Get Ready, Twitter! Here Comes Hillary!

Is it really starting already? I feel like I was JUST posting about politics on social media and how cool it was that candidates were using different media because I was tired of ads.

And while I still think it’s cool, we JUST got done!

Nevertheless, Twitter has been abuzz with rumors that former Secretary of State - and possible 2016 presidential candidate - Hillary Clinton will soon be taking political aim on Twitter. Not surprising, really, after the success Barack Obama had in garnering support through social media. But, come on. It's May 2013. I guess you can't blame them for creating buzz!

 

It's not official yet, of course, but reports are already out on USA Today and Politico. And the reported handle, @hillaryclinton, currently shows protected tweets, just baiting us even more!

 

It was just over a month ago that her husband, Bill Clinton, joined Twitter- but with much less fanfare. Currently, @billclinton has totaled 26 tweets. Let's hope that all the ruckus about Hillary's handle amounts to more than that!

 

So, what do you think, are you ready for 2016 campaigning to start?

Google Doodle Tells Touching Story

If you have searched on Google at all today, you were greeted by a touching Google Doodle.  More specifically, what many social media leaders are referring to as the "most moving logo Google has ever posted". 

The doodle is a product of Google's "Doodle 4 Google" competition, which challenges US grade school students to create unique images for the iconic Google logo on the company's homepage.  This year's winner was 12th grader Sabrina Brady of Sparta, Wisconsin.  Her winning doodle is her depiction of the competition's prompt: "My Best Day Ever".

Sabrina explained, "When I was 10 years old, my dad came home from war. This was my best day ever."

Her image, entitled "Coming Home" is touching, and I can see why she won!  And now, today might rank up there as her second best day ever, since her image was hosted on Google all day, and she also won a $30,000 college scholarship, a Chromebook computer and a $50,000 technology grant for her favorite school.

Way to go Sabrina! 

What did you think of today's Google Doodle?  Do you have any other favorites from the past?

Pep-Talk to Perk up your Monday!

If you are entering the day with a "case of the Mondays", take ONE minute and watch this video.
In literally 60 seconds, you will learn a powerful new technique on how to pump yourself up to face the day!

Did you watch it?  If so, you are among 13 million that have now been encouraged by "Jessica's Daily Affirmation".

How great is THAT!  I love that she just lists random things to like... my aunts, my Allisons, my haircut, my house.  So funny.

So the crazy part about this viral hit is that it was filmed YEARS ago.  Seriously, look at this video and Jessica is now almost a teenager!  So all this was, really, is a dad going through his old family videos and putting up one he thought was funny.  Strange that what used to be an "America's Funniest Home Video" is now a viral media sensation.

I guess it goes to show you that a good, positive pep-talk never goes out of style!

Have a great Monday and remember... you can do anything better than anyone!

Is the Tonight Show's Karaoke Couple faking it!?

The intersection of late-night television and social media has been quickly expanding. What a perfect fit, too! I, for one, love cuddling up for some late-night shows with my computer on my lap and a nice glass of sweet tea - or a glass of pinot - in my hand!

 

From Jimmy Fallon's mobile app, LNJF, featuring clips and joke-apps, to Jimmy Kimmel's YouTube Challenges, I'm typically not disappointed. And, while a little late to the game, Jay Leno finally had a huge social media hit in the Karaoke Gas Station video that went viral last week, garnering almost 8 million views in 4 days. (Granted, probably 10 of those are from me... I laughed so hard!)

 

But earlier this week,  TheSmokingGun.com released information claiming the clip is a fake! Apparently, the couple featured are both Chicago-based actors and have been featured in similar videos by The Tonight Show. I feel a little cheated. Here's the thing... the clip is FUNNY. The scenario is FUNNY. I like them! I actually might not have CARED if Leno was upfront about it and told us it was a skit. But don't lie to me. Social media is supposed to be all about authenticity and, when viewers feel cheated or lied to, trust and engagement go down the tubes.

Weigh in, here. Are

pre-fabricated skits all part of show business, or should we feel misled?

Happy Mother's Day!

Moms take over social media!  Check out my favorite displays of motherhood all over digital media!
And this Sunday, use that mobile device to make a call--- to your MOM!!!

1) Quirky Moms on Twitter
Motherhood is full of joys, and these Twitter Moms capture the hilarity in all of them!  Follow their silly snack times, crazy carpools and touching teachings as they navigate family life with a sense of humor!  Lots of moms tweet, of course, but check out these three for some giggles: 

@Carbosly: My husband brought the kids to a baseball game so I woke them up at 2am to feed them candy. No way I'm losing the "favorite parent" battle.

@KelleysBreakRm: Neat birthday party trick: dump Swedish Fish in a small fish bowl, tell all the kids the fish died, stick your face in the water & eat them.

@KellyOxford: If you haven't listed every single thing your kid is afraid of and hates to eat and told them "THAT'S WHAT JAIL IS" You're doing it wrong.

2) Memorable Mother's Day Merchandise on Etsy

Etsy is well known for its custom stores selling homemade, unique items.  A perfect place for a Mother's Day gift.  If you are still looking for the perfect gift, check out these three awesome shops.   Be sure to check rush delivery, though, you are running out of time!

Cardtorial: I love these personalized wooden cards!

Lilly Reed: Custom iPhone cases for a tech-savvy momma.

Soap For Your Soul: Eco-friendly moms will love these vegan soaps!





















3) Funny Texts from Moms on DamnYouAutoCorrect
If you haven't seen this site yet, you are missing out.  I wonder if it is a coincidence that some of the best entries to the site are from Moms.  A few of my faves below, but visit the site to browse if you want to keep laughing.

Spring Cleaning Time!

 

When I hear "Spring Cleaning", I usually want to run to the couch, turn on reality television, and pretend I didn't hear those words!

But mix that idea with online media - my favorite thing ever - and then it gets my attention!

So here are 3 ways to do the kind of "Spring Cleaning" that I appreciate!

1) Clean Off Your Desktop

We start with an easy one, folks! Not only will cleaning off your desktop make each log-in a little easier on the eyes, but it has technical benefits as well. Your computer will start and run faster when it doesn't have to load all your desktop files. Additionally, many auto-backup services don't back up files displayed on the desktop! So move those docs to nicely organized folders and enjoy actually being able to SEE your background image!

2) Clean Out your Passwords

Password breeches are on a rampage! Just last weekend, LivingSocial had its password list hacked, and many other sites have too. And while I know that I am supposed to change my passwords regularly, who am I kidding! I rarely do! So take the time to spring clean your passwords. And while you are at it, make the new ones difficult to guess! Do not use words like "password" "passw0rd" "12345678" or easily guessed words. Hackers have programs that can just test any word in the English dictionary! So try a 12-character password with a random mix of letters and numbers. It may be annoying to remember, but your online safety is worth it.

3) Clean Up Your Twitter

Check out Tweepi.com, an easy to use tool to Spring Clean your Twitter! Tweepi can flush out users that that you’re following but who aren’t following you back, reciprocate a follow for users following you, and clean up any users who you are following but aren’t active on Twitter. It's a simple process with Tweepi, just press a button to generate a list of Twitter accounts with details such as bios, when their last tweet was, how many followers they have, and everything else you could want to know. A few minutes on Tweepi and your Twitter feed will have more relevant tweets and less tweets that you probably just ignore anyway!

Do you have any other annual digital spring cleaning tips? Share them below!