Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

Most people have seen or heard of The Andy Griffith Show. The show ran from 1960-1968 on CBS and delighted audiences nationwide. To celebrate a syndicated run of the show on TV Land, the executives at TV Land bestowed the city of Raleigh with a statue of Andy. Todd and I decided to visit the statue and go on a little walk with Andy. We had a great time can't you tell?

Every year Capstrat goes to see the Durham Bulls. Everyone loves visiting the new ballpark and thinking about the famous movie Bull Durham, based on the Durham Bulls. The movie stars Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins fell in love during the filming of the movie. Therefore, the Durham Bulls are responsible for starting their 20-year relationship.

No one falls in love when we attend Durham Bulls games, but we always have a great time. Todd, Wool E Bull and I had the most fun. Can't you tell?

I've learned so much from my favorite TV show, America's Next Top Model with host Tyra Banks. I know how to runway walk and be fierce in photos.

 After visiting the Easter bunny, Todd and I were inspired. I taught him how to runway walk and be fierce. We have photo evidence. We're really good at it and we had a great time. Can't you tell?

Can you guess who the happiest creature is? It's the Easter Bunny! 

The set was beautiful. The border on the picture is festive and fun. Every child visiting the bunny was dressed in fine pastel outfits. This elusive character wouldn't talk to us when we visited him. This was puzzling, but we still had a great time. Can't you tell?

After such an exciting trip to Disney World, Todd and I decided to valet park the car at the mall and visit the happiest man on earth: Santa Claus!

 This jolly fellow's belly shook like a bowl full of jelly when we visited him. Santa had a few insecurities and wanted to know if we thought he was a good Santa. We had a great time, can't you tell?

Todd, Brandon, Kathleen, Lindsey and I went to Orlando for a conference. Todd, Brandon and I rode the Buzz Lightyear ride. We had a great time. Can't you tell?

Thanks to everyone that offered suggestions for my figures of speech flashcards.

I continue to be dumbfounded by my newfound dumbness.

I’ve been working on new flashcards based on the suggestions, so keep them coming.

Will suggested “litotes.” For those like me that didn’t know, it’s a figure of speech in which a speaker, rather than making a certain claim, denies its opposite for emphasis. For example, “Bill Gates isn’t going to the poor house anytime soon.” Conversely, litotes can be used as an understatement to strengthen a statement. Special thanks to The O.G.G (Original Grammar Gangster), Mindy, for setting me straight on litotes and giving me the word “neologism” to work on next.

What do you think?

Stay tuned for neologism!

I’ve been working on a personal project to help explain mysterious linguistic terms. Most we’ve heard but have unclear meanings. I was trying to make a set of 26 cards. One per letter of the alphabet. Problem is, I have a couple examples of “As” and need more examples of other letters. What I have so far:

Tongue Twister or Alliteration (Grey grub)

Anagram(Elvis lives)

Palindrome(Madam I’m Adam)

Oxymoron(Hot ice)

Reduplicative(Hoot Hoot)

Heteronyms(It’s the bass bass now)

Idiom(Kick The bucket)

Xeno(Alien)

Iwas trying to avoid the obvious like noun or verb. Might be impossible. Anybody have other ideas that fill out the rest of the alphabet or what I can call this project?

I’m just back from Memphis Tennessee, home to three pioneers, Elvis, Sun Studios and Piggly Wiggly. I love Piggly Wiggly. The stores are long past their heyday but their lasting impression still thrives.

Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders, it was the first true self-service grocery store. Saunders even patented this concept in 1917. Because customers could choose products directly from four aisles showcasing 605 items, packaging and brand recognition became important. Choice was important to consumers, narrowing choices became important to companies.

Before Piggly Wiggly, shoppers gave lists to clerks who gathered the goods for them. With a basket of goods, the shopper continued to a cashier corral. No doubt met by the first Star Magazine.

Self-service brought choice. Choice brought brand. Brand brought brand agencies. So, thanks Piggly Wiggly for giving me a job.