I remember when Old Spice was daggy. It reminds me of an old boyfriend who wore the stuff religiously... and it's not a very pleasant scent memory. And he certainly wasn't a football star. Back then, Old Spice was for young, broke guys who wanted to appear to be a bit classy in the hope of getting some action.
The ad has transformed the brand. It evokes desirability, hotness, cleverness, stylishness, humour and coolness. The creative is wonderful. The writing is excellent. The talent is spot-on. It's close to perfect.
The campaign recognises that women tend to buy 'smelly stuff' for their men, and these women traditionally thought of Old Spice as daggy. Now, I bet they're scouring the shelves for it and thinking of that gorgeous hunk of man who was talking directly to them.
However, it's the integration with social media that's truly groundbreaking. Mumbrella's piece on Old Spice summarises why this campaign's use of social media is just so damn good.
Through the use of social media, the campaign is personalising and tailoring its content to the user. Old Spice guy receives your tweet. He responds to you with a Youtube video. All of it is personal yet public so it goes 'viral' because that's what you do with truly cool stuff - you send it around. And it makes it back to the world of traditional media too, generating even more interest and keeping the campaign alive.
This is the best integrated campaign I've seen yet. Ad agency Wieden + Kennedy should be pretty bloody happy!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
We want a brochure!
How to manage client expectations and deliver what they (and their target audience) really wants.
It's the words every communication professional dreads they will hear from their client.
"We want a brochure."
"We want a poster."
"We think a bookmark would work really well."
The communication professional will try to ascertain why they want this particular product, who it's for and the objective. The client may proceed to avoid these questions and attempt to justify the reason for their request; often it's because they "saw someone else who did it and it was really cool so it will work in this instance, too."
Ok, I'm over-generalising... but it does happen.
You think it's the wrong answer to a question that hasn't even been asked. You'll ask yourself, "Do I care enough to fight this one?" If no, then you don't need to keep reading.
If yes, the next question you'll ask yourself is, "How can I achieve a solution that both of us are happy with, and will ultimately achieve the communication goal and meet the audience's needs?
Here's a few thoughts:
Ultimately, the relationship you have with your client will determine whether this scenario happens sometimes, let alone at all.
If you have built up trust with your client, the question will likely be a different one; it will be more like, "We were thinking a brochure might be a good idea but we wondered what you thought?" You will then be in a great position to provide honest advice and mutually agreeable solutions.
It's all about the relationships!
It's the words every communication professional dreads they will hear from their client.
"We want a brochure."
"We want a poster."
"We think a bookmark would work really well."
The communication professional will try to ascertain why they want this particular product, who it's for and the objective. The client may proceed to avoid these questions and attempt to justify the reason for their request; often it's because they "saw someone else who did it and it was really cool so it will work in this instance, too."
Ok, I'm over-generalising... but it does happen.
You think it's the wrong answer to a question that hasn't even been asked. You'll ask yourself, "Do I care enough to fight this one?" If no, then you don't need to keep reading.
If yes, the next question you'll ask yourself is, "How can I achieve a solution that both of us are happy with, and will ultimately achieve the communication goal and meet the audience's needs?
Here's a few thoughts:
- Don't instantly put the kibosh on their idea. Part of your job is to include the client in decisions, and help them to bring their expertise to the table. Perhaps there's a reason for their suggestion. Listen, and reserve judgment and advice at this point.
- Try to determine their reasons, requirements, goal and target audience. Present some examples where different approaches have been taken, which have proven to be very effective. After this discussion, they may be more open to other ideas.
- After discussions, you may choose to agree to their request, with a catch: "let's try something low-cost/different first (or at the same time)."
Ultimately, the relationship you have with your client will determine whether this scenario happens sometimes, let alone at all.
If you have built up trust with your client, the question will likely be a different one; it will be more like, "We were thinking a brochure might be a good idea but we wondered what you thought?" You will then be in a great position to provide honest advice and mutually agreeable solutions.
It's all about the relationships!
Monday, July 5, 2010
What's wrong with the climate change movement?
I believe in climate change, and I believe mankind contributes to it. I am passionate about the issue, and passionately believe we can make a difference. I also believe there are millions of others who think the same. But there's something very wrong with the climate change movement because it has failed to mobilise the masses and convince the government to take urgent, national action. Why?
It comes down to this: there is a fundamental difference between conservative and progressive communication styles and approaches.
(In this context, I'll use the term 'conservatives' to describe right-wing governments and political parties and conservative thinkers; 'progressives' to describe conservationists, Democrats, Labor, environmental movements, community advocates etc.)
When Al Gore delivered 'An Inconvenient Truth' to the world, it was a turning point. It brought into sharp relief the seriousness of the issue and inspired a widespread feeling that we needed to do something, now. Gore employed Aristotle's canons (ethos, pathos and logos) to great effect; best of all, he did it so simply. He used language we could all understand. He included graphs and statistics to appeal to those who need evidence. He showed images and told stories that cut through emotionally. He also provided solutions, hope. All was not lost, if we took action now.
Suddenly, climate change was on the political agenda. It was the issue that most concerned voters; it inspired many businesses to start looking at more sustainable ways of operating; and triggered interest in seriously exploring renewable energies. This was it! This was the start of significant change.
One of the reasons Kevin Rudd's Labor government was elected in 2007 was that Australians wanted strong and urgent action on climate change, and believed he was the man who would do it. Rudd promised that this government would act and that to not act would be unethical and immoral. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (aka Emissions Trading Scheme) legislation was introduced. The Home Insulation Program was introduced as an economic stimulus measure. The Green Loans program started up. A range of energy efficiency measures were introduced. It seemed like something great was starting to happen.
But where was the information? Where was the education? Where was the 'here's why we need to act and this is how you can make a difference' communication campaign? It never happened. No communication. Then, due to a never-ending series of problems and crises, the programs and policies themselves started to fail. All of a sudden, there was a silence when there should have been shouting; paralysis when there should have been running. And this gave oxygen to 'conservatives', who seized the moment to start their campaign of doubt, distrust and fear. And this is how they did it:
Timing. While the mood was right for change, conservatives stayed fairly silent. But so did the progressives, by failing to implement a national communication campaign. By not capitalising on public support and the mood of the electorate, the progressives allowed the conservatives to edge their way into the debate and to start sowing seeds of doubt. Is mankind really contributing to climate change? Isn't it just a natural, cyclical process? Does climate change even exist? Would these policies or programs actually achieve anything anyway?
Doubt. Conservatives knew which bits of the arguments they could destroy and how to do it. They called up the minority of scientists who didn't agree with climate change science. They pointed out problems with the research. They asked basic questions, like the ones I've outlined above, which tapped into people's reluctance to make difficult choices about how they lived their lives. Why change if you don't need to? Climate change was no longer seen as an inconvenient truth, it was just seen as inconvenient.
Fear. You have to hand it to Tony Abbott with this gem: [The CPRS/ETS is] 'a great big new tax on everything'. In a single statement, Abbott tapped into people's fear about rising costs of living, and additional costs for taking action. Climate change was now seen as an inconvenient and perhaps unwarranted expense.
Aggressiveness. The conservatives used every channel they could to challenge the need for action, and very effectively used the media. They wrote editorials, provided catchy grabs for radio, and were relentless in their attack. Shell-shocked, progressives found it hard to fight back. All of a sudden they were on the backfoot, with no tricks left in their bags.
Lack of political will. All of a sudden, political leaders felt it was too hard to keep pushing. Copenhagen failed to deliver any sort of substantial action. Rudd shelved the ETS (and ended up in political oblivion). The insulation program ended. Green Loans was a mess. Peter Garrett lost the renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio to Penny Wong.
So, there we are right now. No legislation, no substantial plan, no willpower, a disengaged electorate, a disillusioned industry, and off the political agenda. Something so great could have happened; now, it's unclear when the movement will get traction again. Al Gore won't be able to rip out another Powerpoint presentation to get this back on track.
It comes down to this: there is a fundamental difference between conservative and progressive communication styles and approaches.
(In this context, I'll use the term 'conservatives' to describe right-wing governments and political parties and conservative thinkers; 'progressives' to describe conservationists, Democrats, Labor, environmental movements, community advocates etc.)
When Al Gore delivered 'An Inconvenient Truth' to the world, it was a turning point. It brought into sharp relief the seriousness of the issue and inspired a widespread feeling that we needed to do something, now. Gore employed Aristotle's canons (ethos, pathos and logos) to great effect; best of all, he did it so simply. He used language we could all understand. He included graphs and statistics to appeal to those who need evidence. He showed images and told stories that cut through emotionally. He also provided solutions, hope. All was not lost, if we took action now.
Suddenly, climate change was on the political agenda. It was the issue that most concerned voters; it inspired many businesses to start looking at more sustainable ways of operating; and triggered interest in seriously exploring renewable energies. This was it! This was the start of significant change.
One of the reasons Kevin Rudd's Labor government was elected in 2007 was that Australians wanted strong and urgent action on climate change, and believed he was the man who would do it. Rudd promised that this government would act and that to not act would be unethical and immoral. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (aka Emissions Trading Scheme) legislation was introduced. The Home Insulation Program was introduced as an economic stimulus measure. The Green Loans program started up. A range of energy efficiency measures were introduced. It seemed like something great was starting to happen.
But where was the information? Where was the education? Where was the 'here's why we need to act and this is how you can make a difference' communication campaign? It never happened. No communication. Then, due to a never-ending series of problems and crises, the programs and policies themselves started to fail. All of a sudden, there was a silence when there should have been shouting; paralysis when there should have been running. And this gave oxygen to 'conservatives', who seized the moment to start their campaign of doubt, distrust and fear. And this is how they did it:
Timing. While the mood was right for change, conservatives stayed fairly silent. But so did the progressives, by failing to implement a national communication campaign. By not capitalising on public support and the mood of the electorate, the progressives allowed the conservatives to edge their way into the debate and to start sowing seeds of doubt. Is mankind really contributing to climate change? Isn't it just a natural, cyclical process? Does climate change even exist? Would these policies or programs actually achieve anything anyway?
Doubt. Conservatives knew which bits of the arguments they could destroy and how to do it. They called up the minority of scientists who didn't agree with climate change science. They pointed out problems with the research. They asked basic questions, like the ones I've outlined above, which tapped into people's reluctance to make difficult choices about how they lived their lives. Why change if you don't need to? Climate change was no longer seen as an inconvenient truth, it was just seen as inconvenient.
Fear. You have to hand it to Tony Abbott with this gem: [The CPRS/ETS is] 'a great big new tax on everything'. In a single statement, Abbott tapped into people's fear about rising costs of living, and additional costs for taking action. Climate change was now seen as an inconvenient and perhaps unwarranted expense.
Aggressiveness. The conservatives used every channel they could to challenge the need for action, and very effectively used the media. They wrote editorials, provided catchy grabs for radio, and were relentless in their attack. Shell-shocked, progressives found it hard to fight back. All of a sudden they were on the backfoot, with no tricks left in their bags.
Lack of political will. All of a sudden, political leaders felt it was too hard to keep pushing. Copenhagen failed to deliver any sort of substantial action. Rudd shelved the ETS (and ended up in political oblivion). The insulation program ended. Green Loans was a mess. Peter Garrett lost the renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio to Penny Wong.
So, there we are right now. No legislation, no substantial plan, no willpower, a disengaged electorate, a disillusioned industry, and off the political agenda. Something so great could have happened; now, it's unclear when the movement will get traction again. Al Gore won't be able to rip out another Powerpoint presentation to get this back on track.
How to implement a communication strategy
Within an Australian Government context
Implementing a communication strategy can be very simple, or it can just appear to very simple. Implementing a best practice communication strategy requires time, care, resourcing and commitment. This sounds onerous; however, when a communication strategy is executed correctly and follows a best practice approach, it can deliver tangible, measurable benefits to your client/agency or your customers/department.
Having worked in a range of local, state and territory government agencies and departments, I believe that the Child Support Agency (2007 to 2010) set the standard when it came to best practice, below-the-line communication strategy development, implementation and services. How did they do it?
Account management
It's nothing new to the private sector; it's a little bit innovative for government. A specialist communication strategy team was set up and an account management model introduced in 2007, to manage CSA's external communication. This model allowed communication managers to:
CSA understood the concept 'know your audience'. It's one of the most basic communication principles, however it can be one of the most ignored. Many organisations don't invest enough in research — developmental research, benchmarking, tracking and concept testing — which makes it difficult to develop an effective communication strategy in the first place, let alone evaluate its effectiveness.
Budget is nearly always a problem and you may have to fight for more dollars. However, if your department/agency is serious about communication, it must be committed to delivering effective communication that can be measured; and you can't do that without research.
In a 'best practice' world, you would:
How often have you heard, 'let's do a poster'? That can be a fine tactic, if you understand your audience and believe it will help achieve your communication objective.
Some people — even those who are employed as communication professionals — are tempted to resort to sexy tactics (colourful posters, glossy brochures, launch events etc). However, it's the less sexy activities or existing channels that often prove to be more effective.
CSA account managers understood that an e-newsletter, website page or team leader talking points were more likely to achieve good communication outcomes than a poster or boardgame. Yes, there were times we did booklets and videos; however, it all came down to knowing the audience and what would work. That's the key.
Stakeholder engagement
This is not a 'nice-to-have'; it's a must. Some people shy away from stakeholder engagement because it sounds difficult. Some don't understand why it's important. Sometimes, people have the will but not the time, resources or knowledge.
Stakeholder engagement can be simple: provide regular updates via email. It can be consultative: invite your key stakeholders to provide input and feedback. It can be collaborative: identify joint opportunities to target key audiences, and work together to provide a coordinated and credible product or service. The benefits can be enormous, for example, a key stakeholder may be more likely to be positive (or at the very least, balanced) about your organisation. It's important to continuously evaluate, refine and tailor your stakeholder communication activities.
And don't forget:
Implementing a communication strategy can be very simple, or it can just appear to very simple. Implementing a best practice communication strategy requires time, care, resourcing and commitment. This sounds onerous; however, when a communication strategy is executed correctly and follows a best practice approach, it can deliver tangible, measurable benefits to your client/agency or your customers/department.
Having worked in a range of local, state and territory government agencies and departments, I believe that the Child Support Agency (2007 to 2010) set the standard when it came to best practice, below-the-line communication strategy development, implementation and services. How did they do it?
Account management
It's nothing new to the private sector; it's a little bit innovative for government. A specialist communication strategy team was set up and an account management model introduced in 2007, to manage CSA's external communication. This model allowed communication managers to:
- build relationships and trust with internal clients
- engage stakeholders
- develop subject matter expertise
- maximise efficiencies and reduce duplication of effort
- better understand target audiences and identify appropriate communication channels, which helped managers develop more holistic communication strategies
- provide strategic advice on how to best reach target audiences.
CSA understood the concept 'know your audience'. It's one of the most basic communication principles, however it can be one of the most ignored. Many organisations don't invest enough in research — developmental research, benchmarking, tracking and concept testing — which makes it difficult to develop an effective communication strategy in the first place, let alone evaluate its effectiveness.
Budget is nearly always a problem and you may have to fight for more dollars. However, if your department/agency is serious about communication, it must be committed to delivering effective communication that can be measured; and you can't do that without research.
In a 'best practice' world, you would:
- conduct developmental research with the target audience/s, to inform the development of the communication strategy; particularly, to help set appropriate objectives and identify audience segmentation needs
- test proposed activities and materials with the target audience/s, to determine effectiveness (then adjust your approach/activities accordingly)
- conduct benchmarking research, to determine target audiences/s' awareness, attitudes and behaviours before the communication campaign begins
- regularly track audiences' awareness/attitudes/behaviours to measure any changes as a result of communication.
How often have you heard, 'let's do a poster'? That can be a fine tactic, if you understand your audience and believe it will help achieve your communication objective.
Some people — even those who are employed as communication professionals — are tempted to resort to sexy tactics (colourful posters, glossy brochures, launch events etc). However, it's the less sexy activities or existing channels that often prove to be more effective.
CSA account managers understood that an e-newsletter, website page or team leader talking points were more likely to achieve good communication outcomes than a poster or boardgame. Yes, there were times we did booklets and videos; however, it all came down to knowing the audience and what would work. That's the key.
Stakeholder engagement
This is not a 'nice-to-have'; it's a must. Some people shy away from stakeholder engagement because it sounds difficult. Some don't understand why it's important. Sometimes, people have the will but not the time, resources or knowledge.
Stakeholder engagement can be simple: provide regular updates via email. It can be consultative: invite your key stakeholders to provide input and feedback. It can be collaborative: identify joint opportunities to target key audiences, and work together to provide a coordinated and credible product or service. The benefits can be enormous, for example, a key stakeholder may be more likely to be positive (or at the very least, balanced) about your organisation. It's important to continuously evaluate, refine and tailor your stakeholder communication activities.
And don't forget:
- Retain the right people in your team, and help the not-so-right people find their true calling. Best practice communication requires skilled, committed and enthusiastic team players.
- When you have the right people, trust them. Hiring a consultant is not always the answer.
- Measuring output is not the same as measuring outcomes. The number of visitors to your website tells you how many people went to your site; it doesn't always tell you what they did with the information.
- Social media tools, used in the right way for the right audience and as part of an integrated communication strategy, can be enormously effective.
- If you're dealing with sensitive or high-risk issues or audiences, ensure you have an issues management strategy in place.
- Engage early and often with your clients, stakeholders, target audiences and other communication people. It builds trust and transparency, and it's amazing how many problems can be avoided simply through ongoing communication.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Kosovo: Brief observations by a traveller
Kosovarians are intensely proud of their country and independence. They love their country and will do anything to build it into a great place. They are very grateful to the international community, particularly the US, for their support.
It seems everything is borrowed! From buses to cafe umbrellas, it all comes from overseas assistance. It's pretty common to see buses with destinations in Germany or France - yet they're just going up the road!
Many of the Pristina streets are not visibily named. I had many difficulties trying to find places, and usually ended up finding them after I'd given up looking.
There is MASSIVE potential here for business and to do some great things. For example, a museum dedicated to the history of the Illyrians, Albanians and the Serbs would be wonderful. And as it's so cheap to set up a business here, plus you don't need a visa, so you could do it relatively easily and reap the rewartds later when Kosovo's economy picks up. Something to think about for wannabe entrepreneurs.
Cars are a national obsession. Most Kosovarians drive rundown Mercs and Audis, while their diaspora or internationals drive the latest models. Car washes, auto shops, wrecking yards are everywhere. The roads are not in great condition, pot holes everywhere, but a lot of work is being done to fix the roads by weathered, tanned men.
Going out for a drink usually doesn't mean a beer - often it's for a macchiato, fruit juice or sprite. People spend hours in cafes, because many of them don't work and have nothing else to do.
Evidence of the 1999 conflict is clear, particularly in the west. Buildings burnt out, UCK memorials, graveyards, UN, police, and red Albanian flags are everywhere.
Eating and drinking is very cheap, the cheapest in all of Europe. And the standard is very high. Many people speak enough English to help you order!
Rolling electricity blackouts are common because most people don't pay their bills and no one really enforces it. And water is often turn off for eight hours every night, so you need to plan ahead for that bath, shower or toilet visit.
Women get very dressed up, even just to walk around. Nearly all wear high heels, which seems like a challenge considering the state of the streets and walkways.
Tourism is pretty undeveloped here. For touristy products, the only real options are lighters, flags, pirate CDs and DVDs, used phones, sunglasses.
If you're not a smoker, life is pretty yuck.You can smoke anywhere and everywhere, and I am smoking while typing this in an internet cafe. Cheap cigarettes are everywhere, as are mobile phone cards.
Raki is like drinking gasoline, but it does aid digestion of massive portions of food!
I'm sure there's more, I'll write more when I think of it.
It seems everything is borrowed! From buses to cafe umbrellas, it all comes from overseas assistance. It's pretty common to see buses with destinations in Germany or France - yet they're just going up the road!
Many of the Pristina streets are not visibily named. I had many difficulties trying to find places, and usually ended up finding them after I'd given up looking.
There is MASSIVE potential here for business and to do some great things. For example, a museum dedicated to the history of the Illyrians, Albanians and the Serbs would be wonderful. And as it's so cheap to set up a business here, plus you don't need a visa, so you could do it relatively easily and reap the rewartds later when Kosovo's economy picks up. Something to think about for wannabe entrepreneurs.
Cars are a national obsession. Most Kosovarians drive rundown Mercs and Audis, while their diaspora or internationals drive the latest models. Car washes, auto shops, wrecking yards are everywhere. The roads are not in great condition, pot holes everywhere, but a lot of work is being done to fix the roads by weathered, tanned men.
Going out for a drink usually doesn't mean a beer - often it's for a macchiato, fruit juice or sprite. People spend hours in cafes, because many of them don't work and have nothing else to do.
Evidence of the 1999 conflict is clear, particularly in the west. Buildings burnt out, UCK memorials, graveyards, UN, police, and red Albanian flags are everywhere.
Eating and drinking is very cheap, the cheapest in all of Europe. And the standard is very high. Many people speak enough English to help you order!
Rolling electricity blackouts are common because most people don't pay their bills and no one really enforces it. And water is often turn off for eight hours every night, so you need to plan ahead for that bath, shower or toilet visit.
Women get very dressed up, even just to walk around. Nearly all wear high heels, which seems like a challenge considering the state of the streets and walkways.
Tourism is pretty undeveloped here. For touristy products, the only real options are lighters, flags, pirate CDs and DVDs, used phones, sunglasses.
If you're not a smoker, life is pretty yuck.You can smoke anywhere and everywhere, and I am smoking while typing this in an internet cafe. Cheap cigarettes are everywhere, as are mobile phone cards.
Raki is like drinking gasoline, but it does aid digestion of massive portions of food!
I'm sure there's more, I'll write more when I think of it.
Living like a Kosovarian (briefly!)
It's 30 August and I'm in Pristina, the capital of the world's newest country, Kosovo. Many westerners might remember seeing Kosovo on the TV in 1999. Kosovarians were engaged in guerilla war with Serb troops, who were under instructions from Milosevic to remove Albanian-Kosovarians out of the country. Serbia refused to withdraw troops and enter a peaceful negotiation, so Bill Clinton authorised NATO to bomb the crap out of Serb buildings/areas and drive the Serb troops out.
10 years on, and whether Serbia likes it or not (they don't), Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. And uniquely, Kosovarians love America because they saved them and have given them hope.
Kosovo has the weakest economy and probably is the poorest country in all of Europe. It is very cheap here - 50 cents for a macchiato, 1.50 (euro) for a pizza, that sort of thing. Pirate CDs and DVDs are one euro each. Most working people here get 250 euro or less a month for back-breaking or long, arduous work.
Half the population is unemployed, relying on diaspora (their relatives overseas) to work and send money back home. It's evident on the streets of Pristina - girls dressed in lovely clothes just walking around, men (young and old) sitting in caffe bars all day just drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.
Speaking of cigarettes... you know how annoying it is when you're at a pub or cafe, you run out of fags and can't get to a shop? Here, there's no worries - kids and men sell cigarettes and phone cards everywhere, they even come in to the cafes, and will even come to your car while you're stuck in traffic. We picked up a pack that way, very convenient!
Driving around is an experience. Most of the roads are quite bad, huge pot holes everywhere and some parts are unsealed. Construction everywhere. Driving can be a bit hairy, although not as dangerous as Nairobi. We drove around a fair bit, Kosovarian music blaring out of the stereo. I remember one song, it's about never forgetting Kosovo even when you live and work overseas - a very common experience.
Rubbish is an issue. It's everywhere, overflowing and stinky. Stray dogs and cats hang around the dumpsters.
Another issue is electricity and water. Even in the city. The apartment I initially stayed in, in Dardania (where the Bill Clinton billboard is), had the elctricity go out for a few hours every afternoon, and the water was shut off 10pm - 6am. We filled up water bottles before 10pm, and you can forget having a shower or number 2s!
The apartment is a bit of a shit hole. Asbestos flakes off the walls, pipes and ceiling; electrical wires are exposed; the on/off electricity situation means the fridge stinks and you can't store food; the kitcken sink is useless because the pipe is broken; the bathroom floor constantly covered in water; carpet is different end pieces,; mold everywhere; the bedis a broken futon. Every night after midnight the garbos come to collect the stinky rubbish.
Ok sounds bad, but it's an experience!
The coffee is excellent, and cafes are everywhere. Mostly frequented by men of all ages, who just sit around talking, smoking and drinking coffee for hours on end. Some cafes have a fairly macho feel about it, and definitely not all that comfortable for a single, Western woman.
Speaking of women, I think it's fair to say that Kosovarian women are the most beautiful women in the whole world. For the first few days I felt like shit, these girls look like models. But with the looks comes all the hassles from pervy, sleazy men - so by the end of my time here, Ive come to be grateful for not being so attractive.
Most people are friendly, and very accustomed to foreigners due to the UN presence. Zeni tells me that people aren't all that nice and to be careful of mafia, but I don't see any evidence of it.
Every evening in summer, people head out to hang out on Nene Tereza. Eating pumpkin seeds, smoking, watching people.
While Pristina is a fascinating city, I couldn't live here. It's vibrant, young, cheap, full of hope, but I am too different to live here happily. There is much to be said about Australia and its comforts!
* More indepth details to follow, including reviews, trip to Peja, Zeni and more *
10 years on, and whether Serbia likes it or not (they don't), Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. And uniquely, Kosovarians love America because they saved them and have given them hope.
Kosovo has the weakest economy and probably is the poorest country in all of Europe. It is very cheap here - 50 cents for a macchiato, 1.50 (euro) for a pizza, that sort of thing. Pirate CDs and DVDs are one euro each. Most working people here get 250 euro or less a month for back-breaking or long, arduous work.
Half the population is unemployed, relying on diaspora (their relatives overseas) to work and send money back home. It's evident on the streets of Pristina - girls dressed in lovely clothes just walking around, men (young and old) sitting in caffe bars all day just drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.
Speaking of cigarettes... you know how annoying it is when you're at a pub or cafe, you run out of fags and can't get to a shop? Here, there's no worries - kids and men sell cigarettes and phone cards everywhere, they even come in to the cafes, and will even come to your car while you're stuck in traffic. We picked up a pack that way, very convenient!
Driving around is an experience. Most of the roads are quite bad, huge pot holes everywhere and some parts are unsealed. Construction everywhere. Driving can be a bit hairy, although not as dangerous as Nairobi. We drove around a fair bit, Kosovarian music blaring out of the stereo. I remember one song, it's about never forgetting Kosovo even when you live and work overseas - a very common experience.
Rubbish is an issue. It's everywhere, overflowing and stinky. Stray dogs and cats hang around the dumpsters.
Another issue is electricity and water. Even in the city. The apartment I initially stayed in, in Dardania (where the Bill Clinton billboard is), had the elctricity go out for a few hours every afternoon, and the water was shut off 10pm - 6am. We filled up water bottles before 10pm, and you can forget having a shower or number 2s!
The apartment is a bit of a shit hole. Asbestos flakes off the walls, pipes and ceiling; electrical wires are exposed; the on/off electricity situation means the fridge stinks and you can't store food; the kitcken sink is useless because the pipe is broken; the bathroom floor constantly covered in water; carpet is different end pieces,; mold everywhere; the bedis a broken futon. Every night after midnight the garbos come to collect the stinky rubbish.
Ok sounds bad, but it's an experience!
The coffee is excellent, and cafes are everywhere. Mostly frequented by men of all ages, who just sit around talking, smoking and drinking coffee for hours on end. Some cafes have a fairly macho feel about it, and definitely not all that comfortable for a single, Western woman.
Speaking of women, I think it's fair to say that Kosovarian women are the most beautiful women in the whole world. For the first few days I felt like shit, these girls look like models. But with the looks comes all the hassles from pervy, sleazy men - so by the end of my time here, Ive come to be grateful for not being so attractive.
Most people are friendly, and very accustomed to foreigners due to the UN presence. Zeni tells me that people aren't all that nice and to be careful of mafia, but I don't see any evidence of it.
Every evening in summer, people head out to hang out on Nene Tereza. Eating pumpkin seeds, smoking, watching people.
While Pristina is a fascinating city, I couldn't live here. It's vibrant, young, cheap, full of hope, but I am too different to live here happily. There is much to be said about Australia and its comforts!
* More indepth details to follow, including reviews, trip to Peja, Zeni and more *
Monday, July 13, 2009
This is how it could be
Daydream delusion, limousine eyelash
Oh baby with your pretty face
Drop a tear in my wineglass
Look at those big eyes
See what you mean to me
Sweet-cakes and milkshakes
I'm a delusion angel
I'm a fantasy parade
I want you to know what I think
Don't want you to guess anymore
You have no idea where I came from
We have no idea where we're going
Lodged in life
Like branches in a river
Flowing downstream
Caught in the current
I carry you
You'll carry me
That's how it could be
Don't you know me?
Don't you know me by now?
~ From the film 'Before Sunrise' - this is the poem that the good-looking bum writes for Celine and Jesse, using the word 'milkshake' ~
Oh baby with your pretty face
Drop a tear in my wineglass
Look at those big eyes
See what you mean to me
Sweet-cakes and milkshakes
I'm a delusion angel
I'm a fantasy parade
I want you to know what I think
Don't want you to guess anymore
You have no idea where I came from
We have no idea where we're going
Lodged in life
Like branches in a river
Flowing downstream
Caught in the current
I carry you
You'll carry me
That's how it could be
Don't you know me?
Don't you know me by now?
~ From the film 'Before Sunrise' - this is the poem that the good-looking bum writes for Celine and Jesse, using the word 'milkshake' ~
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hottest 100 of all time: Will grunge/the 90s dominate?
At midnight tonight, voting closes for the Triple J Hottest 100 of all time. Thinking about the evolution of Triple JJJ and alternative music radio in Australia, I think it would be fair to say that the 1990s are going to be represented extremely well, and particularly the grunge and indie-rock genres.
Triple J started to really take off in the early 90s; and their listeners were around 16, 17, 18 - that's the age when you start to really define your music taste. In my opinion anyway! There's always early starters and late bloomers, but generally speaking, it's mid to late teens when you start to really know what you like.
Triple J's target audience is 15-25 - that's people (as of 2009) born between 1984 - 1994. But I think the reality is fairly different, I think the actual listening audience age group is 25-38 (people born between 1971 and 1984) - the people who started listening to JJJ when it first took off are still listening to it.
My decade breakdown is as follows:
1960s - 2 (Mamas and Papas, Johnny Cash)
1970s - 1 (Bruce Springsteen. the 60s and 70s tracks are due to the influence of my mum)
1980s - 5 (Dragon, Gunners, U2, Neil Young)
1990s - 6 (AC/DC, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Weezer, Tool, Bloodhound Gang)
2000's - 6 (Muse, Chemical Brothers, Jimmy Eat World, Green Day, Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire)
I voted for:
Neil Young: Rocking in the free world (1989)
Bruce Springsteen: Born to run (I LOVE the acoustic version the best) (1975)
Muse - Plug in baby (2001)
Weezer - Undone (The Sweater Song) (1994)
AC/DC - Thunderstruck (1990)
Mamas and the Papas - California Dreamin' (1965)
Guns n Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (1987)
Dragon - Rain (1983)
Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm (1993)
Sigur Ros - Glosoli (2005)
Not content with only one lot of voting rights, I voted again:
U2 - Where the Streets have no name (1987)
U2 - With our without you (1987)
Chemical Brothers feat. Flaming Lips - The Golden Path (2003)
Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues (1968)
Tool - Stinkfist (1996)
Nirvana - Heart-shaped box (1993)
Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch (1999)
Arcade Fire - Intervention (2007)
Green Day - Jesus of Suburbia (2005)
Jimmy Eat World - 23 (2004)
Let the countdown begin!
Triple J started to really take off in the early 90s; and their listeners were around 16, 17, 18 - that's the age when you start to really define your music taste. In my opinion anyway! There's always early starters and late bloomers, but generally speaking, it's mid to late teens when you start to really know what you like.
Triple J's target audience is 15-25 - that's people (as of 2009) born between 1984 - 1994. But I think the reality is fairly different, I think the actual listening audience age group is 25-38 (people born between 1971 and 1984) - the people who started listening to JJJ when it first took off are still listening to it.
My decade breakdown is as follows:
1960s - 2 (Mamas and Papas, Johnny Cash)
1970s - 1 (Bruce Springsteen. the 60s and 70s tracks are due to the influence of my mum)
1980s - 5 (Dragon, Gunners, U2, Neil Young)
1990s - 6 (AC/DC, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Weezer, Tool, Bloodhound Gang)
2000's - 6 (Muse, Chemical Brothers, Jimmy Eat World, Green Day, Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire)
I voted for:
Neil Young: Rocking in the free world (1989)
Bruce Springsteen: Born to run (I LOVE the acoustic version the best) (1975)
Muse - Plug in baby (2001)
Weezer - Undone (The Sweater Song) (1994)
AC/DC - Thunderstruck (1990)
Mamas and the Papas - California Dreamin' (1965)
Guns n Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (1987)
Dragon - Rain (1983)
Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm (1993)
Sigur Ros - Glosoli (2005)
Not content with only one lot of voting rights, I voted again:
U2 - Where the Streets have no name (1987)
U2 - With our without you (1987)
Chemical Brothers feat. Flaming Lips - The Golden Path (2003)
Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues (1968)
Tool - Stinkfist (1996)
Nirvana - Heart-shaped box (1993)
Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch (1999)
Arcade Fire - Intervention (2007)
Green Day - Jesus of Suburbia (2005)
Jimmy Eat World - 23 (2004)
Let the countdown begin!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Mix-tape: First year of uni - 1994
In 1994 I started uni at Queensland Uni of Technology, doing nursing of all things. (I didn't have a high enough OP score to get into Law - for which now I am kind of grateful). Anyway, I lived in Shailer Park - I was a Logan Bogan - and so were my friends. I got a lift in to uni some days with Danella, and we'd listen to Triple J. Other times, I'd drive in with my neighbour and best friend Fiona, in 'Bertram'.
That was when Triple J was alternative and cool and we just used to rock out. So this is the mix-tape from 1994 - the songs we completely loved. And as you'll see, grunge was king.
I'll admit I had some guilty pleasures as well, songs that also made it to real mix-tapes. Around 1992-1994, I was starting to like cooler music. But I still liked crap music. As demonstrated here.
That was when Triple J was alternative and cool and we just used to rock out. So this is the mix-tape from 1994 - the songs we completely loved. And as you'll see, grunge was king.
- Undone - Weezer (my love affair with Rivers and Weezer started then. It's now been 15 years and 2 great albums, a good one, and 3 shitty ones later and I still love them)
- Loser - Beck (once we accomplished the lyrics, there was no stopping us)
- Girls and Boys (PSB remix) - Blur (none of my friends liked this except me)
- Dropout - Urge Overkill (Danella's favourite)
- Feel the pain - Dinosaur Jnr
- Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms (one of those songs that is just so not cool that it is cool. Great driving song)
- My wave - Soundgarden
- Miss World - Hole ('I made my bed I'll lie in it / I made my bed I'll die in it' - yeah...)
- Today - Smashing Pumpkins (awesome, awesome)
- Longview - Green Day (again, only I really liked this, and I still do)
- Laid - James (we could never really hit those high notes, but we kept trying)
- Coma - Max Sharam (this was Fiona's favourite, she loved it to the point of hatred)
- Seether - Veruca Salt (my favourite girl band of all time - and the name of my favourite Charlie character)
- Self-esteem - The Offspring
- Closer - Nine Inch Nails (for 17 year old girls, it was the appeal of screaming out 'I wanna fuck you like an animal', more than the song itself)
- Sweetness and Light - Itch-E and Scratch-E (my first real taste of dance music, apart from Ultra Sonic)
- Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen (I inherited my love for him from my mum, so it's her fault)
- Linger - Cranberries (a lovely song, way better than that Zombie shite)
I'll admit I had some guilty pleasures as well, songs that also made it to real mix-tapes. Around 1992-1994, I was starting to like cooler music. But I still liked crap music. As demonstrated here.
- Always - Bon Jovi
- Oh what a night - Four Seasons
- Mr Vain - Culture Beat
- Dreams - Gabrielle
- 100% pure love - Crystal Waters
- Whoomp there it is - Tag Team (I still know every word to this haha)
- Said I loved you but I lied - Michael Bolton (can't believe I've just admitted that)
- Shoop - Salt n Pepa
- Can you feel the love tonight - Elton John (it was because of the Lion King!)
- Ooh baby I love your way - Big Mountain (Reality Bites soundtrack)
Monday, June 1, 2009
The best things in the world
These are some of the things that I absolutely love about being alive and being me. A bit sappy I know, but it's good to remind myself sometimes...
Putting clean sheets on the bed and fluffing the doona and pillows, then crawling in to bed. Meeting a friend for coffee and breakfast in the morning. Seeing a band and they move me to tears. The smell of frangipanis. Waking up in the morning with my dear one holding me. Catching a plane to somewhere or someone I adore. Sitting or standing perfectly still for hours, so as not to disturb an animal in the wild. My feet crunching through lots of snow. The Northern Lights - the most humbling experience in my life so far. Photos of my friends and remembering good times. Books. Waking up to find my cat Levi asleep on my feet. Laughing so hard that I almost pee my pants. While everyone else is out on a Saturday night - eating pizza, watching Bridget Jones and crying, having a bath and facial, then in bed by 11pm. Being surrounded by the awesomeness of nature. Watching and hearing a glacier calve. Seeing a polar bear family. Witnessing a leopard call for her baby. Holding my breath as a mother lion feeds her two cubs. Cruising through a narrow, deep fjord. Enjoying a beautiful, soft red wine and eating the best pasta ever. Kissing my dear one under fairy lights. Perving on a good looking boy. Hearing exciting news about a friend or relative. Being in love. Not having to work and just traveling. Getting my hair done then getting dressed up and going out. Sometimes, a cigarette is great. Going to the movies by myself and crying, eating a choc-top. Helping someone on a bus or on the street or in a store. Talking to interesting strangers, like the Bosnian woman who catches my bus sometimes. Researching Kosovo and The Balkans. Planning big, grand holidays. Anywhere in the arctic. How I feel when I work on my novel. How I feel when I imagine myself in five years' time.
Putting clean sheets on the bed and fluffing the doona and pillows, then crawling in to bed. Meeting a friend for coffee and breakfast in the morning. Seeing a band and they move me to tears. The smell of frangipanis. Waking up in the morning with my dear one holding me. Catching a plane to somewhere or someone I adore. Sitting or standing perfectly still for hours, so as not to disturb an animal in the wild. My feet crunching through lots of snow. The Northern Lights - the most humbling experience in my life so far. Photos of my friends and remembering good times. Books. Waking up to find my cat Levi asleep on my feet. Laughing so hard that I almost pee my pants. While everyone else is out on a Saturday night - eating pizza, watching Bridget Jones and crying, having a bath and facial, then in bed by 11pm. Being surrounded by the awesomeness of nature. Watching and hearing a glacier calve. Seeing a polar bear family. Witnessing a leopard call for her baby. Holding my breath as a mother lion feeds her two cubs. Cruising through a narrow, deep fjord. Enjoying a beautiful, soft red wine and eating the best pasta ever. Kissing my dear one under fairy lights. Perving on a good looking boy. Hearing exciting news about a friend or relative. Being in love. Not having to work and just traveling. Getting my hair done then getting dressed up and going out. Sometimes, a cigarette is great. Going to the movies by myself and crying, eating a choc-top. Helping someone on a bus or on the street or in a store. Talking to interesting strangers, like the Bosnian woman who catches my bus sometimes. Researching Kosovo and The Balkans. Planning big, grand holidays. Anywhere in the arctic. How I feel when I work on my novel. How I feel when I imagine myself in five years' time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)