GENIUS: THE BIBLIO-MAT

I often find myself wandering bookstore shelves unable to make up my mind. Too many choices leads to indecision. Enter the Biblio-Mat. It's a custom-made vending machine that randomly dispenses books for just $2. You can find it at The Monkey's Paw, a secondhand bookshop that specializes in old and unusual books and curiosities right here in Toronto. What a genius invention!

Check out this video to see how it works ...

And, what a remarkable PR stunt for this little bookshop.

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FILM: WAG THE DOG

Four years ago (almost to the day) we bought our house. It was a memorable day for it was our very first house and it was also the day Barack Obama won the U.S. Presidential race. We signed on the dotted line during Obama's victory speech. I wonder what excitement today will bring.

Coincidentally, the political bug has infiltrated our house and so we're slowly making our way through the required viewing. Not too long ago we revisited Wag the Dog; a good movie about media manipulation. Here's a quick synopsis: Weeks before a U.S. Presidential election the President is caught in a sex scandal. A 'spin doctor' and a Hollywood movie producer create a fictitious war to divert voter attention away from the real issue at hand.

Part of me cringed as I watched because it so boldly addresses the negative stereotypes associated with public relations. Many people believe (and unfortunately my mother is one of them) that public relations is spin and how best to manipulate the facts to avoid telling the truth. Smart communications is about telling the truth, and telling it in a way that is clearly understood by all. Isn't honesty supposed to be the best policy?

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THE DAD STEREOTYPE

Huggies recent advertising blunder is making me wonder, is it time to revisit the dad stereotype?

Here's a quick recap on the issue. Huggies launched an advertising campaign showing dads who were too busy watching sports to deal with their babies dirty diapers. An offended dad started a petition asking Huggies to drop the ads and rethink their portrayal of dads. Huggies took action -- pulling the ads, issuing an official apology and now holding roundtable sessions with dads to get their perspective on fatherhood and Huggies products. Owning up to the issue and taking action is good PR.

The number of stay-at-home dads is on the rise. A 2011 Statistics Canada study found that 12 per cent of men are stay-at-home dads, as compared to 4 per cent in 1986. Dads are becoming equal partners in raising their kids.

Dads are often protrayed as fumbling, bumbling beings. Just look at Homer Simpson. I do think it's time to revisit the stereotype of the typical dad. I don't want to lose the humour, but let's refocus it. As a wife and a mother, I want to see dads portrayed in a competent and thoughtful way. I want my son to have a positive sense of who he can become as he grows up.

(Photo via Emmas Designblogg)