Reading to Get Your Blood Pumping

Sometimes we all just need a little ‘pick-me-up.’ One way or another, the authors of the following blogs covering news, media and the advertising industry will get your heart racing. But maybe not the way you’d want. That’s why these essential media bloggers are always great reads when you’re experiencing low blood pressure.

Jeff Jarvis – BuzzMachine – @jeffjarvis

Jeff Jarvis makes it no secret where he stands. As an author, teacher, podcaster and highly-accomplished journalist, Jarvis shares his own special viewpoints on modern society by crafting, oftentimes scathing, commentaries on the news and media industry. Never at a loss for that ‘just right’ word or turn of phrase, Jarvis’ skilled editorials are available at his blog BuzzMachine. Reading Jarvis makes us yearn to re-enroll in J-school at CUNY where he’s an assistant professor and director of Interactive Journalism. Want to experience sheer brilliance at the end of a poison-tipped keyboard? Up your heart rate at BuzzMachine. And hold on to your hat.

Mark Duffy – Copyranter – @copyranter

Mark Duffy, aka Copyranter, is to the advertising industry what Mr. Cranky is to movie reviews. But only better. The advertising industry can stand to take a few whacks every now and then, and Duffy hands them out like Jeff Gillooly at a Detroit ice rink. Duffy doles out black-and-blue shiners for agency work gone wrong, and does it with insight and humor that only serves to show his complete admiration for his beloved ad industry. A true champion of creativity and a vociferous advocate for advertising, Duffy’s been in the business for 18 years and claims to update Copyranter 20 times a week. That’s a lot of ranting, so there’s always something new to get you going.

Lee Papa – The Rude Pundit – @rudepundit

If you don’t yet have an indication, his moniker says it all. The concept of ‘mincing words’ isn’t in Lee Papa’s nature. For the Lefties, Papa is like preaching to the choir. And, oh does he preach. For the Righties, not so much so. There’s no limit to Papa’s, Rude Pundit punditry. He takes a bite out of subjects that include media, politics, and current events. Then he spits them out and back into your face like a demon-possessed teenager spewing pea-soup vomit in a 1970′s horror flick. Papa isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So if you cringe at the use of four-letter words or shy away from having every value you hold dear questioned relentlessly, Papa might not be for you. But if you forgot to fill your low blood pressure meds, a long drink of The Rude Pundit will probably tide you over until you get to the pharmacy.

We’re on a Mission to Paint the Town RED

For Fall 2011, Grey Matter is proud to be working with the Chicago chapter of the American Red Cross, assisting with marketing the organization’s Mission: Red Experience Auction. Please forgive this pitch of a blog post. But it’s a pitch to ask for your assistance in helping an organization that does so much to help the residents of Chicago and our surrounding communities.

Bid on Some Seriously Unique Items

As an agency, we’re very involved in our community and strongly embrace the concept of “giving back.” As a benefactor, the Chicago Chapter of the Red Cross couldn’t be a more deserving group. Mission: Red for 2011 is an experiential event where attendees will have the chance to bid on a serious collection of unique experience packages that truly offer and experience that money can’t normally buy. And, that’s no verbal cliche. Or editorial understatement.

While we can’t reveal the details about this year’s unique auction packages, rest-assured that attendees of the 2011 event, and auction winners, won’t leave disappointed. There are experience packages on the list that we guarantee will not be found anywhere else but at Mission: Red.

Tickets are Still Available

To make sure you have a chance to bid on the package list, make sure you’re on the guest list. Purchase tickets today for this event. Mission: Red for 2011 will be held Friday, September 16th at the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets are available now and can be purchased up until the day of the event. Don’t miss this chance at an experience of a lifetime.

Helping Chicago and Surrounding Communities

Proceeds from Mission: Red are used by the Red Cross to help Chicagoans live better, healthier and safer lives. More than 9.6 million people throughout northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana are served by the Chicago chapter. And during these times, the Red Cross and the communities it serves need your help more than ever.

Check out Mission: Red on Facebook, or at the Chicago Red Cross. Buy tickets here.

Everyone at Grey Matter thanks you in advance for your support.