inaugural Rally for Kids With Cancer Scavenger Cup. It was a huge success and raised over $1 million. All proceeds went to the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

Fundraising drivers led a racing team to gather donations prior to the event draft. Drivers also brought the use of their luxury and exotic vehicle to participate. Some of the most exclusive vehicles in the world were exhibited.


Lambo in front of Cosmopolitan Hotel


Ferrari Enzo

Drivers partnered with celebrity navigators in their luxury vehicles to race through Toronto to complete challenges in a scavenger hunt format.

Goldie Hawn and Edward Cates

Ving Rhames and Edward Cates


The largest fundraiser received first draft at the kick off "Draft Party" held at Toronto's ultra chic Muzik. The AutomotiveStreetStyle.com trailer was a part of the red carpet activities. Ving Rhames went in the first round to a team that raised over $250,000. Jerome "JYD" Williams was also recruited in the first round as a celebrity navigator riding in a Audi R8.


AutomotiveStreetStyle.com Trailer at Muzik


Race day was kicked off with a brunch at the swank Harbor 60 Steakhouse. The AutomotiveStreetStyle.com Trailer was the centerpiece of the action hosting the Team Serengeti as they distributed swag shades to participants.


Serengeti Sunglasses hands out swag at Harbor 60.

Mid-day we moved the AutomotiveStreetStyle.com trailer to the Hershey Center where Lexus was conducting an obstacle course for the Scavenger cup participants.

Shelby Cobra

Celebs: Goldie Hawn, Alfonso Ribeiro, Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Morgan, Damon Allen


Following the day's activities, the weekend was concluded with a first class gala at the home of Williams Telecommunications magnate Jim Williams. Jim participated as a fundraising driver and his entire family extended enormous hospitality to the crowd of over 500 people. Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney served as MC and R&B artist Jully Black and band performed and commanded the room.


Closing Gala where Jully Black Performed

Overall, I walked away from Toronto feeling like I visited a country that has gotten race relations and diversity right. I've heard Toronto characterized as a "clean New York" but that fails to recognize what is special about this great city. There is a metropolitan and distinctly urban feel to the city and a sense of European style and fashion. Also there was an effortless blending of global cultures.

Repeatedly I heard from the proud residents that "Toronto is the most international city in the world." While I don't know if that is exact. I'll say that it is indeed a splendid city that I hold in high regard and look forward to returning.

Edward Cates, Alfonso Ribeiro and Jerome "JYD" Williams

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