Tapestry™
Friday, June 6, 2008
Apology not wanted – cough up cash
When it comes to pets, there are distinct differences between dog-lovers, cat-lovers, and those that love both. There are also those that like pets, but prefer alternative animals like ferrets, fish, birds, retiles, and others. One thing is for sure, all love their pets like as much or more than other family members.
Imaging the shock when Shawn and Beth Snider went to pick up their dog at the animal shelter in Denton, Texas, to learn it had mistakenly been put to sleep that morning.
The shelter has apologized and changed procedures to prevent future problems, but the Sniders aren’t happy. They say the apology isn’t enough as “it won’t bring their dog back.” Their remedy: cash! They have requested the city pay $206,000 to them for mental anguish and lost breeding fees.
Newsflash: cash won’t bring the dog back either!
We do not want to belittle the incident, but workers at animal shelters tend to be animal lovers. They are assuredly distraught over the mistake. No one will be a winner and the lawsuit will only prolong the suffering.
When it comes to pets, there are distinct differences between dog-lovers, cat-lovers, and those that love both. There are also those that like pets, but prefer alternative animals like ferrets, fish, birds, retiles, and others. One thing is for sure, all love their pets like as much or more than other family members.Imaging the shock when Shawn and Beth Snider went to pick up their dog at the animal shelter in Denton, Texas, to learn it had mistakenly been put to sleep that morning.
The shelter has apologized and changed procedures to prevent future problems, but the Sniders aren’t happy. They say the apology isn’t enough as “it won’t bring their dog back.” Their remedy: cash! They have requested the city pay $206,000 to them for mental anguish and lost breeding fees.
Newsflash: cash won’t bring the dog back either!
We do not want to belittle the incident, but workers at animal shelters tend to be animal lovers. They are assuredly distraught over the mistake. No one will be a winner and the lawsuit will only prolong the suffering.
Labels: News, Recreational
¶ 6/06/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Biking to work – all 42 miles!
Last week we reported how cultures are being changed by the rising costs of petroleum. Now we have learned through the KERO television in Bakersfield, California, about Louie Buentiempo. He is riding his bike 42 miles each way to work.
His positive comments on biking will certainly be motivational to the biking culture and bad news for petroleum producers.
Last week we reported how cultures are being changed by the rising costs of petroleum. Now we have learned through the KERO television in Bakersfield, California, about Louie Buentiempo. He is riding his bike 42 miles each way to work.His positive comments on biking will certainly be motivational to the biking culture and bad news for petroleum producers.
Labels: News, Recreational
¶ 6/04/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Green Culture builds momentum
Thinking and acting green have been important to environmentalist culture for decades. Several other cultures are gaining strong green elements, including the Gen X and Millennial generations, the outdoor recreational culture, and the health conscious culture.
GlobeScan has just released their findings of a 14 country survey. In order from greenest to brownest are: Brazil, India, China, Mexico, Hungary, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Spain, Japan, France, Canada, and USA.
The survey offset country size by randomly selecting 1,000 respondents from each. The survey considered only residents and looked at transportation, housing, and food purchasing habits.
Brazil and India gained high ratings because of small home size leading critics to claim that population crowding, a leading cause of housing size per capita, gave an unfair advantage instead of counting urban congestion against a country.
Thinking and acting green have been important to environmentalist culture for decades. Several other cultures are gaining strong green elements, including the Gen X and Millennial generations, the outdoor recreational culture, and the health conscious culture.GlobeScan has just released their findings of a 14 country survey. In order from greenest to brownest are: Brazil, India, China, Mexico, Hungary, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, Spain, Japan, France, Canada, and USA.
The survey offset country size by randomly selecting 1,000 respondents from each. The survey considered only residents and looked at transportation, housing, and food purchasing habits.
Brazil and India gained high ratings because of small home size leading critics to claim that population crowding, a leading cause of housing size per capita, gave an unfair advantage instead of counting urban congestion against a country.
Labels: Baby-Boomer, Gen-X, Green, Recreational, Survey
¶ 5/14/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Gas price hikes to be announced 24-hours in advance
The rising cost of gasoline (petrol) is having a dramatic impact on the fixed-income and poor economic cultures, the recreational travel culture and many others. With pricing increasing as much as 10% in a single day, governments around the world are looking for ways to stabilize the daily fluctuation.
In Western Australia FuelWatch is being credited by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with keeping fuel prices approximately two cents cheaper per liter than the rest of Australia. The program requires gasoline (petrol) stations to post their price for the following day by 2:00 pm the prior day. By 3:00 pm prices are published on the Internet and available on a toll-free number or over text messaging. Motorists are then able to locate the station with the lowest pump (bowser) prices for the next day.
The rising cost of gasoline (petrol) is having a dramatic impact on the fixed-income and poor economic cultures, the recreational travel culture and many others. With pricing increasing as much as 10% in a single day, governments around the world are looking for ways to stabilize the daily fluctuation.In Western Australia FuelWatch is being credited by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with keeping fuel prices approximately two cents cheaper per liter than the rest of Australia. The program requires gasoline (petrol) stations to post their price for the following day by 2:00 pm the prior day. By 3:00 pm prices are published on the Internet and available on a toll-free number or over text messaging. Motorists are then able to locate the station with the lowest pump (bowser) prices for the next day.
Labels: Economic, News, Recreational
¶ 4/20/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The revival of Opera?
The world of opera has experienced the loss of some of its greatest performers over past years, causing many to wonder if the art itself would suffer irreparable harm.
Before you fall into the trap of agreeing the curtain is falling, consider Paul Potts, a mobile telephone salesperson from Wales.
He stunned the audience of the television program Britain’s Got Talent, as seen in the video below. Watch the video twice. First listen to the wonderful singing – even if you have never heard opera before the beautiful tones will bring a tear of happiness to your eye.
Second watch to see the audience reaction. Leading the standing ovation was not the traditionalist generation, but hip-hop and pop loving Generation X. If legend is correct, they should have walked out when he started singing or stick iPod headphones in their ears to hear the latest Green Day release. Instead they too were captivated by Potts’ stirring performance.
Before you fall into the trap of agreeing the curtain is falling, consider Paul Potts, a mobile telephone salesperson from Wales.
He stunned the audience of the television program Britain’s Got Talent, as seen in the video below. Watch the video twice. First listen to the wonderful singing – even if you have never heard opera before the beautiful tones will bring a tear of happiness to your eye.
Second watch to see the audience reaction. Leading the standing ovation was not the traditionalist generation, but hip-hop and pop loving Generation X. If legend is correct, they should have walked out when he started singing or stick iPod headphones in their ears to hear the latest Green Day release. Instead they too were captivated by Potts’ stirring performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLF9iEXnBRo
To further prove the point, listen to this virtual duet featuring Paul Potts and Pavarotti.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBbf3cy_wYM
As long as people like Potts are around, opera will survive. He brings a highly sophisticated art to the appreciation requirements of multiple cultures.
To further prove the point, listen to this virtual duet featuring Paul Potts and Pavarotti.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBbf3cy_wYM
As long as people like Potts are around, opera will survive. He brings a highly sophisticated art to the appreciation requirements of multiple cultures.
Labels: Economic, Recreational, Video
¶ 4/01/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sport stars urged to be role models
David James, goalkeeper for England in the Football Association, is trying to change the culture shared by professional athletes. He is publicly urging all professional sport players to recognize their responsibility in shaping the next generation.
Working with Lord Triesman, the new FA chairman, he is taking part in a program called “Respect”.
The program calls for players to be exhibit good sportsmanship when called for fouls or are penalized. It also is designed to eliminate swearing during the game.
The FA hopes the program will be embraced by all players in the Premiere Football League and in other sports.
David James, goalkeeper for England in the Football Association, is trying to change the culture shared by professional athletes. He is publicly urging all professional sport players to recognize their responsibility in shaping the next generation.Working with Lord Triesman, the new FA chairman, he is taking part in a program called “Respect”.
The program calls for players to be exhibit good sportsmanship when called for fouls or are penalized. It also is designed to eliminate swearing during the game.
The FA hopes the program will be embraced by all players in the Premiere Football League and in other sports.
Labels: Generation, Millennial, Recreational
¶ 3/27/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Monday, March 3, 2008
Why doesn't US Congress tackle baseball’s crotch grabbing?
by Guillermo
Now that the United States Congress has explored the impact of steroid usage in major league baseball what can they do next to clean-up the American pastime?
How about crotch scratching?
With a month left before the beginning of the new season, they have time to handle the crotch issue. It is a major distraction to the game. You know it has bothered you. A player steps up to bat, waiving it a few times in the air. The pitcher goes into a stretch stance and collaborates with the catcher as to which pitch to throw. Just as they decide the camera cuts back to the batter to capture a picture of the pre-pitch crotch grab. How disgusting!
It is not that much of a stretch to think congress could step in. Recently the high court in Italy ruled crotch scratching by men is illegal. That’s right -- a grabber can be fined the equivalent of $300 to $1,150.
It is not necessarily a light issue in Rome. Self-groping has been a long-established part of the Italian culture. According to folklore, it warded off bad luck (perhaps a sub-reason batters resort to this pre-pitch ritual).
With prompt action by congress, the summer of 2008 could be the most wholesome ever.
by GuillermoNow that the United States Congress has explored the impact of steroid usage in major league baseball what can they do next to clean-up the American pastime?
How about crotch scratching?
With a month left before the beginning of the new season, they have time to handle the crotch issue. It is a major distraction to the game. You know it has bothered you. A player steps up to bat, waiving it a few times in the air. The pitcher goes into a stretch stance and collaborates with the catcher as to which pitch to throw. Just as they decide the camera cuts back to the batter to capture a picture of the pre-pitch crotch grab. How disgusting!
It is not that much of a stretch to think congress could step in. Recently the high court in Italy ruled crotch scratching by men is illegal. That’s right -- a grabber can be fined the equivalent of $300 to $1,150.
It is not necessarily a light issue in Rome. Self-groping has been a long-established part of the Italian culture. According to folklore, it warded off bad luck (perhaps a sub-reason batters resort to this pre-pitch ritual).
With prompt action by congress, the summer of 2008 could be the most wholesome ever.
Labels: Recreational
¶ 3/03/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
South Africa walks cultural tightrope
South Africa is dealing with a gigantic problem. Knowing that any solution is sure to create conflict with other cultures, the country has cautiously announced the first elephant hunt since 1994.
The government cites a growing population of the large mammals. The outdoor recreation culture is excited about the opportunity to legally hunt elephants. At the same time the animal-rights culture is protesting. However once an announcement is made any change is sure to exaggerate the culture clash.
The country will certainly face boycotts from cultures opposed to their actions in what they say is “management of growing populations.” It will also experience counter boycotts as groups supportive of this move seek to offset punitive buying habits.
South Africa is dealing with a gigantic problem. Knowing that any solution is sure to create conflict with other cultures, the country has cautiously announced the first elephant hunt since 1994.The government cites a growing population of the large mammals. The outdoor recreation culture is excited about the opportunity to legally hunt elephants. At the same time the animal-rights culture is protesting. However once an announcement is made any change is sure to exaggerate the culture clash.
The country will certainly face boycotts from cultures opposed to their actions in what they say is “management of growing populations.” It will also experience counter boycotts as groups supportive of this move seek to offset punitive buying habits.
Labels: Recreational, Regional
¶ 2/27/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Don’t mess with my Whopper
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its popular Whopper hamburger, Burger King launched the most successful ad campaign since “Have it your way” in the 1970s. They starting serving Wendy’s “Singles” or McDonald’s “Big Macs” to customers that ordered “Whoppers” in selected restaurants with hidden cameras. In some cases they just refused to sell the burger, saying it had been discontinued. The result is priceless footage of customers bitterly and vehemently complaining about the sandwiches demise.
The ad campaign struck a cultural nerve among baby boomers that grew up enjoying Whoppers and Whopper Juniors. The sentimental former Burger King patrons returned to reconnect to the taste of the Whopper, creating a double digit increase in sales for the comparable fourth quarter of 2007, despite the fact that the ad campaign only ran for 20 days during the quarter.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its popular Whopper hamburger, Burger King launched the most successful ad campaign since “Have it your way” in the 1970s. They starting serving Wendy’s “Singles” or McDonald’s “Big Macs” to customers that ordered “Whoppers” in selected restaurants with hidden cameras. In some cases they just refused to sell the burger, saying it had been discontinued. The result is priceless footage of customers bitterly and vehemently complaining about the sandwiches demise.The ad campaign struck a cultural nerve among baby boomers that grew up enjoying Whoppers and Whopper Juniors. The sentimental former Burger King patrons returned to reconnect to the taste of the Whopper, creating a double digit increase in sales for the comparable fourth quarter of 2007, despite the fact that the ad campaign only ran for 20 days during the quarter.
Burger King has learned that connecting to customers culturally will drive profit into the cash register. Here are just some of the cultures with which the ad campaign resonated.
- Baby Boomers. Touched a nostalgic nerve.
- Gen Y. This generation enjoys humorous advertising, particularly when pranks are involved. The ad was viewed over one-third million times on You Tube.
- Recreational/outdoor. A subtle link to an earlier, albeit less successful campaign, exploiting the broiled versus fried taste preference of the outdoor recreational culture.
Labels: Baby-Boomer, Business, Gen-Y, Generation, Recreational
¶ 2/10/2008 0 Comments Links to this post
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Defining culture
Before we go any further with this blog we should take a moment to define the word “culture”. It is the word providing the predominant aspect of “multicultural” and the basis for “diversity” programs. Many people give this word an extremely narrow designation, thinking of it as racial or religious. This is not the view of MBC Global.
To ensure MBC is using the term correctly, we need to look at the dictionary. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Culture is “The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.” The dictionary further explains “these patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population.”
With this thinking it is easy to understand there are many categories of culture. Let’s say your family is planning a summer weekend reunion by a wooded lake. Some will look forward to the weekend as they will be able to swim, ski, hike, relax, read, or engage in quiet conversation. There six items can be categorized as “recreational”. Upon further analysis, the first three are “active recreations” while the last three are “sedentary recreations”. Dig down further and you will find that each of the six activities can also be considered a culture. Swimmers, for example, may prefer pool, fresh, or salt water, still or gently tidal waters, and so forth. People who prefer pools think and act differently from people who are avid about swimming in the ocean. In fact, each level of these categories and subcategories give us more insight into a group of individuals, with the familiarity helping us to better relate to the culture’s members as customers or employees.
Before we go any further with this blog we should take a moment to define the word “culture”. It is the word providing the predominant aspect of “multicultural” and the basis for “diversity” programs. Many people give this word an extremely narrow designation, thinking of it as racial or religious. This is not the view of MBC Global.To ensure MBC is using the term correctly, we need to look at the dictionary. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Culture is “The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.” The dictionary further explains “these patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population.”
With this thinking it is easy to understand there are many categories of culture. Let’s say your family is planning a summer weekend reunion by a wooded lake. Some will look forward to the weekend as they will be able to swim, ski, hike, relax, read, or engage in quiet conversation. There six items can be categorized as “recreational”. Upon further analysis, the first three are “active recreations” while the last three are “sedentary recreations”. Dig down further and you will find that each of the six activities can also be considered a culture. Swimmers, for example, may prefer pool, fresh, or salt water, still or gently tidal waters, and so forth. People who prefer pools think and act differently from people who are avid about swimming in the ocean. In fact, each level of these categories and subcategories give us more insight into a group of individuals, with the familiarity helping us to better relate to the culture’s members as customers or employees.
Labels: Diversity, Recreational
¶ 12/18/2007 0 Comments Links to this post
