It seems that American Airlines definitely is having a tough 2008. One of the biggest news stories that is on every television channel and newspaper cover is the fact that AA has had to cancel more than 900 flights to fix some faulty wiring. Yikes! That is a lot of flights! So what is AA doing for the people that are going to be affected by this?
Well, it seems that they are offering their customers with food and travel vouchers, but that will only go so far. A spokesperson from AA says that they don’t want to put their customers through this again– well, yeah! Being stuck in a place when you are trying to get somewhere is not fun at all– plus, it is pretty tiring and stressful! Of course, you can understand how this situation is going to make people feel if their flights are canceled and they are stuck in the airport. So, here are some flying tips for people that feel a bit frustrated or “cranky” about this situation.
Traveling has become such a tiring process and it seems that it has only gotten worse. I was amazed when I traveled back from California to Tennessee (Spring Break), and not only do you have to pay for food when you get on a plane– but you have to pay for movies as well! Yes, that is right– $5 per movie. It is really getting ridiculous. The airline industry as a whole is in a serious crisis, and they really have to address it if they want to continue to be in business. AA does have a real challenge ahead of them– and we will have to see if they overcome it, or be defeated by their many obstacles.
These are just a few of my thoughts on the subject. I hope that everyone that is affected by this situation has safe travels, and have a great day. 
Best Wishes,
Karen
I was absolutely amazed when I heard about this story in the news. It appears that Matt Leinart (former USC quarterback at USC and Heisman Trophy Winner) is in several pictures that were taken at a party. Instead of being in the media for something positive, Leinart is featured as being someone that goes to parties and drinks a lot. Based on these pictures, it certainly does not present Leinart in the best light possible. I bet the Arizona Cardinal’s Sports PR person is keeping pretty busy with this story.
Leinart has had a tough couple of years– he has had to deal with injuries and getting used to how college football and the NFL are definitely different– but the thing that he has to realize is the fact that yes, he is a high profile athlete– and has a reputation to uphold. This kind of behavior will only get him negative attention, and really impact his personal brand in the football community and with his sponsors, but especially his fans from USC and in Arizona.
It is amazing that Leinart is in the news for this. He definitely was a high profile athlete while at USC, and seemed to manage his image pretty well– but then he got involved with some celebrities in Hollywood, which might have impacted the way that he viewed himself. I think that Leinart needs to really think about what he wants in terms of his football future and what he represents as a brand– because this type of behavior is not going to bring him the big endorsements or media coverage that he wants. So my suggestion is that Leinart needs to focus on getting better and preparing for the upcoming football season– and really work on trying to establish his credibility among his key audiences.
These are just a few of my thoughts. Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
Well, time seems to be going by pretty fast– because it will be just a couple of weeks until I am in China presenting at the Reputation Institute’s conference! I am very excited! The paper is almost done, and all of my travel arrangements have been made, I got my visa, and today I found out when I am going to be presenting. On the Reputation Institute’s web site, they have a link to their program plan and listing of who will be presenting. I am scheduled to present on May 30th. Before the conference, they have a study tour that I will be also participating as well– we will be able to go on excursions to the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and actually take a tour of the Beijing Olympic facilities. Can you say WOW???!!! !!
This is such a great and amazing opportunity– and I am really looking forward to it!
I hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
I think that it is always fun to look back and remember what it was like to be a track and field athlete. I definitely remember the fun throwing practices and weightlifting sessions that I had with Dad (aka “Coach Dad”), traveling to new locations and seeing different universities, and getting to go to some fantastic restaurants (I totally miss the Marketplace in Arkansas!)
Track really opened a lot of doors for me, and I am amazed that it has been two years since I was at USC during my last year of eligibility. I had an amazing time at USC– great coaches, team mates, and support staff– it was an honor to be representing USC and be part of the Women of Troy. Fight on! I still follow USC and their track team, and I noticed that they have their new media guide out– and I was really surprised to see my picture in it! Here is the link, and if you look on page 89– there I am! It is definitely a motivating picture for me! Yep, you can tell that I was a shot putter!
Anyway, it was fun to look at the media guide, and I wish everyone at USC the best of luck this outdoor season and Fight On always!
Best Wishes,
Karen
