8:12am
Saint Paul
Degas caused a public uproar when he showed his “Jockeys Before the Race” (completed in 1879—back when art was important).
He was known for his impressionist paintings of ballerinas and jockeys on horses.
But this painting wasn’t so much a horse as it was… a pole. With a horse behind it.
It was considered “ugly.”
(more…)11:08am
Saint Paul
Remember the J. Peterman character from the Seinfeld TV series?
Last night I was watching Seinfeld (I could say that many times each week).
In this episode, J. Peterman—who sells clothing via catalog using romantic, emotional, visual copy—is taking Elaine out to dinner.
She is afraid of the tedium of listening to Peterman’s stories, so Elaine invites Jerry to join…
(more…)10:16am Friday
Saint Paul, Minnesota
“What’s the hardest part about writing?” I ask Ruby.
“I don’t know…”
She’s eleven. And this morning, she’s picking up a short story that she’s been writing, on and off, for a few months.
12:24pm
Saint Paul
Most people hate marketing… unless it’s something they’re interested in.
Then—when it’s done right—it’s not marketing.
It’s useful.
And without a doubt, one of the most annoying methods of digital marketing is the Pop-Up.
You know what I mean. You’re on a web page, engaging with the content, when suddenly there’s something blocking your view.
Infuriating, right?
Well, marketers hate them too.
Except that… they work.
(more…)9:16am
Saint Paul
“Let me out!” the man screams.
But no one is coming.
More angry than afraid, Leo Beebe smashes the window and storms out of the room.
(more…)12:00 noon on a Friday
Saint Paul
Hey, I’m back in your inbox after taking a few weeks off. Feels good to be here—I like what you’ve done with the place.
As soon as school got out, the fam and I went on a trip to the Southwest USA. We hit up the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde, Four Corners, and Monument Valley.
It was GREAT to step away from my GrUeLiNg JoB where I write words that make money. No computers for a week! And it’s great to be back at it, too.
Now, on this trip, I took over 900 photos.
(more…)10:49am
Saint Paul
“Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In!”
—Godfather 3… and pretty much every “one last heist” movie ever.
I had a former co-worker reach out to me on LinkedIn, asking if I was interested in IT work, or knew anyone who was. A lawyer friend of hers is looking for tech help.
I’m not in the IT game any more. I really don’t know anyone who is.
(more…)9:55am Friday
Saint Paul, Minn
I broke my phone yesterday playing basketball with my son.
Jumping for a rebound… and it popped right out of my back pocket.
Screen is black and flashing white.
New one comes early next week.
So I am cut off from clients, friends, and family who rely on text messages.
But I have backups:
(more…)2:49pm Friday
Saint Paul
I’ve been swamped the last two weeks, in a good way.
I started writing Facebook ads with a new client and it’s been a lot of fun.
One hook I wrote has me laughing maniacally and I’m not sure why. But it’s definitely not a hook that’s used in this market… or maybe anywhere:
(more…)