New Orleans: PROUD to Call it Home.

Why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Isn’t that easy of a question is it?

Many wouldn’t have a problem pinpointing a reason, yet, the answer will not typically display that particular cherished since of worth and pleasure. - “I grew up here.” “This is where my job placed me.” “My significant other’s job landed us here.” “This is where my significant other grew up.” Etcetera, etcetera.

I was given the joy of volunteering at the Young Leadership Counsel’s Proud to Call it Home relaunch party at Harrah’s Casino. The crowd was a well diversified group containing people from all walks of the city; members came, friends came, and anyone passing by the theater in the casino came in to show their pride. The individual motive for being there did not matter, as it was one commonality everyone cared to celebrate: They were proud to live, work, and play in this city; they were proud to call New Orleans home!

Each New Orleanian, walked up to the welcome desks, put their name on a name tag (usual drill), but also added to the tag the reason they were proud to call New Orleans home. I’d say close to 90% of the people looked at me and said “I don’t know why I love it; I just do!” One gentleman briefly shared his story with me: He has lived in 10 states, spent 2 years convincing his wife to move from Boulder, Co to New Orleans, finally moved here after Katrina, and will only move away if he relocates out of the United States. However, the most common response? The food and the people. The food is a given; it’s got the soul to feed your soul. The people on the other hand ARE the soul of the city. The true spirit of New Orleans is embodied within the people; it’s the unmistakable, pure pride displayed in all of our faces when answering the question, “Where do you call home?”.

Once everyone moved passed the welcome desk , picked up their Proud to Call it Home bumper sticker, and liked the fan page on Facebook, they entered the front doors of the theater where they were asked to be brave and record a video clip of why they were proud to call New Orleans home. Those who were such great sports were given Proud Passports. Next stop? The bar. Drinks and food were complimentary, and everyone enjoyed the hurricanes, lemon drops, beer, wine, and soda while they celebrated the night. Past the bar and into the the main theater, the staples of what we do in New Orleans was displayed to the fullest. Eating, dancing, capturing memories, and enjoying one anthers company is a N'awlin's good time. Sam’s Funky Nation had people cutting loose on the dance floor all night, ending the party with everyone dancing on stage to the last song. Dear New Orleans was snapped away the messages everyone had to and about their beloved city. Rob, the photographer behind the magic, captures what is so raw, real, and the true spirit found in all of us.

So, why am I proud to call New Orleans home? In New Orleans you get the hustle and bustle of a big city mixed in with the small town, southern charm. You smile and say “Hi!” to the stranger walking past you on the side walk, open the door for the one walking into a place behind, and the warmth we have in our hearts for one other causes judgments are left behind. In New Orleans you are who you are, and we take one another in “as-is” condition. Opportunities are immeasurable here, no matter your interests and passions in life. All in all? I love New Orleans, just because. I’ve realized that giving a specific reason for it is like giving a specific reason for love your wife/husband or kids. An explanation can’t be tagged to that type of love, nor can it be measured.

I'll ask again; why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Fan their Facebook page and tell us all! This isn't the only amazing campaign the Young Leadership Council has created. Check out the website and you can get a glimpse of each incredible incredible projects available to get evolved with.

On my TV this Fall...

Last Tuesday the 21st, I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to enjoy lunch at Five Happiness in the Imperial Room with a few stars of Keating Magee: Maggie, Ann, and Ronald. The restaurant's Chinese cuisine happens to be exceptional, particularly the shrimp dish with a sweet, honey-like sauce and candied pecans. However, I wasn’t there for a food tasting; the Ad Club of New Orleans held their September meeting. For each of the monthly meetings there is a featured speaker(s) and a non-profit society, and with cooler weather and more inside-time this meeting was one I am glad to have been able to attend.

Representing the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, the meeting was kicked off by Melanie Cross of Tulane, whom then presented Dr. Augusto Ochoa of LSU to most passionately speak on the true Fall lineup: the upcoming Key to the Cure benefit. Shopping at Canal Place never had more meaning. I had heard of this particular charity event prior to attending this lunch, but I had not realized just how meaningful it truly is. For those who are not familiar, Key to the Cure is a four-day weekend of shopping at Saks in Canal Place for a little more than the just fabulous fashion finds. Two percent of all of sales at Saks Fifth Avenue during those days will be donated to Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. With a new season here and holidays approaching rather rapidly and unless you are a ramen-noodle-eating college student like I happen to be (until May!), I am sure Saks carries quite a few items you would like to own and/or gift. –For those generous shoppers: I would like a pair black cowgirl boots in size 7.5; thank you in advance! Back to reality; Key to the Cure will run from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. They also have a Kickoff Gala Wednesday, October 20th from 6:00p to 9:00p. Hint, hint– Date night with the significant other? Networking opportunities?
To learn even more: http://www.lcrc.info/news/updates/kttc2010.html

Highlighting Fall TV lineups for WDSU (NBC), WGNO (ABC), and Cox Media, each of the stations’ ad reps presented me with the perfect situation to watched, listened, and mapped out what to watch in the evening while studding. Multitasking happens to be a talent I have come to conquer.

First, WDSU (NBC) caught my attention with their 4:30am news airing- the only local news broadcasted before the birds are awake. I happen to be one of the crazy people up that earlier many days of the week. Chase, Mondays at 9:00p, are for the Jason Born movie-lovers, such as myself. Undercovers and Law and Order: Los Angeles, aka LOLA are my thriller, investigative crime shows marked on the calendar for Wednesdays at 7:00p and 9:00p. On WDSU before or after Friday pizza-dinners at 7:00p with the family? School Pride. Schools that have been vandalized, not cared for, etc. can affect the students who are supposed to be learning in that environment. This program shines a spotlight on those schools and takes action, all the while involving the students of that school in the process. Outlaw is a more comedic political/crime addition to network at 9:00p on Fridays that will be on whether I am being a grandma or getting ready for a night-out.

WGNO (ABC)’s presentation of course included Dancing With The Stars on Mondays at 7:00p and the results on Tuesdays at 8:00p. The rest consisted of a plethora of categories for new shows: family, comedy, drama, suspense, and so on. No Ordinary Family, Tuesdays at 7:00p is great for those who enjoyed The Incredibles. And who isn’t guilty of watching Friends reruns? Well, the writer of the epic sitcom has created another that is just as “reality-like” and comedic with Better With You, Wednesday at 8:00p. With the same feel as High School Reunion, My Generation, Thursdays at 7:00p, is a must-see for those Class of 2000 high school graduates. WGNO’s reality show that showcases the fortunate helping the less fortunate is Secret Millionaire, Fridays at 7:00p. With real millionaires going undercover, getting out into the communities far from the lavish nets which they are rooted in, and ending with the millionaire giving away $100,000 of their own wealth, this will be one to drawn a smile.

Cox Media’s offerings? The boys of Fall! – (insert Kenny Chesney song playing in your head) My main love would be HD Football. With the Saints on, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity of being able to see the sweat! Not to mention the quality has the ability to make Drew Brees look even more breathtaking. Of course Cox provided MUCH more than any person could ever dream of, so I recommend checking out the website:
http://ww2.cox.com/residential/neworleans/home.cox.

For the full Fall TV Lineup:
http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/fall-schedule.aspx

Introducing: Lauren

Hey ya'll! My name is Lauren Van de Voorde, and I am a new addition to Keating Magee's internship program for the Fall 2010 semester. I am a Senior Marketing major at UNO, transferring from UL in Lafayette. Obviously by the "ya'll" I am originally from the area; Slidell to be exact. "Excited" is an understatement when describing how I feel about being back in the area. The French Quarter, Uptown, the restaurants, the (SuperBowl Champs) Saints, along with many other staples of the city, make it truly like no other. One reason for my transfer during the last year of undergrad was knowing that New Orleans had a plethora of options for a young, eager soon-to-be-grad, such as my self. Ladies like options (and, well, men too), and there is definitely no other place that offers such a variety in a city with such amazing culture.

With graduation coming up in May, I had to buckle down this summer and really take a look at companies that would be on my radar as I set out on my first "big-girl" job hunt in the spring. Focusing in on those that offered internships and were top in their industry, Keating Magee stood out. Isn’t there a saying that goes “if you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best”? I think so, or something along those lines.

The short 40 minute drive I made for my first interview with D.A. Magee himself was undoubtedly one of the finest decisions I have ever made. D.A. acknowledged my "persistence" to obtain an internship and was the first to say to me "you've got potential kid". The second interview is when I got to learn a little more about what a Media Intern does. Yes, I will file papers and tie ribbon(I did that the first day), but those tasks are what interns are for. I will also, however, get a chance to sit in on meetings with networks, oversee the process of buying slots for commercials and print ads, actually interact with clients, and even have a project to do with my fellow interns. Of course, I will be granted to opportunity to do much more along the way. Not many college interns can say the have an opportunity to learn an extraordinary amount and having amazing fun along the way!

Working at the top floor of Jax Brewery, in the heart of the French Quarter, and at such a prominent company (google Keating Magee, you will see) is not a bad way to spend three afternoons a week. Plans for the future are simple for me at Keating Magee: learn as much as possible, make the most of every opportunity I am given, and enjoy this amazing chance I am so thankful to have been given.