Picture it ...

It's Friday afternoon. Spring sunshine falls over the creative area, cut into dazzling stripes as it comes through the window blinds. From the agency kitchen wafts an intoxicating aroma. Is it fresh popcorn? Is it sizzling bacon? Agency personnel begin to gather. One question on each of their minds ...

"What the heck is burning back here?"

Ah, such is the first experience of "Bacon Pop" the nation's first (and we imagine "only") bacon-flavored microwave popcorn.

The fact is though, once you get past the slightly burnt-cardboard smell, the popcorn itself is pretty tasty. Now, granted, Redstone is populated by a number of self-proclaimed popcorn addicts. But the hint of bacon along with a traditional buttery base and nicely meaty popcorn kernels made for a very nice combination.

Redstone would like to thank our sister-in-bacon and friend Jen Simons at Centris Federal Credit Union for sending us our first box of this modern delicacy. I don't think it will be the last one we enjoy!

In the grand tradition of engaging in April Fool's Day antics here at Redstone, partners Jim Svoboda and Steve Armbruster arrived at the office today to find themselves the proud owners of lakefront property.

The "lake" in question stretched farther than "stepping distance" and access to their respective offices was possible only by ferry ... or by waiting (or making) the waters recede. Jim, in his best Charlton Heston style, attempted to stretch forth a staff-like production ruler and part the sea of cups, but apparently the Almighty has better things to do than take sides in office pranks.

Hats off to the merry jokesters who perpetrated this moist mayhem. However, they'd be wise to remember that paybacks are ... are ... well, they're something.

Last night, Claudia Martin, Mary Grabow and Randa Zalman joined Kristine Gerber of Eventive Marketing at the annual Public Relations Society Association Paper Anvil Awards. The Anvils honor local individuals, companies and organizations for their work in public/media relations, communications and campaigns.

Redstone was one of the credited contributors for Kristine’s project, The Designer Showhouse. The 2009 Designer Showhouse received an Award of Merit in the category of Integrated Marketing Communications. Awards of merit were determined by the judges as entries that met stated goals and demonstrated good results.

Redstone assisted with coordination of TV and radio media placement and promotions as well as social media efforts including an online scavenger hunt, email campaign strategy, Facebook Page and the homeowner’s blog.

Check it out at http://www.omahadesignershowhouse.com/.

Back in 1970, the Sun-Maid raisin girl got a bit of a makeover, but new TV spots featuring a CGI version of the well-known product mascot have stirred up a bit of controversy over whether the Sun-Maid artists have gone too "Barbie" in their efforts to update the brand.

I've attached a photo comparison below ... and a link to the spot so you can judge for yourself.

Personally, I think the Maid is looking just fine. Products, and their mascots, must change with the times. And the Maid's new look doesn't seem to be a radical departure from the original. If there's a sin here, it may be that the CGI falls a little too much on the "cartoonish" side for me. For a company who touts the long history of their Maid and is genuinely proud that she was based on a real person (get the scoop here), the plastic-y look of the new character seems a bit of a disconnect.

Of course, that said, they've still done a much better job than Con-Agra's downright spooky reboot of Orville Redenbacher that happened a few year's back.

What do you think about the new Sun Maid? Hot or not?

It just struck me that today is a great day for anyone committed to being "absolutely positive." Today, May 18th, happens to be the birthday of one of the greatest positive influences on cinema, Frank Capra. Capra directed a variety of motion pictures but his two best known are probably "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Both, unapologetically positive, I can't imagine a world where the former wasn't a part of the Christmas season and the latter wasn't at least suggested viewing for would-be politicians.

Happy birthday Frank, I'm pretty sure you got your wings on admission, but if not, we'll ring a few bells for you today.

There are few things that can lift a mood like really good stand up comedy ... especially when the comedian in question steers clear (for the most part) of vulgarities and questionable content. (Although, done well, that can be funny, too. Eddie Murphy's Raw is arguably a classic!)

But when you're looking for some good wholesome comedy, few guys come close to Brian Regan!

Regan's bits have recently inspired a number of catch phrases of choice for the Redstone team and some of our clients. Check him out in the clip below waxing philosophical about one of our favorite food groups.

It’s always nice when the home state gets a little positive play from the mainstream media. Now, thanks to mainstreet.com and ABC news, we’re getting the credit we deserve for being absolutely positive!

Check out the link below. This just makes me even happier!

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7266970

OK, as a once and future writer, I probably tend to enjoy words a little more than most people. But even if your most aspirational prose is restricted to the occasional email, there are words that, simply by their inclusion, can liven up the proceedings.

Here, in no particular order, are my nominees for the most enjoyable and fun words in the English language. (Feel free to comment and add your own faves to the list!)

Shenanigans! – What a great word! Not only does the meaning connote fun, but it’s just a blast to say! Go ahead, I dare you to say it five times fast without smiling!

Tomfoolery! – Ok, it’s no “shenanigans” but it plays in the farm league.

Cahoots! – As in “in cahoots”. In this day and age of nefarious conspiracy and boring collaboration … being “in cahoots” brings a bit of levity to any cooperative project. (BTW, “nefarious” is a good word, too, but it doesn’t have the positive spin that this blog really goes for).

Skedaddle! – Want someone to leave you alone? Telling them to “skedaddle” instead of “get lost” just may save the relationship. You’re welcome.

Scamp! – Another great word to preserve a relationship! Don’t call friends’ kids “brats”, call ‘em “scamps.” Suddenly, their annoying behavior at the restaurant is endearing Americana!

I have more, but I’ll save them for future blog entries when I can’t think of anything else. In the mean time, does anyone else have suggestions for the list?

Welcome to the genesis of the “Absolutely Positive” blog. It’s not a binding contract, but here’s the “deal sheet” I’m proposing for the contract between the writer of this blog, hereafter referred to as “Me” or “Jim”, and the readers of this blog, hereafter referred to as “You Jokers” or “Honored Guests.”

Whereas: The media seems to be increasingly dominated by bad news and depressing facts.

Whereas: I, Jim Svoboda, partner at Redstone, am tired of being blue.

Whereas: I believe there is real power in optimism and focusing on the positive.

Whereas: People get really tired of listening to other people whine and complain … especially if that whining and complaining doesn’t match their own.

Resolved: This blog will be dedicated to all things positive and happy-making as judged by Me. Everyone is invited to participate with comments, tell me what a Pollyanna I am, or add their own recipes for attaining Nirvana (the state of mind, not the 90’s grunge group – unless for you it’s the same thing).

C’mon, let’s get happy.