Phinally Philly? Give me a Phreakin' Break

Congrats to the Philadelphia Phillies for clinching the 2008 World Series over the surprising Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night. Their fans rejoiced as the Phillies won just their second World Series in the team's 125-year history. The last time Philly won the World Series was in 1980.

While watching FOX-TV for the post-game celebration I swear I heard the notoriously rough Philadelphia fans boo Commissioner Bud Selig as he handed over the championship trophy. It also sounded like they even booed their own team president when he congratulated the Rays for their best season ever. The fans are tough in the City of Brotherly Love.

As a long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan I'm relieved that an old-school club such as the Phillies won the Series. From where I sit it's really been sickening to see upstarts like the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Angels, Blue Jays, Twins & Mets win the Fall Classic ahead of the Cubs.

Even before today's World Series finale the hot-stove league was in full roar here in Chicago. Fans and pundits are speculating on what moves the Cubs need to make to avoid a third-straight playoff collapse next year. All I know is my patience has been tested to the max. The last two years the Cubs have had great regular seasons. Baring a total collapse, odds are they'll return to the playoffs in 2009. Here's hoping Cubs management, coaches and players stiffen their spines to reward their fans next year in time for the 101st anniversary of our last World Series title.

It's Easy

Last week was a first for me. I voted early.

Early voting in Illinois is a piece of cake. No crowds. No waiting. I just drove to my township office, flashed my drivers license and stepped to the voting booth. Two minutes after I arrived I was ready to leave.

I was already comfortable with my decisions for president, congress, Illinois Statehouse, local offices and referenda. Instead of waiting until Election Day, I figured I could shut out the campaign noise by taking matters into my own hands. What a relief. Now I happily tune out all broadcast drivel and incessant commercials, as well thankfully skip past all print media coverage and angst.

After inserting my ballot in the voting machine I couldn't help but notice that I wasn't alone in this early voting thing: a full two weeks before Election Day, more than 500 of my neighbors voted before me.

So I Did It ...

Today I launched my blog. Big deal, huh? So I'm now one-in-a-bajillion.

Well, after years of helping clients and others figure out ways to create and maximize a web presence I'll no longer treat myself like the cobbler's child.

View from the Marsh will be a forum {most of the time} for practical communications, PR, branding and marketing ideas. I'll share my own ideas, and I'll shamelessly rip-off great ideas from others. Poke me in the ribs when I fail to give credit, okay?

This space also will be a bully pulpit {some of the time}. I'll rant on the things that bug me, but more often I hope to share stuff I think needs sharing.

We'll see where this goes, and I'll always encourage feedback, support, analysis and criticism.

Thanks, and see you soon!