Here’s a post I really wish I didn’t have to do. I received an email a little while ago that Andy Markwart, the editor of John Deere’s “The Furrow” magazine just passed away. I only just got to know Andy in the last year or so since I’ve become involved with AAEA and IFAJ. Andy was one of the members of the popular Quasimojo band that played at their events. I know I will join many people in missing Andy. The news was a shock and he and his family will be remembered in our prayers.
E-Watch Your Release Results
The folks at PRNewswire have been listening to their clients and are now offering users who send a news release a “complimentary” service to find out about online “use” of a release that’s sent via their US1 wire. It’s called E-Watch Media Monitoring.
Listen To Michael, Mary and Margy
It’s Commodity Classic week here on AgWired. That means you must enter our contest to win a video iPod, which is being sponsored by New Holland and watch for event coverage that includes student bloggers Mary Irelan and Margy Fischer, sponsored by Monsanto. This week’s ZimmCast is a little different. No one on one interview. You can hear some of the music from Michael Peterson’s new CD, “Down on the Farm” and I interviewed both Mary and Margy to find out what they want to accomplish at Classic and what they think about blogging it.
Rural High Speed Internet Rising Quickly
The availability of high speed internet access in rural America is the subject of the latest study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Podcasting With A Vatican Official
This has absolutely nothing to do with agriculture but I thought it was very cool. I use it as an illustration of how podcasting is not some sort of goofball strategy. I subscribe to the Cardinal Arinze Podcast. It’s “podcasting with a Vatican official” and he’s really good at it and so are the people doing the production. In fact, they’re even doing video podcasts. I just like the new logo they emailed me. In case you wonder who he is, Wikipedia has this:
Pass PAS Along
Here’s something to pass along to your friends and neighbors. It’s the National PostSecondary Agricultural Student Organization conference. It’s going to be taking place in St. Louis. You can find out more about the conference here.
Your Silence Is Golden
Find a home for that special edition wildlife print or even those sports tickets and surplus company logo jackets. Or give a media package or services, and support the Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) at the same time.
Quick Link Stories
I’ve got quite a backlog of stories that I’ve been meaning to mention. So in the interests of time and my sanity here’s some quick links:
Mid South Show This Week
While a lot of us will be in Anaheim this week a bunch of folks will be in Memphis for the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show. In fact, I know some of you will be flying from one to the other. Lots going on this week.
Get Some Elvis PR In Graceland
Have you registered for the Agricultural Relations Council meeting in Memphis yet? Time’s a wasting. You’ve got until March 3 to get the convention rate at the hotel. They’ve got a full program on public relations lined up including one with Kevin Kern, Media Coordinator for Elvis Presley Enterprises.