A Worthy Marketing Contest
Chip Martin, Mannequin American
A Worthy Marketing Contest
American Airlines and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are pleased to announce the creation of the "Altitude Award" honoring the best U.S. television commercials featuring authentic depictions of people with disabilities.
"One of the highest priorities at American Airlines is our continuous endeavor to promote workplace diversity and inclusion and equal employment opportunities for all individuals," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice President - Marketing. "We are looking forward to reviewing all of the entries and know that our judging panel - and the public - will have many worthy commercials to consider."
Kudos and I hope that they receive scores of entries.
A Very Rewarding Ride
Dale and Leslie recently took part in the Wisconsin Corvette Club's 27th Annual Wheelchair Camp ride-alongs at Camp Wawbeek, an Easter Seals facility in Wisconsin Dells. The camp is for men and women who are confined to wheelchairs due to muscular diseases.
Sixteen Corvette owners gave camp attendees the opportunity to experience what it's like to "burn a little rubber" and ride in exotic supercars.
"When we arrived at the camp, there were scores of people waiting for rides," said Leslie. "Attendants lifted individuals into the cars, sometimes having to find room for breathing equipment and other life sustaining apparatus. Everyone who wanted a ride, got a ride. Some took rides in several of the cars. The smiles on every rider's face remained as they were lifted back into their wheelchairs."
"It seemed like such a simple gesture to us; yet it was obvious that it meant so much to the campers. It was a very rewarding and at times, an overwhelming experience ... one that Dale and I are looking forward to repeating next summer.
"A big "Thank you," to the Wisconsin Corvette Club and Camp Wawbeek, for giving us the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many inspiring individuals."
What Famous Person Do You Relate to Most?
Answer the following questions.
1. Pick your favorite number between 1 - 9
2. Multiply your favorite number by 3
3. Then add 3
4. Then multiply by 3 ... (I'll wait while some of you get a calculator)
5. You should have a 2 or 3 digit number
6. Add the digits together
Match your number with the number on the list below to see what famous person you relate to most closely.
1. Albert Einstein
2. Nelson Mandela
3. Margaret Thatcher
4. Tom Cruise
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. Oprah Winfrey
8. Barack Obama
9. Chip Martin
10. George Washington
Be sure to tell your friends!
We Never Made it Big, but we Know a lot of Others Who Did - No. 7
On the left is Bill DeMar, who is regarded by other vents as the "master" of puppet manipulation. In fact, in his ventriloquist act, Bill uses a frog that never speaks ... but is very funny none-the-less and it's entirely due to Bill's phenomenal manipulation skills. (He stayed at our house a couple of times and I can truthfully say that I've never felt so good being manipulated. I wanted to go home with him.)
Bill is retired now and his puppets are generally secluded in their cases. He began his career after being discharged from the service. He worked at resorts, clubs, bars, strip joints, theatres and virtually anywhere he could. Stories about his experiences on the road, brushes with mobsters and backstage shenanigans are priceless.
In the middle of the photo is Bill's Mannequin American double, made by Mary Ann Taylor.
On the far right is Roy White, who owns the Bill DeMar character and who provides the puppet with a remarkably accurate Bill DeMar voice and many DeMarism anecdotes.
There's Classy and Then There's ...
Below is a one line funeral-themed ad for Accuquote. It's tasteful, considering the subject matter.
Now here's another "death-related" banner insurance ad courtesy of Drudge. "Everyone Dies." Nice toe tag. Not so classy.
