Jennifer’s Blog

Willow Pond Ranch: Horse Rescue & Human Empowerment

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 18:57:17 -0800

A Blog for Horses?

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:59:46 -0800

Nowadays there’s a blog for everything. Personally, I’ve always loved horses, so one of the first things I wanted to make a blog about when I got the chance, was our fine four legged equine. The blog is called “Time4Equine” and if you Click Here you can check it out. Currently there are only a few entries, but as I visit the three horses mentioned I will include more.

An Evening at Cavallo Point

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:26:40 -0800

Last night I had the pleasure of attending an informational seminar about China’s economic growth and environmental future at the beautiful Cavallo Point in Northern California. After the talk, I am left asking myself what we as individuals can do to curb the consumerism that seems to pelage much of America and the world. While we can recycle and use cars that are eco friendly (and I don’t mean Hibrids) there has to be a shift in the mindset of government and society. I’m open to suggestions if anyone wants to send them along: jcommunication@mac.com

In the mean time, if you’re in San Francisco and looking for a beautiful and historic place to stay, the lodge is located just below the Golden Gate bridge and features spectacular views and a “going green” attitude. Click Here to learn more about Cavallo Point.

Not Coming Soon To a Theater Near You

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:21:58 -0800

Watchmen, is the comic book epic tale about alternate futuristic superheroes grappling with the realities of life, their roles in society, and the protection of the world. Watchmen was created by writer Alan Moore, who also created V for Vendetta and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. While the film Watchmen is due to come out in March 09’ it turns out Warner may not have the rights to the intellectual property. What does this mean for millions of fans worldwide? It means this may be another one of those films that never sees opening night. Unfortunately, this is more common than you might think, and there are many movies that for legal reasons will never be made or seen by audiences.

The picture to the right is the movie poster, still hanging in a local theater.

When in Disney World...

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:07:19 -0800

For those of you who have only been to Disney “Land” in Anaheim... Disney World is a whole other country... literally. Containing four parks, two water parks, and over 20 hotels, this gigantic project is the fulfillment of Walt Disney’s dream which involved education, cultural awareness, and the enduring spirit of creativity.

Click Here to View the Pictures We Took in December, 2008.

Bobcat out the Window and Camera in My Hand

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 19:19:50 -0800

What do you do when you’re sending out email pitches to the press and something catches your eye out the window? If you’re like me, you’ll glance over your computer screen to see what it is.

Today, it happened to be a bobcat. This little fell’a promptly trotted up the driveway and pounced into the bushes in the garden where I assume it was doing what my dog Pepper does out there; catch mice and rabbits. The bobcat was a little bigger than a house cat, and very fast. It’s a good thing the Nikon D70 was sitting next to my computer... there’s no way my cell phone could have snapped this through the windowpanes and blinds.

Marketing Experts to Remain Incredibly Optimistic Despite Economic Crunch

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:34:07 -0800

Yes, I’m talking about yours truly. Today, I co-hosted a BrightTalk web summit webinar with Laura Lowell, author 42 Rules of Marketing. The summit was widely publicized but incase you missed it, click HERE to view our webinar: Customers Do the Talking: 7 Tips for Conversational Marketing.

Why am I optimistic despite the economic setback? Mainly because I know we’re all in the same boat, and this is a good reminder that our lives are largely in our own hands, or at least they are when it comes to social media. Yes, you have control of your blog, your YouTube account, your Twitter, Flixn, Vox, MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn presence. Do you need ALL of them... probably not. But you should find one or four that work for you and keep them running.

“What can social media do for me,” you ask. The answer... it can make you visible. It can give your online presence a pulse, a cause, and a reason for people to stop trolling thorough their email to say, “hey, I like what this person’s saying and I want to hire them for something.” I’m not kidding.... this has happened.

Yes, the economy is having issues. Yes, many of us are not financially where we feel comfortable... but these are the times when we must focus on what we CAN do and get those things done. Social media, my friends, is one of them.

Check out my latest social media critique project where I ask questions about the media here:
http://www.jacobsoncommunication.com/media

Desk Riot - The Cubes Gone Mad

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 21:25:20 -0800

Sometimes the “little office people” just need a break (The Cubes.) I come in on some days and find them all doing the strangest things. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to get the strangers in the cubicle next to you, this is it. Each one comes in a box with it’s own desk and accessories. I bought the delivery man and the motivational speaker as accessories.

Happy Halloween!

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:45:12 -0700

Tis the season to be scary. Autumn is one of my favorite times of year, and while I’m too old for trick-or-treating, and it wouldn’t make sense to go with my dog and tell people I’m doing it for her, I still like the thought of kids scampering from door to door with their parents, in fun costumes. A couple years ago I planned the Pumpkin Carve-o-Thon for SquareTrade, which involved Adam and I filling the car with 30+ pumpkins we’d purchased from a farm in Half Moon Bay and driving them to San Francisco. For those of you who are really into pumpkin carving, and enjoy orange under the fingernails, check out this video. (It isn’t mine, but wow, what a great pumpkin!)

News Flash! A Recent Revolution for Working Moms!

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:19:47 -0700

Click Here to hear a revolution of working motherhood. Laura Lowell, founder of the “42 Rules” series, will be talking about her new book “42 Rules for Working Moms” and if you click the link above you should be able to listen in.

Click Here to visit Laura’s Website and buy the book:
If you want to hear other interviews with Laura, Click Below. Enjoy, and Viva La Working Mom!

While above the beach...

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:11:43 -0700

Walking in the Ice Plant above the beach at Fort Funston, in Northern California is a beautiful retreat. The area is teaming with trees, open sky, the smell of the ocean, dogs and their owners, and my favorite, the Raven. These intelligent birds are fun to watch and study. Pepper and I met the birds (pictured above) on a foggy morning. If you approach carefully, and sit down, they are likely to come near you, and make soft clicking sounds. When walking through the nearby wooded area I noticed Pepper and I were the ones being watched. If you get a chance to visit Fort Funston, I suggest looking for the ravens and you may find yourself a clever feathered friend, willing to take small shiny objects from your possession.

Tomato De El Diablo

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:52:46 -0700

Look at this little guy, fresh from the garden and ready for Halloween! No Photoshop here, this is the real deal. I know I should sell it on eBay but unlike the famed cheese sandwich of Turin, tomatoes only last so long.

Backyard Extravaganza 2008

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:48:04 -0700

Fat Chance made it’s first “full band” backyard appearance this weekend starring Jerry Slick, Tom Fefer, and me! The band had some help, “gymnastically speaking” from Pepper the Wonder Dog, who made a point to run and dance on the grass during the show, much to the amusement of friends and family. Bear worked the “food testing” beat, and made sure no one left a full plate on the ground for long. For the full scoop on the band, please Click Here and visit the site.

Mr. Tambourine Man

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:00:38 -0700

And now, for your YouTubeing pleasure, I bring you, possibly one of the most sensitive incarnations of the song “Mr. Tambourine Man” sung by Melanie Safka in 1969. It’s one of my favorites. I suggest listening to it on a quiet evening.

Ultimate Recycled Art

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 15:50:27 -0700

This is a fun internet video that illustrates the power of the human imagination combined with recycled objects and everyday settings.

The Ideal WombMan: My Entry for the Altered Barbie Show

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:06:10 -0700

For those of you who live in San Francisco, you have until the 18th to see the spectacle: The Altered Barbie Show!
Location: Gallery 94124, 3900 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94124
The Altered Barbie Show is a fun, and unusual event for people of all ages, Barbie lovers, Barbie haters, and those just looking for some original, found object art.

About The Ideal WombMan:
Created by Bay Area native Jennifer L. Jacobson, this eco-centric artwork pairs philosophy and practice in a striking infusion of the reclaimed female persona as an essential element of nature. Photographed in an organic, two hundred year orchard in Saratoga California, The Ideal WombMan is largely a found object work, with minor alteration of the natural scape, and the addition of illusive "running" Barbie legs. "I literally looked down on the ground, and saw my composition," says Jennifer." This work was truly a joint effort between myself and nature." In keeping with the harmony of nature evoked by the photograph, Jennifer has printed this work on eco-friendly, fast growing, bamboo paper. Jennifer purchased the barbie parts from two little girls who were hosting a yard sale to raise money for a field trip. "I really feel like this work has it's roots in the community, quite literally," Jennifer says. "We can learn many things when we open our minds to our impact on the earth, our environment, and each other."

“I Regret Nothing!” - Soggy Puppy Portraits

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:33:52 -0700

Watch out Michael Phelps, you’ve got competition. Yesterday, Klondike the Labrador decided to start jumping in the pool, (actually, I think the correct term would be “flying.”) Considering he’s normally calm and lethargic this was quite a change, so we drug out the camera and like proud parents, took pictures of the “kids” playing in the pool.

Pepper the Wonder Dog diligently chased the ball, in and out of the pool, and Klondike played Super Man while making a quite a splash. I think he’s a dog who is happiest between the sky and the water. Or maybe it’s just his way of bringing the non-corporate sponsored spirit of the Olympic Games to the backyard. Either way, I’m still laughing at the sight of him.

Extreme Gardening - Functional Fixedness & Zucchini

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:03:25 -0700

Hold on to your tomatoes, save your squash; for those of you dog lovers out there who have simply TOO MUCH garden produce, and your leftovers are about to turn to mush... Try my version of Extreme Gardening/Dog Exercise. Remember that garden I talked about a few blogs back? Well, this is the update: it’s ripe with possibilities.

Recipe for Zucchini Dog Acrobatics
Take 1 large, and “too old to eat” squash
Combine with 1, very happy to fetch large objects, Labrador Retriever or large dog. (Caution: May kill small dogs)

Take both to a body of water, such as a lake or a pool
Get dog’s attention
Throw Zucchini as far into the water as possible
Repeat until dog is tired (or zucchini is mush)

Disclaimer: Do not try try extreme gardening with cats, fish, rabbits, or other animals. Not recommended for children.

Kozmic Garden Scrumble - New Age Zucchini Bread

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:20:13 -0700

Hungry for some sweet heavy Zucchini Bread that will fill your tummy without throwing you into a high-fructose corn syrup, diabetic coma? Say no more, say no more!

Jennifer’s
Kozmic Garden Scrumble
Featuring the Stylings of: Zucchini, Carrots, & Bananas
With special appearances by Molasses & Rice Flour
*Double for Large Hungry Gatherings Like Family Reunions
Combine the Following "Wet" Ingredients in one bowl.
1 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Stick Unsalted Butter
1/2 Stick Cream Cheese
1 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Molasses
3 Teaspoons Vanilla
2 Medium Sized Carrots (Grated)
3 Cups Coarsely Grated Zucchini (squeeze out juice)
1 Lemon's Zest
1/2 Lemon's Juice
1 Banana
1 Can of drained pineapple
3 Eggs (Add these last so you can taste and add more goodies up to the last second)

Combine the Following "Dry" Ingredients in another bowl.
2 1/2 Cups Sugar or Splenda to Taste
3 cups brown rice flour
2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Getting it Assembled, Baked, Cooled, and Eaten
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the "dry" ingredients in one bowl, and the "wet" ingredients in another (add the eggs last). Then combine both mixes in a bowl.
3. Divide the batter equally between 2 greased and flour-dusted 5 by 9 inch loaf pans, Pyrex works well. Bake for 50 min - 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in to the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks to cool.
4. Fun Serving Suggestion: pour a teaspoon of molasses on a warmed piece of bread, and add a wedge of cream cheese.

Water Color Summer - Santa Cruz Carrousel Horses

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 11:20:39 -0700

When I was little, I loved riding the carrousel horses at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I remember being about four, and walking around the carrousel, just looking for the right horse. Those of you who’ve been there know, these are fine specimens of the plaster equestrian variety. They are finely crafted and well painted. They’re even a couple dragons, giraffes and zebras... but my favorite was usually a yellow horse with white mane. I recently revisited the boardwalk and painted one of these horses in water color. I’m still working on my watercolor technique, but it’s a lot of fun.

Little Furry Inspirations

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:23:06 -0700

Sometimes, while life is pounding by, we get a moment to ourselves. This may be as simple as a moment of peace on the subway ride home, a half hour alone with your favorite book, or some serious crash time in front of the TV. Whatever your niche, do your best to enjoy it, experience it, and be inspired. These inspirations can lead to great things, and Life really does go by quickly, and we all have the option to get actively involved or just stand on the sidelines. Some of my favorite early inspirations include the Muppets. I’m not talking about the Muppet Treasure Island, or the X-Mas Carol, or even Muppets from Space... I’m talking about the early Muppet Shows where the Mumanchance preformed. The Muppet Show Pitch Reel, which is absolutely fantastic, if you haven’t seen it! One of my favorite Muppet moments is in the Muppet Movie, when the Electric Meyhem’s hippie buss breaks down, and all seems lost, as the gang realizes they may never get to Hollywood in time to audition for their’ “Big Break.” In that moment, when the evening stars are twinkling, and the camp fire is burning, Gonzo, walks out under the sky and sings a tune that always sends shivers down my spine:

I’m Going to Go Back There Someday
This looks familiar, vaguely familiar,
Almost unreal, yet, it's too soon to feel yet.
Close to my soul, and yet so far away.
I'm going to go back there someday.

Sun rises, night falls, sometimes the sky calls.
Is that a song there, and do I belong there?
I've never been there, but I know the way.
I'm going to go back there someday.

Come and go with me, it's more fun to share,
We'll both be completely at home in midair.
We're flyin', not walkin', on featherless wings.
We can hold onto love like invisible strings.

There's not a word yet for old friends who've just met.
Part heaven, part space, or have I found my place?
You can just visit, but I plan to stay.
I'm going to go back there someday.
I'm going to go back there someday.

Say, “Hello,” to my little friends!

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 17:16:31 -0700

This year’s garden is off to a good start. Every day now, I see evidence that our hard work has paid off; the tomatoes are getting bigger, the zucchini are growing faster than we can eat them, the dill is about three feet tall, and my favorite the pumpkin plant, has sprouted little fist-sized gourds. I’m open to recipes for good zucchini bread if anyone has suggestions.