Cinco de Busy

Greeting loyal readers,

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! I'm sure you're all aware, but "Cinco de Mayo" translates to "fifth of May" in Spanish, or "Congratulations! Your magazine is kicking butt, but is also starting like three new projects in May! Enjoy trying to write a blog!" if you speak Promo Marketing.

So, in the spirt of this fine holiday that is part nacho chip, part writing five articles in two weeks, here is a neat little list that I'm putting together off the top of my head. Like shots of cheap tequila, this list is fast, fun, and will either make you want to start a fight or go sleep behind some bushes:

1. Proofreading lists is ridiculous. After finishing up our Top Distributors List, then helping our managing editor with the PROMOTIONS EAST 2009 directory, I think I've probably gone over a few hundred names and addresses in the last few days. I will never judge truck drivers again for using caffeine pills to stay alert. Not that I'm sitting my cube popping pills, I prefer punk rock and soda to stay sharp (yes, I am 10 years old, shut up). I'm just saying I understand the motivation.

2. Speaking of punk rock, I've been listening to The Misfits lately as I've been proofing. Pandora hooked it up through a related station, and while I'm really enjoying the band, it's not only making proofing a little bizarre, but I have slight fear that HR is going to find out and call me into their office. "Mike, listen. You aren't a 15-year old mallrat or a terrifying bouncer at a dive bar in L.A. You aren't allowed to listen to The Misfits, sorry. Also, you're fired because you can't listen to songs about 'wanting someone's skull' at work. Creep."

3. One of the articles I'm working on for our June responsibility supplement has me interviewing Noteworthy about their oxo-biodegradable bags. If you aren't familiar, they're plastic grocery bags that will biodegrade in as little as two years, requiring no additives besides natural environmental conditions. Also, they are they are ridiculously cool. One of my personal goals while working on this article is to figure out why this technology isn't more mainstream. Expense of production? Evil companies keeping the idea down, like the electric car or personal jet packs? I'll let you know if I find out.

4. There are a couple new laws coming out that could seriously affect our industry. The PhRMA regulations may possibly become U.S. law with "The Physician Payments Sunshine Act," except that it will also prohibit supply and device manufacturers (like band-aid or reflex hammer-rama) from giving promotional products to doctors. There may be a law on the way that prevents plagiarism of apparel designs and a few weeks back, Mary Crug from Direct Connections Inc. clued me in to the EU's RoHS regulations, which restrict many harmful substances from use in electronic products. I'm not sure what my opinion is on any of these pieces of legislation, but it's hard to assume they won't have a meaningful impact.

CHARLES PLYTER FACT OF THE WEEK: I started this post with the intention of doing a quick, neat top-10 list like Charlie did a few weeks back. Turns out I like the sound of my voice too much, and also can't think of 10 interesting things to say. Who knew, besides everyone?