Times Square Ball Engages Social

For those Americans and other travelers abroad who couldn’t enjoy the 2011 New year countdown in New York City’s Times Square, there was at least one opportunity (aside good-old-fashioned television) to participate. This opportunity happened on the Internet (where else) where Times Square Ball still broadcasts a feed from the market (currently a re-run). There are thousands of viewers online, enjoying this rare opportunity. But not many know how Times Square engages social media, as the press coverage was focused on the spectacular events in the market.

There’s a Times Square Ball Twitter account, surprisingly not as popular as it should be, and unverified and even a Facebook fan page, with under 1000 members at this point. And sure, a popular venue such as Times Square had to be on foursquare too. But this is a beginning. After all, there are only 364 days until the next New Year’s Eve.

And if you think this beginning is rather humble, you are right – nevertheless it is a step in the right direction, and whoever is behind the Times Square Ball social media outreach got the picture right. Smart phone apps (for iPhone and Android) have been developed to help revelers find information about the Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration including the history, news, weather, photos, relevant maps and LIVE Show schedule. The app is social, allowing users to check-in via Foursquare, Facebook and Twitter to find out how far away they are from Times Square. Additionally, the app enables users to watch live streaming of the events in Times Square leading up to New Year’s Eve throughout December as well as the highlight promo and other exclusive video content.

Terror and Catastrophe Be Gone: Feeling Safe and Warm in Toasty Europe

This morning on the outskirts of Trier, Germany, we awoke positive and enthusiastic as ever. At noon, even despite the fact it is only 8 degrees Celsius, we still believe it when experts tells us Earth’s atmosphere and weather is just fine. The Gulf Stream is fine, we’re all just fine, and dandy too.

Eurovision 2013 and Why “What If” Won’t Ever Happen, Not Ever

This year’s Eurovision contest showed promise. Promise of human beings coming together in Europe, maybe across the world. Now, days after Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest, sanging the winning song in the finale, Only Teardrops the idea and ideology still enshrouds Europe. With Azerbaijan launching an investigation into its own voting schema, and an enrage Russian fan base, the Europe of medieval times just doesn’t seem so far off.

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest - Courtesy Eurovision

ZOA Calls for Israel Commentary on Netzarim Junction Affair

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is calling for the state of Israel to hold a press conference to address a new investigation into what they say is a libelous past report on a Palestinian youth shooting.

A world, a people, outraged by reporting of an incident - courtesy Al Durah Project

EXCLUSIVE: Columbia Sportswear Sends Out RFP

Just in, Columbia Sportswear has sent out a request for proposal (RFP) for entertainment marketing firms to attend a coming campaign to focus on the Columbia Sportswear target demographic. Columbia Sportswear Company owns Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL, Montrail and the Pacific Trail brands, but according to the request questionnaire the company sent out, the focus will be exclusively for the Columbia brand name.

Ronn Torossian on Brand Angelina Jolie

With Angelina Jolie being lauded as a hero worldwide for her valiant effort to have a preventative double mastectomy, there’s also the BRAND and PR story of Angelina Jolie. Even previous to this, Jolie’s brand has shined – Best-selling PR Book “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations” by CEO of 5WPR Ronn Torossian had a section on Jolie.