Monday, September 1, 2025

Best Social Media Post of the Month of August


How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from August 2025 was shared on August 9, 2025, by NASA's Johnson Space Center on Twitter/X.

The post read:

It's #NationalBookLoversDay!

We love how books transport readers to new worlds! Even 250 miles above Earth, astronauts curl up with good books during their free time.

See how reading and other hobbies help crews unwind on the Space Station. (And a YouTube video link was included.)"

With many bibliophiles' minds on the importance of reading and favorite books, this post definitely stood out among the noise on social media.

According to the Gates Foundation, "At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we are fueled by the determination to create a world where everyone can live a healthy and productive life. But how can we begin to connect with the lives of individuals whose shoes we haven't walked in? And how do we find the language to process our own trajectories, traumas, and triumphs? We believe the answer is through reading. Far more than a pastime, reading reinforces our humanity by helping us to see others and be seen. On August 9, we celebrate National Book Lovers Day to take part in the excitement around reading and literature."

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And NASA's Johnson Space Center definitely succeeded in my book! (No pun intended!)

What brand will stand out during September, and why?


SHARE THIS: Brands that can align their products or services with an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. ~@DebbieLaskeyMBA #DebbieLaskeysBlog #SocialMediaTip


Image Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center via Twitter/X.


Learn more about NASA's Johnson Space Center:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/about-johnson


Read my post: What are you doing to celebrate National Book Lovers Day? (August 9, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/08/what-are-you-reading-today-to-celebrate.html


Friday, August 29, 2025

Marketing News of the Month: Tomato News, Pricing, and More


During the second half of August, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand experiences, cobranding, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, rebranding, and more.

MSNBC REBRANDS TO BECOME MSNOW

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, "The MSNBC name is about to be phased out. On August 18, as the news brand preps for a future separated from NBC News, the cable TV stalwart unveiled a new name, logo, and acronym-driven identity: MS NOW, meaning "My Source for News, Opinion and the World." The shift retires a name that was christened in 1996 with the launch of the co-branded partnership between Microsoft and NBC News that carried the MSNBC name. And, while Microsoft exited a couple years later, the cable brand home to Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O’Donnell and more had stuck with the original branding for decades. The impetus for the change? NBCUniversal owner Comcast is spinning off most all of its TV channels into a separate publicly-traded company, Versant, in a deal that may close this fall. Because of that, the formerly named MSNBC is rebuilding its news outlet for a world in which it doesn’t collaborate directly with NBC News and carry the peacock imagery that’s staying with the home base. After making cuts earlier this year, the soon-to-be-named MS NOW has been hiring reporters, editors and producers in anticipation of the spin off."

VENUS WILLIAMS AS BARBIE

As reported by the World Tennis Association, "Venus Williams' legendary push for equal prize money for women tennis players won't just be immortalized in tennis history books. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is being commemorated with a new Barbie doll in her likeness. The doll, which is part of Barbie's new Inspiring Women collection, features Williams in the outfit she wore at Wimbledon in 2007, the first year that the grass-court major offered equal prize money for men's and women's singles players. Williams won the tournament, and told USA Today ahead of the August 15 on-sale date for her doll, that it was a "huge moment" in her career, on and off the court. Venus worked with Mattel during the design process - and the doll wears accessories to match the ones Williams wore when she beat Marion Bartoli for the fourth of her five Wimbledon singles titles, including a green gem necklace, drop earrings, wristbands and visors, as well as Reebok sneakers."

Venus said, "To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too." 

TAYLOR SWIFT'S NEXT ALBUM NEWS

As reported by CNN, "When Taylor Swift releases her new album, “Life of a Showgirl,” in October, it can be heard on the usual places, including streaming, vinyl and…cassette tape? The cassette tape was once one of the most common ways to listen to music, overtaking vinyl in the 1980s before being surpassed by CDs. But the physical audio format has become an artifact of a bygone era, giving way to the convenience of streaming. In 2023, 436,400 cassettes were sold in the United States, according to the most recent data available from Luminate, an entertainment data firm. Although that’s a far cry from the 440 million cassettes sold in the 1980s, it’s a sharp increase from the 80,720 cassettes sold in 2015 and a notable revival for a format that had been all but written off."

According to Charlie Kaplan, owner of online store Tapehead City, "Cassettes might not be experiencing the resurgence of vinyls or even CDs, but they are making a bit of a comeback, spurred by fans wanting an intimate experience with music and nostalgia. People just like having something you can hold and keep, especially now when everything’s just a rented file on your phone. Tapes provide a different type of listening experience — not perfect, but that’s part of it. Flip it over, look at the art and listen all the way through. You connect with the music with more of your senses."

OLIVE GARDEN PRICING

As reported by KTLA5, "In a period when restaurant prices have steadily risen, Olive Garden is emphasizing consistency. The chain’s “Never Ending Pasta Bowl” promotion, where guests can enjoy unlimited pasta, soup, or salad, and breadsticks for $13.99, returned on August 25. The promotion will run through November 16. The $13.99 price has remained the same since 2022 - and marks the fourth consecutive year that the price has remained unchanged, according to the company."

KRISPY KREME AND HARRY POTTER COBRANDING

According to news on the doughnut brand's website, "Step into the wizarding world with Krispy Kreme x Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts Collection featuring our Houses of Hogwarts doughnuts and Golden Snitch Latte. The House of Hogwarts doughnuts are a magical dozen featuring two of each house-inspired doughnut: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, each filled and topped with unique flavors, colors, and iconic crests. Plus, enjoy a surprise-filled Sorting Hat doughnut and four classic Original Glazed. With flavors like cookie butter Kreme, brown butter toffee custard, and blueberry icing, there's a doughnut for every wizard. But hurry, these enchanting treats are only available for a limited time!"

CLOTHING AT THE WHITE HOUSE MEETING

As reported by MSNBC, "The White House reportedly lobbied for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to wear a suit to his Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump on August 18. The Wall Street Journal, citing a European official and another person also involved in planning the summit, reported that the "White House has asked that Zelensky don a suit and tie to meet the president." But when Zelenskyy showed up at the White House, he appeared to have bucked that reported request. He wore a black jacket over a collared black shirt buttoned to the top, and he was not wearing a tie. His ensemble was more formal than his last meeting in the White House, in February, when he wore a black henley emblazoned with a Ukrainian trident." That attire became a major source of irritation to the White House.

A TOMATO SMOOTHIE

As reported by Food Network, "Whether or not ketchup on its own is a sipworthy smoothie, this summer, iconic ketchup maker Heinz teamed up with national chain Smoothie King to put the red stuff into a summer-ready drink. Smoothie King locations around the country will be adding Heinz Simply Ketchup — the version “made with no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives and just seven real ingredients” including cane sugar — to a limited-edition drink blended with acai sorbet, raspberries, strawberries, and apple juice."

According to Lori Primavera, Vice President of R&D and Product Marketing at Smoothie King, "After months of meticulous R&D, testing, and tasting, we landed on a savory-sweet blend that celebrates the tomato in all its glory."

ARRIVAL OF PUMPKIN SPICE

As reported by Restaurant Business, "Pumpkin Spice Latte arrived at Starbucks on August 26." But isn't this a fall and winter drink?

HALLOWEEN ADVERTISING

While it was still officially summer during August, the Disney brand welcomed Halloween, the October holiday. At Florida's Walt Disney World, the holiday arrived on August 15, and at California's Disneyland Resort, Halloween arrived on August 22. As the Disneyland website announced, "Spirit Away for Eerily Awesome Fun with Themed Attractions, Entertainment, Dining, and More."

FORD ELECTRIC TRUCK NEWS

As reported by NPR, "Ford is making a multibillion-dollar bet on electric vehicles. At the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky on August 11, Ford executives announced that they plan to retool the factory so they can roll out a midsize pickup truck in the $30,000 range within 18 months. That would be not just cheap for an electric vehicle but competitively priced for a truck — period. Ford's own electric F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV both start at around $50,000. Among their competitors, the Tesla Cybertruck starts at more than $62,000, and the cheapest Rivian is more than $70,000. On the gas side, meanwhile, the midsize, gas-powered Ford Ranger starts at $35,000. This isn't the first time Ford has bet big on EVs. The Lightning, a splashy full-size pickup, was an ambitious vehicle when it debuted in 2022, but Ford has never managed to make money on it. Plans for a big electric SUV spluttered to a stop in 2024."

REVIEW OF SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITS AND MORE

As reported by NPR, "The Trump Administration sent a letter to The Smithsonian Institution on August 12 requesting a comprehensive internal review of eight of its museums with the aim of bringing the organization in line with President Trump's cultural directives ahead of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. Among the eight museums included in the first phase are the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The process will include an analysis of everything from exhibition texts and social media content to the curatorial process and exhibition planning."

"Within 120 days, museums should begin implementing content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials," the letter stated. 

According to Chloe Veltman, Correspondent, Culture Desk of NPR, "The Smithsonian has found itself embroiled in an ongoing "culture war" since Trump took office."

FREE DC MOVEMENT

As reported by The 19th, "Nearly an hour into the game on August 15 between the Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville FC, a chant started to spread throughout the stadium that briefly silenced the television announcers for the women’s soccer match. “Free D.C.! Free D.C.! Free D.C.!” the spectators chanted at the stadium in the southwest quadrant of the nation’s capital. It was a response to Republican President Donald Trump’s militarized takeover of policing in the District of Columbia that began last week; it was also a nod to the women-founded grassroots movement that has been organizing Washington’s 700,000 residents to resist federal interventions during the early months of the second Trump administration: Free DC."

According to Keya Chatterjee, one of four co-founders, along with Kelsye Adams, Nee Nee Taylor and Alex Dodds, "We started thinking about the need to have a clear anti-dictator plan, probably starting in October. Nearly every single time Trump made a speech, he said he was going to take over D.C., and it was not being covered very much...so we decided we were going to take that seriously."

A little history: "Free DC is the latest embodiment of a generations-long fight by District of Columbia residents to operate autonomously from the federal government. Its ultimate goal is statehood. In the 1870s, Congress dismantled the elected local government and installed federal commissioners. It wasn’t until the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1961 that people in the district could vote for president. The enactment of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act in 1973 established that the city could again elect its own local government. To this day, the district does not have representatives who are able to cast votes in Congress despite having a larger population than Wyoming or Vermont — and all city-passed policy is reviewed by the same Congress."

THE END OF AOL (PREVIOUSLY: AMERICA ONLINE)

As reported by CNN, "AOL, an internet pioneer that brought millions of Americans online for the first time, is discontinuing its dial-up service next month. The company that brought the internet to the masses in the 1990s and early 2000s recently posted a notice on its website saying that it routinely evaluates its products and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet on September 30, ending more than three decades of operations. Even as broadband and wireless internet became the predominant way people access the internet, AOL never stopped offering its sluggish service that connects people to its service over a landline. However, about 160,000 people connect to the internet through their landline telephone service, data from the 2023 US Census shows. From “You’ve Got Mail” to “Sex and the City,” AOL’s internet was a mainstay in 1990s pop culture and engrained in Americans’ lives, especially for the tones, beeps, and screeches it regularly provided. And the company regularly flooded people’s mailboxes with CDs offering free trials to access the internet. But similar to dial-up internet, AOL is also a shell of itself. The brand’s popular internet messaging service, AIM, was shut down in 2017 and AOL itself has gone through many parent companies."

LOS ANGELES LAWSUIT

On August 20, Krisin Crowley, the former Los Angeles Fire Department chief who was fired by Mayor Karen Bass six weeks after the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has filed a legal claim against the City of Los Angeles and the Mayor.

According to the statement from Crowley's representatives, "The claim sets out a pattern of dishonesty, scapegoating, and unlawful retaliation that destroyed the career of a 25-year public servant not because of any failure in her duties, but because she told the truth. The tort claim makes clear that Fire Chief Crowley did her job. She told City leadership and the public that Mayor Bass' budget cuts and the City's decades of neglect had left the LAFD underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped to handle the rising demands of a growing city, especially one at risk of dangerous wildfires. Instead of addressing those concerns, Mayor Bass retaliated. The legal claim demands immediate retraction of all false and defamatory statements, a formal and public apology to Crowley, and an end to all ongoing retaliation."

THE FUTURE OF AIRLINE PRICES

As reported by CNN, "Time could be running out for Spirit Airlines to continue operating, which would be bad news not only for its employees and customers but for all people seeking low-priced flights. For decades, the discount carrier has helped push prices down for domestic flights. The Florida-based airline, which emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year, said it's making changes to avoid being forced to shut down. But if the airline does shutter, or is bought by a competitor, that could raise airfares across the board. Spirit's model of offering no-frill, bargain fares (and charging passengers for any extras, including carry-on baggage) has forced the nation's major airlines to offer their own cheap seats, often under the "basic economy" class of tickets."

According to Scott Keyes, CEO of Going.com, a discount airline ticket site, "I think you can expect fares to go up in a world where Spirit no longer exists. Even for folks who never would fly Spirit, you owe them a debt of gratitude for cheaper flights."

NO TOURISTS ALLOWED

As reported by CNN Travel, "The abandoned Venetian island of Poveglia — site of a plague pit and former asylum three miles from St. Mark's Square — is about to take on a happier new identity. In August, a group of Venetians took possession of the supposedly haunted island under a 99-year lease from the Italian state and will embark on a project to turn it into an urban park open only to residents of the Italian city. The locals fought off stiff competition from property developers to ensure Poveglia remained a public asset. The renovation of the island, which lacks electricity and running water, is being guided by the APsyM laboratory at the University of Verona’s department of human sciences."

STATUS OF THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM

As reported by NPR, "The federal government's Energy Star program is in jeopardy. Almost 90 percent of Americans recognize the blue Energy Star logo, which the Environmental Protection Agency awards to the most energy-efficient appliances. The EPA estimates the Energy Star program has saved Americans over $500 billion in energy costs since it was established in 1992. That's why supporters are defending Energy Star against Trump administration plans to privatize or eliminate it...In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved continued funding for the program — $36 million. Now the rest of Congress likely will decide whether Energy Star will continue to be funded in coming months."

KODAK MAY CEASE OPERATIONS

As reported by Fortune, "After 133 years, a bankruptcy, and multiple reinventions, Kodak’s latest snapshot is grim: The company says there’s “substantial doubt” it can stay in business. In a quarterly filing released August 11 alongside its second-quarter earnings report, Kodak’s management raised serious concerns about its ability to continue operating over the next year."

A little history: "Founded by George Eastman in the late 19th century, Kodak revolutionized photography by democratizing film, making cameras affordable for the masses. Its slogan, "You push the button, we do the rest," became synonymous with convenient sentimentality. At its peak in the 1970s, Kodak controlled nearly 90% of U.S. film sales and 85% of the camera market. Then the digital revolution upended the industry, and Kodak stumbled. In a twist of irony, it was a Kodak engineer who created the first digital camera, but, fearing the innovation would cannibalize their current product, the company sat on the invention. They bet on film being a source of nostalgia, even as digital cameras took over the market with a promise of even more convenience. Kodak’s film output today includes industrial products like films for automotive components, not just 35mm rolls. Additionally, Kodak shifted from its consumer camera business to focus on commercial printing, packaging, and specialty chemicals. In recent years, it has sought growth in advanced materials, including film for the movie industry and components for pharmaceuticals. In fact, the pharmaceutical pivot was so successful that the day Kodak secured a government loan to pursue manufacturing, their stock soared so quickly it broke circuit breakers. Kodak has also leaned into nostalgia with hundreds of brick-and-mortar retail stores, which are particularly popular internationally."

BASEBALL'S PLAYERS WEEKEND

During August 15-17, "Players Weekend" returned to Major League Baseball. This special weekend allows hitters to showcase individuality through custom bat designs, while also supporting charities. Along with the bats, regulations are relaxed so that players can use personalized cleats and other creative flourishes. Players also have the opportunity to auction the weekend's bats and other equipment for charity following the weekend's games.

According to MLB, "Thanks to the Reds’ continued partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, for the second consecutive year patients at CCHMC painted cleats for Reds players to wear during all games played on Players' Weekend. At the conclusion of the weekend, the cleats will be put up for bid in an online auction with all proceeds benefiting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital."

SOCIAL SECURITY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

According to Social Security's website, "This year marks a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history, the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Administration (SSA)! Since the Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for millions of Americans. What began as a bold vision to protect Americans from poverty in old age has grown into one of the most successful and enduring programs in our country’s history. Social Security provides financial security to more than 72 million people, including retired workers, survivors, and those with disabilities."

According to Investopedia, "Social Security's spending has exceeded its revenue since 2021, because the number of beneficiaries is growing faster than the pool of younger workers who pay into the program. If Congress doesn’t act to make changes, the trust fund covering the funding gap is estimated to run out by 2034. Without intervention, recipients will only receive 81% of their expected benefits at that time." 

NEW TITLE: CHIEF DIGITAL AND OMNICHANNEL OFFICER

The brand known around the United Kingdom and around the world in advertising and marketing circles for its amazing December holiday ads has made personnel news. As reported by Marketing Week, "Retailer John Lewis has appointed former marketer Dom McBrien to the newly created role of CHIEF DIGITAL AND OMNICHANNEL OFFICER, at what is described as a pivotal time in the retailer's transformation journey. According to the retailer, the creation of the role reflects the "importance of omnichannel" to the business. McBrien will join the business on 1 October, the same day as incoming Chief Customer Officer Anna Braithwaite. Formerly clothing and home marketing director at Marks & Spencer, Braithwaite will lead on brand and marketing across all channels involving customer experience, loyalty, and content. The impending arrival of two senior hires comes at an interesting time. As part of its £800m (approximately $1.1 million) commitment to the John Lewis brand, in early August, the retailer added 100 new menswear and womenswear brands to its stores. These latest additions join the 49 new brands introduced earlier this year for the spring/summer season. Currently, the retailer stocks around 650 brands."

KAMALA HARRIS BOOK TOUR

Similar to recent book tours featuring Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton, on August 21, former Vice President Kamala Harris announced her "107 Days" book tour. According to CBS News, "Tickets for Harris' book tour, called, "A Conversation with Kamala Harris," include a copy of "107 Days." Other packages include VIP meet and greet tickets, a photo with Harris, and a signed copy of the book. Harris announced on July 31 that she wrote "107 Days" about the 2024 campaign, highlighting the breakneck pace of her last-minute bid for the presidency, which she ultimately lost to President Trump. The book will be released on September 23 and is published by Simon & Schuster. The "107 Days" book tour spans 15 cities beginning in New York City on September 24 followed by stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Durham (North Carolina), Birmingham (Alabama), Portland (Oregon), Nashville, ending in Miami on November 20 - the tour will also include international stops in London (United Kingdom) and Toronto (Ontario, Canada)."

VOTING RIGHTS FOR WOMEN?

A pastor told CNN that, "In my ideal society, we would vote as households, and I would be the one that would cast the vote, but I would cast the vote having discussed it with my household." Another agreed, saying he’d back an end to a woman’s right to vote: “I would support that, and I’d support it on the basis that the atomization that comes with our current system is not good for humans.” 

As reported by The 19th, "The discussion of 19th Amendment rights was part of a news segment focused on Doug Wilson — a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist pastor based in Idaho — that was reposted to Twitter/X by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The secretary is among Wilson's supporters, and his involvement with Wilson's denomination highlights how a fringe conservative evangelical Christian belief system that questions women’s right to vote is gaining more traction in the Republican Party...While it’s still far from a mainstream opinion, several figures within the Republican Party have flirted with the idea of repealing the 19th Amendment."

According to Ms. Magazine, "This was no fringe rant from the manosphere. CREC has more than 130 affiliate churches around the globe, and Hegseth is a member of a CREC-affiliated church in Tennessee. CREC’s doctrine is clear: It teaches that wives should submit to their husbands and allows male church members to cast church votes for the whole household. Wilson says that adopting the 19th Amendment — which granted women the right to vote — was a bad idea. The fact that the U.S. Secretary of Defense is now publicly aligning himself with these views should alarm every American. Hegseth is not just any churchgoer; he’s a Cabinet official lending credibility to a movement that openly seeks to roll back women’s rights by more than a century. Second only to the president, Hegseth is also the highest-ranking civilian in command of America’s military, which includes over 230,000 women."

How regrettable that this news was reported only a few days before August 18, the day that the 19th Amendment was ratified by the state of Tennessee — leading up to August 26, the date that the 19th Amendment was formally adopted into the Constitution by proclamation of Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.

CRACKER BARREL UNVEILS NEW LOGO

As reported by The Hill, "Cracker Barrel, the “old country store” eatery that has been a staple of interstate detour dining since its growth in the 1990s, is facing backlash and becoming a point of partisan conflict as the chain tries to meet modern times. The Southern-style restaurant/gift shop announced on August 20 that it is changing its logo: removing the old man and carefully sketched barrel, as well as the whipping "K" flourish over the restaurant’s name."

According to Sarah Moore, the company's chief marketing officer, "We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasn’t changed. We’re honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy, thoughtful craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality to our guests this fall.”

However, it appears that some customers and social media users had a different response. The Hill continued, "The name "Cracker Barrel" was initially derived as an homage to people in the South who gathered to play cards and other table games around barrels, which were used to transport items that could be crushed in delivery, like edible crackers. "Cracker" has also been used as a derogatory euphemism for white people, creating fodder for a younger generation as Cracker Barrel faces its new hurdles.

The brand's website explained the new marketing focus, "Cracker Barrel has been a destination for comfort and community for more than half a century, and this fifth evolution of the brand’s logo, which works across digital platforms as well as billboards and roadside signs, is a call-back to the original and rooted even more in the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all back in 1969. The new logo is sleek with few flourishes — nothing beyond brown text and a simple brown outlying loop on a deep golden background. But it quickly drew questions from people wondering what happened to the iconic man and barrel that featured in the old logo."

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office entered the discussion. Newsom, a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028, has increasingly been adopting President Trump’s tone and all-caps style on social media. He wrote that Cracker Barrel should stick with the old logo. His office posted on Twitter/X:

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH CRACKER BARREL?? KEEP YOUR BEAUTIFUL LOGO!!! THE NEW ONE LOOKS LIKE CHEAP VELVEETA ‘CHEESE’ FROM WALMART, THE PLACE FOR ‘GROCERIES’ (AN OLD FASHIONED TERM)!!! ‘FIX IT’ ASAP! WOKE IS DEAD!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER."

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES' CONTINUED EVOLUTION

As reported by CNN, "Southwest Airlines has been a low-cost carrier for most of its history, with relatively uncommon features like offering only one class of tickets, open seating, and no baggage or change fees. But within the last couple of years, Southwest has, under pressure from an activist shareholder group, started charging baggage fees for the first checked bag, began red-eye flights, and announced plans for premium seating and reserved seating. The reserved seats will be available starting in January."

According to the brand's website, “Southwest Airlines is continuing to consider ways to grow our business as we evolve to meet the needs of our current and future customers. One of the things we are exploring is the potential to expand our network to new international destinations on our Boeing 737 aircraft.”

This is another sign that the once-distinctive Texas airline is following the path of rival carriers. Southwest currently serves only 10 international markets, all relatively close to the United States: Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

MOVIE INDUSTRY BOOST FROM DRIVE-INS

As reported by CNN, "Drive-ins helped movie theaters stay afloat during the pandemic, when their fate was in serious doubt. Now, years later, drive-in theaters are still providing a small but meaningful boost for the industry. Drive-ins accounted for a significant portion of box office revenue in 2020, due to social distancing policies that reduced entertainment options. From late March through mid-August of 2020, drive-ins generated 85 percent of box office revenue in the United States, compared to 2.9 percent during the same time period in 2019, according to Comscore data. As pandemic restrictions eased, movie-goers began to return to brick-and-mortar cinemas, and some drive-in locations shuttered for good. In 2024, roughly 283 drive-ins were operating nationwide, down from about 305 in 2019 and 318 in 2021, according to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA).

“We have these younger couples purchasing drive-in theaters or reopening drive-ins to carry it on, so it has great name recognition of the experience,” said Mike Kerz, co-owner of the Midway Drive-in Theater in Illinois and a UDITOA board member. 

Donna Saunders believes that "Some people bring their grandchildren to drive-ins as part of an ongoing cycle to motivate younger generations to attend drive-ins. Drive-ins often do well with throwback and retro content. On Labor Day weekend, for instance, Universal Pictures’ "Jaws" will re-release for its 50th anniversary."

Victor Bonacore, who manages Ohio’s Dixie Twin Drive-in, estimated an average of 150 cars attend on any given Friday night, "Nostalgia is a huge part of our society and I feel like people will still come out for it."

SNEAKFLATION

As reported by CNN, "Retailers and major brands know that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, so they're using "sneakflation" to pass along Trump's tariffs in small increments in hopes that consumers won't notice or will be able to better absorb it."

According to Google, "Sneakflation is the practice by companies of subtly reducing the value of a product or service without raising its price, in order to pass on increased costs to consumers. This is done by reducing quantity, downgrading quality, adding hidden fees, or decreasing features, rather than explicitly increasing the price tag on an identical item."

Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, told CNN, "Lower-income Americans are sadly adept at juggling their expenses and trying to make every dime count. They may go without meat or coffee one week in order to buy shoes for their kids. The next week, they may skip a car payment to cover their electric bill and a medical expense. It’s a constant juggle where they allocate money to their most urgent need at that moment."

US MINT NEWS

As reported by American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), "On Wednesday, August 13, disabled people and allies gathered at the National Museum of American History to celebrate the release of a new quarter depicting Stacey Park Milbern, a leader of the disability justice movement. She is the 19th woman honored as part of the American Women Quarters Program, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women throughout American history.

Stacey Park Milbern, whose Korean name was Park Ji-hye, led and strengthened the modern Disability Justice movement. She had congenital muscular dystrophy and died on May 19, 2020, on her 33rd birthday. She was an activist, writer, speaker, and movement organizer who focused on the issues faced by queer and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) disabled people. She worked as Director of Programs at the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California, and President Barack Obama appointed Milbern to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities."

TARGET'S IDENTITY CRISIS

As reported by MarketWatch, Jamie Meyers, senior analyst at Laffer Tengler Investments, said, "Target seems to be experiencing something of an identity crisis, and we believe the company needs someone from the outside. It’s unclear what they represent as they’re not an office retailer, a low-budget chain, a dollar store, or a direct competitor to Walmart or Amazon. Target is caught somewhere in between, and we think an outside perspective is needed to help move the company forward."

On August 20, Target replaced its CEO of 11 years, Brian Cornell — a shakeup that was widely expected and likely overdue, however, Cornell's right-hand man is taking his place.

WINDOW-LESS SEATS ON AIRPLANES

As reported by ABC News, "Two class-action lawsuits have been brought against Delta and United over seat configurations where some passengers who say they paid for a window seat say they were left with a blank wall instead of a view. The separate suits on the issue claim that some Delta and United passengers who booked these seats, and in many cases paid a premium to do so, actually had no window, according to the complaint. The complaints said the carriers operate Boeing 737s, Boeing 757s and Airbus A321s with seats that would usually have a window, but due to the design and the placement of air conditioning ducts, electrical conduits, or other parts, the window cannot be installed. Some airlines describe every seat along the side of the plane as a window seat, according to the lawsuits. These lawsuits claim that other carriers including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, inform passengers during the booking process about so-called "windowless window seats," but that Delta and United did not. The standard fee to select a basic economy "window" seat on United can exceed $50, the suit claimed. On international flights, the extra fees can be over $100. Both lawsuits claim the airlines have sold millions of these seats and the lawsuits aim to rectify costs for passengers who bought them."

ESPN LAUNCHES ITS STREAMING SERVICE

AS reported by Poynter, "ESPN has launched its much-anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service product and a set of new features on an enhanced ESPN App. ESPN Unlimited, which costs $29.99 a month or $299.99 a year, gives viewers access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network — in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. It includes 47,000 live events a year, on demand replays, studio shows, original programming and more."

ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro said, "This is a monumental day for all of us at ESPN, for The Walt Disney Company and, most importantly, for our fans. ESPN DTC and the ESPN App are a powerful combination marking a major turning point in how we serve sports fans — anytime, anywhere — for years to come. We’re approaching our 46th year here, and I would say that this is one of the biggest days at ESPN, if not the biggest."

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF TRUMP DISINFORMATION

As reported and checked by PolitiFact, President Trump has vowed to take action against voting by mail, which he said makes the United States an outlier. Trump posted on Truth Social on August 18, "We are now the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting." Trump did not explain his evidence, and hours later, softened his language when he said he "may be wrong."

In 2024, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance based in Sweden found that 34 countries or territories allow postal voting, or mail-in voting. For example, Australia has had mail-in voting for a century, and all Canadians are eligible to vote by mail. Looks like this statement by Trump is false.

WORLD CONFERENCE FOR FACT-CHECKING IN JUNE 2026

As reported by Poynter, "The world’s fact-checking journalists will convene in Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius for the 13th annual GlobalFact summit in June 2026. Presented by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at Poynter, GlobalFact is the world’s largest and most impactful summit for professional fact-checking. Every year, fact-checkers come together to address industry-wide challenges, exchange best practices, and build collaborative solutions to improve our shared information ecosystem. Discussions are centered on universal challenges that fact-checkers face today, such as navigating artificial intelligence, upholding information integrity, and investigating online disinformation campaigns."

According to AistÄ— MeidutÄ—, editor of Delfi’s fact-checking unit Melo detektorius, "Throughout its history, Lithuania has proven itself a tireless defender of democratic values and press freedom. Today, as the world faces unprecedented challenges of disinformation — exacerbated by the rise of authoritarian regimes — it is more important than ever to demonstrate unity and determination in safeguarding the public’s right to reliable, fact-based information."

RECENT PEW STUDY ABOUT NEWS COVERAGE

According to Poynter, "The vast majority of Americans want honesty, intelligence, and authenticity from their news providers, a Pew Research Center study released on August 20 found. The study, based on a poll of more than 9,300 U.S. adults in April, found that more than 80 percent of respondents said it was “important” that the people they get their news from display those three traits in their work. More than 90 percent also said it was at least “somewhat important” that their news providers have a deep knowledge of the topics they cover. Employment by a news organization or a university degree in journalism was less important. The study also found that while 59 percent of Americans believe that journalists are important to the well-being of society, nearly half think journalists are losing influence. One reason for this loss of influence, according to focus group participants, was the rise of alternative news sources and the lowered barriers to entry for news providers."

BIG ENGAGEMENT NEWS

Unless you live under a rock, you've already heard the news that singer/songwriter/entrepreneur Taylor Swift and her NFL football boyfriend Travis Kelce are now engaged. The two shared the news on Instagram on August 26 with several photos and a cute message that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," and immediately, the world went wild. The level of interest in this announcement rivals the engagement announcement of England's former Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. 

I've said many times here on my blog that, "Brands that are able to align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news story that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable." According to Brianne Fleming, author of the marketing newsletter By Popular Demand, "Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are such a power couple that their influence touches countless brands and industries...It makes sense that brands are reacting to Swift's engagement because it's an opportunity not only to promote themselves but to share in fans' excitement...These days, to know your audience is to know pop culture. If you want your audience to love you, you have to understand what they love — and a good majority of them probably love Taylor Swift."

APPLE NEWS

According to Engadget, "Apple has announced the dates for its 2025 fall event. The company will unveil new hardware on September 9 at 1PM ET at its Cupertino headquarters. The tag line for the event is "awe dropping," which doesn't give a whole lot away. There has been plenty of speculation already about what will be announced at the upcoming event. The highlight of the iPhone lineup this year is expected to be a new ultra-thin, ultra-light, most likely called the iPhone 17 Air. We've already heard rumors about everything from the frame material to the battery for this new offering, so it should be interesting to see whether Apple has managed to keep anything about iPhone 17 Air under wraps to reveal during the event.

One thing we know without a doubt is that the new iPhones will launch with iOS 26, which brings Apple's biggest design refresh in years. It's easy to imagine the company highlighting the new model's displays as the best way to experience the new Liquid Glass visual language. As for the naming scheme, there haven't been any leaks pointing to a similar hardware rebranding ("iPhone 26," "iPhone 26 Pro," etc.). But hey, Apple does like surprises."

CRACKER BARREL BACKLASH

Later in the month, as reported by CNN on August 28, "After days of intense backlash, most recently from President Donald Trump, Cracker Barrel is scrapping its new minimalist logo. Last week, Cracker Barrel received a barrage of criticism when it unveiled its modernized logo, which got rid of the namesake barrel and the old-timer figure. Some loyal fans feared the 56-year-old chain was drifting too far from its bucolic roots, and the company’s shares (CBRL) nosedived more than 12 percent days after the announcement. A deputy White House chief of staff posted on X that he received a call from Cracker Barrel saying they thanked President Trump for weighing in on the issue.”

According to a company statement, "We could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be. We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon."

In addition, CNN also reported that, "After backing away from a controversial logo rebrand loudly opposed by many right-wing influencers, Cracker Barrel also quietly made changes to its website this week. The Tennessee-based roadside restaurant chain deleted a dedicated "Pride page" and scrubbed references to employee resource groups, including its LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging groups, from another part of its website."

A Cracker Barrel spokesperson said the website updates reflected the removal of outdated content, "In connection with the Company’s brand work, we have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content. Several months ago, the Company also made changes to our Business Resource Groups that now focus all sponsorships or events on our corporate giving initiatives: addressing food insecurity, supporting community needs through food, and reducing food waste."

The question from this brand experience is, should the US President weigh in on logo redesigns? And furthermore, this situation shows that Cracker Barrel has clearly picked political sides.

ANOTHER JERSEY MIKE'S SPOKESPERSON

In addition to actor Danny DeVito who was recruited as a brand spokesperson back in 2022 - and who generated higher brand awareness and sales - the sandwich chain has added football great Eli Manning to its list of spokespeople.

As reported by Nation's Restaurant News, "The chain's new national campaign features DeVito feeling a little territorial as Manning — whom he accuses of "stealing" his job — joins the brand’s spotlight. The campaign marks the brand’s first creative push since becoming the “Official Sub Sandwich Sponsor” of the NFL in April 2025. According to Jersey Mike’s senior vice president of marketing Jeff Hemschoot, "Eli’s charm and low-key wit combined with Danny’s big personality make for an unforgettable duo. As a proud New Jersey resident and longtime Jersey Mike’s fan, Eli was a natural fit. He’s one of Jersey’s most iconic sports figures and we’re thrilled to have him on our team."

INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY AT DUNKIN'

"BARK, a leading global omnichannel dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy, announced the return of its highly anticipated dog toy collaboration with Dunkin’, the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Together, BARK and Dunkin’ have raised over $12.5 million for the charitable foundation since launching their partnership in 2020. Now in its sixth year, the BARK x Dunkin’ Joy partnership has become an annual tradition in high demand from dogs and dog parents.

Starting today on August 26 for National Dog Day, the 2025 Dunkin’ x BARK collection is back at participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide and online at bark.co/dunkin, while supplies last. With a $16 donation to the Joy in Childhood Foundation, guests will receive a limited-edition toy as a thank-you – giving pups a playful way to join in their humans’ favorite coffee rituals while supporting kids battling illness or hunger. This year’s collection features:

*Dunkin’ Cold Brew Toy: This plush toy includes an oversized squeaker, ultra-fluffy stuffing, irresistible crinkle fabric, and a playful whip-n-flip straw.

*Dunkin’ Chocolate Frosted Donut: This sweet treat is a 2-in-1 toy packed with fluff, featuring two squeakers and layers of crazy crinkle for irresistible play.

Donations benefit the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s programs that bring joy to children battling illness and hunger, including Dogs for Joy, which places highly trained facility dogs in children’s hospitals across the country. These full-time pups support patients by teaching kids how to take medication, providing comfort during medical intervention, and motivating them through treatment."

According to Dave Stangle, Vice President of Brand Marketing at BARK, "We’re incredibly proud of how this partnership unites dog lovers, coffee fans and a shared purpose — to bring joy to kids when they need it most. It’s a meaningful way for us to connect with our community and support a cause that brings comfort and happiness to so many." Woof!

COVID VACCINE STATUS

As reported by Scientific American, "The upcoming fall and winter months are about to bring the usual crop of respiratory illnesses — influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and, of course, COVID. But this will be the first time since COVID vaccines were developed that many people in the U.S. will not have easy access to immunization against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease, which has contributed to the deaths of more than 1.2 million Americans to date.

Public health experts had nervously tracked U.S. health agencies’ actions on vaccines in general and COVID vaccines in particular since February, when longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., took the reins of the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and founder of the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, "We typically have this very clear set of dominoes for a vaccine rollout: it’s smooth; it’s synchronized; it’s sequenced. But we have these missing or wobbling dominoes right now, and so the rest of the chain is backed up."

On August 27, the FDA approved the updated COVID vaccines only for adults aged 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions that increase risk of severe infection. The decision leaves healthy children and adults without easy access.

DR PEPPER BUYS PEETS

As reported by ABC7, "Keurig Dr Pepper will buy the owner of Peet's Coffee in an $18 billion deal, then break itself in two, with one company selling coffee and the other selling cold beverages like Snapple, Dr Pepper, 7UP, and energy drinks. The agreement will essentially unwind the 2018 merger of Keurig and Dr. Pepper, and it arrives at a time when consumers are pulling back, and the trade wars under President Donald Trump threaten to send coffee prices soaring. Yet Keurig Dr Pepper sees both coffee and cold beverages as areas of growth that would be better navigated by independently operating companies."

According to CEO Tim Cofer, "This is a transformational moment for the sector. By creating two sharply-focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions and capital allocation strategies, we are poised to generate significant shareholder value in both the near and long term."

NOVEMBER 1 WILL BE FERNANDO VALENZUELA DAY

As reported by ABC7, "The state of California has declared November 1 as "Fernando Valenzuela Day." That's the birthday of the late Dodgers pitching sensation, who sparked a movement known as "Fernandomania." Valenzuela died October 22, 2024 of septic shock at the age of 63. California State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, who represents parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties, introduced the measure to highlight the positive impact his legacy created in the Latino and Hispanic community. The Los Angeles City Council proclaimed Aug. 11 as "Fernando Valenzuela Day" for the city in 2023."

EMILY IN PARIS — AND ITALY

"Emily in Paris" television show creator Darren Star has said, "From Parisian rooftops to Roman ruins, we can't wait to share where Emily's next chapter takes us." That's because Emily Cooper of the Netflix show, "Emily in Paris" will tell her story in both cities during the show's fifth season set to debut on December 18. According to ABC News, "This time around, Emily (Lily Collins) will be exploring not only France but also Italy, just as she did at the end of season 4. She will spend time in Rome once again and also take a visit to Venice for the first time."

Should Netflix change the name of the show?


What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!


Image Credits: Heinz and MSNOW.


Read about the "kerfuffle" concerning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attire worn to a meeting at the White House in early 2025:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/03/marketing-news-of-month-brand-names.html


Read 20 interesting facts about Cracker Barrel:

https://blog.crackerbarrel.com/20-surprising-facts-about-cracker-barrel/


Read about the American Quarters Program:

https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-women-quarters-program/


Graphic of global in-country postal voting data:

https://www.idea.int/data-tools/tools/special-voting-arrangements/postal-in-country


Read highlights from the Pew Research Center study:

"How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age"

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/08/20/how-americans-view-journalists-in-the-digital-age/


Thursday, August 28, 2025

Brand Alignment Lessons (and Opportunities) from Taylor Swift


Unless you live under a rock, you've already heard the news that singer/songwriter/entrepreneur Taylor Swift and her NFL football boyfriend Travis Kelce are now engaged.

The two shared the news on Instagram with several photos and a cute message that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," and immediately, the world went wild. The level of interest in this announcement rivals the engagement announcement of England's former Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

According to Brianne Fleming, author of the marketing newsletter By Popular Demand, "Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are such a power couple that their influence touches countless brands and industries. From cities she's toured to stadiums she's filled — and even food brands joking about catering the wedding — everyone is looking for a way to tie themselves in. It makes sense that brands are reacting to Swift's engagement because it's an opportunity not only to promote themselves but to share in fans' excitement...These days, to know your audience is to know pop culture. If you want your audience to love you, you have to understand what they love — and a good majority of them probably love Taylor Swift."

I've said many times here on my blog that, "Brands that are able to align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news story that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable." 

So, without further ado, here's a recap of the brands that truly understand how to align themselves with trending news.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY

On Instagram, one image with comments overlayed on one of the famous photos shared by Taylor and Travis - a big hug: Taylor was "ME" and Travis was "CHEESECAKE FACTORY BROWN BREAD."

PILLSBURY

On Instagram, three images of the Pillsbury Dough Boy saying "SHE'S ENGAGED;" a sweet roll with "AND THE RING IS GORGEOUS;" and the Dough Boy holding a bouquet of hearts, footballs, and croissants with the caption, "I PRESENT THE HAPPY COUPLE WITH A CONGRATULATORY DOUGH-QUET!!!"

INVISALIGN

On Instagram, the photo caption "Baby just say yes to your most confident wedding day smile."

HERSHEYS CHOCOLATE KISSES

On Instagram, two bags of Hershey's kisses with the words "CELEBRATE." In addition, the message "Hershey's kisses in bulk will be a delight at any wedding."

SHAKESHACK

On Instagram, an onion ring was placed on a woman's ring finger. Two additional photos featured onion rings. And the message was "Look what you made us do. Coming soon..."

PANERA BREAD

On Instagram, the caption on top of a photo of bread was "She said yeast. A real life loaf story."

AUNTIE ANNE'S

On Twitter/X, the post was "CAN I BE THE FLOWER GIRL?"

MERRIAM-WEBSTER

On Twitter/X, the post was "Your English teacher's favorite book and your gym teacher's favorite book are getting married." The image was in the same flower garden as the couple but featured Webster's Sports Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA

On Twitter/X, the post was "Yes, we already updated their bios to engaged."

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

On Twitter/X, the post was "Where can I apply to be the wedding venue?"

Marcus Collins, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, wasn't surprised by all the brands that chimed in, but he was not impressed. He said, "Historically, brands have benefitted from quickly reacting to what's in the zeitgeist, like Oreo's famous "you can still dunk in the dark" Tweet during the 2013 Super Bowl blackout. But those successes have led brands to jump headlong into cultural conversations even when they have nothing to do with them. It's like we're jumping on things to be opportunistic, not to contribute anything."

However, Collins said that some brands still manage to strike the right balance when responding to pop culture phenomena, including the engagement news this week. He tipped his hat to Ralph Lauren, the designer of the black-and-white striped dress that Swift wore in her engagement photos. The retailer knocked the price down about 20 percent on its website, and it sold out in under 20 minutes. He said, "The brands that will be successful will be the ones that can find relevance and context with regards to the happening and what the brand is, beyond what it does. And the brands that will continue to [work against] themselves will be the ones that are, essentially, just jumping on the trends."

While the media and fan focus was on the engagement news, Starbucks chimed in with its own clever post.

STARBUCKS

On Instagram, on top of a backdrop of fall leaves, the caption read, "Are we supposed to keep talking about PSL like nothing happened???" For those who don't know, Starbucks welcomed back its annual Pumpkin Spice Latte on the same day of the engagement news.


Unless the famous couple elopes, the big wedding will serve as another opportunity for brands to chime in. As a marketing pro, I can't wait!


Image Credit: Merriam-Webster via Twitter/X.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Let's Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Celina Stewart of the League of Women Voters of the US!


Today is Women's Equality Day and marks the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This important day celebrates the achievements of women's rights activists (including my great-grandmother who marched for women's suffrage in upstate New York in the early 1900's) and reminds us of the struggles that women continue to face. Some of these struggles include the lack of equal pay for equal work; gender stereotypes, unconscious bias, and lack of mentorship opportunities in the workplace; a higher risk of sexual harassment in the workplace; under-representation in leadership positions; gender bias in hiring and promotions; and the impact of the motherhood penalty.

According to the National Women's History Alliance, "At the behest of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971, the United States Congress designated August 26th as "Women's Equality Day." The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality."

Founded soon after the passage of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan grassroots volunteer organization that operates at the national, state, and local level, was born in 1920 when "fearless women fought for and finally attained the right to vote. Originally designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters and to nurture civic leaders, the League helps voters - both women and men - become informed and engaged citizens."

Earlier this summer on July 19th in Los Angeles, I had the incredible honor to meet Celina Stewart, the Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States, based in Washington, DC. In February, on behalf of my local League of Women Voters, I had issued an invitation to Celina to visit Southern California and speak to my local League - and she accepted my invitation! During her Southern California visit, also referred to as a "listening tour," she met members of 10 local Leagues and was the featured guest speaker at events held in San Diego, Manhattan Beach, and the San Fernando Valley. Some may argue that the League of Women Voters is no longer nonpartisan, but as Celina explained, "Our positions have remained unchanged over the decades, they were not ever political. People attack the League because we make a difference, but the League is the watchdog of democracy."

A legal expert, voting rights champion, and lifelong democracy defender, Celina Stewart serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States. In this role since August of 2024, she oversees the operations of the inspiring 105-year-old voting rights organization; and she and her team work to foster alignment across the national office and the 750-plus State and local Leagues.

Celina earned her JD Degree from Western Michigan University Law School and her BA Degree in Sociology from Spelman College. Prior to joining the League, she was acting Chief Operating Officer and Director of Philanthropy at an electoral reform nonprofit – and also served as a litigation consultant for law firms and legislators.

In 2018, Celina first joined the League as "Director of Advocacy and Litigation." In that role, she developed and implemented League political strategies and policy positions regarding voting rights, election reform, redistricting, and campaign finance issues. She also directed litigation opportunities for the national, State, and local Leagues in federal courts while serving as the lead lobbyist and liaison with Congress and the Administration.

In 2019, she was quoted in the Spelman Messenger, "Once everyday people are engaged and feel motivated to participate, our democracy is strengthened."

She was promoted to "Senior Director" in April 2019 and to "Chief Counsel" in July 2020; and in those roles, she built stronger relationships with legal partners resulting in increased visibility for the League of Women Voters on Capitol Hill.

Dianna Wynn, the President of the national League, describes Celina as, "A born leader and proven problem-solver. Celina's dedication to the League combined with her strategic vision and leadership are invaluable as the League continues to empower voters and defend democracy."

Here's a quote from Celina's appointment ceremony in August 2024, "We are living in a truly unprecedented and historic time. Every day, there's a new attack, and women are being called to save our country. And that call is urgent. We don't have time for fear or hesitation. All we have time to do is whatever it takes to ensure that the work we are doing today leaves enough breadcrumbs for the next generation of Leagues to carry the organization – and the brand – beyond 2120."

And here's a quote from a blog post Celina wrote as our country celebrated Independence Day last month, "Our movement draws inspiration from the suffragists who founded the League over a century ago. They understood that democracy is – NOT – self-sustaining – it must be actively defended by each generation – because threats emerge in EVERY generation. The suffragists did not win the right to vote by asking nicely. They organized – protested – and demonstrated."

I recalled an important article written by Dianna Wynn (President of the national League) in January about the organization's name where she wrote, "To me, now more than ever, it's clear that 'WOMEN' is an essential part of our name — and always will be...Organizations like the League of Women Voters empower women and fight to protect our freedoms so that we can become more fully represented in our democracy...In these trying times when some seek to take power AWAY from women, it's important to emphasize – including in our name – that women have fought for and deserve a voice at the ballot box and in our government. To drop 'WOMEN' from our name does a disservice to those who came before us. We carry out their legacy as we advance democracy and voting rights into our second century. It also does a disservice to the women of today who are fighting for equality in every aspect of their lives, from political representation to equal pay to reproductive freedom." 

So, when I asked Celina her thoughts about the name of the organization and how to attract more male allies, she responded, "We want the League to be open and reflective of everyone. Our power is as individuals and also together."

During Celina's July 19th event, she said, "We are our ancestors' wildest dreams." I, for one, agree with that statement, because I have accomplished things in my life that my great-grandmother, who marched for women's suffrage leading up to 1920, could only dream about. But, of course, we still have a long, long way to go!

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, the 10th President of Spelman College, wrote in 2019, "Our Spelmanites are ambitious for themselves and even more ambitious for each other and their communities, the mark of real leaders. Join me in celebrating the women of Spelman who have devoted their lives to public service and the welfare of their communities, their country, and the world."

Celina is truly the embodiment of this quote, and I thank her for inspiring me everyday since I first heard her speak at her August 2024 appointment ceremony - but especially today on Women's Equality Day!


Image Credits: LWV-Beach Cities (Debbie Laskey and Celina Stewart photo taken July 17, 2025) and LWVUS.


Read mentioned posts from the LWVUS Blog:

LWVUS President Dianna Wynn: Why We Will Remain the League of WOMEN Voters (January 2025)

https://www.lwv.org/blog/why-we-will-remain-league-women-voters


LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart: Democracy Needs Defenders, Not Cheerleaders (July 2025)

https://www.lwv.org/blog/independence-day-democracy-needs-defenders-not-cheerleaders


CNN: Why Work Is (Still) Not Working for Women (March 2025)

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/07/world/womens-equality-at-work-globally-as-equals-intl-cmd


Read previous #WomensEqualityDay posts on my blog:

Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Erika Andersen (August 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/lets-celebrate-womensequalityday-with.html


Gender Bias and #WomensEqualityDay with Amy Diehl (August 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/08/gender-bias-and-womens-equality-day.html


Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Kim Elsesser (August 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/08/lets-celebrate-womens-equality-day.html


Work Remains for More Women in Top Leadership Roles with Susan Colantuono (August 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/08/as-we-celebrate-1920-work-remains-to.html


Tuesday, August 12, 2025

A Tale of Two Radically Different Customer Experiences


When we think of customer service, we think of quality products, polite customer service agents, and reasonable prices. We definitely don't think about products that fall apart the moment they arrive at our homes via delivery, rude representatives by phone, email, or in person, or exorbitantly high prices.

This is a tale of two radically different customer experiences.

The front door of my house had recently been re-painted, so I wanted to purchase a new wreath to hang on the door. Since the selection was always more extensive on Etsy, I thought it would be nice to search on that site and also support its small business owners. Little did I know what a mistake that was! I purchased a green wreath that, from the photos, looked like it was a quality product that would look nice on my front door. 

However, the box arrived damaged, and upon opening the box, I noticed that at least a dozen pieces had fallen off of the wreath and were unable to be re-attached. I had to return the wreath to the seller.

Upon contacting the seller, I was told that there were no returns and no refunds. I was speechless. The item was damaged. That was simply bad business. And the wreath had cost $125. After a few more back and forth messages, the seller agreed to refund my money IF - and only if - I returned the damaged wreath.

I went to my local UPS store and post office and nearly fainted. The cost to ship the wreath was $60. That was half the price of the wreath. That must have meant the seller had paid pennies to make the wreath so that she would make money on the sale. Anyhow, since I wanted some money back, I had to pay $60 to ship the wreath.

Once I received my refund, I researched the name of the CEO of Etsy and other members of his C-Suite and sent them an email message explaining my experience. I got no response from the CEO. But I did get an email letting me know that a $5 coupon would be available in my account. Wow, a big $5. 

Since I was out $60 and then given a coupon for $5, I was still out $55. No one at Etsy wanted to make me whole, meaning that I would have to spend more money on Etsy to use the coupon. The customer service reps who emailed me a couple of times informed me that they had no authority to refund more than $5. Had I been the CEO (who earns $16 million a year, by the way), or anyone who works for him, I would have purchased a $50 gift card and sent it to me. What happened to out-of-the-box thinking?

So, now, let's turn our attention to how a different brand dealt with a recent experience. I had purchased eight soup bowls from Mikasa. When they arrived at my house, one was slightly damaged. So I contacted the customer service email address and asked if they would replace the defective bowl. 

I immediately received an email: "Hi Debbie! Thanks for reaching out. We feel terrible that a bowl in your order was defective, and we're happy to replace it for you without delay. Here's your replacement order number and tracking number, it should arrive in 7-10 days. Also, don't worry about sending back the damaged merchandise, and feel free to keep any extras in the replacements we send you. Thanks for choosing Mikasa, and have a great day! Sincerely, Mikasa Customer Service."

And you know what? The package from Mikasa contained four - YES FOUR - new bowls.

Which brand understands customer experience marketing, the customer journey, and walking a mile in the customer's shoes? Which of these two brands would you choose to do business with?

I've asked Shep Hyken, customer experience expert and author to chime in about the importance of positive customer experiences in the past, and one of his previous quotes is just as timely now as when it first appeared here on my blog back in April, "Great service isn't complicated – some of the basics include respect, professionalism, and follow-through."

And lastly, let's always remember my two favorite quotes on this topic:

SHARE THIS: Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. ~Bill Gates #CX #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog


SHARE THIS: There is only one boss - the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money elsewhere. ~Sam Walton #CX #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog


Image Credits: Etsy and Mikasa.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Marketing News of the Week: Brand Identity, Female Firsts, and More


During the past week, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, branded merchandise, co-branding, industry firsts, personal branding, and more. 

THE FILM "FREAKIER FRIDAY"

Due to a cult following, 22 years after the film FREAKY FRIDAY starring actresses Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, the sequel (FREAKIER FRIDAY) arrived in movie theaters. In the process, a new word has been coined: the term FREAKQUEL has been used instead of SEQUEL.

According to Maureen Lee Lenker's review in Entertainment Week, "What makes Freakier Friday so special is that amid the laugh-out-loud humor and welcome fan service, there's also a beautiful film here about parenting, coming-of-age, loneliness, grief, loss, and sacrifice. To be human is to experience the highs and lows of all that life has to offer, and to be a parent is to do so tenfold, with your heart beating outside your own body. Freakier Friday celebrates that and literalizes it, acknowledging the challenges acute to any age, as well as the foibles and perks of life's different seasons. If the original film is about a mother and daughter coming to better understand each other, Freakier Friday throws its arms open to wrap them around the notion of family as a whole — the ways in which we show up for each other, make being together and being at home one and the same, and how to know that we're exactly where we belong. It's a heart-on-its-sleeve ode to strengthening and forging bonds, the power of deep and unconditional love, and the warmth and safety of one's chosen family, most especially when it's at its freakiest."

FREAKIER FRIDAY MERCH

The only movie theater chain that will offer a special popcorn bucket is Marcus Theaters. As described by SuperHeroHype, "The novelty here is that it will be offering two items that mimic the body-swapping trope of the film: a Freakier Friday Switcheroo Popcorn Bucket that has a lid to make it look like a soda with ice and a Freakier Friday Fake-Out Cup that has a lid to make it look like a bucket of popcorn. They’re actually pretty nifty as items inspired by the movie’s core concept. The officially-licensed 85-oz. popcorn bucket costs $22.99, which is just a few dollars more than the 32-oz. drink cup that is priced at $18.99."

The Regal Theaters chain is featuring something called a Swapcorn bucket, popcorn in a divided bucket with one half filled with classic buttered popcorn and the other half with caramel. In addition, "Those lucky enough to attend the Fan First Screening for the movie on August 6 at Regal will also receive a friendship bracelet set, one that has beads which say "FREAKIER" and another that says "FRIDAY."

AMC Theaters is also offering a Freakier Friday Fan First Screening on August 6 where theatergoers can get the same complimentary friendship bracelets.

And lastly, Cinemark also has the friendship-bracelet offer plus a guitar pick keychain for anyone who can score a ticket to the movie’s first showing at Cinemark XD on August 7. The metal keychain comes with a string of links to a green and purple guitar pick that has the Freakier Friday logo emblazoned on it.

KAHLUA AND DUNKIN'

According to a joint press release, "Kahlúa, the No. 1 coffee liqueur, is teaming up with Dunkin’, America’s largest coffee and donuts brand, to introduce Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur. This is the latest addition to Kahlúa’s permanent line of thoughtfully crafted liqueurs, marking Kahlúa’s largest investment in the cream liqueur category and Dunkin’s very first foray into cream liqueur. Featuring one of Dunkin’s bestselling flavor swirls, Kahlúa Dunkin' Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur offers a luscious pour with caramel notes like toffee, vanilla, and dulce de leche, blended with hints of coffee and chocolate. The finish is smooth and creamy with a sweet ending that combines Dunkin’s Caramel Swirl with Kahlúa’s rum and 100 percent Arabica coffee from Veracruz, Mexico."

According to Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing, Kahlúa, "Kahlúa is famous for great-tasting Espresso Martinis, and now we’re stirring up everyday occasions with Dunkin’ for something special. We’re proud to partner with this iconic coffee brand and continue the partnership in exciting ways."

According to Brian Gilbert, Vice President Retail Business Development, Dunkin’, "This collaboration blends premium indulgence with everyday coffee culture. Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl is a bold step in the cream liqueur category for both brands and a delicious new treat for coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike."

NEW CHAIR FOR LA 2028 OLYMPICS

As reported by the LA Times, "In past Olympic Games held on American soil, sitting presidents have served in passive, ceremonial roles. President Trump [has] other plans. An executive order signed by Trump on August 5th names him chair of a White House task force for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. At the White House, speaking in front of banners adding the presidential seal to the logo for LA28, Trump said he would send the military back to Los Angeles if he so chose in order to protect the Games. In June, Trump sent the National Guard and U.S. Marines to the city amid widespread immigration enforcement actions, despite widespread condemnation from Mayor Karen Bass and other local officials."

According to the executive order, "The task force, to be housed within the Department of Homeland Security, will assist in the planning and implementation of visa processing and credentialing programs for foreign athletes, coaches, officials, and media personnel."

According to The Conversation, "There are concerns from some Los Angeles officials that the administration’s immigration policies could deter tourists and complicate the issuing of visas for Olympic teams. In an address early in 2025 to the International Olympic Committee in Greece, Casey Wasserman (the man in charge of the LA 2028 Olympics), said that he had received assurances from Trump that he did not anticipate any problems from any country to come and participate and have their delegations in full force."

The LA Times reported that, "Presidents have long played a role in the Games. In 1984, Ronald Reagan formally opened the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first American president to do so. The Olympic Charter requires the host country’s head of state to officially open the Games, but before Reagan, the duty had been fulfilled by local political leaders or vice presidents representing the president."

DORITOS GOLDEN SRIRACHA CHIPS

As reported by CNN, "The PepsiCo-owned tortilla chips maker thinks it’s found the next big flavor with "Golden Sriracha" — a newly released permanent addition that the brand hopes emulates the popularity of Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese. Doritos is releasing its next "mega flavor," as the brand calls it, developed by its culinary team that’s constantly searching for trending flavors that could be transformed into a popular salty snack. The team landed on Sriracha, a chili sauce commonly associated with Thai and Vietnamese food that has become a grocery store staple. Red Sriracha is the most well-known and most popular version of the sauce, especially with Gen Z eaters. Despite the upheaval in the snacking industry over the past few years, Doritos is leaning into what makes it so unique: bold flavors."

According to James Wade, senior marketing director for Doritos. "The landscape is different. But it’s a product that remains distinct and differentiated. When we talk to consumers, there’s just not a lot of alternatives that are like Doritos."

BREAST MILK-INSPIRED ICE CREAM

As reported by Deseret, "The Breast Milk Ice Cream that’s making a splash nationally is "inspired by" but does not contain actual human breast milk. The concept is a marketing ploy. OddFellows Ice Cream Co. and Frida, a baby product company, teamed up for the confection to boost interest in Frida’s new 2-in-1 manual breast pump, according to ABC News...According to Frida, the Breast Milk Ice Cream has a sweet and salty flavor and will be available for a limited time and also available for shipping nationwide on Frida's website...As for actual breast milk, it’s hard to beat for baby’s well-being. Healthline said it provides the best in nutrition, strengthens baby’s immune system and reduces risk of illnesses. Moms benefit, too. Breastfeeding bolsters recovery after giving birth, may aid weight loss and has been linked to less risk of certain cancers. That’s something no ice cream has been able to claim."

COLORADO STOVE WARNINGS

As reported by CPR, "Anyone shopping for a gas stove in Colorado might soon notice a yellow label warning them of the air quality risks. That’s after a new first-in-the-nation state law took effect on August 6th. Signed by Governor Jared Polis in May, the law requires retailers to display labels, in Spanish and English, encouraging potential buyers to investigate the health impacts of owning an indoor gas stove. The label must include a URL or QR code leading to a state webpage with information about the risks associated with the appliances. Colorado is the first state to require a health warning label on gas stoves and cooktops, according to Nick Torres, an advocacy director for the American Lung Association covering Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. He said the labels will help shoppers make an informed decision."

LITTLE CAESARS AND ROBOT DELIVERY

As reported by Nation's Restaurant News, "Little Caesars is getting into autonomous delivery for the first time. The third-largest pizza chain announced a new partnership with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to offer robotic sidewalk delivery to select customers in the Los Angeles area. Serve Robotics boasts that its third-generation robots have a cargo bin that can fit up to four 16-inch pizzas, plus an order of wings, Italian cheese bread, and beverages. Serve robots can also maintain proper food temperature and quality while they are en route to a customer’s delivery address."

According to Trish Heusel, vice president of innovation at Little Caesars, "Little Caesars is always looking for ways to be innovative in the restaurant industry, and we are proud to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to deliver our delicious pizzas to our customers in Los Angeles. Partnering with Serve allows us to deliver a solution that aligns with our commitment to better service and technology-forward solutions while reducing our environmental footprint."

KENNEDY CENTER'S NAME

According to NBC News, "House Republican proposals to name the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump and its opera house after first lady Melania Trump would violate the law by which the Kennedy Center was created."

According to U.S. Code, "After December 2, 1983, no additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials shall be designated or installed in the public areas of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts."

Rep. Bob Onder, R-Mo., introduced the "Make Entertainment Great Again Act" to rename the entire Kennedy Center the "Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts." As reported by NBC News, "Three former board members for the Kennedy Center told NBC News that the law creating the center prohibited any of the facilities from being renamed, other than the Eisenhower Theater, after the president whose administration first authorized its construction in 1958. The project stalled and was revived under President John F. Kennedy, whose family led an effort to get the center built and named in his honor following his assassination. Two months later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the legislation making it a living memorial to Kennedy."

On social media, John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Scholossberg responded to moves to rename the institution, posting: "The Trump Administration stands for freedom of oppression, not expression. He uses his awesome powers to suppress free expression and instill fear. But this isn't about the arts. Trump is obsessed with being bigger than JFK, with minimizing the many heroes of our past, as if that elevates him. It doesn't. But there's hope — art lasts forever, and no one can change what JFK and our shared history stand for."

As reported by NPR, "The Make Entertainment Great Again Act is expected to struggle to find enough votes in Congress to pass." Let's hope so.

RETURN OF NEW YORK'S WALDORF ASTORIA

One of New York City's grandest hotels, the Waldorf Astoria, closed for renovations in 2017, and almost 8 years and billions of dollars later, the hotel re-opened. Historian David Freeland explained, "The Waldorf has always been a reflection of New York. I'd like to think that its reopening symbolizes the return of a great public space within the life of the city."

Brand name note: The hyphen in the hotel's name (Waldorf-Astoria) was dropped in 2009.

RETURN OF BED BATH & BEYOND

Nearly two years after this retail store known for its coupons closed all of its stores, Bed Bath & Beyond has returned from the retail grave.

As reported by ABC7, "The first new Bed Bath & Beyond has opened more than two years after the company went bankrupt and shut down all its stores. The Brand House Collective, which now owns the company, opened a new store on August 8th in Nashville, Tennessee. As part of the grand opening celebration, the company said it would bring back the popular Bed Bath & Beyond coupon. That means old coupons will be accepted, and customers will also be given a new one at the door. Brand House's CEO said, "This isn't just a store, it's a fresh start for a brand that means something special to so many families." It's not clear if or when other stores might open.

END OF BEAUTY BRAND AMI COLE

As reported by 19thNews, "Next month, beauty brand Ami Colé will shutter, marking an unfortunate reality for many Black-owned businesses — what happens when financial interest dries up? Founder Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye’s July announcement shocked many across the beauty space. In the piece, N’Diaye-Mbaye outlined the journey of starting her business, from growing up in her mother’s Harlem braiding salon to pitching Ami Colé — known for their innovation in lip oils and shade-inclusive makeup — to over 150 investors in 2019. After a surge in support for Black entrepreneurship following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, N’Diaye-Mbaye said she received more interest in the brand, becoming one of 30 Black women to raise $1 million for her start-up within months. But four years after her official launch, N’Diaye-Mbaye said growth at Sephora couldn’t compete with corporate brands, and scaling up production to meet potential demand came at a steep cost when online influence fluctuated.

Nationally, there has been a societal swing — in tandem with pressure from President Trump’s administration — against intentional incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in creators’ paths, with waning urgency to support these businesses en masse. And the amount of money flowing to Black-founded companies has hit a multiyear low, according to the business publication Crunchbase News. Only $730 million — 0.4 percent of all funding — went to startups with a Black founder or co-founder last year, down more than two-thirds from 2021. The startups that did receive funding were mostly in the tech or health spaces."

Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye wrote, "Instead of focusing on the healthy, sustainable future of the company and meeting the needs of our loyal fan base, I rode a temperamental wave of appraising investors — some of whom seemed to have an attitude toward equity and ‘betting big on inclusivity’ that changed its tune a lot, to my ears, from what it sounded like in 2020."

According to Javon Ford, a cosmetic chemist and entrepreneur, "The issue is money. It’s capital. Operating in a retailer like Sephora is expensive. That’s how cutthroat retail is when you scale to a certain extent — and it’s really hard to keep up with legacy brands.”

DEATH OF DAME STELLA RIMINGTON

You may not recognize her name — but you will definitely know her legacy if you're a James Bond fan.

As reported by the BBC, "Dame Stella Rimington, MI5's first female director general, has died at the age of 90. Dame Stella, who headed the security service from 1992 to 1996, was widely credited as being the model for Dame Judi Dench's character "M" in the James Bond films. Rimington joined MI5 full time in 1969, and served as deputy director general in 1991 before being promoted to director general a year later."

Current MI5 director general Sir Ken McCallum said of his predecessor, "As the first publicly stated female head of any intelligence agency in the world, she broke through long-standing barriers and was a visible example of the importance of diversity in leadership. Her leadership ushered in a new era of openness and transparency about the work MI5 does to keep this country safe, a legacy that continues to this day."

"Born in 1935 in South Norwood, south London, Dame Stella got her first role at MI5 as a part-time clerk typist in India, where she had accompanied her husband on a diplomatic posting four years earlier. She was the first director general to be publicly identified when appointed - and when a newspaper published a photo of her house, she and her family had to move to a covert location for their own protection. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour in 1999, Dame Stella said she had thoroughly approved of the decision to make her name public when she became director general, but added that she hadn't really guessed quite how much interest there was going to be and the great level of press attention there was. She retired from the service in 1996, and went on to publish her autobiography, Open Secret, in 2001, and a number of spy novels. In 2007, she said that spy writers created 'a totally glamorous world around the profession of spying that bears very little relation to reality.'"

DEATH OF LONI ANDERSON

As reported by Newsweek, "Actress Loni Anderson, who starred as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on August 3rd at the age of 79. Her role on CBS' WKRP in Cincinnati catapulted her to stardom. The sitcom, which aired from 1978 until 1982, earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations."

According to The Guardian, "She gained her greatest recognition on screen in the American sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati playing Jennifer Marlowe, the intelligent, cool, and collected receptionist at a flagging Ohio radio station. Hugh Wilson, the former Atlanta advertising executive who created the programme, which ran for four series (seasons) between 1978 and 1982, said he picked Anderson for her looks. But, he added, she insisted she would not portray Jennifer as a dumb blonde."

Loni said, “Let’s make her look like Lana Turner and be the smartest person in the room." In 2011, she said, "I think women loved the fact I was sexy and smart. I know it sounds crazy to people today, but in 1978, not many women were doing both in comedy.”

DID YOU CELEBRATE GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS DAY?

As reported by National Parks, "On August 4, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, helping address deferred maintenance projects in our national parks and public lands. [Since] National parks host more than 325 million visitors a year, significant repairs to roads, trails, water treatment systems, visitor facilities, and more, are needed. The Great American Outdoors Act helps protect our parks so they can be enjoyed for generations to come." August 4th is one of the six fee-free days designated by the National Park Service each year (others include January 20 (MLK Day), April 19 (First Day of National Park Week), June 19 (Juneteenth), September 27 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).

FIRST WOMAN UMPIRE IN MLB

As reported by NPR, "For the first time in history [let's be real: HERstory!], a woman is set to umpire a Major League Baseball game this weekend. Jen Pawol is a former softballer who also played on the USA Baseball women's national team in 2001. And when she works Saturday's doubleheader in Atlanta between the Braves and Miami Marlins, she'll shatter one of the most durable gender barriers in professional sports."

According to Keith Law, who covers MLB for The Athletic, "it's a little ironic to me to see MLB celebrating this so much when we're so far behind. There are a lot of structural barriers within Major League Baseball for women and for minorities of all sorts. Baseball has just generally been pretty retrograde on these fronts. And also, it takes a long time for - just speaking specifically of women in umpiring, it takes a very long time for those biases to work their way out of the system. Pawol had to spend many years working from the lowest levels of the minors, starting in the Complex League, to get all the way up to AAA where she was umpiring this year when she got the call. And that is - I do think that makes baseball different from other sports. We have this extensive minor league system that doesn't just apply to players. It applies to umpires and coaches."

As reported by ESPN on August 10th, "Jen Pawol breezed through today's Marlins-Braves game as if breaking a gender barrier was just another day on the job. Considering Pawol became the first female umpire to work behind the plate in the majors, making unprecedented history appear to be routine was especially impressive. It was an impressive cap to a memorable weekend for Pawol. She made history in Saturday's doubleheader as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the majors. She called the bases in the doubleheader before moving behind the plate on Sunday, placing her in the brightest spotlight for an umpire. Pawol never showed any indication of being affected by the attention, even while knowing every call would be closely watched."

Miami manager Clayton McCullough said after Atlanta's 7-1 win over the Marlins, "I think Jen did a really nice job. She handled and managed the game very well. And big day for her. Big day for Major League Baseball. I congratulated her again on that because it's quite the accomplishment."

The 48-year-old Pawol was called up as a rover umpire, so her next assignment in the majors has not been announced. Her work in the minor leagues began in 2016 when she was assigned to the Gulf Coast League. She worked in the Triple-A championship game in 2023 and in spring training games in 2024 and again this year.

According to Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., "This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen's hard work, dedication, and love of the game. She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my congratulations to Jen and her family on this milestone."

According to the Major League Baseball Umpires Association (MLBUA), "This moment represents more than a personal milestone for Jen; it is a groundbreaking step for our profession and for the continued advancement of women in sports. Jen's achievement is a testament to her skill, dedication, and perseverance. We are proud to stand with Jen as she breaks this barrier and we look forward to welcoming more women into the umpiring profession."

Pawol spoke to reporters on Saturday when she said, "The dream actually came true today. I'm still living in it. I'm so grateful to my family and Major League Baseball for creating such an incredible work environment."


What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!


Image Credits: Freakier Friday/Walt Disney Pictures, Dunkin' and Kahlua, and Doritos.