And the Award goes to...(Part 2)

Friday, March 05, 2010

Posted by Pippa Edelen

-An Education-
Capitalizing on having a dear friend home after the holidays, we scoured The Oregonian to find the charming film An Education. I’m thrilled we did – it’s my pick for Best Pic. A darling coming-of-age movie that engrosses without nonsensical tragedy or drama, An Education boasts the best combination of scenery, characters and acting of all the films I’ve seen in 2009. The costumes are amazing and the music is delightful. A fan of Peter Scaarsgard for many years, he has all the talent of Ewen McGregor with his own polish and flair. And Carey Mulligan is absolutely one to watch and I am doubly excited to see her in next year’s sequal to Wall Street. A truly darling, enjoyable film that I loved even more because it had the distinct look of film would be ideal for a Runco VX-3000, which offers film purity and colors without any distraction of the 1961-England setting.

An Education celebrates life in 1961 and you’ll be inspired to drink along. Baccarat saucer cups with champagne are a perfect accompaniment. And a martini makes more than one appearance in the film.

The perfect vodka dirty martini
2 oz Belvedere vodka
1 tbsp dry vermouth
2 tbsp olive juice
2 olives

Place an ice cube and a small amount of water in a cocktail glass. Place in freezer for 2 - 3 minutes. ?
Fill a mixer with all ingredients including garnish. Cover and shake hard 3 - 4 times. ?
Remove cocktail glass from freezer, and empty. Strain contents of the mixer into the cocktail glass, include one of the olives, and serve with a mysterious smile.

-Up in the Air-
As a onetime very frequent traveler (hit 1K by May one year), I loved the concept of Up in the Air. I can relate to being so addicted to life on the road (or, at least, accustomed) that you begin to forget how to live life at home. I also know the itch to get back on the road that you get when you’re grounded for a long period of time. I’m well-passed that itch now and love nothing more than weeks of being home, but both the book and the movie will strike a chord for anyone who has come home with multiple magnetic hotel keys in your bag (bonus if you stayed in more than one Marriott Courtyard on a trip and you forgot what room you were in because they are so incredibly identical), boasting about your accrued miles and showing off all your status at various rental car agencies, hotels and airlines. However, for those of you wondering, the book and movie are distant cousins of each other with little in common. I surprisingly found both to be pretty lackluster and fail to see the genius at puts this film in Best Picture company, but it’s a great pick for a Friday-night rental on the majorly-impressive Runco XP-OPAL65 65” plasma, especially if you’re a George Clooney fan. And really, who isn’t?

Enjoy with small packs of food, especially peanuts, pretzels, sparking water and bourbon, neat. Bonus points for watching it while in a hotel and getting room service!

Pippa has a degree in Journalism from UofO and spends most of her time writing fancy words, orchestrating events, shining up websites and generating press for Runco.

Investing in Originality

Monday, March 01, 2010

Posted By Jennifer Davis

“What’s needed in trying times is sheer undiluted originality – investing in ourselves, our craft, and the people that we share it with.” – Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design Magazine

I loved the editorial in January issue of Interior Design Magazine. Cindy speaks about avoiding cookie-cutter and corner-cutting templates, but having a master plan as we plan for the “prosperity of tomorrow.”

Never is this more true than at Runco today. We have always have created our own rules, driving the industry towards new applications of technology and new standards for performance and service. But now, we are testing our metal by investing in our brand promise, our product roadmap, and our dealer base as never before. As Cindy encouraged, we are pursuing undiluted originality. As the prosperity of tomorrow is never far from our minds, we hope you are doing the same.

Photo courtesy of Jill Murray Photography

Jennifer B. Davis is all about technology innovation and is a customer advocate, business executive, mom, and loves her job as Runco’s VP of marketing.

Choosing a Dealer Doesn’t Need to be Hair Raising

Monday, February 22, 2010

Posted February 22, 2010 by Jennifer B. Davis

Over the past several of my friends on Facebook changed their profile pictures to a “retro image” complete with dorky glasses, braces, big hair, and pencil-necked boyfriends.

You know the type and probably have some of your own photos and yearbooks stashed away.

It immediately brought to mind the time when I had an ill-advised perm. All my friends were getting them, I found a salon with a great promotional price, and got a perm. It was technically executed well, but the combination of curls and my thick hair left me looking like I was wearing a Dolly Parton wig. Not a great look on a gangly 9^th grader, I can assure you.

I see a lot of parallels between this and some discussions I have been having with Runco authorized dealers in the past few weeks. There is a big difference between someone who CAN install a home theater system in your home and someone who you SHOULD trust. Like that hair stylist who can formulate a permanent solution, but doesn’t have a clue about anything else, not every audio visual specialist should be trusted with your home.

Below are some things that you should keep in mind when selecting an audio video designer and installer for your home with home you can build a long-term relationship.

They must have the technical capability to do the job, of course. So, you should see their portfolio of comparable projects and check references. Often you will personally know someone who has had work done by the dealer, so you can feel confident in their expertise. A browse through their websites can be informative, as well. Ask your prospective dealer about their background, their specialties, their industry affiliations, their insurance coverage, and what continuing education they may have received from the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) or direct from manufacturer’s like factory training from Runco at our Runco Academy. Some of our dealers are also members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or other associations that are relevant to your project and the work you would like them to perform.

We invite you to visit the dealer’s showroom or some of their previous installations that are of similar scope or budget. A visual inspection of the installer’s operation will speak volumes about their work and their attention to the details that matter to you. Not every quality installer will have an extensive display or retail demonstration facilities. In fact, some of the best don’t. All you want to make sure is that the firm is neat, organized, and committed to its business and your satisfaction.

You’ll want to find a dealer that carries the range and quality of products that interest you from video products, to audio systems and lighting or home automation control. Be wary of an installer who says “I’m not an authorized dealer for Runco, but I can get it for you.” We, like other manufacturers, choose our dealers carefully and it is in your best interest to choose a dealer who can support you fully after the sale.

Of course, we would love to recommend local dealers for you to contact using our dealer locator. Here you can find someone familiar with Runco products in your city and find a map to their showrooms where you can see Runco products on display. Of course, not every dealer is right for every client and we have several dealers in most metropolitan areas, so be sure to make you do your own evaluation before making a selection. And before you pick up the phone, visit the Runco Gallery and start creating a design file of inspiring ideas for your project.

Special thanks to the good folks at CEDIA, Home Theater Design Magazine (Avcom Publishing, Ltd.), a classic book by Tina Skinner (Schiffer Publising), and for Runco dealers who helped contribute ideas to this post.

Jennifer B. Davis is all about technology innovation and is a customer advocate, business executive, mom, and loves her job as Runco’s VP of marketing.