Introducing... the MLB Fan Cave

By Pete DeLuca

It is Opening Day for Major League Baseball (MLB), and this season the league is looking to redefine their social media efforts. In the past, MLB attempted to keep fans connected through iphone apps, like MLB.com At Bat, and nationwide broadcasts on MLB Extra Innings and SiriusXM – but that’s old news. Introducing... the MLB Fan Cave!

The MLB Fan Cave is a 15,000 square-foot location in New York City. After a nationwide search of nearly 10,000 applicants, two “Cave Men” were selected; Mike O’Hara and Ryan Wagner. Starting today, these two will inhabit the Fan Cave for the entire 2011 MLB season and watch all 2,430 regular season games and Postseason games on a unique set up of 15 Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTV televisions. MLB will pay them to Tweet, Facebook, and blog about their experience.

Tim Brosnan, MLB Vice President of Business hopes the new initiative will serve as an “electronic water cooler” - a place where every day fans, already engaged in social media, can come together. In a recent article on Mashable.com, Bronson said “MLB has dipped its toe in the water of social media in the last couple of years, but this is our first full platform.”

To follow the MLB Fan Cave on Twitter visit @MLBFanCave. To connect to their Facebook page click here.

It is exciting to see MLB push the boundaries of social media with a new and innovative idea. As a baseball fan and member of Facebook and Twitter, I am excited to follow their accounts and share my views and opinions with thousands of “ordinary Joe’s” across the country. As a Red Sox fan, I can only hope O’Hara (a Yankees fan) and Wagner (an Orioles fan) enjoy the experience as much as I will!

Pete DeLuca is Manager of Creative Services of Maroon PR. Contact him at Pete@MaroonPR.com

NFL Lockout – Always Have a Backup Plan

By Katy Fincham

As the NFL Lockout drags on, both sides remain at a standstill and little to no progress has been made. While players, such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees continue to battle it out in the courtrooms, other NFL players are finding ways to take advantage of their “time off” and coming up with creative backup plans.

Notorious for his on and off the field antics, Cincinnati Bengal receiver, Chad Ochocinco spent a week trying out with Major League Soccer team, Sporting Kansas City. The Kansas City Star reported today that the team has named Ochocinco as an honorary member, as he “showed enough potential” to continue working with the team’s reserve squad. Ochocinco said he used the opportunity as a chance to stay in shape during the lockout, but Sporting KC benefited most by the player’s decision to revisit his childhood passion for the game. ESPN has been running a six-minute special highlighting his stay, while his tryout attracted a number of local and national media outlets, never before seen at the team’s Swope Park training facility.

Baltimore Raven Tom Zbikowsi, found that the lockout was the perfect timing to dive back into his boxing career. Now known in the boxing world as “Tommy Z,” he is currently 3-0 with two decisions by way of knockout and gaining a lot of serious attention from boxing professionals. According to The Baltimore Sun, Zibikowski has recently “teamed up with legendary trainer Emanuel Steward and acknowledged he is working toward becoming the cruiserweight champion.” After winning bouts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, he has even mentioned his desire to bring one of his matches to the City of Baltimore.

Pittsburgh Steeler receiver, Hines Ward, is the newest contestant on Dancing with the Stars and has already proven that he has a legitimate shot at winning the entire competition. The Mirror Ball trophy will never live up to the prestige of the Lombardi Trophy, but Ward’s presence on the show is allowing him a chance to explore a unique opportunity, while remaining relevant with fans.

Going from Gridiron to Glamour, Tim Tebow has recently taken on his new role as an underwear model. The Denver Bronco quarterback will be featured in commercials beginning this week for Jockey’s Staycool products.

At the end of the day, all of the players will presumably stick with their “day jobs,” and our Sunday’s will go back to normal. But the lockout is proving to be the perfect time for players to peruse outside interests, while finding the value in marketing themselves and building beneficial business relationships. Everyone’s professional career eventually comes to an end and having a backup plan is now proving to be more vital than ever.

Katy Fincham is an Associate Account Executive at Maroon PR. Contact her at Katy@MaroonPR.com

Running for Charity Goes the Distance

By Kristen Seabolt

When you think of fighting cancer or poverty, you don't necessarily think of lacing up your running shoes to do so. But millions of people across the country have been putting in the miles to raise money and awareness for the causes they hold dear.

Besides being good for you, running, walking, swimming, and biking can now make a difference in the lives of others. With the growing popularity of running over the past decade, hundreds of charities have taken to the streets, sponsoring and holding thousands of walk/run events... and have significantly benefited from them.

Every year, charities and non-profits raise millions of dollars through these events for their respective causes. Every year, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure raises at least two million dollars in each location. In January, the Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason charity program raised more than two million dollars to benefit 52 different charities.

In addition, these events attract participants in significant numbers. Last year, the Right Side Foundation held its 2nd Annual 5K, and more than 500 runners participated in the run. Every year, close to four million take part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The National MS Society holds 600 MS Walks throughout the year, and more than 8,000 people in Maryland alone participate.

Although walks/runs are a great way help to raise funds, they also help to raise awareness. Last year for example, I ran the Lemon Run in Philadelphia for Alex’s Lemonade Stand. I had never heard of this organization before the race, but I learned through the event that this amazing foundation is in honor of a girl from Pennsylvania who held a lemonade stand in her yard to raise funds for the hospital that was treating her for neuroblastoma. Tragically, Alex passed away when she was eight years old, and her family began the foundation to raise money for childhood cancer. Also, Dean Karnazes, the famous ultra-marathon man, took it upon himself to run 50 Marathons in 50 days to combat childhood obesity and awareness for his “Karno Kids” charity.

Whether it’s a walk, 5K, 10K, triathlon, half-marathon, marathon or an unusual race (such as the Mud Run, Warrior Dash, or Pump & Run), walk/run charity events are an easy and fun way to make a difference in someone’s life. The funds raised in these events are used for research, supplies and for sponsoring various events throughout the year. As a fairly avid runner, I am registered for numerous races throughout 2011, and each one is for a charity organization, such as the Children’s Miracle Network, the Got Your Back Network, the Wounded Warrior Project and Autism Speaks.

So, if you’re looking for a great way to get active this spring, are passionate about a cause, or are simply interested in signing up for a race, why not do it for one of the million amazing organizations out there? Visit the Runner’s World Race Finder to search local events!

Kristen Seabolt is Associate Account Executive at Maroon PR. Contact her at Kristen@MaroonPR.com

“The Comeback Kid”

By Chartese Burnett

In the world of sports, we often hear of great comebacks, including come-from-behind wins after a team has trailed its opponent in a matchup, a team that makes it to the playoffs after a dismal regular season, or a franchise that has been a perennial loser and then turns its fate around and claims victories season after season. Comebacks almost always tickle our fancy, and it makes us realize that, against all odds, great things can happen. Baseball fans may remember the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who were down 0-3 games to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, and then in game 4 launched a comeback, and went on to claim the remaining three games, clinching arguably the single biggest comeback in baseball playoff history. They went on the win the World Series when they swept the St. Louis Cardinals to end an 86-year championship drought.

A few years earlier in 1993, on the gridiron, in the 1993 AFC wild card playoff game, the Buffalo Bills were down 35-3 to the Houston Oilers in the second half. Frank Reich, a backup quarterback for the Bills, subbing for the injured starter in Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, and with their star running back out with a hip injury, threw for four touchdowns and led his team to a win in overtime.

I only mention here a couple of great comebacks. However, avid sports fans can certainly re-count dozens more. Today, I’d like to focus our attention on a “different” kind of comeback. I am talking about those circumstances that had nothing to do with on-the-court or on-the field feats; but everything to do the amazing tenacity demonstrated by some of the world’s finest athletes – in overcoming adversity and demonstrating why they are true champions and real heroes and heroines.

The late great civil rights leader, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, once said, “The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” So many courageous, committed and amazing things were born out of adversity, challenge and even defeat.

Having attended Georgetown University and subsequently returned to serve as Sports Information in the late 80’s, I have followed for many years the career of NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning. Aside from being a “class act”, a dedicated and committed community activist and philanthropist, “Zo” has defeated the odds and has not only beaten, but has STOMPED adversity. If you’re not familiar with his story, here it is in brief: Prior to the start of the 2000-2001 NBA season, Mourning was diagnosed with a kidney disease which initially caused him to miss five months of that basketball season. However, he continued to defy the odds as his professional basketball career endured. Alonzo eventually underwent a kidney transplant, but later went on to win his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. In 2009, Mourning was the first player in Heat history to have his number “33” retired.

That brings us to recent history. On Saturday night, many of us in the Washington, DC region, and the world (by virtue of the 24-hour news cycle, social media, and the good ‘ole traditional media) became of aware of an amazing comeback by one DC United soccer player in Charlie Davies. I immediately called him “THE Comeback Kid” after watching the replays (via traditional means of watching SportsCenter on television) of his exploits on the field in leading the DC United to a 3-1 debut win over the Columbus Crew. In front of a crowd of 18,132 at RFK Stadium, Davies scored twice, once on a penalty kick and another with his speed.

But here’s why this kid’s performance is awe-inspiring and truly ranks, in my mind, as one of the most thrilling comebacks in sports. In his rookie season with MLS, almost a year and a half ago, Davies was in a fatal car crash that almost took his life – when his car was struck by a drunken driver (the driver’s best friend tragically died in the accident). His body was broken and he suffered life-threatening injuries – the doctors thought Davies might never step onto a soccer field again. However, the first time he did – on Saturday night – he came back in a remarkable fashion. When the final whistle sounded at RFK Stadium Saturday night, Charlie Davies’ prayers had been answered. He gazed into the stands and cried. I am sure some fans cried; some viewers cried, and I admit, I cried as I watched replays of someone who achieved what seemed almost impossible.

That’s what comebacks are all about.

Chartese Burnett is Director of Non-Profit PR at Maroon PR. Contact her at Chartese@MaroonPR.com

Q&A with Arizona State Athletic Media Relations Director, Doug Tammaro

By Chris Daley

For this blog I thought it was fitting to speak to someone who is a media relations veteran in the world of high-profile college athletics, and who has been behind the scenes of several Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments.

Doug Tammaro is a native of Ellwood City, Pa., and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, in 1991. He has worked at the University of Cincinnati (1991-92), Notre Dame (1992-93) and Arizona State (1993 to present). Doug is currently Athletic Media Relations Director at Arizona State University (ASU). He and his wife Stephanie, an Arizona State graduate who also thinks she is an offensive coordinator, have two girls, Arianna (7) and Miquela (3).

CD: As a media relations manager for a Division I men's basketball team, what becomes your top priority when the team makes it to the Big Dance? Do you discuss a media strategy with the coaches/players/staff prior to the tournament? If so, what guidelines do you stick by?

DT: I think it varies from school to school and year to year. A team like UCONN, which has a ton of media following them daily and has been to the tournament numerous times recently, would have a different agenda than Arizona State or Washington State. The main point you want to get across in this day and age it to look, sound and show you are excited to be there because so many people are watching your every move. It sounds simple, but there are some many things going through a coach’s mind at the time that they might forget that every move and sound bite gets legs in this day and age.

For the players, I always tell them to remember Mom and Grandma will be looking at them, so make them proud. And then or course we give them a couple of things to know about the opponent and prep them with what questions are coming. At that point it is important to remember that you are a “new” story at the site. Your local media get the up-to-date stuff during the week, but in 2009, for example, it was important for James Harden to not be bored with the question of why did you pick Arizona State for or for Herb Sendek to understand that someone might ask him why he left N.C. State for Arizona State in the spring of 2006. Those people at the press conferences don’t cover you every day. They cover you once a year at most.

CD: You've been on the NCAA Basketball Final Four Communications Committee since 2005. What specifically is the committee in charge of and what duties have you performed over the years?

DT: Basically, a crew of about six SIDs from across the country do whatever David Worlock of the NCAA says. That includes the seating chart, credentials, helping CBS, escorting coaches and players, etc. The media demands for the team and players are amazing for such a two-day span (Thursday and Friday before the games) as there is CBS, NCAA Productions, ESPN, big press-conferences, smaller press conferences, Westwood One Radio, and of course the everyday media. What is amazing is up until two years ago we got all this done on Friday. Can't see how we did it. The CBS time slot (an hour for each team) has turned into a mini-movie set. It is great stuff and projects well on someone's HD-TV but the time spent behind it is amazing. The folks at CBS take a lot of pride in making it bigger and better each year.

CD: You had an internship at the University of Cincinnati in 1992 when the basketball team faced the University of Michigan and their "Fab Five." What was that experience like as someone new in collegiate athletic media relations on such a big stage? What did you learn that season during your internship?

DT: That year was amazing. Personally, I was very lucky in that with a small media relations office I had a lot of duties with the basketball team during the year so being a main contact at the Final Four was not overwhelming. The Fab Five was amazing, but in this day and age of social media, Twitter and Facebook, I am not sure how it could have been handled back then. That season personally allowed me to see what college basketball on the big stage was like and all that goes into it. Almost 20 years later I am thankful for the opportunities that Bob Huggins, Tom Hathaway (Cincinnati SID) and John Bianco (Cincinnati SID and current Assistant AD at Texas) allowed me to have, with a nod to Nick Van Exel for making a bunch of key buckets that year.

CD: What's it like to be working with a team that's "On the Bubble" prior to the NCAA Tournament? Does increased positive media attention help your team's chances of getting in?

DT: To be honest, it is draining, time consuming and believe it or not...very fun. You go to sleep hoping your team's RPI doesn't turn out to be the reason you RIP. More media attention cannot hurt your case, but in a way there is so much information out there it is overwhelming. Case in point this year was Colorado. The second they beat Kansas State for the third time, everyone assumed they were in. Folks started talking about the holes in their "resume" and basically questioning scheduling. That part is tough. For us in 2007-08, we had a great season by all standards, but had to listen to the selection chair defend the NCAA Committee not taking Arizona State because of a bad non-conference schedule. But behind the scenes, Illinois and Princeton had their worst seasons and we played both of them. So did ASU just pick a bunch of bad teams to play? No. But it is hard to project all of that.

The numbers such as RPI, SOS, record vs. top-100...it can blow you away. What you don't want to happen is to have your kids enter a game thinking about being a bubble team. But kids watch TV. They read the internet. You can't stop them. So I think all you can do is try to make it a positive that your team is fighting for a chance to play in March Madness. When you win, you brag about all those numbers. When you lose, you look at the scores of other bubble teams and hope they had a bad night as well. Sounds terrible, but that is the world of bubble teams. Only way to avoid it is to win more games.

CD: With social media tools such as Twitter growing in popularity, how do you think Athletic Departments are adjusting to this trend? What people/outlets do you think might be the best sources to follow for updates throughout this year's NCAA tournament?

DT: Jeff Goodman of foxsports.com is very, very, very good. He is the most underrated one out there. Folks know about Andy Katz, Seth Davis and a few others because of who they work for and they are top-notch, but Jeff is very good from an outlet that doesn't cover college hoops as much as the others. Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News has been doing this for a long time and always is ahead of the curve.

Twitter is amazing for the Tournament. I have found out that when a TV is not possible, Twitter is better than a play-by-play from an official stats feed. Athletic Departments, and mainly personnel in the department, are learning Twitter is an amazing tool. I don't think it is going away anytime soon. We all have to embrace it. The interesting thing is now media relations people are figuring out we can be newsmakers and have an opinion as well. I think SIDs in a professional manner need to have more of an opinion for athletics if they have the experience and knowledge.

CD: Who do you have in the Final Four this year and which team from the Pac-10 do you think will go the furthest in the tournament?

DT: My Sun Devil fans will hate me, but I think Arizona is a Sweet 16 team. Derrick Williams is very good and I am not breaking any news on that. But Arizona shoots free throws very well and shoots a lot of them. Not playing in front of 14,000 red and blue fans won't slow them down in my eyes. I despise when people pick a bracket and pick all four No. 1 seeds, so I am going with Ohio State, UCONN, Louisville and my hometown Pitt Panthers. Pitt over Ohio State in the title game because Pittsburgh always beats Ohio teams (that is my black and gold Steeler blood coming out in a college hoops forum). By the way, if UCONN goes to title game it breaks modern-day NCAA record with 41 games played on the year. Figured I would give you a typical media relations note to end your Q&A.

Chris Daley is Senior Account Executive at Maroon PR. Contact him at Chris@MaroonPR.com or on Twitter at @ChrisDaley43

FAN IS SHORT FOR “FANATIC”

By Tim Richardson

In today’s 24-hour news cycle and vast social media universe, athletes, entertainers and anyone with a public persona operates in a fishbowl. Living in the public eye is not easy and you must be conscience of how your words or actions can be construed, or misconstrued, by those watching/listening/reading you.

The world of sports reporting is not exempt from this notion as fans tend to hang on every word from writers, broadcasters, etc. This scrutiny is even greater for former players who trade in their cleats for a microphone or recorder. Forget the seven-second delay or dump button, the filter between their brain and mouth needs to work harder than the Energizer Bunny to avoid the backlash that can be sparked by their words.

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit is the latest example of how fans can go too far with their criticism. Love him or hate him, Herbstreit is one of the best in the business today. That said, he’s also not shy about his love for his alma mater, Ohio State University, where he played football from 1989 to 1993 and was the starting quarterback as a senior. He’s been caught on camera on the sidelines celebrating when the Buckeye’s make an interception or cheering after a great play by the team, and some say his actions make him a “homer” for Ohio State.

But it’s his efforts to be objective when discussing his former school that have caused Herbstreit to make a life-changing move... literally. Earlier this week, after walking the tight-rope for more than a dozen years between national sports broadcaster and hometown kid, Herbstreit had enough and moved his family from Ohio to Tennessee.

The relentless criticism he received from what he referred to as “the vocal minority” of Ohio State fans finally got to the proud Buckeye as he was tired of defending himself to those fanatics (see, remember when I said FAN was short for FANatic) who couldn’t grasp that his job at the largest sports network in the world requires him to be objective and fair... or he will be an ex-college football analyst.

In an article in The Columbus Dispatch, Herbstreit, said “Nobody loves Ohio State more than me. I still have a picture of Woody Hayes and my dad (Jim, a former OSU player) in my office, and nobody will do more than I do for the university behind the scenes. But I've got a job to do, and I'm going to continue to be fair and objective. To continue to have to defend myself and my family in regards to my love and devotion to Ohio State is unfair."

Those in sports know that cheering is forbidden in the press box. Here’s the thing, those pictures of Herbstreit were of him as a fan or a father with his kids, not on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay in his professional role. Herbstreit shouldn’t be criticized for rooting for his alma mater on his “own time,” and he certainly does not warrant being run out of his boyhood home because a small group of fanatics are clueless to how the job is done.

Frankly, people need to get a grip on reality verses a game... which is all college football is when you strip away all of the pomp and circumstance. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE college football and my Saturdays in the fall surround Notre Dame games. But being a fan doesn’t give you the right to be a “fanatic” whose actions cause a man to uproot his family, leave the town he loves and alter the lives of his children when all he was trying to do was his job.

Ironically, Herbstreit announced his move via Twitter... but the criticism found him there too.

Tim Richardson is Executive Vice President at Maroon PR. Contact him at Tim@MaroonPR.com

7 Ways to Make a Difference

By Courtney Carey

We have all been watching the news in horror as Friday’s unimaginable tragedy in Japan unfolds. As of this morning, the official death toll had reached just over 1,500, but many are expecting that number to rise above 10,000 people. While the initial earthquake and tsunami have passed, the aftershock, mourning and recovery efforts have just begun.

If you’re like me, you feel a sense of helplessness when watching the news about this devastating tragedy. I find myself wondering what I can do to help and make a difference. Technology has made it possible for anyone to make a difference, no matter how big or small the contribution. Every little bit counts.

An article from Mashable details seven simple ways that anyone can make a difference and contribute in the relief efforts:

1. Text to Donate: The American Red Cross has launched another Text Campaign to aid in the relief efforts in Japan. All you have to do is text REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will be contributed to their efforts.
2. Donate Through Facebook: By logging in to your personal Facebook page you can donate $10-$500 through the American Red Cross’ Causes page: http://www.causes.com/campaigns/154523/
3. Play Virtual Games: Through playing the popular online games FarmVille, CityVille and FrontierVille you can help make a difference in the Japan relief efforts.
4. Embed a Code: By embedding a simple code on your website or blog, you can encourage others to get involved and help spread the word about relief efforts.
5. “Like” a Facebook Page: $1 of every “like” on the Dog Bless You Facebook Page (up to $100,000) will be donated to relief efforts. This page has reached the $100,000 goal.
6. Support through Twitter: There are several hashtags on Twitter that allow you to help with relief efforts and stay up-to-date with the latest news.
7. Donate on iTunes: Apple has created a donation page on iTunes on which you can choose to donate $5 to $200 towards the cause.
   

These seven ways to help are just a few of many options out there. For more detailed information on the relief efforts mentioned above, visit the Mashable article, “Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: 7 Simple Ways to Help.”

Courtney Carey is Manager of Social Media at Maroon PR. Contact her at Courtney@Maroon PR.com

Maryland Non-Profits Show Promising Numbers

By Mitchell Schmale

A study released this week unveiled some promising numbers for Maryland-based nonprofits. A report by Maryland Nonprofits showed that the state added more than 22,200 nonprofit jobs from 2004 – 2009. Even more promising, numbers revealed that Maryland nonprofits grew employment by 2% in 2009, which was just slightly lower than the year before.

The study was good news for not only the State of Maryland, but for the nonprofit sector, which was able to show growth during a very difficult economic time – even if it was modest growth. Our team at Maroon PR is proud to work with a wide variety of recognized and well respected local and national nonprofits serving various constituents. We do our best on a daily basis to help share their message through the media, showcase their ongoing efforts to serve and help others, and ultimately help in their fundraising efforts by growing awareness around each nonprofit’s work and mission.

It’s good to see that nonprofits of all sizes continue be an important part of our economy, both nationally and right here in our backyard in Maryland. The report showed that nonprofits in Maryland employ more than 255,400 people. Hopefully, that number will continue to rise as the entire sector rebounds from the economic downturn and works harder than ever for corporate and public financial support. In the meantime, our team at Maroon PR looks forward to working harder than ever to help drive growth for our nonprofit clients.

Mitchell Schmale is Vice President at Maroon PR. Contact him at Mitchell@MaroonPR.com.

Dining Out with Your Dog?

By Andrea Kunicky

How would you feel about having your furry little friend accompany you to lunch or dinner outside on a restaurant’s patio?

Well, many in the area now are attempting for a bill to go before the General Assembly that would free Maryland to join in with Florida, California and Minnesota in allowing dining outside with your dog.

Delegate Dan K. Morhaim of Baltimore County is sponsoring the “Dining Out Growth Act of 2011.” He told the Baltimore Sun that the law would give a much-needed boost to the state’s restaurant industry, which has had a tough go of it in the recent economic downturn.

“Frankly, anything that develops economic activity right now is good,” Morhaim told the Sun. “Now when people are outside and walking their dogs, they’ll walk by a place where they’d like to stop and eat. But they won’t because they can’t.”

Many of the local restaurants in the area already welcome dogs, but hundreds more do not because of the state health code violations.

Tomorrow, the dining bill will be discussed at a hearing before the House of Delegates and the Government Operations Committee. According to the Sun, the proposal has the support of many Maryland restaurants, the Humane Society of the United States and the Maryland Health Department. If passed, the law would take effect in October.

So, what does everyone think about this hot button topic in the area? Personally, I am an avid dog lover and would be all for having our four legged friends out for a meal with their owner. But, in the end, the owner should know if the dog is well behaved enough to sit for an hour or two to eat, and to be cognizant of the others around them. I couldn’t see myself enjoying dinner on a patio to only be disrupted by a barking dog throughout my meal.

This will be interesting to see where this bill goes and if we can get more restaurants in the area to approve of this act, because ultimately, it could help their establishments grow more and increase their awareness and exposure to others in the community.


Andrea Kunicky is an Account Executive at Maroon PR. Contact her at Andrea@MaroonPR.com

The Charlie Sheen Phenomenon Hits Social Media

By Pete DeLuca

With recent rants of drug-fueled parties and public tirades on national television, Charlie Sheen has collected a fair amount unflattering nicknames over the past week. Well, it’s time to add one more title to the list: Guinness World Record Holder.

That’s right. Guinness World Records, the ultimate authority on every record-breaking achievement, crowned Sheen the “Fastest to Reach 1 Million Followers on Twitter”. The Guinness website states that @CharlieSheen achieved this record in just 25 hours and 17 minutes.

According to a report in Advertising Age, Internet startup group Ad.ly, which represents high-profile account such as Snopp Dogg and Paris Hilton, brokered the account and was able to get Sheen’s Twitter verified immediately. From there, his account took off. Sheen joined Twitter on March 1 and, within a matter of minutes, he had more than 60,000 followers without even posting a tweet.

What’s Sheen’s motivation for joining the social networking site? It’s a “cash-cow” he told reporters in a recent TMZ article, citing that Kim Kardashian reportedly earns $10,000 per tweet as a part of her contract with Ad.ly. It also serves as his own, personal soap-box – an unfiltered feed to his wild rants.

As one of the highest paid actors in television on CBS’s #1 sit-com Two and a Half Men, there is no doubting Sheen’s popularity. He had it all – which makes watching him self-destruct on a public stage even more fascinating.

One of Sheen’s first tweets read: “In all sincerity... Thank you Twitter community for the warm reception & the followers that helped get me to 1M in 24 hours!!!”

Twitter “Followers” are not always supporters and this “warm reception” may be misconstrued. Although a Guinness World Record may sound like a great accomplishment, I’d argue that the majority of them just want a front row seat to the next bizarre chapter in Sheen’s life.

Pete DeLuca is Manager of Creative Services at Maroon PR. Contact him at Pete@MaroonPR.com

Food for Thought

By Katy Fincham

Today, for many, is just another Tuesday. For others, today is one of the biggest American holidays of the year – IHOP’s National Pancake Day. What does that mean? FREE pancakes for everyone!

From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., IHOP restaurants nationwide are offering customers a free short stack of IHOP's buttermilk pancakes. In return for receiving the free delicious meal, IHOP asks costumers to consider leaving a donation as part as their effort to raise awareness and funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

“IHOP’s National Pancake Day has become a highly anticipated annual event in communities throughout the United States, and provides our guests a fun opportunity to support the efforts of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities,” said Jean Birch, IHOP’s president.

Last year IHOP raised $2.1 million and this year their goal is to raise $2.3 million. Since 2006, IHOP has raised over $5.35 million to support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

What I like best about IHOP’s National Pancake Day is that it gives everyone a chance to make a donation they feel comfortable with. Some charity events are formal functions that include high-priced tickets and expensive auction items that many Americans cannot afford to be a part of. IHOP’s promotion caters to every audience and allows people to get together in a casual environment, enjoy a FREE meal and the chance to donate the amount of money YOU feel most comfortable with. No donation is too small to make a difference.

Katy Fincham is an Associate Account Executive at Maroon PR. Contact her at Katy@MaroonPR.com