Awesome! A day after Tiziano sent out the Cat Drinking Tails newsletter, "Wild Kitty" is winning in the Battle of the Bands. Yay! Thank you all for voting. Voting ends July 1st. So looks like we've a good shot at winning this round. Hopefully, I'm doing as well in the Best of Austin Poll.

It's a funny thing about polls. I'd love to see the number of folks who actually vote in those things. From what I gather, it doesn't really take that many votes to really make a difference. I don't know how many that is, mind you, but I don't think it takes much considering the size of things.

Take for instance the Austin Music Poll. This year, the Brobdingnagian Bards did really well. With a lot of steadfast promotion, we were able to win Best Performing Novelty Band. In the Live Music Capitol of the World, that's no easy task. And yet considering the number of people who could and did vote, the number is miniscule. So a strong promotional effort makes a huge difference.

I don't know as much about the Best of Austin Awards. I don't know how many businesses or people actually campaign for votes. I've only seen minor campaigning from a few individuals, which means the ability to do really well with campaigning *should* yield a great response. If everyone on my newsletters took a moment to Vote for me in the Best of Austin Poll, I'm fairly certain I and my friends could easily win in a few different categories.

But I guess only time will tell. Thusfar, I haven't done as much campagning as I'd hoped. I keep forgetting to mention it in my newsletters.

Ah well. Thanks to those of you who've taken the time to do so! :)

from The Cats Meow. The Cat's Meow is the free weekly ezine of Spirituality, Inspiration, Information, and Humor for Catlovers. Our site offers resources for personal healing, spiritual growth, alternative medicine, and, of course, cat care tips, treats and a marketplace filled with great goodies for both cat-loving humans AND their cats.

"I have two cats, and I am having trouble getting the cat hair off the carpets. I have tried vacuuming it with three different vacuum cleaners, but it just sits there. I have low-pile rugs."

Try a Dampened Sponge Mop
After a thorough vacuuming of the rugs, I use a barely dampened sponge mop on low-pile rugs to remove cat hair. I keep this mop for only this purpose so I'm not transferring soap residue and soil to the rug. For upholstered furniture, I use a regular (again, clean) kitchen sponge. These sponges are cheaper than the ones sold especially for this purpose and they work. The fur rolls up into clumps that make it easy to pick them off.
BAT

Put on the Rubber Glove
To get pet hair off carpet, clothes, etc., try using a rubber glove. It's a great hair and lint remover.
Bev C.

This Vacuum is a Winner
The Dyson "Animal" model vacuum that we recently purchased is the best thing to get up pet hair. My husband is practically able to reconstruct another cat from the amount of fur he pulls from our upholstery, hardwood floors, and flat pile carpet.

We waited until Linens & Things had a 20% coupon, plus free shipping for online purchases. Be sure to get the "Animal" model because it comes with a turbo tool specifically made for getting fur out.
Gerette

Put a Rubber Bristle Broom to Work
I found a rubber bristle push broom at CVS pharmacy. The rubber bristles roll up the hair in a pile and you can pick up the rolled hair by hand to throw it away.
Cynthiana Indiana

Static Guard Solution
Spray Static Guard lightly over carpet, wait a few minutes, and then vacuum as usual.
Kathy

Sprinkle Carpets with Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda over rugs helps loosen pet hair. Let a light coat of baking soda sit just a bit, and then vacuum. It deodorizes as well!
K

Unusual, but Effective Ideas
I have found two unusual, but effective ways to lift pet hair from carpets and furniture.

For large clumps of hair, purchase cloth gardening gloves with plastic "nubs" on the fingers and palms. These nubs will catch the hair as you rub your hand over the furniture or across the floor. Keep a trashcan at your elbow, and as your hand gets full, simply pick the hair off the glove and throw it away.

For small amounts of hair, or for short hair that's hard to see, use static electricity. Inflate a balloon and rub it across the carpet. The static on the balloon's surface will pick up the pet hair, and it will stick to the balloon. Once you use a "side" of the ballon, switch to a clean side or you'll just keep transferring the hair back to the carpet.
MR

Mist with Water and Fabric Softener
Mix a little bit of fabric softener with water and spray (mist) on carpet. Allow to dry. Misting will dry quickly. Do not over spray and "drench" the carpet. After the carpet is dry, go back over with your vacuum cleaner.
S. Smith in WV

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Sean McCabe and Cady Finlayson
Album: Take Two
Year produced: 2000

With the pairing of Cady Finlayson on the fiddle and Sean McCabe's smooth voice--how can you go wrong? This 16-track CD is packed with expert playing, traditional sounding tracks and a little experimentation here and there to boot. In other words, there is a little something for everyone.

If you are a traditionalist, waste no time--go for track four--"Rising of the Moon." It gives you that good, familiar feeling, like relatives are in the living room singing old songs. For those who get their toes tapping with Irish Step Dance music, there is a jig, a reel and a hornpipe in store as well.

If you are in need of a pick-me-up, try track nine--"Nobody Wants to Know You When You're Broke." It will pretty much guarantee a smile on a rough day. Most of the songs have the upbeat style of Irish music--even when they speak of sadness. The first track, "Northerners" which talks about the difficulties in Ireland and leaving the country is still a terrific listen and doesn't leave you feeling glum.

Cady Finlayson's skill is obvious, and the CD does highlight it. The fiddle playing in track 12 struck that lovely yearning that only truly skilled players can make you feel. It will leave you with a lump in your throat. At times she is in a supporting role to McCabe's voice, but many of the tracks let her shine as well.

Track 15, "Take These Blues Away" is the prayer of a widow, and does a nice job of marrying the two artists together in sound. It is also McCabe's strongest "storytelling" style-song. The entire CD does a good job of mixing it up so that you are never sure what to expect next, although you are assured an interesting ride, regardless. All in all this mixture of contemporary Celtic folk and traditional-style music works.



   Buy the Album: Take Two

---

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at ctully@freelance-zone.com.

by Joe Wallace

Artist: Rise
Album: Posing As Human
Year produced: 2004

Many bands pass themselves off as eclectic; few truly pull it off well. Rise is one of those rare groups that show talent in a diverse array of musical idioms. The Scottish foursome's second album, "Posing As Human," begins with a strong cocktail of Dylan and The Sundays-influenced sounds. Singer Debbie Dawson's voice has a vulnerable quality perfect on songs like "Don't Stop the World" and "I Will Love You Always". The multi-talented Gerry Geoghegan's twelve-string guitar playing is both free-wheeling and precise; "The Gallows" highlights his skill with perfect timing with complex start-and-stop playing.

Slide guitar fans will appreciate the bluesy "Welcome To The Real World", and Debbie Dawson's voice works particularly well, especially when the song changes from the minimal blues riff to a fuller rock sound. Geoghegan takes a turn on the mic on some tracks. "I Will See My Love Again" and "Green Grow the Rashes-o" find him in good voice, especially on the harmonies. Geoghegan sounds very much like a peer of Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham; he is every bit as diverse and skilled with his song arrangements as the ‘Mac guitarist.

There is a traditional influence on this CD, but ‘eclectic' is the word of the day. Celtic purists may be a bit disappointed, but those who like a combination of blues, folk and rock should spend some time with this new release. On the technical side it's a well-produced effort with the singing and guitars expertly mixed-every note is clear and strong. There's some beautifully restrained keyboard work going on
in the background, giving some songs an ethereal quality while others get a slight gospel flavor.

Second albums are often difficult for any band, but Rise doesn't show any signs of what music biz people call the "sophomore slump". The group does well in capturing its essence on CD, but after an extended listen to "Posing" you'll find yourself wanting a live performance to catch Rise at its full power. A live CD would be most welcome; in the meantime, "Posing As Human" is one to put in the changer on ‘repeat'.


   Buy the Album: Posing As Human

---

Celtic MP3 Music Magazine writer Joe Wallace reviews music for many publications and writes both nonfiction as well as short stories. His nonfiction work includes articles for Korean Quarterly, Indie-Music.com, the Alternative Culture Guide, and Factsheet Five. Contact him through his website at www.freelance-zone.com.

The Austin Chronicle's annual Best of Austin Poll covers everything that's not music. In the best, the Brobdingnagian Bards won "Best Renaissance Men" and "Best Way to Fix Your Computer and Fight Dragons". There are not quite as many catergories that we are hoping to win, but we have lots of friends who we'd love to see win.

You don't have to be from Austin to vote. Below are my suggestions for who I'd like to win in 2005. You can copy and paste them into the entry form. To vote, click here.

Voting ends July 11th. So vote soon!
Because it'll be like a Job Resignation Present. :)


ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Annual Festival: Austin Celtic Festival
Local Music Label: Mage Records
Theatre Director: Lorella Loftus
Author/Poet: MARC GUNN
Painter/Sculptor: JENNIFER GUNN


MEDIA

Feature Journalist: Margaret Moser
Photographer: Nancy e. Pearsall
Radio Station: KUT 90.5FM
Radio Station Programming: Celtic Storm, KOOP Radio
Local Web Site - Entertainment: http://www.celticmp3s.com/
Local Non-Chronicle Publication: Celtic MP3s Music Magazine
Local Comic/Zine: Brobdingnagian Bards Adventure Comics


POLITICS AND PERSONALITIES

Nonprofit Group: Austin Celtic Association


SHOPPING

Antiques/Collectibles/Vintage: Things Celtic
Fashion Accessories: Merlin's Oddities & Morgana's Mysteries, http://www.merlinandmorgana.com/
Clothing: Chameleon Dreams, http://www.chameleondreams.net/

1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" -
   He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."

2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" -
   He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."

3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" -
   He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."

4. He is not "BALDING" -
   He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."

5. He is not a "CRADLE ROBBER" -
   He prefers "GENERATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS."

6. He does not get "FALLING-DOWN DRUNK" -
   He becomes "ACCIDENTALLY HORIZONTAL."

7. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" -
   He develops a case of RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."

8. He is not a "MALE CHAUVINIST PIG" -
   He has "SWINE EMPATHY."

9. He is not afraid of "COMMITMENT" -
   He is "RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGED."

10. He is not "HORNY" -
    He is "SEXUALLY FOCUSED."

11. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants -
    It's "REAR CLEAVAGE."

1. She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" -
   She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."

2. She is not a "SCREAMER" or a "MOANER" -
   She is, "VOCALLY APPRECIATIVE."

3. She is not "EASY" -
   She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."

4. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" -
   She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."

5. She has not "BEEN AROUND" -
   She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."

6. She is not an "AIRHEAD" -
   She is "REALITY IMPAIRED."

7. She does not get "DRUNK" or "TIPSY" -
   She gets "CHEMICALLY INCONVENIENCED".

8. She does not have "BREAST IMPLANTS" -
   She is "MEDICALLY ENHANCED."

9. She does not "NAG" you -
   She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."

10. She is not a "TRAMP" -
    She is "SEXUALLY EXTROVERTED."

11. She does not have "MAJOR LEAGUE HOOTERS" -
    She is "PECTORALLY SUPERIOR."

12. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" -
    She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER."

by John M. Gunn, March 4, 2005

The following is a story that was told to me March 4, 2005 by Mr. Bob Steger of Atlanta. The story is about a Paddle, when Mr. Steger was in school, and his teacher, Mr. Lloyd Gunn. I am going to try to remember what he said as I write this......

Mr. Lloyd Gunn was my teacher when I was in Grade School at Piney Grove. I was always getting in trouble and Mr. Gunn gave me many a paddling, of which I deserved each time.

There was one boy that "acted up" in class and Mr. Gunn took him out of class and gave him a paddling. The next morning, the boy's father was at the school in his Model A car when Mr. Gunn arrived.

The boy's father told Mr. Gunn that they needed to talk. He said his son told him that Mr. Gunn had whipped the boy with the paddle 100 licks, and he thought that was way to many times. Mr. Gunn said he gave the boy 4 licks with the paddle and that was all. The father said that his boy doesn't lie and that Mr. Gunn better never hit his son that many times again.

Mr. Steger went on to say that during Recess that Mr. Gunn would watch the kids play outside, and he would Whittle on his paddles which he made from the boards that came off the wooden Apple Crates that the school got apples in from the government. Mr. Gunn was always making more paddles all the time.

A few days after the Father had showed up about the Paddling, the boy acted up in class again. Again, Mr. Gunn took him out of class and gave him 4 licks with the paddle. Sure enough, the next morning, the Father of the boy was at the school again in his Model A car and confronted Mr. Gunn again about the 100 licks that his son said that Mr. Gunn had given him.

Mr. Gunn told the Father and son to come into another room and then Mr. Gunn told the boy to drop his pants. The Father said he didn't know why but to do what Mr. Gunn said. The boy dropped his pants and Mr. Gunn pointed to the boys butt and told the Father, "See those 4 little RED dots, that proves I only gave him 4 licks with the paddle."

The Father said that didn't prove anything and then Mr. Gunn told him "This is the paddle that I used. You will notice that there is "One" little Hole whittled in the paddle and that one hole will make One red spot on the boys rear for each time I paddled him."

The Father told the boy "Just wait till you get home tonight. When I get through with you that you won't be able to sit for a long time."

So goes the story of the Paddle.

---

John M. Gunn is runs the JM Gunn Company in Atlanta, Texas and also sells gun accessories through his online dealership Gunn's Guns.

I was reminded of this article from EcoMart, an alternative fuels and Earth Friendly Products website.

by John M. Gunn

You meet all kinds of people when you have a relative in a hospital. During my mothers recent visit to the hospital for surgery I talked with lots of people who had relatives in the hospital.

One such person was a woman from Magnolia Arkansas. Her husband had 5 by-pass surgery a couple days ago and was doing fine but she said he was worrying himself sick. She said he was worried about when he was going to be able to go back to work, who was going to take care of his cattle, etc., until he was able to do it all again. She told him to stop worrying.

She told me that the place where he works, the other employees and donated enough of their "Sick Days" to give hime 30 Days Extra Sick Days for Him. They had also taken up a Collection of money to cover their regular household expenses for about a month.

She told him this but said he was still worried. She told him that they would do just fine. She told him that as soon as he got out of the hospital and went to Rehab that she could go back to her regular job as an LVN at the Nursing Home. Her job was waiting on her.


Another story is a little is not so UP.

There was a man there whose 58 year old wife was in the hospital waiting for 4 by-pass heart surgery, or so they thought. I had talked with him often over several days. Friday evening after my mothers surgery I saw him again.

He said that his wife had been in the hospital 4 days. The day she checked in, she called her daughter (his Step-Daughter) who came rushing to the hospital from Hot Springs with her children. He said that shortly after his step-daughter arrived, he told her that if she would stay at the hospital that he needed to put in a few hours at work. I think he said that he was self-employed and hauled gravel and dirt in his dump truck.

The step-daughter told him "That is all you think about is yourself and your work. You don't care a bit about my mother and her health." So he stayed there with his wife day and night. He told me that his step daughter had spent Maybe "3" hours with her mother in the last 4 days. She was taking her kids shopping, to the movies and doing everything else except spending time with her mother.

This was around 8:30 pm on a Friday night when I was talking with him. He said that they, including the daughter, had known since Thursday morning that his wife was going to have the heart surgery starting at 5:00 P.M on Friday. It was 8:30 when I was talking with him. He had just recently been told they were 3 hours into the operation and had about 2 more hours to go. They had also told him that instead of the 4 by-pass that they were going to have to do 5 by-passes.

Then he relayed the other information to me. He said that he hadn't seen the step-daughter all day and that he had no idea where she was, but that she wasn't in the hospital while her mother was having the surgery. I saw him Saturday and he said his wife came through the surgery fine Friday night but he still hadn't seen the girl since Thursday.

Sad but true as it was told to me.

Find out more about John Gunn at the John M. Gunn Company and Gunn's Guns.

from the Gunns of Texas YahooGroup:

Have Gunn Will Travel: A Guide for Tent Captains

Annie Get Your Gunn: The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying Well

Johnny Got His Gunn: A Guide to the First Year Of Married Life

Gunns and Roses: A Guide to Gardening in Caithness

The Shakiest Gunn in the West: A Biography of Life in San Francisco

"My Daddy Was a Pistol and I'm a Son of a Gunn" by that famous Country and Western singer, Six Gunn McGunn

"Shot Gun[n] Boogie" by Tennessee Ernie Ford

"Either Peace or War"- Clan Gunn motto- what doesn't kill us better do enough damage to keep us from shooting back, and you'd better have a good pair of running ghillie brogues; or "Either Peace or War" - we're not picky

"We're Gunning for You" -unofficial motto of the Gunn Texas Branch

Water Gunn-any Gunn under the legal drinking age

Smoking Gunn -any Gunner satisfying their nicotine habit

Air Gunn-a Gunner with a pilot's license

Gunn Boat-a sailing vessel of Norse design having a single square sail

Big Gunns-Clan Gunn Commissioners and their Deputies

Gunn Cabinet-Clan Gunn Board of Directors

Gunn Smoke-the vapor trail left by Gunn recruiters in hot pursuit of new members

Out-Gunned-
   1.) term used to describe recruiting efforts of other clans
   2.) what happens to commissioners of other clans that are too slow

Gunn Fight-annual Gunn/McKay Tug-O-War or Gunn family reunion

Gunn Fire-generic term for any cooking fire at a Clan Gunn event

Gunner-generic term for any Clan Gunn member

Gunn Room-
   1.) that which we are always short of,
   2.) any tent space located next to the Gunn tents that is left unguarded

Gunn Shot-any libation found in copious amounts where Gunns gather (see definition of "Gunn Barrel")

Gunn Shy-term used to describe any non-Gunn Clan Commissioner

Gunn Wale-plaintive moan heard when the Talisker barrel runs dry

Gunn Control-any effort on the part of another Clan to restrict Clan Gunn expansion (illegal in most places)

Gunn Laws-Raghnild's Rules of Order for Clan Management

Gunn Slinger-
   1.) any Clan member participating in the hammer throw at a Scottish festival,
   2.) any member toting a whisky flask

Arsenal- any place where Gunns tend to gather, as at the Gunn tent

Gunn Barrel - a single serving of beverage (alcoholic or otherwise) for a Gunner, typically with a disposable top or plug

Gunn Cleaner-a less than exceptional whisky consumed by Gunners solely because
   a) it came from Scotland,
   b) it is a single malt, or c) it was free

Gunn Rack-a horizontal surface on which a Gunner sleeps, i.e. ground behind a Gunn tent

Gunn Safe-
   1.) small metal box containing revenues of the branch,
   2.) what other Clan commissioners feel when there are no Gunners around

Gunn Sight-
   1.) the extraordinary visual acuity that permits Gunns to see potential members in just about anybody, or at any range
   2.) what one loses when they consume Gunn cleaner

Gunn Stock-the collection of Gunn related items for sale in the Clan tent

Trigger-
   1.) horse belonging to a gunner,
   2.) an item or topic which angers a Gunn (sets a Gunn off) i.e. the use of "Viking" as a noun

Gunn Swab- a sailor aboard a Gunn Ship

Gunn Report-articles submitted for the quarterly newsletter

Gunn Runner-
   1.) an athletic Clan member,
   2.)enthusiastic recruiter of new members

Gunn Powder-powder used to reduce that annoying chafing

Gunn cotton-Gunn tartan with no wool content worn by Gunners with allergies to wool

Concealed Gunn-
   1.) potential member who just has not yet found a Gunn ancestor,
   2.) an unknown Gunn ancestor

The Gunns of Navarone-
   1.) an epic migration of Gunns;
   2.) little known Scottish World War II commando unit

Loose Gunn-
   1.) smaller version of a loose cannon
   2.) any unattended Gunn child,
   3.) any Gunn descendant who has not signed up or renewed their membership

Six Gunn-weapon of choice for the Earls of Caithness (roughly equivalent to twelve Keith)

Shot Gunn-
   1.) Gunner that has been rode hard and put away wet,
   2.) how a Gunn commissioner feels after a festival

Squirt Guns-minor children of a Gunn

Gunn Ho-
   1.) battle cry,
   2.) unswerving dedication and loyalty to Clan Gunn

Gunnery Tables-large tables used at festivals to hold edibles, usually over loaded

Gunn Sale-what happens to Gunn merchandise

Gunn Dog-faithful companion to any Gunn

Gunn Man-an unco braw male clansman

Gunn Mettle- the courage and fortitude typically shown by Gunns

Gunn Carriage-vehicle used to transport tents and other supplies necessary to Clan tent operations at festivals

Lock, Stock, and Barrel-what happens at the end of the day at the Gunn tent, they Lock up the Gunn Stock and break out the Gunn Barrel

Cap Gunn-a small pewter musket kilt pin sometimes worn as a bonnet ornament by discriminating Gunns

Gunn Show-
   1.) the opening parade at a Scottish/Celtic festival where the Gunns have a tent
   2.) an unfortunate incident involving a Gunner sitting down in his new first kilt.

Great Gunns-do you really have to ask??

The media has the power to influence your tradeshow efforts whether it be in television, radio or print. Your job is to target your endeavors to create a positive company image and brand awareness of your products/services. How do you do that? Outlined below are 27 important points to help maximize your tradeshow effort.

By Susan Friedmann

Before the show

1. Define and select your target audience so that you can tailor your message directly to the needs, concerns and interests of your prospects.

2. Ask show management for a comprehensive media list complete with contact name, address, phone number and email address of all trade, business and local press, radio and TV stations. Also ask them about their media plan for the show.

3. Find out which publications are planning a show edition and their deadline for press releases. Realize that many of the trade journals work several months in advance.

4. Build a working relationship with the press. Get to know the editors and writers. Volunteer to be a resource for them. Ask about particular stories they are working on and consider information you may have to help them.

5. Realize that editors are in interested in timely newsworthy information; industry trends, statistics, new technology or product information; interesting material, such as, do-it-yourself tips, techniques, or strategies; useful advice; human interest stories, including celebrities you have coming to the show.

6. Investigate other media possibilities not covering the show who might still be interested in information. For example, chamber of commerce magazines/newsletters; local and regional business magazines; industry-specific newsletters; cable television or local talk radio programs.

7. Understand the do’s and don’ts of press kits. A press kit should include interesting and timely information; a one-page company bio sheet - corporate structure, executive staff chart, sales figures; complete product information - specs, distribution methods, pricing; good product photos; key contacts. Don't include outdated, false or exaggerated information; photos of your CEO or top executives.

8. Minimize your press kit information so that it is lightweight and easy to fit into a bag or briefcase. If your company is relatively unknown, be creative with your press kit folder, for example bright neon colors or graphics attract attention. Save on fancy, expensive folders as they do not impress the media. Exciting newsworthy information is what they want.

9. Reserve press conferences for major announcements, new product introductions, but only if they are truly new or improved, or general industry trends - what’s hot and what’s not. The media get very upset attending a press conference which is poorly organized and where nothing newsworthy is shared.

10. Post your press kit online to make your company news available to the media, industry experts and consumers before, during and after the event with Online Press Kits from PR Newswire. Online Press Kits increase traffic to your trade show booth and extend your reach far beyond the exhibition floor when you let all important audiences access your press kit information. Your corporate information is always at hand and lives on long after the event.

11. Mail, broadcast fax or e-mail press releases about your product/service focusing on what’s new. For example, highlighting a new application or new market. Wherever possible include statistics. Always have a contact name and number along with your booth location.

12. Arrange interviews with editors several weeks prior to the show. The media will usually decide at the last minute whether or not to attend. Continue to send them updated information and photos so they remember your company name. Look for specific angles to interest the different media.

13. Have a plan in case a crisis occurs immediately prior to the show, for example, your CEO resigns, or there is a takeover bid for your company. Be prepared with answers to the media’s and visitors’ awkward questions.

14. Use your website to display useful advice as well as promoting your show participation. Make an offer on your website for visitors to collect important information, such as an executive report, when they visit your booth.


During the show

15. Keep the press office well-stocked with your press kits. Also keep some press kits in your booth in case the media stop by.

16. Have a media spokesperson in your booth at all times, even over the lunch hour. Be prepared to explain your product and its importance in easy-to-understand, nontechnical terms.

17. Keep show management informed of newsworthy information for the show daily, and also in case reporters call in looking for story ideas.

18. Heighten visibility and create positive publicity through sponsorship opportunities.

Various media covering the event may automatically include sponsors names and/or photos, which can often generate coverage that might otherwise not be available.

19. Ask show management about opportunities to conduct presentations, seminars, or workshops. As a speaker, you are perceived as an industry expert. Some conferences request proposals to be submitted many months prior to the event.

20. Have a handout for your presentation with company contact information clearly marked on all pages. Have a page outlining what your company does. During your session offer something for free - a copy of the presentation, a special industry report, checklist, or tip sheet, and have participants come to the booth to collect it.

21. Use newsletters, special reports, audio cassettes, books/booklets, or computer discs/CDS as effective giveaways. These have a high perceived value and are more likely to be kept. Make sure they contain valuable industry-related information.


After the show

22. Send post-show press releases reporting trends, statistics or information on significant newsworthy information/orders that resulted from the show.

23. Collate all publicized articles and media coverage before, during and after the show, and send them to top management and your sales force. Include the best articles in mailings to customers and prospects.

24. Create a state of the industry report based on your observations at the show and send it out or offer it free to prospects/customers responding to a post-show mailing.

25. Send your customers and key prospects an audiocassette tape of your presentation or interesting interviews that took place during the show.

26. Include valuable show information in your company newsletter.

27. Encourage readers to contact you by including an offer and how to get it. For example, you could have readers contact you for a copy of your newsletter, free booklet or free information/report.


Finally, remember that your target audience are information seekers, always on the lookout for advice, ideas and information to help them. Your information must appeal to your target audience’s self-interest while at the time promoting your own.

---

Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: "Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies," working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com to sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week.

Recently, I was diagnosed with A. A. A. D. D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide my car needs washing.

As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need to be watered.

I set the Coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only one check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.

I'm still trying to get rid of my Grandma's Black Fox Fur coat. My ex-fiancee inherited it while we were together, but she gave it back to me when we broke up. Now it's sitting in my closet and I have no desire to keep it around. I don't care for fur all that much.

If you know anyone interested in a 20s-style black fox fur coat in great shape, let me know, or have them visit the website.

Thanks!

I first learned about Monty Python in college. One of my friends learned I had not heard of Monty Python's Holy Grail. They were shocked and dragged me to the Texas Union theatre at the University of Texas to watch the movie.

I was a big Dungeons & Dragons fan so I was captivated. They took my style of comedy and combined it with my style of fantasy. Aw yeah!

So imagine my delight when I heard that Spamalot was created and based largely on Monty Python's Holy Grail. Live just gets better and better. Course, it thrilled me even more when I realized that the musical features one of my band's favorite songs, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".

Why? Because we recorded that song in 2001 for our fourth CD, A Faire To Remember. And even better. Thus, I can say, we offer a free Spamalot music download because we giveaway an MP3 of our version of "Bright Side of Life". I hope you enjoy it!

I just saw there's another Bad News Bears coming.

Another one? What gives? I can't imagine any movie being as good and um, bad news as the original movie. Admittedly, I don't remember a whole lot about the movie. And they made so many sequels, it's all mixed up now.

Ah well. I probably won't see it.

Perhaps you heard about the ex-FBI agent who was referred to as Deep Throat. He was the person who exposed the Watergate scandal that nearly got RICHARD NIXON impeached.

His name is W. MARK FELT. He's 91 and officially revealed himself as Deep Throat.

Sounds like he's quite proud of this fact. Though I can't imagine why?

How would you like to go through life and say I'm Dick's Deep Throat?

That's just wrong!