Little Red's Big Ideas

Five Favorites for the Fourth

There are at least 1776 ways for you, your staff, volunteers, campers and guests to show their American pride this Independence Day.  Here are my Top Five Picks to Celebrate the Fourth.  You can also see 184 other patriotic ideas at our website.  But for now -- enjoy these novel items.  Calling Andy at 760.730.0333 or email: andy@advisorsmarketing.com for an immediate price quote or to place a quick ship order.  But time is ticking...

Idea # 1 - Flag-waving goes Hands-free -Silly? Sure! FUNctiontional?  You bet! Show your American pride with this crazy head gear. Perfectly priced at about $1.50 per pair, they clip onto cap brims (if you need caps, Andy can help with that, too!) and make great fundraisers, too. Of course you can customize them with you’re your city, event, camp or team logo. Parades, sporting events, festivals, rallies, walk-a-thons and picnics will come alive with these head-on promotions. FREE SAMPLE while supplies last.  Be one of the first 25 people to email andy@advisorsmarketing.com  Subject Line: FREE Flag Sample and recieve a FREE sample of this unique item.

Item #2 - Light up the Night – Kids and kids-at-heart go crazy for these light-up fans which change form American Flag to stars and fireworks. These make a great thank-you gift for volunteers and staff and can be sold to raise some funds.  Click here to learn more.   FREE set up AND batteries included!  What's not to love?

Item # 3 Flashers are Back! - When visibility and safety are key don't settle for boring badges and buttons when you can brighten everyone's day. Volunteers, staff and visitors love to light up the night with items that blink, glow, flash and shine.

Item # 4 - Temporary Tattoos - Super inexpensive, ready for immediate shipment,child safe, applies in seconds, lasts for days and looks great. You can even get tattoos that glow-in-the-dark!  Click here to see all sorts of patriotic ready-to-ship designs. Ultra low quantities but the best deal: buy 1000 of any stock design (up to 4 square inches) for $100! Or create a custom tattoo especially for your event. 10,000 custom tats start around $300. Call Andy for all the details 760-730-0333.  He'll walk you through all the ink.

 

 

Item # 5 - No need to feel strapped!  Lanyards, badge holders, dog leashes and water bottle straps never looked so patriotic.  Whether you need to outfit volunteers with badges, encourage hydration with watter bottle straps or show your American pride all year long – these straps and lanyards are a great solution.  Click on the photo for pricing and more details.

 

Whatever you're looking for we can help.  Email andy@advisorsmarketing.com before time runs out.

Magic Johnson endorses Parks

I was all excited this morning when I saw this headline : “Magic Johnsonendorses Parks…” in the LA Times.Finally, I thought, the park and recreation profession has found a celebrity spokesperson to sign its praises, shed light on budget deficits and draw attention to the benefits of parks and recreation.  My enthusiasm was quickly squashed when I saw that the endorsement was for a man named Bernard Parks(with an upper case "P") who is running for Los Angeles County Supervisor.  I have absolutely no idea if Mr. Parks is a parks advocate – but, with a name like that, it makes sense for him to support the parks in the LA County System as well as the Municipal and National Parks in the county. 

 

Now, for Magic Johnson:  Why not step up and speak out on behalf of park systems around the nation?  As a professional athlete, you, no doubt, spent some time shooting hoops in our nation’s parks before hitting it big.  We need your magic, Magic, to draw attention to the amazing value of public parks. Have your people call my people – 760.809.3231.

BBQ Etiquette

Happy Memorial Day and remember guys -- this is Just For Laughs -- I know there's an exception to every stereotype (Emeril?)

We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...

(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - drink in hand.

Here comes the important part:

(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine...

(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat i s burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another drink while he deals with the situation.

Important again:

(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

More routine...

(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

And most important of all:
(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking abilities and effort.
(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off' And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction,,,,,,, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women...

Living Life to its Fullest

As we embark on the season of leisure take a minute to enjoy this poem and another minute to act on its message.

 

Instants, by Jorge Luis Borges (Argentine Writer 1899 - June 1986)

If I could live again my life,

In the next - I'll try,

to make more mistakes, 

I won't try to be so perfect,

I'll be more relaxed,

I'll be more full - than I am now,

In fact, I'll take fewer things seriously,

I'll be less hygienic,

I'll take more risks,

I'll take more trips,

I'll watch more sunsets,

I'll climb more mountains,

I'll swim more rivers,
I'll go to more places - I've never been,

I'll eat more ice creams and less (lime) beans,

I'll have more real problems - and less imaginary ones,

I was one of those people who live

prudent and prolific lives –

each minute of his life,

Off course that I had moments of joy - but,

if I could go back I'll try to have only good moments,

If you don't know - that’s what life is made of,

Don't lose the now!

I was one of those who never goes anywhere

without a thermometer,

without a hot-water bottle,

and without an umbrella and without a parachute,

If I could live again - I will travel light,

If I could live again - I'll try to work bare feet

at the beginning of spring till

the end of autumn,

I'll ride more carts,
I'll watch more sunrises and play with more children,

If I have the life to live - but now I am 85,

- and I know that I am dying ...

What types of things do you do to live each day to its fullest?

State Parks Land on Endangered Species List

California's Parks have landed on a list that confirms what we, in the park and recreation world, have known for decades -- that parks systems nationwide are underfunded, and in some cases, reaching the point of extinction.

The "List of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places" was issued this week by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  From the publicity and public awareness perspective I can't decide if making the list is a good thing or a bad thing.  I'm leaning toward the positive.  Of course, I don't' think that insufficient park funding is a good thing.  However, as I researched this story which appeared everywhere from USA Today to the History Channel and more than 500 web sites nationwide, I felt satisfaction that the media and Americans can better understand that THEIR parks are endangered and in danger.  Watch the History Channels five minute video including its passionate support of all parks here: 

As I mentioned earlier this week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released his 2008-2009 budget this week.  And while the news was bleak, as he had been warning for months; it was as bad as projected.  For example, contrary to earler proposals, this budget did not require the State Park System to close almost 20% of it's approximately 250 parks. Even with this better news, the State Park System still made this dubious list.  According to USA Today:

"National Trust president Richard Moe reiterated Monday that the parks still are suffering from $1 billion in deferred maintenance. The group's concern lies primarily with conditions in California's 51 historic parks, which, Moe said, is indicative of circumstances in other states.

"State historic sites are chronically underfunded. We're trying to dramatize what's happening in so many state park systems," he said.

This is the 21st year the organization has compiled its endangered list, which targets architecturally and culturally significant sites.  Sarah Hefron, in an article posted on the organization's web site says:

"Not surprisingly, we spend a lot of time here at the National Trust for Historic Preservation thinking about threatened sites and how we can play a role in saving them – especially at this time of year, when we announce our annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Budget cuts, deferred maintenance, road construction, and development are among the dangers faced by sites on 2008’s list, which includes California’s State Parks, Charity Hospital and adjacent neighborhood in New Orleans, and New York’s Lower East Side.

Read the entire story here and watch the History Channels brief video.

ACTION ITEMS:

• Send a link to this blog post to everyone you know in your park system including citizen board members as a sobering reminder that "this could happen to us."
• Use this list as a way to generate media attention about the budget difficulties in your park system.
• Better yet, use the information to shed light on budget difficulties in your park system in order to create community interest, launch that parks foundation or Friends group you've been talking about, or build a development campaign.

So, what do you think about state parks landing on this list? 

Indy Parks Receive $70,000 to Fund Youth Programs

Congrats to Indy Parks and the Indianapolis Parks Foundation for recieving $70,000 in grant money for five summer youth programs. 

An article in the Indy Star submitted by Corie Farnsley explained that the money will be used The for programs that target children with special needs, with an interest in higher education, with aspirations of becoming lifeguards, with an interest in Latino culture or with an interest in fitness and wellness

Read the full article here which includes a description of the five unique programs.

California's Parks to Remain Open

Arnold Schwarzenegger released his budget yesterday after months of rallies, protests, phone calls and letter writing campaigns from a wide range of Californians with an even wider range of interests, needs and concerns.  As a Californian and legislative chair for my son's elementary school PTA, I will tell you that every ugly scenario had been discussed at the state, local and neighborhood level.  While there is no "good" news in the budget, which is facing a $15.2 billion dollar budget deficit, there were surely sighs of relief among those who love and work for California's state park system.  Originally many of the Golden State's 48 parks were slated for closure.  Under the new plan, all parks will remain open, however user fees will be increase by one or two dollars.  Other fees, such as cabin and equipment rentals may also increase.

Last night's San Francisco Chronicle explained department-by-department, in clear terms what the cuts mean to California's residents and visitors...

Regarding the Parks: "All of the state parks will remain open, and all employees, including lifeguards on state beaches, will remain on duty. The 6.5 million visitors a year who would have been harmed by the proposed closures will continue to enjoy the parks, but all visitors will have to pay $1 to $2 more in entrance fees.

The story also contained a quote by State Parks Director Ruth Coleman who brilliantly positioned the parks as a critical solution to economic woes.  Coleman said, "We are really grateful that Californians will be able to continue to use their parks," State Parks Director said. "Of all the years that it matters, this is the one, because people are really suffering from high gas prices and a faltering economy. People need a place to get away that doesn't cost them too much and doesn't use too much gas."

ACTION ITEM - No matter where you live, but especially in California, today is a day to send a letter to the editor echoing Ruth Coleman's thoughts.  Your parks are a diversion in tough economic times and offer an affordable place for people to vacation, unwind and connect with family.  Have some fun with the story by talking about your parks in terms of the amount of gas it takes (or doesn't take) to get there.  For example:  From most neighborhoods, Main Street Park is less than a one gallon trip.  Where else can you have this much fun on only $4.00 of gas.  You may even want to suggest a story idea to your local editor that looks at Great Places to Relax on less than $10.00 in gas.

 

-- ranging from school children to park advocates

Five Brutal Truth's about Camp

During her keynote speech at the 2008 ACA (American Camp Association) National Conference, Executive Director Peg Smith talked about the future of camps .  During her speech she shared these very brutal truths about the current state of camps.  Again, these are Peg's words.  I'm just the reporter, here.  So here they are:

Five Brutal Truths about Camp

1. It is not about camp, but about making people better by providing:
   • Intimate connections with nature
   • Real Human Connections
   • Human Powered Activities
2. Too few kids are going to camp.
3. Many  parents fear camp.
4. Camp leaders don't reflect the population at large.
5. The camp "brand" is losing relevance.

So after reading these truths are you willing to take some action?  What will you do this summer to build the camp brand?  What are you doing to bring more kids to camp, get more people involved with your camp or organization or build your brand.  Let me know by leaving a COMMENT below.  (If you don't COMMENT can I assume you're not going to do anything?)

Facebook to Increase Efforts to Protect Young Users

Those of you grappling with risk and hazard issues of social networking sites, such as Facebook, can breathe a little easier today.  According to the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) online newsletter, "Facebook has been working to come up with a strategy that would protect its younger users, while still allowing adult Facebookers the ability to use and navigate the social site without any impediments. The company has reached an agreement with 49 state attorneys to implement a broad strategy for safety which includes: requiring users under 18 to confirm they have read the site's safety tips and a large "report abuse" icon prominently display on the site. The site is currently working on ways to verify the age of its users -- which is one of the big challenges currently tripping it up.

Read the entire story from The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/technology/09face.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1210302390-mC5OwovEc9jQcICssI2arQ

Peg's Blog - Fill her Comment Bowl

I feel honored.  The American Camp Association (ACA) has asked me to begin a marketing column to highlight its 20/20 Vision which ACA Executive Director, Peg Smith, discussed during her closing keynote address at its national conference in Nashville this spring.  (Click here to hear and see the entire the speech and get a sense of this excting initiative.) 

In researching my first column, which will appear in the September/October issue of Camping Magazine, I came across Peg's brand new blog.  As a fellow blogger, I beg you to visit her blog AND post a COMMENT.  Here's why...

Bloggers (while not dogs but it makes a good analogy and I really loved the picture) do feed off their comments.  So, empty comment rolls are like empty food bowls and we all need food to keep us energized.  If you comment, it will help Peg know you are reading and following her adventures.  COMMENTS help bloggers create a conversation (which is the beauty of a blog vs. a static web site.)  Blogs take some work and I want Peg to know that Peg's work is paying off.  So COMMENT, COMMENT COMMENT!  You DO have something to say and as Peg said, "Use your strength of your voice!"

Oh yeah -- you can COMMENT on my blog, too!