mollybuckley.

Yes, it’s 2:30 in the morning and I’m still awake. I took a nap today for the first time in easily six months – and now I’m paying for it because I am WIDE awake. This afternoon I was leaving one job and heading to another and realized that if I didn’t take a nap, I would probably pass out en route.

If it’s 2:30AM and I’m still awake, I do a couple of things:

1. Watch SNL digital shorts
2. Watch old TED talks
3. Clean

I am doing the 2nd of the three. And although I have seen this particular TED talk a gazillion times, I learn to appreciate it more each time I rewatch it.

I love J.J Abrams for two reasons:

1. He gave me the show LOST
2. He’s brilliant

AND this particular quote from his talk is my biggest takeaway:

“No community is best served when only the elite have control.”

I think it’s such a simple yet profound statement, thought, idea. There’s all this talk of “community” going on – whether it be in technology, improv, the town you live in, your country, whatever. Yet, do all of us actively participate in our own communities? Whatever community that may be. Are you an active or passive member of your community(ies)? Do you complain when things don’t go your way or do you work to change them?

People are put in charge for a reason, yes. But for the most part, they are put in charge by the people who, well, put them there – i.e. the members of the community they serve. (Does that even make sense? It makes sense to me, but it is now 2:40AM, so it could be Esperanto for all I know).

There’s nothing that irks me more than people who sit back, are so cavalier and laissez faire about everything, and then when things aren’t exactly the way they want them to be, all they do is whine. You don’t like your situation? You don’t like things the way they are going? Change it. Work harder. Engage with passion in your own life.

QUESTION(S): Thoughts? What does Abrams’ statement say to you? What does it make you think of? I want to know.

By the way, I’m hungry.

Word.

Things you, as my reader, know: I’m a comedian, a lover of Mexican food, Diet Coke, and of all things positive.

What you may not know, is that I am also an extremely big political dork. I love politics. In a previous life (not too long ago), I worked for former Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine. But, as much as I LOVE politics and healthy debate, when it comes to the social media world, I try my best to keep my opinions to myself. It’s not that I’m afraid of speaking my mind; it’s that I don’t want my opinions or beliefs to overshadow the other awesome things about me. Right?

But, because this is an issue I am extremely passionate about, I feel it necessary to share my feelings.

BACKSTORY (I spent my undergraduate years at Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Virginia).

Silent But Equal Protest - February 2007 at CNU

In the fall of 2003, I ran for Freshman class president at CNU. Then I ran for student government senator. I didn’t know many people on campus, but I knew I wanted to get involved and make a difference. A big issue we dealt with that year was the topic of adding the phrase “sexual orientation” to the university’s non-discrimination policy. A non-discrimination policy is the formal, legal policy that any business, employer, organization, company, university, etc. has that says that the organization will not discriminate in employment, hiring, firing, acceptance, admission, etc. based upon sex, race, religion, veteran status, marital status, disability, and sometimes gender identity or sexual orientation.

Being a rather conservative campus, this idea of adding two words to a policy was extremely controversial. The final decision HAD to come from the university’s Board of Visitors, a body of people appointed by the governor. Well, in the spring of 2004 the proposal was tabled. Over the next three years the student government association (SGA) tried to get the proposal back on the table with no luck.

In the spring of 2006, I ran for student body president and I won. When I took office, I made it a promise to myself and to the students that this policy would NOT go unchanged under my watch. I didn’t care what I had to do, but the fact that there were some of my peers, students, faculty, and staff being discriminated against because of how they identified themselves or whom they chose to love was unacceptable.

I knew I was going up against a fight. A big fight. So I did my homework. I spent hundreds and hundreds of hours in the library doing research. I looked up the non-discrimination policies of over 500 colleges and universities in the WORLD that included sexual orientation. I researched fortune 500 companies that chose to not discriminate. I looked at the legal issues – there were none. When all was said and done, my formal proposal was over 42 pages long. And I printed and bound 15 copies – one for each board member. I wrote my speech, put on my suit, and rallied the campus. Over 700 students showed up to the board of visitors meeting that November in support. Four students showed up against. It was extremely emotional. Although the vote didn’t happen that day, the proposal got taken off the table and would be voted on in February. Between November and February I lobbied each BOV member and worked to make sure that it would pass.

In the meantime, my car was egged, my office was vandalized, and blog post after letter to the editor was written in haste of me. It was a really difficult time. Then, the day before the vote, I get a letter in the mail from (then) Attorney General of Virginia Bob McDonnell outlining why the addition of sexual orientation to the university’s non-discrimination policy was illegal. I WAS FLOORED.

I immediately called out every hasty generalization and every fallacy McDonnell stated and even called the Governor’s office to get a letter of support. TAKE THAT MCDONNELL.

To make an already long story shorter, February 23rd, 2007 came. Over 1,500 students showed up in silent protest with signs. I spoke to the Board of Visitors. Shot down every lame point McDonnell stated. Gave my final word. And the board voted.

More CNU Students at Silent Protest in 2007

It was unanimous in support of non-discrimination for all on campus. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard in my life. That was/is by far my proudest moment.

PRESENT DAY

That Attorney General is now the Governor of Virginia. Ken Cuccinelli is now the Attorney General. And this is what happened: On March 5th, 2010, Ken Cuccinelli wrote a letter to ALL the public colleges and universities in Virginia stating:

“It is my advice that the law and policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia prohibit a college or university from including ’sexual orientation’ ‘gender expression,’ or like classificaiton as a protected class within its non-discrimination policy, absent specific authorization from the General Assembly.”

BULLSHIT. Yeah, calling him on it. BULLSHIT.

It’s 2010. Does the General Assembly have to give specific authorization for RACE to be a protected class? How about SEX? Many arguments against the inclusion of “Sexual Orientation” state that it is a lifestyle choice and that lifestyle choices shouldn’t be protected in policies such as these.

Regardless on whether or not you think one’s sexual orientation is a choice, let’s think for a moment. RELIGION is a protected class. And that, to me, is a lifestyle choice. I, personally, choose not to identify with one religion. Others may choose to identify themselves a Catholic. That, is a choice.

Marital status is a choice. My friends, who happen to be married, CHOSE to get married. It’s not 1493 in ancient Egypt and their marriage wasn’t arranged. It was a choice.

I could go on.

But my overall frustration lies in the message this type of letter is sending. It’s a divider. It’s making an issue (that shouldn’t even BE an issue) one of controversy, religion, and political affiliation. It’s not about being a republican, democrat, Christian, Muslim, straight or gay. In the end, this is about human beings, human beings who should never feel as though they are second class citizens. We are no better than our friends, enemies, sisters, brothers, neighbors, or strangers. It is 2010 and we should ALL feel equal. We should ALL be able to walk across town or across campus and know that we are protected by that which governs us.

So, to you, AG Kucinelli and Governor McDonnell, I say put aside your “religious beliefs” and “partisan politics” and wake the hell up. Know that the students in your Virginia universities are bright, intelligent, beautiful, and are incredibly brilliant. And just because you don’t agree with who some of them may choose to love does NOT give you the right to make them feel insignificant.

Even though I don’t live in Virginia anymore, I hope that this type of behavior stops now. If I learned anything from my mother, it’s that you stand up for what you know is right, even if it may not be the most popular decision on the block.

/Rant.

++++++++++

Want more information? Here is some of the archived press coverage of when I was in school and how my university fought to change the policy.

• Current Article with Reference to 2007
• Inside Higher Education
• Daily Press Spotlight
• CNU Board of Visitor’s Meeting Minutes: February 23, 2007
• Protest Coverage
• Office Defacement

Write a letter to or call AG Kuccinelli:

Office of the Attorney General
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 786-2071

Write a letter to or call Governor McDonnell:

P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, Virginia 23218

(804) 786-2211

No excuses, but life has gotten in the way and my blog has suffered because of it. Ugh. Worst. BUT, as good ol’ Bobby Dylan once put it, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

Now, to the point at hand: Authenticity.

It’s a topic I’ve touched on, well, a few times. But it seems as though lately, a series of events, conversations, and life en general have further solidified my feelings on the subject. So, in summary, when it comes to authenticity:

Be who you are and rock the hell out of it.

Stop letting other people dictate what you should do, how you should dress, and what you should say. When it comes to applying for a job, throw the conventions of what you’re “supposed” to do out the window. Do what you know you should do (*within reason of course). If it’s been six months of looking for a job, and you still don’t have a job, change your way of thinking. Shift your priorities. Stop spending 119210928 hours in front of your computer applying for jobs online and get out there and use the people who know and love you. It’s not using them and abusing them, it’s taking your most natural resources that you have access to and being a genuine networking pimp.

Your friends, former co-workers, professors, and the like know you better than anyone. Ask if they know someone? Make that call. Make that connection. Go to another event and be awesome. Be memorable. Stop whining.

And when it’s not a job, but when it comes to life, just be yourself. I know it sounds trite, but I feel like the interwebs, and tv, and the opposite sex, and the same sex are all pressuring us to be/act/behave/talk/walk/sneeze a certain way. Stop pleasing other people. You can’t make other people happy until you, yourself, are happy.

Case in point – someone once told me my laugh was too loud. [SCREEEEEEECH] Guess what? I immediately shut down, became self conscious, and had a mini-identity crisis. Then I realized, that person sucks and needs to lighten up. Sure, I laugh loudly. Who cares? My dad has a loud laugh, my mom had a loud laugh, my sister has a loud laugh, and my family is happy and we love each other unconditionally and dinners (when we see each other) are hilarious.

Lighten up. Be yourself. And I guarantee, things will start happening for you. Whatever it is you want from life (relationships, dreams, jobs, money, whatever), it will come once you throw away the conventions and notions of what you THINK other people want to see, and you start being yourself and doing what you know to be true.

In my short 24 and a half years of life I’ve learned the following:

1. Laugh a lot.
2. Laugh loudly.
3. Work your ass off.
4. Laugh some more.
5. Work harder.
6. Love your friends.
7. Love your family.
8. Love unconditionally.
9. Work even harder.
10. Relax and don’t take it too seriously.

What do you think? Am I full of shit? If so, tell me.

*All rules of authenticity are moot when general self-respect, decency, and not making a damn fool of yourself come into play.

Oh, two weeks ago I met the man with the world’s most contagious laugh. He exists. Thus, here’s proof that I, too, love to laugh:

Word.

I know, I know. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. I’m sorry. I’ve missed you, too. As most of you know, I’ve been working a lot. But have no fear, I’m still here. (Oh, and I’m only working TWO jobs now!) But what many of you may NOT know, is that I am a proud staff member of the 2010 North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (#NCCAF).

I was honored to perform at NCCAF (as a guest) last year in 2009. This year, I have the honor of performing again AND the privilege of serving on the volunteer staff. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and the festival hasn’t even started yet. I was charged with being the Sponsorship Coordinator. What does that mean? Well, basically, the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (the largest comedy festival of its kind in the COUNTRY) takes A LOT of work to put on… and we can’t do it alone. So, I have been working with local media outlets, businesses, and individuals to coordinate sponsorships, coupons, and discounts for our over 500+ comedians that will be arriving throughout the ENTIRE month of February. This is one of those positions that is a lot harder than it sounds, especially when resources are tight… for everyone. It has definitely been a learning process, but I know that I’ve worked hard and represented the festival well.

What else am I excited about?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with NCCAF (formerly the Dirty South Improv Festival/DSIF) – this year is the 10th anniversary and it is bigger and better than ever. Executive Producer, Zach Ward has put more time, money, blood, sweat, and tears into this festival than you can imagine – all to make it what it is. A condensed timeline: (DSIF) Festival was started in 2001 showcasing ONLY improv comedy, went to TWO weeks in 2009 adding standup comedy, and in 2010 has added sketch comedy and film and video taking the festival to an entire month.

In addition to that, something that I had wanted to do for Zach and DSI for a long time also came to fruition this week. I spoke with both the Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and talked to them not only about how important the festival is for the arts culture in the community, but also the impact is has fiscally on local businesses. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to do anything, but I had high hopes. And then I got the good news. I take that back, AWESOME news. It’s OFFICIAL: both Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt of Chapel Hill and Mayor Mark Chilton of Carrboro have formally and officially proclaimed February 2010 DSI Comedy Arts Month in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. (And Mayor Mark Chilton will be at OPENING night this Thursday the 4th to read his proclamation before the start of the first show.)

Awesome.

Oh, and DSI won 2009 Small-Business of the Year last week. Pretty cool, huh?

We’re kind of a big deal.

Okay, okay. So why am I rambling and what is my point? My point is that this Thursday, February 4th marks the start of a HUGE month of comedy here in North Carolina.

Do you live in and around the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, and parts of Virginia area? Do you love comedy? Do you want to laugh… a lot?

Then you should come see shows.

Seriously.

Support you local, national, AND international comedy this month. Support your local comedy festival. Support #NCCAF.

Oh, and did I mention I’m performing? …Twice.

• Friday, February 5th, 7:30PM at the DSI Comedy Theater with DSI Witness News: (Facebook Event)
• Saturday, February 20th, 10:00PM at the ArtsCenter Mainstage with Made of BEES: (Facebook Event)

Want to know the rest of the schedule?

• Sketch Comedy – February 4-6
• Standup Comedy – February 11-14
• Improv Comedy – February 16-21
• Film/Video – February 25-27

I just want to reiterate how excited and how proud I am to be a part of such an amazing theater, company, and festival.

Questions? Let me know. Want to see a show but don’t know which one to come to? Let me know. Want to donate swag to performers in town? Let me know. Want to help out another way? Let me know.

I’ll make it happen for you.

Word.

I know, I know. I’ve told you guys a gazillion times now that I’m working my ass off. Sorry to belabor (is that the right word here?) the point, but I have some advice for anyone who wants to listen… or read.

Even my change is important.

READ: These are simply some frustrations of mine and in no way aimed at anyone in particular. It’s more of a venting tool for me. Take it for what you will, take it for comedy, I’m not being condescending, but I am being serious.

Job 1: Art Gallery Retail Job

1. Please do not haggle me (or anyone) on the price of a retail item. Look, I am not the owner, nor the manufacturer of the item you want. I did not price it at $49.99. No, you can’t buy it for $25. Please, don’t get mad at me for charging you the actual price of the item. No, I won’t give you a discount. Is the item broken? Oh, it’s not? Then no, you can’t have it for free. So please don’t make me feel like sh*t when I charge you full price. You are not buying a car. You’re buying a poster. Buy the damn poster at full price.

Job 2: Retail Clothing Store at the Mall

1. No, we don’t have any “doorbusters.” Does it look like you are shopping at Radio Shack or Sears? No. That sweater you are holding is $278 and is practically made of gold and the hair of angels. We aren’t going to offer it 70% off before 9AM. So shut up.
2. You don’t have your receipt? You don’t have any sort of proof whatsoever that you purchased this item at any time, yet you want a full cash refund when you return it and you’re mad that I’m giving you a refund in store credit? Our store has an awesome return policy and a program in place to make returns super easy for you to return things. For all I know, you could have picked up that item when you walked in and said you bought it but are now trying to return something we already own. No dice, my friend. No dice. Take the store credit and scram.

Job 3: Server (mainly), Food Runner (sometimes), and Hostess (sometimes) at local Pub Restaurant

1. You paid for your meal with a coupon, gift certificate, gift card, or some type of similar voucher? Guess what? You still need to tip me. Just because you only paid $1.27 for a meal that actually cost $51.27 doesn’t mean you get to tip me off the $1.27. Many people don’t know that servers only make $2.13 an hour – and all that money goes to taxes. The only way a server makes his/her living is through tips. So when you only tip me $0.50 (cents) on a meal that should have cost $51.27, that is like $9 that I am losing out on. Oh, and I have to tip out a percentage of that to three different people, so in reality, I only made $0.20 (cents) out of that $0.50 (cents). Does that make sense to you?
2. Servers make $2.13 an hour. I said it before, I’ll say it again. As a server, my largest “paycheck” was $9. Yeah NINE (9) dollars. The $2.13 an hour goes to taxes. That’s it. The only money a server makes it off of tips. Keep that in mind the next time you walk out without tipping, or tip 10%.
3. No, 15% is not a good tip. I know many of you will disagree with this, but if you have EVER waited tables, you know that it is not exactly the easiest job. I have waited tables for 7 years and I can’t tell you how many times I have burnt myself, cut myself, dropped plates on my foot, sprained my ankle, sweated, been cursed at, walked out on, etc. It is a physically and yes, sometimes emotionally taxing job. Sure, some servers suck, but you have no idea what could be going on that day to make them a sh*tty server. Hey, they could be working four jobs. Cut ‘em a break and leave them an extra $2. It won’t hurt you.
4. Yes, sometimes your food taking a long time or coming out wrong IS NOT the server’s fault. Those guys in the kitchen work their butts off – and many times, there are only 3 cooks trying to make food for a completely full restaurant. It’s hard work. I respect the cooks and the dishwashers SO much. I could never do that job. So, if your food takes a couple extra minutes, politely ask your server why, and understand that they might be slammed back there. Unless you have to catch a plane or train out of town, an extra 5-10 minutes isn’t going to kill you.
5. When a food runner is standing at the end of your table calling out the names of the dishes, please wake up and respond. Although I have been working out lately, that tray that is on my arm when I am delivering your food is sometimes REALLY heavy and can be really hot. I can’t stand it when I stand at the end of a table, call our names of dishes, and no one responds. The table just keeps on talking and I called out, “Cheeseburger?” at least 12 times then the guy I am standing right behind says, “Oh woops! That’s me.” I say, “Oh, no problem. I didn’t need the 3 layers of skin that plate just burnt off.” If you see someone standing at your table, answer them. They are not decoration.

Job 4: Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Local Radio Station

NOTE: I haven’t told you guys about this job yet. I am actually really excited about this job. It is a part-time, hourly job, but I am really excited about the opportunities that this job can and will bring me. (More info to come later).

1. If you call a company and the receptionist (me) answers and I’m nice to you, please don’t be mean to me. I have gotten so many calls lately where the people are downright RUDE to me. And when I am pleasant to you and doing my best to answer your question, please be nice to me. Being nice goes a long way.

Okay, I’m done ranting. Well, not ranting, just expressing my thoughts/frustrations/things I have learned.

I want to know, what takeaways do you have? Do you disagree with me on anything? Is there anything you have learned in the workforce that you want people to know?

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

I love you. Yeah, you. Reading this.

Word.

Maybe this is just my pet-peeve, maybe I’m a bit cynical (who isn’t?), or maybe I’m just cranky and need a burrito. But if I read one more “Predictions for 2010″ blog entry, I think I might have to punch my computer.

Unless you're this lady, stop telling me what WILL happen.

And my computer doesn’t deserve that, she’s been nothing but loyal to me.

But seriously, stop making predictions and start DOING. Stop telling me what you THINK will happen and take the steps, do the work, and take the actions that are necessary to actually MAKE things happen the way you want them to. Don’t let “the man” do the dirty work for you.

That’s what I’m doing.

Do you think I am working four jobs right now because I predict I will be worn out in 2010? Or predict I will be broke? No. I am working four jobs right now and #hustling like whoa so that I can get over this hump, make a real connection, and be a rockstar in 2010.

Now, because I’m awesome and I like to contradict myself a little bit sometimes, I will say that I understand the intent of or purpose behind predictions. We can all see what is coming… in a sense – I think we all have a bit of clairvoyancy (is that a word?). I think it stems from our innate ability to have a vision for the future… and for all of those Nostradamus specials on the History channel.

(In my humble opinion, there’s a difference between having vision and being a “predictor.”)

But seriously, I don’t want to hear ANY MORE 2010 predictions. If so, I predict that I’ll open up a nice can of whoop ass on you.

(Ps: I am just joking about the can of whoop ass. I do not promote violence in any way. I hope that for those of you that are not aware of my sometimes sarcastic tone, that you can take my words for what they are. Just words.)

What do you think? Do you think predictions are valid or just lip service? Prove me wrong. I love being proven wrong.

Word.

photo credit: dailymail.

I haven’t blogged in a week. Blah blah blah, yada yada yada. I went from blogging every day to I haven’t blogged in a week. [Note: I really hate posts when people say, "Ahh I'm so sorry I've been slacking!" or "My apologies for not blogging much" or "I suck and I am lazy and I haven't posted in forever." This is not one of those posts. This is a post of facts. Or truths. Or factruths.

I want to join the RE-UP crew.

But guess what?

Unless you’re a blogger with a gazillion readers, or Oprah, I bet you that people don’t give a rats rear if you haven’t blogged in a week.

But I haven’t blogged in a week and I feel guilty.

I’m not making excuses, but honestly the reason I have slacked off is because I have bigger fish to fry. I love writing, I love blogging, and I have so many thoughts running through my head that if I DON’T write them down, I tend to go a little stir crazy. Fact.

Those of you who have either read my blog, know me personally, or whatever, you know that I’ve been unemployed for nearing six full months. I left an awesome full-time teaching job in Richmond, Virginia and I moved to North Carolina to pursue my love of comedy, writing, and life “en general.”

I’m broke. Fact.

My rent is high, I have a “second rent” paying off a gazillion dollars in debt (only two more years to go!), and I have a Chipotle addiction to feed. Triple facts.

I work 17 hours a week at an art gallery/retail store and maybe 10 hours a week (if I can get the hours) at the mall. I just got a third job waiting tables, something I swore I would never ever ever ever ever do again. Last week I worked every day from at least 9 in the morning until midnight at more than one job. (So? I need the money). Needless to say, when I got home, blogging was not on my mind.

In the past six months, I have applied for over 93 jobs, had a total of 7 interviews, and have yet to find “a JOB… job.” Although working three full-time, part-time jobs isn’t always awesome, it isn’t life-ending. The people are great, my bosses are awesome, and the money is feeding me. Facts.

Again, I am not complaining, these are simply FACTS. I also want to be clear, I am not telling you this to feel sorry for me. I am telling you this to share my experience and I want you to share yours. Hopefully, maybe ONE of you can learn something from me, because Lord knows I’ve learned an immense amount from you.

People keep asking me, “Molly what do you want to do? What is your IDEAL job?” And to be honest, sometimes I feel like that is a bullsh*t question. No offense to anyone that has asked me that, because this is not a personal statement, it’s simply an observation.

Everyone WANTS to do what makes them happy. An ideal job for ANYONE is a job where they can do what they want and make the big bucks.

Right?

My ideal job? What do I WANT to do? Well, I WANT to be a professional comedian. I want people to pay to see me perform and I want people to pay me to make them laugh. But that’s hard to do. I also want friends, and a family, and a life. I don’t really want “things.” Who doesn’t?

What is my ideal JOB job? What do I REALISTICALLY want to do? I want a job that pays me money where I can write, and be visionary, and be a thought leader, and be challenged, and learn, and be creative, all the while, making people laugh. I want room for growth. Personal growth. Professional growth. THAT is my ideal job. Facts.

So, do you want to hire me?

But here’s my deal and here’s why I’ve been rambling on for the past 550+ words…

I am going to be awesome in 2010. It’s not that I’m making New Years Resolutions. I’m not setting goals. I’m changing my life. I’m not complaining. I’m taking the cards that I’m dealt and I’m playing the better hand. Or some cliche phrase like that.

Facts for 2010:

• I do and will continue to work my ass off.
• If I have to wait tables forever to pay my rent, I will. And I will wait tables with a SMILE and PASSION and, damnit, I will make my customers laugh.
• I will love my friends and I will love my family.
• I will eat Chipotle when my stomach wants it.
• I will write because I love to write, not because I feel like I “have to.” As soon as writing becomes work, it is no longer fun.
• I will perform.
• I will change my plans if they need to be changed.
• I will adjust my thinking if it needs adjusting.
• I will work harder if I need to work harder.
• I will make connections.
• I will make a difference.
• I will make an impression.
• I will make an impact.
• I will be awesome.

So, what are YOU doing in 2010?

Word.

Be jealous: I went to Las Vegas (again) a week and a half ago. The trip was my Christmas present from Zach Ward (@zachward) and it included a stay at Planet Hollywood, a facial and manicure at the Mandara Spa, and TWO VIP tickets and passes to see Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds play an acoustic set. It. Was. Awesome. (I’m super lucky).

But even when I am on a short (but awesome) vacay, a part of my brain doesn’t leave work/writing mode. Well, I’m not a gambler and I have much more interest in partaking in spa services than any of the other “activities” that “sin city” has to offer. But the one thing that continually impresses me about Las Vegas is their use of social media and the way they use it to engage residents, visitors, and potential travelers.

Everywhere you go in The Vegas, social media follows. Almost every resort, spa, casino, and store has some sort of “get connected” signage encouraging people to… well, get connected. (Example to the right).

Even a mention of Vegas on Twitter and you’re going to be followed and @replied by a few casinos and/or shows that might want to help you out.

When I checked into Planet Hollywood on @FourSquare (a location-based social media application), a nearby special popped up. Just for checking in on FourSquare, Zach and I got a free drink from the bar at KOI, an uber-nice Japanese restaurant inside Planet Hollywood. (Screenshot to the left.)

If you have Vegas-related questions about discount show tickets, hotel reservations, restaurants, whatever, there is going to be someone in the social media space to answer it for you.

Zach and I had a huge breakfast mishap the first morning we were there, we were taken care of, and @PHVegas checked in with us on Twitter about it.

It was nice to know that if I had a problem or a question, there was going to be an answer, in real time, no matter where I was.

Vegas does social media right.

I know Vegas isn’t the ONLY city that uses social media to such heights, but it sure is a great example of how it should be done.

Need more examples? Look at some of the MANY Vegas venues on Twitter:

• @VegasConcierge
• @zappos (BTW: if you ever go to Vegas, DEFINITELY do the Zappos tour. It’s awesome.)
• @LasVegasHilton
• @PHVegas
• @CaesarsPalace
• @PalmsLasVegas
• @PalazzoLasVegas
• @HardRockHotelLV
• @EverythingVegas
• @VegasCom
• @WeddingsLV
• @HootersCasinoLV
• @MyVegasScene
• @Cirque
• @Vegas_Hotel

By using these tools, Las Vegas is able to reach out to an international audience. People come from all corners of the world to The Vegas and Vegas needs a way to connect with those people. And they do.

Question(s): What other cities do you think utilize social media tools as effectively as Las Vegas? Have you have a negative experience with Vegas social media? Do you think they could improve? What do you think engages you the most when a city uses social media? I would love to hear your thoughts and/or other examples.

Word.

If you know me at all, you know that I need a pair of these glasses. No questions asked. I want burrito vision. Thank you, Fashionably Geek (@NerdApproved) for introducing these to the world.

Need a gift idea for a burrito lover? Look no further.

Burrito. Glasses.

If you could create any “vision” of your own, what would YOU create?

Word.

I came down with a pretty bad case of the flu this weekend, so my thoughts have been a little more difficult to organize. But as I was lying in bed, drinking 30+ cups of orange juice, and watching yet another Audrey Hepburn movie, my mind wandered to the people in my life. Of course I began thinking about my family and close friends, but then I started thinking about this whole idea of a personal “network.” In my humble opinion, your personal network is really consisted of those meaningful, professional relationships that you have developed in which you can call on those people for references, advice, career opportunities, support, etc.

In the “old days” your personal network was developed solely in person. By attending leads groups, BNI groups, networking events, churches, PTA meetings, school, whathaveyou… for the most part, your network was built by one-on-one, in-person contact – or with a personal introduction from/through someone else.

Now today, with the onslaught of social and online networks (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), the development of a personal network has evolved and how we meet people and foster relationships has completely changed.

Within our social networks, there are those we communicate with often. We know them by name, we comment on their content, we engage on a regular basis. We have developed a working rapport with these people.

Then, in our networks, we have the “lurkers.” The “lurkers” are those whom we are friends with, or follow, or are connected to, that we never, ever, ever, engage with. (I’m 100% guilty of this, too. We all are. So let’s not go pointing fingers.) These are people we ran into or had a brief conversation with way back when, and since then, we have dropped that connection. We don’t chat, talk, or connect at all.

SO, my social media tip of the week this week is: Make Better Connections (and renew old ones).

Find those people that you follow on Twitter, are friends with on Facebook, or are connected to on LinkedIn and spark a conversation with them. Renew that relationship. Make that connection worthwhile. You never know when you might need that person!

And the next time you follow someone, friend someone, or make a connection with someone, make it personal. Find a common interest, share a personal story, ask a question. Whatever! But make it substantial.

Rid your network (and your life) of those “lurkers.” Lurkers are creepy, anyway.

What do you think? Do you think those “lurkers” are always going to be there? Have you found a way to make your network more worthwhile?

Word.