Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Type n Walk- It's for real
You can now text on your iPhone while still seeing where you are going with the Type n Walk app.
Sadly, this is not a spoof.
Sadly, this is not a spoof.
Speed up or Slow Down? Trend says Slow Down!
Just when you thought that everything was all Red Bull and speed and energy were the thing, now comes news that the 2010 trend is to slow down. Here's how
Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda
According to their website it, "delivers euphoirc relaxation and focus to a stress-filled life" and all within a few minutes. Contains cane sugar, passion flower extract and kava. Kava is a 1000 year old folk medicine. Mary Jane's was developed by a guy who was laid off by a nutritional supplement company. His name- Matt Moody (no kidding)
This one is being called "weed in a bottle."
Ex Chill
"Kick back, put your feet up and daydream." For the "overworked, over-clubbed, under-slept or stressed out."Contains chamomile, Valerian, lemon balm and B vitamins. Developed by the UK guys who founded the Extreme Sports Channel.
Slow Cow
Launched in Quebec in 2008, Slow Cow was packaged to parody Red Bull. Instead of the two bulls fighting we have two cows relaxing.The main ingredient is L-Theanine an amino acid that increases levels of GABA in the brain. The claim is that it produces relaxation without causing sleepiness. Other ingredients: chamomile, passiflora, Valerian, Tilia cordata and hops. They recommend drinking a slow cow in situations of stress, after intense physical effort, before an exam and in case of insomnia...I don't know --doesn't that sound contradictory?
Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda
According to their website it, "delivers euphoirc relaxation and focus to a stress-filled life" and all within a few minutes. Contains cane sugar, passion flower extract and kava. Kava is a 1000 year old folk medicine. Mary Jane's was developed by a guy who was laid off by a nutritional supplement company. His name- Matt Moody (no kidding)
This one is being called "weed in a bottle."
Ex Chill
"Kick back, put your feet up and daydream." For the "overworked, over-clubbed, under-slept or stressed out."Contains chamomile, Valerian, lemon balm and B vitamins. Developed by the UK guys who founded the Extreme Sports Channel.
Slow Cow
Launched in Quebec in 2008, Slow Cow was packaged to parody Red Bull. Instead of the two bulls fighting we have two cows relaxing.The main ingredient is L-Theanine an amino acid that increases levels of GABA in the brain. The claim is that it produces relaxation without causing sleepiness. Other ingredients: chamomile, passiflora, Valerian, Tilia cordata and hops. They recommend drinking a slow cow in situations of stress, after intense physical effort, before an exam and in case of insomnia...I don't know --doesn't that sound contradictory?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Snuggie for dogs..oh NO!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cars and Sex around the world
Porsche- Germany
Chevy- Greece
Nissan - New Zealand
BMW - Europe
Mustang - Us
Yaris - Australia
Mercedes 1998 Europe- Banned
Dodge Durango US
Woe is me!
Chevy- Greece
Nissan - New Zealand
BMW - Europe
Mustang - Us
Yaris - Australia
Mercedes 1998 Europe- Banned
Dodge Durango US
Woe is me!
How many students can you get into a Condom?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Inspired Bicycles- Viral
Mountain bike trailblazers – reaches the masses with a brilliant viral video.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Kit Kat Jesus Find is Fake- Gimme a Break
If you lived in the Netherlands you might have received a fake email sent from a fake person who had just bitten into a Kit Kat and found Jesus. The email was sent just in time for Good Friday. Of course the news organizations reported the story as if it were true.
The fake Jesus was created by ad agency UbachsWisbrun/JWT for Nestle.
The fake Jesus was created by ad agency UbachsWisbrun/JWT for Nestle.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Honda Music and Graphics Fever!
Decidedly different car commercials "Polygonal animation and rhythmic music to demonstrate how Honda Crosstour "fits, without fitting in."
Music in Boxes-Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata"
Music in Boxes-Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata"
Monday, November 16, 2009
Feel Something -Sony Vaio
Using the Sensations
Opening line, "What if technology could make you feel..."
What if?
Opening line, "What if technology could make you feel..."
What if?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
iPhone users are Mean? Oh no!
According to a company called Retrevo, iPhone users are not nice. In their "Gadgetology study" on the typical iPhone user, they find:
- One in three iPhone owners has texted or emailed their significant other to break up.
- One in four iPhone users has broken up with their partner because that person spent too much time on their mobile device.
- One in three iPhone owners say that, if their partner had out-of-date gadgets, it would be a turnoff.
- One in five iPhone owners admits to frequently watching "adult material" on their iPhones. (Twice as many as BlackBerry owners).
- When iPhone owners asked, "What makes a person most attractive to you?" iphone owners preferred cool gadgets over a college degree 3 to 1.
- Compared with other cell users iPhone owners are more likely to see themselves as media buffs, extroverts and intellectuals
For more info see Retrevo site
Monday, November 2, 2009
Care Tags- Levi's- Donate 'em when you're done
Coming soon to your Levi's- Care Tags that ask you to use cold water for washing, and to line dry them if possible. When you are done donate them to Goodwill instead of chucking them.
Apparently clothing makes us a large part of the 23.8 billion pounds of textiles that find themselves in landfills in the US.
Machine Wash Cold- Line Dry When Possible- Donate to Goodwill!
Apparently clothing makes us a large part of the 23.8 billion pounds of textiles that find themselves in landfills in the US.
Machine Wash Cold- Line Dry When Possible- Donate to Goodwill!
Really Bad Parking Viral- Victim gets a New Hyundai
Last week all the viral talk of the GTA area was the extremely bad parking of a woman who managed to maneuver her SUV on top of two parked cars outside a Thornhill Gym. The security camera footage went viral on Wednesday and by Friday had over 1,000,000 views on YouTube.
In marketing this smells like an opportunity. One of the crushed cars was Hyundai Elantra.
See the quick response by Hyundai here
In marketing this smells like an opportunity. One of the crushed cars was Hyundai Elantra.
See the quick response by Hyundai here
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NO! The Shake Weight for Men
The Shake Weight for men is bigger and longer
Use it for just one minute and you'll know!
Use it for just one minute and you'll know!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Journalists get pranked -The Yes Men Guerrilla Guys Strike again
Craving for instant breaking news to fill 24 hour news networks, journalists are getting easier and easier to prank. On Monday at the National Press Club in Washington, a news conference took place. What news organizations believed was that they were seeing the US Chamber of Commerce break news that it was reversing its position on climate change. "Without a stable climate, there will be no business," the speaker said.
Instantly as it was happening the message was conveyed first by Reuters followed quickly by the New York Times and in live analysis by Fox News. By this time the Real Chamber of Commerce became aware of the situation and broke into the press conference denying any policy change. The prankster was revealed as Andy Bichlbaum of the Yes Men. The Chamber of Commerce is threatening to sue the Yes Men, of course and the Yes Men couldn't be more delighted-how better to ensure the cause gets more press.
What it says, what it means...people believe guys in suits, among other things!
Instantly as it was happening the message was conveyed first by Reuters followed quickly by the New York Times and in live analysis by Fox News. By this time the Real Chamber of Commerce became aware of the situation and broke into the press conference denying any policy change. The prankster was revealed as Andy Bichlbaum of the Yes Men. The Chamber of Commerce is threatening to sue the Yes Men, of course and the Yes Men couldn't be more delighted-how better to ensure the cause gets more press.
What it says, what it means...people believe guys in suits, among other things!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Top Five Rules for Guerrilla Marketing
- Do not pretend that your son has been set aloft in a Jiffy Pop Balloon
- Do not pretend that your son has been set aloft in a Jiffy Pop Balloon
- Do not pretend that your son has been set aloft in a Jiffy Pop Balloon
- Do not pretend that your son has been set aloft in a Jiffy Pop Balloon
- Do not pretend that your son has been set aloft in a Jiffy Pop Balloon
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Changing Behaviour by Creating Fun
And is TheFunTheory.com just about fun? Their mission, "This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or something entirely different, just so long as it’s change for the better."
Is that all it's about? Heck no-- it's "an initiative of Volkswagen"
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Way to Go Pepsi-You are as sexist as Axe
Hey guys want to learn how to pick up 24 different types of chicks? Well it's easy just download Pepsi's new iPhone app "Amp Up Before You Score,"
You can learn how to pick up a treehugger or a married woman and brag abut your conquests.
Adage reports that the approach is similar to Axe's Dirty Night Determinator mobile game that "helped users calculate how dirty their night was going to get by asking about a woman's age, moral standing, body type and occupation."
The Amp brand owned by Pepsi posted an apology on twitter, but haven't pulled the app. The apology was also posted to Pepsi's twitter feed. Read more on this story Ad Age . Read more about the Dirty Terminator campaign on Branding Unbound
You can learn how to pick up a treehugger or a married woman and brag abut your conquests.
Adage reports that the approach is similar to Axe's Dirty Night Determinator mobile game that "helped users calculate how dirty their night was going to get by asking about a woman's age, moral standing, body type and occupation."
The Amp brand owned by Pepsi posted an apology on twitter, but haven't pulled the app. The apology was also posted to Pepsi's twitter feed. Read more on this story Ad Age . Read more about the Dirty Terminator campaign on Branding Unbound
Monday, October 5, 2009
Buy Homeless Gwen doll- Just $95!
If you don't know dolls, there's a doll company called American Girl. You can buy a doll of every ethnicity and background, and now you can even buy a homeless doll for a mere $95.
Of course your first response will be, well I'm sure some of the money is going to the homeless. But rest assured it will go into the coffers of American Girl Dolls.
Every doll comes with a little history book that tells her unique story, and Gwen is no different; it's just that her story is a little weird. Gwen's father left the family and mom lost her job and now they are living in a car.
Of course your first response will be, well I'm sure some of the money is going to the homeless. But rest assured it will go into the coffers of American Girl Dolls.
Every doll comes with a little history book that tells her unique story, and Gwen is no different; it's just that her story is a little weird. Gwen's father left the family and mom lost her job and now they are living in a car.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Microsoft Windows 7 goes all Tupperware!
Microsoft wants you to have a Windows 7 home party. Say What?
Was it me or did it not seem like an SNL skit. It wasn't long before I thought it was a sex party..and it appears I was not alone see the Bleeped version
Read what Ad Age is saying Dear Marketers: YOU Don't Decide What Goes Viral
Was it me or did it not seem like an SNL skit. It wasn't long before I thought it was a sex party..and it appears I was not alone see the Bleeped version
Read what Ad Age is saying Dear Marketers: YOU Don't Decide What Goes Viral
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
10 Dumbest Viral Marketing Campaigns
We often talk about the viral campaigns that are successful, but what about the flops?
PCWorld has a story that's worth a look..for a little learning and Schadenfreude. If you can't wait to get to the number one flop, here's a hint...Wow..it might be an operating system's campaign
Lame and Lamer: 10 Dumbest Viral Marketing Campaigns
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Coming to a webscreen- Brianstorm and Altoids
According to the description in YouTube Brianstorm is "an original, short-form scripted comedy series that follows Ben, an art director at Yogurt, a struggling ad agency on the brink of collapse. Along with his band of quirky colleagues, Ben tries to save the agency by landing the Altoids account, which means working with the agencys new freelancer- self-proclaimed ad-wizard and Bens former colleague and nemesis- Rock Shanz."
A series of webisodes, "The series is the brainchild of Mr. Wallen, a former agency exec on the creative side of the business. Inspired by the growing popularity of TV shows set in office environments, he sought to weave a narrative around the back story behind client pitches and campaign work. " ""Brainstorm" will make its debut Sept. 28 on Dailymotion.com, and more than a week later will be distributed to outlets such as YouTube and MySpace and through mobile providers AT&T, Sprint and others."(Advertising Age)
See the trailer here
A series of webisodes, "The series is the brainchild of Mr. Wallen, a former agency exec on the creative side of the business. Inspired by the growing popularity of TV shows set in office environments, he sought to weave a narrative around the back story behind client pitches and campaign work. " ""Brainstorm" will make its debut Sept. 28 on Dailymotion.com, and more than a week later will be distributed to outlets such as YouTube and MySpace and through mobile providers AT&T, Sprint and others."(Advertising Age)
See the trailer here
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Find the Daddy or find the tourists?
Quick to go viral and hit the local news this week was a plea by a Danish woman looking for he baby's daddy after a one night stand in Copenhagen.
What's it all about? Is the beautiful young woman looking for the daddy? Not likely!
It's a viral stunt for Visit Denmark Tourist Board.
What do you think? Did it work?
What's it all about? Is the beautiful young woman looking for the daddy? Not likely!
It's a viral stunt for Visit Denmark Tourist Board.
What do you think? Did it work?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Camera hog Squirrel goes viral- Squirrel gets ad campaign
How long does it take for a camera hogging squirrel to get a whole ad campaign?
The week of August 10th we saw a photo transmitted around the world of an Alberta squirrel who played spoiler for an American couples photo.
In only days the Alberta squirrel popped into the Real Banff ad campaign.
From the youtube posting, "The famous Photobomber Squirrel of Banff National Park now on film, doing his photobomb routine throughout the Park. The Crasher Squirrel in the famous picture has been showing up all around the Park. He's nuts in front of the camera. The Banff Crasher Squirrel has appeared on TV and in newspapers around the world, including CBC and CNN and the Banff Crasher Squirrel has sparked a wave of photoshop photos and avatars making Banff Crasher Squirrel the latest internet celebrity."
Please Don't Smoke the Grass- Guerrilla Marketing
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What do you get when you put together Pamela Anderson, Peta and a airport check? Banned of Course
Just out and freshly banned...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hoaxes and Pranks- Scams and Flim Flam Oh Yeah- To The Moon
I love a good hoax.
Last week a Bangladeshi newspaper published an article claiming that Neil Armstrong had admitted that he had been part of an elaborate hoax- there had been no moon landing. Their source -The Onion.
It wasn't April Fool's day.
In 1835 The New York Sun ran a series of stories about the discovery of life on the moon: Bison, goats, unicorns and bat-winged humans. The story reported that the discoveries were made by well known astronomer John Herschel. Of course it was all made up and it was done to increase sales of the paper. The tale of the hoax even grew when people began to report that, "Daily sales of the Sun skyrocketed from 4,000 to 19,000–making it the world's most popular paper and launching a new kind of journalism." This too was a gross exaggeration.
Wired has just published "Wired's Guide to Hoaxes:How to Give and Take - a Joke." Everything you wanted to know about getting punked, spoofed, tricked or a little do it your self hoaxing Wired's Guide to Hoaxes
For even more on hoaxes see The Hoax Museum Blog
Last week a Bangladeshi newspaper published an article claiming that Neil Armstrong had admitted that he had been part of an elaborate hoax- there had been no moon landing. Their source -The Onion.
It wasn't April Fool's day.
In 1835 The New York Sun ran a series of stories about the discovery of life on the moon: Bison, goats, unicorns and bat-winged humans. The story reported that the discoveries were made by well known astronomer John Herschel. Of course it was all made up and it was done to increase sales of the paper. The tale of the hoax even grew when people began to report that, "Daily sales of the Sun skyrocketed from 4,000 to 19,000–making it the world's most popular paper and launching a new kind of journalism." This too was a gross exaggeration.
Wired has just published "Wired's Guide to Hoaxes:How to Give and Take - a Joke." Everything you wanted to know about getting punked, spoofed, tricked or a little do it your self hoaxing Wired's Guide to Hoaxes
For even more on hoaxes see The Hoax Museum Blog
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Macaholics Drunk on applesauce- Brand Loyalty
Thursday, August 27, 2009
New Zealand News Website Stuff- Employees be warned!
Watch out reporters at Stuff, the New Zealand news and entertainment website. Break the news first or it's over the balcony with you!
In a stunt to garner word of mouth, a reporter was pushed over a balcony and hung by his feet as a banner unrolled with the words, "If our team don't break stories first, there are consequences."
Of course it was as stuntman and not a reporter, and people gathered around to snap photos.
In another stunt Stuff pinned one of its reporters to a billboard and supplied rotten tomatoes for passers-by to throw at the poor reporter.
Let's just hope some of the desperate shrinking newspapers don't get ideas and go all copycat.
Skinny Blonde- The more you drink the nuder she gets
Using new ink technology, an Australian beer company has come out with a new and controversial concept. Skinny Blonde, a low carb beer, features a 50s style pin-up named Daisy. The more you drink and the warmer she gets the more nude Daisy gets.
According to Shannon Deery of the Australian Herald Sun, "A NEW beer that promises to leave drinkers holding a naked woman before they finish the last drop has been labelled dangerous and sexist."
The Skinny Blonde Six pack to the left.
On the website viewers can choose their favourite Skinny Blond to undress. Needless to say, health and women's groups have called for a ban of Skinny Blonde beer.
The website proudly features links to all the controversial press. Skinny Blonde - Getting press through controversy.
It's the 50s...
According to Shannon Deery of the Australian Herald Sun, "A NEW beer that promises to leave drinkers holding a naked woman before they finish the last drop has been labelled dangerous and sexist."
The Skinny Blonde Six pack to the left.
On the website viewers can choose their favourite Skinny Blond to undress. Needless to say, health and women's groups have called for a ban of Skinny Blonde beer.
The website proudly features links to all the controversial press. Skinny Blonde - Getting press through controversy.
It's the 50s...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Coors Slams Toronto People- BC billboard
They are picking on us again.
This Coors ad running on billboards in BC with an official Olympics logo is meant to get media attention.
According to Petti Fong in the Toronto Star, "Making fun of Toronto is a unity issue that ties together everyone who doesn't live there, a strategy that has been used for years."
Go ahead-so cold we don't care, I guess.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I know the Cadbury Secret without Modern Dance
The Cadbury Caramilk Secret Revealed through Modern Dance and then the TRUTH
I've been seeing this commercial for a little while now. We talk about the Cadbury secret in Psychology of Consumer Behaviour when we are talking about culture and myths and rituals. Marketers love to create a mystery..but what is the truth? How do they get the caramel in the middle?
If you don't want to know stop reading now!
I've been seeing this commercial for a little while now. We talk about the Cadbury secret in Psychology of Consumer Behaviour when we are talking about culture and myths and rituals. Marketers love to create a mystery..but what is the truth? How do they get the caramel in the middle?
If you don't want to know stop reading now!
"First of all, some chocolate is poured inside a dome-shaped mould, making the top of the Caramilk bar. After which comes the moment of truth: The caramel is simply added on top of the mould. But how come it doesn’t mix with the chocolate, since they are both liquid? Well, it’s simply because the caramel is solid, not liquid. The caramel is basically sugar, that’s been treated to become thick and brownish. So, caramel is simply sucrose. In its natural state, sucrose is solid, and it is made of two components: glucose and fructose. Both ingredients are normally liquid, but then become solid when they are mixed together. But, still, the caramel inside the bar is truly liquid, no doubt about this. So, how come the caramel is solid when it is put together in the factory, and then becomes liquid when you eat it?
Here’s the great secret about Caramilk: a natural enzyme is added to the caramel. This enzyme, which is found in fruits, is capable of breaking the sucrose into liquid by decomposing it into glucose and fructose. So that’s it! The enzyme is known to take effect after a given period of time, so that the caramel is solid when it is in the factory and then becomes liquid when it finally gets inside your mouth. "
Source: Mind Magazine http://www.mindmagazine.com/story/caramilk.htm
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Haka! Rugby War Dance Derivatives
Here's how it starts Haka War Dance Rugby
The Gingerbread men take hold
The Job seekers STVjobs get in on it
The Gingerbread men take hold
The Job seekers STVjobs get in on it
Purity Organic- Why is Ranting and Swearing so funny?
I don't know why it makes me laugh...but it does.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Olympus Pen where it comes from
Looks lovely
Where it comes from..the sound of rip..rip..ripping off
See more on this story here http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/july1/the-youtube-dilemma-strikes-again
Where it comes from..the sound of rip..rip..ripping off
See more on this story here http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/july1/the-youtube-dilemma-strikes-again
Friday, July 17, 2009
Latest Buzz word: Scalejacking- quantity or quality?
The latest term bandied about by marketers is "Scalejacking." Coined by Dave Balter of BzzAgent, it refers to what many are doing- inflating the size of their followers by any means.
Social media sites are all vying for the most members, and people on twitter want to show they have the most followers. But to what end? Are those followers actually all following or are they following to suck up that person's followers? Or are some just spammers looking for prey?
Seth Godin warns, "Stephen Stills wrote, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." I think he was wrong. On the Internet, the mantra that works is, "Be with the ones you love (and the ones that love you.)" Ignore everyone else. It doesn't have good internal pentameter, but it's true."
Social media sites are all vying for the most members, and people on twitter want to show they have the most followers. But to what end? Are those followers actually all following or are they following to suck up that person's followers? Or are some just spammers looking for prey?
Seth Godin warns, "Stephen Stills wrote, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." I think he was wrong. On the Internet, the mantra that works is, "Be with the ones you love (and the ones that love you.)" Ignore everyone else. It doesn't have good internal pentameter, but it's true."
Friday, July 10, 2009
Being Dead is Big Business! Get your Death Bump here!
I really really don't want to talk about Michael Jackson; I really don't. In fact if I never hear his name or see his image again, I'd be happy. But sometimes you just have to say something.
According to Q scores celebrities who have had problems with their image while alive have proved to be more marketable after death, and of course they are predicting a "death bump" with MJ!
fyi
Top 10 Highest Paid Dead Celebrities For 2008
1. Elvis Presley - $52 million
2. Charles M. Schulz - $33 million
3. Heath Ledger - $20 million
4. Albert Einstein - $18 million
5. Aaron Spelling - $15 million
6. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) - $12 million
7. John Lennon - $9 million
8. Andy Warhol - $9 million
9. Marilyn Monroe - $6.5 million
10. Steve McQueen - $6 million
What it says- what it means---humans are WEIRD!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Evian Roller Babies Babies viral- Creepy or Cute?
Who needs to buy water? I'm not sure, but I know who wants to get you to make this one go viral. Almost 2,000,000 views in 5 days.
If there were no product here it might be cute.
If there were no product here it might be cute.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ray-Ban Colour goes Pop!
Here's the latest from Ray-Ban and their Never Hide campaign. In Psychology of Consumer Behaviour we talk about how we are engaged by the senses. Check out the colour, sound and patriotic theme in this one.
A little resonance to the Sony Bravia paint commercial of 2006.
A little resonance to the Sony Bravia paint commercial of 2006.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Flash Mob- It's Hammertime!
I love a flash mob anytime even if it's people wearing MC Hammer pants. To create a buzz for its new docudrama Hammertime (everything you wanted to know and didn't want to know about what MC Hammer is doing and thinking) A&E staged a flash mob amongst a crowd of unsuspecting Los Angeles shoppers. The mob featured all ages and shapes of dancers decked out in gold lame parachute pants dancing in sync to "U Can't Touch This."
And if you want more Hammer, they have a website promoting interaction and the upcoming series http://www.aetv.com/hammertime/
And if you want more Hammer, they have a website promoting interaction and the upcoming series http://www.aetv.com/hammertime/
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Barbie Fooseball- Game on!
Barbie, always one to spark a controversy, has landed right in the middle of it again. Recently she was in the news with her 50th birthday and her latest iteration who comes with tattoos for her and her real life little friends.
There was even a group of culture jammers called the Barbie Liberation Organization who banded together in 1989 to protest Teen Talk Barbie. A talking Barbie was the last straw especially one who said, "Math is hard." "I love shopping." and "Will we ever have enough clothes?'
To fight back the BLO switched the voice boxes of Teen Talk Barbie with those of Talking Duke GI Joe.
Suddenly GI Joe was saying, "Let's plan our dream wedding." and Barbie spouted appropriately, "Vengeance is mine!"
Now comes Foosball Barbie, the brainchild of artist Chloe Ruchon who created the game for the International Design Festival in Berlin.
You'd think that Mattel would have protested about armless Barbies being used to knock about a ball, but no this was done in collaboration with Mattel.
What could it possibly mean? According to the designer it's meant to, "stimulate thoughts about different mentalities and the predigested everyday ideas we commonly face." OK
There was even a group of culture jammers called the Barbie Liberation Organization who banded together in 1989 to protest Teen Talk Barbie. A talking Barbie was the last straw especially one who said, "Math is hard." "I love shopping." and "Will we ever have enough clothes?'
To fight back the BLO switched the voice boxes of Teen Talk Barbie with those of Talking Duke GI Joe.
Suddenly GI Joe was saying, "Let's plan our dream wedding." and Barbie spouted appropriately, "Vengeance is mine!"
Now comes Foosball Barbie, the brainchild of artist Chloe Ruchon who created the game for the International Design Festival in Berlin.
You'd think that Mattel would have protested about armless Barbies being used to knock about a ball, but no this was done in collaboration with Mattel.
What could it possibly mean? According to the designer it's meant to, "stimulate thoughts about different mentalities and the predigested everyday ideas we commonly face." OK
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Day the Media Died - Mad Avenue Blues
From Media Post these quotes, "'A work of genius,' one agency exec called it. 'Not sure if it's hilarious or makes me want to hang myself,' said another. 'Who the heck had the time to do this?" said a third.'"
ain't it the truth
Monday, June 8, 2009
Boone Oakley- Ad agency skips website goes YouTube
Independent Charlotte ad agency Boone Oakley has put its entire presence on YouTube instead of a website. David Oakley says, "We needed a new way to tell our story, and today the best forum for a story is YouTube, where we can use narration and really crappy animation."
Interesting!
Interesting!
Moon Landing- Luxury Luggage - Louis Vuitton?
What do the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing and over-priced luxury leather company Louis Vuitton have in common? Well if we listen to Louis here," Some journeys change mankind forever."
There's something more than slightly disturbing in this seemingly beautiful ad.
There's something more than slightly disturbing in this seemingly beautiful ad.
What glasses can do
This one from Helsinki is kind of cute. A man takes the same tram everyday, but because of his bad eye-glasses he totally misses a beautiful lady who is interested in him. An optician travelling in the same tram notices the situation and decides to help.
Even when we can see, we all see things differently!
Even when we can see, we all see things differently!
Friday, June 5, 2009
From Camel News Caravan to Starbuck's Morning Joe
The first news to have film pictures was NBC's Camel News Caravan. Newsman John Cameron Swayze could be seen on set smoking Camels. Before the broadcast began, an ad man would replace everyone's cigarettes with Camels. Since that time we realized that news should not be blatantly sponsored. Of course there would be ads between breaks but they were not attached to the newscast. Here's a clip of John Cameron Swayze's Camel News Caravan.
Fast forward to today 2009 and surprise, surprise NBC news is once again sponsored. OK, it's debatable if it is "news." Morning Joe MSNBC's morning show which pretends to be news has now sold its soul to Starbucks for a reported $10 million deal.
“It’s an utter abrogation of journalistic standards,” said one news executive. Another said it's just a “continuation of the whoring” of a medium that long ago became beholden to the tangled interests of corporate parents.
See Joe and Mika having orgasms over their coffee here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/01/morning-joe-now-brewed-by_n_209797.html
What it says- what it means...the news is "the news can be bought"..maybe that isn't news?
Post Script. It's the Monday following this post and I am watching Morning Joe (tagline - brewed by Starbucks) Joe Scarborough is droning on and on and on about how all journalists are liberal..and he is one of the few conservatives..boo..hooo...on and on he goes about how he is different and objective all the while sipping his Starbucks...too rich for words!
Fast forward to today 2009 and surprise, surprise NBC news is once again sponsored. OK, it's debatable if it is "news." Morning Joe MSNBC's morning show which pretends to be news has now sold its soul to Starbucks for a reported $10 million deal.
“It’s an utter abrogation of journalistic standards,” said one news executive. Another said it's just a “continuation of the whoring” of a medium that long ago became beholden to the tangled interests of corporate parents.
See Joe and Mika having orgasms over their coffee here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/01/morning-joe-now-brewed-by_n_209797.html
What it says- what it means...the news is "the news can be bought"..maybe that isn't news?
Post Script. It's the Monday following this post and I am watching Morning Joe (tagline - brewed by Starbucks) Joe Scarborough is droning on and on and on about how all journalists are liberal..and he is one of the few conservatives..boo..hooo...on and on he goes about how he is different and objective all the while sipping his Starbucks...too rich for words!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
It's a Recession and You've been Typed
M&C Saatchi‘s ‘Reacting to Recession' worldwide study, conducted from the Fall of 2008 through the Spring of 2009 looked into the behaviours of consumers in this recessionary period and have come up with 8 different types of consumers.
For your reading pleasure, see if you can find your type.
1. Crash Dieters
26% of adults want to identify and cut out all non-essential spending until things improve. Crash Dieters are cash orientated and debt frightens them.Working and living week to week they'll take action when the money runs out.
2. Scrimpers
13% of adults want to maintain their lifestyle and are reluctant to make sacrifices. Their strategy is to down trade rather than cut out by switching to lower priced brands and cheaper stores.
3. Abstainers
15% are maintaining their lifestyle and still spending day to day They postpone big purchases but aren't budgeting or searching the lowest prices. Not motivated by coupons, they are open to buy now pay later with interest free credit and 0% credit cards.
4. Balancers
9% are reluctant to compromise on quality of life, but recognize the need to balance their budgets. They prefer to rob Peter to pay Paul by sacrifice rather than compromise.
5. Treaters
12% are similar to Crash Dieters, but not good at it. It's not easy to cut back, but they know they must so they reward themselves with regular small treats. These are an opportunity for marketers in cross-category as they cut one thing but go for another.
6. Justifiers
12%, are a target for marketers.They are happy to spend, but looking for a good reason. Motivated by limited offers, new models, added value to help justify a purchase, they line up to buy the latest tech gadget and justify the purchase.
7. The Ostrich
9% feel unaffected by the financial chill are spending usual. Some are well paid others are in denial. They are a younger carefree group who happy to use credit cards. great for the economy as long as they do not reach crisis stage.
8. The Vultures
4%, are quite distinctive in that they love a good economic crash. While others suffer, they circle to make a killing on the bargains by eyeing the property market and profiting from others' misfortune.
Source : Media Post, Research Brief: Coping With Recession
For your reading pleasure, see if you can find your type.
1. Crash Dieters
26% of adults want to identify and cut out all non-essential spending until things improve. Crash Dieters are cash orientated and debt frightens them.Working and living week to week they'll take action when the money runs out.
2. Scrimpers
13% of adults want to maintain their lifestyle and are reluctant to make sacrifices. Their strategy is to down trade rather than cut out by switching to lower priced brands and cheaper stores.
3. Abstainers
15% are maintaining their lifestyle and still spending day to day They postpone big purchases but aren't budgeting or searching the lowest prices. Not motivated by coupons, they are open to buy now pay later with interest free credit and 0% credit cards.
4. Balancers
9% are reluctant to compromise on quality of life, but recognize the need to balance their budgets. They prefer to rob Peter to pay Paul by sacrifice rather than compromise.
5. Treaters
12% are similar to Crash Dieters, but not good at it. It's not easy to cut back, but they know they must so they reward themselves with regular small treats. These are an opportunity for marketers in cross-category as they cut one thing but go for another.
6. Justifiers
12%, are a target for marketers.They are happy to spend, but looking for a good reason. Motivated by limited offers, new models, added value to help justify a purchase, they line up to buy the latest tech gadget and justify the purchase.
7. The Ostrich
9% feel unaffected by the financial chill are spending usual. Some are well paid others are in denial. They are a younger carefree group who happy to use credit cards. great for the economy as long as they do not reach crisis stage.
8. The Vultures
4%, are quite distinctive in that they love a good economic crash. While others suffer, they circle to make a killing on the bargains by eyeing the property market and profiting from others' misfortune.
Source : Media Post, Research Brief: Coping With Recession
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Information Overload Syndrome?- It's Viral
How do you get people talking about Xerox? It's not really water cooler material. Well how about a viral video, and a website where you can send a personalized message and video to a friend who may also be suffering from, "Information Overload Syndrome."
"The very information meant to inform us is actually making us STUPID! It's affecting millions of business people. Is IOS affecting you?"
Visit the website here HelpIOS.com
"The very information meant to inform us is actually making us STUPID! It's affecting millions of business people. Is IOS affecting you?"
Visit the website here HelpIOS.com
Sunday, May 31, 2009
What do Kissing and Oil have to do with each other?
Such an ethereal voice. "Fuel to ride. Burn to stay alive.To stand and wait takes fuel to light the tiniest star and fuel to start a fight. I get it from you. I get it from you."
Lovely, but oil?
Music: "Fuel" Marite Larson
Lovely, but oil?
Music: "Fuel" Marite Larson
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Prius- You thought it was just animation -It's all from somewhere else
Here's the newest feel good commercial from Prius- It's about harmony, "There's a reason for the sun shiny sky. There's a reason I'm feeling so high"
Over 1,000,000 people created by 200 extras; Nine 12 hour days- Here is how it was made
Some say it's a rip off of Apple on a Tree. You decide
I think I'll remain an apple on a tree!
And for those who want the original hippie dippy version of the song by the Bellamy Brothers in 1976 see
Everything is from some where else. Ha ha ...we are "all connected."
“Good artists copy, great artists steal” Picasso
Over 1,000,000 people created by 200 extras; Nine 12 hour days- Here is how it was made
Some say it's a rip off of Apple on a Tree. You decide
I think I'll remain an apple on a tree!
And for those who want the original hippie dippy version of the song by the Bellamy Brothers in 1976 see
Everything is from some where else. Ha ha ...we are "all connected."
“Good artists copy, great artists steal” Picasso
Friday, May 22, 2009
Money Porn -Bontrust
In a world where money equals love. It all begins with the dropping of a hankie. The tagline from this one from Germany is "Making your money multiply."
Filthy Lucre!
Filthy Lucre!
Seasonal War - Benadryl
If you are like me, you both love and hate spring. Blood shot eyes, runny nose and a...a..a..chooo- sneezing. But the world looks great and green and flowerful...and it's warmer. Sometimes it feels like your own personal war. JWT London brings us the sights and sounds of this war.
A..a...choo!
A..a...choo!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Auctioning the Ad Interns on ebay
Intern Sale to highest bidder!
The new crop of 40 summer interns at Crispin Porter & Bogusky are for sale on ebay. Usually interns get minimum wage, but this crew will be topped up by the highest bidder.
The winner will get a creative presentation with strategies and recommendations done by the interns. The deal does not include any finished product.
According to John Capone at Media Post, the money is going to a good cause," the indentured servants of the corporate world, the interns themselves. They'll likely blow it on pizza, or pop, or beer, or fancy leather pants, or whatever it is kids in Miami and Boulder blow money on these days"
And who came up with the idea? "Bogusky is a bit fuzzy on how the whole auction intern thing started. "I thought it was my idea," he says. "But I heard from one of last year's interns that they suggested it, so maybe I stole the idea from them. Who knows?" (from Media Post)
The new crop of 40 summer interns at Crispin Porter & Bogusky are for sale on ebay. Usually interns get minimum wage, but this crew will be topped up by the highest bidder.
The winner will get a creative presentation with strategies and recommendations done by the interns. The deal does not include any finished product.
According to John Capone at Media Post, the money is going to a good cause," the indentured servants of the corporate world, the interns themselves. They'll likely blow it on pizza, or pop, or beer, or fancy leather pants, or whatever it is kids in Miami and Boulder blow money on these days"
And who came up with the idea? "Bogusky is a bit fuzzy on how the whole auction intern thing started. "I thought it was my idea," he says. "But I heard from one of last year's interns that they suggested it, so maybe I stole the idea from them. Who knows?" (from Media Post)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Cow Shake-off --Yikes!
Here is the latest from Carl's Junior-a remix of their 2007 "Cow Shake" ad. This time we see two guys in a Cow Shake-off. Cows are spanked and shook to the tune of "Disco House" by Australian Gameboy/Gamegirl.
"I'm in the kitchen, I got the blender on, I'm makin' milkshakes, I make them all night long. He's in the kitchen, he's got the blender on, he's making milkshakes. I make them all night long."
That's creepy!
"I'm in the kitchen, I got the blender on, I'm makin' milkshakes, I make them all night long. He's in the kitchen, he's got the blender on, he's making milkshakes. I make them all night long."
That's creepy!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Flash Mob Advertising- From Fiction to Reality -Airport Invasion
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen sits on a red couch in the middle of an airport, flipping the channels with a remote control. A ’spontaneous’ football game and a marching band break in. Flip! It's a weather newscast! Flip again- a war movie breaks in. Flip! It's Crouching Tiger. Flip! It's a zombie invasion.
SKY HDTV's latest ad for their campaign “TV is now real” has a cast of over 1,000 people at a cost of over $4 million. It's one expensive flash mob and a flight of fantasy.
Still I prefer the Antwerp Station flash mob just to watch the reactions of the everyday people!
For a little more there's also T-Mobile's Jan 2009- Flash Mob- Life's For Sharing
And here's a little drama in London Stansted Airport
SKY HDTV's latest ad for their campaign “TV is now real” has a cast of over 1,000 people at a cost of over $4 million. It's one expensive flash mob and a flight of fantasy.
Still I prefer the Antwerp Station flash mob just to watch the reactions of the everyday people!
For a little more there's also T-Mobile's Jan 2009- Flash Mob- Life's For Sharing
And here's a little drama in London Stansted Airport
Friday, May 1, 2009
Heinken continues the Viral- Walking Fridge
Heineken started it all with its Walk-in Fridge ad where women went wild for a walk-in closet and the men did the same for a walk-in fridge filled with Heineken.
Bavaria responded with a spoof. In Bavaria's ad as the men go wild in the walk-in fridge, the Bavaria guy goes and closes the door to lock them in, gets a Bavaria and then its time to spend with all the ladies.
Not to be out done, Heineken has created a new Walking Fridge
Wonder what Bavaria will come up with?
Bavaria responded with a spoof. In Bavaria's ad as the men go wild in the walk-in fridge, the Bavaria guy goes and closes the door to lock them in, gets a Bavaria and then its time to spend with all the ladies.
Not to be out done, Heineken has created a new Walking Fridge
Wonder what Bavaria will come up with?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mow it! Do it! Cut it! Trim it! --Wilkinson Sword Bikini
Sometimes a girl can't help feeling a little blue. When everything's a mess,my favorite thing to do is mow the lawn, mow the lawn. Mow it! Do it! Cut it! Trim it! Some bushes are really big....
Just don't know what to say!
Just don't know what to say!
Splitting the Millennials Green-ness and price
Generate Insight has just released a survey on the Millennial generation's perceptions of Green products. The generation aged 13-29 is well educated on the issues and 79% believe it's important for companies to be green and give back to the environment.
However when the 13 -17 age group was polled whether they would choose a more expensive green brand over a cheaper non green brand, 71% chose the cheaper brand. About 64% of the older group 18-29 reported they would choose the more expensive green brand.
In general, the Millennials wanted to be green but didn't want a brand choice to take too much effort or too much time. They wanted things clear, simple and not expensive.
Don't we all!
Source: Source: GenerateInsight, April 2009
However when the 13 -17 age group was polled whether they would choose a more expensive green brand over a cheaper non green brand, 71% chose the cheaper brand. About 64% of the older group 18-29 reported they would choose the more expensive green brand.
In general, the Millennials wanted to be green but didn't want a brand choice to take too much effort or too much time. They wanted things clear, simple and not expensive.
Don't we all!
Source: Source: GenerateInsight, April 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Powerpoint Under Attack-Slidervertising!
The university market is traditionally a tough market to reach. University and college students don't watch much television; they are busy with school and fun. But they can be reached online, and they are sometimes not adverse to a little mischief.
How does a coffee company get students to not only drink more coffee but promote it to their classmates?
Enter Amsterdam's CoffeeCompany who've found a way to infiltrate Powerpoint!
It started with word of mouth buzz from the company's Baristas spilling the beans to students about the company's new website FreeCoffee4Students
All students have to do is upload one of CoffeeCompany's powerpoint slides and include it in one of their class presentations and presto- 10 free coffees! Like the slide above the slides look like coffee-stained napkins that reflect a blatant sell with a bit of humour.
From their website:
"Students, we know you're broke. We also know you like to wait till the night before to start your presentation. That's OK. You just need more coffee. ..So we're gonna give you 10 small coffees. We sponsor you. Just download one of these slides. Put it into your presentation. Have somebody in class take a picture or video of this slide...upload here."
The slides: "Drink Coffee Copy from Wikipedia'" "This next slide took me 4 cups of coffee to write" "I finished this presentation at 4 in the morning thanks to CoffeeCompany"
Amy Corr of Media Post reports, "Apparently some teachers are not thrilled about the slidevertising tactic and have banned them in their classrooms."
Spoil-sports!
Watch the reaction or non reaction during this presentation.
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