Gin and Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Our Friends

Hello from Amsterdam!

I am totally in love with this city. It is not what I expected. There are bikes everywhere and they have their own lanes, with traffic signals, and the cars respect them. I might have to move here.

The business culture is also very interesting. After I spoke last night, I had a conversation with two lovely young women who taught me the subtle differences between U.S. and Amsterdam work cultures.

The big one? Americans are accustomed to working hard, going the extra mile, even playing in the “rat race” (as they called it). The Dutch believe you are hired for a job, you are paid to do it, and that is enough. They aren’t given bonuses or incentives for doing more than their job. I find that fascinating.

I actually wondered aloud how a double type A like me would get by in their culture. Maybe I won’t move here.

I have just a few more hours here so I’m off to the Van Gogh museum and, yes, I’m going to visit the Red Light district. While I do that, I’ll leave you with Gin and Topics.

5. The Lost Choir. When Lindsay Bell sent this to me she said, “I know Gin and Topics is supposed to be funny, but this is so moving you have to see it.” I didn’t think I’d include it, but after watching it, it’s something you need to see. It’s a choir that walks out on its audience and the message is extremely powerful.

4. Cat Friend vs. Dog Friend. This hilarious video is a drama about what it would be like if your friends acted like your pets. Kat Krieger sent it to me and, let’s be real, this proves everyone should have a dog.

3. Catman and Sauna. I present this one completely without comment, except to thank Mr. D for sending it to me.

2. The Parent Rap. This one has made the rounds on Facebook so you may have already seen it. If you are a parent, it’s a must watch.

1. Sliding Doberman. This is an oldie, but when Marianne Griebler sent it to me, I got to enjoy it all over again. And now you do, too!

Have a great weekend, all!

About Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a Chicago-based integrated marketing communications firm. She is the lead blogger here at Spin Sucks and is the founder of Spin Sucks Pro. She is the co-author of Marketing in the Round and co-host of Inside PR. Her second book, Spin Sucks, is due out in November 2013

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