http://onmilwaukee.com/rss/rss_michaelstodola.xml Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Michael Stodola en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:15:05 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://onmilwaukee.com/images/layout/omc_rssfeed_logo.gif http://onmilwaukee.com 204 67 Why do certain companies seem like it's "fun" to work for them? The answer lies in the branding. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/stodolablog110709.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/stodolablog110709.html?20765 Sat, 7 Nov 2009 15:13:00 CST Is it just me, or are the world's oldest people constantly dying? They reach about 115 years old and ka-put. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/oldpeople.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/oldpeople.html?20720 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:06:00 CST In our American dialogue, words exist from every corner of the world -- some Yiddish, some Italian and many from our own popular culture. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/expiredwords.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/expiredwords.html?20587 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:54:00 CST I'm at a company party eating little food when I run into a co-worker's husband. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/talkischeap.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/talkischeap.html?20568 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:04:00 CST Recently, I was asked about the subject of manners and our society at large. With the recent outbursts at the VMAs and within the hollowed halls of Congress, a colleague asked, "Where have all the manners gone?" http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/msmanners.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/msmanners.html?20491 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:33:00 CST The other night, Janet wondered aloud as to how many ex-girlfriends I had as Facebook friends. Not that she was stressed or upset, just a little playfully jealous. "Off the top of my head there's a few missing, but a good number," I responded. "Whatev," she retorted. I couldn't help but laugh at the minor showing of insecurity from my otherwise strong, confident wife. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/fbfriendsblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/fbfriendsblog.html?20423 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:53:00 CST I've said it before ... social media is a massive, unstoppable, robot-killing, earth-shattering force akin to the Internet itself or sliced bread (really awesomely sliced, still warm, cinnamon bread with butter). And I'll say it again. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/sidewiki.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/sidewiki.html?20395 Wed, 7 Oct 2009 08:40:00 CST I love home renovation, however, I can't watch those "extreme" home shows where Ty Pennington transforms someone's meager digs into a Disney attraction. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/stodolamakeovers.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/stodolamakeovers.html?19247 Fri, 29 May 2009 08:38:00 CST I refer to my blog on OnMilwaukee.com as an experiment; I write what I feel and see what kind of response I get. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/convenienceofhate.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/convenienceofhate.html?19123 Sat, 16 May 2009 10:29:00 CST Our agency, Boelter + Lincoln, is moving. On May 4, our doors will open at 222 E. Erie St. in the celebrated Third Ward. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/goodbadnes.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/goodbadnes.html?18951 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:02:00 CST Say you're one of the people out there looking for a job. Or, for that matter, have a job and wish to move elsewhere. You place your paper resume, portfolio or calling card at the feet of a potential employer, and what do you think happens? http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/accidentrez.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/accidentrez.html?18518 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:09:00 CST In 1491, a man named Franz Mueller lived in Germany. He had three sons and made his living as a judge. He was my great (x13)-grandfather. And the reason you don't know him is because he was a normal Joe and lived his life as most did. http://onmilwaukee.com/politics/articles/wrongsideofhistory.html http://onmilwaukee.com/politics/articles/wrongsideofhistory.html?17993 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:27:00 CST Our beloved East Side is a truly special, organically-developed gem. The feeling is laid back, the people are tolerant and life seems more meaningful. I loved living there and now love the visit. As a family, we hang out, have fun and eat almost weekly on the East Side. But, sometimes that genuine East Side attitude turns into self-important apathy. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/hotchadont.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/hotchadont.html?17927 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:29:00 CST OK, I'll go as far as to say that social media is mending our society. And though, I admit, it has its fair share of ills (a less-than-accurate Wikipedia, "haters" leaving excessively negative comments), the open dialogue is priceless. It's rebuilding the village lost long ago to industrialization, radio and television. http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/classmates.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/classmates.html?17878 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:59:00 CST Last night, Janet needed to hit the grocery store and Target, so I stayed home and played with the kids. We hung some more stuff on the tree, made dinner together and watched a SpongeBob. After a rollicking bath, we read books and they went to bed. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/stodolablogshotgun.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/stodolablogshotgun.html?17646 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 11:40:00 CST So, here's my plan: I'm starting a major-league-style wave to fix our economy. WHO'S WITH ME?! http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/waveblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/waveblog.html?17607 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:58:00 CST Is it just me, or has a Facebook status become the hottest accessory going? I've gotten to the point that I'm tracking response rates. I'm quickly learning what evokes comments and what doesn't. In turn, I'm also developing pet peeves about status updates. Many updates are too obvious, and, like a poorly told joke, they complete the thought for you. Lots of them are pitiful attempts at humor. And most simply beg the question: Who cares? http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/stodolablogblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/stodolablogblog.html?17532 Mon, 8 Dec 2008 09:49:00 CST Last week, my kids' school held a fundraising event marking its 40th anniversary; it featured live music, an auction and tray upon tray of fabulous food. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/topchefblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/topchefblog.html?15844 Tue, 8 Jul 2008 08:37:00 CST According to the University of Washington's World Information Access report, worldwide arrests of bloggers are sharply increasing. http://onmilwaukee.com/politics/articles/righttoblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/politics/articles/righttoblog.html?15767 Fri, 4 Jul 2008 08:27:00 CST With this silly economy and gas price hell, more and more folks are opting for the "staycation" over their typical vacation. http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/staycation.html http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/staycation.html?15640 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:05:00 CST On Easter Sunday, 1975, I came downstairs to find a large basket filled with eggs, a hollow chocolate bunny and a rolled up blue T-shirt adorned with the smiling portrait of Arthur Fonzarelli. http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/stodolafonz.html http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/stodolafonz.html?15608 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:35:00 CST It happens all the time. A unique, almost magical idea erupts into legitimacy and success -- only to get compromised and watered down to the consistency of milquetoast. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/biggigbrand.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/biggigbrand.html?15458 Sat, 7 Jun 2008 08:28:00 CST Last week, I talked about a need we all share: To belong. Apparently, my "need" is either growing, or I've become more aware of it. I'd like to think the latter. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wanttoloveu.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wanttoloveu.html?15395 Sat, 31 May 2008 08:26:00 CST In the ad game, marketers make intelligent assumptions. And these assumptions are fundamentally based on a significant psychological truth: We all feel the need to "BELONG." http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/fsk.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/fsk.html?15357 Sat, 24 May 2008 10:46:00 CST The fundamental "one thing" of Buddhism is "living in the moment." At least that's what I try to focus on when I meditate. Simply concentrating on breathing in and breathing out unplugs my brain from past regrets and future worries. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/buddhablog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/buddhablog.html?15189 Sun, 11 May 2008 08:14:00 CST When you've got a runny nose, you probably think of Kleenex. When I say "cola," most people would come back with Coke. And crayons? No doubt, you'd think Crayola. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/aisforapple.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/aisforapple.html?15167 Sat, 10 May 2008 05:27:00 CST I was recently enraptured by HBO's latest mini series, "John Adams." It smacked of historical truth and a sincere attempt to present an honest portrayal. The well-thought out details about oral health, timing of revolutionary events and primitive interior design were all interesting and genuine interpretations. http://onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/alexanderhamilton.html http://onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/alexanderhamilton.html?15026 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:12:00 CST I’m a landlord. And, currently, a friend and I are also fixing up a home to “flip.” Most people -- including myself -- would consider this home to be in a pretty sketchy neighborhood. I can’t say where exactly, but my wife won’t let me work there alone. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/crackhead.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/crackhead.html?14927 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:57:00 CST As I write this, I’m speeding north on Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service from Chicago. I’ve found the ride perfect for writing a 500-word blog. It’s an hour and a half; I can plug in my laptop and the crush of humanity that surrounds me makes for good social observation. http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/writersblock.html http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/writersblock.html?13997 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:13:00 CST This intensely personal, customized marketplace already exists. Behavioral Targeting is the latest online marketing juggernaut, and the scenario above is just one feature it employs. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/bucket.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/bucket.html?13908 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:25:00 CST My latest four-legger is top dog. Husker is a Weimaraner, and he's taught me volumes about being a creative director. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/dogismycopilot.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/dogismycopilot.html?13816 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:58:00 CST It’s been nearly a year since we first dove into this project, and I now appreciate my wife even more; this “gestation period” and birth have been as stressful as they’ve been wonderful. And now it’s alive! http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/newblsite.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/newblsite.html?13665 Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:05:00 CST This techno-beast is growing and evolving and you, gentle reader, are following suit. It's the Wild West inside this little box -- or for me, it might as well be downtown Chicago in the early ‘90s. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/stodola121407.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/stodola121407.html?13616 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:42:00 CST OK, I admit it: I’m an old guy -- slightly out of touch with the youth who boogie on the MTV. And compared to the majority of people registered on Facebook and MySpace.com, I, at age 42, am almost elderly. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/facebookblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/facebookblog.html?13484 Sat, 8 Dec 2007 08:56:00 CST As we slumber through life, there are moments of occasional clarity. Most people experience mental breakthroughs that propel them along the path toward enlightenment. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/fourstagesofcompetence.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/fourstagesofcompetence.html?12369 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 07:34:00 CST When it comes to promoting your wares (or hot hippo action), honesty is the best policy. Define yourself in terms meaningful to your audience, but be mindful of who you are as a brand. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/hippo.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/hippo.html?12305 Mon, 6 Aug 2007 11:09:00 CST When a company has the insight and courage to embrace the values of its core, even if they're seedy and rough, it's being true to itself. It's also giving permission for others to come along for the ride. http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/vegascampaign.html http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/vegascampaign.html?12239 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:09:00 CST Like you, I, too, am writing a novel/screenplay/confession. I am examining my life and its relationship with sin (the Seven Deadlies, to be exact). When I turn 42, I plan to be aware of, analyze the cause of, and attempt to avoid … sin. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/sinandadvertising.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/sinandadvertising.html?12085 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:22:00 CST I had the pleasure recently of attending a function at a nearby country club. In fine style, we wished well a veteran ad-man on the doorstep of his retirement. While standing at the bar, ordering a beverage, an associate approached me -- smiling from ear-to-ear. I inquired as to the source of his folly, and he stated: “I just shaved.” http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/clubman.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/clubman.html?11578 Tue, 8 May 2007 11:01:00 CST A couple months back, I was sitting at a bar on a tiny island off the coast of Belize. It was 4:30 on a perfect, 85-degree afternoon, when a local guy approached our group with a large box of cakes. He was 30-something, and his 3x2-foot box held about 60 "personal-sized" cakes: key lime cake, carrot cake, turtle cheesecake, pound cake, several cookies and his specialty -- chocolate macaroon cake with fresh coconut frosting. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/cakemon.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/cakemon.html?11537 Wed, 2 May 2007 13:23:00 CST User-generated content has become the hottest thing in the ad world since Al Gore invented the Tri-W. However, it’s been around for decades. Going out to select bars and events in our fair town, I’ve become aware of this fact all too well. User-generated content has been right under my nose (pun intended) many times I’ve used public facilities. http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/toiletblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/toiletblog.html?11485 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:58:00 CST I enjoy my job. I enjoy creating ads. I even enjoy being a consumer of ads (the good ones). However, not all forms of advertising contribute to the upswing of our culture. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/drivebys.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/drivebys.html?11428 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:49:00 CST Janet and I were eating at a local restaurant -- our Friday night date -- I won’t say where, but we had horrible service. So, when it came time to pay, I left a tip I thought equaled our experience (a bit pitiful and empty). Janet, a former waitress, thought it was a terrible thing to do. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/longlivedarwin.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/longlivedarwin.html?10779 Fri, 2 Feb 2007 09:38:00 CST OK, I usually write about advertising, branding and design. But, I want to take a moment and talk about “cool” people -- and not Steve McQueen or Miles Davis, but our fellow Milwaukeeans. (No, not Arthur Fonzarelli.) http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/birthofcool.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/birthofcool.html?10681 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:33:00 CST Each one of us Milwaukeeans is a "brand" -- from wide-eyed Mayor Barrett to that curious fellow who drives around in the decorated station wagon. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/advertising101.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/advertising101.html?10626 Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:29:00 CST This here’s an open letter to Willie G. (or Bill) Davidson. Hello, sir. My name is at the top, and I’m an advertising guy, which means I’m right smart in the ways of branding and strategy and creativity. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/heywillie.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/heywillie.html?10572 Fri, 5 Jan 2007 16:24:00 CST OK. In my recent television watchings from the comfort of my sittin’ chair, I noticed a similar theme running through American truck commercials. Nostalgia. Ahhh, nostalgia. It seems to be a tried and true (and bit trite) theme with Fordrolet. And it plays well with most of us here in Brew Town. http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/phattruck.html http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/phattruck.html?10325 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 11:44:00 CST