I worked on my first political campaign when I was 16. Twenty-plus years later, I’ve worked on more campaigns than I wish to name. Currently, I am consulting on a gubernatorial campaign in Illinois. With that said, I usually keep my personal politics away from Zapwater. I understand that our clients and staff have political beliefs as diverse as our client list itself. But no matter who you support, do your civic duty and get out and vote on Feb 2!

During most of my campaign career, I’ve served in a variety of media-related rolls. My list of job titles has included Press Secretary, Communications Director and Media Consultant. As you can imagine, this time of year is like the Super Bowl to me. I’ll take a political commercial over a talking baby any day.

Later this week, I’ll list Illinois’ five best political commercials this primary cycle. But for now, I had to post what I believe is the most bizarre political commercial of the year. This one comes from Louisiana.

David M. Zapata

At Zapwater, we get the opportunity to partner with many unique businesses, whether through client events, fundraising opportunities or pro-bono work.

Last night, my officemate Holly and I attended an event by Meredith Marks, a local jewelry designer and recent partner of our client, The Brixton Group. Hosted in the fully furnished model unit at The Brixton Group’s luxury West Loop development, CA23, Meredith Marks’ jewelry trunk show brought out some of Chicago’s shopping elite to brave the snow and cold for this truly dazzling event.

Bangles encrusted with diamonds, sparkling necklaces and vintage cocktail rings were a few of the most popular pieces at the show. Check out Meredith’s website for more and keep and eye out for this Chicago designer!

Sarah Marseille
Senior Publicist

Today, CEO of Apple Steve Jobs introduced the iPad *ahem* …

The iPad; a one-piece tablet computer with a large touch screen *giggles* …

I’m sorry, but it’s hard to take this announcement seriously amid the raging Twitter conversation that has created a story within a story; is Apple really going to call its new device an “iPad”?

The first sarcastic remark I saw on Twitter was from a lifestyle freelance writer:
I’m sorry, but as much as I love #Apple, the name iPad blows. Sounds like a feminine hygiene product.

And then it happened: “iTampon” became a Trending Topic. Suddenly a war was waged between the jesters and the Jobs fans.

“Leave iPad alone! It’s going to totally revive the economy!” a senior White House reporter exclaimed just as another person joked, “The iTampon: now with 60% more absorbency for heavy data flow!”

Picking up on the irony of such a carefully massaged marketing message going awry, many people began to discuss how this epic oversight could have possibly happened. Was there a woman on the marketing team? They wondered. “I bet Steve Jobs has his head in his hands about the iTampon. I think one marketing guy is currently packing his cardboard box,” another Tweeter remarked.

Within minutes of the announcement, iTampon had become the #2 Trending Topic on Twitter, while iPad was still in line waiting to join the list.

Couldn’t Apple have just gone with the name iSlate?

Don’t get me wrong; Apple will undoubtedly experience significant growth in the weeks and months to come. And I’m sure from a technical standpoint the iPad will be a great success. But one can’t help but laugh at the irony of one of the most carefully crafted PR machines being splashed across Twitter news feeds in reference to a variety of unmentionable feminine products.

One person asked, “The iPad… Apple’s fatal mistake?”

I doubt it. But it will certainly keep us atwitter for a few days.

Susan Schreiber
Account Supervisor

Have you heard of the parable of “The Mustard Seed?” Jennifer Connor, aka “Mustard Girl” discusses why she has faith in the mustard seed on Twin Cities Live.

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Reality Television is truly a force to be reckoned with! Whether you can’t stand it or can’t get enough it has carved its way into our society and shows no signs of stopping. The Bachelor, American Idol, Survivor, or the Real World are just several examples of multiple season shows that America has never tired of. The most important question to ask is: what does the future hold for reality TV?

The emergence of MTV’s new reality hit The Jersey Shore is the best example of what reality television has in store. Like it or not the “cast” of the Jersey Shore is everywhere these days. From tabloids, to personal appearances (or cancellations) to every day water cooler fodder the oversexed, party crazed Jersey Shore kids are riding their 15 minutes of fame all the way to the bank.

How does this showcase a new trend you ask? Simple, a few years ago you were seeing the glamorous lives of the Hills, the City, and Real Housewives being what America watched. Almost as if a window into these people’s lives was the next best thing. American seemed obsessed with the overindulged posh lives of people who didn’t deserve any of their fame or money. Now it appears people are clamoring for the exact opposite. As if to say “I’d rather watch people who are so trashy, so classless, and ridicules that at the end of the day it makes me feel better about myself”. People may love the Jersey Shore, but I doubt any self-respected business professional would ever want to be associated with it. If the Shore is the next wave of TV, I only shudder to think where reality TV is headed…Trailer Park Housewives perhaps??

Michael Corrigan
Asst. Publicist

Happy New Year from Zapwater! As 2010 gets underway, we’ve all probably made resolutions we’d like to try and keep. Whether it be staying away from the junk food and eating healthy, heading to the gym one more time a week, be more organized, land a new job, whatever it may be…we are challenged at every turn to stick to our paths by daily life happenings. It’s always great to hear stories of young entrepreneurs who started out with an idea, dedicated themselves to its success and are still working hard and watching it grow. Most recently, Zapwater client Jennifer Connor, known throughout the Midwest as the Mustard Girl, was on NPR telling the story of her entrepreneurial roots and how she got started in business right out of college. Be sure to check it out, because it’s stories like these that keep us plugging along the path of success.

You can listen to the story here.

Kevin Metz
Vice President

It’s hard to believe that Zapwater just turned five years old! What is even more amazing is how much the world of media has changed in a half decade. Working from my apartment five years ago, I wasn’t including Facebook, Twitter and/or Blogger outreach in any of my proposals. As we start year six with new clients like Fox Valley Institute and Ankin Law, there are so many more media channels we engage than we did in year one. Which begs the question, what will future years be like? This video will offer some hints.

Happy Birthday Zapwater.

David Zapata
President