Hey Paula (My Open Letter To Paula Deen) *sigh*

It's 2013 and folks are still out here spewing racist hatred in these streets....  Case in point: Celebrity chef, Paula Deen. She recently admitted to using the N-word, telling racist jokes and wait for it...wait for it - wanting African American employees to dress/act like slaves for a big wedding she was planning. *sigh* Slaves at a !&@% wedding. *sighs again*  Here's my open letter to her: 

Hey Paula, 

First, let me say - I would have preferred to do this face-to-face. I want nothing more than to look into your big, beautiful, blue eyes and tell you some things.  BUT--this could get ugly.  So maybe it's best this way. No, wait.  What am I saying?  I'm a lady, so I'll always take the high road.  Claire Huxtable taught me that. No ugliness here. 

Anyway...You know, I've always admired you. I love a "come-up" story and you've got one of the best. You've overcome a lot and accomplished such great things in your life. Oprah herself even called you an inspiration to women. So did Michelle Obama. And up until about 24 hours ago, I agreed with them. 

But things have changed, Paula.  Things. Have. Changed.

Listen. I'm a black woman, OK.  So I know racism is alive and well in this country.  And I know there are no perfect people. We all make mistakes. We all mess up. We all do stupid things. I get it. However--and this is a big however, when it comes to racist remarks/behavior, things are different. 

It's hard to forgive when it comes to racism.  Not impossible.  But very, very difficult.  Why?  Real prejudice takes dedication.  It's a genuine representation of your heart.  The real deal.  You can't fake hatred. That comes from deep down in your soul, Paula. 

And it's crazy because the African American community has welcomed you into our homes for years. We've patronized your businesses, supported your family projects and helped you build your empire (Yeah, I know about Dora Charles).  And THIS is what you think of us?  Damn shame. 

To make matters worse, it's been more than a day since your comments hit the news and you haven't said a word. Your lawyer gave a weak, tired response, but you?  Nothing.  No apology.  No explanation.  No remorse.  Nada.  

Things have definitely changed, Paula....

I've decided not to support you or your brand moving forward.  Can't do it.  I really hope you've learned a valuable lesson from this.  Mainly about respect, sensitivity and tolerance.  But more importantly, I hope you can take this situation and turn it into an opportunity to teach your grandkids and others that racism, no matter what shape or form it comes in is wrong.  Plain and simple. 

-Steph 

Paula Deen

Tie Tuesday (Frederick Douglass)

Juneteenth is tomorrow!  It marks the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19th (in 1865) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was a wrap and slaves were now free - a WHOLE two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. *side eye*  News traveled really slow back then. *sigh* 

Juneteenth has always represented history and freedom, but it also represents the culture and achievements of African Americans.  Tomorrow, a statue of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) will be unveiled in the United States Capitol Visitor Center.  A formal ceremony will be held to honor this former slave turned leader of the abolitionist movement.  I SO wish I could be there!

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people. He sought to embody three keys for success in life:

• Believe in yourself. 
• Take advantage of every opportunity. 
• Use the power of written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.

 When you get a chance, take a look at some of his writings.  Ahhhmaaazing! 

 

You MIGHT Be A Tech Snob If....

Disclaimer - I may or may not be a tech snob.  Spend some time with me (about an hour will do) and you'll know the answer.... *whistles and walks away* 

• You think the new Twitter app "Vine" is stupid, hilarious AND fantastic!
  
  
• You feel sorry for people who are super active (& thriving - in their mind) on Facebook.
  
  
• You judge people by their cell phone.  (If you're under the age of 50 and you have a flip phone?  *sigh* )
  
  
• You judge people by their cell phone provider. (T-Mobile users....)
  
  
• You defend Apple products profusely - as if you own stock in the company.
  
  
• You own stock in Apple.
  
  
• You'd rather drop cold, hard cash on your tech accessories than buy groceries.
  
  
• You put serious thought into your profile name (and picture) on social networks.
  
  
• You have little to no patience for people who refuse to embrace technology.
  
  
• You sleep with your cell phone on your night stand - next to your bible, a bottle of Fiji water and a picture of Idris Elba your momma. 

Tie Tuesday (Jay-Z)

I've always loved Jay-Z, the rapper.  But Jay-Z, the business (not businessman)?  Whew!  I'm not sure about you, but he inspires the heck out of me.  He grew up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, but today at age 43 he's reportedly worth nearly $500 million. 

With stakes in the Barclays Center, Roc Nation Sports, Budweiser Select (Co-brand director), Carol's Daughter (He knows what women like) and Rocawear (He sold it, but still has stake in the company), Jay-Z has literally gone from a street corner to a big, beautiful corner office.   

                                                              " I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."  -Jay-Z

Michelle Obama Was Heckled? She Handled It Just Fine...

Let me preface this post by saying that I'm a HUGE Michelle Obama supporter.  So, my comments here will be biased based on my love for her.  If I offend anyone... *sips smoothie*   

The last few years for me politically have been bittersweet.  I watched as the country elected (and re-elected) its first African American president.  A great, unforgettable moment in history, right?  Yes!  Since this post is about Michelle Obama, I won't rant about my unwavering support for President Obama.  But, just know this...I think he's pretty dope. 

Now here's the "bitter" in the bittersweet part:  The Obamas have endured more ridicule, criticism and down-right hate than any other First Family I've ever known.  And through it all, they've been incredibly polite - to say the least.  I've often wondered, how in the !*@% do they do it?  I'm not sure if I could be so "nice." 

Michelle Obama... Over the past 4+ years, like millions of people all over the world, I fell head over heels for her.  She's smart, beautiful and so gracious.  I could go on and on...  A breath of fresh air!  

A few days ago, Michelle Obama was heckled by a woman as she spoke at a Democratic fundraising event.  She responded quickly by basically stating her intolerance for that kind of behavior.  Michelle approached the heckler and told her that she would leave: "Listen to me or you can take the mic. You all (audience) decide. You have one choice."  

The audience of course, wanted Michelle to stay.  She stayed and finished her speech.  The heckler?  She was escorted out of the event.

Some critics have come out and said Michelle's Obama behavior was inappropriate.  What?  Ummmm yeah--No.  The heckler's behavior was inappropriate and rude.  Michelle merely exerted herself as a guest speaker and First Lady.   
       
The PR me thinks she handled this perfectly.  Her reaction was transparent and real, wrapped up in the most respectful, unapologetic packaging ever.  She wasn't defensive.  She didn't raise her voice.  She didn't become irate.  She doesn't have to.  Why?  Because she's Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States.  Respect it.  

Tie Tuesday (Vince Vaughn)

If you know me, you know I love to laugh.  And if you REALLY know me, you know how much I LOVE Vince Vaughn.  I mean...he's tall, handsome, smart AND funny???  What's not to love, right?   *swoons*

Anywho.  I can't remember when I first fell for him, but it's been a minute.  There are only a handful of people in Hollywood I'd die to meet and he's one of them.  I've heard that his nickname is "Mr. Sunshine."  So appropriate.  So very appropriate. :)

"The Internship," Vince's latest movie will be in theaters on Friday, June 7th.  

Awkward Conversation Of The Week....(When Texting Goes Wrong)

OK--so.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a great texter.  Even worse when it comes to talking on the phone.  The problem with both forms of communication is most people lack the spirit of brevity.  I like for people to get to the point and get there quickly.  So, miss me with the 8 minute voicemails, the 5 page emails and this:   

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Can I ask you a question?

******* 40 minutes goes by 'cuz I'm not a reliable texter *********

 

Me:  What's up?  

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Are you mad at me?

******* 50 minutes goes by 'cuz I'm not a reliable texter *********

Me: Huh?  What do you mean?

40 Year-Old Male Friend:  Well, I sent you a few text messages the other day and you never responded.  Then I called and left you a message yesterday, and you didn't call back.  Have I done something to offend you or something?  Are you mad at me?  Because if I've done something, please let me know.  Or if you just want me to leave you alone, just let me know and I won't bother you.  I'm just trying to figure out if I made you mad or something. So, are you mad at me?

Me: *Blank Stare*   *Sigh*

So yeah, at that point, I just went ahead and stop responding altogether.   

Tie Tuesday (He Needs No Introduction)

Like him or not, you gotta respect his swag.  And that's all I'm sayin... 

Just When I Thought I'd Seen It All, God Said Not So Fast (Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods & European Tour CEO)

Lord.  *sigh*  Yes--I started a post with a call-out to LJC (Lord Jesus Christ).  *heating up my prayer oil lamp, lighting a candle*  Yes--it's that bad.  

So, listen.  Everybody knows Tiger Woods, right?  Well--for the past few weeks, he and Sergio Garcia, a professional golfer from Spain have been going back and forth in a war of words.  The two men have been going at it since The Player's Championship earlier this month.  That's when Sergio implied that Tiger had purposely stirred up the gallery when he was playing a shot.  Tiger snapped back and said he wasn't surprised that Sergio was complaining.   *cue the dramatic music*  

Sergio Garcia

Everything came to a screeching halt earlier this week when Sergio answered a question at a European Tour players dinner about getting together with Tiger at the U.S. Open. Sergio jokingly answered: 

"We'll have him 'round every night.  We will serve fried chicken."

*blank stare* 

I know what you're thinking: He said what?!?! Rewind that.  Did he say, "We will serve fried chicken?"  He said it alright.  

But wait, there's more.  After Sergio apologized publicly for his racist remark, the CEO of the European Tour, George O'Grady was asked to give a comment about the situation.  And what did he say? 

"Most of Sergio's friends are colored athletes in the United States."

Mr. O'Grady has since apologized as well.  *sigh* 

I could go on and on about this, but I won't.  It is what it is.  Sad, really.  And totally unacceptable.  These comments were hurtful to Tiger Woods, but they also demonstrate irresponsible ignorance and a lack of sensitivity towards African Americans. 

Sergio's remarks were wrong.  George O'Grady's remarks were wrong.  Plain and simple.  Both men have apologized, but is it enough?  No, it's not.  Not without consequences.  This is definitely an opportunity to educate, and teach right from wrong. But it's also an opportunity to show that these racially offensive and inappropriate statements will not be tolerated.  Will the PGA do the right thing and take a stand?  I sure hope so.  

 Ok, I'm done.  *blows out my prayer oil lamp and candle*    

Tie Tuesday (Cuteness Meter Just Exploded!)

Look at that beautiful brown baby below.  Look.  At.  Him.  Gorgeous, handsome and oh so sweet.  

In full disclosure, let me just say....this little angel is not mine.  Not even sure who sent me this picture.  All I know is when I saw it, I fell in love.  I mean, how can you NOT love a face like this???  

You Only Live Once (YOLO) - Pumping Gas Has Never Been THIS Fun!

Go to Twitter and search for #YOLO (You Only Live Once).  I'll give you a sec....
Crazy, right?

Soooo many tweets.  And they're alllll over the place!  Some people are celebrating the fact that they've just eaten 18 Krispy Kreme donuts in a row - "The red light was on so...YOLO!"   Some folks are skydiving & swimming with sharks, and sharing their YOLO pictures with the world.  "Hey, look at me and Shamu...YOLO!"  Pretty cool. 

Keep searching YOLO and you'll see people celebrating new beginnings, new triumphs AND new weaves (God, I love Twitter.)  A lot of folks are just out there working hard to make their dreams come true, and they keep reminding themselves every day #YOLO...#YOLO...#YOLO!  Those are my personal favorites!

And then there's Will and Monifa...  



Will and Monifa, I can't thank you enough for the YOLO reminder guys!  Thank you!  Gracias!  Merci!  I sure hope others get the message:  Sometimes in life, you gotta just grab a microphone (or gas pump nozzle), hold your head high, stick your chest out, smile and go for it 'cuz...#YOLO!  

Tie Tuesday (David Beckham)

David Beckham will make you do a double take.  Not only is he GORGEOUS, but he's often seen out and about with his beautiful family, which makes him even more endearing.  Here he is with his daughter, Harper.  So cute I can't stand it!  That Victoria is one lucky lady. :) 

Unwritten Twitter Rules: What They Don't Tell You When You Sign Up (Volume II)

This is my second  "Unwritten Twitter Rules" post.  Click here to read Volume I.  If you're new to Twitter or you just love to tweet, be sure to keep these things in mind. *wink*  And please let me know if I've missed anything.  I'm already working on Volume III. :) 

• Extra exclamation points don't make your tweets louder.
  
  
• Be careful with the ALL CAPS (especially after 11:00 pm on a work night.)  It can be perceived as aggressive and.....RUDE.
  
  
• Twitter provides everyone with a platform.  That kinda sucks.  Cause everyone doesn't deserve a platform.
  
  
• Understand this.  EVERYONE on Twitter is living amazing, successful lives.  All rich, thin, gorgeous and whatnot. *side eye*
  
  
• People who use more than two hashtags in a tweet are labeled as...how can I say this?  Annoying.
  
  
• People who use more than three hashtags in a tweet are labeled as...how can I say this?  Annoying.
  
  
• It's possible to be friendly and likable on Twitter without everyone knowing EVERY detail of your life.

• Thursday night at 10:00 pm (EST) is #Scandal time.  Get into it or log off.
  
  
• Don't be alarmed when you see the name Neveah (Heaven spelled backwards) a lot on Twitter.  It's very, very popular.  *blank stare*
  
  
• Don't drink adult beverages and tweet.  Trust me. - Don't. Do. It.
  
  
• People rarely look like their Twitter avatar in real life. The sooner you accept that, the better. 

Tie Tuesday (Jason Collins)

I'm toooooootalllly loving NBA player Jason Collins right now.  He did something so remarkably brave yesterday. His unwavering courage makes my heart smile.  I don't know him, but I sure wish I did.  He's best known for his basketball skills, but his legacy will be the news he recently shared with Sports Illustrated: 

                                         "I'm a 34-year old NBA center.  I'm black.  And I'm gay."

So, here he is.  The first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.  Wow.  I mean...wow!   

After I read Jason's story, I was reminded of how important it is to live a life that's genuine and true.  It takes so much courage to live your life as YOU see fit.  It shouldn't be that way though.  It really shouldn't.  We should be able to live and think as freely as we wish.  In doing so, maybe we can help others along the way.  I know Jason's announcement will help others.  It will help some people embrace who they are and it will also help our country to become more compassionate.  

I'm convinced that being who you are and living in that truth is the path to happiness. Trusting yourself and making choices without fear is just...dope.  Point blank period.  Sound simple?  Not always.  But, it's sooooo worth it.      

Click here to read Jason's Sports Illustrated article. 

What I Know For Sure....(Oprah Started Something)

Oprah started something.  For years, she's shared her "What I Know For Sure" column in O magazine with readers.  I'm no Oprah, but as I get older, there are more and more things I absolutely, 100% know for sure about myself.  Here are just a few:

• I prefer dogs to cats.
• I'm a writer.
• I hate oatmeal, milk, yogurt and the Lakers.
• I'll always be a few pounds overweight (It's called "thickness").
• I love smart men.
• I love smart women.
• I'm private, not secretive (There's a difference).
• I'm terrified of snakes and bad politicians.
• My faith is rarely shaken.
• I will always love and appreciate a good book. 

It's always good to take a sec and reflect on yourself from time to time.  Be honest about what you know for sure (thus far in your life).  Do an assessment.  Do you like yourself?  Are you complicated?  What makes you smile?  Are you a work in progress like me?  Just some things to think about....  

Tie Tuesday (Dr. Steve Perry)

Dr. Steve Perry is the founder and serves as principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100% of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges ever since its first class graduated in 2006.  The school has been deemed one of the most successful schools in the nation.

He is a CNN education contributor and Essence best selling author with his book, “Man Up! Nobody is Coming to Save Us.” He has also been a regular contributor on issues of education for CNN, MSNBC and Fox.

In 2009, Dr. Perry released his fourth book “Raggedy Schools: The Untold Truth,” which takes a look at urban public education. He was most recently featured on TV One's popular series, "Save My Son." 

Click here for more info on Dr. Steve Perry.

Boston...Tragedy, Lessons

It's been a tough week for the country...  

I stopped trying to understand the evil in this world a long, long time ago.  You can literally go crazy trying to understand why people hurt children.  Why?  Why do innocent people have to die by such senseless, horrible acts?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Despite what experts say, no one really knows.    

I tell myself that everything happens for a reason and I wholeheartedly believe that.  I do.  But what happened in Boston this week makes me question my own beliefs.  And I'd be lying if I said these kinds of incidents don't impact my sensibilities.  They do. 

What happened in Boston (and Newtown) makes me a little more distrustful, paranoid and frightened.  BUT, these tragedies also make me more compassionate, kind and loving.  When I heard about Boston, the first thing I did was call my mom to say "I love you." 

These sad moments make me appreciate the here and now more than ever.  I'm a Virgo, so it was hard getting to a place of "now."  Virgos plan relentlessly for the future, leaving no stones unturned along the way.  We rarely take time to smell the roses.  It's an extremely exhausting way to live.  Correction: It WAS an exhausting way to live.  Now?  I smell flowers daily, hourly if possible. 

My heart goes out to the victims and families of these tragedies. I hope they'll find some sense of peace.  Sooner or later, rather than never.

If what happened in Boston teaches us anything, it's that we should live and live well.  It's such a cliche, but tomorrow isn't promised to any of us.  We all have a standing appointment to transition to the afterlife.  No one knows their expiration date.  So until then...try to be happy, be grateful for love & loved ones and never, ever take a moment of this life for granted.  xoxo :) 

 

 

Tie Tuesday (Cory Booker)

I grew up in Florida, so engaging in politics has always been second nature to me.  I love it (I can debate with the best of 'em!)  

Anybody who knows me knows how much I love and admire Cory Booker.  He's the mayor of Newark, New Jersey...and will probably be a U.S. Senator sooner than you think.  Click here to learn more about Cory, his work with Newark and his plans for the future. 

When Keeping It Real Goes Toooootally Wrong - Dad Whips Daughters For...

It's no secret, I'm not a parent.  But, I love kids.  I really do.  And I know, I KNOW the laws of life say it's not cool or appropriate for me to have strong opinions about raising kids, disciplining children or the failure of the American public education system.    *side-eye*   *slow-blinking*   *long-sigh*

Anywho. 

Before I start, take a look at the video below.  It shows a father "whipping" his 12 and 14 year-old daughters for posting a video of themselves "twerking" on Facebook.  Twerking? 

Twerking = Lewd, sexually suggestive dancing; usually done by young females. 

Take a look.... (WARNING: It's pretty graphic.)



Now, listen.  I wholeheartedly believe in disciplining kids.  Children have to be taught right from wrong.  They need structure in their lives and they need parents to guide and support them as they grow.  I get it.  

But this video is disturbing.  On one hand, I understand this father's anger and frustration.  Young girls should not be doing this.  They shouldn't.  It's not right.  It's totally inappropriate and unacceptable behavior.  Can we all agree on that?  Yes? Ok-good.

However, on the other hand, I'm totally not OK with a parent (or anyone for that matter) using a cable wire to whip a kid in such a brutal way.  That too, is totally inappropriate and unacceptable.   The beating left the girls with welts on their legs, open wounds and bruises, and the father was ultimately arrested on child abuse charges.   

All in all, this is a sad situation.  I'm certain this father was doing what he thought was best.  And those girls?  They were being teenagers.  And we all know that teenagers oftentimes do stupid things.  Still no excuse though.   

There are plenty of experts who say spanking kids is OK.  And people's views on punishing children differ based on culture, race and generational influences.  In fact, one of my friends said to me recently, "I was never spanked, but I was slapped upside the head all the time by my dad when I was younger and I turned out fine."  *blank stare*   

Disciplining children with extreme violence just seems so barbaric, ineffective and downright wrong on many, many levels. The result is fear, not respect.  And pain doesn't always = obedience.  But, hey what do I know?  I'm not a parent.  So take what I say with a grain a salt.  Pay me no mind.  I'll just go on about my way and keep on raising my dog....  *sips smoothie* 

Tie Tuesday (Benjamin Bratt)

Probably one of the most underrated men in Hollywood....  He's best known for his role as Rey Curtis on Law & Order, but he's had appearances and noteworthy roles on lots of movies and television shows including Miss Congeniality, Traffic and Private Practice.

He and his wife Talisa Soto have been married for 11 years.  Click here to hear how he keeps the spark in his marriage.  

Tie Tuesday (Idris Elba)

*sigh*   I mean..... *sigh*   Actor, Idris Elba folks.  Idris Elba.  No words.  I have no words. #speechless

Women's History Month: Carol Burnett

I always get a side-eye from people when I tell them that Carol Burnett is one of my favorite women in the entertainment business.  But it's so true. I loooove me some Carol Burnett. 

I didn't laugh a lot as a kid.  There was crazy drama in my life and LOL's and giggles were not as common as they should have been.  BUT, when the "Carol Burnett Show" came on TV, I literally could not stop laughing for 60 minutes.  I'd smile so hard that my jaws would turn red and puffy. Tears in my eyes, loss of oxygen intake....all that!  I mean, the characters she played were classics!  Who could forget Mrs. Wiggins (the *clears throat* secretary), Starlet O'Hara (Gone With The Wind) and the long-suffering, emotional housewife Eunice Higgins, my personal favorite.  Great times.

Years ago, I had a dream about Carol Burnett.  I was at the grocery store, in the '10 Items or Less' line and looked to my left.  And there she was.  I was speechless at first.  Nervous.  Then....I went right up to her, introduced myself and told her how much I loved her and what she'd meant to me growing up.

"Aren't you sweet," she said.  We talked for about 10 minutes.  She listened to me blabber on and on about her work.  She told me about her upbringing, encouraged me to be fearless and then...she hugged me, tugged on her ear and waved good-bye.  I melted.  

The "Carol Burnett Show" ran for 11 years on CBS and won 25 Emmy Awards.  Amazing!  But get this - the network initially didn't want her to do a variety show.  They believed the variety format could only be successful with a male lead. Ha!  She showed them!  #girlpower

The entertainment world has had a five-decade love affair with Carol Burnett.  I've loved her since she made me smile as a kid.  Today's generation got a taste of Ms. Burnett when she showed up on popular shows like Desperate Housewives, Glee and Law and Order.  She'll be 80 years old next month and she's still going strong. 

Here's a clip of Carol Burnett as Eunice.  Funny, smart and fearless.  Doesn't get any better than this...

Tie Tuesday (MmmHmmmmm)

I looooooooooove a well dressed man.  So, starting today I'm kicking off 'Tie Tuesday'!  Every week, I'll give some love to a man who deserves it.   

The first one goes to Justin Timberlake!  SO appropriate and timely too.  He released his latest CD last week entitled, "The 20/20 experience" and the first single is....you guessed it, "Suit and Tie."   Click Here to see Justin perform it live!

Pink Is ALWAYS...In (Pic Of The Day)

Jada is channeling Olivia Pope with this outfit and swag.... #Dope.

The Harlem Shake: A PR Lesson

Do me a favor, go to YouTube and type in the words "Harlem Shake."  Tell me what you see. I'll wait (there are more than 220,000 results).  *sips smoothie*  

The Harlem Shake.  Get into it.  It goes a lil' something like this... Put something on your head /over your face (a hat, scarf or ______)... *Harlem Shake techno music plays*  Start dancing slow, do whatever you want.  Then, as the music climaxes, just wild out.  Get crazy, wacky, jump up and down....do you for about 30 seconds.  That's it! 

Crazy, right?    

As a PR professional, I'm always fascinated when something goes "viral."  Part of me thinks, hey--this kinda stuff doesn't just happen.  No freakin way!  There has to be someone or something behind this. The other part of me understands and appreciates great PR.  

The "PR me" knows that phenomenons like these are unexpected, totally organic and will eventually fade away.  But for me, great PR is addictive.  And viral PR?  Woo la la.  LOVE it!  And while you can't predict when something will go viral, there are some things you can do to get people interested and excited about your product/company/service, and grab their attention like the Harlem Shake: 

• Create something that quickly entertains/educates your audience, and hits a nerve.
   
• Use the power of the Internet/social media to pass it on to others; make it sharable (If it's a video, make it focused, consistent and short.)
  
  
• Don't duplicate what's already been done - People won't be as engaged if they've seen/done it before.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to add a bit of humor (be careful...it HAS to be funny or it could backfire.)
  
  
• Luck - Even with the best strategy in place, sometimes success involves a little luck.

Remember there's no blueprint to creating something viral.  But if you incorporate the above elements in your PR plan, you'll create something that's impactful and memorable.