I remember growing up in the sixties (yes, I'm hinting about my age) during what was then a major counter-cultural and social upheaval led in large part by the “hippie” movement.  Beginning with the Nature Boys of 1947, who raised organic food in the California desert and espoused a back-to-nature way of living, to the culmination of the movement with the Summer of Love in San Francisco in 1967, there was this strong desire to abandon the stress and complications of a materialistic life in favor of simplicity as the road to happiness.

Jokingly last night, a fellow BIGSHOT team member said to me, you should blog about how your curly hair is “unprofessional,” and this got me thinking…

I have been in the marketing business for several years, and as such am always concerned that I have become indifferent or even numb to all the creative messages that are presented to me during the course of a day. It's not that this is a purposeful intent on my part, it's just that I am asked to evaluate many kinds of creative, both online as well as print and broadcast, and I wonder whether it takes more to move me than your average consumer.

Most everyone who lives in Kansas City – and many who have visited – have experienced the friendly "Hi May I Help You" service at Gates Bar-B-Q, a well-known local barbecue joint. Well, I use the term "friendly" a little loosely. Some might call it "overwhelming" or even "frightening." It's a shout from behind the service counter, just about the minute you walk in the door. And the "Hi May I Help You" shout continues until you respond by shouting back your order. It scared me a little at first, but I've come to enjoy yelling out "Beef on bun! With fries!"