Category: #SocialGood

Lucky 7 – Life after a thyroid cancer diagnosis

Published on by LouiseSattler3 Comments

Is 7 really a lucky number? For me it is. Or at least I think it is.  You see, I realized this week that the number seven has resonated with me throughout my thyroid cancer journey. Yet, only recently did I connect the dots as to why it is indeed “lucky” or at least significant.

7a.m – The time I arrived to the surgical unit for my operation.

Seven hours. The number of hours Dr. Ralph Tufano, (my hero) performed surgery on me at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Seven days.  That was the length of time the post-operative drains remained in my neck. (Seven minutes was all had on the “patience meter” for living with said drains.)

Seven weeks.  That was the time it took for me to get my voice sounding more like me and less like a prank phone caller.

Seven months.  That was about the amount of time I needed to brave going out without a scarf around my neck to shield people from seeing my scar. (July is one hot month and the seventh one!)

Seven years have passed since January 5, 2011 when I had my surgery and my life was forever changed.  You may think this was a tantamount day filled with dread, but in reality many amazing things have happened from that day forward.

Related articles: If you are interested in the “whole saga” here is a link.

And, per usual I will use this forum to share some life lessons. (Forever an educator) Although this year the theme may be a bit “lighter” than in the past. (Side note: read to the very end, please.)

The seven lessons I want to share in my annual “post cancer blog” are … 

  1. 7 is the number of continents in the world. Go explore them while you can.
  2. 7 good friends is better than a lot of people pretending to be your friend.
  3. 7 pairs of shoes may be an Ok amount, but in reality I own three times that number.
  4. Social media forums cite 7pm as a popular time to be online engaging with others and reading articles.
  5. 7 is considered one of the luckiest numbers, according to Quora, because there are  Seven Seas, Seven Heavens, Seven Continents, Seven Colors in a Rainbow, Seven Notes on a musical scale, Seven Days in a week, Seven Wonders of the World and so on. Seven is considered to represent the “extraordinary”.
  6. 7 is the number of chakras the body possesses.
  7. Seven minutes can be all it takes to check your neck with an ultra-sound to see if you have a healthy or unhealthy thyroid. Seven minutes- worth every one of them.
The seven chakras.

 

 Now for the serious “stuff”…

First, be your own health advocate. If you feel that something isn’t right with your health – go see a doctor or two if you are not satisfied with the first opinion.

Next, CHECK YOUR NECK.  At least once a year – have your doctor check your neck for irregularities.  Are you gaining weight suddenly or losing it without dieting? Do you have a chronic sore throat or persistent cough.  These are all red flags that something could be amiss and a due to a thyroid issue!

It wouldn’t be my annual “cancer” blog without a nod towards helping others via #socialgood

Each year, since my cancer journey began, I  spotlight ways to help people who are  diagnosed and living with cancer.  This year I am asking that readers of my blog consider supporting the  CYCLE FOR SURVIVAL campaign.  My daughter, Natasha, is participating with the Cycle for Survival fundraiser and any support would be greatly appreciated.  Here is the link.  EVERY DOLLAR RAISED goes towards funding  research for rare cancers via the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

 

About Cycle for Survival

Cycle for Survival is the movement to beat rare cancers. Our high-energy indoor team cycling events provide a tangible way for you to fight back—100% of all money raised directly funds lifesaving rare cancer research.*

Join the Battle

 

  • *An estimated 1,688,780 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2017.
  • Approximately 50% of people with cancer are battling a rare cancer.
  • Rare cancers include brain, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, and stomach cancers; leukemia and lymphoma; all pediatric cancers; and many others.
  • Each year MSK treats more than 400 subtypes of cancer.

 

As always, thank you for reading and remember… CHECK YOUR NECK!!  Lastly, If you do donate to Cycle for Survival, please let me know and I’ll be sure to thank you personally on Twitter via my account (@LouiseASL).  You can leave me a message here or connect via any of my social platforms. Thank you!

xo,

Louise

 

Sometimes the best gift is…

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Recently, I asked some of my friends and colleagues to generate a list of their favorite local charities.  I particularly wanted organizations that were lesser known and perhaps overshadowed by the larger non-profits that get much more press and recognition.  Please take a moment to read the list and consider opening your hearts and wallets to one or more of these charitable organizations. Thank you.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to these very worthy causes:

The first organizations listed provide services to those who are homeless or are in need of safe harbor.

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 Eddy House in Reno

The mission of the Eddy House is to promote self- sufficiency and empowerment to homeless youth in the Reno, Nevada area.  At risk youth can find safety, attention to their basic needs and community supportive services. Focused on helping those who are homeless, run away and a history of foster care, this facility is amazing and worth our help.   

A Sense of Home   

All volunteer and donation driven – they provide a ‘home’ for  kids coming out of the system that get dropped in the cracks. Thank you Joy Daunis for sharing with us this organization dedicated to helping youth who are so very vulnerable.

From their website:

A SENSE OF HOME (ASOH) began very organically. From a random act of kindness into a community movement. A young man who had just aged out of the foster-care system asked me for help with his first-ever permanent living space. In responding to his request and in turning his barren, doleful space into a functioning home, I came to understand that he had never felt at home – anywhere – in his entire life. And that that very fundamental feeling I know so well – the feeling of home that had anchored and guided me – was something he was bereft of. This caused him to feel adrift in the world; without a sense of home, we do not have a sense of belonging in the world; without it, we do not have a foundation from which we can build a future that reflects our hopes and dreams.

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Downtown Women’s Rescue of Los Angeles

Melissa Tilman,  introduced me to the Downtown Women’s Rescue of Los Angeles.  She had helped with outreach for another favorite organization of mine  the AVIVA CENTER.   The DWC is dedicated to helping women who have severe financial struggles and/or are homeless. Their program provides wrap around services to help women feel safe, valued, supported and educated.  (Thanks to Rebecca and DL for this recommendation, too.)

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Rich Cruse has an annual birthday request – to help him provide blankets for the homeless. I gave and I hope you do, too.

 

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My friend, Heather Miller offered the Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles at their monthly clinics and they are always looking for more attorney volunteers and clients. Clients qualify based on income, no requirement they be Christian.

Let’s not forget the animals, too

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The Peter Zippi Memorial Fund is a local South Bay organization that cares for cats in all manner – take in strays, spay/neuter, adoption, amazing care.   My friend, Lynette Vandeveer from BCBC , who is a huge cat lover recommends this tribute organization and so do I!  They also have a great group on Facebook. 

Do you really need another _________?

“There are things you want and things you need.”  I heard that phrase a lot growing up.  But, being born in to a family of “shoppers”, I often bought things I wanted – over and over again.  Now I am more “mature” and I see my world through a different lens.  I now recognize that the best gift is not for me to receive…. but to give.

Comments are open for other referrals for  charitable organizations that you support. And, given changes in tax laws – there are even more reasons to give before the calendar checks to 2018.

Thank you for reading and Happy Holidays!

~Louise

 

The Signing Families Mini-Emergency Communication Chart – For When Time Counts! (ASL- English – Spanish – Chinese)

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

 

SIGNING FAMILIES EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION MINI-CHART

This pocket-sized emergency communication chart has FOUR different languages represented. Photos for a dozen important informational signs are in sign language, English, Spanish and Chinese! There is a space for writing with a washable marker allows for efficient communication during challenging situations, such as medical emergencies or disasters. Also, numbers, common symbols (such as for email) and the alphabet is included. This card has a special coating for easy cleaning. This emergency mini – chart has been used by thousands of First Responders and Community Emergency Responder Teams (CERT). Also, valuable for those who work in schools, are involved with service related industries (such as bus drivers, flight attendants, etc.). Restauranteurs and hospitality workers are also using this chart to help customers who are in need of assistance. We offer this chart for those who reside in the United States. Price includes shipping within the USA. Don't want to order via PayPal or don't see a button to order? EMAIL US at the LINK BELOW! Bulk orders needed? EMAIL US! Shipping included, but note: we only ship within the United States. For outside the USA orders – please send an email. Thank you.

$1.49

 

NEED TO CONTACT LOUISE AS SIGNING FAMILIES ABOUT EMERGENCY PRODUCTS?

EMAIL HERE

 

NOT FOR DUPLICATION

 

mini chart chinese 2
NOT FOR DUPLICATION

 

To learn more about emergency sign language please go to SigningFamilies.com

 

 

 

 

No Drama, Please

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

—

I am going to venture a bet that you all  have all experienced that feeling. The one that started in the pit of your stomach, shortly after you entered a crowded room. Then came the immediate realization that something was “just not right” and perhaps it was best to go to PLAN B – bolting for the door.  What was your first clue? Was it the whispering conversations? Or did you spot staring looks of disdain someone made towards another attendee? Perhaps there was one person who seemed to “be holding court” with obnoxious laughter and countless diatribes.

This my friends, is what I like to call “Creating a drama effect”.  A behavior(s) that is meant to make a significant impact in a group or situation for the sake of garnering power, controlling a situation, elevating a  person’s level of self- importance or simply for “sport”.

Moreover, the drama effect could happen when a person joins or participates in an association / club  and ends up creating chaos. A calm event turns to calamity with one person shifting the mood with a single behavior.  Sometimes we call that person the “Drama Queen” … but in all fairness… “Drama Kings” also can be in our midst.

You have all experienced drama if you belong to any formal or informal organization, such as a PTO, sports league, religious organization or heck – even an online social group.  I bet as you are reading this blog you are conjuring a face or name in your mind.. right now.  No need to share.  I already “know” that person and have “met” him/her before. You see,  I guess I  am old enough and maybe wise enough that I no longer need to be part of this “scene” as I have had my fill of drama.

Now I can graciously bow out of arenas where drama prevails and join or continue to be only where people are kind, generous and believe that giving is far better an action than getting.  Being in the thick drama is now a choice for me. And, I am choosing to live and work in a “drama free zone.”

The take – away… if you are genuine to your true self you don’t need to surround yourself with drama.

It takes a lot of guts to actually be the person you truly are – faults, flaws, and amazing traits!  It also takes a lot of chutzpah to walk away from drama.  I am nothing but filled with chutzpah – for sure!

It saddens me to see the news at night and think how better our world would be if we did a few simple steps to stop making our world FULL of drama.  May I suggest…

  1. Accentuate the positive in a person even when they don’t say positive things about others. If that is too hard to do – walk away to a “no drama” zone in your environment.  Sadly, people who create drama usually don’t stop easily. So, for your own emotional health – don’t engage, but simply walk away. 
  2. Offer to be a helper and a doer vs. a hinderer or taker. 
  3. Get an education – in whatever is your passion. And, support education for all. (Yes, that is a blatant and shameless political message.)
  4. Stop the blame game by stopping to look in the past. You aren’t headed that way – so leave it there.  

In closing, I am not writing this blog to point fingers, but simply to shine a light on a prevailing theme in our world – that we tend to accept powerful and popular people who create drama, despite it being a negative response to a situation and that has no real purpose.

Once again, thanks for reading.

Retro Bill – Teaching character, safety and acceptance to school children and organizations

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I first met Bill Russo, aka Retro Bill, at a movie premiere that spotlighted the impact family and school emotional abuse and bullying have on an entire town.  The movie, White Rabbit, seemed to truly resonate with Retro Bill on more than a professional level.  After reading and learning more about him, I realized that his background perhaps was similar to that of many, many people.  So, without further adieu I share you my interview with actor, spokesperson, speaker and now my friend, Retro Bill!

Q1:  Hi Bill – Been almost two years or so since we met via a mutual friend,  tell me are you native to California?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Boy Scouts, a Tree Fort, Cornfield Mazes, Little League Games and then many trips to the BIG CITY – Chicago! 
 billwave
Q2:  How would you describe your experience as a student?  What were your challenges? What did you enjoy about learning or school?
  In some respects, school was GREAT! In other respects…TRAMATIC. I seemed to get bullied a lot:  “You’re TOO nice! You’re a WIMP!  You’re too skinny! You have buck teeth! You have pimples that look like Volcanoes.” I did my best to let the put downs roll off my back (“Like Water on a Duck” my Grandma said).  I always had a soft spot in my heart for the other Boys and Girls being bullied, and I would talk to them (Cheer ’em up) and or just let them know “You’re Special Just the Way You Are” (very Billy Joel) and “You’ve got a Friend in Me” (very Toy Story).

 

Watch clips of Retro Bill

WATCH RETRO BILL MEDIA CLIPS

 

Q3: You are gaining quite a reputation for bringing educationally sound programs against bullying to schools and other organizations. Tell us more!

 

I have had the HONOR of being the International D.A.R.E. Program’s “Safety & Self-Esteem Buddy” for 20 years.  This PRIVILEGE has given me the chance to work with Police Officers throughout North America.  I have delivered my Motivational Good Character based/Anti-Bullying/Healthy Life Choices Presentations to Elementary, Middle and High School Students in all 50 States, and throughout all of the Provinces of Canada. Which has put me currently in a position of being one of the most in-demand.  Motivational Speakers for Youth (K-12th Grade) in North America.  And, my friend Leeza Gibbons has Publicly declared on national television that she feels, “Retro Bill is primed to be the 21st Century’s Mr. Rogers!” An HONOR to be sure!

Q4: Where would you like to be with these programs in one year, 2, 5?
I have such a HUGE FAN BASE!  And I’ve been doing this so long, my FANS are ow at an age
where THEY’RE HAVING KIDS!  I am ready (and the demand is high) for more DVDS, 
a National Television Show (maybe as a Host dealing with issues Kids K-12th Grade are
dealing with…  Sort of a Dr. Drew for Kids!) I also see a SeriusXM Radio show in the
future that would play “Retro” (50’s, 60s, 70s and 80’s music) in between Interviews and
my providing Advice and Motivation.  It would be loads of fun to tie-in some of the music
with the advice… EXAMPLE: Let’s say I answer a call or email that asks, “Why does my
Mom ask SO MANY questions!?  Why won’t she let me go to a party that is unSupervised
by adults.  Does she not trust me!?”  My advice (pro-Mom of course) would then lead
to, “She LOVES You!” And, cue the Beatles “She Loves You!  Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”
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Q6:  How can we help?
Putting the word out!  Schedule RETRO BILL for assemblies at your schools!
Rural. Urban. Public. Private. Christian Schools. Catholic Schools. Jewish Synagogues
(for Children’s Studies), Charter Schools, Kindergarten through 12th Grade… I have 
Messages for ALL Ages!  And my Messages RESONATE and make a POSITIVE 
IMPACT! Additionally, I am primed and ready for a “Hollywood Agent” who can
help me capitalize on ALL that I’ve done and built! I have over 100 Letters of
Recommendation on my website from Teachers, Principals, Superintendents,
Government Dignitaries and News Agencies touting my appeal and connection
with my fan base. I’ve got two Award-Winning Children’s dvds already successfully
in the market place.  I have a media reel (viewable at my website) with Celebrities
and News Agencies across America singing “Retro Bill’s” praises! I just need
that “contact” that can put Retro Bill in mee
tings with Media Decision Makers!
I’ve spent 20 years of my Life doing the leg-work to build the Brand (including
over 37,000 Likes on Facebook). 
 antibullying
Q7:  Must ask –  If you could design your “favorite kind of day” it would be….?
Waking up to sunshine.  Being able to get out of bed of my own ability.
A fresh cup of coffee. Tasty breakfast. Perfectly blown dry pompadour.
At least ONE Retro Bill Show in the day, connecting with Kids and hearing
from them that I “Made a Positive Difference!”  The day would end in casual
clothes, hair spray and gel washed out (ala, “hair down”), a walk on the beach
as the sun sets… A quiet dinner with friends. A quick soak in the jacuzzi
and fall asleep by a crackling fireplace while listening to easy listening
jazz and sufring the web via my laptop. AMEN.
Retro Bill and Louise at SPAGO Beverly Hills
Retro Bill and Louise
Q8:  Social media – Your favorite platform and why?
So far, one of my FAV Social Media platforms is Facebook (as I’ve got over 37,000
Likes and it’s kind of cool to be “Verified!”)  I didn’t even start my Facebook Fan Page
until a few years after Facebook had been on-line.  For a while I refused to have Facebook
or Twitter because I wanted my young Fans to know they didn’t need to be involved with
Social Media to be Cool or have their Own unique identity.  POPULAR and HIGH
DEMAND from my Fans (AND their Parents) finally inspired me to post a Twitter
and Facebook page. I also love Twitter (although I got my Twitter page up years
after Twitter had been around, and so, I’ve been behind the curve on Twitter as
far as Followers are concerned. Having said that, I LOVE TWITTER (as in a quick 
glance I can easily check what’s going on with the People, Places and Things I’m 
interested in…or FOLLOWING.  
Q9: What ELSE do you want yor audience to know?

It’s probably no surprise to many that (unfortunately) many States, Cities, Schools,
Law Enforcement Agencies, etc are hurting financially.  I mention this because
over the last year (in particular) I have daily received emails or calls from 
Law Enforcement Officers, Principals, PTA Presidents, Teachers, etc who say,
“RETRO BILL our Kids LOVE YOU!  YOU are their FAVORITE Speaker! UNfortunately
we don’t have ANY funds to bring you back this year to speak to our Kids.”
EVERY SINGLE call or email stating this breaks my heart : ( So, I would
ask your Audience to consider helping me find an Angel Investor, Corporate
Sponsors, and (as previously mentioned) Hollywood Representation to help
me keep “RETRO BILL out there making a Retro-riffic Positive Impact!”

Here is Retro Bill’s “About Me” – How clever is this introduction! To meet and greet this amazing edu-tainer in person and even better to bring him to your organization – click here! 

 

 is revolutionizing children’s edutainment  and motivational speaking for the restaurant  lodging  and airline  industries!  Retro Billhas put fun into safety, self-esteem and character counts education for  Kindergarten through 12th graders for the past 13 years, and he is also highly in-demand for his  customer service/hospitality presentations for working adults.  Retro Bill is on the road 300 days a year and is seen live by over 1 MILLION  American and  Canadian fans annually!

 

 

In closing, it would be my hope that Retro Bill gets to fulfill his dreams all while helping to keep your kids safe, organizations and  school educated and continue to sprinkle #SocialGood wherever he goes!

Thanks my friend!

 

The Language of Laughter – An Interview with the film’s director, Reilly Dowd

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

This is Part 2 of a blog I recently penned about a heartwarming and enlightening film that spotlights the Syrian refugee crisis and those who are attempting to bring humor and humanity to the refugee camps – The Language of Laughter.  Read the prior blog here.

 

The Language of Laughter – Not your ordinary film!

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Remember just a few short months ago when the news was focused on the Syrian refugee crisis?  Many media folks wrote op-ed pieces voicing the pros and cons of Syrian refugees entering various countries, such as the United States, Canada, etc.  Even I felt compelled to weigh in as I penned  last November  a blog  about my thoughts of this very difficult situation.  Yet, as news cycles demonstrates on a routine basis, the passion for the crisis  waned and was replaced in the headlines by crazy political tirades, reports of the all too many acts of terrorism and heinous crimes due to racial tensions. Don’t get me wrong, these are all very important topics – but, the situation concerning the Syrian refugee crisis still remains staggering!  Millions of Syrian citizens, who left their homeland without much choice, continue to be displaced and living in conditions that most people would find unfathomable and unacceptable.

The Syrian refugee crisis is complicated, fraught with controversy and tragic.  Many of these refugees have been relocated to the Syrian – Jordanian border and living in a way that seems without hope.  Every day children are witnessing scenes that are too sad for even most adults. They are being robbed of one thing every child should have – an opportunity to have a carefree childhood.  They are trying to survive in a land where “hope” is often lost.

Except “hope” did arrive to the some Syrian refugees at the  Zaatari Refugee Camp along with a heavy dose of laughter thanks to the Red Noses Clown Doctors International organization – a clown troupe extraordinaire!

The Red Noses Clown Doctors International are literally life savers. To me they give kids who have forgotten how to dream, play and imagine a tangible reminder.  They have offered parents, who only want their children to be happy, a reason to smile themselves. And, the story of how these clowns found their way to a Syrian refugee camp is nothing but amazing, itself.

Thankfully, Reilly Dowd  assembled a team of fellow filmmakers with one goal – to chronicle this story in heartwarming documentary – The Language of Laughter.   Dowd wrote about the catalyst of this film and the adventure that has been ongoing for more than two years as follows:

I was the most skeptical of all. But I know, that by nature, laughter has no borders. It is the shortest distance between two people. As silly as it might sound, it leads to both understanding and compassion. These are the two things much of the world needs in order to tackle our growing, and global, refugee crisis.  

Here is our story: Amidst the collateral damage of Syria’s bloody war, The Language of Laughter documents a transformative friendship between two young women from completely different walks of life. Their story begins in January 2015 inside Jordan’s Zaatari Refugee Camp, a sprawling tent city situated just a few miles from the Syrian border. It’s Ground Zero for what the United Nations now deems the world’s most “dramatic humanitarian crisis.”

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As you can see from this slideshow, that laughter IS the best medicine here in the Zaatari Refugee Camp.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we can keep the laughter going in the lives of these children by telling their story through a film which will in turn continue to shine a much needed spotlight on the plight of these refugee families?

Isn’t an act of #SocialGood a great way to help make the world a bit brighter?

If you are compelled to learn more about the film:  The Language of Laughter,  please see their Seed and Spark page.  Here you will find  many videos that give you even more insight, including one I snatched and uploaded below.  Also, you can get some groovy incentive gifts if you wish to contribute.

Click here to give support to this project

Who wouldn’t love to show their support and get a red nose, too!

Most of all, let’s show the world that we are  a world of compassion. United by what we have similar than different. You can share this story easily by visiting The Language of Laughter on FACEBOOK or TWITTER.  

I also will be uploading a Part 2 with some Q and A from Reilly Dowd.  Stay tuned.

Am I too old for social media? Survey for those who dare to answer

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

Am I too old for social media? I am getting the sense that my “mature” demographic is not necessarily the one desired by brands, unless it is for medical equipment or pharmaceuticals.  Maybe I am just having a bit of “post- birthday blues”.  But, in all seriousness, lately, I have had more than one overt signal that I am too old to be a viable media specialist.  I won’t lie – that stings a wee bit.

But, here is the real grit to this blog… I have some secrets that perhaps some brands who have rejected me (and my fellow “mature friends”) may be surprised to discover!

 First, my friends have influence and affluence.  They aren’t starting out millennials – they are people who have actually sweated day and night for every dollar in their bank account and stock in their portfolio. And, they have a heap of both!

They bring with them a rich history of the decades which translates to creativity.  They don’t need to invent what they “think is retro” – they only need to pull some photos from their drawers or record albums from their attics.  They lived  the generations now reflected in the Goldbergs or Mad Men.  They are boomers and proud of it!

My colleagues, family and friends are well- educated, have a thirst for continued learning, travel, sports and entertainment and a plethora of other interests.  In other words – they like to earn and spend money to make their lives more interesting and enriched.

My inner-circle are smart, clever, creative and have wisdom that could fill Wikipedia.  Most of all, many of them have raised children to be decent, hard working and self-sufficient citizens.  This avalanche of smarts and buying power should be attractive to companies – right?

“But you are not a millennial, Louise!”  

Brands want millennials – they are the future-

Ouch! I know that I am not a millennial.  Thank goodness! I don’t have college debt, worries about healthcare nor building my future on hopes and dreams of becoming the next Youtube sensation.  And, in all fairness – not every millennial is what I just described. In fact, my own kids and most of their friends are amazing humans who are working very hard to create their own paths and ensure for the security of their own futures. They are passionate and fabulous.  They also have buying power – thanks to their parents putting them through expensive college educations that allowed them these opportunities.

What am I looking for?

I would love to learn if I am too old for social media?   I know I have skills and influence.  There are plenty of metric companies that tell me so!  But, the real question is why do I feel that there are missed opportunities for people like me – simply based on age?!

And, doesn’t integrity and a desire to make a difference in this world count for something?

I don’t associate with nor care about those who put their own interests before those of the greater good.  In other words, I believe that #SocialGood should be the theme song that runs throughout the social media world vs. #WhatHaveYouDoneforMElately?

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So, here comes the survey… (answer in the comment section)

Do baby-boomers, like me, have a place in social media campaigns?

 1) YES

                 2) NO

                         3) OTHER… here is why__________

For those who wish  (or dare I say have the courage) to engage with mature social media specialists, please connect with me via this blog or 411 voices, a consortium of people of many demographics dedicated to social good and helping brands.. Thanks!

 

 

Which blog posts were the most popular and favorite of 2015?

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Today a question by a blogger was posed on WORDPRESS – “What was your favorite post that you wrote in 2015?”  That is a tricky question.  The posts I enjoyed writing or felt had the most “impact” were within the “social good or philanthropy”.  But, interestingly the post that had the most direct readership (from WordPress directly vs. a “third party”) was a fashion blog – a topic I rarely discuss.

So – which blogs made the list with readers and which were my favorites here on Where Learning Meets Laughter? 

WORDPRESS READERS FAVORITES:

Most popular:  A Perfect Fit Every Time – Meet Fitlogic! #Giveaway

Lesson learned here:  a giveaway helps a blog to be read

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Close “runner- ups”: 

Multiethnic Arms Raised Holding ADHD

A Letter to Teachers with Students who have ADD/ ADHD also was very well received.  (and similar blogs about learning disabilities were nearly as popular.) I also must admit these blogs were on my “favorite” list, too!

 

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

Dear Burlington Times was written in March 2015 as a response to a published letter to the editor titled: “Signing Specialists are a Distraction”, by  a Mr. Muccolini. Apparently their reader had taken issue with sign language interpreters who help convey information during public and media events, but “distract” hearing people.  (Sigh) After Mr. Mussolini authored his letter to the editor my Signing Families inbox was beyond full with requests to “do something” – so I did.

My response was passionate and very well received.  Sadly, Mr. Mussolini or the paper issued a response to my letter to the editor. At least I had the gumption to “do something” – social good triumphed!

Tyler, Justine and Joey
A little fun at the Vanity Fair photo booth with iJustine and
Having a great time at VANITY FAIR event with Tyler Oakley, iJustine, and Joey Graceffa

 

YouTubers with hearts of gold and mad social media skills!

When you get to spend time at a Vanity Fair event with iJustine, Tyler Oakley and Joey Garceffa it is a day like no other! These YouTube sensations taught me a lot about social media from the eyes of millennials.  Have to admit I bow with respect to all as they are accomplished authors on top of having loyal fans and profitable YouTube channels.  It was a pleasure to meet them during OSCARS 2015 (actually, I had met Justine prior, but we didn’t have a chance to really connect until last February.) Here is my blog about this fun and funny experience! 

Hurricane earthquake disaster damage ruined house
Luna

 

#SocialGood

When I get an opportunity to promote a #SocialGood cause or company that is dedicated to helping others, it makes my heart sing. Here is a list of many of the social good blogs I penned from 2015.  Please take a minute to get to know  these fabulous people dedicated to helping others in our communities and worldwide.

#SocialGood blogs

 

Thanks for reading any or all of my random musings on WHERE LEARNING MEETS LAUGHTER!

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