Barkworld Social Media, day two

Who knew that a social media conference could be so fun. Anytime pets are involved or the ultimate focus, it is going to be fun. That's part of what made the Barkworld Expo so enjoyable this past weekend. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the conference brought together some of the leading 'social petworkers' for a confab and learning sessions galore. One element in particular that emerged was that of QR Codes (QR stands for 'Quick Response', our friends at Wikipedia have more info on QR Codes here). These QR Codes are slowly emerging as a communication tool for marketers, events, merchants and others to give consumers and the general public a way to learn more. For example I was at the Atlanta Airport flying home and saw a sign in the terminal about airport shopping and restaurant offers with a giant QR code. So I took out my iPhone, opened the scanning app and scanned the sign. It brought me to a website that had a bunch of offers and coupons for the various restaurants and shops in the airport. I decided where to eat based on what I found from that site. Interesting huh?

Well one exhibitor, called Pet QR Tag had a nifty item for pet ID tags that had the QR Code technology, which is very clever. That way if you move, change your number or even post a special message on the website, it is easy to update, but the QR code on the pet's tag allows you lots of options. In all honesty, QR Codes are still not in heavy use by the general public but it is a fascinating way to communicate. I suspect lots of people, like myself just don't know how to get their phone to be able to scan QR Codes. (all you need to do is go to the App Store and search for 'QR Code Scan' or 'barcode scan' and a bunch will come up. I like 'Red Laser' which was free, and is easy to use. Start looking around, you'll see these QR Codes more and more, so explore them and have fun.

It was great to run into my friend and fellow paw-pal Diane with her flat Cosmo, better known in the Twitterverse as @CosoHavanese. This is one cool dog who can do amazing things! Diane is really sweet and does a lot to help raise money for pet charities and all sorts of groups. If you don't follow @CosmoHavanese on Twitter you should do so!

In addition to the learning sessions throughout the Expo, there was a nifty room for blogger networking, where attendees could sit, relax, catch up on e-mail, chat with other folks, or just relax and watch the giant screen in the room with the live Twitter feed from people using the #Barkworld hash tag. It was a nice quiet, cozy space that is rare to find at conferences today.

Barkworld founder Denise Quashie (center photo) is one of the nicest people I've ever met. She plans and hosts this entire social conference, providing a wide range of interesting and valuable sessions for attendees. This year was an impressive event even over the prior year, which I thought was pretty darn good too. One of the sessions I attended was presented by Cheryl Lawson, CEO of 'Party Aficionado' an event planner and Social Marketing Specialist. She is a very sharp person with a heck of a lot to offer, should you ever need a consultant or assistance within your organization. Anyway, Cheryl's session encouraged me to engage with Google+ so I filled out my profile and have that up and running. I prefer Google+ to facebook, as I don't really want to share every facet of my life with everyone, so Google+ is closer to what I want out of an online social presence.

As I mentioned earlier, it's always a big plus to have pets at an event. They add an element of warmth to the activities and for those of us who missed having our pet with us it was great to have a fluffy friend to pet. Some of the pets were the "voices" behind some of the top Twitter handles on the Internet, others were just along for the ride.

One of the exhibitors, petco had a preview of their holiday pet fashions, toys and other cool things. They had a drawing for a free petco gift card and digital camera, which seemed to generate strong interest from everyone passing by their booth. As one a 'diamond sponsor' of this year''s Barkworld Expo, petco was engaging with pet bloggers and social media experts to enhance relationships and build more opportunities for the future.

I love this photo, it is of 'Precious' known to many online as the personality behind @ImaJackRussell on Twitter. Precious is wearing the red shirt, and next to her was a super cute friend in a pink satin dress, with a pearl necklace, sniffing around in her mom's Juicy Couture bag.

I'd like to give a shout out to Denise Quashie from Barkworld who did a great job this year. 

I give Barkworld "two paws up" for the entire event, and recommend attending next year; I know that I plan to do so. By that time, I hope my Sheldon has a bigger following on Twitter (he is @SheldonGryffin) and maybe I'll bring him to Atlanta for meet and greet!

Barkworld Expo 'Petworking' Social Media Conference

This weekend I'm attending  'Barkworld', a national social media conference for the pet industry. It includes pet bloggers, pet enthusiasts, pet product companies, retailers, etc. You may recall when I attended last year ('cool dogs' post too). I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and made some wonderful connections which I still maintain. Working for Natural Balance, it made sense for me to attend, which I was happy to do with my friends from petco who were diamond sponsors of this 'petworking' social media conference.

The conference includes a range of activities, including events, presentations, guest speakers, panel discussions, exhibits, and fabulous networking opportunities for anyone interested in joining the fun fray of the social media space for pets and people who love them.

A special guest speaker was the popular Victoria Stilwell, the dog trainer whose show 'It's Me or the Dog' on Animal Planet is an enormous hit in the US and in her native UK. She gave an excellent, passionate presentation that held the attention of the entire audience. I was thrilled to have an opportunity to chat with Ms Stilwell and gush over her 'Positively' reinforcement dog training methods.

As you know, I'm never one to shy away from celebrities! I must say, she was lovely to speak with and very down to earth. She was also signing copies of her book 'It's Me or The Dog' which is a marvelous read, if you are looking for some easy tips on dog training. 

Here are a few quick photos I took from Barkworld:

A neat ice sculpture of a fire hydrant...cool huh?

One of the interesting things about attending Barkworld is the range of people who attend. Everything from 'mommy bloggers', to social networking professionals, to major corporations to small business owners, it truly attracts diversity, but most everyone has one thing in common; we all LOVE pets, which makes it easy to strike up conversations with folks.

Doggie Day Care at Barkworld. Should have brought Sheldon

I've been blogging since 2006, and active on Twitter since 2008 under the Twitter name: @RickRockhill. However a few weeks ago I finally created a Twitter account for Sheldon, called @SheldonGryffin and tweet in his voice as well as under my own Twitter account. (His full name is Sheldon Gryffindor, hence the Twitter name). Anyway, it is not unusual for people in the social 'petworking' space to Tweet in the voice of their pet. It seemed crazy to me a year ago, but now I manage two Twitter accounts (well maybe I am crazy, who knows).

Missing my poodles, I found this one to pet for love!

Some of you have multiple blogs- I cam barely maintain The Palm Springs Savant regularly but I do still love it.  

If you are on Twitter, consider following me @RickRockhill and of course @SheldonGryffin as well. We'd both appreciate it. And if you are at Barkworld and reading this post, I hope to meet you this weekend, let's 'Tweet Up'.

A Great Night at Johnny Costa's Ristorante

Guide Dogs of the Desert volunteers at Johnny Costa's

Tuesday night it was my pleasure to have dinner at the best Italian restaurant in Palm Springs: Johnny Costa's Ristorante. Many of you know I am a bit of a foodie, and enjoy a good meal. I dine out regularly and have my local favorites here in the desert. I've liked Johnny Costa's for years because it is a family owned-and-operated restaurant with great food. But this night was even more special to me; Johnny Costa's held a fundraiser to benefit National Guide Dog Month, since one of the beneficiaries is the Palm Springs based Guide Dogs of the Desert. Johnny Costa's donated 15% of the in-dining check for every guest on Tuesday evening, which was very generous. Earlier in the day I was a guest on local radio station KNEWS FM 94.3 on the Lee Rayburn show to talk about the guide dog benefit at Johnny Costa's. It was great to see the community support for local events and organizations.

Regular readers know that I've been involved in fundraising for National Guide Dog Month through my employer, Natural Balance, so I was especially happy to see a local Palm Springs business giving back to our community. During the evening, several guide dog users and volunteers were on hand with guide dogs to give locals the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to train a guide dog. 

While I was eating, I noticed a blind woman and her guide dog arrived for dinner; her guide dog brought her right to her table, and sat quietly at her feet. I wondered how she would handle the menu and decide what to eat, knowing that she was blind. I learned from a waiter that earlier in the day she had visited the restaurant's website and used some special software that read the menu to her, so she had made her choice for dinner before she arrived at the restaurant, isn't that cool?

Whether you live locally here in the Palm Springs area, or plan to visit on vacation, be sure to check out Johnny Costa's, they have delicious food and are really nice people too! Incidentally, Johnny Costa himself was a personal chef to Frank Sinatra, so the restaurant has some very cool history and ties to our community here. 

And a special thanks to Vince at Johnny Costa's Ristorante for his generosity and support for the Guide Dogs of the Desert and National Guide Dog Month.

One Last Plea for Guide Dogs...Won't You Help?

Dear Friends,

I am writing today to ask for your help. We're almost at the end of National Guide Dog Month, and we’re still shy of our goal to raise $1 million. We need your help to make any donation online before September 30th. You can donate online right now at  http://www.petco.com/guidedogs

A single guide dog costs more than $40,000 and takes two years to train. There is no government funding for guide dogs, so they rely on private donations to keep the programs going. Every seven minutes someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired, so the need is great; won’t you help with a donation in any amount?

Please consider making a donation online before September 30th at http://www.petco.com/guidedogs it is quick and easy to donate.

Thanks in advance for your support for National Guide Dog Month. Feel free to share this post with anyone else you know, we need to get the word out to hit our million dollar fundraising goal these last few days.

Best Regards,
Rick

If you would like more information about the cause:

• Wikipedia Page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Guide_Dog_Month
• Message from Spokespersons Omar Miller, Eva LaRue & Dick Van Patten: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ60omFvMMg
• Natural Balance Guide Dog page: http://naturalbalanceinc.com/programs/NatGDMonth2011.html

Our Fundraising Drive Needs Help....

Regular readers know that I try to help raise money for non-profit accredited guide dog schools in the USA. September is National Guide Dog Month, and we're trying to raise $1 million. The facts on blindness are startling-- every 7 seconds someone in America goes blind or visually impaired. Guide Dogs truly help provide independence to the blind, and are given to blind people for FREE. There is no government funding for guide dog schools, they solely rely on private donations. Here is where you come in. Our fundraising drive this month is going just OK. We're behind in our goal to reach $1 million this month. 

So I'm asking you to consider doing a post on your own blog, Facebook or Twitter to get the word out. And if there is any way you can donate even a few dollars, it would really make a difference. You can find loads of information about the cause from a bunch of places online, such as Wikipedia, from my employer's website, Natural Balance, or through the online donation page.

AND, if you donate $20 online, you even get this super cute plush guide dog, isn't that awesome? Well anyway thanks for anything you can do, we need some help raising money this year. 


To donate NOW, click here, its FAST AND EASY. (special thanks to the petco foundation a registered a 501(c)(3) animal charity who is helping collect and disperse 100% of funds we raise).

September 11th

It Was a Very Good Labor Day

Being of a certain age, some holidays just don't have as much meaning as they once did. Don't get me wrong, I respect the reason and history of Labor Day, but these days it is just another day. As a kid, it was an important time marker. Growing up in New England, it signaled the last day of the beach season. Back in those days, it meant school started the day after. It was also the last day to stay up late for a few months. Now well into my adult life, I barely notice Labor Day has even arrived. 

Despite this, I was bound and determined to enjoy Labor Day this year. I spent a goodly part of the day sitting poolside with my laptop, writing. For me, that was a great way to spend a holiday. I splurged this morning and put cream and brown cane sugar in my coffee (normally I take it black). Mmmm that coffee sure tasted delicious. My day was off to a great start. There were some puffy clouds in the desert sky all day, but they never interfered with my patio time at all. As dusk approached I went for a nice long walk with Sheldon and Duncan. When we returned home I noticed another one of those absolutely stunning sunsets from my front courtyard. Fortunately I had my iPhone handy and was able to snap this picture above. Lovely, isn't it?

All three of us trotted to the south patio to admire more of the beautiful evening sky. The San Jacinto mountains were "painted" in orange and red hues. I happened to glance in the pool and saw the reflection of some palm trees in the water's surface. If you look closely you can even see the same orange color on the water's surface. It was a very good Labor Day for me. How about for you?

Meet 'Vegas' the Guide Dog Puppy-in-Training

I am humbled by these amazing dogs. Its an honor for me to even play a small part in helping these non-profit guide dog schools across the USA. Check out this cool video (I'm in it!) then please make a donation online: petco.com/guidedogs

The Palm Springs Buddha

One of my favorite routines is to sit on my south patio and watch the sun rise. It is so peaceful, only the sound of an occasional bird or the palm fronds swaying in a gentle breeze. It is also my time to meditate and relax, even if it is as little as 10 to 15 minutes, it makes a real difference in the day. I especially enjoy watching how the sun's rays gradually illuminate the eastern side of the giant Buddha head statue on the patio. The photo above left gives you the idea of what I mean.

By the time the full sun is out, the Buddha takes on a different look and feel, don't you think? It has a peaceful look in the early hours, and then a majestic full energy in the full light of day. It reminds me to keep things in perspective, and to maintain that all-important balance in our lives. So 'The Palm Springs Buddha' may not be known to others, but he sure is known to me!

Rick's Roadshow: Shuffling Through Shanghai, Pt 1

Rick's Roadshow from Shanghai, China continues with a few photos for you. Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China (population, not actual land size). It is situated sort of South East, on the coast and is a really beautiful modern city. In fact I was really impressed by Shanghai and look forward to returning. It has become a true global city with major brands and companies located there, from banks, retail, restaurants, tech-stuff to Starbucks too.

view of Shanghai at night from top one of the tall buildings sky deck

Shanghai has many beautifully lighted buildings along the river

I was enthralled by this building that seemed to rise forever

even the trees were lit up with green led lights

 

a temple in the middle of the city

 

I'll be back with some more cool photos from Shanghai, so stay tuned for more.

Rick's Roadshow: Toddling Around Taipei

I'm finally getting around to posting photos from my most recent jaunt to Asia. My career takes me to some far-reaching corners of the world, and I must say I enjoy that aspect of what I do. I was in Taipei to attend the wedding. I was deeply honored to be invited to this particular wedding, and delighted to attend. Long time readers of this blog may recall that I've been to Taiwan many times, and in some cases my trip was wonderfully ordinary. By that I mean that side from the wedding, which was very cool, the time I spent with friends in Taipei was very similar to how I would spend time with close friends here at home. In total I was in Taipei five days, which was the longest consecutive number of days I'd spend in Taipei before. Two days into the visit, I found myself truly enjoying it on a very different level. 

I recall being in the car with my friends, driving around and thinking to myself 'I really enjoy being here and being with these friends'. It was a great realization for me because I caught myself truly living in the moment. For some reason that I cannot explain, I seem to have a spiritual connection to two individuals there. When you consider that both of them speak limited English, some might consider it unusual. I do not question what my spiritual connection is, or why but I know it runs deep, beyond this world. And so I just allow it to be. Even as I write this, I feel the energy of that bond. It is very cool to have such a friendship. Ok enough of me being all spiritual, onto a few photos:
Check out this cool artist who painted my name using the side of his hand- no brushes. It says 'Rick' but artistically looks like Chinese ships in the water with a mountain scape backdrop. I love this!

a local artist writes my name using his hand....

...and soon it turns into traditional Chinese art...

Now look at the finished product below. The way he wrote my name 'Rick' looks like Chinese boats and mountains. Cool huh?

                                                                                                                            

OK, now here are a few random photos from an afternoon out and about in a tourist shopping area. This woman wearing the wacky hat was selling sausages-on-a-stick, and was so much fun. She had a great personality, she made me smile.

Well that's it from Taipei. If you are looking for more photos of Taiwan, check out my prior trips. July 2010 or April 2011

September is National Guide Dog Month- Please Help!

If you didn't know, September is National Guide Dog Month here in the United States. It's a time to honor the incredible canine heroes who provide life-changing independence to their human partners. Having worked in the pet industry now over 15 years, I have met many a guide dog. It wasn't until I got involved with a local Guide Dog school here in Palm Springs that I learned just how incredible guide dog programs can be. First of all, a guide dog is provided to a blind person absolutely free of charge, yet it costs the school over $40,000 and takes two years to train a single guide dog. I was still working at PETCO when Natural Balance first started a guide dog program to raise money for accredited, non-profit guide dog schools across the country. With the help of the PETCO Foundation and PETCO stores, the annual fundraisers have been helping to fund schools to provide more guide dogs to blind Americans.

You may be surprised to learn that every seven minutes someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired. Blindness can affect anyone- young, old, moms, teens, brothers, sisters, even members of our military and veterans who lost their sight during active duty. If you ever see a blind person with a guide dog, take a moment to watch them closely. You'll be fascinated by the trust the person places in their guide dog and how much they can do with their guide dog.

Guide Dogs can be trained for just about any task, to meet the lifestyle needs of the person. These dogs are truly heroes, and represent some of the best in human-canine bonds I've known. 

Guide Dog schools are funded by private donations, companies and ordinary citizens who want to help. That's why my employer, Natural Balance Pet Foods and PETCO have teamed up once again to support National Guide Dog Month. Our goal is to raise $1 million this month, but we need YOU.  
Here's how you can help:

Visit any PETCO store now through September 24th and make a donation at the register in any amount. If you donate $20 or more you'll get this nifty lapel pin in Petco stores. 

Or DONATE ONLINE NOW, at www.petco.com/guidedogs its FAST AND EASY. With any online donation of $20 or more you'll get this free plush guide dog, isn't he cute? Want to hear something cool? Last year a few of us used facebook and Twitter spread the word to our own friends about the online donation option at petco.com/guidedogs and it helped drive online donations a lot. So I'm asking for your help to share this with your own friends, repost and re-tweet the cause and the online donation page.

Our goal is to raise $1 million this September so we have our work cut out for us. Won't you help? Even a small donation from everyone you know can make a difference.
Check out this video from our spokespersons from CSI: Miami, Omar Miller and Eva LaRue and our founder Dick Van Patten:
  

"CSI: Miami" Stars Eva LaRue and Omar Miller Join Natural Balance Pet Foods®, PETCO Stores for National Guide Dog Month in September

The following Press Release was issued today to officially announce details about National Guide Dog Month:

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Eva LaRue and Omar Miller, stars of TV's "CSI: Miami" are teaming with Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, PETCO (TM) and independent pet stores to celebrate National Guide Dog Month in September and raise money and awareness for guide dog organizations across the country.

"We want people to realize that this is more than just a fundraiser for a good cause," said Miller. "This is really about empowering the visually impaired with the life-changing gift of a guide dog. Guide dogs and training are provided at no cost to qualified applicants who are blind or visually impaired. With 10 million visually impaired people in the U.S., the demand for guide dogs continues to grow."

"Every seven minutes someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired," said LaRue. "Guide dogs are heroes, providing safe mobility, loving companionship and restoring confidence to their handlers."

Throughout September, pet parents can visit any of PETCO's more than 1,100 locations nationwide, as well as select Independent Retailers of Natural Balance to help support National Guide Dog Month. PETCO shoppers can make donations at the register or online at www.petco.com/guidedogs . 

All proceeds from these National Guide Dog Month activities will be donated to participating guide dog training facilities nationwide, a list of which is available at http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/programs/NatGDMonth2011.html

SOURCE Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.

Everything is Back to Normal Again...

Well my most recent mysterious world travels are complete...for now anyway. I'm happy to be back home in Palm Springs with Sheldon and Duncan. (Owen is inside staring out the window at his brothers, but that's fine with him). One of my favorite routines everyday is to watch the sunrise from my patio with a nice cup of freshly brewed cawfee, with the poodles at my side, of course. It brings so much joy to me. Plus, it is so peaceful to watch the sun's rays on the San Jacinto Mountains, it a perfect place to meditate. 

Over the next few days I'll begin sharing a few photos from my travels. I'm being more cautious than years past because I know from my web tracking software there are a few people who follow this blog that "may not have pure hearts", shall we say. Nothing sinister, but I think you get my drift. That's why I've been quiet on the blog of late. So enough of that let's get ready for some new installments of Rick's Roadshow! See you soon...

I've Been on a Long Mysterious Trip...

I've been away traveling the world for a long time, at various undisclosed locations. When its all done, I'll post some photos, but not for a bit longer. I thought I would share this one photo as a hint for one of the places I've been. More to come....