In the civilized world, it's very difficult to go a day without seeing some sort of advertising. Ads are on TV, radio, at the movie theater, on billboards, in magazines, newspapers, and comic books. I graduated from college with a marketing degree, so I understand why advertising exists. It can be a great way to reach your target markets, and there are some ads that win local and national awards for their messages and creativity.
Repetition is key to getting your message across, but sometimes companies take things too far. It seems like we're inundated with ads. Even videos we watch that are only a minute or two long have ads embedded in the middle of them. This leads to burnout. People get tired of being advertised to. That's why people switch to satellite radio and streaming television and movie services. They're well worth the price for those who don't like to be advertised to.
Advertising has increased more and more on social media in recent years. A couple weeks ago, I was on vacation in Florida. I woke up one morning looking forward to spending time with friends. One of the first things I did when I got up was check my Facebook page. I was annoyed to see that every third or fourth post was an ad. Even with my settings set to very restricted levels, I still usually have at least one day a month where I get an influx of ads on my Facebook news feed. When it happened again a week later, I decided to check my account settings.
It turns out there were over 1,400 companies that acquired my contact information. Many of them were realtor offices and automotive dealerships that are not anywhere close to where I live. I spent the better part of a day hiding ads from them or blocking them. I even complained on a few of their pages. Some of them offered an apology in response. Ever since, I've still had about 30 new companies a day to block or hide ads from.
I'm not going to delete my social media pages, but I have been a lot more careful about my settings and the information that I post. Even though advertising is everywhere, I take intentional steps to limit my exposure. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm content and don't want to be annoyed by things that just don't matter.
Advertising rarely ever affects my buying decisions. I usually know what I want to buy and where I can purchase items for the best price and value. I've been watching more movies on DVD, listening to music on CDs and off of my computer and reading more books. I've always loved reading ever since I was a child. If they start putting ads in books, I don't know what I'll do!
I do write for some sites that may contain ads. That's beyond my control. If this blog site ever starts running ads, I may move it to another site. I want this to be fun and as enjoyable for both myself and you readers out there.
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Bucky's First Spring Break
When I was younger, spring break was a foreign concept. It didn't exist when I was in grade school or high school. There were spring and other semester breaks in college, but I was usually busy working at the time. Last week, I had the opportunity to take my first spring break and escape the wintry confines to visit my friends in Florida. It turned out to be one of the best vacations I've ever had!
I flew to Tampa last Monday night, where my friend Scott was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. From there, we went to a nice little Italian restaurant in Saint Petersburg where my hosts Michelle and Joe (aka "Uncle Rudy") were dining. It was nice to finally meet them and see our mutual friend Christina who had just come off of the ShipRocked cruise.
We went back to my friends' place to talk and get settled in before the first fun event: an outdoor concert featuring our friends in Sevendust on Tuesday night! I was happy to be there, and that I was able to enjoy the warm weather. I was finally going to wear shorts in winter for the first time!
On Tuesday morning, a few of us went to the local Waffle House for breakfast and started to decompress before the Sevendust show. Another Sevendust friend Misty was making her way to St. Pete after having been in Fort Lauderdale the night before for Sevendust's show. Once she arrived, we made our way to downtown St. Pete for the show.
We had to arrive at the venue early for the pre-show meet and greet with Sevendust. Joe and Michelle brought her 84 year old father to the meet and greet. While we waited in line, lead guitarist Clint Lowery walked by after the guitar clinic, so some of us got to stop and say hi and pose for a few pics.
Before too long, we were allowed into the venue for the meet and greet. We were treated to a two-song soundcheck. The songs "Dead Set" and "Reconnect" were played by the band before we were able to get a group photo with the band and a signed commemorative poster. When it was my turn for the photo, the first thing that bassist Vinny "The Boss" Hornsby said to me was, "what the heck are you doing here?" He was used to seeing me at their shows in the Upper Midwest.
Afterwards, a bunch of us gathered at a nice Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the venue. It was good to catch up with other social media friends that I got to meet in person for the first time. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor show.
Shortly after 6 pm, my friends and I returned to the venue. On our way, we ran into the infamous "Mosh Pit Jesus" and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose. We stopped to talk with Morgan for a bit and of course pose for photos before the show.
Once we got in, I made my way with my traveling companions to the venue entrance for the suite that was reserved for us. It was in the back of the concert hall, and gave us a prime viewing area for all the action. It was also very well-stocked with food and beverages for the night. We had plenty of time to chat and connect during the sets by opening acts Kirra, Lullwater and Cane Hill.
I went to the suite balcony with my friends to watch Tremonti's performance. This was my third time seeing the Alter Bridge lead guitarist's solo band live, and they put on another impressive performance. Most of his set featured songs from his latest album, A Dying Machine.
Shortly after 9:30 pm, it was time for Sevendust to arrive! They started their set with another awesome performance of the hit "Black." Although they only played one song ("Dirty") from their latest release All I See Is War, my friends and I agreed that it was a great set full of just some of the many songs we've all grown to love. I was also kind of glad that I wasn't in the pit for this one, as a fight broke out during the song "Angel's Son." Afterwards, frontman Lajon Witherspoon commented that he'd never seen that happen during that song before.
Sevendust finished their set with the encore songs "Splinter" and fan favorite "Face to Face." Venue staff didn't let us linger too long, but we were able to buy a few souvenirs and catch up with some friends before heading back to my friends' place. There we got to relax and share our favorite moments of the show.
The next day, I returned to the Waffle House with my friends for breakfast before we went to bring Christina to the airport. We had such a fun time, it was hard saying goodbye. After a few hours chilling at my friends' home, our remaining group headed to Madeira Beach in St. Pete for the afternoon. I ended up getting some sunburn, but it was worth it. It was a magnificent weather day, perfect for walking in the water from the Gulf of Mexico and a great opportunity to collect a few sea shells and soak up some rays. After a while, we retreated to a nice seafood restaurant. We ate outside with a perfect view of the water.
Later that evening, we returned to Michelle and Joe's house before bidding our friend Misty goodbye, as she was heading back to Fort Lauderdale to make her return flight home on Thursday morning. I ended up relaxing with my friends and their dogs, eating pizza and watching NHL hockey on TV in anticipation of attending my first hockey game with them in Tampa the next day.
Thursday began with a walk with my friend Michelle to the park near their house. It was great exercise and a wonderful way to start another glorious day in Florida. We even saw an alligator in the water on our way around the park trail. Later on, we went with Joe to Clearwater, Florida. We stopped at his job site for a bit before finding a nice outdoor restaurant to eat at.
A few hours later, we were on our way to Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa to see the hometown Tampa Bay Lightning take on the visiting Saint Louis Blues. Joe had attended Tuesday's game, a tough shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and had brought back a T-shirt for me to wear.
After going through security, we made our way to the second floor's gourmet buffet. There Michelle, Joe, Scott and I feasted on steak, crab legs, turkey, mushroom-stuffed pasta, fresh fruits and veggies and many more delectable selections. They even had a dessert bar full of tempting treats and ice cream made with nitrogen.
I was introduced to some more of Joe and Michelle's friends along the way before the 7:30 pm tipoff. The game was a defensive battle, and the teams matched up against each other rather well. During the first period intermission, I headed downstairs to guest services where I received a complimentary pin and certificate for attending my first Lightning game.
Following another scoreless period, I met up with my friends for a photo op. I've followed hockey for a while, but attending my first game really helped me appreciate the sportsmanship and work ethic of the players on the ice. It also helped me root against the refs when a penalty was called against the home team.
Although the Lightning eventually lost on a lone goal with a minute left in overtime, I still had a great time at the game. Many of the home team fans were disappointed, but the Lightning is one of the best teams in the league. They have a ton of talent, and just need to work on finding more opportunities and playing the game the way that's allowed them to excel. We returned to my friends' home and got to chat for a bit more before calling it a night.
On Friday, I got to spend some time at my friends' home watching their dogs scamper about before I went back to downtown St. Pete with Michelle and Scott. We hung out at the Canopy, which is a very nice bar/restaurant that overlooks the water and the city. Joe joined us later, and we got to enjoy another spectacular day in Florida before it was my turn to fly home.
I arrived home from the airport and airport shuttle in the wee hours this morning. After weather in the 70's and 80's, coming home to below zero temps and a bunch of snow on my car was quite an adjustment. I had a great time in Florida. I got to enjoy some fun activities, eat some great food and enjoy amazing weather. The thing I enjoyed the most was how nice everyone was. All the people I met were very friendly. I got to make new friends, meet some social media friends in person for the first time and get to know some friends a lot better.
This was my first spring break, and if all goes well, it may even be an annual occurrence. There's so much to see and do in Florida. I've barely scratched the surface. It was easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips I've ever had in my entire life. Can't wait to do it again sometime soon!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
I flew to Tampa last Monday night, where my friend Scott was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. From there, we went to a nice little Italian restaurant in Saint Petersburg where my hosts Michelle and Joe (aka "Uncle Rudy") were dining. It was nice to finally meet them and see our mutual friend Christina who had just come off of the ShipRocked cruise.
We went back to my friends' place to talk and get settled in before the first fun event: an outdoor concert featuring our friends in Sevendust on Tuesday night! I was happy to be there, and that I was able to enjoy the warm weather. I was finally going to wear shorts in winter for the first time!
On Tuesday morning, a few of us went to the local Waffle House for breakfast and started to decompress before the Sevendust show. Another Sevendust friend Misty was making her way to St. Pete after having been in Fort Lauderdale the night before for Sevendust's show. Once she arrived, we made our way to downtown St. Pete for the show.
We had to arrive at the venue early for the pre-show meet and greet with Sevendust. Joe and Michelle brought her 84 year old father to the meet and greet. While we waited in line, lead guitarist Clint Lowery walked by after the guitar clinic, so some of us got to stop and say hi and pose for a few pics.
Before too long, we were allowed into the venue for the meet and greet. We were treated to a two-song soundcheck. The songs "Dead Set" and "Reconnect" were played by the band before we were able to get a group photo with the band and a signed commemorative poster. When it was my turn for the photo, the first thing that bassist Vinny "The Boss" Hornsby said to me was, "what the heck are you doing here?" He was used to seeing me at their shows in the Upper Midwest.
Afterwards, a bunch of us gathered at a nice Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the venue. It was good to catch up with other social media friends that I got to meet in person for the first time. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor show.
Shortly after 6 pm, my friends and I returned to the venue. On our way, we ran into the infamous "Mosh Pit Jesus" and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose. We stopped to talk with Morgan for a bit and of course pose for photos before the show.
Once we got in, I made my way with my traveling companions to the venue entrance for the suite that was reserved for us. It was in the back of the concert hall, and gave us a prime viewing area for all the action. It was also very well-stocked with food and beverages for the night. We had plenty of time to chat and connect during the sets by opening acts Kirra, Lullwater and Cane Hill.
I went to the suite balcony with my friends to watch Tremonti's performance. This was my third time seeing the Alter Bridge lead guitarist's solo band live, and they put on another impressive performance. Most of his set featured songs from his latest album, A Dying Machine.
Shortly after 9:30 pm, it was time for Sevendust to arrive! They started their set with another awesome performance of the hit "Black." Although they only played one song ("Dirty") from their latest release All I See Is War, my friends and I agreed that it was a great set full of just some of the many songs we've all grown to love. I was also kind of glad that I wasn't in the pit for this one, as a fight broke out during the song "Angel's Son." Afterwards, frontman Lajon Witherspoon commented that he'd never seen that happen during that song before.
Sevendust finished their set with the encore songs "Splinter" and fan favorite "Face to Face." Venue staff didn't let us linger too long, but we were able to buy a few souvenirs and catch up with some friends before heading back to my friends' place. There we got to relax and share our favorite moments of the show.
The next day, I returned to the Waffle House with my friends for breakfast before we went to bring Christina to the airport. We had such a fun time, it was hard saying goodbye. After a few hours chilling at my friends' home, our remaining group headed to Madeira Beach in St. Pete for the afternoon. I ended up getting some sunburn, but it was worth it. It was a magnificent weather day, perfect for walking in the water from the Gulf of Mexico and a great opportunity to collect a few sea shells and soak up some rays. After a while, we retreated to a nice seafood restaurant. We ate outside with a perfect view of the water.
Later that evening, we returned to Michelle and Joe's house before bidding our friend Misty goodbye, as she was heading back to Fort Lauderdale to make her return flight home on Thursday morning. I ended up relaxing with my friends and their dogs, eating pizza and watching NHL hockey on TV in anticipation of attending my first hockey game with them in Tampa the next day.
Thursday began with a walk with my friend Michelle to the park near their house. It was great exercise and a wonderful way to start another glorious day in Florida. We even saw an alligator in the water on our way around the park trail. Later on, we went with Joe to Clearwater, Florida. We stopped at his job site for a bit before finding a nice outdoor restaurant to eat at.
A few hours later, we were on our way to Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa to see the hometown Tampa Bay Lightning take on the visiting Saint Louis Blues. Joe had attended Tuesday's game, a tough shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and had brought back a T-shirt for me to wear.
After going through security, we made our way to the second floor's gourmet buffet. There Michelle, Joe, Scott and I feasted on steak, crab legs, turkey, mushroom-stuffed pasta, fresh fruits and veggies and many more delectable selections. They even had a dessert bar full of tempting treats and ice cream made with nitrogen.
I was introduced to some more of Joe and Michelle's friends along the way before the 7:30 pm tipoff. The game was a defensive battle, and the teams matched up against each other rather well. During the first period intermission, I headed downstairs to guest services where I received a complimentary pin and certificate for attending my first Lightning game.
Following another scoreless period, I met up with my friends for a photo op. I've followed hockey for a while, but attending my first game really helped me appreciate the sportsmanship and work ethic of the players on the ice. It also helped me root against the refs when a penalty was called against the home team.
Although the Lightning eventually lost on a lone goal with a minute left in overtime, I still had a great time at the game. Many of the home team fans were disappointed, but the Lightning is one of the best teams in the league. They have a ton of talent, and just need to work on finding more opportunities and playing the game the way that's allowed them to excel. We returned to my friends' home and got to chat for a bit more before calling it a night.
On Friday, I got to spend some time at my friends' home watching their dogs scamper about before I went back to downtown St. Pete with Michelle and Scott. We hung out at the Canopy, which is a very nice bar/restaurant that overlooks the water and the city. Joe joined us later, and we got to enjoy another spectacular day in Florida before it was my turn to fly home.
I arrived home from the airport and airport shuttle in the wee hours this morning. After weather in the 70's and 80's, coming home to below zero temps and a bunch of snow on my car was quite an adjustment. I had a great time in Florida. I got to enjoy some fun activities, eat some great food and enjoy amazing weather. The thing I enjoyed the most was how nice everyone was. All the people I met were very friendly. I got to make new friends, meet some social media friends in person for the first time and get to know some friends a lot better.
This was my first spring break, and if all goes well, it may even be an annual occurrence. There's so much to see and do in Florida. I've barely scratched the surface. It was easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips I've ever had in my entire life. Can't wait to do it again sometime soon!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
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