THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024

 THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 - MARKETING CONTINUED

Marketing is basically telling somebody how much they need an item. Marketing leads to sales, sales leads to jobs, manufacturing, trucking, delivery, employment for sales reps, costumer service reps, and online phone reps. 

The basic principles of marketing are the four Ps:

Product

The product or service being sold should meet the needs of your target customer.

Price

The product should be priced at a level that meets consumer expectations.

Place

The product should be available in the suitable locations for customers to buy it.

Promotion

Customers should be informed about the product's availability, price, and location.

*****

Marketing is changing. Artificial Intelligence is going to shift marketing into top gear.

When I’m online, I’ve noticed that the ads are more tailored to me. Yes. I’ve been trying to manipulate my ads. When I got my first bra ad (probably after a Google search for bras). I clicked on the ad, and I got more. When I searched for IPL devices (intense pulse light), I got a lot of ads. Some transgender women get laser hair removal. I couldn’t afford that, so I shave daily- although my beard growth isn’t much. The IPL devices supposedly remove hair follicles. And, in general, it has worked.  

(Sorry for the next). There have been just a few times with incontinence - so as I search for that term, I get ads for all kinds of solutions.  

I’m making a trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion. Bryce, and Arches Nationa Parks in June. I have been getting ads for sightseeing and businesses in those areas.  

-*****

I bought Sparky (my Chevrolet Spark) in 2021, so I’m guessing that car ads will start to appear more frequently.

I get ads for Barry Manilow’s and Herb Alpert's concerts (I don’t get ads for music that appeals to a younger crowd). I guess my age, gender, and activities determine my ads.

I rarely get ads for pet foods (I don’t have pets). 

*****

What if the marketing people knew pretty much all about you? 

Let’s say they have copies of my credit card purchases, grocery lists, shoe size, TV programs I watch, sports I follow, alcohol consumption (and if so, what), exercise, job, investments, family, children, spouse, and health record.  

Maybe I would get a text message like this:

Hey Karen, your Spark just hit 50,000 miles. We know you want a newer car with more legroom and headroom. You need something more significant to take your tuba and friends Mary and Bonnie to your concert. I know you talked about acTesla in the past. With your credit rating, we can get you a new Tesla for 2.9% interest. 

****

Humor - but maybe not so funny:

ORDERING PIZZA IN THE FUTURE

CALLER: Is this Gordon's Pizza?

GOOGLE: No, sir, it's Google Pizza.

CALLER: I must have dialed the wrong number. Sorry.

GOOGLE: No, sir, Google bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.

CALLER: OK I would like to order a pizza.

GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir?

CALLER: My usual? You know me?

GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called, you ordered an extra-large pizza with three kinds of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and meatballs on a thick crust.

CALLER: OK, That’s what I want ...

GOOGLE: OK, could you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust this time?

CALLER: What? I detest vegetables!

GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir.

CALLER: How the hell do you know!

Google: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have your blood results for the last seven years.

CALLER: OK, I do not want our rotten, vokable pizza! I already take medication for my cholesterol.

Google: Excuse me, sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you purchased only a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once at Drug RX Network four months ago.

CALLER: I bought more from another drugstore.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.

CALLER: I paid in cash.

GOOGLE: But you must withdraw more cash according to your bank statement.

CALLER: I have other sources of cash.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your last tax return unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law.

CALLER: WHAT THE HELL!

Google: I'm sorry, sir. We use such information only to help you.

CALLER: Enough already! I'm sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and all the others. I'm going to an island without an Internet connection or cable TV, where there is no cell phone service and no one to watch or spy on me.

Google: I understand, sir, but Alexa says you need to renew your passport first. It expired six weeks ago.

*****

Scary and not too far away in the future!!!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, May 16, 2024

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, MARKETING

 WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024 - MARKETING

I’ve been naive on many things - and maybe that is what marketing people want.

First - Dakota State University had a bookstore.  It sold textbooks, and also sold the various t-shirts, and college items.

Every year, there was a convention of college bookstore managers.  And, every year, there was a “BIG” sale at the bookstore.  BIG was the “Boss is Gone” sale.  It sounded like the remaining employees were going to discount all the goods.  WOW - I better go to the bookstore and buy a new sweatshirt.  After all, the Boss Is Gone!!. 

I’ve come to realize that marketing wants us (that is, the consumer) to think it is a big sale and consumers will get all kinds of good deals.  

****

Second marketing story

Growing up, television commercials interested me.  Let’s say Smith Furniture Store is having a Washington’s Birthday Sale (prior to joining Washington and Lincoln for President’s Day).  The ads might have Washington throwing a dollar across the Delaware River.  Okay - they want people to think they are really making bargains 

Okay, Washington’s Day has come and gone - and now the ads are something like this.  “We are holding over our Washington Birthday Sale for another few days.  Stop in and get great bargains.”

I naively thought that at ten o’clock pm on Washington’s Birthday, the manager says “Gee that was good, let’s hold the sale for a few more days.”  So, the manager rushed to the TV studio and recorded a new ad - “Washington’s Birthday Sales is held over.”.

WOW - they want to help selling their furniture at bargain prices.  But, how could they get the new ads ready so quickly?  

Well Karen, that was the plan from the beginning - to call it a “sale” for two weeks instead of just one.  The first week was the Washington Birthday Sale; and the second week was the “The sale was so good, we decided to keep it going” sale. They had all the ads ready to go, 

Retail stores need to get people in the doors - the word “SALE” seems to do something to the human brain.  “WOW - I can really save”.  

*****

Yes, I play games on my phone.  I do Duolingo German language lessons.  They seem to have a good sense of marketing.  

Yes, learning a language is great.  After every 15 questions on a daily German drill, I would get a 30 second (or even longer) ad.  You want to learn (relearn) German - and you don’t want to pay for the lessons - so watching the ads keeps it free.  So, a lesson is about two minutes with a thirty section ad. - so about 20% of your time was spent on advertising.  I wanted to relearn German, so after 10 years of free usage, I decided to pay for the ad free version.  

*****

It seems like many of the game apps have ads between the games.  On Words With Friends, if the ads are going to be long, I close the games and restart it.  It can be shorter than having the ads blare on the game.   

Some online ads require the user to click three or four times to get back to the game.  

I currently have only two online services where I pay for ad removal (Duolingo languages, and Pandora Music)

*****

There is a concept that nothing gets done until something is bought or sold.  Yes, marketing caused almost all of a company to work - from finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, and even janitorial services.  

Colleges are more into “sales” now than they were when I went to college in 1965.  

*****

Even I’m “selling” something - a concept called “Love Wins”.  Where everybody is to be loved.  While no money gets exchanged, I want people to go deeper into God’s Agape Love!!!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, ©, May 15, 2024

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024 - DYING - PART II

 TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024 - DEATH AND DYING - PART II

Yesterday, I commented on my friend at the Nursing Home dying.  

Here are some resources:

Some of the earliest signs involve a sense of resignation. This may involve low mood, lack of motivation, and withdrawal. The person may spend more time reminiscing about their childhood and earlier life experiences.

Loss of appetite, general weakness, and increasing fatigue become noticeable.

https://www.healthline.com/health/elderly-end-of-life-symptom

 

*****

Other signs in the final days may include:

• drop in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature

• labored breathing

• difficulty swallowing

• refusing food

• no more bowel movements or urination

• hallucinations, illusions, or delusions

Hours before the end of life

Signs that the body is actively shutting down are:

• abnormal breathing and more extended space between breaths (Cheyne-Stokes breathing)

• noisy breathing

• glassy eyes

• cold extremities

• purple, gray, pale, or blotchy skin on knees, feet, and hands

• weak pulse

• changes in consciousness, sudden outbursts, unresponsiveness

It’s thought that hearing is the last sense to fade. Even when unconscious, your loved one can probably still hear you.

At death

At the moment of death, breathing stops, and there is no pulse or measurable blood pressure. If the eyes remain open, the pupils will be dilated.

As the body's muscles relax, the bowels and bladder empty. As blood settles, the skin starts to look pale and waxy.

After death, you may still see tears falling from the eyes or small movements of the arms, legs, or voice box.

*****

I’m not a nurse, a nurse practitioner, or a medical doctor.  But I see some of these things happening to my friend.

Let me pray for her:

“God of the University, surround my friend Trudy with your love, comfort, grace, and peace.  Give her the “joy of a happy death,” and welcome her into your eternal realm.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, ©, May 14, 2024

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 - DEATH AND DYING I

 MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 - DEATH AND DYING

In September 2021, I worked part-time at the Wesleyan Home Health Group in Georgetown. It was a shock.  I got an email from Sarah Kissee asking if I was interested in a job. I have a doctor’s degree, but it wasn’t in health care!!!

I interviewed and told Sarah upfront that I was a transgender female (that didn’t seem to bother her).  She offered me a job.  I worked two evenings a week as a “Personal Care Assistant.”  Initially, I worked in an Independent Living facility.  These were two large apartment buildings. I had seven people to visit - five on medicine reminders and two on longer assignments.  The medicine reminders were where the children of a resident decided that their parents needed somebody to remind them to take their medications.  The American health system has most seniors on some kind of medication - maybe for high blood pressure or another issue.  [I’ve been on blood pressure medications for over twenty years].  

I had two others to help.  One resident had leg swelling, and I helped him by wrapping his legs with compression pads - and plugging them in for a half-hour session.  I also helped clean up his apartment - and sometimes do his laundry.  

*****

My other resident was a 94-year-old lady - who didn’t talk much.  Seemingly, she had a mild stroke that affected her speech area.  The previous caregivers watched television with her and then took her to dinner.  It was mostly a companionship thing.  

I don’t watch much television, but she likes to play Gin Rummy.  So, our first hour was playing cards, dinner, and getting her ready for bed.

About a year later, she was moved to the dementia ward (which wasn’t the right place for her). She was talking even less now. In the dementia ward, she saw a checkerboard, and we played checkers. She was a good checker player. I helped her with dinner, cut up her meals, and got her beverages.  

She had been an artist and a MENSA person (high intelligence).  We did crafts and checkers twice a week.  It got such that I had to prompt her to speak.  I would say, “Jack and Jill went up a …” and she would finish it by saying, “Hill.”  Yes, even with her minor stroke, her brain was strong.  We might look at art books (from the library).  

In September 2023, my group was cut out (for financial reasons, I suspect). The two sons of this lady wanted me to continue with her, so I did—but now as an independent contractor, not an employee.  

In October 2023, she was moved to the “rehab and nursing home” building, but I kept meeting her.

At the rehab and nursing home, I would take her to the rehab room, and we did some light exercises.  We walked around the building, looking at the artwork.  I would comment on the art; although she didn’t speak, I could see her paying attention.  We continued the checker games and tried other games (Old Maid, Fish). The crafts became less and less part of our time together.  Eventually, checkers became difficult for her as she might start playing the red checkers, but halfway through a game, she might start playing the black checkers.  (And, impressive enough - she always “won”!!).  

But she has fallen a few times, and her body functions are declining. Her family put her on hospice care in January this year (2024).  I still help her to eat, but now, it is feeding her as she can’t feed herself.  

She has fallen asleep at the table in the last two weeks and has not eaten anything.

In other words, she is dying.  Her systems are slowing down or closing. 

*****

I don’t spend that much time with her.  I visit her four times a week for an hour, but that might be enough.  Most afternoons when I visit, she lies in her bed, eyes open (seemingly not seeing anything) and looking at the wall.  

I have one of the nurses aides help me get her up (and generally dressed - and change her diaper).  I greet her warmly- maybe a little kiss on her forehead and say “I love you” to her.  She doesn’t seem to listen.  With the aide, we slide her legs to the edge and pull her up.  She would have liked to stand up a month ago, but now her legs seem to have atrophied.  Together we put her in her wheelchair.  I take her for a walk around the floor.  I talk to her, maybe even sing to her.  I took her to the enclosed courtyard to see the flowers.  I comment on the flowers - maybe saying what variety the flowers are. (no response).

Eventually, we ended up in the cafeteria. There are maybe 40 others there getting their meals. Maybe six or seven are having aides help them eat, and I do the same. Two months ago, we started with the ice cream first (which she loves). The menu hasn’t changed much—a main plate (with potatoes, some pureed meat, and pureed vegetables). She might have soup, a dessert (pudding), and maybe a drink like Ensure or Chocolate milk.  

But now, her head is down, her chin on her chest, and her eyes closed. She doesn’t seem to hear me. (She does have hearing aids, but that doesn’t register.)

I try to put a little ice cream into her mouth.  I might get it in, but it will come out as a drool in the next few minutes.  

I try to get something into her mouth and help her swallow, but that hasn't happened on the last two visits.

*****

Yes, she is dying.

She is 97, so logically, she is allowed to die a natural death.  That function is ending since she hasn’t spoken to me for months.  I’ve tried directions like ‘nod your head if you want ice cream’ - but that falls on deaf ears.  

*****

I wasn’t around for my parent’s deaths.  My sister visited frequently (they were in the same town while I was working some 800 miles away.)

*****

One of the other ladies at this facility died about six months ago. I didn’t see her as much, but I could see the deterioration.

  

I have a fondness (love) for this lady.  I do remember the checker games and other activities.  Now, I see her weakening.  In my heart, I know she will die soon.  I’m not sure if I want to be there - and hold her hand when she dies (she does have a local son and one 4 hours away). 

Yes - death and dying.

I know I am going to die someday.  I guess I’m hoping for a massive heart attack with instant death rather than a slow decline.  But, one doesn’t get to pick one's death that easily.  (Yes, I have thought about suicide five or six years ago when I had major health issues.  But, at this stage I want to live many more years - and “preach” love wins.  

Yes, even with the end of life, LOVE DOES WIN.  

I try to let this sweet lady know that she is loved.

Karen Anne White, ©, May 13, 2024

(More tomorrow)

SUNDAY, , MAY 12, 2024 - MOTHER'S DAY

MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Helen White - mother to my sister Beth and myself

Ah, yes, it is Mother’s Day today.

. 

As I thought of Mother’s Day, I picked out the following song.  To me, Lawrence Welk would have one of his tenors sing it on their program just prior to Mother’s Day.

"M-O-T-H-E-R" is a song written in 1915 by Howard Johnson and Theodore Morse that is considered a tribute to mothers. The song's lyrics spell out the word "mother" using the following definitions for each letter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp7zxZMFcqU 

• M: The million things she gave me

• O: She's growing old

• T: The tears shed to save me

• H: Her heart of purest gold

• E: Her eyes, with lovelight shining

• R: Right, and right she'll always be

SHORT MOTHER STORIES

My 6-year-old son, Nicholas, sat in the grocery cart as I perused the canned vegetables. “How about this one, Mommy?” he asked, handing me a can of asparagus. “I love asparagus!” I told him. “Asparagus is my favorite vegetable, but it’s just too expensive.” I put the can back on the shelf. Three months later, I opened a crudely wrapped present from under the Christmas tree. It was a can of asparagus. Nicholas beamed in delight as he explained how he had saved his pennies to buy me the best Christmas gift I’d ever received.

**

Thirty-five years ago, when my mom was 22, she became a widow and a mother within the same month. The life she had imagined was stolen in a heartbeat. She tried to move on, but she was lost. She gave me to my father’s family to be raised in the United States. Some call her weak; others call her selfish. I could be mad or bitter. Instead, I’m grateful for the life I have and to have a mother who sacrificed our relationship to give me a chance at a better life. She is courageous. She is my mother. 

“Goodbye,” she sang cheerily, skipping off to her new dorm after giving me a light peck on the cheek as though we were no more than acquaintances. A young woman. A college freshman. No longer my baby. Her casual parting stung me. Had she outgrown me? As I walked away, I was arrested by a child’s voice shouting, “Mommy!” (A word I hadn’t heard in years.) Before I could turn around, she was in my arms, her face buried in my neck. She didn’t need to say anything. I knew then that she’d always be my little girl. 

HERE IS ANOTHER SHORT STORY ABOUT A MOTHER'S LOVE:

The old woman sat in the rocking chair, her eyes closed and her hands folded in her lap. She was thinking about her children. She had five of them, all grown up and living their own lives, and she missed them terribly.

She remembered when they were little, how she would spend hours playing with them, reading to them, and tucking them into bed at night. She remembered how they would laugh and play together, and how she would always be there to catch them when they fell.

She remembered the time when her youngest son, Timmy, got sick. He had a high fever and was delirious. She stayed up all night with him, holding his hand and singing to him. She was so scared that she was going to lose him. But Timmy pulled through, and she was so grateful.

She remembered the time when her oldest daughter, Sarah, got her heart broken. She came home crying and the old woman held her in her arms and told her that everything was going to be okay. Sarah eventually met a wonderful man and got married, and the old woman was so happy for her.

There were many other memories.  She smiled as if the event was today, not 40 or 50 years ago.

The old woman smiled as she thought about her children. She was so proud of them all. They were all kind, caring, and successful people. She knew that they were all good people because she had raised them that way.

She went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. She sat down at the kitchen table and thought about her children again. She loved them so much. She was so grateful to be their mother.

She hardly felt the massive bursting of her aorta and the heart attack.

**

That night a quiet ripple went through the hearts of many.  They were all grateful to have been her children, her family,and her friends.  “Rest in Peace, Mom”

LOVE WINS

LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND, LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS, NOR SELF-IMPORTANT

Karen Anne White, (c) May 12, 2024

“

*****

**

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.” —William Makepeace Thackeray

*****

“Goodbye,” she sang cheerily, skipping off to her new dorm after giving me a light peck on the cheek as though we were no more than acquaintances. A young woman. A college freshman. No longer my baby. Her casual parting stung me. Had she outgrown me? As I walked away, I was arrested by a child’s voice shouting, “Mommy!” (A word I hadn’t heard in years.) Before I could turn around, she was in my arms, her face buried in my neck. She didn’t need to say anything. I knew then that she’d always be my little girl. 

Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.” —Gilda Radner

“My mother is a walking miracle.” —Leonardo DiCaprio

*****

HERE IS ANOTHER SHORT STORY ABOUT A MOTHER'S LOVE:

The old woman sat in the rocking chair, her eyes closed and her hands folded in her lap. She was thinking about her children. She had five of them, all grown up and living their own lives, and she missed them terribly.

She remembered when they were little, how she would spend hours playing with them, reading to them, and tucking them into bed at night. She remembered how they would laugh and play together, and how she would always be there to catch them when they fell.

She remembered the time when her youngest son, Timmy, got sick. He had a high fever and was delirious. She stayed up all night with him, holding his hand and singing to him. She was so scared that she was going to lose him. But Timmy pulled through, and she was so grateful.

She remembered the time when her oldest daughter, Sarah, got her heart broken. She came home crying and the old woman held her in her arms and told her that everything was going to be okay. Sarah eventually met a wonderful man and got married, and the old woman was so happy for her.

There were many other memories.  She smiled as if the event was today, not 40 or 50 years ago.

The old woman smiled as she thought about her children. She was so proud of them all. They were all kind, caring, and successful people. She knew that they were all good people because she had raised them that way.

She went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. She sat down at the kitchen table and thought about her children again. She loved them so much. She was so grateful to be their mother.

**

That night a quiet ripple went through the hearts of many.  They were all grateful to have been her children, her family,and her friends.  “Rest in Peace, Mom”

*****

Have a great weekend.  For Georgetown people, I’m playing at Walburg on Saturday night, May 25.  Next Saturday (May 18), I expect to see you at Georgetown High School for our concert (free - 7:30 p.m.)

LOVE WINS
Karen White, May 8 2024