Pure, Unadulterated Joy

See? I knew no one would care...:)

Those who care about my Oscar experience have contacted me and those who don't, well they just haven't!:) I think it's funny.

In any case, have a good one. Not writing about tonight's two events either. Or the movie I watched last night, or the good book I read last week.

Just not doing it!

New policy for this blog

I've decided that unless I'm getting paid to cover an event, story, or otherwise interesting topic, I will be limiting my comments on this blog. As a result, if you want my personal experience working for the Academy during the Oscars, let me know how much you pay per word and I'll be happy to write something for your readers.:)

That's all for now. No more free writing.

Oscars

By Joy A. Kennelly

Words can not begin to describe my experience working the Oscars. As a result, I won't even try. If you want to know, please call or email me.:)

Oscar info I can share

By Joy A. Kennelly

Hey there,

Seeing as I can't give you my personal experiences too much I thought I'd provide you with a couple of links to The Oscars that will give you a broad overview of upcoming events I may or may not be working on: http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/events/index.html

and some press releases that give you up-to-the-minute information on all the news that's fit to read on the Oscars: http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/

Notice how short and succinct they are? That's what it's all about - cut to the chase. I know the woman who writes all of them and she is one busy lady! I'm enjoying taking a break from that side of the business and just experiencing the fruit of her labor. Thanks Tenni!:)

Okay, that's all. Gotta run.

What is a press release, Project Touch - and other stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

Seeing as there can be confusion as to what a press release entails, I thought I'd take a moment to clear up some of the basics before sharing a worthy local cause with you all.

Still recovering from my flu, but feeling better every day thanks for asking.

press release

NOUN:

An announcement of an event, performance, or other newsworthy item that is issued to the press.

It isn't an article, it isn't a long-winded promotional story, nor is it meant to have superlatives or adjectives. Just the facts ma'am. Cut the pork in other words. If the reporter likes what they read, then they will go to your website, ask you for an interview, or otherwise seek out what they need in order to write about you.

Due to budget cuts there are fewer journalists and editors actually covering stories now. They just don't have the time or the manpower to get to everything that crosses their desks any more. If you're promoting an event, be happy you're included in calendar listings unless you have an amazing story that is bigger than the actual event itself.

For example, I'm sitting in a cafe watching a very cute book club form with lots of young kids and a couple of parents. The event, a book club, isn't that interesting, but the story angle is the age of the kids involved, the books they're selecting, and why they're doing this book club.

I find them absolutely adorable and agree with the photographer who is documenting the event. The leader is asking questions to draw out why they like certain books and their answers are so cute. Their ages seem to range from five years up to 13 years which is fun to watch too.

I know, I'm a nerd. I like books and all those who read. One tween is wearing a fedora and is seriously discussing some sci fi book. I just love hearing young minds at work.

But I digress.

That said, I was asked to tell you about Project Touch's latest fundraiser to raise money to support this worthy cause which you can learn more about when you click on the highlighted link. I wrote extensively about them in another blog and will just highlight the upcoming Sand & Strand Race/Walk sponsorship as I promised.

Project Touch is currently looking for sponsors and here's what sponsorship offers to those who are involved:

First Place - $1,000 Sponsor
- advertising on all registration forms/flyers/posters
- advertising for 1 Year on PROJECTtouch web site
- advertising logo/name on ALL t-shirts
- 4 FREE registrations to participate in S&S ($120 value)

 

See 3 attachments for more race course and registration information.  Yes!  $1,000 Sponsorship gets their logo on each registration form!  We anticipate 3,000-4,000 registration forms, 5,000+ flyers, and 2,000+ t-shirts.

 

NOTE:  PROJECTtouch is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Corporation, ID# 23-7332857.  So, your donation to Sand & Strand is Tax Deductible!

 

Last, Hilary Henson, Executive Director, or the Assistant Director, Dorothy Forba, will announce and thank every $1,000 Sponsor at Council Meetings in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, along with any other committee meetings and service organizations contacted until the event on Sunday, March 22, 2009.

 

FIRST PLACE - $1,000 Sponsor

Very sick = more tomorrow

Oy, I don't wish this on anyone. Thanks for popping by. I have the flu and am crashing. Have a good one.

Check out my other blog - The Joy Writer PR for the latest

Since I've spent all weekend working and not much of a personal life, thought I'd just write an update on my professional blog - The Joy Writer PR. You can read all the latest there.

Thanks for stopping by.

Doesn't music just lift your spirits? GRAMMY'S BABY! And other stuff.

By Joy A. Kennellly

Very busy day today. Started out hitting my former church, Bay Cities Community, because they had an 8am service and I needed to be in Hollywood by 11am. I just loved being there. It was like old home week, or going home to see the parents. Very warm and cozy feeling. Very welcoming.

I enjoyed being there, but also realized Church of the Beach Cities is really my new church home. However, will continue visiting here until after the Oscars due to my schedule. Plus, it's nice to see old friends.

My good friend, Dr. James Gambrell, invited me to attend his upcoming concert, "On The Battlefield For Our Lord," in observance of Black History Month. Tribute to Black Christian Music - An Evening of Spirituals and Hymns, on Friday, February 20, 2009 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at Baycities Lomita Campus 2043 Lomita Blvd, Lomita, CA.

Come early and enjoy Southern style food and drinks from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Sounds like a great evening. Gospel music always moves me. You?

I have so many good African American friends who are accomplished and at ease with who they are and race isn't an issue at all between us. That's why it always surprises me to meet people who use their race to play victim.

That same Dem who has no worries about all the tax evaders and lobbyists Obama has been selecting, was totally trying to say that I was responsible for the evil history of African Americans today when we were debating politics.

Huh?

He obviously doesn't know who I am, who my friends are, nor the fact that I have a son who is half-black. What a victim! Get a life and stop blaming others. I thought Obama was supposed to wipe out this type victimhood, but I guess not. Maybe this guy needs some NLP reprograming. lol

In any case, had to dash off to Hollywood for training to be a press escort for the Oscars. It's super top secret so that's all I can say about that. Totally going to be amazing if today was any indication. Life is good!

Then dashed home and have been working on writing the press release and press kit materials for MB City Council Candidate, Kathleen Paralusz, ever since. She is extremely accomplished and I believe will really help Manhattan Beach, which is one of the cities I grew up in.

Hours later I'm finally done, but I'm oddly energized. Then again watching the Grammy's while I write surely helped. Music tonight was amazing!YEAH COLDPLAY! LOVE Adele too. Lovely Jennifer Hudson and oh so many more... Whassup with Chris Brown and Rhiana?

Okay, that's all because my hands are tired and I have a 7am meeting tomorrow.

I need my beauty sleep.:)

Have fun!

Obama's Government Spending plan and other thoughts

By Joy A. Kennelly

Man, what a difference it makes to your mood when it's sunny vs. when it's rainy. Don't you agree? I also always get energized when I have meetings that turn out really positively like all of mine did yesterday.

I'm in the process of creating a bunch of new online profiles for myself and clients which has been fun. Once they're a little more ready, I'll be posting them here too. I love building online presences because it's fun to create. To me public relations is very creative and satisfying in that regard.

I'm gearing up to begin hosting more Free Life Int'l introductory meetings which I'm excited about too. I'm partnering with our local compounding pharmacy called TLC Pharmacy located up on PCH just past Pier Ave and am excited to begin creating that event as well. It will be geared towards moms since TLC specializes in babies, hormonal balance and nutrition. Can't wait. More details coming soon.

I have to admit, yesterday I was a little blue because of the state of our economy. One of the new potential clients I had met with is unable to start with me because her husband lost one of his grants. Now she has to scale back her vision for her work and that is just sad to me.

I am very concerned about my country's financial stability and Obama's government spending plan. So much so, I called Senator Boxer to leave her a message and as I was doing so, I began crying out of frustration and probably fear too.

I just don't like the fact that we're going to be spending so much money with the plan as it is right now. If you look to history for past depressions, listen to economists, read national newspapers, they are all saying this current plan isn't the way to go.

I know there's that old saying, you need to spend money to make money to which I agree to a certain extent. However, heavy sigh, it just really, really scares me to hear these numbers. Especially when there are so many programs that only Dems push and this really isn't non-partisan at all.

I especially dislike the effort to reduce assistance to universities and colleges that have faith bases being cut out of any federal assistance (should this pass.) Where's Obama's faith-based initiative rhetoric in that? I just don't get it.

My stomach is tight just writing about it. But maybe that's a good thing because I'm practicing isometrics right? LOL

In any case, I have a bunch of new pix to upload which I'll share in a little bit. Need to get back to work, but just needed to share. What's your opinion on the government spending plan? Would love to hear.

Thanks! Leave a comment!

Interesting sites I've found that you might appreciate too

By Joy A. Kennelly

My sister turned me on to this one and I'm not going to tell you who it is because I want you to read it objectively. I've bolded my answers - would love to hear what you answered.

Here's a bit of the transcript from a recent show:

"So I'm going to just ask you right now just to think of these things and just answer out loud. Just say to yourself yes or no. Yes or no. Is this who I am? Is this what I believe? Because I believe you and I agree on most of these.

1) Yes or no: Do you believe America is a good place, that we've lost our way over the years, that we have done bad things but generally speaking we tried hard. We try to make amends. We have tried to do the right thing. Just like everybody else, we fail from time to time and we have truly lost our way in the last 20 years. But gosh, if you look at America, she's good and our founders were good and our founding documents are good. We've just strayed too far away from them. Yes or no.

2) Yes or no: I believe in God. I may not go to the same church or synagogue or mosque as the majority of people in America, but I believe in God and he is the center of my life, and God does not tell people to behead others or to persecute others that see God in a different way. As long as that god is not telling them to persecute others. Yes or no.

3) Yes or no: It is my responsibility to try to be better and a more honest person than I was yesterday. Sometimes I fail, I'll make mistakes, but it's my main mission to be better than I was personally than I was yesterday.

4) Yes or no: The family is sacred. I and my spouse are the ultimate authority under God when it comes to my family. I raise my family, and that comes with a grave responsibility. If I fail, I answer to God.

5) Yes or no: If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

6) Yes or no: I have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but that is not a guarantee of equal results.

7) Yes or no: I work hard for what I have, and I will share it with others that I choose when I choose, should I choose. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8) It is not un-American for anyone to disagree with my opinion, but my opinion or others' opinions may be anti-American. Anti-American rhetoric would be anything that is destructive to the Constitution and our country as our founders understood it. Yes or No - not sure how I feel about the latter half, but do believe in the first part.

9) And the last one is the government works for me. The government answers to me. I do not answer to the government. Yes or No (I think. This one feels like a trick question.)

How many are there? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. There are nine of them. Do you agree with seven of them?

Here's what I want you to do. Step one: No matter where you are right now, I want you to take a picture of yourself. I want you to take a picture, and I ask you and you'll understand as we go in the next couple of weeks, I want you to ask as many people as you know, do you believe in these things?

Just seven out of nine.

Do you believe in them? Then will you please take a picture of yourself. If you ask your family and you ask your children tonight, do you believe in these things. Take a picture of your spouse. Not as a family. Take them one at a time and send them to me, e-mail them to me wesurroundthem@gmail.com This is how much I believe that you are not alone."

Okay, that's all for now on that one. I hope you do consider sending in a picture because I think this is going to be an amazing project even though I don't know what it is just yet. Here's who put this together: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/21018/

Surprised? I like it. What do you think?

Curious about what is really in the Government Spending Plan Obama is pushing? You can read it here. I bet this is one of the first pieces of legislation that will ever actually be read all the way through for once: www.Readthestimulus.org

I'm tired, but just felt like sharing. Had another nice day. Will share later.

He's Just Not That Into You movie is great!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Spending time in Hollywood always makes me feel better for some reason - I don't know if its the energy, the excitement, or simply being out of the South Bay and around my people or not, but it  ALWAYS makes me feel better. Plus, spending time with my good friend Adrienne is always fun too.

Plus, having the opportunity to hit the premiere of He's Just Not That Into You was fantabulous. For the uniformed, this film is based on the "widely popular bestseller" of the same name written by Sex & The City writers, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, a book I must confess I bought and devoured the moment it hit the stands.

I made the mistake of loaning all my relationship books to a woman who was part of my love therapy group (don't ask! It's a really funny story, but I just don't have time to tell you now. Later, I promise.) and don't have it any more. Darn it. :)

In any case, the movie is funny from the moment it starts rolling and even before the opening credits. Every single woman in the theatre could relate to all the various scenarios and I'm sure there were men watching who could to. I kept poking my friend Adrienne because she's heard all my stories and we cracked up together often.

I loved that Kevin Connolly plays such a vulnerable guy in this - granted, it's his style of vulnerability, but it's adorable nonetheless. I wonder if the directors were playing for extra laughs when they did a long shot of he and Ginnifer Goodwin together because she obviously towered over him. Made me think of that episode on Entourage when that one tall model was manhandling him.

Ginnifer is really good and I could so relate to her so many times I had to laugh out loud. Fortunately, I've outgrown some of her behaviors and I was never as bad as she is in this film. I promise! There were some great lines in this film too and I loved her stormy speech.

Ben Affleck is actually very sweet. I wanted his character to turn out differently, but hey, it's the movies. What do you expect, right? The one guy I was prepared to really like (who I still think is hot), but ended up really disliking was 'ole blue eyes, Bradley Cooper. Not the Coop! Yes, him. Dastardly guy that he is in this film. It was a blonde vixon that brought him down - damn Scarlett for being so beautiful.

I didn't think Jennifer Aniston's character was realistic at all, but then again, that's Jennifer right? It wasn't her, it was how they made her play it. I liked her acting, but the reality of her story line just wasn't plausible.

No woman goes from dating someone for years and years and breaks up without a serious crying spell. Not plausible. But there were so many story lines going on, it's all good. You really don't realize that's happening unless you have broken up with someone and understand the heartache attached to said break up.

It was so much fun to watch all these great actors and actresses interface because they're so recognizable from all the other roles they've played. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire film and highly recommend it as an Anti-Valentine Day event for sure. Or sooner too.:)

Just keep in mind it's total romantic escapism and nothing heavy (well, maybe a few scenes, but this is no Revolutionary Road by any means which is why I liked it.:)) I saw the author on the way out and told him I really liked his film and book which was fun. He's such a little styler!

Okay, that's all. I really must get some sleep. Busy day tomorrow and hitting my 7am meeting first thing. Oy vey - why does it have to be so early? Yawn, stretch. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Sleep well ya hear? Oh, and one last aside - remind me never to date a Democrat who believes it's ok Obama is appointing men who have evaded paying their taxes and will now be responsible for our country's finances. Not a good sign on any level of a potential relationship! Not that this person is even close to being romance material, but the way he thinks is just to over the top for me.

Too funny. Remind me I'm just not that into that kind of guy ok?

Wasn't today's Super Bowl an amazing game? And I never watch football...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Today kind of ebbed and flowed. Lack of sleep always affects me. I was really off my game today running the slide show at my church - jumping the gun more times than not. However, everyone was really nice about it.

Had a really nice time at my friend Melinda's Super Bowl party at her home and got to meet her lovely hubby. Seems like everywhere I turned this weekend I was meeting someone's new husband or baby or seeing someone's new house. Kind of made me wish I had one of those to show off too. Really. Truly.

The game sure was amazing today wasn't it? I never watch football and really don't like it, but for some reason today's game was quite captivating. LOVED, LOVED Bruce Springsteen's performance too. That man is hot and I've never thought he was till today either. Must be something in the air.

Visited an amazing new athletic center that was converted from a huge airline hangar called Hangar Athletic Xchange or HAX for short as a quick jaunt to see another Super Bowl party. Click here to check it out. Total state-of-the-art space with top athletes involved like my friend Jason Olive and his friend Sinjin Smith. Those names ring a bell anyone?

I only wish they made the font size on their website a little bigger because the older I get, the harder it is to read the fine print and I really want to read all of it! Definitely a space you're going to be hearing more of soon I'm sure.

They have a shoe store in there that has shoes that only 100 are made and this store sells them. I believe the term is drop or something like that. I took a pic of the ones for Kobe and LeBron which I'll share once I've uploaded all my pix. Just know it's very cool. I could totally see an Entourage episode happening in this place somehow.

Really enjoyed touring it and sharing time with my friends. Dashed back to Melinda's to catch the last five minutes of this exciting game and totally loved the hilarious Office episode. Should have ended the night after watching that show, but needed to pop by the folks to pick up laundry I had left from the day before.

Big mistake. My Dad is one of the few people I know who doesn't value my life experience attending the Inauguration simply because I didn't make any money while being there, or because I was there. Everyone else in the world thinks it was fabulous and amazing I went. Him? Why did I bother? DAMN!

Needless to say, left their house feeling demoralized, but after uploading a bunch of my favorite commercials to Facebook tonight and laughing at some of them again, I felt better. You can check out all the commercials from today at www.hulu.com - I highly recommend the Dorritos, SNL, and Monster.com ones the most.

I also enjoyed listening to the CSpan interview with the new RNC Chairman, Ron Nehring, which if you're curious about you can listen to here. I find it very interesting because I can't wait to see what the new guy, Michael Steel does now that he's been elected (in case you didn't know, he's an African American. Very interesting!)

Okay, that's all. Just felt like sharing so those of you who think I'm wonder woman (believe it or not, there are a few) will realize that I'm definitely not. I wish I were, but I'm just not. Now to sleep off this last bit of malaise and hit the ground running tomorrow for another interesting day in the life of Joy (as more than one good friend has told me how they view my life. Now if only I made the mony an interesting life like this normally does, then it will be all good. HA!)

Was going to hit the 7am Rotary Club meeting in MB tomorrow, but think I really need my rest. Probably shouldn't have stayed up so late, but just wasn't tired. This is really all.

Have a good one. I know I'm going to try.

Another weird sleep day - Go Steelers!

Woke up at 4am today and had trouble falling back asleep because it was so cold. I had fallen asleep without the heat because it didn't require it, but then as soon as it hit 4, I was freezing.

I sure wish my landlady would use my Beach Cities Professionals BNI window guy, Earl Gorman, and replace all our old wood windows with vinyl because apparently it keeps heat in so much better. Plus, it would reduce her electricity bill 30%! Call him at 310 480-3753 if you're in the market to reduce costs in this economy too.

I'm kind of in a down mood because when my sleep is off it affects me emotionally too. I have run out of my Gochi Juice which normally helps with sleeping well and need to order more soon. I also want to order some of the new weight loss product Free Life has come out with called Tai Slim. You can buy it here too: www.joykennelly.freelife.com

I'm going to be my best before and after I can already tell. Others keep wanting me to hurry up and start taking it too because I'll be their best before and after too. Maybe that's why I'm a little stubborn in getting started. LOL

In any case, I've decided I'm voting for the Steelers in honor of my old room-mate's bulldog Steeler. Really not a sports fan to be honest. I just like watching the commercials. Have you all seen this promo for The Office which will run afterwards?

Click on this link and enjoy a laugh with me.

Ok, that's all for now. Have to get some other writing down in the interim. Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Oh, and speaking of Sunday, I didn't mean to imply that my Worship leader is doing anything wrong. It's very natural to go with the flow of the worship when singing and it's not a black and white proposition. I was just having a little fun. No offense if any was taken.:)

And for those who love the commercials as much as I do, here's one NBC is refusing to air put out by  Fidelis, a Chicago-based Catholic organization. Click here to see why.