Media from around the world descended on Indianapolis for the famed Super Bowl Media Day earlier this week. If you’re not familiar with Super Bowl Media Day, it presents an opportunity for the media to ask any question—and I mean any question—of the players and coaching staffs. For the first time in NFL Super Bowl history, they opened the event to the public, and I discovered things about players that I would’ve never guessed—but maybe you’re more knowledgeable than me.
Can you guess the correct responses to the questions below? Answers can be found at the bottom of the post.
1. According to Tom Brady, what programs are most often watched at his home?
A. ESPN SportsCenter and NFL Live
B. Young & the Restless and Bold & the Beautiful
C. Nickelodeon and Toy Story 3
D. Lord of the Rings and Twilight
2. What are Eli Manning’s two favorite television shows?
A. The Office and Parks and Recreation
B. Jersey Shore and Dancing with the Stars
C. Seinfeld and Modern Family
D. Big Bang Theory and Law & Order
3. Jason Pierre-Paul, famed defensive end for the New York Giants, was born in which if the following countries?
A. Uganda
B. Republic of Haiti
C. Jamaica
D. Nigeria
4. According to Patriots wide receiver, Wes Welker, would he rather have pizza or chowder?
A. Pizza
B. Chowder
5. Choose Eli Manning’s oldest nephew’s two favorite players on the Giants.
A. Ahmad Bradshaw
B. Victor Cruz
C. Hakeem Nicks
D. Jason Pierre-Paul
6. Tom Brady’s uncle was the high school principal of what NFL star?
A. Maurice Jones-Drew
B. Aaron Rodgers
C. Calvin Johnson
D. Arian Foster
7. Besides football, what was Eli Manning’s favorite sport growing up?
A. Baseball
B. Golf
C. Basketball
D. Swimming
8. Hall-of-Fame cornerback and current NFL Network reporter, Deion Sanders, has a saying whenever discussing Wes Welker. Can you pick the right one?
A. “Wes Welker is a Beast”
B. “I love me some Wes Welker”
C. “Wes the Best”
D. “Wes in the House”
9. Giants wide receiver, Victor Cruz, prefers the Salsa over other Latin dances because…
A. It has more swag
B. Madonna likes it
C. It’s the only Latin dance he knows
D. He likes to swing his hips
Answers: 1. C, 2. C, 3. A, 4. A, 5. C and D, 6. A, 7. C, 8. B, 9. A
Tags: current events, fun, Indiana, Indianapolis, Media, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Super Bowl Media Day, Super Bowl XLVI
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Several of my clients are in the life science industry, so a couple of weeks ago, I went to the Indiana Life Sciences Summit to hear the latest news that will shape this industry in Indiana.
What I most enjoyed was the first keynote address from Dr. Robert Epstein, President of Advanced Clinical Science and Research at Medco Health Solutions. In his presentation, “Amazing Innovations in Science Hold the Promise of True Healthcare Reform,” he shared some great insight and examples of exciting new innovations that are happening in science today. He focused on genomics, epigenetics, gene therapy, and stem cell/regenerative medicine. It’s hard not to be amazed when you hear these stories:
Genomics: Whole-genome sequencing
If you remember, it was big news when the human genome was finally mapped in 2003. Now that we have that accomplishment under our belt, the next challenge is to make sequencing of an individual’s whole genome not only possible but fast and affordable. Medco is underwriting a competition challenging companies to map the genomes of 100 people over the age of 100 in under 30 days for less than $1,000. That challenge—finding a way to make it affordable—will make coverage from healthcare more possible.
Epigenetics: Agouti mouse
Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors outweigh your DNA-driven predispositions. (In other words, can what you eat or what you live in outweigh the genes you’re born with? If you carry a gene that predisposes you to a certain kind of cancer, can you change that, or is it just your fate?)
The Agouti mouse is a breed of mouse that is born with a whole host of chronic health problems common today: obesity, diabetes and cancer. One study focused on the effects of a pregnant mother’s diet on the health of her child. What they found was that when the pregnant mice were fed methylating foods such as onions, beets and garlic, their children were born without the significant chronic health problems of the mother. As the research continues with humans, this means big things for learning how a mother’s diet can influence the long-term health of her children and even grandchildren.
Gene therapy: 9-year-old boy’s vision restored
Gene therapy involves inserting, altering or removing genes to treat disease. Corey Haas, a 9-year-old boy born with a disease that causes blindness, received an injection of a certain gene in his eyes (yes, that makes me cringe, too), and his vision was vastly improved. He was able to see stars in the sky for the first time, and he gained the ability to walk and ride a bike unaided. He said what he most looked forward to was playing baseball.
Regenerative medicine: Using a body’s own cells to regrow organs
Most human cells and organs aren’t the most prolific when it comes to regenerating after trauma—unlike some species of sea stars that can regrow an entire arm if one is lost. A person dies every 30 seconds due to organ failure, so if scientists can find the trick to growing new organs or regrowing lost portions, just think about the impact that would have on the world. Amazingly, some are making significant headway.
Fibrocell Science, a company in Pennsylvania, earned FDA backing earlier this year for a new injectable drug that treats wrinkles—smile lines, in particular—by using a patient’s own cells to restore elasticity. This is the first regenerative product of its kind approved by the FDA, so more will quickly follow. Look out, Botox!
Tengion, another company in Pennsylvania, has already had success in growing bladders and blood vessels. Organ transplants from donors come with a high risk of rejection and life-long therapy, so if scientists can find a way to grow organs from a patient’s own cells, the number of successful transplants will exponentially improve.
Considering our recent military conflicts and the battles injuries that inevitably result, it’s no surprise that the military is interested in advancing regenerative medicine. AFIRM is the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and they’re working to develop advanced treatments for severely injured servicemen and women.
And these are just a few of the unbelievable things that are happening in scientific research today. I just finished reading a novel that referenced the discovery and first mass production of penicillin—and that only happened during World War II, just 67 years ago. Imagine what new advancements and discoveries we’ll continue to see yet in our lifetimes.
Which of these stories do you find most intriguing?
Further reading:
TIME: Why Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny
Nutrition and the Epigenome
Tags: clients, current events, Events, Indiana, life science, life science industry
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More than 70 sales and marketing executives from 32 national building products manufacturers recently convened in Chicago’s River North district for Miller Brooks’ third annual Marketing to the Architect and Design Community symposium. The two-day event provided ample opportunity for sales and marketing professionals to connect and interact with architects, designers and trade media representatives, surrounded by spectacular office building architecture and interior design along the scenic shore of the Chicago River.
Two of Miller Brooks’ clients opened their doors to attendees: The event began with an evening cocktail reception at the Kimball® Office Chicago showroom, and the presentation portion of the symposium was held the next day at World of Whirlpool Corporation, the appliance manufacturer’s new flagship brand and product experience center.
The symposium’s four speaker presentations and panel discussion helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of how today’s architects and designers operate. In addition, the attendees learned best practices for building stronger, more mutually beneficial relationships with members of the architecture and design community.
The day’s first keynote speaker was Dr. Alan Zimmerman, managing partner of Architectural Research Associates, a New York-based market research firm for building product manufacturers. His presentation addressed and dispelled the frequent misconceptions that “architect” and “designer” are interchangeable terms.
“This term, ‘the A&D Community,’ doesn’t mean anything,” Zimmerman said. “They’re two completely different segments. If you want to reach them, you really have to think about them individually.”
Zimmerman also warned the audience against overlooking the younger architects and designers of a firm when making sales calls (a sentiment later echoed in the panel discussion). Architects and designers tend to learn on the job, he said, and are specifying products right from the start. Serving the needs of young architects and designers is an excellent opportunity to build a solid relationship with them early on.
Al Kabus, owner of askstrategies, an Atlanta-based business consulting firm, focused on customer service, the importance of sales and marketing professionals becoming a “trusted resource” to their architect and designer customers. Sales representatives should do their best to serve every need of architect and designer customers — even if it means recommending a competitor’s product when their own company is unable to meet the needs of a particular project.
“Once you get in there and become a trusted resource, that’s when you start building annuity business, and that’s what we’re all looking for.”
Following Kabus was Martin Flaherty, president of ecoScorecard, an online system that allows users to identify the key environmental attributes of specific products. Flaherty discussed sustainability as it stands in the manufacturing sector today and where it needs to go in the future.
He talked about the many companies that have made inaccurate sustainability claims about their products and manufacturing processes as a ploy to remain competitive without making major changes in the current evolving market. This significantly slows down projects for architects and designers on green building projects, as products with green claims are often rejected after specification if the claims are found to be untrue.
The first half of the symposium concluded with a presentation from seasoned Chicago architect Alan B. Itzkowitz, CSI, AIA, CSI, LEED® AP, NCARB. Owner of ABI Specifications Consulting, Itzkowitz gave an overview of the specification process, describing the different specification methods architects use and software now used to assist with specifying and project planning. He gave advice for building product manufacturers hoping to place their products with architects during the specification process – namely, that they should be keenly aware of the limited time architects have available for reviewing information from manufacturers, and websites should be designed accordingly.
Attendees returned to the classroom after lunch for an informative panel discussion focused on the views and opinions of the youngest members of today’s architecture and design community.
Moderated by Miller Brooks Principal/CEO Tom Miller, the panel featured six emerging, young interior designers from Chicago-area architecture and design firms:
Panel members fielded questions from Miller, as well as those from audience members — via text message and microphone — about issues affecting the relationships between young architects and designer and the marketing and sales departments of manufacturing companies. These issues generated the most discussion from the panel:
The panel discussion generated positive interaction between panel members and the audience, and it was easy to imagine light bulbs turning on above attendees’ heads, as they heard new perspectives from the younger members of the architecture and design community.
We want to thank everyone who attended the symposium; Kimball Office and Whirlpool Corporation; and especially our presenters and panelists, whose experiences provided valuable information for everyone.
Tags: architects, clients, Communication, Customer relations, Design, Marketing, marketing to architects, Miller Brooks, symposium
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Americans went to the polls on Tuesday and voted for many diverse reasons. Some people vote because they don’t like the party in “power”; some vote because unemployment is very high. Some cast ballots to ensure national security and some to ensure the education in their local schools continues to be properly funded. Some, however, choose not to vote.
In a young country where we have historically fought to establish and remain a democracy, I find it truly pathetic when able people won’t take the time to vote. While many say that midterm elections are not important enough to make the effort to vote, consider a few facts about 2010: Nationally, 37 governorships were up for election, along with 19 Senate seats and the entire House of Representatives. Locally, there were fights for state congressional seats, school-funding referendums, judicial vacancies and questions regarding changing state constitutions. It appears to me that these “meaningless” midterm elections will impact every one of us on a daily basis for the next two years.
If you are not registered to vote, do so before the next election. If you are a registered voter, be sure you always take the time before work, at lunch or after work to get to the polls and let your voice be heard.
Be American and be proud.
Tags: Commentary, current events, election, Indianapolis, politics, voting
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Miller Brooks will be hosting AIGA Indy members on September 1 as part of the organization’s Studio Tour Series! What all does this entail?
“Studio Tours are designed to be intimately scaled events that offer attendees the opportunity to learn about business practices, view work, and experience environments of local studios and firms first-hand. Join us for the third Studio Tour of 2010 as we welcome Fall with a visit to Miller Brooks.
The event will feature insight into the inner workings of one of Indy’s design studios and an excellent chance to share in our own community. We’ll have some drinks and treats, and plenty of discussion topics, show & tell and collaborative conversation.”
Check out the event on Facebook, and you can register on the AIGA site!
Tags: current events, Miller Brooks
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Each fall, Miller Brooks hosts an annual charitable fundraiser event, Cook for the Cure. It’s actually an ongoing campaign founded by KitchenAid in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and they have a great opportunity coming up this weekend!
KitchenAid is hoping to inspire 1,000 cooks to sign up to host a party the weekend of July 16th that raises money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit the website for more information, and check out the press release pasted below. If you decide to join, let us know! Share your pictures on Facebook or Twitter, and tag us!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
KITCHENAID BRINGING TOGETHER 1,000 COOKS FOR THE CURE TO HELP FIGHT BREAST CANCER
Weekend-long nationwide event scheduled for July 16-18
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (June 15, 2010) – After nine years and more than $7 million raised for the fight against breast cancer, Cook for the Cure®, a partnership between KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, is turning up the heat on its party fundraising efforts with 1,000 Cooks for the Cure, a new weekend-long event taking place Friday, July 16 through Sunday, July 18 in homes and offices across the country. Cooks everywhere are invited to join Komen for the Cure founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker, cooking show host Jacques Pepin and others in hosting any kind of event, from a Friday office or dessert party to a weekend barbecue or potluck dinner, to raise funds for the cause.
“Summer is a season when family and friends gather and spend time together,” said Katrina McGhee, Susan G. Komen for the Cure senior vice president, global business development and partnerships. “Partnering with KitchenAid allows us to reach those cooks at gatherings and hopefully remind them about breast health and incorporate our messages into these events.”
“What makes these get-togethers easy is that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, cooks will encourage their friends to bring their checkbooks and make a donation to the cause,” adds Deb O’Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. “It’s a simple add-on to entertaining friends and family that could really make a difference.”
Those interested in hosting a party are encouraged to visit http://CookfortheCure.com to register and obtain a unique host identification number. Registered hosts will be given access to an information kit that includes party ideas, recipes and donation gathering information. To help hosts connect with guests and others planning parties, KitchenAid will add 1,000 Cooks for the Cure as an event on its Facebook page http://facebook.com/KitchenAid and provide updates via Twitter @KitchenAidUSA in the days leading up to the event.
Those who register to host a party at http://CookfortheCure.com and raise a minimum of $50 will be sent a Pass the Plate serving platter created by Villeroy & Boch after the event by mail, upon receipt of the host’s contribution, as a thank-you from Cook for the Cure. These individually numbered platters generate a $5 donation each time they are passed and registered by the recipient, generating funds long after the weekend parties are over. Using the unique registration code, participants can track the status and travels of their platters by visiting http://CookfortheCure.com and clicking on the “Pass the Plate” tab on the right.
In support of the cause, KitchenAid also offers pink Cook for the Cure products via retailers and http://shopkitchenaid.com. They include a pink Artisan Stand Mixer that generates a $50 donation when purchased and registered, as well as food processors, blenders, hand mixers and toasters that generate anywhere from $7 to $25 for the cause upon registration. Also available are mixing bowls, silicone baking pans and trivets and more than a dozen gadgets, ranging from spatulas and vegetable peelers to ice cream scoops and can openers.
Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Over 90 years later, the KitchenAid brand now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators and whisks to wine cellars. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand* visit http://KitchenAid.com.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®: Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
*Based on a 2010 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals when asked about refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, electric mixers, blenders, food processors, kitchen gadgets and toasters.
# # #
NOTE TO PRESS: Please visit the KitchenAid online press room to download high resolution product images and view the latest KitchenAid press releases.
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TweetIt’s no surprise that optimism and inspiration at trade shows ebb and flow with industry and economic changes. The forecast is easily read on the faces of exhibitors and attendees. Having spent many years meeting with media at various industry conferences and shows, it is always eye-opening to get a read on the state of an industry from the media. Because they are working up-close and personally within many corners of an industry, they are often on the forefront when the tide starts to shift for the good or bad.
If the mood of the media attending this year’s NeoCon show is foretelling, there is plenty of optimism in the air. Attended by approximately 40,000 architects, designers, facility managers and large institutions, NeoCon gives a peek into the design world’s newest thinking, products and services. Much of the optimism at this year’s exposition stemmed from commercial projects in healthcare, medical facilities and federal developments. Designers, manufacturers and media all agree this is the place to be. The excitement was a welcome relief for many at the show, and we hope to see it continue in coming months.
Inspired by the next generationOn a fun note, one of the most inspirational moments of the show for me came from a very unexpected source: an aspiring 13-year-old journalist.
The Kimball Office showroom couldn’t have been a more fitting meeting place to discuss Alternative Workplace Strategies for multigenerational work forces with 13-year-old Liam Kirkbride and his father, Rob. Both were sporting press badges for the office industry’s Monday Morning Quarterback. Between Liam, his father, my younger co-worker, and me, we certainly had “generational work forces” covered. Liam’s reactions and genuine curiosity brought optimism of a different kind: a look into the mind of our future journalists.
In a strange juxtaposition, as the father and son journalists departed, I couldn’t help but notice the 13-year-old was wearing highly shined dress shoes and dress clothes while the more seasoned reporter sported Onisuka Tiger tennis shoes and a more comfortable set of digs. It will be interesting to see how the two generations of journalists influence each other’s wardrobes and work styles.
Cheers to the new, fresh, young journalists.
Tags: Commentary, current events, Events, Public Relations
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I mentioned a couple posts ago that Miller Brooks’ annual Cook For The Cure on Fri., Oct. 16 was a smashing success – and I promised you a recap when we got the final donation total.
We had more than 200 attendees, including employees, clients and vendors. The best news? Everyone rallied together to donate more than $10,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Indianapolis Affiliate! That’s a record-breaking total, brought in through both a silent auction and straightforward donations. Oh, and we had some wonderful employee-generated food-on-a-stick recipes.
A big round of applause and thanks goes out to everyone who joined us!
Our eighth annual event, a concept developed by KitchenAid, is one of Central Indiana’s largest third-party fundraisers for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Indianapolis Affiliate. The event is an agency tradition, and over the past eight years, we’ve donated more than $65,000 to Susan G. Komen. We also find that it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to build relationships with clients, vendors – and each other – while we fight breast cancer together.
According to the Susan G. Komen, Indianapolis Affiliate, 75 percent of donations from the event stay in central Indiana, with the additional 25 percent supporting national Komen-funded research. Currently, seven Komen-funded research projects are taking place in Indiana.
We can’t say “thank you” enough. Let’s do it again next year!
Tags: Cook For The Cure, Events
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Please join us for our 8th Annual Cook for the Cure event, October 16th from 11 am to 8 pm at Miller Brooks. This year’s party food will feature “Food on a Stick”. Our employees have been busy researching recipes in preparation for this event. So, put the date on your calendar!
View our e-vite for more details
Tags: Events
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May 17, 2012—The faces of MB
