This should come as no surprise. Apple cements position as largest music retailer; sells 10 billion song.

Apple Inc. says it has sold 10 billion songs from the iTunes Store since it opened in 2003, cementing its position as the world's largest music retailer.

The 10 billionth song was Johnny Cash's "Guess Things Happen That Way."

It was bought by Louie Sulcer of Woodstock Ga., who will receive a US $10,000 gift card.

The music store sold around 25 million tracks in 2003.

Separately, Apple holds its annual shareholder meeting Thursday at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

TODAY'S FIVE FACTS ABOUT WOMEN'S RETAIL BRAND AWARENESS

-Product quality (37%) tops price (34%) as the primary factor that influences women's purchase decisions.

-52% of women are aware of Wal-Mart's Great Value brand, making the best known brand among the 46 surveyed.

-Women with incomes below $30,000 are least likely to be aware of brands, likely because they are more concerned with finding the best price.

-Women are twice as likely to know brands that are available in several categories storewide (31%) - such as Sears Jaclyn Smith and Sam's Club's Members Mark - than they are to know apparel of food brands (17%) each.

-31% of women say they shop a particular store because it is the only place where they can find a particular brand.

My Latest Painting: The Jewish Experience of Suffering

This painting titled: The Jewish Experience of Suffering which I have just completed, is in honor of all of my many Jewish Friends.
During my teen years in Toronto, Canada I was a member of the Leah Posluns Theatre School located right next to the Jewish Community Centre on Sheppard and Bathurst.  My twin brother and I have many fond memories of going to the Leah Posluns theatre and to the JCC.  I believe that is where I first tried Matzah ball soup and have enjoyed it ever since. 

I can honestly say that as a Canadian of Italian-Catholic descent, the faculty/teachers and members of these Jewish Institutions welcomed my twin brother and I with open arms.  I could not have asked for better friends and more welcoming people.

I was included in all of their religeous celebrations and holidays.  It gave me great insight on a wonderful culture that is rich in history, art and has strong family values, which is not unlike my own Italian heritage.

I never understood and probably still don't know as to why this group has been and to a certain extent still is the subject of racism and abuse...I am sorry I just don't get it.
If there is one thing that I have learned from these people, I would say, "it is not that Jews want to suffer, but rather that Jews have constantly been made to suffer", and yet despite all of this adversity this is a culture that has endured and will continue to endure.  I can't remember who it was that once said, commend he who succeeds without adversity and through guidance and encouragment, but the one to be most commended is he who succeeds in spite of hell.  I thank the Jewish people for this great lesson.

TODAY'S FIVE FACTS ABOUT CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

-93%  of online shoppers research products on Amazon before making a purchase, followed distantly by 44% who research on eBay and 15% on Walmart's website.

-79% of Baby Boomer women have already planned leisure trip they will take in 2010, finds Vibrant Nation. 

-27% of Canadians would rather spend the day with their pet than their parnter or spouse.

-Moms are more than 10 times as likely to trust online consumer reviews as they are to trust the manufacturer's product description (92% vs. 8%), according to EXPO.

-46% of e-reader owners are satisfied with the content available on their devices, but only 39% have been able to find every title they are looking for, finds NPD Group.

Adam Giambrone Mayoral Candidate - PR mistake, "made himself the butt of the joke"

Hello folks,
It has been quite some time since I have written anything on my blog. I actually miss all of you. While this blog is a serious blog where I talk about Marketing and Social media, I also like to have fun with it sometimes. So for those of you that know me, I am sure you'll like this little gem that I uncovered on YouTube regarding Mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone. If you remember he made a very silly video thinking it would attract young voters. Here is where he lacks the marketing and PR skills. When a Politician or in this case mayoral candidate is utilizing the power of marketing to get his message across, the one thing that that politician/mayoral candidate should never do is, "Make Himself the Butt of the Joke", and this is where Giambrone clearly lacks experience among other things. Well, let's just say people took his video and had a field day creating mock videos. With that said, I give you "Adam Giambrone Farting and Burping".