In memoriam

Today is a very sad day. Our family dog passed away. Those of you who have been fortunate to truly love a dog will know exactly how I feel. Others may not, and that's ok. It is often said your dog will be happy to see you even when nobody else is, will love you when no one else will, etc... But it's so much more than that. Your dog can be like your best friend, like your child, who looks after you and protects you, yet who is completely dependent on you and trusts you blindly to care for her.

Our dog Smokey was the kindest, most gentle soul I've ever known. She was imposing (70kgs or 155lbs) and very powerful, yet very docile and delicate. The ultimate teddy bear, who would truly return a good hug.



I will miss her more than I can say, and am not sure I still fully realize the depth of the void her departure has created. Every single person who ever met her instantly sensed how special she was. She touched many people, she had an unlimited amount of love and kindness to share.



Although never aggressive, Smokey was very protective of us, our true guardian... and now guardian angel.

I could go on and on, but will simply end by wishing with all my heart that we could be so lucky once again to have another dog as remarkable as Smokey was, and wishing to all of you to be touched by the kind of angel Smokey was for us.

You will always live in our hearts Smokey, and we miss you terribly already.

How to win (and lose) elections

It is often said that the top athletes aren't necessarily those with the most talent or ability, but rather those with the most commitment, discipline and focus.

Or that the most successful products aren't necessarily the best in their class, but those that are best positioned relative to their target market.

Many people still wonder how George W. Bush could get re-elected in 2004. As a marketer, I believe he was the lesser of 2 competing products (John Kerry was the other), but Bush benefited from a much smarter and more effective marketing campaign. And frankly the Democrats could have come up with a better product to start with, Kerry was less than inspiring.

As I watch the Democratic side play out their self-absorbed soap-opera in this campaign, I can't help but think we're going to watch history repeat itself. This time they have strong candidates, but they're busy being 'right', and exceedingly pleased at the sound of their own voices. In the meantime they are degrading the brand value of their product and failing to address the fundamental needs of their customers.

Whoever gets the Democratic nod for November is likely to win the 'blue' states John Kerry and Al Gore had already won in the last 2 elections. But to win the 'red' states and their electoral votes that got Bush re-elected in 2004, they're going to need focus and a motivated electorate. Two things that are less and less likely as long as they keep washing their dirty laundry in public...