The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Jeremy Lin

February 21st, 2012

With the recent outburst of media attention surrounding the New York Knicks new point guard, Jeremy Lin, Blue Soda Promo thought it would be a good idea to hop on the bandwagon and take our shots at his game and throw in some promotional products along the way :)

The Good

Jeremy Lin has been an underdog his whole basketball career.  Even though he lead his high school team to a state title along with excellent grades, he wasn’t recruited by his dream school, so he accepted a scholarship to Harvard (not a bad second choice!).  He never made it to the big dance in college, however his performance landed him on the Golden State Warriors.  He was cut by two teams before landing with the Knicks as the third string point guard.  With the team struggling, star players Amare Stoudimire and Carmelo Anthony out, and coach Mike D’Antoni fighting to keep his job, Lin was inserted to the starting lineup against the New Jersey Nets.  In 36 minutes, Lin put up 25 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in a 99-92 win.

Lin has been starting ever since.  In the last 10 games the Knicks are 8-2 while Lin has been averaging 24.6 ppg and 9.2 apg.  Lin has become an overnight sensation.  He has become the NBA’s equivalent to Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, with 24 hour news coverage and debate surrounding Lin and the Knicks.  He has the number one selling jersey in the league and even the New York Stock Exchange has been on the rise since he emerged on the scene.

Even if he falls back down to Earth or never heard from again after this season, someone should give Jeremy Lin a custom award and recognition for how well he has handled all the fame and media attention over the past few weeks.

Better yet, Lin as become so cool, so fast Im sure he can pull off the sunglasses at night look.

The Bad

I have been one of the biggest critics of Lin since “Linsanity” exploded.  One, because I see flaws in his game and two, because I hate to see anyone get more attention than the MVP and best point guard in the league, my man, Derrick Rose.  The one glaring weakness to Lin’s game has been the turnovers.  In the past 10 games, Lin is averaging 6 turnovers a game with games of 6,7,8 and even 9 turnovers in a single night!  Yes, the point guard is demanded to handle the ball a lot in D’Antoni’s offense, but the decision making must improve for Lin to remain relevant in the league.  The game has become very guard friendly and people have deemed it the “golden era of point guards” with the likes of Rajon, Rondo, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Rose leading the charge.  If Lin wants to be in that conversation, he has a way to go.

The best thing I can think for him to do is study and we all know how well he must do that after graduating from Harvard.  Grab all the binders, journals, notebooks and planners, get organized and study the ins and outs of the offense.  Get in the film room and see how defenses are reacting and must adjustments.

The Ugly

The ugly has nothing to do with Jeremy Lin the person or player.  In my eyes the ugly comes from the media.  Like Tebow, I cant stand the constant news, analysis and debate over Lin.  Is he good or just a fad?  Does race play a picture in all of this? Where does he rank on some list or another.  Lin, Lin, Lin, Lin, Lin, Lin.  Its out of control.  There are 29 other teams in the NBA, 10 of which are probably worth talking about and probably 20 players currently better than him.  I would just like to see better overall coverage of the league and stop focusing a Lin’s great story.  I didn’t mind it the first week.  The second week he probably still deserved it, but we have come to a point where if he is this good shouldn’t we just be accustomed to it every night like Rose and LeBron James?

I am usually looking for a stress ball after a full hour of rotation when I see 5 or 6 stories on Lin and the Knicks and the Bulls get a 15 second highlight.  My message to the media that covers the game would be actually pick up your pens and take notes, there are some other good stories out there, you just have to look for them.

 

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To the Sweetest Customers Around…Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14th, 2012

Today is Tuesday February 14, Valentine’s Day.  Cupid is flying above us , everyone is wearing red, eating chocolate and love is in the air.  While I could take time to tell you about how awesome each and every single one of our promotional products are, instead I’m going to list some of the reasons why Valentine’s Day is a great holiday.

While sometimes there can be a debate that Valentine’s Day stinks, it’s a Hallmark holiday or just another day, there are plenty of good reasons why today is special.

  1. The Food – Even though Valentine’s Day doesn’t rank up there with Thanksgiving or Christmas, today is another day or great eats.  Either someone at home is concocting something delicious in the kitchen,  made reservations at a five star restaurant or simply having dessert over wine before bed, people are definitely treating their taste buds today.  And don’t think I’m excluding anyone from this conversation, even at work people tend to fill the community tables with sweets, treats and other desserts.  P.S. This is my personal thank you to everyone who filled our tables this morning.  Everything was amazing
  2. Cards/Presents – Yes today is another day we get to look forward to opening custom cards and presents from people that know us best.  You may be receiving a card from grandma and grandpa with a little extra something in it (for me its been $5 for like 15 years straight), chocolates and candies, a teddy bear, or if you were really nice or someone truly loves you maybe something more.
  3. An easier day, pleasant attitude and smiles – We may not get today off some work, however things around the office always seem to be a little brighter on a day like today.  Smiles on everyone’s faces, people always seem to be in a better mood and if your lucky you might hear, “this can wait till tomorrow, go home and enjoy your night.”

You can also say that Valentine’s Day is a great holiday if you love the color red, work for commission at Victoria’s Secret or because it’s the first real reason to cheat on the diet you committed to on New Year’s.  Whatever the reason, Happy Valentine’s Day from everyone at Blue Soda Promo.

 

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What Promotional Products Would You Need to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

February 10th, 2012

This Sunday, one of AMC’s hit television shows, The Walking Dead returns with the final six episodes of the second season.  If you haven’t seen the show, it’s a definite must-watch.  I wont give away spoilers, but the basic concept of the show is zombies, zombies, zombies.  It’s a combination of all the great movies of its genre like, Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later and  Zombieland all rolled up into a great hour of television every week.  I mean who doesn’t want to see the undead get their heads blown off multiple times to end your weekend.

Which got me thinking about what I would need if the zombie apocalypse actually happened.  Lets say one day I went into a deep coma for an entire year (the reason can stay a mystery).  In that period of time a virus has spread throughout the country.  Slowly, the infected become sick and weary, they develop high fevers and seem to pass away.  Until they wake up enraged with red eyes and hunger for blood!

Now, I wake up droggy and disoriented in the Blue Soda Promo offices, the place has been ransacked and destroyed, luckily our warehouse is still full of promotional products, what would I need to survive?

The first and most important item would have to be a flashlight.  In this new dreaded world, electricity Im sure will be scarce and I will be wondering through some pretty dark places.  I have seen way too many horror movies to know that you never know what’s around the next corner.  I would need to shed light on every nook and cranny to ensure my safety.

Another little known fact about surviving the zombie acopalypse is you will need plenty of clean water.  I would probably be traveling, looking for others, or a safehouse, I would have no idea if the virus has gotten into the water stream and I will need some way of carrying it.  That is why I would probably grab a couple of thermoses.  They come in big sizes, a closed cap, and don’t leak so I wont have to worry about them spilling and ruining the rest of my materials.

I would look to pack a blanket, an extra pair of clothes (especially a warm hat, jacket and Polo Shirt because who knows I might meet someone on my journey and I’d like to look nice), and anything with a sharp tip, some of our awards and rocognizitions may make for a good weapon.  I would steal a drawstring, pack my things and see how long I could survive.

Luckily I wont have to make any of those decisions and will be sitting comfortably on my couch Sunday to see if Rick, Shane, Glenn, Dale and the rest of the gang all survive through another week.

 

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Why Spend Millions on a Super Bowl Ad if This is What We are Going to Get

February 6th, 2012

It’s Monday after the Super Bowl, the longest time of the year before we get to see our favorites teams play in a meaningful game again.  The New England Patriots and New York Giants put on a great show for us last night though.  An early mistake by Tom Brady in the end zone cost the Pats points, but he rallied completing a Super Bowl record 16 straight passes and scoring 17 unanswered points.  In the end however, we all experienced a little bit of Déjà vu watching Eli Manning orchestrate another late fourth quarter touchdown to take the lead and eventually win the Super Bowl.

Congratulations to the Giants on their second Super Bowl win in the last four years.  We here in Chicago are still reminiscing about the Super Bowl Shuffle in the 80s waiting for our next championship, so enjoy it while it lasts.

While we were treated to a terrific game Sunday night, the overhyped, overpaid commercial spots were nothing to start trending about.  They lacked substance, creativity and any motivation from me to take action.  With the average cost being about $3.5 million a commercial and some of the monumental successes in the past, we expect the world on Super Bowl Sunday.  I mean, who can forget the Budweiser Frogs, right?

The best commercials in my opinions featured pets, top being Doritos and that bribing dog.  The spot was actually part of a contest where people could submit their own commercials with the winners being featured during the game and a chance to work with Lonely Island.  We saw sex symbols like David Beckham and Adriana Lima try to sell products in next to nothing and several car companies miss on their spots.  This really shows the lack of creativity in the advertising industry.

Goes to show you that spending a lot of money on advertising isn’t always going to equal success.  Promotional products like custom stress balls, sunglasses, coffee mugs, koozies, tote bags and polo shirts still have their place in the world.  These hands-on advertisements are cheap, imprinted with your company logo and can have a similar impact as a 30 second commercial during the biggest game of the year.

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2012 Oscar Nominations and Projected Winners from Blue Soda Promo

January 30th, 2012

The 2012 Academy Awards is right around the corner and I get excited this time of year because I get a chance to see the nominations.  The nominations can give you a good idea of what most consider to be some of the best films and performances of the year.  I love to check out as many films as possible before the red carpet event and try and predict the winners.  Unfortunately, my guesses are usually wrong because I didn’t go to a prestigious school, I don’t realize the ‘real’ artistic value of a film and an actor or actress’s performance has never ‘moved’ me.  I just like good movies (something the Academy should look into).  But in their defense, I get to see some really good movies that I may have overlooked until now.

The nominations for the Oscars came out recently and I’d like to take my shot at them again.  I haven’t seen every single movie on there, but I’ll give you my guess and who I think will probably win in my favorite categories.

Best Picture

“The Artist”, “The Descendants”, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”, “The Help”, “Hugo”, “Midnight in Paris”, “Moneyball”, “The Tree of Life”, “War Horse”

Who Should Win: “Moneyball”

This movie was awesome.  I love a good sports movie and this is the epitome of that.  Based on a true story, it takes more of a look at what happens behind the scenes in baseball.  The uneven playing field that some teams have to work with if your team name isn’t the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.  Brad Pitt and Johan Hill’s characters try to reinvent the game to save their jobs and produce a winner on the field.

Who Will Win: “The Artist”

Haven’t seen it yet, but by the name alone I can already tell the Academy is going to love it.  I think its about silent films and I couldn’t think of something more boring to watch than a movie on mute.

Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close in “Albert Nobbs”, Viola Davis in “The Help”, Rooney Mara in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, Meryl Streep in “The Iron Lady”, Michelle Williams in “My Week with Marilyn”

Who Should Win: Rooney Mara


I loved the books and loved this movie.  David Fincher’s version was much better than the original that came out in 2009 in my opinion and Mara was a big part of that.  She was weird, awkward and mysterious, exactly what the character called for.  Even though the movie didn’t capture everything that makes Lisbeth Salander so captivating, Mara was excellent.  Plus if Fincher tried, the movie would have been about five hours long and no one would have wanted to sit through that.  Here’s too hoping they get to make the next two.

Who Will Win: Meryl Streep

Again, I haven’t seen “The Iron Lady” but I do know that the Academy loves Streep and she already has a ton of Oscars.  If they couldn’t decide, picking Streep would be an easy copout.

Animated Feature Film

“A Cat in Paris”, “Chico & Rita”, “Kung Fu Panda 2”, “Puss in Boots”, “Rango”

Who Should Win: “Rango”

I think this may be the first year in a long time the easy choice isn’t just another Pixar movie and who can blame them.  Those movies are awesome!  It also makes the decision of picking a winner in this category pretty tough.  I really liked “Rango” though.  To me it was a mix of a Pixar movie and the “Shrek” series.  A good story for the kids with some adult references to keep them entertained throughout the film.

Who Will Win: “Rango”

This is one I actually think I will get right, but in name alone “A Cat in Paris” seems like it would win.

Documentary (Feature)

“Hell and Back Again”, “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front”, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory”, “Pina”, “Undefeated”

Who Should Win: “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory”

I have to start out by saying this is my favorite category.  I’m really disappointed in the nominees, but “Paradise Lost” should win because of the overall story alone.  It would be like a lifetime achievement award.  If you don’t know the story I strongly suggest checking it out, but in short these filmmakers were able to free three people from life in prison because of the exposure these films created.  It would be a great moment if they were able to make it on stage.

Who Will Win:  “Hell and Back Again”

I haven’t seen this yet, but I’ve only heard good things about it.  I feel that the Academy wouldn’t want the attention it would cause if “Paradise Lost” won, in the same manner as “Exit Through the Gift Shop” last year.  I thought it was the clear winner, but no one wanted to see what Banksy would do it he got the chance to go up to the podium to accept his award.

 

If you love the Academy Awards or plan on watching the Oscars, check out our Awards and Recognition section or get creative with our other custom promotional products.

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The 5 Essentials Needed for a True Super Bowl XLVI Experience

January 23rd, 2012

After costly special teams’ mishaps in both league championship games, the teams are finally set for this year’s Super Bowl.  A rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.  The last time these two teams matched up back in 2007, the undefeated Patriots lost out on their perfect season, thanks in part to David Tyree’s unforgettable catch and Eli Manning’s clutch fourth quarter.  This year we have seen much of the same from these two teams.  Tom Brady has been Tom Brady, torching league defenses while racking up huge numbers and the Giants have counted on their defensive line and Manning’s ability to lead the offense late in games.

Will Tom Brady win his fourth Super Bowl and cement his name as one of the top quarterbacks of all time, or will Eli get out of his big brother’s shadow by exceeding his Super Bowl total with two?  Whatever happens it promises to be a great game.  Whether you have a dog in the fight, for the love of the game or just for the commercials the whole world will be watching.  People have their traditions when it comes to the big game.  They throw big parties, go to a sports bar or sit a home where they know they wont be disturbed.

Whichever way you choose there are some essentials everyone needs to truly enjoy the Super Bowl.

Snacks


This includes chips, dips, pretzels, cocktail dogs, cheese platters, the list goes on and on but these bite size foods are a must when viewing because no one wants to leave their seat to get something to eat.  But after the Super Bowl make sure you have plenty of chip clips to reseal those extra bags.

Pens & Notebooks

The Super Bowl is the most watched football game of the year.  It also has the most money riding on it.  You can bet on everything from the outcome of the game to heads or tails on the coin flip.  People bet on anything and everything when it comes to the Super Bowl and you’ll need pens and notebooks to keep track on where the money is.

Koozies

Nothing screams football more than can koozies.  They keep our beer cold and hands warm.  The Super Bowl is just another excuse to drink on a Sunday and we gladly indulge.  Koozies come in all shapes and sizes and now you can even dress up your bottle with a little jersey.

Hats

I’ve always felt that a hat is a must on Super Bowl Sunday.  It hasn’t always been for a team in the game or even have anything to do with football, but a necessity at times.  Its there to cover my face when I can’t watch a gruesome injury, a field goal kick that may or may not win me money or a great accessory when throwing something across the room in frustration.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses may not be worn on gameday, but are a great relief the next morning.  After a late night of drinking and partying, unfortunately most of us have to go into work the next day.  Sunglasses hide your eyes from the sun and from people seeing your glazed over look the next day.  I propose the Super Bowl either be moved to Saturday or Monday be a national holiday because I don’t know how many more Mondays like that I can take.

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On MLK Day, Dream Big with Promotional Products

January 16th, 2012

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential people of our time.  He dreamed about equality for all people and even though he has passed away, his inspiring words will live on forever.  Today, we celebrate him and see how far we have come as people and a nation.

In the business world it is a different story though.  We all want to be different, a little better and set ourselves apart from our fellow competitors.  Companies’ do this is a variety of ways including pricing, advertising, marketing and customer service, the list goes on and on.  We look for anything to make our business unique and I’m sure that’s why you’re here.  Promotional products can be pretty much anything that you can stamp your company logo on for your clients, customers and employees to remind people about you.  If you aren’t using them as a marketing tool you should be.  Give them away as corporate gifts or tradeshow giveaways and change the perception of your business.

Here are suggestions of some of the most popular promotional products.

 

Custom Tote Bags – Tote bags have become very popular over last several years and work great for a day at the beach or at the grocery store.  And remember with your logo, it says you support the Green Revolution.

Custom Stress Balls – Stress balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  They assist people to relax or help solve some nervous ticks.

Custom Sunglasses – The most stylish of promotional products, they continue to help you looking good as well as keeping the sun out of your eyes.

Custom Acrylic Tumblers – Acrylic tumblers and the most popular of our drinkware products.  They are shatterproof, don’t spill and keep drinks cool and refreshing.

Custom Polo Shirts – Polo shirt are a popular choice because they are appropriate for any occasion, a night out, work, even the golf course.

 

I have a dream that you’ll place an order with Blue Soda Promo today!

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Time for a New Calender Already, It’s 2012

January 9th, 2012

I just took a look at my calendar this morning for the first time since the new year and realized I’m January is the thirteen and final month of my 2011 Dora the Explorer calendar and please don’t ask how I got it, long story.  But it stayed up all year and this will be the last month I will have to stare at Dora, that monkey or one of those exotic places she’s been and I  only can dream of going (yes, I’m jealous).  Now with the new year upon us, I finally have my choice of any type of custom calendar I want.  It may not seem like a big decision, but its something you’ll have to look at till 2013!  That’s a long time.  Do I want another wall calendar or notebook style?  What about one that sits on my desk or something magnetic I can stick on the fridge.  After that I still have to pick a theme?!  Geez, well while I ponder on those decisions take a look at some of the tips I came up with for creating a promotional calendar for companies.

1.  Employee Appreciation Calendars – Dedicate each month to a different employee that you treasure at work.  Let them know you appreciate what they do for you during the year.

2.  Product Calendar – Print a different product you sell for each month of the year.  Make them relevant to the time of year.  Candy and chocolates in February and Christmas Ornaments in December.

3.  Customer Calendars – Similar to the employee appreciation calendar, let your customers know your thinking about them.  Think of a creative way to dedicate a month to them that means something to them.

4.  Fun Calendar – Dont listen to me.  Just put 12 of your favorite pictures or images that you like on a calendar so you’ll enjoy each day a little more throughout the year.

Till next time folks, Im out!

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Happy New Year from Blue Soda Promo

January 3rd, 2012

We’re back after a nice and relaxing holiday break and ready to kick off 2012 with a bang.  We here at Blue Soda Promo hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and probably the last ones to wish you a Happy New Year.  With that being said welcome back!

With every new year comes the New Year Resolution.  Our resolution remains the same as it’s always been which is to offer the best products at the lowest prices while giving excellent customer service to each and every one of our customers.  But mine of the other hand has to be to lose a few extra LBs.  With all the great holiday food starting with Thanksgiving and the added pressure of getting things wrapped up by the end of the year, I have neglected what I learned in Physical Education in trying to take care of my body.  And I don’t think I’m the only one.  Please don’t tell me I’m the only one…


So to begin 2012 I am gluing myself to one of our custom pedometers.  The typical goal for most has been about 10,000 steps per day and I hope to exceed that in one form or another.  Whether is taking the dog for a extra long walk (which I’m sure he would appreciate) or playing an extra game or two of basketball during the week.

I just hope this marathon walking campaign doesn’t get too distracting because I am getting some pretty weird looks from people as I take laps around the office holding my laptop like I’m looking for a wireless signal while writing this post.

To see our full list of promotional pedometers click here.

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Worst Christmas Presents I’ve Ever Received

December 19th, 2011

I love my family.  They are caring, good-hearted people, who have been there in my time of need.  Helped me when I needed them most and shaped me into the person I am today.  But there is a reason I’m not the biggest fan of the holidays.  For all the good they have done for me, presents haven’t been one of their strong suits.  I tend to give an awkward smile and say thank you to be polite although I wish I just had the guts to ask them if they still had the receipt.  Here is a list of some of the more memorable presents I’ve gotten in the last 25 years.

‘Tickle Me’ Elmo

Elmo

You may be thinking, ‘Tickle Me’ Elmo, that’s not a bad gift.  Why are you complaining about that?  Your parents probably went through a lot of trouble getting you one of those at the time.  And if I had gotten one the year they came out and been 5 years old at the time, I probably would have been thrilled.  However, I got one years later and was 20 at the time.  My parents just love a good deal and found one on eBay for $6.  They explained to me that the auction said they are all the rage and didn’t want me to be the last one to get one.  Too late.

A Cap Gun

Cap Gun

We moved to Wisconsin when I was in fifth grade.  I had grown up in Chicago to that point and some of my new friends had some different hobbies than I did at that time; hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling and the Green Bay Packers.  So for Christmas of ’96 my parents bought me a cap gun.  What was I supposed to do with a gun?  First, I had never told my parents I liked any of the new hobbies my friends were into.  Second, hunting is more typically a rifle sport, what was I going to kill with a cap gun.  The only thing I was able to do was give the deer a heads up.

Resident Evil (Japanese Version)

Resident Evil

The older I got the more I feel in love with technology.  Computers, video games, iPods, I had bought it all with the money I earned working after school.  My parents had a keen enough eye to pick up on this and bought me the newest Resident Evil at the time.  A very thoughtful gift, only problem was they had picked up a bootleg copy somewhere in Chinatown and Im pretty sure it was in Japanese.  I was so excited that this was almost a cool present I may have even given it a shot if it wasn’t for Xbox and I had a Playstation at the time.

Bag of Coal

Bag of Coal

I would have to say that my parents have a pretty good sense of humor.  They were the ones that introduced me to great comedies such as Uncle Buck, What About Bob and Caddyshack.  However, one year they decided to ruin the one part of Christmas that I actually enjoyed.  On Christmas morning, they switched out all of our stockings that were usually full of candy with little bags of coal.  When I finally stumbled downstairs to endure the hell of opening presents, they laughed hysterically when I noticed my stocking was missing.  I have to admit I even cracked a smile and applauded them for the good joke.  But when I asked them where the real stockings were they told me they had spent the money they usually would have bought candy to play the practical joke.  So that day I hit the eggnog hard.

Don’t make the same mistakes my parents did and show your customers, clients and employees the love they deserve by looking into some of our great gift baskets always printed with your company logo.

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