Happy Holidays

Well, break has definitely been trying.

Little bro, who was let out of the hospital on his birthday, Dec. 15, was re-admitted to the hospital Dec. 19th for fevers. Everyone was concerned that it might be an infection of some sort, which is potentially deadly to someone in his condition.

But the fevers subsided and he was able to come home yesterday.

However, when Darren was in the hospital, he showed me an outstanding YouTube clip. One I am now more than obliged to share with ya'll. Consider it my family's gift to you. I present the LA Rams.



Have a very blessed holiday, ya'll. I know we will.

Remember when Adcenter, i mean Brandcenter had a voice?

Last night, our beloved 2nd year AD, Shane Knight,
brought a couple of handfuls of students together.
The subject wasn't a lack of work space or even the mess
we have been collectively leaving around the building.
It was our voice he was after.
Finally.

What came out of the meeting was this overwhelming
need for a unified voice for Brandcenter students.
Finally.

The proposal: a student union.
Two students from each track from each year.
Not to get our spaces back.
But to open up communication between students and faculty,
all with the intent of having a better school.
One that lives up to its bleeding-edge hype.
Finally.

And don't worry, alumni.
We don't want to keep ya'll out either.
We want to include you more than ever.
Hell, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for ya'll.
The way I see it, it's never been about Adcenter this or Brandcenter that.
No, it's always been about the students.
Students that aren't afraid to fail.
Aren't afraid to try.
Aren't afraid to dream.
And that spirit hasn't changed since the first class.

Prayers Wanted.

Yesterday was my little brother's stem cell transplant.
We like to call it his new birthday.

I'd be lying if I said that I'm being a complete rock.
My head is definitely swimming in a sea of emotions.
And to tell you the truth, I'm not even sure what to think.

All I know, is that we are blessed.
That every day and every breath is something to cherish.

And now that my family has nothing left to do but wait,
I ask the lord for mercy.
I ask for kindness.
I ask for prayers.

Say what you want about stem cells.
Although I may snap at you if you're one of those whiny, scared,
conservative-ass individuals who think that stem cell research is
fundamentally wrong.
I understand that ignorance may be bliss,
But ignorance is also ignorance.
And if one is ignorant, he/she shouldn't be allowed to talk so passionately
of things they have no knowledge about.
Don't worry, I'll get off my soap box soon.

Say what you want about God.
I believe that there is a God.
People may call it something different, like Allah, etc.
But to me, it's all the same God.
The nickname one uses is just semantics.


Say what you want about miracles.
But, I am related to one.
Read his BLOG, and try to prove me otherwise.

Foggy Day at Monticello

I had the privilege to venture an hour and change south to Charlottesville, in particular, Monticello, aka Thomas Jefferson's ol' crib. Mostly thanks to a Culture Class assignment. We reached the fog-drenched colonial mansion not really knowing what to expect. Well, aside from armies of gray hair that is.


Surprisingly, we were far from disappointed with the tour of Jefferson's lil' mountain. The tour, great. The gardens, great. The things I learned, great.


One thing I was disappointed with was the curator, along with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation still struggling with the fact that Thomas Jefferson could have possibly fathered the children of his slave, Sally Hemmings.


Now don't get me wrong, I could care less whether he did or not. But the fact that a credible historical society thinks that it might tarnish his name even after DNA tests proved it bothered me. But it did remind me of something I heard once. Draw your own conclusions.

"It's historical.
People like they historical shit in a certain way.
They like it to unfold the way they folded it up.
Neatly. Like a book.
Not raggedy.
And bloody.
And screamin'."
- Suzan-Lori Parks

Sometimes it's the little things

This time last year, I was so deep in it.
All I wanted was to be good at advertising.
And I worked like my life depended on it.
What came from it was a bruised ego, bad health and a cynical attitude.
This year, I vow it to be different.


Like today, for example.
I just enjoyed the privilege to read a book to my friend Jay's little girl, Gwen.
Not only was she cute and curious, but hilarious.
I think she liked the book I got her, too.

DJ's and drummers can be friends. Promise.

First and foremost, thanks for everyone's kind words and prayers. Please keep tabs on my little bro's journey at his blog. We can't fight cancer alone.

I've been on a bit of a mixtape kick as of late. The newest one keeps me from sleeping. All I can do is groove. Thus, I must share it with ya'll. I'd be a bad friend if I didn't.

The mixtape, "Fix Your Face," is a bomb jam session from Blink 182's tattooed drummer savant, Travis Barker, and under-rated DJ and Nicole Richie's heartthrob, DJ Am. All I have to say is, Damn. See for yourself. Download it for FREE here.

DJ AM aka Adam Goldstein and Travis Barker
2008 MTV Video Music Awards - Press room
Los Angeles, California - 07.09.08
Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN

Much respect. Pz.

How else should one spend a Friday night in Richmond

This past friday marked a milestone for me.

Along with my cohorts from Kelly O'Keefe's Cultural Exploration class, we ventured 20 minutes south from the familiar confines of rugged downtown Richmond. After barreling through the toll booth gauntlet of the Powhite Expressway, we made our way to a amplly-lit clearing in the woods, middle of no where, VA.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the smells of tread-marks, sweat and global warming that only a Friday night in the South can deliver. Unlike the rare venture or two to the drag races and demolition derbies of my high school days, this was different. This was the Southside Speed way.

I expected the same blandness that comes with drag races or demo derbies, but was pleasantly surprised. I actually had fun. I know, sounds crazy. But this equivalent of minor league NASCAR earned my respect. I was taken back by how talented the drivers were. And how much fun the crowd was while watching their friends, family or compatriots master 15 second laps along with 29 other cars on a track that was made for six.

All in all, you can't really go wrong with a few brews and a few good friends watching the tamer version of those oh so fun COPS the TV show high-speed chases, can you?

Where did Kris go?

That’s a great question. And a long, complicated answer. But I’m gonna try my best to sum it up as short as possible.

1) Went to intern at DDB Chicago this summer. Had a great time. Met a lot of great people, people I can’t thank enough for everything. A special thanks to Jaime Zazove, Nick West Maciag, Nikki Konkac, Kate Tarnowski, Nate De Leon, Emily Shepard, Lisa Koening, Jane Ackerson, my girlfriend Sarah and all the Brandcenter crew who were up in Chicago this summer.

2) 3 days before the end of the internship, we found out the worst possible news—that my little brother, Darren, a cancer survivor, had a relapse. That his cancer was back.

3) Moved back to Richmond to finish my second year of the VCU Brandcenter. A twist is that Sarah got in as a first year art director. It’s going to be fun watching her grow in the program.

4) My little brother, on top of his current condition, caught pneumonia.

5) Now, found out last night that his right lung collapsed.

Now you’re caught up.


All I can do is ask for your prayers for my lil’ bro. And please keep in touch with him on his blog as he journeys through this second bout with cancer.

God bless, ya’ll.

This is for my Auntie

I’ve ignored my blog most of this summer.
Not from a lack of wanting to.
But from a lack of time.
I’ve been busy immersing myself in Chicago
With love.

I’ve spent time with old friends.
And with new friends.
And my girlfriend,
whom has lived 1100 miles away for the last 9 months of school.

I’ve immersed myself in my internship at DDB.
I’ve been working late nights,
Pre-sunrise early mornings
And loved every second.
Heck, even got a decent amount of work produced.
Although, I’m hoping for more.
Call me greedy.

And to be honest,
I’ve been busy enjoying all that.
And not writing on my blog.
Mostly on purpose.

But around 4am this morning
I found out that none of the above really matters all that much.
Who cares if I love Chicago,
Or my internship?
Who cares about art exhibits,
Cool concerts
Or deep dish pizza?
Who cares about the late nights?
Summer festivals
Or hot dogs without ketchup on ‘em?
Who cares about any of that?
I sure as hell didn’t around 4am.

B/c at 4am,
I found out that my Aunt Mae died from complications.
A huge part of my life,
A huge part of who I’ve always been
And always will be
Is no longer with us.

That love/hate relationship I have with the Brandcenter
I’ve recently found holds true for advertising in general.
That is, sometimes you’re too busy to experience the world
And conversely, sometimes you’re too busy to let your world affect.
Too busy to be anything but numb.

But tonight I refuse to let this be the case.

Tonight, I’m gonna take some time.
Tonight, I’m gonna reflect.
Tonight, I’m gonna pay my respects to a lady
who always cared about unconditionally.
A lady that never judged.
Always smiled.
Always sacrificed everything she had.
And always loved.
She deserves that.

Here’s to my Aunt Mae.
I’ll love you forever lady.
And thank you for everything.

Yay for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I start my internship at DDB Chicago. I'm super excited about it. Almost as excited as this guy.



More detail to come about Chicago tomorrow night.

Here goes nuthin'

Today, I leave the happy confines of my parent's place
just south of the Berkshires.
No more home-cooked meals
or morning runs with pops.
No more relaxing.
Time to do the work again.
Time unsheathe my weapon of choice,
my pen.
Time to shine.
Today, I leave for Chicago.
And I'm looking forward to it.

CHARLES SCHULTZ PHILOSOPHY

I read about this on some blog somewhere and thought it was interesting.
It kind of keeps things in perspective. Ya know, just life in general.

Just read straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

(Charles Schultz)

--Happy Creating

This commercial I dedicate to me.

Damn the writer who did these.
Bless the writer for inspiring me.

I wrote and shared this in class today.

Sometimes the candy-coating tastes better
By Kris Kennedy

There he is
Candy-coated Kris
With his candy-coated shell,
Such a sweet guy
Sweet like candy
Pay him no mind.
He’s just a treat
A sweet treat
Just a buck deep
He doesn’t mind.
He’s nice
So nice
Easy and free.
I can see him going far in life,
He’s just so charismatic.
He's gonna be somebody.

Please pardon me, but fuck that.
Please don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.
Politeness as invitation to speak your mind
And not expect anything in return.
Don’t mistake my nonchalant-ness for some silly snot-nosed kid
Who doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about
Or takes things lightly
Or breathes in good air
And breathes out sprinkles.

Inside is reds, oranges and then some.
Flames, tears and then some.
Bruises, scars and then some.
One big middle finger
And then some
And then some.

Do you know what it’s like to go hungry for weeks
Living in a one room motel for years.
Me, mom, dad and baby brother.
Or having both sets of neighbors taste
Gunpowder-laced homicides
Or gun shots
Or tears
Or screams
And then some
And then some.

So, Please pardon me.
Pardon me
For the always being the new kid
And so on and so forth
The always having to change to fit in
And so on and so forth
For the smiling to make the pain go away
And so on and so forth
For the broken spirit and bones
And so on and so forth
The trampling, the fears, the being left to blame
And so on and so forth
The words left unsaid, the shame and handcuffs
And so on and so forth
The emptiness found in the words “I love you”
And so on and so forth
The lies and STDs
And so on and so forth
The being told with fists and bats that I’m nothing but a nigger
And so on and so forth

The drugs ripping family, from the seems
And so on and so forth
Having no place to call home
And so on and so forth
Staring at death’s face in the shape of a gun barrel
And so on and so forth
Asking why little brother has to die
And so on and so forth
All the times I cried to myself on bathroom floors
And so on and so forth
The me trying too hard and still failing every time
And still carrying everyone’s
Burdens on my back
Like a rock
And then some,
Do you know what’s it like?

So, Please Pardon me
For all that I am
And all you don’t know.
I smile
So you don’t have to see
what I have to.
Because no one deserves that.

Maybe a writer just made me jealous

I saw this commercial for the
first time today.
As bad as bad advertising can be
(please refer to Wendy's campaigns,
Matthew Lesko commercials, and any
Head-On product promotions),
It is the good ones that make it worth it.
It is the good ones no one can deny is good.
It is the good ones that I want to make someday.

Lemme know what you think of this commercial.

I wrote in my thought book

I had a random thought yesterday.
Something I thought was interesting.
It came out of nowhere.
Which made it all that much more powerful
to me.
I'm not saying I live by this.
I just want to.

"Writing doesn't mean anything if you don't mean it."

Lemme know what you think of that thought.
Lord knows I'm still trying to figure it out.

Later days.

Here's to the alma mater

I spent five fruitful years at a school that gets little credit.
I cried there, died there, and gave that school every single drippy
drop of me. I have the hardware and scars that say so.

So here's to my old alma mater.
Here's to the 4am late nights in the library.
To the blistering early morning presentations.
To the learning what love is.
And the learning what a broken heart is.
Here's to the music. The late night convos.
The learning what it is to be a man.
Here's to my heart.

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. Go KU.

Congrats on the National Championship.

This is what happens in a creative team meeting

What happens when you mix three creatives working on the X Games account with a pitch that is but 3 weeks away? You get us silly kids talking about thriller.

Then you get one of these silly kids bringing up the funnier, Indian version.
Enjoy.

It’s a rainy day in the dungeon

It’s wet outside.
It seems like it always is
when I write on this blog.
And that’s fine, because
rainy days are probably
some of my favorite days.
Something about the feeling
that comes with a gray day.
They are relaxed from the start.
The lazy,
stay-in-bed just a little longer
stare out the window and dream,
reflect,
breathe in the world outside my window.

The world is beautiful gray.
The ground glistens,
rain drops adorn car windows
like tiny Christmas lights if
the sun hits them just right.
I love it when it’s rainy.
Just thought I’d share.
Time to get to work.

Yesterday was fruitful, for lack of a better adjective

Yesterday was a good day.
It was the Brandcenter Prom.
And everyone came decked out in their best.
A fun time, filled with dancing, eating, drinks and revealing talks.
Just like regular prom.
With adult beverages.
And no one having to hide them.

Yesterday was also our weekly graduate seminar, Culture Crash.
It was and interesting talk about Ethics.
Important, sure.
But moreover, they brought a bunch of cool commercials with them.
Here were the two coolest I saw.

Enjoy. And leave a comment to let me know what you think of 'em.

Just so we're all clear.

Of course, Coach Self isn't going to leave. Who do you think he is? Roy Williams?
We're in the Final Four for the first time in years. Why the heck would he trade that to go to a struggling Oklahoma State? Get real people.

73 degrees. Partly cloudy.

As much as I'm not a fan of the South,
I must admit that it’s blessed me
with a beautiful past couple of days.
Toasty, but not too toasty. Windy, but not overly windy.
If days had flavor to them, the past couple days were delicious.

Great weather for reflection.



As one of my professors, Charles Hall, alluded to,
"who took the fun out of advertising?"
Well, I couldn't agree more.
But I'd like to make this statement a little more personal.

"When did the fun get taken out of me."

Well, I haven't been fun this semester.
I've failed a lot. A whole lot.
And because of that it has been
a very tough semester for me. But all for the better.
Without failure, there is no learning.
And in my case, there's been
a whole lot of learning going on this semester.

With this new weather comes a new perspective.
Toasty, but not too toasty. Windy, but not overly windy.
If it had a flavor to it, this new perspective would be delicious.

My new perspective is to take it all light-hearted.
To stop trying to get everything right
and instead just do. Do what I know.
Do what I like. Do what I feel.
'Cause isn't that what I'm in this business for anyway.

The reality check is
that it is a lot easier to say it than do it.
But to hell with that,
I'm gonna keep trying.
It's my time now.

It's been a bad week

It's not been the best week. Tons of work. Just as much failing. And a shit ton of learning. That was the only good part. My body, my self-esteem and my friends probably all hate me for this week. But, next week is a new one. So to celebrate. I thought I'd share two poems I wrote this week. I hope you enjoy. Tell me what you think. Not that I care.

I'm not perfect
By Kris Kennedy

I used to be a lover,
a rock star, a kid
I used to be a songwriter,
a singer, a dancer, an artist.
I used to be a friend.
I used to be an economist,
a journalist, a leader
I used to be a catalyst, a role model
I used to have my own special place in the world

and I'm not what I what I thought I would be.

'Cause truth is
I'm still struggling to find my voice.

All I know is that I love creating.
I love thinking, telling stories and building culture.
I love being me.

And I would apologize that
it might not show up in my work here,

but I'm not sorry.
I can't be sorry.

‘Cause everyday I’m still fighting to find it.

------------------------------------------------------------

Here's poem #2. Funny, I wrote it almost right after.

Richmond, VA 6:24pm
By Kris Kennedy

Butt asleep against wooden bench seat
Two people, two tables down speaking French
sounds like politics, religion
maybe romance

Runnin' through my own mind
trying to catch a glimpse of something brilliant
but it's just florescent light
not sunlight
like a trickster

Stopped to breathe
watercolor and pencil doodles on the wall
but not for me
not for
what I need

I need brilliance
not French

Today I decided to write a poem

I woke up this morning in a sour mood. Grumpy. Sick. Feeling very hack-ish.
So, for my daily writing exercise, I decided to write a poem.

Poetry used to clog my bloodstream. All through high school and most of college blessed the world with notebooks full of poetry and songs. But for some reason, I stopped. And those notebooks are sittin’ in a box somewhere in my parents' basement I’m sure.

Anyway, here’s my thoughts and feelings from this morning. Well, at least how I felt at my core.


I used to write for me
Poem by Kris Kennedy

When was the last time I wrote from my heart
The last time I gave my brain the day off
And listened
With my eyes closed
When was it?
When was it last my heart lived on my sleeve
With conviction
And left to bleed
Like a declaration of independence from giving a damn
When was it?
‘Cause last I checked,
I’ve been working my rear to the bone.
Just check under my fingernails
The tree rings under my eyes
Or the limp in my heartbeat's syncopation
But what good is that?
What good is jumping
Still staring at the cliff behind me.
Not the clouds.
Not the sky.
Not the patchwork ground below me.
I ask, what good is that?

It's a gray day in richmond

This town can be spooky at times.
Especially, at the end of winter.
Trees creep into the sky, naked and frail.
The sweet scented air tells of coming rains.
Maybe more. It is an interesting place.

Now, it's days like this that are the hardest.
The hardest to stay on task. The hardest
to get busy. The hardest
to sit down, shut up and write.

Today is extra special,
because I'm sick. Now don't take that as an excuse.
Instead, consider it another obstacle.
One that comes in mucus form.

Even on days like this, when it is hard
to get my mind wrapped around my chosen profession,
I can't help but be inspired by creativity.
People like Luke Sullivan.
If you’ve never heard him speak,
I suggest you read his book “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This”
or listen to the newest podcast from American Copywriter.

And no,
I'm not gonna go on some sort of rant about
how much he has inspired me to enter the industry.
(Although, he has.)
I'm just saying love what you do. And when
you can't remember why, keep tabs on people who love it, too.
They'll remind you why you're doing what you're doing.
Even if looking in the mirror doesn't help.

Happy Commercial Holiday, everyone.

In honor of this gloriously dividing holiday,
to the have and have-nots of love, I give you this timely classic.

Enjoy.

Last night Lupe saved my life.

Last night, I decided I'd take a break from
the pressure cooker that is the Brandcenter.
And by break, I mean going to VCU's Homecoming.

Now after four hours of
ho-hum opening acts and dudes flipping on trick bicycles,
the show started.

What lasted a little more than an hour seemed like much more.
It was an escape. One that I was in dire need of.
Connecting to real music. To real stories.
To anything other than advertising.
And it was beautiful.

If you've never listened to Lupe Fiasco's music,
I highly recommend it. Examine every word,
not just his cadence and the beat. If it helps,
read them while he spits them.
Delve into what hip-hop means and what music should be.
Hell, you might even be surprised what you find out.
I guarantee it has nothing to do with Rims, Tims and video hoochies.

The Brandcenter has its good and its bad.
It makes the outside world disappear when life gets rough.
But, it also makes it disappear.
And its nights like last night that is a welcomed break.
And it reminded me why I love his music. It reminded me
why he's one of the greatest,
if not greatest musicians of our generation.

For everyone who ever was curious

For everyone who ever wondered what the heck I'm doing here in grad school. Here is a small taste. I think its funny, that i'm even going into this silly industry. I guess that's why I stay in it.

BradyBill.org - "Basketball"


Krispy Kreme - "Burglary"

Holy matrimony, baloney

Saying the words “I love you” is hard enough,
let alone saying the words
“I do.”

Two evenings ago, someone very close to me’s little sister announced her engagement. To her family’s dismay.
She’s freshly twenty-one. Her fiancé, the tender age of twenty.
Young.

It isn’t their age or the lack there of
that has inspired this post. No, it’s the setup.
But when questioned what each other’s eye color was,
they were wrong.
When asked favorite colors,
they were not even close.

And when asked what it was about the other person
that indicated they should spend the rest of their lives together,
there was silence, stumbling-bumblings
and “I don’t knows, I just can’t explain-ems” from both parties.

What makes this scary is
that their first date was Dec. 21, 2007.
They were engaged a week and a half later.
Their wedding day is March 22, 2008.
For those bad at math that’s three months.
Signed. Sealed. Delievered. All in less than a semester.

But, when is the right time to say,
“let’s spend together forever”?
Hell, if I knew that answer Dr. Phil’s
secret love affair with Oprah might be bamboozled.

I do know, however, you should at least know whom you’re marrying.
Unless you’re really into sadomasochism.
Or drive-thru Vegas weddings.

Hey, remember when I used to blog

Nothing says it is time to write like puddles adorned with rain ripples,
somber clouds and my girlfriend apprising me
all break that I “really need to update my blog, dang it.”
So, here it is. The first installment of the year.
Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause till the end.

First, let’s answer some common questions?
1) How was the 1st semester at Adcenter?
a: Hard as crap.

2) How’s the girlfriend?
a: Beautiful and amazing. She smells good, too. Lucky me.

3) How’s the fam? The lil’ bro?
a: Good. Silly. They smell good, too.

4) What’s been goin’ on all break?
a: Breakin’. Not the dance from yesteryear wherein I’ve gracefully retired. Nor the 80s cult blockbuster starring Shabadoo and Boogaloo Shrimp. Just the resting kind. The kind involving the opposite of working hard.

5) How’s the music thing going? How’s Crux (my band)?
a: Rockin’. Give it time. What’s up with all the questions?

There. All caught up. Well sort of.
There’s a lot more to say, but that’s after I learn how to say it.
But in the interim, please hold that applause.
You’ll thank me later.

Anyway, Happy New Year everyone.