As if space and astronauts weren’t cool enough already, Commander Chris Hadfield has gone and made them infinitely cooler.

Since December 2012, Commander Hadfield has broadened our knowledge of life in space far beyond what we’ve learned from watching Apollo 13 and eating astronaut “ice cream.” The tech savvy Canadian astronaut has spent the last five months not only doing – er – space things at the International Space Station, but on his (gravity) free time has become a bona fide star of social media.

On twitter he’s exchanged tweets with William Shatner, George Takei and other Star Trek actors (among others). He has a popular Tumblr blog filled with amazing photos he’s taken from space (presumably to make us all feel silly about our Tumblr blogs with not-so-amazing cat gifs). On Reddit, he hosted one of the top AMA (ask me anything) threads of all time. But perhaps the place he’s gained the most notoriety is YouTube.

Via the Canadian Space Agency channel, he’s posted dozens of videos to answer pressing questions from those of us grounded on Earth; things like how eyesight is affected in space, how they sleep, and how they brush their teeth. And just a few days ago, he responded to a request to record a version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”.

Perhaps the most poignant version of the song to date, it’s garnered over 7 million views online and the seal of approval from Mr. Bowie himself. The lyrics and melody of the song are already moving, but paired with views of the Commander moving solo throughout his ship with Earth as his backdrop, it becomes a significant and stunning tribute.

One of his most quotable quotes he said during his Reddit AMA was, “Every decision you make…turns you into who you are.” I guess that means he simply decided to be awesome.

Images courtesy of NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.

On May 14, 2013, student innovators, academics and corporations got together at the Dell Social Innovation Challenge Awards at Austin Music Hall to demonstrate what the powers of positive thinking and purpose with a healthy side of inspiration can accomplish. This was truly a celebration of student innovation with lively music, good food and beverages and a raffle for prizes given by some of the sponsors. And I must admit, it was a great venue to meet others as everyone was talking about who and what their driving inspirations are to make this world a better place.

First, here are the staggering numbers:
Over 25,000 student teams have applied in the seven years of the Dell Social Innovation Challenge.
Five teams were finalists for the awards. That’s out of 2,600 projects that were sent in this year.
$350,000 was awarded last night to various projects.

Next, the truly inspirational:
Karen Quintos, CMO of Dell Inc.; our co-founder and chairman, Roy Spence; and Blake Mycoskie, founder and Chief Giver of Toms shoes were among the speakers of the night who shared the stories of their companies and gave advice to the young entrepreneurs. They also all touched on the fact that big things start from small seeds. If you think you can’t do something because you’re only one, then think again and think bigger.

Quintos told us that every student has the power to change the world. And that is a LOT of positive change. Spence said that entrepreneurs represent the spirit, passion and drive of the future. He also said that having a purpose with true passion is being brave enough to jump first and learning to fly on the way down. Mycoskie informed us that giving is the most gratifying experience of his life.

Each of the five finalists gave a 90-second speech informing the audience of their projects. All were excited to spread the word of not only why what they are doing is important to them, but also how their projects would help to make the world a better place. The grand prize was awarded to Solar Conduction Dryer for their approach to help improve the economic condition of the Indian farmer population by solar processing of agricultural products.

I walked away with a wonderful sense of purpose. I took notes throughout the night of my projects that I had hoped to start when I attended college and how those might be presented now. I woke up in the middle of the night with the hope that I had passed on seeds of great vision to my students in my almost 11 years of teaching at the high school and college levels. A few speakers touched on this when they vocalized the importance of teaching social awareness and never giving up on your dreams to the next generation of students.

So what are you passionate about and how are you going to help change the world?

Image courtesy of @DellSocialInnov.

About a lifetime ago (read: January) I cashed in some saved up Karma and won an 11-day trip courtesy of the Travel Channel. I wish I could give more insight as to why my boyfriend and I were chosen, but I have no idea. To date my best guess is that they were intimidated by our height and feared the wrath of an army of giants if we weren’t chosen (I’m 5’10’’, my boyfriend’s 6’6’’).

Obviously – that must be it.

Going into the trip, we knew next to nothing about what we would be doing. What we did know was that we were going to be filmed for an episode of Trip Flip. We knew the host was a crazy, funny, fun-loving guy named Bert Kreischer (fun fact! The move Van Wilder was based on his life story). And finally we knew we were going to be starting in Miami.

Needless to say, packing was a nightmare – especially for a compulsive over-packer like me. I mean, HOW DO YOU PACK WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING OR WHERE YOU MIGHT BE GOING?

But two weeks after we won the vacation, we were on a plane en route to Miami. I kept a journal on the trip and it was almost filled cover-to-cover with the things that we got to see and do. I’ll spare you the long version and simply say that it was an amazing, jam-packed 11 days.

First in Miami and then on a 7-day Carnival Cruise to Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Throughout the trip we got to play Jai Alai, hang out with Grammy winner Emilio Estefan (you may be more acquainted with his wife – Gloria), go power snorkeling with a barracuda named Ashley, and get pampered like fancy-pants McGoos on the cruise. And eat and drink. Oh my god did we eat and drink.

About four months have passed since the trip and we STILL can’t believe it’s happened. (But – I’ve pinched myself MULTIPLE times and unless I’m in some crazy Matrix-like coma in another reality – the trip really did happen.) And finally, we’ll get to see our trip through the eyes of the camera and the magic of TV editing. If you want to tune in, it airs at 7 PM CST on the Travel Channel this Sunday, May 5^th. (That’s Cinco de Mayo – so be sure to have your margaritas handy!)

Think about the most popular kid you went to school with — they were memorable because they were a great athlete/musician/artist/schmoozer. They did things that made everyone either love them or hate them. It’s not about being everyone’s friend. They stood out in a way that makes you still remember them years later.

In Why It’s Better For Your Career to Be Loathed Than Liked via Forbes, marketers like Erika Napoletano and Saul Colt give insight on how they’ve made a business for themselves on getting noticed and staying far away from the middle of the road. Saul explains, “I never worry about my stunts alienating people because my strategy has always been to be the best in the world at a highly desirable skill and create stuff no one has seen before with amazing results for the people I work with/for.” There’s no time for modesty, shame or pride when you are trying to make a splash.

When it comes to being a brand, it’s harder to earn the superlative title of “best” or “most.” Competition is tough and taking risks is…risky. But with great risk, comes great reward. Here a few of my favorite examples of brands that made me take notice.

Notice me, literally.

Movember makes a scene every year when they convince the men in our lives to grow a mustache and raise money for men’s health issues. When it comes to mustaches, you either into ‘em or not. And when you see a formerly clean-shaven face with a new stash, it starts conversation. You’ll donate, you’ll listen and you’ll maybe even pay them a compliment. Suddenly, everyone’s talking about the art of the mustache, men’s health and Movember.

Pick a side.

The choice to sport a mustache might be polarizing in style, but the cause is rarely questioned. But brands like Chick-fil-A and Oreo have made a bold choice to get noticed by picking a side on a polarizing social issue. Personally, I don’t think gay marriage, chicken sandwiches and Oreos make for a logical combination, but both brands chose to share their opinion publicly. They were honest about who they are as a company and how they felt. It was humanizing for the brands. Both spurred major debate and they were part of conversation in a big way.

As Oscar Wilde says, “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Which side would you rather be on?

Let your freak flag fly.

Of course, I am biased on this one because Southwest Airlines is our client, but fly Southwest Airlines just once and there’s no denying the personality of the brand. From singing/rapping/joke-telling flight attendants to the executive chairman and president dressing up as the Addams family, it’s why you love Southwest. They surprised people by not charging for bags when everyone else was making more money off their customers. They don’t even charge you for changing your flight. They are different. In a competitive industry, they’ve created brand loyalty and made people enjoy flying again by being incredibly different than the rest.

Image courtesy of SWAMedia

Drawing attention to yourself, picking a side or daring to be different is meaningless if you can’t back it up. All of the examples prove that these brands are comfortable with who they are, what they offer and what they want to do. They are willing to risk not being liked and that’s what makes people like them even more.

There are few things that go together better than independent film and small town Texas. Next weekend, the Hill Country Film Festival will bring the best of both worlds for a three-day independent film festival in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas. As a fan of daytripping my way across the Lone Star Scene and catching indie flicks that are inaccessible via Netflix, three days of trading in the hustle & bustle for some eclectic R&R way out West sounds to me like a perfect way to celebrate Springtime in Texas. Amid this setting, HCFF presents a unique outlet for up-and-coming actors, producers, and writers to show their work nestled within Fredericksburg’s independent charm, which also includes some great shopping, art galleries, historical sites, restaurants, vineyards, and more as an added bonus. If you happen to make your way west for next weekend’s festivities, here are a few recommendations whether you’re interested in catching a film or just savoring the picturesque Hill Country.

Three Films to Check Out:

Buck Wild

Set in Goliad County, this Texan comedy-horror zombie flick has been catching buzz at film festivals all around the world. The film satirizes both genres and follows four friends on a hunting-trip-gone-wrong in small town Texas. Think honky-tonk college version of Shaun of the Dead. It is currently nominated for Best Feature Film and Best Texas Film for the festival’s Closing Night Party & Awards.

Curfew

This film won an Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film back in February and received best-of awards at over twenty film festivals last year. Written and directed by Shawn Christensen (frontman of indie rock band Stellastarr*), Curfew tells the story of a depressed young man, played by Christensen, who is asked to take care of his young niece at the lowest point of his life. It’s simple, but guarantees to touch every little corner of your heart.

The Boy in the Bubble

Voiced by Alan Rickman and directed by Kealan O’Rourke, this animated short take viewers on a Burtonesque 3D journey as Rupert, a ten year old boy, falls hopelessly in love for the first time. When it all goes terribly wrong, he turns to a book of magic and invokes a spell to shield him from emotion forever. This film has been touring the festival circuit all year and won both the James Horgan Award for Best Animation and the Don Quijote Award for a Short Film at the this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. Plus, who doesn’t love Alan Rickman?!

If film isn’t your thing and you’re up for a weekend getaway in the Wine Country other than your token Enchanted Rock hike, our resident Community Relations/Texas History expert David Rockwood has supplied me with some hot spots that emanate with local flavor deep in the heart of Fredericksburg.

Three Things To Do in Fredericksburg:

Pioneer Museum

Wanna get a first-hand feel for the town’s rich German heritage? Here’s your chance. Tons of preserved German structures and artifacts dating back to the early 1800s occupy this 3.5-acre complex right off of Main Street. Living history reenactments, making your own ropes and eating fresh biscuits give you a (delicious) glimpse how the pioneers of Fredericksburg lived.

Fredericksburg Winery

As I mentioned before, Fredericksburg TX is Wine Country, folks. Nestled along the Texas Wine Country Trail, Fredericksburg Winery has an expansive selection of Texas wines and and offers personalized wine tastings throughout the week. Great way to nourish your palate after sampling all the German noms or to kick-start a self-guided Texas vineyards tour.

Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site

Included as a part of the National Museum of the Pacific War, this centerpiece explores the rich history of World War II inside its Pacific Theatre along with the life of U.S. Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Expect to spend several hours here if you’ve got the time, because this is no short tour. The size alone on Fredericksburg’s Main Street belies just how much there is to the museum and museum grounds.

The Hill Country Film Festival runs May 2nd – 5th and the winery and exhibits are open year-round. Now go enjoy the best of the West! Readers: What are your favorite things to do in Fredericksburg?

(Photos courtesy of Buck Wild, Hollywood Reporter, IMDB, sanscott.com, Texas Wine Trail, and Trip Advisor)

You know people are talking about your brand online, but how are you supposed to manage all of those opinions, questions, negative comments, praise, and everything else? Are you prepared to handle a crisis when one happens?

Here are three quick steps to better manage your brand online:

1. Establish your brand online - When someone types your company’s name into a search engine, your website and social media handles should be the top organic search results. You can do this by increasing your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) such as using hyperlinks often and adding in searchable keyword phrases.

2. Monitor your brand online - To solve a simple customer service issue or deal with a major brand issue, you first have to know it is happening. Some of the more popular monitoring tools are Google Alerts, Tweet Deck, Social Mention, BuzzMetrics, Trackur and The Radian6 Social Marketing Cloud. And when it comes to solving problems, know who needs to be involved and who needs to approve responses. In a crisis situation, there is a need for speed.

3. Engage with your community – Know your audience. Identify your brand influencers (strong following and societal pull) and talkers (fans). Build relationships with these people because they can be your strongest advocates. Listen, respond and add value.

From fast and direct feedback to two-way communication with customers, there are many benefits of using social media as a brand platform. The rise of social media has even created less of a need for traditional focus groups. But to enjoy all that social media can do for you, you have to establish your infrastructure, processes and community. Then you’re on your way to making happy customers even happier.

Check out this social listening flow chart for further practice when engaging with your community.

Kristin is the communications department intern and shared this post with us as a part of her semester digital media brand exchange project at UT.

The other day Melanie posted about the many brands that quickly responded to the tragedies in Boston with aid and support. And while brand and support from the country continues to grow, there’s a team of folks in Austin doing their part.

Senior art director at GSD&M and organizer of CreativeMornings/Austin Ben Thoma got with Jared Cavagnuolo regarding the idea to create a shirt in honor of those affected by the Boston Marathon. They pulled in GSD&M Design Director Marc Ferrino to make it happen and less than 24 hours later, the guys had shirts for the Austin vigil held at Lady Bird Lake on April 18 led by the Gilbert Gazelles.

It doesn’t stop there.

After the vigil, KVUE shared a photo of GSD&Mers Sara Rosales, Jacob Barrett and Ellen Springer wearing the shirts which received a huge response on Facebook. Ben received such an overwhelming response of Austin people who wanted to help, and so he is working on getting a large order of the shirts to sell. All proceeds are going to The One Fund — the organization created by Massachusetts Governor Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino to raise money for the victims of the tragic events of April 15.

Read more about the shirts here and if you’d like to order some, send your name, email, phone number, quantity of shirts desired and sizes to austin@creativemornings.com. Read more about the shirts and where they are selling them here: http://www.baustinshirt.com/.

Between the tragedies in Boston and West, TX this week it is easy to lose faith in humanity, but many have shared this Mr. Rogers quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

Thank you to the many of you out there who are helping.

As the news of the unbelievable and horrific Boston Marathon tragedy continues to unfold, it’s hard not to be glued to your laptop or TV. Follow #BostonMarathon or #PrayforBoston on Twitter and you’ll have a sudden urgency to want to help out. And as reported by Austin Women Magazine on Twitter, there were 187 runners from Austin so this news affects those near and far.

In the midst of browsing various social platforms, I came across a few brands that are using their services to help those in need.

A few are:

Travel

Airlines waiving cancellation and travel fees courtesy of Boston.com: American Airlines, AirTran, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Virgin America

Hotels waiving fees for last-minute re-bookings: Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, InterContinental Hotels, Kimpton, Marriott, Preferred Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton Hotels, W Hotels, Westin Hotels, Wyndham Hotels

Airbnb and HomeAway have both offered to waive fees for runners and families who need a place to stay.

Hundreds of people have come forward to offer their homes and rooms to anyone in need via Google Docs and #BostonHelp on Twitter.

Charities & Public Interest

On top of pushing out communication about blood donation needs, the Red Cross is touting its Safe and Well site where people can let loved ones know their status.

Media

Google launches “Person Finder,” a tool that people can look up or supply information about their loved ones.

The New York Times suspended it’s digital paywall today so any reader could absorb the news.

Eat Love Savor magazine went “black” for the rest of the day in light of today’s events.

Finance

The IRS has offered to give those in Boston more time to file their taxes.

Sports

The Boston Celtics have cancelled and the Boston Bruins have postponed their games.

On Wednesday, April 17 we hosted the 3% Conference in Austin. With almost 100 people in attendance, Kat Gordon led the conversation about the gender gap among ad executives. Panelists included our very own Carlotta Stankiewicz, Caroline Burruss of ACL Live and more. Check out the tweets from the night here.

Here at GSD&M, we have 31 people working as Creative Directors, Group Creative Directors or Executive Creative Director.

Only one of them is a woman.

Do the math, and you’ll find that 3% of our creative leadership is female – exactly average for this industry. It’s how The 3 Percent Conference got its name. Creative Director Kat Gordon started this movement last year to help build “the business case for more female CDs.” On Wednesday night she’s bringing a mini-version of it to Austin and I’ll be a panelist, along with fellow Austin creatives Scott McAfee, Shanteka Sigers and Stefani Zellmer.

And if you’re a male creative director in Austin or nearby, I’d love to see your handsome, smiling face out there in the audience. No offense to the ladies, but I’m really looking to the men for this one.

Because, like the panelists and the other attendees, you guys recognize that something’s amiss when 97% of the people responsible for the creative product that reaches the market is male. Especially when 85% of the purchase decisions are made by females.

And because you know that men don’t have a monopoly on coming up with smart, compelling advertising — nor on leading creative teams through its development and production.

You know that more female creative directors in the industry can only help brands win the hearts and minds of that all-important female consumer — the majority of whom report that advertisers don’t understand them.

You know that having more women in creative leadership means better representation of females in the media — less sexism and objectification and more positive portrayals of women in ads.

And you know that collaborating with women brings a different, valuable perspective – and a wonderfully unique (and fun!) dynamic that you just don’t get from hanging with dudes all day.

Perhaps most important of all, you know — as the gender with more members in the upper echelons of the creative ranks — that you have a lot of power to help change our industry, for all the reasons above and more.

Come out and join us Wednesday night.

We need you to hear our stories and understand the challenges we face.

We need your input. We need your ideas. We need your support.

We need you to help us make The 3 Percent Conference a thing of the past.

Get your tickets to Wednesday night’s event here.

Graduation is quickly approaching and the hunt for jobs for college students is on. Jocelyn Lai teamed up with Working Not Working’s Justin Gignac at this year’s SXSW to discuss using your online network to get a job in real life. Let’s be honest, this is great advice whether you are graduating college or if you’ve been out for many years.

Check out her presentation here:

You can also view it with full sound and motion here: www.bit.ly/ajobIRLdeck.