Sunday, January 22, 2012

Is SOPA a GOOD thing or a BAD thing?

Is SOPA a GOOD thing or a BAD thing?


SOPA was designed and made to block out unknown websites that traffic in pirated American material. This act can have an ideal major impact on google, Facebook, twitter and any other major internet site. There is good benefits from SOPA and there is bad benefits from SOPA. Having SOPA can be good for the business or company getting their product sold on line without their input. SOPA can even benefit for all the cyber bullying and or crimes with the youth that take place over the net. However, the bad benefits can affect google, which is one of the largest internet resources for information. This can also affect all independent artists that are pursing a musical career or any kind of career that utilizing the internet for free advertisement and promotions.

There has been copyright negligence due to the internet being a free way to make money or to release free product items. As a result many musicians are making less than half of what they use to make in revenue. There are also ways a paypal can be set up for product purchases of books, music, movies and more. Many business owners most times do not know about other sites that maybe selling their products. Once the owner founds out, through SOPA they will be able to get this site removed and google will have to respect this request. Although, I understand the good and the bad benefits of SOPA, I do believe that this will not take place. Because the internet is such at a high demand of how business is handled and also more convenient consumers, SOPA will not take place. There are so many applications that cell phones all have that allow free music downloads and product purchases. Although, we may not know exactly who is creating these sites its still a good benefit as well as a bad benefit. SOPA is definitely a bitter sweet situation!



Posted By: Sparkle Callahan


Resources

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/sopa-people-article-1.1009499?localLinksEnabled=false

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzqMoOk9NWc

Sunday, January 8, 2012

A CHUNK of your LIFE is digital!!!

In todays world of technology it's almost impossible not to have a cell phone, seek information from the internet or use a computer. Technology has evolved in the past years in so many ways, but ultimately forcing consumers to depend on it for resources. There are many people in todays society who was forced to become computer literate due to employment of having to apply for an opportunity, which required an online application. Apparently it is obvious that technology has just made itself inevitable to consumers. When cell phones are purchased, especially smart phones they come with multiple applications for download, such as youtube, Facebook and twitter. Most banks as well are utilizing the internet for transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, inquiries and transfers. It is almost impossible to conduct any kind of business today without using the internet as a resource, "A Chunk of Your Life is Digital." 149

There are several major marketing digital businesses, such as social network marketing, database marketing, mobile marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and viral marketing. using these marketing strategies have different purposes. For instance, social marketing is to interact/network and make connections through twitter, Facebook, linkedIn etc. Database Marketing is a huge information board of contacts to your target audience of consumers, Database Marketing is used to inform. Mobile Marketing is utilizing the internet through a mobile device such as a cell phone. Search Engine Marketing is pay per click of advertisement and you are paying for Ad placement. Search Engine Optimization is making sure your site is easy to find through the search browser, this is important to any kind of Digital Marketing campaign. Your search should be made easy to the consumer so they may find you when needed. Viral Marketing creates awareness through Facebook, twitter, youtube etc. Having this kind of Digital Marketing creates popularity viral through the internet. 163

When you pay close attention to the way of communication, retrieving information, creating awareness, connecting and networking this shows you and the consumer that A CHUNK of your LIFE is digital!!!!


Resources

http://www.corporategovernance-asia.com/2011/12/26/the-importance-of-digital-marketing-getting-in-touch-with-todays-consumer/

Posted By Sparkle Callahan

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Disney and its opportunities for today's youth/Sports

I must say I'm grateful to have learned of a particular outlet for today's talented youth. Yesterday, I took my son Moses to an audition for Disney networks. The audition took place in NYC and in attendance they had some of the top managers and agents in the country to evaluate the kids performance. The organization is called "The Event."This organization works collectively with Disney to find the next best talent for any upcoming projects they may have at hand. Although, my son is very talented in performing arts he is pursing acting and Soccer as a future career. I was excited to meet these important people that may be able to get my son to the next level in his career. There were many different industry professionals there such as Discover Inc. management, Hines and Hunt management, Eye management and more. These industry professionals found talent and placed them with jobs such as Disney XD,  Gaspard & Lisa (Disney Jr's new animated series), Hannah Montana, Zeke and Luther (Disney Channel) and more. 170

Attending this event I was very pleased to be informed that Disney ESPN also has a boys Soccer opportunity titled "Disney's Soccer Showcase" for boys. Once I heard this information I was delighted and grateful that Disney and its opportunities for today's youth is so extensive. This Disney Soccer showcase is rated #1 youth Soccer Tournament in US. At this showcase there are hundreds of college coaches observing for the new soccer talent. This showcase gives young boys the opportunity to be selected to a great college on behave of a college scholarship and a promising Soccer career. The next showcase will be held between December 27-30, 2011 and the onsite tournament registration is on December 26, 2011. The tournaments will be held at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Austin Tindall Regional Park, and Hess Sports Fields at ESPN wide world Sports Complex. Networking and attending is very important I'm excited I went to this event as Disney has many opportunities for the youth in performing arts and sports.

Resources: http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/soccer/soccer-showcase-boys/

http://disneyauditions.com/


Posted By: Sparkle Callahan

Sunday, December 4, 2011

NBA Lockout is Now Over what about the Little people?

    Since the lockout is now over and the millionaires vs Billionaires have now conquered their goals, what about the little people? This has been a well over 6 month debate with athlete and NBA owners. Although, the athletes were not happy and owners were not content, they did not suffer as much as the little people. The little people are the structure workers such as parking attendants, vendors, maintenance workers, electricians and more. As a result of the NBA lockout many of these employees were out of a job. And fans were disappointed as their seasonal tickets went to waste. Restaurant owners such as Tavern lost over $1million dollars in revenue as well.

Due, to the NBA lockout there will be a price hike in tickets, but more empty seats as there are unsatisfied fans. Many people are excited that the NBA lockout is now over and see it as a christmas gift. But, there are many of the little people still suffering from this drastic 6 month ordeal. The question now is will there be some kind of discount or reimbursement for the disappointed fans and unemployment wages accomodated for the dislocated workers? while the NBA lockout debated about meeting common ground between themselves, there were the little people suffering. Many structured workers suffered with mortgages and livelihood, while the millionaires and billionaires debated amongst themselves. Currently, there are no days off within the NBA and everyday count. But, although there will many empty seats, the show will still go on. The lockout affected many people and more than what the owners and athletes of the NBA could ever imagine.


http://www.forbes.com/sites/sportsmoney/2011/12/02/why-the-nba-lockout-wasnt-so-bad-after-all/


Posted By: Sparkle Callahan

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sports Talk SHow Host Devan Wade Interview


It is a blessing and very inspiring when your able to connect and network with someone in your same career interest. I had the opportunity to interview Devan Wade, which is a sports talk show host in Houston, TX.
Devan Wade was very cooperative and inspiring when I asked him for an interview. His words of inspiration were “ I love to share and help others, especially Afro Americans who are ambitious.” Once I heard this I was very excited and knew I made the right selection because as an aspiring sports agent every little encouragement helps.
         Devan Wade has been a talk show host since 1992 and has had the opportunity of interviewing sports professionals, entertainment professionals and politicians. He was employed with The Houston Informer as a freelance editor for many years. The Houston Informer newspaper is the oldest African American newspaper west of Mississippi. Currently, Devan Wade is a talk show host for radio station KTSU in Houston, Tx and his show is titled “The Friday Express.”
         During my Interview with Devan Wade I was very interested in the following questions:
1. As a talk show host what kind of athletes do you mostly interview?

Devan: “I Work with retired athletes in Houston most with notoriety, such as NFL players and pro athletes and NBA players from all major sports. Most of the time I will set up my own interviews with folks from media relationships I have built over the years. Also, through personal relationships such as PR people. I interview athletes mostly when they are promoting something. Also some of the interviews come through the organization. For instance, like through their team or through their facility. I get many interviews during the athlete off-season because they come to promote their charity foundations or upcoming events.”

2. Which kind of athlete do you enjoy interviewing most?

Devan: “Honestly, it’s not much different. But, football players are most guarded, more relaxed, I’m not sure if it’s part of their contracts or what. But they are the easiest. I don’t have a real preference, but mainly concerned about what topic I choose to speak about. Houston is more football base, which allows me to focus more on football athletes and stories.”

3. Which athlete was the most exciting to interview?

Devan: “Most exciting interview I have had was with legendary former football player Jim Brown. He was entering into a lot of social things in the 60’s and broke a lot of barriers. He was the first leading black man to have a love interest for a white woman in the movie titled “Hundred Rifle.” I interviewed him a couple of years ago and he has a successful foundation called “Imerican I can.” We Sat for an hour and talked about sports and social issues as well, and the changes within the African American culture. This was my most exciting interview to date.”


4. What were some of the steps a soccer player took in becoming a successful soccer player?

Devan: “The Houston dynamo playing David Beckham and the La Galaxy is very successful. I have not spoken to any Soccer players. But, I spoke with the Soccer team president. My audience is not big in soccer, But Oliver luck I had the privilege of sitting down with. His excitement about bringing professional soccer to the city of Houston was our main discussion. The team which is currently in Houston called the “Dynamo” Oliver Luck was a big influence in bringing the team to Houston”


5. What and which athlete interview was your most heartfelt & memorable moment?

Devan: “My most heartfelt interview was with former boxer Gerald McClellan. He was a champion and he fought in London. He almost died because of severe injuries and became very sick due to brain damage. I spoke with him briefly between his sister and himself because sometimes he would forget or take a long time to speak. He had to raise a foundation for his kids, and many people in boxing forgot about him. It’s memorable as well because I always wanted to get in contact with Joe Frazier for an interview. But, I was not able to make that happen. I have interviewed Floyd Mayweather and I’m excited and waiting to see him fight boxer “Paqchioa”. I bring these boxers up because I had the privilege of interviewing Gerald. But, not Joe Frazier and I can say that I have covered the current major most relevant boxers interviews.”


Name: Sparkle Callahan

Interviewee: Devan Wade

Title: Host of Sports Talk

Twitter: @wadeword

Company: Host of KTSU's The Friday Express Houston Native
Contact info: KTSU 3100 Clebourne, Houston, Tx 77004
Ph: 713 313-7591 Fax: 713 313-7479




Monday, November 14, 2011

Boxer: Floyd MONEY Mayweather Social Media Presentation

In my Social Media presentation I will be discussing undisputed champion Boxer Floyd MONEY Mayweather. I will be discussing his enhancements as a social media participate, as well as analyzing his media presence thus far. Click the link below:


Presentation Link: http://www.viddler.com/explore/sparkle1/videos/11/

Sources:

www.floydmayweather.com
www.atlpics.net
www.prinyourpajamas.com/traditional-media-for-pr/
www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/us-twitter-celebrities-odd-idUSTRE74C3BA20110513

By Sparkle Callahan
Twitter: @sparklecallahan
Linkedin.com/sparklecallahan

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Facilities Management Nov 6, 2011


In sports finances is very imperative to keep teams and the athletes going. However, pro athletes and major leagues suffer less or if not at all compared to the little leagues such as college sports. During, economic hardships there are still ways for the smaller leagues to survive. With the correct strategic planning with heartfelt ambition it can happen. In other words creating your very own events, and proposals to charity foundations. Being different by implementation can create creative ways to sustain economic hardship within a sports team.
         Mostly in the south college football passion drives financial stability. In 2007 5 of the top 10 revenue producers in college football was: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Auburn and LSU. No matter what the recession and economic restraints are at the time these schools are still able to sell tickets, and have there contracts still in place with sponsorships. Because of their passion in the south they will always come out on top. Having passion for your league, will allow you to make ways to continue in prosperity. It is almost impossible to keep a college football league going every semester, especially if the team is not in the pro league. Therefore, passion will allow one to create events, write proposals and be different by implementation.
         Many lay offs and threats of canceling sports programs within the smaller college leagues have been threaten, especially in Louisiana. However, donors from the community helped out just in time before any tennis or sports division was omitted. When donors within your community help out and donate this is called passion.
         There are various ways I would be able to generate revenue for my sports division during a recession. The first approach I would do is create a wonderful and beneficial event, with a ticket purchase of $30.00 for non-students & $10.00 for students. I would have the event on the college campus of the team league. It would be either in the auditorium or out in the campus field. The event would consist of a mainstream or Pro athlete making an appearance at the school. The Pro athlete will be urged to speak to the students, faculty, community, and etc about the importance of sports/talent. The Pro athlete will sign autographs during, the allotted time set a side for a meet and greet and photos opts. depending on how much money need to be raised I will have this event with different Pro athletes once a month until we reach our goal.
         The second approach I would also utilize is writing proposals to charity foundations and various companies for monetary assistance for the college students. Since, I’m already experienced with writing such proposals I will be able to submit to many different organizations on the college behalf. I will explain to the organization benefits they would gain by donating for a good cause. It’s always someone somewhere willing to help and passionate about keeping programs continuing within a college. Which is why my target base will be charity foundations because they understand the importance of keeping students goals first.

Articles:
Posted By:
Sparkle Callahan