Lisa Napoli's Blog, page 64
March 19, 2011
The McKinsey Effect
Ahh, the global consulting giant McKinsey's effects are showing in Bhutan's marketing of itself as a Shangri-La tourism destination.
To wit, its new slogan: Bhutan, Happiness is a Place, replete with the national flower, the blue poppy, in the logo.
According to this item, the global advertising giant Ogilvy and Mather came up with that genius phrase, but you know it's tied to McKinsey's involvement with helping the Kingdom over the last year or so with "monetizing" its "brand," meaning, the whole Gross National Happiness thing. Which remains the world's best and unwitting marketing slogan, uttered by the fourth King of Bhutan in the seventies as a casual response to a question about Bhutan's then burgeoning development strategies….
The Tourism Council of Bhutan elaborated in this release: "As the popularity of Bhutan keeps growing, TCB went through exhaustive research on finding the best way to showcase the nation as an exclusive high-end destination. The task at hand was to enhance the uniqueness of the nation, its culture, tradition, environment, architecture and religion together with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness and merge them seamlessly into one logo. The team did intensive research, reaching out to hundreds of respondents including tourism stakeholders for feedback on their impressions of Bhutan. Parameters were drawn and rankings made on the various unique selling points (USP) of the nation."
Teach in Bhutan
Finally, a place to send all the people who ask me how to go teach in Bhutan. This is from the Bhutan-Canada Foundation; the two countries have a long history together, and the very first teacher to help set up schools was a Canadian Jesuit (who arrived in the country in October 1963, when I was born!); of course there's also the famous Jamie Zeppa who wrote Beyond the Sky and the Earth.
Here are some of the ground rules from the website:
Who can apply?
• Qualified teachers holding a degre• Aged 22-59
• Native English speakers from Canada, The United States, The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand
• Priority is given to English, Math and Science teachers
• Adaptable and enthusiastic adventurers who are looking to make a difference!
Can I apply if I am over 60?
The age of retirement for Bhutanese citizens is 55 – 60. This regulation is strictly enforced by the Royal Government of Bhutan, and extends to all foreigners. As a result, The Bhutan Canada Foundation is unable to accept applications from teachers 60 years of age and older.
Do I need to be certified?
All applicants must either be certified, hold a degree in education, or have proof of at least three years relevant teaching experience.
#3goodthings
Friday
*the Friday night party
*Saharah's class at the Y
*that awesome smoothie from California Crisp which I slurped down while walking around our weekly farmer's market and watching other people eat non-liquid lunches
Saturday
*the drive on the PCH from Laguna with the top down
*those ladies at that AAUW-Laguna chapter lunch, in particular Rima's enthusiasm for helping to build a library in this Himalayan place she knew little about *Ted
#3good things
Montreal Gazette
For some reason, getting a bunch of Canadian press all of a sudden. And also for some reason, I broke my rule and read this review in the Montreal Gazette, which turned out to be really nice. Thanks to Sandy W (my original Canadian friend from oh so way back) for sending along.
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March 18, 2011
Helen's Book Blog
As any writer knows (or quickly learns) the publishing world is largely ruled these days by book bloggers; like or not, they've replaced the reviews in that quaint waning dead-tree medium called "newspapers". Here's one from Santa Barbara, sent my way by Michael C. (And as I often say, I don't read reviews or for that matter read much of what anyone's writing unless it's a personal email; just am posting it all here for the record.)
Helen's Boog Blog
As any writer knows (or quickly learns) the publishing world is largely ruled these days by book bloggers; like or not, they've replaced the reviews in that quaint waning dead-tree medium called "newspapers". Here's one from Santa Barbara, sent my way by Michael C. (And as I often say, I don't read reviews or for that matter read much of what anyone's writing unless it's a personal email; just am posting it all here for the record.)
2BoomerBabesRadioHour
Forget that they're talking to me; I want to hear what they say about bedbugs, since they've invaded my little corner of Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles in a pretty major way….
Tune in Saturday mornings, 11:00AM on NPR affiliates WSCL 89.5FM andWSDL 90.7FM immediately following
Car Talk!!!
Encore presentations Sundays WSCL 89.5FM 7:00AM
and WSDL 90.7FM 3pm.
NPR's Marketplace radio journalist Lisa Napoli's chance encounter with a handsome stranger presented her with an opportunity of a lifetime: Would she move halfway around the world, to the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, to establish the country's first student radio station? Tired of the fast-paced media world in LA and in the midst of a raging mid-life crisis, Lisa agreed. She packed her bags and moved to what is said to be the happiest place on earth–the last Shangri-La. Lisa chronicles her adventures in her new bookRadio Shangri-La.
Baby Boomers are a financially powerful bunch. Nearly 80 million strong it is estimated that , Boomers have approximately 2 trillion dollars in spending power, and own more than 70% of the financial assets in the United States. Companies are paying close attention to this well-heeled group, and making changes in their marketing strategies to attract boomer dollars. Ellen Byron, Consumer Products Reporter at the Wall Street Journal talks about the big business of marketing to Boomers.
How can creatures so tiny conjure up such fear and revulsion in an otherwise rational person? Well, we're talking about BEDBUGS! YUK! We've been battling the bugs for centuries, and thought the war was won in the 1960′s. But bedbugs have returned in full vengeance, and many have become resistant to treatment and multiplying as you read this eVite. In fact, it is estimated that these blood feeders will soon replace the cockroach as the biggest household pest in the United States! Joining us to talk about the bedbug's resurgence and what we need to know to avoid them, is bedbug expert Dr. Harold Harlan. Dr. Harlan has worked with and raised bedbugs for the past 37 years and is currently the Senior Scientific Associate for the U.S. Armed Forces Pest Management Board.
Over the last several years, and in the midst of a recession, enrollment at 2 year colleges throughout the United States is at an all time high. Dr. Barbara Viniar, President of Chesapeake College, talks about their unique program and degree opportunities. Further, in the wake of the tragedies at Virginia Tech and Tucson, Dr. Viniar discusses their proactive efforts to enforce safety on campus.
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The Dalai Lama, UCLA and the brain
Missed my chance to buy a ticket to this in May: "Buddhism and Neuroscience: a Discussion on Attention, Mental Flexibility and Compassion"
if anyone has any brilliant ideas on how to see it, I'd love the chance. I'm not one for big crowds, but I'm a big fan of the Dalai Lama and of his work with neuroscientists on meditation's effects on the brain (chronicled so well in Sharon Begley's book, Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain.)
#3goodthings
*that lovely bookstore, Pages, in Manhattan Beach–a labor of love *Sarah's flower surprise greeting
*friends showing up and hanging out with them afterwards, even if I'm not used to eating so late!
#3goodthings
