Posted by Monica Danna on Jun 25, 2009 in
in the news,
music 
Of all the faces of Michael Jackson, above has always been, and always will be, the way I remember him.
As the world reacts to the death of an icon, I reflect on the memories I have of the King of Pop.
Like him or not, it’s undeniable the effect Michael Jackson has had on the past 30 years of music.
Without Michael, there’d be no Justin. No Britney. No American Idol. It’s hard to say what fate pop music would have had without him.
More importantly, to me, Michael was Dance. A passion that had stayed with me for 30 years. I still remember choreographing to my Thriller vinyl in the house I grew up in, using my sister and best friend as back up dancers. Of course, I was always lead. 
I owe this love of mine to him, and him alone. I now admire contemporaries like Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Britney Spears, and see many of his original moves in their steps. Wondering what would be of these contemporaries had there not been a Michael Jackson.
Growing up in the 80’s to escape his presence was impossible. My nostalgia for MJ trumps any controversies and dramatic events that occurred in his life. I have only fond memories of this amazing musician, performer and trend setter.
I’m saddened today by the great loss the world has witnessed, but grateful for the many memories of him that have helped to make up my first 30 years. Thanks, Michael. You Rock My World.
Tags: dance, michael jackson
Posted by Monica Danna on Apr 6, 2009 in
Politics,
in the news,
social media issues 
Mayor Bill White, image by David Brown
This past Saturday, I had the esteemed honor of putting on a Social Media Workshop for Houston Mayor Bill White, his staff, and volunteers for his upcoming US Senate Campaign. We discussed Facebook,Twitter, and other social media tools.
We gathered at the Houston Technology Center and specifically discussed the importance of new media tools in politics. Admittedly so, not a student of politics, I invited two of the most capable teachers I know, Ed Schipul and Katie Laird, to help present. Ed and Katie explained the importance of storytelling, how to listen first before engaging, and the art of responding.
You can view their full presentation here.
After Ed and Katie presented, Mayor White got up to share a few words. I was entirely impressed by his understanding of this medium of communication, and more importantly the need for it in politics. He went on to explain that what politics can benefit most from social media is the transparency and honesty that comes along with it. No longer can politicians say one thing to one source, and another to another source.
In the time I’ve spent with both Mayor White and his wife Andrea White I’ve come to know them not only as intelligent, capable leaders, but as eager students who both see the value in community.
Big thanks to all of our volunteers: Julie Pippert, Katrina Esco, Ashley Minor, Laura Mayes, Jenni-Rebecca Stephenson, Grace Rodriguez, Katy Bacon, and Felicity Pereyra.
To David Brown of Spacetaker for playing official photog for the day, and for all of his continued support of Mayor White.
Thanks to the Houston Technology Center for hosting us.
To the city’s best coffee, Coffee Groundz, and to the Kolache Factory, who answered my last minute call via Twitter (while in Colorado nonetheless) and provided us with yummy breakfast.
I look forward to being involved in more of these workshops, and wish the Mayor the best in his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat. I hope he gets it. Because Bill White gets it.
Tags: bill white, bill white for texas, BW4Tx, ed schipul, katie laird, schipul, socia media
Posted by Monica Danna on Sep 19, 2008 in
in the news 
As many of you know, my father is a Deputy Constable with Harris County Precinct 1. He is one of their motorcycle patrol units, and often has the chance to escort city efforts. This week, he has been working with the Centerpoint crews, to help them navagate through traffic while restoring the city with power.
I asked him to share a few sentences about the expereince, as I know most of you are still waiting on these crews to arrive.
Their system is un-fricken believable. It is amazing how they organize such a massive endeavor and get it done as fast as they do. Everybody has a sheets and sheets of Orders. They include “Grids’ that are interrupted and off they go. I took about 15 trucks to Cunningham Rd. very close to Jersey Village, huge transformers all over the roadway…………they had them repaired in about 2 hours and it was off to another Grid.
The workers have been on the road for 18 days. They just left Louisiana after some storm there and about to return to home when they were called and advised Houston was in desperate need for their expertise, so they turned around and here they are.
They all loved my Harley, some have motorcycles back home. Everyone I escorted was from out of State. They came down with Yellow Vest and they almost were hit by drivers because the drivers in Texas think Yellow marker are CONES………….they traded them in for the National standard vests color of Light Green………….too funny.
Read more…
Tags: centerpoint energy, hurricane ike, motorcycles, police, power
Posted by Monica Danna on Sep 18, 2008 in
in the news Looking for ways to help out in the aftermath of Ike? Here are a few ways to pitch in.
Feed a family
The Houston Food Bank is accepting much-needed donations between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. They also need volunteers in their warehouse from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to help pack disaster relief boxes for families affected by Ike. (map)
Nurture the animals
The Houston SPCA is asking for items off their wish list. You can make a drop-off from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. While you’re there, find out how you can help. Volunteers are needed to feed baby squirrels and load up animals displaced by the hurricane. (map)
Hug a tree
The city’s green spaces were ravished by Ike. Put the pretty back in the parks by helping to clean debris at Hermann Park from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., or join the Green Work Party at Memorial Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other clean-ups.
Send a text
You can donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund – which is crucial in helping local families devastated by the storm – by text messaging GIVE to 2HELP. (The charge will show up on your bill). Or, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org to make a larger donation by credit card.
Thanks to Houston Tidbits for the info!
Tags: helping, houston tidbits, hurricane ike, volunteer
Posted by Monica Danna on Sep 17, 2008 in
in the news,
personal,
video Lego sandwiches, Mardi Gras Beads, rising bayous, and overturned umbrellas. All will be in my memories of “hunkering down” for Hurricane Ike.
Thanks to Fayza and Michelle for keeping me entertained. To Dad for keeping the generator running, to Matt and Danny for the BEER, to Jill and Heather for cooking, to Pam for the peach cobbler cooked on the BBQ pit! And to mom for putting up with all of us under one roof for 3 days. and 4 dogs!! Getting nervous again just thinking about it!Note: Mom and Dad got power back yesterday morning!
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Tags: hurricane ike, video
Posted by Monica Danna on Sep 17, 2008 in
health,
in the news,
personal 
image: David J. Phillips / Getty Images
read on update on the house in this picture. (thanks Nicole!)
We’re working on it, Houston. Every day we see more hints of normalcy.
If i haven’t been in touch with you, I hope you and your loved ones fared well during Ike’s smack down on the Gulf Coast. I was one of the very lucky ones to never lose power. Got water back Sunday night. Was never so excited to wash dishes in my life.
I know this may be the last thing on some of your minds, but if you can try and get out this week or weekend, visit a museum, attend an event that’s still scheduled. I promise, it will help. I’ve complied a list here of events that are canceled, postponed, or still going on.
A few thoughts, pictures to share:
My Flickr Photo Set:
I took these while “hunkering down” at mom and dad’s in Jersey Village with a house full of adults, kiddos, and dogs. Thank God for Dad’s last minute generator purchase. Power blew about 6am Saturday.
The Short – but eventful – Life of Ike
Stunning images from the last 10 days and Ike’s impace on the Gulf Coast.
images: www.boston.com
Video of some of our cabin fever in Jersey Village.
I would like to commend on outstanding news source that has stood above the rest in this time of information mongering. Our Houston Chronicle online has done an OUTSTANDING job of keeping us informed, up to date with accurate, updated, UNBIASED information before, during, and ongoing through this disaster. From answering readers urgent questions, to letting us know who’s serving cold beer. I’m proud and honored to call this my local paper. People I am honored to call my friends such as Dwight Silverman, David Herrold, and Rob Hays (and many many more) have spent days upon days of doing nothing but consuming and reporting on information that continues to comfort Houston’s citizens. Thanks will never be enough, but know that you have made a difference.
God Bless our fine Mayor Bill White, County Judge Ed Emmett, Centerpoint representative Floyd LeBlanc, the tireless men and women in the Media, our Godsent Police Force (including my father), and thousands of volunteers who have left their homes and families for the greater good of this community, and who, in my opinion, have done an OUTSTANDING job of keeping control, safety, communication, and hope alive in the Coastal communities.
I understand people are still without water, power, food, gas, homes. I continue to think about and pray for these people, for what seems like every second of the day. Tough times push people to the edge, and despite this edge we are hanging on to, I feel these TEXANS have continued to hold steadfast our trust in our city leaders and trust in our neighbors to pull us through this. We’ll get though this. One day at a time.
If you are reading this, I’m assuming you have power or some short term access to it. Please know that my home is open to anyone who needs a warm shower, a cell phone charge, or a blast of AC. Please let me know if you are in need.
I would love to hear from all of you, and how you are doing. Please drop me a commet to let me know you are ok.
Love and big sweaty hugs to all of you! Hang in there!
Tags: hurricane ike
Posted by Monica Danna on Jul 5, 2008 in
in the news,
social media issues I got a call a few days ago from Houston Chronicle contributor Shannon Buggs about a story she was writing on Social Media and specifically why non-profits in Houston have been slow adopters. She was given my name by Ed Schipul, eternal champion of good causes, who heads up Houston’s branch of NetSquared, an organization who uses social web tools to help benefit social issues. Namely, bringing together the technology community with the non-profit community, to see how they can help out each other. Obviously Ed was the right person to talk to on this topic.
I have a small quote in the story about early adopters, as I explained to Buggs that the most beneficial time for non-profits to benefit from social media is NOW. I also spoke at length about Michelle Calabretta, Dr. Miggy, who’s social media work at MD Anderson, and with groups such as I’m Too Young For This (I2Y), has successfully raised awareness to the monster health care industry, that there is a place that social media can affect change within their organization. Don’t believe it, check this out.
Read the full article online here.
I’m curious if any of you reading this who work for non-profit organizations, and how much exposure you or your organization has to social media tools. Why do YOU think non-profits are (or are perceived to be) slow adopters to technology advances or social media tools? Are you aware of programs like NetSquared? Do you feel your organizations see the value in tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn? Gimme a shout.
Tags: dr. miggy, ed schipul, houston chronicle, media, michelle calabretta, non-profits, press, social media