Greg Swan

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from davidalston on Flickr

I had no idea this photo would follow me around


Have you Googled yourself lately? I mean, really gave yourself a deep Googling?

What are people saying about you? What kinds of pictures will your boss, employees or (gasp!) kids discover with a few short clicks? What does any of this mean to your personal brand?

This Thursday I’m co-presenting “The Brand of You in the Digital Age” with Tim Brunelle at an event hosted by the Minnesota Chapter of the American Marketing Association and Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA).

We’re going to talk about the changing face of personal brand, why your online identify matters and tips for monitoring, positioning and saving your digital reputation.

Event details:
The Brand of You in a Digital Age
July 9, 2009 | 5:00 p.m.
Grumpy’s Bar – Roseville, MN | REGISTER HERE

Be sure to check out Tim’s preview post at the MNAMA blog.

Filed under: MIMA, Speaking Engagements, digital reputation management , , , , , , , , , ,

Strawberry Harvest

Strawberries

I wish my wife and son ate strawberries, because I’m harvesting strawberries from our backyard nearly every single night. I guess that’s more for me.

Strawberries

Strawberries

They are way sweeter than you get at the store — probably because they aren’t doused with chemicals and transported thousands of miles.

It’s the little things, you know…

Filed under: In the Garden ,

Compost = tackled

Oh thank God: the compost monster at my house has been slain.

Before
Compost

After
Well…damn. I guess I forgot to take a good after picture. You can tell it’s not there in the top right corner of this photo.
Food box

I got it all churned up and distributed into my two compost bins (see previous post), pouring some nasty expired beer throughout every other layer to get things cooking.

Of course, I waited until it was 90 degrees and 60 percent humidity, but this is why some genius invented ice cold lemonade. I drank a lot of lemonade today.

Something I’m trying not to think about: I have no idea what I’m going to do with 100 lbs of compost.

Filed under: In the Garden

Baby Grayson is here

Baby Grayson

What a week. The aforementioned baby boy #2 is here!

We’re home now and settling into a semi-routine. Mom, baby and big brother are all doing great.

Filed under: Family

*This* is breaking news?

What merits breaking news?
All emotion and empathy aside, from a journalistic perspective, do you think David Carradine’s death merited a CNN Breaking News Alert today?

For some perspective, the “breaking news” txt alert I received about Carradine’s potential suicide was preceded by one about the Air France flight that killed 228 people.

Other recent alerts I’ve found valuable focused on same-sex legislation rulings, the recent Supreme Court appointee and swine flu outbreak news.

I’m not sure a b-level actor’s death merits a worldwide blast. After all, there’s Twitter and celeb blogs for this kind of stuff. Again, I’m not saying anything about Carradine. I’m focusing on the media (and media consumer) mindset.

Just consider how many A and B-level actors there are in the country. They will all die at some point, and that cannot possibly be a “stop-what-you’re-doing-right-now” kind of newsworthy.

Oh, yes. Of course it has been worse….

In mid-April I got this CNN Breaking News text at 2:15 a.m.: “Ashton Kutcher is first to reach 1 million followers in Twitter contest with CNN.” Seriously? That was a sad day for journalism, my friends.

Harnessing the obligatory cliche: Dictionary.com defines “breaking news” as: news that is happening and being reported or revealed at this moment.

Given the omniscience and diligence of the Internet age, it’s hard for news not to be “breaking” these days.

With that said, CNN actually has staked out the term “breaking news” all for their own. They are #1 on a Google Search and include the term in their site description and network branding:

cnn_breaking

Despite the branding of one network, “breaking news” is a broad classification that’s totally subjective, and we all know it doesn’t necessarily inform what’s worth interrupting primetime TV programming or sending out a 3 a.m. txt.

In fact, let me drop some Spiderman wisdom here: “With great power comes great responsibility.” If you’re going to own “breaking,” you better make it timely AND relevant.

News folks, here are some unrequested recommended guidelines…
Local events newsworthy enough to merit breaking into primetime television/radio programming:

  • Tornado in Saint Paul = yes
  • Jason DeRusha winning Emmy = no (sorry Jason)

National events newsworthy enough to send me a txt alert at 3 a.m.

  • Chance for millions to die from flu outbreak = yes
  • Janet Jackson having a mole removed (despite it’s unarguable newsworthiness) = no

In the meantime, I’m keeping my “breaking news” text alerts, but until I can customize my notification settings to filter out the fluff, I reserve the right to complain. I’m sure that’s no newsflash for anyone.

UPDATE:
Chaska Herald editor (and “real” journalist) Mark Olson left this comment re: the txt:
“They must have been prepping last night’s Larry King interview with Quentin Tarantino, Rob Schneider, Michael Madsen and Carradine’s manager. (What an odd bunch that was — the creative minds behind “Pulp Fiction” and “Duece Bigalow” talking at the same time.)”

Now that’s just pathetic.

Filed under: Social Media ,

Ur invited to the compost party at my house

Our home’s previous owners were crazy about their garden, and as such, had a serious compost pile between the garage and a lattice fence. And after I piled on all the dead trimmings last fall, the pile itself was larger than our minivan.

I’m serious. You have no idea how stressful it is to walk up to a pile of brush, leaves, grass clippings and random organics that is taller than you and longer than a shark. I had no idea where to start on this beast.

Over Memorial Day weekend, with help from Chad, I burned more than half of it during our evening bonfire. That left all the musty compost remanants from the previous owners, including the dumpings from their charcoal grill, an old sink and random rocks and logs.

Today I spent the better part of three hours wielding a pitchfork and wheel barrow to get it all cleaned up from the compost area and moved to a tarp I set up by our flower boxes.

Pre-compost

Pre-compost

Under the rotting grass clippings and leaves I was surprised to find a large amount of clean soil compost ready to go. Probably enough to fill a deep freezer, actually. With the organic material all moved away, I was able to rake and shovel the dirt into it’s own pile and get our compost bins set up behind the lattice fence.

Here are the final results:

Compost bins and soil

Compost bins and soil

Grape vine and compost wall

Later this week I’m going to run all the compost through a large shredder/chipper and fill the bins up. I plan to use the beer composting method.

When this is all turned into soil, in addition the compost soil already ready to go, we’re going to have an intense amount of compost.

Our plants might as well be on steroids. I can’t wait.

And a quick update on the lettuce, zucchini, squash and roma tomatoes…

May 18
Lettuce, Zucchini, Squash, Tomatoes

May 30
Lettuce, zucchini, roma tomatoes, squash

The chives are out of control, so I’m keeping them fairly short to keep them from seeding. Also, the mystery herb is growing very fast. Leaves look like spearmint, but they are not minty at all.
Chives and mystery herbs

The cilantro and basil plants are doing well, plus the seeds I planted above them are coming in. I also planted some spearmint, but it’s not very happy.
Basil and cilantro

The strawberries are budding little strawberries, but I forgot to get a picture. Here’s a show from a week and a half ago. My neighbor gave me a hay bale to help keep the berries off the ground.
Strawberries with hay

Meanwhile, there’s a compost party at my house every night after work. You’re invited. Bring a shovel.

Filed under: In the Garden , , , ,

Zooper is not a word, Como Zoo


Zooper Food is the Como Zoo’s main concession area, and it offers hamburgers, fries, pizza, popcorn, ice cream and drinks. It’s run by Lancer Catering.

But they must not understand that “zooper” it not actually a word. I checked:

Better get that fixed, Como Zoo.

Filed under: Me Being Stupid , ,

Chaska Memorial Day: Short and Sweet

Chaska Memorial Day Parade

The City of Chaska held a Memorial Day Parade last weekend, and we were pumped.

According to the Chaska Herald, “The Memorial Day parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The parade will zigzag its way from the Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative at Fourth and Ash Streets to end at City Square Park at Chestnut and Third Streets.”

They even printed a map.

But what it didn’t say was that the parade was going to last 7 minutes long (literally).

Three color guards, two bands, two Cub Scout troops, a Girl Scout troop, policemen and a fire truck. Don’t blink, people.

Chaska Memorial Day Parade

Chaska Memorial Day Parade

Chaska Memorial Day Parade

That was pretty much it.

It was fun for Grant and all, but I’ll admit we were a bit surprised when it ended so abruptly.

I was most disappointed for all the kids whose parents had them bring sacks for candy.

Here are some shots of Grant enjoying it, though. Those little flags are pretty fun.

We walked over to the City Square where the community had a very cool little ceremony, including musical performances, interpretive poems and a speech by the Mayor. Very all-American, eh?

Chaska Memorial Ceremony

Chaska Memorial Ceremony

Of course, Grant just wanted to “race,” so we spent most of the ceremony running back and forth the north lawn of the park.

Only one of the many freedoms for which our veterans fought so bravely.

Filed under: Chaska, Family , , , ,

Whose Responsibility is the Foreclosed House Next Door?

Neighbor's House

We’ve all heard accounts of rising home foreclosures and once-prominent neighborhoods now experiencing significant decline. But what happens when one of those homes is next door to you? And what role do banks, local government and police enforcement have in the maintenance, security and caretaking of these properties?

More specifically: when you have an issue with a property next door, who do you call when the bank, city and police pass you off to each other?

The Neighborhood
I live in downtown Chaska in a neighborhood of century-old homes of various condition, and I absolutely love the area’s history and small-town vibe. From our specific property, we can walk to the Minnesota River about a block away, across the street to a playground, up the alley to get pizza, coffee, Indian or Mexican food, up the block to the city square and library, a bit further to a movie theater, grocery store, etc. etc. It’s a great place, safe, and the perfect fit for my family’s needs.

We bought our 120 year-old house in late August and excitedly moved in and started fixing things up. I should note we bought an older home far outside the metro primarily due to our budget and desire not to purchase a home outside of our means. However, I’ve highly enjoyed tackling the projects and challenges involved with owning an older home, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

The Neighbor
The house directly to our north actually sold for considerably more than our home in the previous year and appeared to be well kept up when we moved in. We didn’t see the neighbors there much, but they seemed friendly enough. Our biggest issue with them was the trash. They didn’t appear to pay for trash service and just dumped it out the back door on a regular basis.

However, sometime before Christmas this December 2008, the folks next door must of packed up their van and left forever.

Foreclosed House Next Door

We didn’t realize they were “gone” gone until January when we realized the usual traffic in and out had ceased, the trash pile was no longer growing, and random empty beer cans stopped appearing in our front yard. By this time, unfortunately, the trash pile numbered 20+ bags and was a wintry feast for local vermin. About this time the retaining wall between our properties started failing, too.

Foreclosed House Next Door

In February, a guy from the city’s municipal department stopped by to inquire if we had seen anyone around the property. Apparently the city noticed water consumption next door went from nothing to LOTS, indicating a water break. While that wasn’t a surprise, given that our own pipes froze around that time, but it’s never good to have the vacant home next door have a flooded basement.

Foreclosed House Next Door

The Maintenance Company
About a month later, the bank taped the foreclosure papers to the front door. That same day Safeguard Properties boarded up the windows on the property and hung this yellow door hanger on my door:

Safeguard Properties

I’ll admit it felt good knowing someone was taking care of the property and was finally going to pick up the enormous trash pile. But they didn’t.

In fact, Safeguard has come to mow the lawn twice, but simply mowed AROUND the trash. They also broke down the backyard fence for some reason — the fence that was keeping trash inside the property boundaries and neighborhood kids out.

Foreclosed House Next Door

Since the yellow door hanger says to call if the property becomes unsecure, I gave it a try. In fact, I’ve called Safeguard three times, and each time they indicate they will pass word to the bank about the trash and 100 pound concrete chunks falling off the retaining wall.

Here’s a picture of the trash from April 11:
Foreclosed House Next Door

And here’s a picture from May 17 (note, Safeguard Properties just mowed AROUND the trash):

Trash at the neighbor's

Here’s a retaining wall picture from April 13:
Foreclosed House Next Door

And here’s a picture from May 17 after I propped some of the wall back up (note the left side falling now):
Neighbor's retaining wall

It’s just going to get worse, and I don’t let my three year-old play on that side of the house for fear of more collapsing.

The City of Chaska
Last month I called the city again, and this time was transferred to the Chaska Police Community Service Officer Mariella Garcia. She promptly returned my call and graciously explained that the police can only enforce ordinances on citizens, not bank-owned properties. She indicated they were receiving several calls of this nature and expressed her empathy that the city did not have a system to address these kinds of issues.

The Friendly Neighborhood Lawbreaker
At that point, I’ll confess I broke the trespass law the filled my entire trash bin with the neighbor’s trash from the front yard one week. I simply couldn’t stand it, and it was clear nobody else was going to tend to the broken glass, open cans and dripping refuse.

Since then, I continually pick up the trash that blows into our yard, shovel out the failing retaining wall and kvetch with my neighbors about the game of hot potato foreclosed homes are right now.

Racoon prints

Raccoons are now breeding in the backyard, and I’ve spotted multiple sets of racoon footprints.

Sidebar: this weekend, Qwest delivered six (6!) phonebooks to the foreclosed, vacant property next door and zero (0!) to the paid-up, lived-in property I own.

Foreclosed House Next Door

The Bank
Today I called Safeguard Properties again and re-explained the entire account. I asked them why they would send folks out to mow AROUND the trash, rather than just pick it up. The answer: “We can only do what the bank tells us to do on a particular property, and the bank has not asked us to pick up the trash.” Which bank owns the property? They can’t disclose it.

I actually tried looking it up via public records, but apparently all Carver County Web sites are down, including the land records and assessor searches.

The City (again)
I called the city again this morning and was told, “I’m sorry, but no one is assigned to oversee foreclosed properties.”

On a whim, I left a message for Public Works Superintendent Tim Wiebe, whom I’m told is responsible for ensuring lawns are mowed city-wide. He just called me back and is definitely a stand-up guy. He walked down and checked out the property himself. He said he is going to make a few calls to see what he can do.

Why Do I Care So Much?

  • Equity: I have only two next door neighbors in a small neighborhood that directly touches downtown. The valuation of my home has direct correlation to my neighbors. Broken windows, a flooded basement and collapsed retaining wall will bring the already-depressed value of the house (and thus my house) down even further.
  • Safety: A vacant home is bad for neighborhoods. It invites miscreant behavior and breeds rodents. It presents an unsafe condition for the 8+ children who play in the alley behind the home.
  • Civics: Regardless of the sheer number of foreclosed properties, it’s assinine the city doesn’t have a plan or process for dealing with abandoned properties.

What Do I Want From This?

  1. I’m willing to pick up the trash, but can’t afford the $50 charge I’ll incur from my trash company at hauling away this much. I’d like the bank/Safeguard/city to donate a trash barrel if I donate time to clean it all up.
  2. Chaska residents recently came together to pitch in for an annual event called “Christmas in May” — rehabilitating homes for residents who are unable to do it themselves (financially or physically). I’d love to see the city declare a similar day for foreclosed homes — even if it’s just to pick up windblown trash or re-board up windows and reclaim some of our community pride.
  3. I would love for the city to reevaluate it’s hands-off approach to foreclosed properties. As more people abandon their homes, those of us who continue making our payments need support from civic leaders to force lenders to — within reason — better care for their properties until auction.

Update, June 2:

It’s June 2 and not only hasn’t the trash been picked up, the grass hasn’t been cut for weeks. I called Safeguard again today and spoke to a phenomenal guy there, Christian (x1161), who said they will check in on the grass clipping, inquire about the trash and let me know they’ve requested a bid to address a failing retaining wall. He even took my name and number and said he would call back. Time will tell, but I’m temporarily hopeful.

Update, June 5
Today I called Safeguard again and spoke with a nice lady named Dee. The lawn hadn’t been mowed in weeks, they finally came to mow and mowed right over the garbage this time. It spread it just everywhere — all over the alley and my yard.

Dee said they just got approval to remove the exterior debris, remove garbage and paint thinner, repair the front stairs, trim a tree over the sidewalk and repair the cracked windows. She said they were still waiting for word on the damaged wall and that molded cement is not an easy fix. Apparently with an FHA property they have to get all the structural items up to code, which is great news. I asked when it would be sold, and she said she has no idea but definitely as soon as possible. She said they would get it ready, turn it over to HUD and it would be posted in a few days. Hooray. I just hope it’s a single family and not a landlord wanting to rent it out.

Update, June 8:
Six months after my neighbors ditched their house and left trash all over the lawn, someone finally removed it! Safeguard came on Saturday and picked up the trash. They also got all of the paint thinner and paint out of the garage. They were back on Sunday, and a nice guy was cutting wood and cleaning most of the afternoon. I spoke to him a couple times while I was out weeding. He said the interior of the house isn’t actually that bad, just a couple spots of mold (probably from the basement flooding) and some cosmetic stuff.

That’s great news for resale value and in-turn, my property value. While I’m happy things are moving, I seriously cannot believe how much buck-passing goes on with these homes.

Filed under: Chaska , , , , ,

New Roof: I Highly Recommend Why Wait Roofing

Last week Rodney and the crew at Why Wait Roofing installed the roof on our home, and they did an excellent job. I highly recommend them.

Before:

Roof: Before

During:

Roof: During

After:

Roof: After

They started at 7 a.m. sharp and by 3 p.m., were done AND all cleaned up.

Shingles:
Shingles: Cottage Gray

Dumpster:
Dumpster

Roof Vents:
Roof Vents

Roof Vent (with Grant peeking)

Yes, the house is still a hideous pink, but considering the best quote for painting was $6,000 – repainting the house will have to wait until next year. Meanwhile, at least we’ll be dry.

Filed under: Chaska, Home Projects , , ,

GREG SWAN

Greg Swan's Facebook profileSocial media strategist, music blogger, citizen journalist, egoist

greg (at) perfectporridge.com

+1-612-345-0447

@perfectporridge



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