Writing Samples
By EricBelow are some additional writing samples from a variety of projects, demonstrating diversity and flexibility in content generation.
Wisconsin Film Series
by Eric Staggs
Published by Volume One
The Wisconsin Film series, presented by the Chippewa Valley Museum, is just around the corner. Organized by Frank Smoot, the Wisconsin Film series is designed to be an exploration in Wisconsin’s remarkably rich and diverse cinema history. The events include clips, films and discussions led by Frank Smoot and Scott Thompson.
Frank’s interest in cinema is nothing new. He was the film critic for the UWEC Spectator, in the 80’s, and after that, he wrote for a Milwaukee-based publication. Frank was also the co-author of the Frankenstein Film Sourcebook. Everyone loves movies, but film criticism and analysis, is often a huge turn off for some people, and many times critic’s opinions are not well received. However, when asked about film criticism, Frank said “As a critic your only responsibility is to enjoy film.”
Based on a short preview of the lineup, that’s exactly what attendees will be doing. On opening night, January 18th, Frank Smoot lead the audience in foray into the “The Good Life”, with clips from All Mine To Give, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, Red Betsy and The Straight Story. These films, all set in Wisconsin, range wildly from Hollywood Rise 1940’s drama to David Lynch at his peak of reason in 1999. A fantastic cross-section, sure to illustrate the trials and tribulations of the hardworking, salt of the earth people of Wisconsin.
January 25th things take a turn towards the grim with Wisconsin Death Trip. Frank leads the discussion about this book-made-film. Originally published in 1973, Wisconsin Death Trip takes you on a visual journey to Black River Falls, WI, circa 1900, where the entire town seems to be caught in the shadow of death, fear and madness.
February 1st screenings will focus on cinema’s representation of Wisconsin’s many Native American populations. February 8th, the discussion focuses on the many cinema icons who come from Wisconsin. Persons include Orson Welles, Chris Farley, David Lynch and whole slew of others.
Finally, on February 15th the Wisconsin Film Series wraps with My Lucky Day. Frank Smoot is joined by the film’s writer/director/producer, Scott Thompson.
The format for these screenings is informal, and audiences are encouraged to participate in the discussion forums. The entire event is designed to be family friendly (while Wisconsin Death Trip is not rated, some discretion might be advised). The whole series is designed from start to finish to educate and entertain, and regardless of your taste in cinema, you’ll have a great time exploring the startlingly rich history of Wisconsin and it’s relationship to Cinema. Popcorn and refreshments will be available, but seating is limited and since you can’t miss this, arrive early!
Unigard gets Smart… cars
By Eric Staggs
Connections/QBE Intranet
Unigard’s fleet grew by two as QBE1 and QBE2, a pair of twin Smart Car convertibles, were added earlier this year. Ideal for the metro setting, these tiny workhorses help agents and claims specialists traverse the urban wilderness of downtown Seattle and the surrounding suburban areas. Because of their size and maneuverability, these pint-size vehicles fit into a parking spot sideways. And as a bonus, they proudly display the QBE logo and Web site address.
What is a Smart Car?
No, not KITT from Knight Rider. The concept behind the Smart Car first took root in 1990 as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch. Their intention was to create a practical, fuel- efficient, eco-friendly, yet stylish, automobile. The Smart Car made its commercial debut in 1997 and since then, more than one million have been sold throughout Europe. The Smart Car arrived in the U.S. in early 2008. By mid-2008, Unigard picked up a pair of custom-painted Smarts to add to the pool of fleet vehicles.
Not so mean, but very green machine
Engineering innovations classify the Smarts as ultra-low emissions vehicles, which is good for everyone and one of the main reasons Unigard chose to add them to the existing fleet. Another major factor in choosing these eye-catching vehicles was their different appearance. The cars are easy to spot in a full lot or on the highway at 60 mph.
The cars are not only unique in appearance, but in construction as well. Smart Car designers worked to minimize components and make sure all possible parts were made of 100 percent recyclable synthetics. Smart Cars are painted using a highly-efficient powder-coating process, allowing for reuse of 98 percent of the overspray. Other components are molded with dyed-in colors. Each component of the Smart has a scheduled “lifecycle” and at the end of the vehicles lifetime, those components are recycled to help create the next generation of Smarts. This eco-friendly outlook is another demonstration of QBE’s commitment to the environment.
The Smarts can boast an estimated mileage of 31mpg and 44 on the highway. Perhaps the most attractive feature is the highest safety rating available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a must have for an insurance company like QBE.
When compared to a hybrid vehicle of the same class, they are as efficient, equally safe and cost less. Further, because of their lack of a complex electrical charging system, they can be repaired and maintained at any garage.
New school style, old school advertising
Unigard’s twin Smart convertibles sport an urban-chic “wrap” – a stylish full-body paint and decal scheme. Several paint schemes were considered, with the final choice being a sharp silver body with a blue and black highlight on the tridion safety cell.
Kelly O’Loughlin, brand marketing manager for QBE the Americas says, “We wanted to use the cars to make a marketing statement. Wraps are a huge trend right now, so we consulted with Smart’s Ethan Smith and came up with these hip and functional wraps.”
The wrap features the QBE cyan color as well as the logo and Web site address.
Little car, big splash
Unigard CL Manager Chris Hinrichs, who drives the vehicles often, says they’re a little strange at first but are easy to get used to. Not much larger than a golf cart, the Smart Cars are ideal for local trips around the greater Seattle area. When tooling about in one of the twin Smarts, Hinrichs says people look and actually point out the car to others.
During a QBE/Newcastle golf outing, one of the Smarts was parked at the hole sponsored by QBE. Every agent who played the hole sat in the car, and many had their picture taken in the vehicle. Everywhere the cars go, they generate a buzz about QBE and about Smart Cars. According to Chris, the unique cars draw comments and inquiries from people in the insurance industry, as well as passersby.
Known affectionately as QBE1 and QBE2, the twin Smarts are popular among employees at Unigard because of their fuel efficiency and convenience.