Chris Pirillo » oprah

Will You Sign Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 01 May 2010 09:09:36 +0000

Will You Sign Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge?

When Oprah Winfrey speaks, the masses listen. Over the past twenty-odd years, Oprah has used her clout to help perform miracles and affect some major change in the world and how we think. This time, she’s appealing to us to help make already dangerous roads a safer place.

We all know that talking on the phone while you drive is lame. Even if you’re using a hands-free device, your full attention isn’t on the road. It’s not only a problem of having a hand or two busy holding a phone or dialing it. Getting involved in a conversation with someone can end up distracting you just long enough to create dangerous circumstances. Accidents happen in literally the blink of an eye.

Oprah is proposing that we deem our cars as “No Phone Zones.” The pledge was introduced on January 18th. As of today’s date – less than four months later – nearly 300,000 people have pledged to become safer drivers where their phones are concerned.

When signing the pledge, there are three options you can choose from:

I will not text while I am driving
I will not text while driving and will use only handsfree calling if I need to speak on the phone while I am driving.
I will not text or use my phone while I am driving. If I need to use my phone, I will pull over to a secure location.

Actress Nicole Richie signed the pledge today, and then posted to her blog: “I’ve signed Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge committing to drive responsibly, and I’m encouraging all of you to do the same. I know it seems difficult, with that tiny blinking red light taunting you, indicating a new and exciting message is waiting to be read, but come on people. Is waiting until you arrive at your destination that hard? Or here’s a crazy idea… pull over to the side of the road to read it.”

I’m going to join Oprah, Nicole and hundreds of thousands of other people in doing my part to create a safer environment. I signed the pledge, and promised to only use my phone when I am not driving. Are you up for the challenge?

Will You Sign Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge?

Who is Violet Blue?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:20:36 +0000

Who is Violet Blue?

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I happened to run into Violet Blue while I was attending the SXSW conference recently, and she agreed to sit and talk with me. Violet is an awarded author, a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, a magazine columnist, an all-around web celeb, and damn sexy. You might have seen her in Macheads (and if you haven’t, there’s no time like the present to watch the movie).

She tells it like it is, holding nothing back. She does so in a way that will make you stop and think about things – making you laugh all the way.

Given the subject material at hand (sex!), you’d think that a person would be uncomfortable talking to Violet about it. However, that isn’t the case at all. She may be open and direct, but it is also obvious that she is an amazing communicator – even if I happened to stumble here and there. Okay, so this is something I’m not used to talking about (certainly not on video).

Violet has written several books on the subject of sex. Many of them are non-fiction works, discussing different aspects of human sexuality. Others are collaborative efforts with several other writers (including a book full of short erotic stories).

Violet’s career is something she never planned on, though. She carved her path for herself purely by accident. In 1998, she was hired as a copywriter for a women-owned sex store, reviewing all of their books and movies. There, she wrote a lot for the website and magazine (helping them launch their online presence altogether). She started being approached by editors wanting to publish what she was up to, then subsequently launched her own site.

Violet recently had a run-in with Steve Jobs (!) while attending Macworld. Violet took a chance, walked up to him, and asked to take his picture. She admits that took a lot of guts, but figured it was worth a shot. When she asked him if he would take a photo with her, Steve turned to her and suggested that she was rude. Violet was shocked; she figured if he didn’t want to be around people or be bothered by them… why be on the floor at all? Steve’s entourage started to giggle, which only fueled the fire in Violet. She turned around and ended up taking a picture of Steve’s back (as well as his hyenas). She then just happened to run in to Robert Scoble, who was live streaming. Robert picked up the story and ran with it on his stream. The rest is history.

If you had just one question to ask Violet, what would it be?

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Who is Violet Blue?

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2007

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:43:53 +0000

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2007

Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2007 show aired today and here they are:

(1) Samsung Progressive HD Camcorder SC-HMX10C

“My first favorite thing is state of the art and I carried it around with me all through Macon,” Oprah says. The Samsung SC-HMX10C is so small it literally fits in the palm of your hand. This high definition digital camcorder records everything on a chip so you can download your video directly to your computer. With the flip of a switch, the camcorder becomes a camera that snaps picture-perfect digital photos. “It’s fantastic,” Oprah says. “It’s so easy, even I can do it!”

(2) Ugg Australia Crochet Tall Boot

The trendy Classic Crochet Tall can be styled by slouching them or pulled over skinny jeans. The popular style has a sheepskin sockliner and a suede heel guard for a durable fit. “I bet every truly dedicated Oprah watcher knows what my feet cannot live without,” Oprah says.

(3) Toywatch Crystal Watches

“My next favorite thing comes straight out of the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine,” Oprah says. “I loved mine so much, I wore it just about every day on my big road trip with Gayle,” Oprah says.

(4) Perfect Endings Cupcakes

Perfect Endings, the renowned Napa Valley bakery, makes these cupcakes from scratch, using fresh eggs, real butter and other premium ingredients. And they’re superb.

Perfect Endings Cupcakes $59 at Williams Sonoma

(5) Melamine Bowls, Cups, & Spoons

The Melamine Bowls, Measuring Cups and Spoons come in a rainbow of colors to brighten up your kitchen. They feature built-in, no-spill spouts for easy pouring and can be stacked to save space. Plus, no-slip rubber rings at the base keep your bowls in place.

(6) KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

The Artisan Stand Mixer is a favorite appliance of cooking superstars like Paula Dean, Emeril Lagasse and Oprah’s own Art Smith. The mixer comes in a variety of fun colors to match your kitchen.

(7) Planet Earth DVD Set

The Discovery Channel’s 11-part series Planet Earth is an awe-inspiring view of the spectacular world we live in. “I’m telling you, it is the most magnificent series you will ever lay your eyes on,” Oprah says.

(8) Kai Body Butter & Buffer

“Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do,” Oprah says. Kai customized their signature scent into a moisturizing body butter in a tub just for Oprah. “It’s clean and fresh,” she says. She also loves the Body Buffer by Kai, which combines an exfoliating loofah and cleansing soap all in one. Just wet and squeeze to release foaming bubbles that smell like an exotic garden.

(9) Clarisonic Skin Care System

Developed by the lead inventor of Sonicare, Clarisonic uses patented sonic technology to gently yet deeply cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup and bacteria ~ without abrasion or harsh chemicals. “It’s a miracle massage for your face,” Oprah says.

(10) Claus Porto Soaps

The oldest and most prestigious soap making factory in Porto, Portugal, Claus Porto was founded in 1887 by two world renowned chemists: Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwedder. Together they created the base for what was to become one of the most important soap making factories ever. The factory today is still family owned and run by the great grandson of Achilles de Brito. At this 117 year old company, the family continues with the great soap making traditions that were a matter of honor for the original founders. “They make great hostess gifts,” Oprah says.

(11) The Pillars of the Earth

Oprah says her 60th Book Club selection, The Pillars of the Earth, is the book to give this holiday season. “You will not be able to put it down,” she says. “It’s the perfect gift for under $25.”

(12) Breville Ikon Panini Press

Oprah uses the Breville Ikon Panini Press to create the “love sandwich” (hot pepper cheese over smoked turkey and fresh basil) for Stedman. “It takes the ‘love sandwich’ to a whole new level,” she says. This panini press doesn’t just make a great sandwich—it also grills meats, fish and veggies.

$99.95 at Williams Sonoma

(13) Ciao Bella Sorbetto

Ciao Bella’s Blood Orange Sorbetto is made from all natural ingredients including sorbet and blood oranges shipped straight from Sicily. “I love it because the flavor is just so refreshing,” Oprah says.

Find a Ciao Bella Near You

(14) Rachel Pally Swing Turtleneck and Sailor Pants

This outfit by L.A. designer Rachel Pally is made from stretchy fabric that’s both lightweight and super soft. “It barely feels like you’re wearing anything!” Oprah says.

(15) Scrabble Premier Luxury Edition

Now you can play America’s favorite word game with elegance! Gather your family and friends around this handsome wood game cabinet, choose your seven faux letter tiles and spin the built-in rotating game board. “Get ready for game night!” Oprah says.

$299.95 at Amazon

(16) United Artists Prestige Collection DVD Set

The United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection Gift Set consists of 90 classic UA films, including eight that won best picture Oscars: “Marty,” “The Apartment,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Annie Hall,” “Rocky,” “Rain Man,” “West Side Story” and “Midnight Cowboy”.

$608.99 + Free Shipping at Amazon

(17) Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit

Shaklee makes green cleaning easy with the Get Clean Starter Kit. From the kitchen to the laundry, kick-start a cleaning binge with an assortment of cleaners and a caddy organizer brimming with bottles, pumps, cloths, and sponges. Non-toxic and hypoallergenic, these products smell great and guarantee that deep clean we’re all looking for. “Get ready to go green!” Oprah says.

$89.60 at Shaklee

(18) O’s Guide to Life: The Best of O, the Oprah Magazine

For anyone on a journey of self-discovery, here is the ultimate handbook for living well. O’s Guide to Life, the new second volume of The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine book series, gathers the most empowering, energizing, and entertaining articles of the magazine’s last two years. Filled with advice from experts such as Dr. Phil, Suze Orman, Martha Beck, and Oprah, the book addresses three major aspects of life. “Your Personal Best” focuses on emotional and physical well-being: maintaining health, building confidence, finding a sense of purpose and balance. “Relationships” provides the tools and insights everyone needs to forge better connections with our partners, families, friends, and co-workers. And, “Living in the World” urges the reader to make life more meaningful by helping and reaching out to others. This is a resource that readers will keep returning to for answers and inspiration.

(19) Josh Groban Noel CD

The Grammy-nominated, twenty-something, pop-classical phenomenon’s fourth studio album is an expertly accomplished entry to the holiday marketplace. Noël tackles the familiar sounds of holiday music with a charmingly eclectic array of guest vocalists and a wide range of material. “It’s the one Christmas CD every family should have,” Oprah says.

$8.99 at Amazon

(20) LG HDTV Refrigerator

Now you can keep an eye on the weather, check out a recipe or watch a slideshow of your digital photos while you prepare dinner. This side-by-side refrigerator features an LCD TV screen that acts as a WeatherPlus information center to keep you in the know. “LG has literally thought of everything!” Oprah says.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2007