Kevin W. McCarthy

The Professor of On-Purpose

Laughs

Syfy: Why?

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SyFy LogoThe SCI FI Channel has changed its branding.  Check it out with this link.

At On-Purpose Business Advisors we inevitably end up in branding because of our core work on business design and strategy.   Branding is one of the first external expressions and places to create alignment with customers.  

I had to laugh when I saw the new name.   SCI FI says it all.  Syfy – what does that say?  There are some names you just don't need to change.  That said, a logo update would certainly be in order, but to change the name at this point to Syfy is just plain stupid.   Perhaps they have some magic hidden up their sleeve with this new name.  I sense someone got paid a great deal of money to develop a new look and name.  Unfortunately, the emperor's new clothes made it through tight-lipped committee after committee for approval.

The new logo makes me think this is a Styrofoam cup business, a paper company, or a pharmaceutical conglomerate with some made up name due to some chemical compounding.  Certainly not an edgy science fiction television channel.  

The good news is the execution on the web site is stunningly well done in terms of navigation, look, graphics, etc.  They've kept the traditional purple (outer space?) for highlights.  There is a lot there and they manage it nicely.  So kudos to the team that took what was probably given to them and took it boldly where few have gone before.

For now, all I can do is sigh, fyi. 

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup Runneth Over

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SeaWorld Orlando has Discovery Cove where you can swim with the dolphins and the Penguin Encounter where you can watch penguins frolic and play in a frozen environment.  

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Move over Orlando, Pittsburgh has bested SeaWorld with Super Mario's Mansion where the whole family can swim with the Penguins AND the Stanley Cup. 

I grew up in the Pittsburgh, PA area and we Pittsburghers do love our sports.   My brother, Bob, who lives there, keeps me up to date with lots of happenings around town.   Sports are something fun we've shared as kids, especially since we were a family of athletes.  

Mario Lemieux is the owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The team's former star and hockey legend naturally threw a party at his home for the championship team.   My brother has some friends who attended the team party and forwarded these photos.  (Note that the kid in the yellow flotation device is not wearing Red Wings.)

Don't be too alarmed by the scene.   The Stanley Cup is traditionally hoisted and jolted by the winning team.  It is revered enough to fight for; real enough to be enjoyed.  The Stanley Cup adds yet another page to its history of storied adventures.

Let's hope that Cup can swim!

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

Mario's Mansion outside of Pittsburgh:

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The Stanley Cup on display before it takes a dip in the pool.

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Southwest Airlines: Welcome Aboard

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Having flown Southwest Airlines over the years, I have to say that they are what they are.  In addition to being profitable, they are safe… and entertaining. 

Check out this pre-flight announcement.

One of my favorite Southwest announcements was at the end of the flight.   The flight attendant said that if the flight was great to please use their web site www.southwest.com to let them know.   If the flight was bad, we were to use the special complaint web site: www.northwest.com – referring us to their competitor of course. 

Enjoy the link. 

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

Three Generations of McCarthy Men: One Atlanta Braves Game

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March 17, 2009 – Disney Wide World of Sports

I'm very fortunate to have my parents living nearby in Winter Park.  Most every day I stop by their house for a visit.   The same can't be said of my son Charles, who at 18 is away at school.  St. Patty's Day turned out to be a day for the luck of the Irish.

Spring break and spring training baseball and three generations of McCarthy Men made the trek to see the Braves and the NY Mets play at Disney.   The video is admittedly not the best, but the sentiment is priceless.   As you can imagine, my son was not happy with me pulling out my little FlipHD recorder and capturing the moment in the ninth inning with a 360 view.

It is fun to take an afternoon off of work and just be with family.   That's so on-purpose!

March 3 – This date in history.

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March 3, 1916

My mother-in-law was born in Augusta, GA.   Grannie is still living on the dairy family farm in North Augusta, SC.  She needs more help these days but her sense of humor remains.  

Grannie's mind has been slipping.   On a previous visit a couple of months ago, she informed Judith that she was going to be 106 on her next birthday.  Grannie remembered she was born in 1916.  Lovingly, Judith walked her though the proper calculation to get to 93.

Judith and I were visiting with Grannie a couple of weekends ago.  Testing Grannie's mental clarity, Judith asked her, "Mother, what birthday is coming up on March 3rd?"

Grannie smiled and said, "My last… at least that's the way everyone seems to be treating it, what with the party that is planned and all."  Her mind may be slipping but her humor isn't!

March 3, 1992
I signed the publishing contract for The On-Purpose Person with Navpress of Colorado Springs.  This was my first book contract.   The message has sold over 200,000 copies with domestic and foreign distribution.   Now there's an updated version.  Now more than ever this message is needed.   Please help us share it by passing along the free preview available at our web site.

Totally Off-Purpose… I so relate!

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Many readers think I'm an "A" type personality who is extraordinarily organized and has it altogether. Guess again. Remember writers write about their struggles.  Enjoy!

To watch more commentary on real life go to http://www.ingredientx.com/.