Marketplace - Nov. 7, 2009
Strong brands and brilliant bastards
Why do certain companies seem like it's "fun" to work for them? The answer lies in the branding.
Tagged with: branding, marketing, corporate communications

Living - Nov. 3, 2009
The curse of old people
Is it just me, or are the world's oldest people constantly dying? They reach about 115 years old and ka-put.
Tagged with: getting old, supercentenarians

Living - Oct. 24, 2009
The expiration date of words
In our American dialogue, words exist from every corner of the world -- some Yiddish, some Italian and many from our own popular culture.
Tagged with: words, trends, phrases, slang

Living - Oct. 20, 2009
Talk is cheap
I'm at a company party eating little food when I run into a co-worker's husband.
Tagged with: just do it, goals

Living - Oct. 14, 2009
Ms. Manners has left the hotel
Recently, I was asked about the subject of manners and our society at large. With the recent outbursts at the VMAs and within the hollowed halls of Congress, a colleague asked, "Where have all the manners gone?"
Tagged with: manners, celebrities, role models

Living - Oct. 11, 2009
Facebook friends with privileges
The other night, Janet wondered aloud as to how many ex-girlfriends I had as Facebook friends. Not that she was stressed or upset, just a little playfully jealous. "Off the top of my head there's a few missing, but a good number," I responded. "Whatev," she retorted. I couldn't help but laugh at the minor showing of insecurity from my otherwise strong, confident wife.
Tagged with: facebook, social networking, retrosexuals

Living - Oct. 7, 2009
I'll have some social media with a side of Wiki
I've said it before ... social media is a massive, unstoppable, robot-killing, earth-shattering force akin to the Internet itself or sliced bread (really awesomely sliced, still warm, cinnamon bread with butter). And I'll say it again.
Tagged with: sidewiki, social networking, internet

Living - May 29, 2009
Not so extreme makeovers
I love home renovation, however, I can't watch those "extreme" home shows where Ty Pennington transforms someone's meager digs into a Disney attraction.
Tagged with: brand identity, brand symbol

Living - May 16, 2009
The convenience of hate
I refer to my blog on OnMilwaukee.com as an experiment; I write what I feel and see what kind of response I get.
Tagged with: blogging, social media, web 2.0

Marketplace - April 29, 2009
I've got some good news and some bad news
Our agency, Boelter + Lincoln, is moving. On May 4, our doors will open at 222 E. Erie St. in the celebrated Third Ward.
Tagged with: boelter + lincoln, economy, Third Ward, advertising, agencies, Milwaukee creative

Living - March 22, 2009
The accidental resume
Say you're one of the people out there looking for a job. Or, for that matter, have a job and wish to move elsewhere. You place your paper resume, portfolio or calling card at the feet of a potential employer, and what do you think happens?
Tagged with: social networking, social media, facebook, twitter, job search, resume

Politics - Jan. 28, 2009
Obama haters are on the wrong side of history
In 1491, a man named Franz Mueller lived in Germany. He had three sons and made his living as a judge. He was my great (x13)-grandfather. And the reason you don't know him is because he was a normal Joe and lived his life as most did.
Tagged with: barack obama, history

Dining - Jan. 25, 2009
Hotch-a-don't
Our beloved East Side is a truly special, organically-developed gem. The feeling is laid back, the people are tolerant and life seems more meaningful. I loved living there and now love the visit. As a family, we hang out, have fun and eat almost weekly on the East Side. But, sometimes that genuine East Side attitude turns into self-important apathy.
Tagged with: hotch-a-do, kids dining, east side, comet cafe, beans and barley

Living - Jan. 17, 2009
The (anti)social media problem
OK, I'll go as far as to say that social media is mending our society. And though, I admit, it has its fair share of ills (a less-than-accurate Wikipedia, "haters" leaving excessively negative comments), the open dialogue is priceless. It's rebuilding the village lost long ago to industrialization, radio and television.
Tagged with: social networking, facebook, myspace, classmates.com

Kids & Family - Dec. 20, 2008
Time to buy the shotgun
Last night, Janet needed to hit the grocery store and Target, so I stayed home and played with the kids. We hung some more stuff on the tree, made dinner together and watched a SpongeBob. After a rollicking bath, we read books and they went to bed.
Tagged with: parenting, fatherhood

Marketplace - Dec. 16, 2008
Go! Spend! Go!
So, here's my plan: I'm starting a major-league-style wave to fix our economy. WHO'S WITH ME?!
Tagged with: economy, the wave, packers, spending, millionaire, ma jolie, art vs. craft, buy local, mayfair

Living - Dec. 8, 2008
Michael Stodola is writing a blog
Is it just me, or has a Facebook status become the hottest accessory going? I've gotten to the point that I'm tracking response rates. I'm quickly learning what evokes comments and what doesn't. In turn, I'm also developing pet peeves about status updates. Many updates are too obvious, and, like a poorly told joke, they complete the thought for you. Lots of them are pitiful attempts at humor. And most simply beg the question: Who cares?
Tagged with: facebook, social network

Dining - July 8, 2008
Eat your heart out, "Top Chef"
Last week, my kids' school held a fundraising event marking its 40th anniversary; it featured live music, an auction and tray upon tray of fabulous food.
Tagged with: top chef, advertising

Politics - July 4, 2008
You have the right to remain blogging
According to the University of Washington's World Information Access report, worldwide arrests of bloggers are sharply increasing.
Tagged with: blog, freedom of speech

Travel & Visitors Guide - June 21, 2008
Staycation... all I ever wanted
With this silly economy and gas price hell, more and more folks are opting for the "staycation" over their typical vacation.
Tagged with: staycation, vacation, gas prices, economy