Molly Scofield
Fête de la Musique and Surfing Biarritz
It was a better week in week 2. On Thursday night we hit the Ogilvy summer party where the husband made surf-love to a new friend when he was invited to Biarritz for the weekend - some sun and some surf. As of this report he is not back yet but I expect to see a blissed-out, glassy-eyed, lover of waves fully rejuvenated later tonight. That is, if he can get to our apartment.
It’s Like Those French Have a Different Word For EVERYTHING.
Anyone out there old enough to recall Steve Martin’s Wild and Crazy Guy standup album which included a brilliant piece on being in France? “Oeuf means egg, chapeau means hat. It’s like those French have a different word for everything.” Welcome to our lives in France.
International Travel with Kids
Ok, so here’s a good time: Pack 8 bags and 4 carry-ons. Pack snacks (including candy) in your carry on and then force two children under 6 to behave for over 12 hours in basically the same seat.
Parting Gift
After having been through (well, I’m currently going through) this process of planning and “hosting” my father’s memorial service, I have learned something I feel compared to share with you, readers. Before you die – plan your own damn funeral.
Wolfram Alpha - Will it change our lives?
There is a lot of discussion in the search community (and likely academic though I don’t run with that set) about the impending release of Wolfram Alpha. For those of you (us) who thought that adoption of online search killed the wall set of Encyclopedia Brittanica you’ve had since 1978 - this will likely take the corpse out and blow it up in a field.
What to take to Europe from the US?
In the interest of minimizing some of the pain and suffering that is bound for my husband and kids while I, the only one of us who speaks French, am at work and they are navigating a new foreign city - I asked around about what we should bring from the states. What items can [...]
The Truth in Social Media
As a marketer, I am alternately amazed and made cynical by emerging technology. I watch the trends, try the new “hot thing” and experiment with forms of media as much as I am able. I tweet. I Facebook. I use Picassa, Flickr. I DM. I join groups. I start groups. I read about awards and applaud innovation. I consult. And through it all, I must confess, runs a thread of cynicism. I have, after all, been in Marketing my entire career. I have had a first-hand view of how campaigns are conceived, planned, created and launched.
As many of you already know, my father died last month. I was far away on an island in the Pacific when, though I had personally told only a handful of people, I experienced the true power of Social Media.
Aloha for My Father
I wrote the following post on March 31st, 2009. The day my dad passed away on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. He was taken there after suffering a stroke at his second home on Molokai.
Average Commute Time
On the topic of the neighborhood. Factors include proximity to: a good grocery store; a gym; a park; a good restaurant or two; friends; public transportation (if in a big city). Also to be considered are how easy is it to walk from your house; how hard is it to park; how lively (or quiet) is it? Once you find the PERFECT place to live – you have to add the additional wrinkle of how long it takes to your office. Here is my new formula for evaluating wether or not your commute time is worth it.
Gratitude
Today I’m in Vevey, Switzerland. In my career I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy business travel to some nice places though I have to say, this one nears the top of the list for looks. I could not do this job or enjoy these views without a supportive family.
