Why the Governor of Wisconsin is Going to be Recalled

In 2010-2011, I spent a year working in the United States, in the great state of Wisconsin, as a political aide in the state legislature. During my time there, I worked on various press campaigns, public relations events, and legislature promotion. 

I still actively follow everything that's going on there, and simply had to blog on an event that's going to occur on Tuesday. The recall of the Governor. 

You can read my blog post here, on the site I set up whilst working in the US. 

It's a great example of blogging about something that really interests you, and how to use current events to attract as many readers as possible to your site. It's also a nice sample of the kind of persuasive, engaing, informative writing I could provide for your blog, or for your website. 

I hope you enjoy the read, and if you have any questions...you only have to ask! 

Pampered in Your Own Home

No-one wants to leave the house when they're trying to kick back and relax. That's why when I was asked to write the website copy for a new mobile hair salon in Cheshire, I knew it would be easy.

Easy, because it basically sells itself, it's so perfect.

Why fight traffic, when you can chill out and wait for Emma and her colleagues to come to you; manicures, pedicures, spray tans, hair and make-up. Exquisite fun before that special occasion. Read more about what The Beauty and Hair Salon offers here.

Get Fit, Stay Healthy, and ENJOY IT!

It sounds impossible doesn't it? But with Tom Callan's help, it is actually possible. That's because not only is Tom a great personal trainer, he's also a super guy to train with. Funny and engaging, he will ensure you get in the best shape of life, and don't hate him for it either!

I was fortunate enough to be able to write the copy for Tom's site, and help Tom attract some new clients. It was a great opportunity to really work the SEO side of things, so that anyone looking for a personal trainer in the local area would find Tom's site. I crafted the headers on each page of the site, and put lots of important information in the writing to sell Tom's excellent services.

Now, Tom shows up at the TOP of a Google search for personal training in Stalybridge and Tameside. Number One! I've also thoroughly enjoyed writing a number of blogs for Tom's site, each one providing some new information to existing clients, and attracting in new business too. Have a read of them here.

A Mole in the Hole

They're not really something you tend to think about very often. Not unless you're reading The Wind in the Willows.

Or, unless you've got an infestation.

Moles. They're seen by many as cute, cuddly little creatures, so blind they can't really see anything above ground. But thanks to Mr Mole Man, I know that this isn't the case at all. They do incredible damage to property, and can be very dangerous indeed. Thanks to him, who incidentally is the nicest pest controller you'll ever meet, I've learnt all about the havoc moles can cause, and how to keep their hills away from your garden.

Together, we've helped people in the Shropshire area realise exactly what they need to do if they have a mole problem, and we've begun educating people about how popular fiction has produced those "furry" myths about the harmlessness of moles. You can read more about that here.

Moles are actually quite fascinating creatures, so long as they stay away from your lawns or fields! Working for Mr Mole Man allowed me to delve deep into the mysteries of those underground dwelling creatures, and it was fun researching everything about them, and how to protect your land from them.

It's one of the best things about copywriting. Learning all about things I never thought I would come across. And then knowing I have helped someone to make a difference. It's also great for the general knowledge, making me a formidable pub quiz opponent!

A Trip to the Cinema

There's something about going to the cinema on a Friday night. A busy week of work and school, but then Friday rolls around and it's the perfect evening to be whisked away into another time, another world, another universe.

That's why Friday is, or at least typically was, the day when new films are released. Too tired to hit up the town, we flock to the movies instead. Friday means we can spend the whole week looking forward to the new releases- deciding which film we want to watch.

Going out to watch a new blockbuster on a friday night is an experience. The excitement and anticipation is still there, even though Netflix, LoveFilm, Sky Anytime and the internet have diversified choice, resulting in the film watching experience becoming somewhat diluted, or diminished.

Going out to the cinema should be an experience. You are escaping the real world for a few short hours, sharing in the watching of a brand new film, that few other people have seen. It's tempting to complain on a Friday night when the cinema is full and you're left to squash in next to people, or take those awful seats at the front where you have to crane your neck to the see the screen. But the fact is, it makes the whole film so much more entertaining when you're sharing every laugh, every shock, every tense moment with hundreds of other people, each one hanging on the edge of their to seat to find out what comes next.

And watching a new film on a Friday night should be an experience because it costs a small fortune to do it. It is effectively a night out. Of course, thanks to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I am still technically a student until 2013. Win win for discounts at the cinema. And naturally, Friday night means the prices are jacked up, and if you're seeing a 3D film, you're going to be paying more. Still haven't quite figured out why that is yet.

But, if you've listened to your mother, you will have recycled those 3D glasses and be using them again and again. They do come in handy you see. Gone are the free plastic glasses and big cardboard bin days.

Don't get me started on the cost of concessions. It really is cheaper to go for a three course meal than to buy a couple some popcorn and drinks. Then again, perhaps it is better for us that the concessions are so expensive...obese country being health conscious and all that. But without that struggle to find the tickets as you're balancing a big box of popcorn, an enormous drink and a bag of candy, you lose some of that Friday night experience.

Simple answer... Take someone with you who has a big bag, or a coat with lots of pockets.

This particular Friday, I was privileged enough to be in the audience for one of the first screenings of The Avengers. What a film it was. Just sheer awesomeness on every level. A blockbuster with heart that the whole cinema could get behind. The concepts were incredible, and the storyline was well designed with plenty of exciting action. But it was the characterisation which really sold it for me. Each character has their own unique back story, evident with just little snippets of information; yet when they are together, the characters gel so well, with great interactions and witty dialogue. There are just so many angles to take everything, and sure to be lots of sequels/spin offs, if the box office takings are anything to go by. Certainly, this film alone warrants repeat viewings to catch everything.

With the film over, a moment of satisfaction was shared with the whole audience. I think we almost all clapped. Then it was like we were all just ants, flooding out of the cinema, piling into cars and all driving our separate ways. Back to the real world. That's the Friday night experience.