Tag: Kristen Cusato

I Like Skype More All The Time

Skype-LogoI’ve been doing a lot of production work lately. A few websites (including Kristen Cusato’s), an asteroid oriented presentation for Slooh.com (which I can’t show until Wednesday) and me teaching teachers to teach for UC Irvine.

Sometimes I have to go onsite, but I mostly like to work at home in pajamas. I have worn a suit once in California… and then without a tie.

Skype has become my friend. I can telecommute to my co-workers’ desks, where I appear from the waist up. If you see me wear a hat just assume I haven’t taken a shower yet.

When I hit a milestone and need someone to check off on a project, I use Skype and screenshare. Consultations are easy. I can play a video or show a website. I often make changes while they watch.

I told one friend, “I like this better than the phone.” Face-to-face communication is more powerful than just speaking or typing. The ability to reference what’s on my computer screen seals the deal.

Kristen Gets A Website

Kristen has a story in the book and now a website to help get the word out. When she asked me to build it, I couldn’t say no. The site is simple, Kristen’s message is important.

You’ve heard people use the phrase “my pleasure” a million times. Seriously, when it comes to work like this, my pleasure.

memomparkA lot of you reading this know Kristen Cusato. She and I worked together at Channel 8 before she left for the West Coast. Then Kristen’s mom was stricken with Alzheimer’s.

In 2009, when she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia at the age of 61, I quit my TV news job in San Diego, packed up 14 boxes, grabbed my cat and moved back to the East Coast to be with her through her journey.

Kristen’s mom’s journey has ended. Kristen has returned to Southern California.

Her passion and dedication to Alzheimer’s patients and families hasn’t diminished!

I started working for the Alzheimer’s Association in Connecticut, as a trainer, educator and fundraiser. It was after talking about my Mom at a book event, that I met the publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She told me we needed to do a book about Alzheimer’s. My response: “Yes, we do.” A year later, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Living with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias” is here, in bookstores April 22nd.

Kristen has a story in the book and now a website to help get the word out. When she asked me to build it, I couldn’t say no. The site is simple, Kristen’s message is important.

You’ve heard people use the phrase “my pleasure” a million times. Seriously, when it comes to work like this, my pleasure.

It Started On Twitter

It started on Twitter with Kristen Cusato.

It started on Twitter with Kristen Cusato.

Kristen Cusato @kristencusato
So…I get the whole Monica thing. #billclinton

I love Kristen. She is talented, gorgeous and obviously witty. Her Tweet came after Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

I replied,

Geoff Fox @geofffox
@kristencusato Is the most charismatic person I ever met. Ever!

I guess that’s a big deal.

Kristen Cusato @kristencusato
@geofffox you met him? #wow

I’m sure I’ve told this story before. I, along with every other broadcast weatherperson, was invited to the Clinton White House for a dog-and-pony show about global warming. Al Gore gave his famous PowerPoint presentation. I think it was his first time presenting it.

I spent the day hanging with Craig Allen, Al Roker, and Irv Gikofsy (aka Mr. G.).

It was a long time ago. Al Roker had the first digital camera I’d ever seen.

If you ever get invited to the White House you should know this, the pastries served with coffee are killer! For hoarders the bathroom I used had paper towels beautifully embossed with four color printing. Take a few.

I went pre-9/11 and security was very thorough. I can only imagine now.

We saw the presentation, had the aforementioned pastries, followed by a presidential reception.

We stood single file quietly waiting our turn to shake hands with President Clinton and Vice President Gore. As we approached the president a female Marine officer took a card we’d filled out earlier. She handed the cards to another officer who turned and faced the president.

“Mr. President, Craig Allen”

Craig took a step forward and shook the president’s hand.

“Mr. President, Al Roker”

Al walked up. The president began the conversation. He’d seen Al doing the weather from the White House lawn earlier on Today. How cool is that to have the president as a viewer? I would have soiled my pants.

I was next. I walked forward and looked up. He was the most powerful man on the planet. He oozed that. He is also the most charismatic person I’ve ever met. I understand why Kristen swooned.

Whatever he and I said to each other is lost in time. Trust me, my words were short and inconsequential. His too.

There was one more in our group, Irv.

“Mr. President, Mr. G.”

Really? No full Gikofsky in the White House?

If you get invited to the White House, go.