Monday, November 10, 2008
The Golden Age of Advertising
Before there was Marlboro Man, there was Marlboro Baby. This month the New York Public library is celebrating the golden age of advertising, when doctors, babies and even Santa endorsed smoking. Below are 19 ads from the library's collection. Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Is there room next to your Live Strong?
With the constant inundation of great new gadgets it should come to no surprise that life is about to get "sick wit it".
I'm talking Back to the Future II, stay with me....
Allow me to introduce the new mp3 player concept from Apple, the iBangle (I know, I'm not crazy about the name either). Nevertheless, the bells and whistles on this thing are good enough to take home to your folks after the first date.
Where should I start?
How about with that little single blue dot you see on the first iBangle pictured. That little guy adjusts the air pressure in the inner blue band to keep it securely on your wrist.
Where's the earphone jack you ask? Wireless ear buds.
Song navigation? The grey strip is touch sensitive and works similarly to current ipods.
Did I mention that your children will be falling in love and having sex with androids?
I'm talking Back to the Future II, stay with me....
Allow me to introduce the new mp3 player concept from Apple, the iBangle (I know, I'm not crazy about the name either). Nevertheless, the bells and whistles on this thing are good enough to take home to your folks after the first date.
Where should I start?
How about with that little single blue dot you see on the first iBangle pictured. That little guy adjusts the air pressure in the inner blue band to keep it securely on your wrist.
Where's the earphone jack you ask? Wireless ear buds.
Song navigation? The grey strip is touch sensitive and works similarly to current ipods.
Did I mention that your children will be falling in love and having sex with androids?
Friday, October 17, 2008
My E-harmony Ad
The assignment was to create an ad for e-harmony without showing a person, not even a body part. Also, please keep in mind that I am a strategist, not a director, nor a copywriter.
Roll tape.
Roll tape.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pocket Parks, oh my!
The Historic Fan District is an eighty-five block Victorian residential neighborhood west of Richmond’s downtown commercial area. The Fan is the oldest collection of Victorian Houses in America and the neighborhood as a whole, is on the register of Historic Places. It is home to many cafes, restaurants and bars that are always filled by a combination of young professionals and older wealthy individuals that inhabit the neighborhood.
The houses, seemingly uniform at first glance, display a wide variety of facades, porches and rooflines that signify the many architectural influences during the Fans boom in the early 1900’s. In order to promote the residential development westward, the city established a series of public parks. Most Fan parks are triangular due to the intersection of diagonal cross streets with the expanding east-west pattern of Fan Streets.
However, hidden among the uniform rows sit the Fan’s best-kept secret. The elusive pocket parks, which in this case, are created on vacant building lots and are hidden from street view. A modern day Garden of Eden would be going to far, but nonetheless, these are tranquil slices of green that are a welcomed surprise in a concrete jungle.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to Scuffletown Park by a friend that lives very close by. Intrigued by the secret garden fairy tale, I had to know if more existed and indeed, there were two more, Paradise Park and Federal Park. They are surrounded by houses on all sides, however, you don’t get the feeling of being center stage as trees and fences create an isolated feel that allows you to enjoy the peaceful break from the norm. Each park is slightly different in appearance, yet the similarities you’ll find are the main draw. Large trees that cast a calming shade over benches, areas for children to play and a sense of serenity that is protected by the surrounding houses.
This year, the eight park support groups in the Fan are working together on a massive park clean up. Organized by the Fan Woman’s Club Neighborhood Improvement Committee and the Fan District Association’s Parks and Trees Committee, they will co-sponsor the First Annual Spring Clean Up involving every park in the Fan. I have already signed up to help with my three pocket parks, as it’s the least I can do, considering that they provide me with so much.
Federal Park: Alleyway in-between Main St. and Floyd Ave. on Rowland St.
Paradise Park: Alleyway in-between Floyd Ave. and Grove Ave. on Vine St.
Scuffletown Park: Alleyway in-between Stuart Ave. and Park Ave. on Strawberry St.
The houses, seemingly uniform at first glance, display a wide variety of facades, porches and rooflines that signify the many architectural influences during the Fans boom in the early 1900’s. In order to promote the residential development westward, the city established a series of public parks. Most Fan parks are triangular due to the intersection of diagonal cross streets with the expanding east-west pattern of Fan Streets.
However, hidden among the uniform rows sit the Fan’s best-kept secret. The elusive pocket parks, which in this case, are created on vacant building lots and are hidden from street view. A modern day Garden of Eden would be going to far, but nonetheless, these are tranquil slices of green that are a welcomed surprise in a concrete jungle.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to Scuffletown Park by a friend that lives very close by. Intrigued by the secret garden fairy tale, I had to know if more existed and indeed, there were two more, Paradise Park and Federal Park. They are surrounded by houses on all sides, however, you don’t get the feeling of being center stage as trees and fences create an isolated feel that allows you to enjoy the peaceful break from the norm. Each park is slightly different in appearance, yet the similarities you’ll find are the main draw. Large trees that cast a calming shade over benches, areas for children to play and a sense of serenity that is protected by the surrounding houses.
This year, the eight park support groups in the Fan are working together on a massive park clean up. Organized by the Fan Woman’s Club Neighborhood Improvement Committee and the Fan District Association’s Parks and Trees Committee, they will co-sponsor the First Annual Spring Clean Up involving every park in the Fan. I have already signed up to help with my three pocket parks, as it’s the least I can do, considering that they provide me with so much.
Elusive Entrances
Federal Park: Alleyway in-between Main St. and Floyd Ave. on Rowland St.
Paradise Park: Alleyway in-between Floyd Ave. and Grove Ave. on Vine St.
Scuffletown Park: Alleyway in-between Stuart Ave. and Park Ave. on Strawberry St.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Odd Statues of the World
I found these crazy statues through an online magazine that I read occasionally (http://haha.nu/). I had to share some of them with you as they really do get you thinking. Enjoy.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Work Hard, Sleep Hard
Hard work is important. It's important that we embrace hard work and live by it as we advance ourselves and our country, but where do we draw the line? There are risks involved with hard work, such as your health, your family dynamic, your love life, etc. Walking the thin line between hard work and too
much work is difficult but after seeing this new product I think it's time we open up a dialogue that examines the issue and prevents us from becoming a culture where our work is our life and our life is our work. The iSleep hooks up to the vent on your laptop and presto your workplace is also your sleeping place. Not only is the pillow warm, but it has an integrated speaker that will play music. Maybe to get us to work just that much harder they'll come up with a computer that you can mate with?
much work is difficult but after seeing this new product I think it's time we open up a dialogue that examines the issue and prevents us from becoming a culture where our work is our life and our life is our work. The iSleep hooks up to the vent on your laptop and presto your workplace is also your sleeping place. Not only is the pillow warm, but it has an integrated speaker that will play music. Maybe to get us to work just that much harder they'll come up with a computer that you can mate with?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Garden Terrorism: Bring it on
Have you ever noticed those plots of soil in cities across the country, amongst all the concrete that either contain appealing greenery or dull mulch and overgrown weeds? When well maintained, these plots of land can bring energy and life to an otherwise boring sea of mortar. However, when poorly maintained they merely add to the drab scenery. Enter the Guerrilla Gardening. The idea is that a secretive group of individuals sneak about at night, planting and maintaining these soiled areas for the well being of the community.
Below are eight simple steps to improving your scenery.
1. Find Local Orphaned Land
You will be amazed how many little grubby patches of unloved public space there are. Chose one close to home, perhaps you pass it on the way to the shops or work, and appoint yourself it's parent. This will make it much easier to look after in the long run and reduce the risk of straying into a dangerous neighborhood.
2. Plan A Mission
Make a date in the diary for an evening attack. Invite supportive friends.
3. Find A Local Supply of Plants
The cheapest plants are ones that are free. Sometimes garden centers will have spare plants to give you for the cause. Or befriend someone with a garden (you might even be lucky and have a garden yourself). Think of these private spaces as the training camps for harvesting seeds
4. Choose Plants For Front Line Battle
Think hardy - resistant to water shortages and the cold, and in some locations pedestrian trampling! These plants need to look after themselves a lot of the time.
5. Bag Some Bags
Weeds, litter, flower pots, and pebbles need to be carried away. The thick plastic does not rip and you can lug a great deal in them to a nearby trash bin.
6. Regular Watering
One of the responsibilities of a Guerrilla Gardener is ongoing parenting. You can use gas canisters to transport water.
7. Seed Bombs
For gardening those areas where access is difficult or a long dig is unsuitable, use seed bombs - seeds and soil wrapped in an explosive capsule.
8. Spread the Word
Let people know what you have done with a few flyers under doors near the guerrilla gardening war zone, a poster taped to a phone box or bus stop, a marker in the soil. Engage passers by in conversation, perhaps even bring a few spare tools. And welcome local media (particularly if they'll help towards the cost of your gardening, which many do).
Key Takeaway:
The small act of planting a few plants in a neglected plot of land can make a difference on a larger scale. It can open peoples eyes to the idea of community and a general positive approach toward life.
You will be amazed how many little grubby patches of unloved public space there are. Chose one close to home, perhaps you pass it on the way to the shops or work, and appoint yourself it's parent. This will make it much easier to look after in the long run and reduce the risk of straying into a dangerous neighborhood.
2. Plan A Mission
Make a date in the diary for an evening attack. Invite supportive friends.
3. Find A Local Supply of Plants
The cheapest plants are ones that are free. Sometimes garden centers will have spare plants to give you for the cause. Or befriend someone with a garden (you might even be lucky and have a garden yourself). Think of these private spaces as the training camps for harvesting seeds
4. Choose Plants For Front Line Battle
Think hardy - resistant to water shortages and the cold, and in some locations pedestrian trampling! These plants need to look after themselves a lot of the time.
5. Bag Some Bags
Weeds, litter, flower pots, and pebbles need to be carried away. The thick plastic does not rip and you can lug a great deal in them to a nearby trash bin.
6. Regular Watering
One of the responsibilities of a Guerrilla Gardener is ongoing parenting. You can use gas canisters to transport water.
7. Seed Bombs
For gardening those areas where access is difficult or a long dig is unsuitable, use seed bombs - seeds and soil wrapped in an explosive capsule.
8. Spread the Word
Let people know what you have done with a few flyers under doors near the guerrilla gardening war zone, a poster taped to a phone box or bus stop, a marker in the soil. Engage passers by in conversation, perhaps even bring a few spare tools. And welcome local media (particularly if they'll help towards the cost of your gardening, which many do).
Key Takeaway:
The small act of planting a few plants in a neglected plot of land can make a difference on a larger scale. It can open peoples eyes to the idea of community and a general positive approach toward life.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Japanese Innovation Today, American Consumerism Tomorrow
Apparently Japan is the land of vending machines. As you'll see below they have some unique and interesting vending machines, to say the least. The possibilities are endless and considering how convenient they can be I don't know why there isn't one on every street corner here in the states. So as you look through these wonderful examples of ingenuity, think about the possibilities, tell a friend, write a delegate, make it reality. We'll all be better off because life will get just that much easier.
7-11 has nothing on this. In a rush? Late at night? Grab a hot meal from this beauty. That's right hot meal.
Why fight the traffic our crowds at the grocery store just for your Sunday omelet?
Accidentally mess your under britches? Run down to the corner for some vending lingerie.
Did a little thunder shower sneak up on you? Pick up an affordable umbrella and save that stylish up-do.
This is more on the awkward side but as you board your next flight and you get that strange gut feeling, buy some flight insurance and laugh about it when you land. But rest assure that your loved ones won't want for anything if you pass in a tragic crash.
Every teenage boy's dream. No ID required.
If you thought picking up a little teddy bear was tough, try a pissed off lobster. Genius idea, some people just refuse to give up on these things, spending big money. And now there's the added incentive to quell your hunger with a tasty shell fish.
7-11 has nothing on this. In a rush? Late at night? Grab a hot meal from this beauty. That's right hot meal.
Why fight the traffic our crowds at the grocery store just for your Sunday omelet?
Accidentally mess your under britches? Run down to the corner for some vending lingerie.
Did a little thunder shower sneak up on you? Pick up an affordable umbrella and save that stylish up-do.
This is more on the awkward side but as you board your next flight and you get that strange gut feeling, buy some flight insurance and laugh about it when you land. But rest assure that your loved ones won't want for anything if you pass in a tragic crash.
Every teenage boy's dream. No ID required.
If you thought picking up a little teddy bear was tough, try a pissed off lobster. Genius idea, some people just refuse to give up on these things, spending big money. And now there's the added incentive to quell your hunger with a tasty shell fish.
"Mini Liquor House"? I don't know that I wish for this vending machine to hit the American sidewalks but you got to give it to the Japanese for their passion to party.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I think this was in a Flintstones episode
This is bound to leave some people feeling squeamish, but Virginian spa Yvonne Hair and Nails is offering a wild new treatment for cleaning up dead and calloused skin on your feet. Simply dunk your feet into Yvonne’s foot baths and have tiny toothless carp chew away the dead skin on your feet in 15 to 30 minutes, leaving it soft and easy to remove during a finishing-up conventional pedicure. Not surprisingly some people find the treatment ‘a little ticklish’. The treatment costs $50 for a 30 minute nibblefest.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Beijing '08
Amnesty International, which fights for human rights across the world, has launched an awareness campaign against the use of torture in China. Their campaign slogan is, “After the Olympic Games, the fight for human rights must go on.” These are very powerful and moving ads from the advertising agency TBWA out of Paris, France and art director Philippe Taroux. The art direction and photography do a great job of bringing you into the advertisement. TBWA Paris was asked to make signs that focus on the current human rights situation in China and they really utilized the notoriety of this summer’s Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to do so. The main characters of the posters are the athletes themselves, subjected to torture next to their sporting equipment or beside their sporting facilities. It will really be interesting to see what happens in August in terms of protests, demonstrations, security situations and so on.
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