The World According to Benet

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Time To Check Resolutions For 2008, Make More For 2009

Ah, yes. We were here about a year ago, with me inspired by the example of my friend Aviatrix on not only making the resolutions, but checking to see what was achieved -- and what was not. So let's see how I did, OK?

Last year, I wrote:

WORK
1. Writing at least one story a month -whether I need to or not - for our group's flagship magazine. I'm supposed to do it anyway, but between writing 2-4 blog posts, 3-4 stories and a weekly 4-page newsletter, I've been really lax on this.
2. Taking full advantage of technology to improve what I do on our company web site. I mastered Podcasts in 2007, so 2008 will be the year of video. I am going to get my own camera and learn to shoot and edit original content for the blog and the web site.
3. Generate more industry speaking opportunities. I have an expertise, so why not get out there more? It's a chance to visit my subscribers and show the flag for our publications.

OK, it was up and down for this one. I managed to do 6 stories, but I contributed more than 60 shorts and photos, so I'm going to give myself a pat on the back for this goal. As for video, I did get a company-issued camera and ended up doing about a half a dozen of them. It's better than nothing, but I could have done better. I get a gold star for speaking opportunities, doing six in 2008.

PERSONAL
1. OK, I've done this one for the past few years - lose weight. But this time, I really need to be serious. Frankly, I'm about 100 pounds too heavy. I was watching a commercial for the TV show "The Biggest Loser." There was a couple on the show who said they wanted to lose weight before their child realized they were fat. That struck a nerve with me, along with the health issues that come with being overweight, including diabetes and high blood pressure. My company offers discounted Weight Watchers memberships, so I have no excuse. So check here -- or my Facebook account -- regularly to see my progress on this one.
2. Get the financial house in order. It's not that things are all that bad, but I could be doing better. I have a child I need to put in college, and I'm not getting any younger, so I need to focus on retirement. I've got the debt pretty much under control, which is a good thing.
3. Nurture my existing friends more and make an effort to add new friends. Since I moved to Baltimore and my daughter was born, I've been really bad about keeping up with the people I love most.
4. Start my book club. I have wanted to be in a book club for years. The ones I've started and/or joined have eventually fallen apart, so I'm starting another one. I put a post on Craigslist today, and I've already gotten 3 replies. I'm feeling hopeful for 2008!
5. Last, but not least, start quilting again. I gave this up after my daughter was born in 2005, and I've really missed it. I find it a great way to relieve stress and feed my creative side. I have a list of people who have been waiting for their quilt (yes, that's you, KevBo) for at least 5 years, and I'm going to plow through that list in 2008.

OK, we have a mixed bag on the weight loss column. I was on fire through July, working out 5-6 days a week and religiously following Weight Watchers' Flex plan. At my peak, I had lost 35 lbs. In July, I did a bunch of travel, and I was never able to get my momentum back. I've gained 17 lbs as of yesterday.

Getting the finances in order didn't go as well. I'm not is a mess, but things could be a lot better, especially with this economy. I did not do well with keeping up with friends. I tried, but life just kept getting in the way. Sigh...

With the book club, I really tried on this one, kids. The first meeting cancelled on account of snow, and the second one was hit by snow too. The group limped along until August, when I decided it just wasn't working. But my new neighborhood has a club, and I'll start this month.

And yes -- I did start quilting again, albeit I didn't start until August. I'm working on one now for Claressa's "granny" and have cut 2 more, both designated for raffles by charities. And to you KevBo -- you will see yours in 2009!

So there you have it again. I think my intentions were good, and overall, I did better than most in sticking with the program.

Looking ahead for 2009, I think I'm just going to keep it simple -- get back on the wagon with my weight program. which I will follow on this blog. The ultimate goal is 100 lbs, but if I could do 50, I would be happy with that. Happy New Year to you all!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Behold, The Power Of Facebook

I joined Facebook about a year ago as a way to one, help promote my work and two, keep in touch with people. But I never realized what a powerful networking tool this puppy is. Not only am I in touch with my current group of friends, but I'm catching up with friends from high school, college, former co-workers and industry colleagues.

I try and keep my page more on the professional side, not accepting things like snowballs, hugs, drinks, etc. But it was only recently that I really understood the power of Facebook. A few months ago, an industry colleague -- Kevin -- put some photos of himself flying on United Airlines business class. It turned into a wall chat with other people describing their non-coach flights. So, as a lark, I started an open Facebook group -- I Love Sitting In 1st/Biz Class. I invited around 10 people to join. The next thing I know, I've got 161 members, both friends and people who like sitting in the front end of the metal tube.

Earlier this week, I was chatting with a former colleague from a company I worked at for eight years, Phillips Business Information/PBI Media. At one point it was part of a company -- Phillips Publishing International -- that was the largest newsletter publishing company in the world. So on a lark, I decided to start a group on Tuesday -- I Worked For Phillips Business Information/PBI Media.

It was a great company to work for back in the day, and I met some really great people. As of today, I have 28 members and growing. The really nice part is I'm hearing from some of those great people. The best part about Facebook is you can be as active -- or inactive -- as you want. It's your tool to use as you want.

I'm starting a new job in my current company on Monday. I'm hoping that I can continue to use my Facebook account to help me network in the new area I'll be covering. If you're on Facebook, drop me a note and let me know how you're using it. Happy Holidays!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A Dispatch From iPod Nation: The Christmas 2008 Edition

There's this nutty radio station here in the Charm City that started playing Christmas music in August -- or so it seemed. I think it's crazy when stores and such start hauling out the Christmas decorations even before we've had a chance to celebrate Halloween.

But now that Thanksgiving has passed, I can now give us all the green light to haul out the decorations and start hunting for the Christmas albums for the ultimate holiday soundtrack. Like everyone else, I grew up listening to certain songs, and it doesn't feel like Christmas without them. I've compiled my top 20 songs, in no particular order, for my iPod to celebrate Christmas 2008. My list -- and the reason the song is included -- is below. And as my gift to you, my loyal readers, I'll mail a CD to the first 20 people who ask for a copy. Email me at regaviationqueen@yahoo.com and put Xmas Songs in the subject line. Enjoy!

1. Handel's Messiah, "A Soulful Celebration," The Quincy Jones All Stars
I heard this album from a co-worker back inn 1992. I enjoyed it immensely, but this version of Messiah I found completely inspirational. So much so, that I use it on one of my workout iPod playlists.

2. Opera of the Bells, Destiny's Child
Frankly, I was never a big fan of this group. But I was visiting one of my best friends, who lives in Boston, and this came on while we were cooking. I just loved the harmonies and the near-a capella singing in this version of a Christmas classic.

3. Little Drummer Boy, "Merry Christmas Ho! Ho! Ho!," Lou Rawls
I started listening to this album when I was a small child. My parents played it every year, and it did NOT feel like Christmas until I heard this R&B swinging version of "Drummer" with Lou's distinctive voice. Cool!

4. Ave Maria, Aaron Neville. OK, this one is in here for 2 reasons. One, I remember going to Christmas Eve mass and this song was always sung, so it's tradition. Two, my father does a wicked -- and hilarious -- parody of this song that never fails to crack me up!!

5. Joy To The World, "The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack," Whitney Houston
Here's the most joyous (excuse the pun) version of the song I've ever hear. Ms. Houston and her back-up choir are at the top of their game on this song. Again, it's so inspirational, it also shows up on my iPod workout playlist.

6. Celebrate Me Home, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," Kenny Loggins
I heard this song on a play flying home back in the early 1990s, and it's become a staple on my Christmas album ever since. It's a slow, kind of sad ballad with a great back-up choir. It makes me homesick every time I hear it, but in a good way.

7. All I Want for Christmas, Mariah Carey
One of my favorite movies of all time is "Love Actually." There's a scene where one of the characters sings this song, and it's just a joy to listen to. Mariah's version came closest, so here it is.

8. O Holy Night, Celine Dion
Ok, I know it's Celine, but the girl can sing. And she sings her butt off in this song, which I like to play loud. I get chills when she hits those important notes. If you hate her that much, I also like the Josh Groban version of this song.

9. Baby, It's Cold Outside, Dianne Reeves & Lou Rawls
I always thought this song was cute, but Dianne and Lou manage to make it not so kitchy.

10. Do You Hear What I Hear, Whitney Houston
Yes, Whitney makes a second appearance on the list. I had to sing this song during a Christmas pageant when I was in 6th grade, and I've always loved it. Ms. Houston takes her version to soaring heights we never even imagined back then.

11. Irish Christmas Song, The Pogues
I spent Christmas 2009 in London for 10 days with a really good friend who still lives there. We were preparing for a holiday party in her home and this song came up on the CD. I liked that it was something you'd probably hear with a bunch of drunk people in a pub. You all need to expand your horizons a little!!

12. The Christmas Song, Johnny Mathis
Who hasn't heard this classic? But this is another one that my father likes to parody, to hilarious effect.

13. Give Love on Christmas Day, the Jackson 5
I could not do a Christmas mix without including something from the Jackson's classic Christmas album. And I love the whole thing, but this was my absolute favorite cut. Michael sounds so happy and joyous. Too bad we all know how it turned out...

14. The Hanukkah Song, Adam Sandler
Here's a little gift for my Jewish friends. As Adam says, even little Jewish children want to hear their own songs -- especially this funny version where he calls out famous Jewish people.

15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Luther Vandross
Luther could sing the phone book and make it sound good. I always listen to this song a lot in the years when I won't be with my family. Luther's version makes me feel a bit more hopeful than the usual sadder versions of this song.

16. The Christmas Song, "A Christmas Album," James Taylor
I am and always have been a big fan of his music. I heard this song driving home from DC about three years ago, and had to get it. James puts his own spin on this iconic classic, and it works well.

17. We Wish You A Merry Christmas/It's Just Another New Year's Eve, "Because It''s Christmas," Barry Manilow
You knew I wasn't going to have a compilation without at least one Manilow song, did you? My struggle of being a black Fanilow continues unabated. It's a mix of happy and sad that always gives me hope for the New Year.

18. Silent Night, Babyface
Again, I have never been a big fan, but he does a great job with this Christmas classic. But he's no Luther!!

19. Pachelbel Cannon, "A Contemporary Christmas," Various Artists
I got this album from someone back in 2002, and I love the acoutstic version of this classic Christmas song.

20. Another Auld Lang Syne, "Sex And The City Original Movie Soundtrack," Mairi Campbell
I saw the movie -- in a theater, natch -- this summer, and was haunted -- and moved -- by this version of the song. I'm a big fan of Celtic music, which also explains why I liked this version so much.

Well, that's it. I'd love to hear your list of songs you can't live without during the holidays. I may have to add it to my own list!!

I hope you take advantage of this gift and enjoy the CD. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Going to a "soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo"

This was a quote from a congressman at day two of yesterday's beg-a-thon hearings from the Big 3 auto makers after finding out the executives flew to DC on their own private jets, reported by CNN. Having written about the industry for almost 15 years, I do understand how and why companies use their business jets.

But perception is reality, and during the continuing global meltdown and massive job losses, these bosses came to Congress to beg for money to save the industry, then fly in on a private jet. It just doesn't play well in Peoria.

The executives declined to comment on their travel arrangements during the hearing, but their companies were bombarded with calls over the matter. We ended up with weak statements and a referral to a company travel policy manual.

It was tough sledding for the Big 3 executives already, but this latest move probably didn't help their case. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has postponed a test vote on the loan guarantees, and overall, Congress does not seem inclined to just hand over a blank check.

And the American public seems to be leaning toward letting companies like GM fail rather than opening up the government pocketbook. A new Rassmussen poll finds that almost 50% of those surveyed agree with this point. So again -- flying in on your private jets to beg the government for money is not exactly the best PR move.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Print Journalism – Adapt Or Die

I am a print trade journalist. I majored in broadcast journalism, but a summer internship at a local DC TV station was enough to convince me that it wasn’t the path I wanted to take. I got my first job out of college in 1985. The company did a newsletter specializing in federal employment and training programs, and we used electric typewriters.

About six months into the job, we started using Kaypro “luggable” computers. As the years progressed, so did the tools and technology I used to do my job. I have always been a proponent of learning. I saw there was going to come a day when our newsletters would use desktop publishing to produce issues, so I took a graduate certificate program to learn how to do it.

Jump to 2008. It seems that every day I’m reading about newspapers and companies laying off employees. My hometown newspaper – the Baltimore Sun – has been decimated. It has had several rounds of layoffs and buyouts, with the last round in July. Now the Newspaper Guild is saying that more cuts at the paper – frankly, a shell of its former self – are imminent.

And my own company is not immune. We just got the word that people are being laid off by the end of the year. Like hundreds of publications, mine is pushing to make the transformation to digital media. I have embraced it wholeheartedly -- one, because I have a baby to feed, but two, I actually enjoy the work. But I know a lot of my brethren out there have been dragging their feet, saying things like “I’m a print journalist. I don’t want to do INSERT NEW MEDIA HERE.”

I’m here to tell you – there’s no such thing as a strictly print journalist anymore. I write for my 2 newsletters and a magazine. I also author one industry-related blog and contribute to others. I’ve become the Queen of Podcasts, the Pharaoh of Photography and the Vicar of Video. I do it because that’s what I have to do now to keep my job.

I know that my bosses looked at our staff to see who was doing what as part of the process of deciding who should stay and who should go. But they’ve been telling us for almost 3 years that this is the direction we’re going in, and warning us we need to embrace – and I hate this term – Web 2.0 capabilities. I’ve spent a nice chunk of my own change and spent a lot of my own personal time to get the skills needed to embrace it.

I try and preach the New Media gospel to my brethren in journalism. But sadly, I still see a lot of people out there clinging desperately to being a print journalist – a way of business that is rapidly going the way of the dinosaurs. There are a ton of free and low-cost resources that are available to help you make the transition. And don’t tell me you’re too old – this 45-year-old dog is learning new tricks every day.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Election 2008 - A View From Abroad

I went to do my part and voted on November 4. That same evening, I flew to London on business. That's when it began. The flight attendants asked me how I felt about the election and what I thought the results would be. I went back to my seat and went to sleep.

Around midnight, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I woke up and saw the captain. He said "Mrs Wilson, I wanted you to know that Sen. Obama is your new president. Congratulations."
The flight attendants gave me a glass of champagne and we toasted the new president. They wanted to know if Bush was as unpopular in the States as he was abroad. We know the answer to that.

I was still wearing my "I Voted" sticker and my American University sweatshirt (Go AU) when the flight landed. We took a bus to the main terminal and people from around the world -- including a lovely gentleman from Kenya -- were chatting with me and offering their congratulations.

I went to do my interviews and everyone wanted to talk about the election. And everyone congratulated me and the United States. And this went on everywhere I went.

I watched CNN International, BBC and Sky news, and it was wonderful to hear all the exaltation's from world leaders - minus Russia. I saw scenes from around the world cheering the election results.

I am the daughter and granddaughter of military officers, which made me always go a bit overboard with the patriotism. I have always been proud to be American, but being over here and hearing all the excitement and congratulations made me feel it even more.

I picked up all the local newspapers with the election results to keep for my daughter. I hear from a friend at the NY Times that the election results news paper is already for sale on Ebay for $200. Don't ask - she can't get you one.

I kept telling everyone that we certainly can't do worse than we have already these last 8 years - and I say that as a Republican. Bur that's another blog post for another day. God Bless America!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

It's Election Day - Finally!!

Are you like me? Did you think that this day would ever come? It seems like this election campaign has been going on for years. I went to the polls bright and early here in Baltimore, the Charm City. My polling place is in Original Northwood, a middle class neighborhood.

The lines were long, but everyone was absolutely thrilled to be there, and there weren't any complaints. I saw a lot of people standing in line with canes and in wheelchairs, and even a few oxygen tanks rolling around. it was festive, with people excited and talking about the thrill of voting for Obama. People were taking pictures and there was a lot of socializing.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski dropped by to thank everyone for turning out to vote. I added an extra hour and a half to my wait because I was in the wrong line, but I got the job done.

I have voted since I first had the chance -- the 1984 election, but I don't think I've ever been this excited. I only wish my grandfather had been alive to see this.

And the ironic part? I'm leaving for London tonight on business, so I won't even know the results of the election until tomorrow morning, London time. I'm looking forward to picking up the local papers to see their take on the election results.

I don't care who you vote for, just get out there and vote!!