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First Step: Admit You Have a Problem

2010-07-15T17:51:00.001-05:00

I have a problem.

My name is Rob. I have a Hood Internet addiction. Two posts in two days brought about my moment of clarity.

That said, this Mixtape which I downloaded yesterday (and am just listening to now) is incredible.

Hood teamed up with Anatomy Magazine to produce Side A of their Great American Mixtape

I won't lie, it didn't hurt that they mashed two of my all-time favorite songs. Lil' Troy - "Wanna Be a Baller" and and T.V.O.T.R. - "Wolf Like Me". That may not even be a great track, but to me it the most incredible thing I have ever heard. I nearly fell out of my chair when it kicked-off.

Here it is:
07 Lil' Troy (feat. Fat Pat and Yungstar) x TV On The Radio - Wanna Be A Wolf Like Me

Anyway, while I work on finding a new musical experience, you enjoy.

Did I mention Side A and and B of the Great American Mixtape is FREE when you opt in to Anatomy Magazine.

Hood Internet: Trillwave

2010-07-15T17:49:00.005-05:00

If you guys don't follow and download all the new Hood Internet tracks like I do, you might have missed a lot over the past 6 months.

Good News! They (with help from "the fine people of Mishka...") just released a new mixtape called Trillwave.

Mashups featuring everyone from (of course) Kanye, Phoenix, The Flaming Lips, Royksopp, Genesis, Diddy, Jay-Z, Yacht, Maps and about 20 others. All of which add up to one hell of a ride home from work, roll out to the bars or domination at a house party.

Anyway, enjoy the Mix Tape, and go see The Hood Internet when they come to your town. You won't regret it.

Ogre Sized Meal for Kids

2010-07-15T17:49:00.002-05:00

Childhood obesity.

I feel like I hear that term a lot these days. There's a lot of blame to go around for it. Lack of activity, digitally focused society, poor parenting choices, bad nutritional education, hormone injected everything, and a super 'PC' mentality that discourages condemnation of a childs weight for fear of onsetting body or diet issues.Parents and friends just assume that kids will grow into or out of it, but by the time it's a real problem, it's too late.

But, I think king among all these reasons is that food tastes so damn good. McDonald's food in particular. McDonald's isn't every 5 year old's favorite restaurant by coincidence. Sure they give out toys, and they have play places, but it's the food that kids, I, crave(d). Steaming hot cheese burger (hold the onions), plenty of the best tasting fountain Coca-Cola, and those golden salty sticks of joy. The consistency of McDonald's grub, which revolutionized the food industry around the world, is the perfect fit for kids with discerning palettes, huge appetites and price conscious parents.

But, this is not news. There has been push back from every side, and McDonald's is the target of a lot of bad PR and public health scrutiny. Are they the fall guy for the main reasons child obesity is the issue it is (mentioned above), i don't know, like I said there's a lot of blame to go around. I do know that over the past 10 years the company has responded to public outcry through their marketing, restaurant design and products. Commericials featuring active lifestyle choices, larger more dynamic play-places or none at all and "Healthier" food options. Small steps, but things they can point to in the event of complaints.

But, last week, I saw this:

A 20pc. Chicken McNugget with a Dreamworks 'Shrek' theme. 9pc. Ok, but 20pc. A Shrek sized serving, for a Rumpelstiltskin sized person? Child?

It might not seem like a big deal to you, but a lot of bells and whistles went off in my head. At 12, my McDonalds food of choice were the McNuggets, 20pc to be exact, but that wasn't marketed to me. I made that choice based on math and my genetic need to make poor decisions based on value...

"Wait I can get a 9pc. for $3 or a 20pc. for $4. What? Am I an idiot. 20pc please, lot's of BBQ sauce and a supersized milkshake. Thank you!"

But for two companies so children focused to put there brand and stamp of approval on 20pcs of hormone stuffed fried chicken pieces is extremely surprising to me. More surprising is that there hasn't been more public outcry. Maybe the "nagging-wife-effect" has taken over, and the world is just zoning out all the noise as it relates to McDonald's being unhealthy. I hope not. My guess is that the fact they were suppling children with toxic Shrek-themed glasses probably, and rightly, overshadowed this misstep.

I wonder if McDonald's has any corporate marketing positions open at the moment?

My last note, or, question on the subject is what's up with the Chicken supply in this country right now. McDonald's, on top of this Shrek 20pc. thing, just launched a 50pc McNugget. I'll say that again... FIFTY pieces of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. At the same time, Hardee's, a great client of my agency, just launched hand breaded Chicken Tenders, and are pushing them hard right now. Let' see, Grilled Chicken and Chicken-as-the-bread chicken sandwich from KFC. All this begs the question, have the hormones finally succeed in growing T-Rex sized fowl? Is the movie 'Jurassic Park' currently occurring in Arkansas at Tyson Foods?

Somebody call Jeff Goldbloom!

Amnesty International Awesome. But effective?

2010-07-15T17:48:00.005-05:00

Want proof that even the most beautiful and compelling advertising can be unsuccessful, look no further than Amnesty Intenational. They and their agencies have been doing brilliant work since its inception, and though "to no avail" seems harsh, it's not far from the truth.

Check out one of their more recent spots from TBWA\France:

Wow, right? Gorgeous, smart, effective... right? Wait, effective on who? Me? But what can I do to stop the death penality. I mean, I can use my imagination. I can go out and get petitions signed. I can contact my senator. I can send money to Amnesty International. Ahhh... there's the rub.

I'm not saying that Amnesty isn't a viable and necessary organization. They are, no question. Their work to fight for or free those wrongly or inhumanely incarcerated is invaluable. My concern is that their amazing ads compel me to donate and be done.

Tell me what to do. Circle the wagons, charge the troops, finagle your Facebook friends. How we can we convince those that are most for the death penalty that it is not humane. How can we speak directly to the father of a murdered and raped daughter? How can we speak to a woman whose religion mandates such punishment in response to a crime against God? How can we convince a Congressman, Prime Minister or President to take swift action, wehn their constituents demand capital punishment?

Answer these questions, and we'll find true effectiveness. But, in the mean-time keep making amazing ads. Every person you inspire is one small step toward insight and action.

Here are some more work from Amnesty through out the years:

I could go all day.

Do your part. Donate.

Mark Ronson & Zelda. Be still my heart!

2010-07-15T17:48:00.002-05:00

So, my boy Mark Ronson's new album "Record Collection" has been slated for release this summer (or early fall). From what I am reading and hearing, it sounds a lot less Motown and more Silicon Valley. Incorporating that 8-bit sound, digital voice shifting and his gift for sick power-pop tempos, this album should continue Ronson's innovative, award winning and popularly successful production track record.

Oh, and he's singing on it too.

I mentioned Zelda, because this video for the song "Circuit Breaker" has been released, and it features a very Link-esque character in some very Nintendo-ish game play. Check it out:

Rumored collaborating artists on the album include Santigold, Scissor Sisters, MNDR, Q-Tip, Rose Eleanor Dougall, Spank Rock, Ghostface Killah, Boy George and Miike Snow. Unlike his last album "Version", this album will not be covers of classics, but all original works. Judging by the talent listed above, the songs will come from a range of different genres and musical styles.

I'm excited, and you should be too. Check out "Verison" if you want in the mean time.

Typeface Decider from Julian Hanson

2010-07-15T17:47:00.008-05:00

In every industry there is some dumb, stupid and pointless topic which has no correct answer that for whatever reason is discussed and argued about ad nauseam.

For a designer like myself that topic is Typefaces. Yeah! Fonts. You know Times New Roman, Arial, Century Gothic. Most people spend their entire life just caring about which font makes their 8 page paper appear to be 12, but not us. We define them, give them personalities. Use words like contemporary, trendy and distressed. Ascender, Decenders, Serifed and Sans Serifed. We kern them, we lead them. We stretch them, we slice them. We know which ones work well together and which ones don't work well at all (ehem... I'm talking to you Hobo and Comic Sans!)

I only use this. How dare they use that. IKEA is switching to what!?! It goes on and on.

I'm guilty. We all are.

But this nice illustration/map/chart called "So you need a typeface?" from Julian Hanson might make at least the whole decision process a lot easier.

It also give some good justifications for why to use a font, which is applicable to both designers and the average lay person. Takes you through the whole process.

Take a look and follow the yellow brick road to you ideal typeface.

A window into your soul... or San Francisco!

2010-07-15T17:47:00.005-05:00

I saw this today on Uncrate while procrastinating about what I wanted to do next at work.

Winscape is a Mac based software that takes two flat panel TV's and turns them into a window view of something sweet. It's position aware, and changes the view according to your movements.

Check out this video to get a sense:

Not only is this incredible, fun and a cool decoration... it's an amazing (albeit tiny) example of where we are headed with mobile technology in the next few years. We live in a world where we are knowingly, nay, willingly allowing devices to track not only our information, but our location and position. An iPhone or Wii Remote knows where you are all they way down to if you are laying on the ground or up on a ladder.

Think of the possibilities. Your phone will know exactly what floor you are on in a building and which elevator is on it's way up to take you to the closest cafe´with the best lunch special and the foods you like. When you leave it will shut the lights off (lights set to your personal preference), track the time you are gone and forward any calls to your cell.

All automatic. All you do is walk out of the room.

And my imagination is slow today. The possibilities are endless.

Get excited! Or maybe scared?

New MGMT Album

2010-07-15T17:47:00.002-05:00

The new MGMT album is streaming on their website. Check it out.

I think I heard some of the tracks last month, and wasn't impressed. Hopefully they weren't legit.

I'm liking what I'm hearing here.

Enjoy!

Tropicana - Good Morning Inuvik

2010-07-15T17:46:00.005-05:00

My friends over at the Surly Birds blogged about this recently. I guess they weren't feeling particularly surly that day.

Anyway, I agree with them wholeheartedly.

So much of the work done in advertising today is bogged down with crap, and that is noones fault. It has to do with time, resources, fear, budgets, goals, strategies, and everyone from CEOs to lowly Art Directors.

But every once in a while something truly inspiring is produced. Something not only drool worthy and award winning, but that builds a brand and really fits/delivers a simple message.

Tropicana and BBDO, Toronto did it with this spot. Beautiful, clever, cute and spot on brand. Tropicana makes mornings brighter even in the darkest places. Check it out:

From BBDO Toronto and paid for by Tropicana.

SNL Presidents Reunite

2010-07-15T17:46:00.002-05:00

Saw this on Funny or Die today. It'll be all over, but I thought it was worth a share. All the SNL presidents and apparently Jim Carrey as Reagan. Directed by Opey (aka. Ron Howard).

They want to make sure Obama passes Bank Regulation, and hope this video spreads the word.

Check it out.

Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion from Will Ferrell

Then check out the behind the scenes.

President's Reunion Behind the Scenes - watch more funny videos

Then go to the website.

Alex Varanese Road Posters

2010-07-15T17:45:00.005-05:00

I know... more posters. I have been posting a lot lately, but these are glorious.

Alex Varanese is a Bay Area (SanFran?) designer who apparently "Loves red more than me." Maybe, but maybe not my boss David.

Either way, these posters are incredible, and a great use of his preferred portion of the spectrum.

As always, check them out and then buy one.

These were all over Ffffound.com today by the way, which is where I saw them.

Quentin Tarantino Tribute Posters

2010-07-15T17:45:00.002-05:00

I have been seeing these all over the web lately and have to say that I love them.

Quentin Tarantino is one of my favorite directors and writers for that matter. He writes 'cool' better than probably anyone.

Well Toronto based AD/Designer Ibraheem Youssef designed these awesome minimalistic posters paying tribute the man and his movies.

Take a look and buy one.

My New Car... Built for WHAM!

2010-07-15T17:44:00.005-05:00

Not the kind where your accelerator sticks and you go kareeming into busy intersection, but more George Michael puttin' the "boom boom into my heart" sort of Wham!

This weekend Tiffany and I took my 2000 Oldsmobile Alero with nearly 200,000 miles on it to a farm where it will be happy and free to run with all the farm animals. We came home with a 2008 Prius.

"You send my soul sky high when your lovin' starts"

Its a great car. I can already tell how people turn High MPG's into a game. I caught myself not using the gas pedal at all on downward hills last night on the way home from work. Fun for me, not so much for the car stuck behind me at 45 MPH... Then 75... then 45... Then 70.

"Jitterbug into my brain. Goes a bang-bang-bang 'til my feet do the same"

I am predicting a good spring, some good driving and a lot less time at the gas station. Take that Saudi Arabia!

"Wake me up before you go-go
Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
I don't want to miss it when you hit that highhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Let me know if you can think of anymore sweet songs that need to be blasted this spring, cruising in my Prius? I'll put together an amazing playlist and put it up for D/L.

STL Addys: Cannonball Tailgates while Toky Cleans Up

2010-07-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

We attended the annual STL Addys last night at The Lumen near Schlafly Tap Room.

It was a night a snacking, mingling and scoffing at work that I could have done (but didn't).

We started the night of by going across the street to Bridge. A musically inspired winebar and tap house. Fans of Bailey's Chocolate Bar and The Rooster will like the newest endeavor by owner David Bailey. Its a gorgeous space with lofted dining and incredible light fixtures. Here are some shots from the inside out.

Then we jaunted over to Lumen just in time to stand around and drink for a couple of hours before the winners were announced (of which I was not).

Cannonball, a primarily Broadcast-centric agency in town, walked away with multiple Addys including Best in Show. They basically dominated the Superbowl this year for AB, beating out ad Goliath, DDB, for all of Bud Light work on the Big Game. Last night they won big for the Jimmy Football stuff from last year. Check it out.

The Condiment Gun by Jimmy Football - Watch more Funny Videos

Another ever present agency name was Toky Branding and Design. They won or were recognized for multiple categories, styles and clients. Rightfully so, because they always do great work, and this year was no different. Here are some of the projects that I can remember.

Carrole's Story: Dealing With Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms from Toky Branding + Design on Vimeo.

We sadly learned about the passing of the son of one of STL most influential 'Ad Men' Tom Townsend. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Information Design and a Glimpse of the Future

2010-07-15T17:43:00.005-05:00

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Map of the future from the Italian Magazine WIRED."][/caption]

I saw this today on Ffffound.com then Behance, and I am really digging it. This map of the future not only lays out a view of the future of information, business and politics, but does it in an extremely beautiful way.

I love this movement to make information interesting. Designing a chart, graph or map has become the most mundane of tasks thanks in part to the wide spread usage of Xcell. And thos charts are really good at relaying information, unfortunately they look like shit and generally ruin any design that you are laying them into. But take a look at this Map, where the information become the design. Its (fairly) clear and beautiful and compels you to read the whole thing. Here are some more looks:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Developed by Density Design"][/caption]

This style reminds me a lot of that Mark Weaver style, a mid-century throwback with contemporary touches like buffalo heads transposed onto human bodies. Actually maybe that's a throwback too, I'm thinking of Monty Python. Either way, its incredible, complex and fun.

I've been experimenting in that style lately, I'll let you know when I get there.

Here are a few examples of Weaver's amazing stuff. I can't say enough how much I love it.

Penelope Umbrico's 5,377,183 Suns

2010-07-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

The San Francisco MOMA has an exibit from Penelope Umbrico called 5,377,183 Suns.

The premise is simple. Find 5,377,183 pictures of the Sun on Flickr. Compile. Voilà! Art!

Here are some shots I got of it while I was there.

Flickr photos hung on a wall may not seem like art, but think about. How many photos are taken everyday? Where 100 years ago some were still convinced a photograph stole a piece of your soul with every shot, today we take pictures of EVERYTHING. From first steps in life to first coffees in the morning. Many of them are crap, while many of them are incredible. And often the photographer who took the shot can't tell the difference between the two.

This piece 'Suns' takes that concept and runs with it. I interpret it a few ways, which probably means I am wrong and it has no meaning, but here you go.

One is that these and most photos of the sun are always terrible, and generally tossed immediately. To an amateur photographer with a point and shoot camera these shots are almost always the worst representation of what I'm sure was a beautiful sun(rise/set). But when Umbrico puts them all together they make up something beautiful, vibrant and whole. I can't help but think of all the shots thrown away, how many more she could have found and how many I currently have on my hard drive.

Two is that it's ridiculous that this many people take pictures of the Sun, then feel the need to share them with the world. Something we all see (Except in Seattle... Right?!? Whose with me?), taking up band width, energy and my time when I am looking through cooler pictures. This could be a commentary on that.

Anyway, I liked it. I thought it was cool. And it got me thinking of what else could be done like this. Is is blurry faces, feet or bricks, really anything that tons of people take millions of the same photos of.

If you get to SFMOMA before its gone, you should check it out.

San Francisco Treat

2010-07-15T17:42:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd share a panoramic view of San Francisco I shot while I was there last week.

We had an incredible time on our (Tif and my) long vacation to the west. We skied, we consumed, we breathed, spent time with old friends and we walked through a few drug deals.

Anyway, here is the shot in bw, and another with some design added to make a poster for the office.

Enjoy!

From The Basement

2010-07-15T17:42:00.000-05:00

My freind Heidi turned me on to From The Basement tonight.

Many of the best bands of today in a casual and candid environment... all in HD... all generally mind blowing musical experiences.

This site reminds me a lot of Blogotheque out of France which I have mentioned before. But, where Blogoteque takes bands out on the streets of Paris and films them, FTB as the name implies takes all these artists into what appears to be a super comfortable and musical instrument stacked version of the Wayne's World basement. And the site is in English not French which I enjoy because my French nearly got me kicked out of a Parisian Cafè in 2008.

Some standouts here are... all of them, but my faves are: Gnarles Barkly, Fleet Foxes, and of course Radiohead (Which actually aired on MTV the day InRainbows came out.

Check it out as soon as you get the chance.

These shoes are incredible... so is the brand.

2010-07-15T17:39:00.002-05:00

Take a look at these shoes, excuse me, this footwear from The Vael Project.

Not only is it absolutely incredible in design and general domination over most other shoes, but they are also quality made with eco and social responsible practices. VAEL describe themselves this way:

VAEL is a premium brand extending the range of mobile societies (Gesellschaft). We engineer and manufacture soft goods for the wandering global creative class. Using top-shelf components like Vibram™ soles and US hides, VAEL delivers unparalleled quality and coveted advances in materials and technology. We undertake this design project with commitment to best practices in human rights and ecological sourcing.

I describe them this way; If you don't like these shoes you are either uncool or opposed to shoes in general on some strange Appalachian snake venom religious grounds.

Here are my faves:

I also like their website, and branding as well. These guys have the total package, I wonder if they have layaway so that I can afford them in four or five months.

Let me know what you think?

Vampire Weekend - "Contra" Finally Out!!!

2010-01-11T13:56:00.002-06:00

Listen to the whole album live on my blog or on their site.

Also, Amazon.com is selling the whole thing for 3.99 today only. Get it now, and enjoy.

NBC... Get your shit together!

2010-01-08T10:30:00.002-06:00

First, Conan to replace Jay Leno. Oh wait... Jay's pissed... Ok, we'll give him his own show at 9 CST. Damn, now nothing has changed. We've done a bunch of stuff, without actually doing anything. This is doomed to failure.

Quick, let's switch it back and and act like nothing ever happened (commence deflective awkward whistling).

That's right. NBC made us sit through all of those dumb promos, retrospective shows and general confusion (at least on my part) as to what time it is... and now they're just going back to the old line up and time slots. Check out this NYTimes article.

Like I said, I feel like this thing was doomed to fail. There was a lot of hype about nothing. By giving Jay another show it gave noone any reason to give Conan a chance. They should have just announced a time shift in the beginning, and made a big deal about that... because thats all it is.

I think NBC might think a little to highly of "The Tonight Show" as a branded television show. As Shakespeare would say, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Or in the case of Jay Leno, the show was smelling like rotten bananas and diapers. Given that NBC didn't let Conan bring all of his show format and style with him, his show is souring as well.

The real loser here is Jimmy Fallon who actually has a really good and unique show; its moving back to the late late timeslot.

The Roots as a house band, SNL alum genuinely excited and happy to be on a show... doing skits, hilarious(esque) games like Wheel of Carpet Samples, Guests participating in games and above all Jimmy's down to earth, approachable, demeanor. I can't speak higher about that show, especially with its position as third wheel to the NBC ~~late~~ shit show lineup.

Watch this skit from the show...

Will Ferrell being the man... but even in the interview segment... these guys play off each other, its actually funny...

Awesome! I think of Fallon's show as a cross between the Johnny Carson Dean Matin shows of the past (where the guests felt like friends), and an SNL game/talk show skit gone array.

Hopefully NBC gets its act together, figures this thing out, and make me laugh.

Bringing the Digital World into the Physical

2009-12-15T10:04:00.004-06:00

Interesting technology out of MIT and Pranav Mistry.

We talk a lot about User Experiences at my company NGAGE. We tend to speak in terms of the current digital landscape, but this is a really interesting look at where we might be going.

Plus, I like the fact that he refers to keeping humans human by bringing the digital world to the physical world. Call me crazy, but I have seen too many movies where computers take over, I know that could happen. I am convinced that my Mac Pro is smarter than I am already, he's just biding his time.

Hey! Remember November?

2009-12-04T10:22:00.007-06:00

I don't, it was like a blur.

A lot of stuff happened, and I saw and heard a lot of interesting stuff and things. I hope to bring everyone up to speed in the next couple days.

But for now, I want everyone to stop what what you are doing and become addicted to a game.

It's called Continuity, and it combines an Atari simplicity, with a Mario Bros. style and the frustration of a tile puzzle.

Here's a screenshot to give yo an idea.

Play it today, and I'll catch you up on my November by EOD.

And no, I haven't been playing this game all month, but it was tempting.

The Fun Theory from VW in Europe - New Video

2009-11-12T00:15:00.002-06:00

Recycling, made fun.

See more, here.

The BQE - Sufjan Stevens

2009-10-29T12:33:00.009-05:00

Just wanted to give everyone who is a Sufjan fan the heads up about his instrumental album The BQE. Maybe some have heard it already or don't care, but it came out last week, and I have been enjoying it all morning.

Not to diminish his eerily beautiful and emotion filled vocals, or his expansive and vivid song writing skills... but the star of the Sufjan show for me is the musicality of his arrangements. You often can't tell if a Sufjan song should be played at a house party or a funeral. But, either place is a perfect fit. The music alone provokes the release of a spectrum of emotions, and often continues build in intensity throughout the entirety of a piece.

Well, The BQE takes his time tested and mother approved skills and expands them across an entire album, with out all those pesky lyrics getting in the way.

An apparent homage to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (and maybe Hoola-hoops), the entire album emits a clear vision of movement, busyness, loneliness and excitement. When you hear it, you'll know what I'm talking about.

It's done in a way only Sufjan could, or would do. However, this album takes the man from Detroit to another level of credentials and status that normally wouldn't befall even an indie artist. It puts him on a pedestal that will allow his next tour to be in Symphony Halls and Opera Houses, not smokey and small night clubs. The BQE brings socialites and hipsters alike come together to appreciate and explore the same music.

Apparently there is also a film that accompanies the album, or vice versa, you can check out bits and pieces on Youtube, or get the entire film when you buy the album. Here's a sort of trailer to give you a taste:

Check it out.

Do you like to Travel... by plane... for cheap?

2009-10-28T14:09:00.005-05:00

Awesome deal!!! >> Check out this offer Southwest Airlines has going on for the next 48 hours.

$25 for a short flight, $50 for a medium, $75 for a longer flight, and $100 for flights over 1000 mi.

It only counts for travel Dec. 2 - Dec. 16, 2009 and Jan. 5 - Feb. 10, 2010, but you almost can't pass this up.

Denver in skiing season. New York for Christmas shopping. San Fransisco for... San Francisco.

Get online and buy them now before the deal is done.

Jim Barnthouse, of Arch Observer informed me of this.

Get on my horse...

2009-10-23T09:09:00.007-05:00

The Diesel, Scott Lichtenauer, sent this to me yesterday, and I'm sure I'm late to this viral gem, but I thought I'd share anyway.

WARNING >> ANIMATED HORSE WINKIE MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES.

Sweet Lemonade!

Brings me back to the good old days where this graced a majority of out time in our dorm room.

Usually preceded or followed by Curve Ball and a lot of Collegehumor.com

The Fun Theory - Piano Stairs

2009-10-08T09:29:00.010-05:00

I work in the advertising industry and one of our biggest segments over past few youtuberific facebooktastic years is social media. So, user or company generated content that will be passed virally around the blogosphere, email and of course social networking sites and micro-aggregators like Twitter. Ideally they are produced at a fraction of the cost of TV and are seen by more people than the series finally of Friends in like 5 minutes.

The problem is noone has perfected it yet. There is a delicate balance in this medium of people not wanting to be marketed to and wanting better and more interesting online content.

Plus there is an argument being made that, aside from a brand touch by seeing a logo, there is no payoff for companies. Are consumers converting from viral video to purchase or at least brand awareness at rates that make it worth it? Or does the normal Youtube user go from a branded video strait to a video of a cat bathing itself in the kitchen sink, and forget everything that came before it?

I say it is worth it. Indubitably. Unequivocally. If nothing else, it shows that a company understands their customers. Where they are, what they are doing. That says a lot in the minds of the general population. Second, a well done video or app will direct individuals to websites where purchasing, more information and further brand impact can ensue. And lastly, it's cheap. It should be anyway. And if something doesn't work, change it, evolve it, take it down, put it back up. We live in a world of immediate gratification, corporations need to get in on the chaos. Let consumers tell you what they want either through views or comments and be open to changing to oblige.

Here's a good example of a video, campaign, idea that is shareable, socially aware and delicately but seamlessly branded.

Volkswagen. like a whisper right there at the end. But the company's long established brand makes sense here. It doesn't feel forced as it would with even another car company like Ford or even BMW.

I don't know if it is tricky editing, but I love the old guy (see photo above, or 1:23 in the video) who is going for the stairs. That guy is awesome, he'll probably play Chopin all the way up.

I think this idea will work, and will be really interesting as it moves forward. And even if it doesn't, 7,000 people in one day are now aware that VW is trying to make the world a little more fun.

See more of the campaign here, in German. I guess the english site is not up yet.

Ogilvy tweeted this today, which is where I saw it.

"You're a mustache away from being one handsome devil..."

2009-10-07T16:35:00.006-05:00

FAME a branding agency from Minneapolis chose a "dive bar" theme for an open house they put on. They did an amazing job with both design and copy.

I love when a company lets their creatives go all out for something non-client related. I see no better way of proving how you can propel a client's brand and culture than to dominate your own brand through design and culture.

The average client might be scared to try something new. Out of the box. I once had a client ask me not to use gradients for fear their customers might not be ready for that yet... true story. But if you can do amazing, fun, different, game changing work for yourself and show clients the results, they will feel much more comfortable. In fact, they will probably come asking for it.

Check out this whole integrated campaign:

I saw this on Behance.net.

ORK City Neighborhood Posters - STL?

2009-10-06T14:40:00.005-05:00

I saw these posters and prints on Uncrate today, and thought they were worth a share.

They are from Ork Posters. They're cool. Simple and almost novice typography manipulation, but it really works.

I just wish they had a STL version.

I want St. Louis get back on its game, reintroduce ourselves to the world as a place of popularity with a cool cultural vibe. Personally, I think, and I am one of the biggest critics I know, that STL is an awesome city.

In the last year I have been to Nashville, Chicago, Portland, Rome, Paris, Philly, NYC, Orlando, Kansas City and San Diego. After reflecting on each trip, each city, I look back and say, "That was awesome, but really, honestly, did I do anything different here that I do in St. Louis? Was I more cultured, was the food better, were the women more beautiful, did I have more fun?"

Obviously there were various check marks in the "Yes" category for multiple reasons (The Beach, Gniocci, Subways, Mountains, etc.). But in each place I always felt like, if I got past the touristiness and the shock of seeing things I'm not used to, I would do pretty much the same thing there that I do here. Plus I would miss a lot from STL as well.

Things like relatively cheap housing. Farms. Sold Out Baseball Stadiums where people come early and stay till the game is over. The Hill. Frozen Custard (I know its everywhere, but I have a distinguished palette in this regard). House design and architecture styles (plus basements, storage, brick, backyards, trees, etc). Food. We have great food, again with good quantities, and not so presumptuous an attitude or prices as other cities. What else? Free concerts under the Arch. Seasons. You know, Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall. They smell so nice in St. Louis. Sure they get old, but right when you're pissed off about them they change, and there's that sweet smell that makes you want to lay down wherever you are and stay there the entire day.

Anyway, we just need to communicate to the world what we know and they forgot. That we can compete in the culture war. We can create new things, be thought leaders, make art, win Superbowls and World Series and Stanely Cups, but most importantly, we need to come together as a city and MAKE IT HAPPEN. Maybe we'll get a city neighborhood poster. Or maybe we should be the ones creating posters of our own.

Here are a few more posters from other cities.

1980's Schnucks...

2009-10-04T21:08:00.007-05:00

I as prowling Ffffound.com tonight and stumbled on something really familiar. Maybe familiar isn't the right word... nostalgic?

Check out this photo of Schnucks, circa 1980.

I wrote the other day about the pool I swam at growing up. Well, the pool was often preceded or followed by a trip with my mom to get groceries. I see this photo and I can smell the store. The bakery, produce and even the cleaning supplies.

Lots of things interesting about this time in history. First of all the style is awesome. That sort of Star Warsian modernism with the strange but constant addition of American Flags and Ferns. Most know how I love my orange, not the fruit, but the color, and this period was not stingy when it came to the swatch.

Something else to note, for all those who wonder why global warming "snuck up" on us or why BPA and the over abundance of plastics in our society is so predominant, take a look at the options for bagging your groceries as of 1980. Paper or.... Paper?

Anyway, thought it was a cool shot or a piece of my history, and probably yours as well. The next time I walk into Culinaria in Downtown STL (the newest in Schnucks design) I am going got take special notice of anything that carried over. I do think their logo is orange. Good call!

Want to see more 80's vintage stuff (ads, products, photos) check out this Flickr page. That's where the original photo came from as well.

Summerhaven Swim Club

2009-09-30T11:11:00.023-05:00

I heard this song the other day, and it reminded me of my youth, but more specifically, the pool I swam (lived) at when I was a kid. It's Aretha Franklin ft. George Michael "I Knew You Were Waiting".

Great song. Makes me flashback to smells of chlorine, tastes of deep-frozen Snickers bars and that irreplaceable feeling of having the time of your life just splashing around with your best friends. The sounds of soft rock ever-present in the background.

Summerhaven, later Paddock, wasn't exclusive. It wasn't ritzy. Hell, I'm not afraid to admit the place was kind of a dump. But it was the community's dump. And we loved it. My parents, along with a group of others kept the place weedless, wet and working until and amid the 90's North St. Louis County white-flight. They did all they could do, but couldn't keep the place going, so it closed. It was a church for a while, but I think now its just a concrete hole filled with rain water. Disgusting, desolate and depressing.

What my parents and the others may now see as a worthless struggle or wasted time, I look back on as some of the best times of my life. Due to their hard word I not only learned the Butterfly and Backstroke, but how hard work, cooperation and friendship can accomplish amazing things.

"Thanks."

Here is short list of other songs that graced mine ears while frolicking in the sun and splashing in the pool... wearing Speedos, mind you. I looked good:

1. Every Little Kiss - Bruce Hornsby

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2. Valerie - Steve Winwood

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3. These Dreams - Heart

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4. I Want To Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston

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5. The Motown Song - Rod Stewart

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6. Do You Believe In Love - Huey Lewis and the News

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7. Middle of the Night - Billy Joel

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8. When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going - Billy Ocean

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9. Hard To Say I'm Sorry - Chicago

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10. Free Fallin - Tom Petty

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Check back in the next few days, and I'll post some photos of the pool and my Speedos.

Super Michael Bros.

2009-09-18T15:05:00.005-05:00

Have we seen this. I like it.

This game would be awesome.

Saw this on Twitter from FWA.

Best Post-Beatles Song by a Former Beatle...

2009-09-18T00:53:00.010-05:00

It dawned on me today the the answer to this question was not at all hard for me.

"What is our favorite song by a Beatle in the Post-beatles era?"

That's right, John? Paul? George? Hell, Ringo? Why not.

For me, hands down it's "Got My Mind Set On You" by "Georgie Boy" Harrison as his friends called him.

The song dominates. It automatically makes you want to dance, or at least smile and kind-of wobble your head. Maybe do a Carlton from Fresh Prince if your feeling up to it. The song has a clear message, that is transcendental... if you want a girl it's, "gonna take money, a whole lot of spending money". This is true, just ask George's ex-bandmate Sir Paul. Largest divorce settlement in British history. And lastly, amazing music video:

So, what about my Top 10. No, you say? Tough.

Top 10 Favorite Songs by Beatles in the
Post Beatles Era.

#10. "Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight" - Paul McCartney

This album came out last year, and was released under the artist The Fireman. It came out, at least to me, later that it was Paul. I like this song because it shows that with so many artist taking from The Beatles over the years, that Paul can be inspired by influences he's hearing now. And then/still write and play in that realm.

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#9. "Wonderful Christmastime" - Paul McCartney / "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" - John Lennon

That's right. A tie. I feel that writing a Christmas song has got to be one of the hardest songs to write. It's the one time throughout the year people are guaranteed to be listening to music. They are wanting something nostalgic, which is why A Christmas Song and Joy to the World is covered so much, so something new is not always invited. Plus, since the music is being played so much that if the song sucks, it's very clear, very fast. But these two have become mainstays of the season, playing again and again without annoying (too much). One is pop-ie, the other cause oriented, but they both are quality songs that brighten my December. November. Part of October, now.

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#8. "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" - Paul McCartney

I like "Butter pie". What can I say?

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#7 "My Sweet Lord" - George Harrison

You gotta love when an artist can take a fundamentally religious song, and make it a broadly popular and iconic track. You feel love, joy and excitement when you hear the song. And the lyrics are inspirational, yet not overdone.

#6. "Live and Let Die" - Paul McCartney

Arguably the best Bond song of all time. This song has an extreme range and depth. It's a genuine Rock song, yet the strings and the chorus make it a beautiful song to listen to as well. I like to make a gun with my fingers, and duck around corners when listening to it. Sometimes somersaulting.

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#5. "Say, Say, Say" - Paul McCartney

Paul and Michael. Can't be beat (except by the next 4 songs).

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#4. "Instant Karma!" - John Lennon

Classic. It's been covered by everybody, but noone quite lands it like John. A rallying cry still today, regardless of your personal issues or endeavor.

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#3. "Maybe I'm Amazed" - Paul McCartney

Beautiful love song. Heavy Rock. This is a love song for men. Huge range here as well. Paul's vocals are spot on. Not to much screaming, not to much singing. Just right.

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#2. "Imagine" by John Lennon

Probably most people's number one. I love it. It's sweet, has meaning. Its sad, inspirational and makes anyone who hears it feel empowered to change the world. Perfect song.

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AND

#1. "Got My Mind Set On You" by George Harrison

Again, perfect combo of salty and sweet. The epitome of a pop song. You here that drum track in the beginning, some synth and Georges voice, and you're done. Two times out of 10, if "Imagine" comes on my iTunes, I'll skip it. I never skip this song, in fact, in all likelihood I'll play it twice.

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Tell me your list. Comment here or find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox'

2009-09-16T10:23:00.007-05:00

I love Wes Anderson. Some people don't get him, his style, his humor or his movies.

I do.

He's probably my favorite director, and definitely my favorite Art Director. He was roomates with Owen Wilson at the University of Texas where they collaborated on short films, most notably Bottle Rocket, which was later made into a feature length film. His other films include Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited.

In Life Aquatic we saw Anderson's fasination with Stop Motion Animation in a lot of the wild life portrayed in the film. Well, his most recent film Roald Dahl's The Fantastic Mr. Fox, is a feature length animated movie. I was curious how Anderson would keep his signature stlye (balanced cinematography, panning one-take shots and a keen eye for set and character organization) in the animated universe.

Check out the Trailer and you'll see it wasn't that hard.

I've been excited for this film since I read about it, and I'm more excited now.

It looks like the entire this was done stop-motion. Think Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, not Pixar. No CGI, or not much. He just made sets, made characters and started shooting and moving, one frame at a time. Here's a little featurette that explains the technique Wes Anderson and his team used.

The movie comes out this November and stars a lot of the standards, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, but this time adds some newbies including George Clooney as Mr. Fox and Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox.

Check it out.

Vampire Weekend - New Album Date

2009-09-15T19:19:00.006-05:00

New album, apparently called Contra, out January 12 in the US of A.

Just a little news flash. Music has been boring me lately, I need this I think.

What are you listening to? I want in. Let me know here, or Facebook, or Twitter.

Digital Distraction Pyramid

2009-09-14T13:25:00.005-05:00

I am easily distracted, thus... take a look at this.

This would qualify as a second tier distraction. Saw it on FFFFound, which got it here.

Enjoy.

Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day

2009-09-11T09:23:00.005-05:00

Troy Duffy finally did it? After the fiasco that was Boondock Saints and his life, he finally got his long awaited sequel made and ready to distribute. Fiasco? Have you seen this film, Overnight:

Basically Troy Duffy sold the script with little to no experience in the industry. Made a million dollars then started spending, abandoning friends he considered leeches and drinking a ton. At the same time, the studios faith in the film and Duffy began to sour. Instead of instilling confidence, Troy Duffy lashed out at producers and studio execs, likening himself to the next John Woo or Tarantino. All in all the film barely got made, was never released in theaters and Duffy had to sell his rights to the movie just to get a distributor to release it strait to DVD. Meaning as popular as it got, he never made a dime.

This is why the first film went strait to DVD, but also why it became a cult classic among college aged guys across the country. It wasn't a movie forced down their throats, it was a film they happened upon or were referred to by a friend. And they loved it.

Boondock is action movie porn and directorial masturbation, but it works. It appeals to the masses, while having the feel of an indie film. It's super quotable, just mention needing a rope to any guy between 19 and 30, and see what they say. Gratuitous violence in the name of God has a soft spot in my heart, and every guy wants to be a vigilante at some point in their life.

But, the sequel:

All Saints Day, which features the majority of the original cast (Except Willem Defoe) could go either way. Either it will try too hard to be the first movie, and not reach a full potential. Or, it will try too hard to be a different film, and abandon the fans that have made the, now, franchise popular. I guess there is a third option, and that is that it will completely dominate. I'm not holding my breath, but I'm sure one of my hundreds of friends that consider the first Boondock Saints one of the best movies ever made will get me into the theater to see it. October 30, 2009.

Unsanctioned 9/11 World Wildlife Ad

2009-09-02T10:11:00.008-05:00

Check out this ad for the WWF, think Gorillas not Macho Man Randy Savage.It has sparked a lot of controversy, and understandably so.

It is well art directed and interestingly concepted. I wish the writing was better. Something which ties to the idea that, "you thought 9/11 was bad ...". I don't feel that using "The Tsunami" as an example, especially art directed the way it is, works. I guess they mean the Tsunami that ravaged Indonesia a few years ago, but I think that it gets lost in translation.

However, what are our thoughts on using September 11, 2001 for marketing purposes? Cause marketing? Is it time?

I think its ok. It's unfortunate this ad has a few too many flaws to be effective. But, I feel with the right tact, the emotional luggage that 9/11 pulls along with it can be an effective tool to help push social issues, or at least give them a benchmark for comparison. An example would be comparing the 1,000s that died on Sept 11 to the 100s of 1000s that have been massacred in Darfur. Something like that.

Just make sure it all makes sense, and works really well. Even a slightly poor idea or execution will not be effective.

I should mention again, as I did in the title, that this ad was and is not sanctioned by the WWF, and if you do find this ad über offensive and want to lash out, please aim your anger somewhere else. Trust me as a designer, it is sooooo easy to get companies actual logos and rip off their style. In this case it was done by a DDB Brazil creative team, and according to this article from AdFreak, that team is, "No longer with the agency."

Let me know what you think? Find me on Facebook or Twitter.

Michael Jackson, Warewolves and YeahYeahYeahs

2009-09-01T12:37:00.005-05:00

My friend Niki commented that she liked this song on Facebook today, and I have to say that I agree.

Not much to say here, just watch.

Also, speaking of videos, check out this. Jack White in the video for The Dead Weather song "Treat Me Like Your Mother". Decent song, amazing video.

Enjoy!

Have I made it clear enough that I love Goodby, Silverstein & Partners

2009-08-31T12:29:00.005-05:00

Well, I do.

They have been thought leaders, digital innovators and downright funny people since I was a kid. It wasn't till I attended a forum with Jeff Goodby and he presented their reel that I realized that they were responsible for almost every ad campaign I have ever been floored by, and that GS&P were probably why I got into the Biz in the first place.

Just take a look for yourself, and you tell me if these ads, nay, experiences have stuck with you.

Anyway, saw these on Ffffound today, thought I'd share.

I love this style of illustration, but the message they convey is pertinent as well.

Advertising gets a bad rap. Like lobbyists and lawyers, we are a hated people, until we're needed. The reason being there is noone better at creating buzz, informing, educating, selling and maintaining loyalty than us.

The argument is made that we manipulate people and products so that people are persuaded to buy products they don't need or that aren't any good. And, I won't lie, this happens, but is rarely sustainable. It applies to fads (in a broad sense). I might be able to convince a ton of people to do something once (watch a movie, buy a soda, wear a shoe), but if the product didn't work, I and the company may have lost you for life.

There's a quote I learned while in Ad School. I can't remember if it was a Steve Kopcha original or from the David Ogilvy's of the ad world, but it goes something like, "You can't advertise a shitty product." It falls into the fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me category. Especially in this Facebook/Twitter era, where if something sucks everyone knows.

So, in our truest, purest and least invasive form, Advertising helps people's decision to open their wallet a little or a lot easier. By definition... serving capitalism. We have a place in a capitalist society. And it's not a small place either.

Awkward "Boss Over My Shoulder" Text

2009-08-28T14:17:00.008-05:00

The iPhone has a fairly standard function that allows a new text message to be previewed on top of its sleep screen. This is über convenient, because I don't have to go in and check my texts, I can just read them really quick.

This function presented a problem yesterday that is epic on the scale of workplace awkwardness.

I have a friend, for the purposes of this post we'll call him Dustin Kaminsky. Dustin noticed yesterday I posted I had been listening to the song, "The Giant of Illinois" by Andrew Bird off the Dark Was the Night compilation album, on repeat for like an hour. I posted a link to the song along with the message. He downloaded it. Liked it. And was compelled to text me about it.

Now to his defense, I was working late, I am usually alone in my office and his texts provide some of the best laughs I get in life. But, for this text, it just so happens that my boss David Johnson and I were discussing proper technique for an After Effect project I'm working on. He was literally right over my shoulder helping me for like an hour. So when Dustin's text came through, he was the first to glance down. I was only alerted to check it when I noticed that he was just staring and pointing in silence.

This is what it said:

Again. The song is called "The Giant of Illinois".

Calm down ladies.

It wasn't a big deal in the slightest. In fact, it was hilarious. I haven't laughed that hard in a while, and Dave got a good one too.

But, it leads me to wonder just how frequently this kind of thing happens, and what the best story is. Comment to this post if you can and tell me yours. If Blogger won't allow you to comment find me on Facebook or Twitter and comment there.

Best story wins a free order of Cinnamon-Sugar Biscuit Holes (with Icing) from Hardee's. Coupon expires September 15th.

Doctor Goes Insane... Ads Become Awesome

2009-08-25T12:06:00.004-05:00

I was sent this article today from Ad Freak by Scott Lichtenauer. He and I tend to really appreciate the life that insanity breeds. The erratic behavior, crazy antics and complete lack of remorse for one's actions often result in the most amazing life experiences.

Under those guidelines, Scott has done a lot more "living" than I have, but the St. Louis doctor that this article, and its source from The Riverfront Times, discusses has most people beat.

Apparently when this Dr. Kalk cracked he went by the book. Total loss of hygiene, delusions of grandeur, destructive behavior and a complete disregard for financial restraint. In his case, he spent a reported $50,000 on advertising (In RFT primarily). This is during a time when his practice was losing $90,000 a year, according to the article.

But, like a phoenix, out of the ashes comes some of the most amazing things. Check out the ads he was running.

Good for him.

I hope Dr. Kalk is getting better. The article reports he has recently been arrested for crimes he may have commited while bat shit crazy, but more than likely they won't hold up in court.

You really should read the entire article though. It's an incredible story of the fall of what appeared to be a promising life of a normal and friendly individual.

My favorite quote has got to be this, said of Dr. Kalk by a burned friend, business partner and the son of a mafia hit man,

"I don't have much of a social life. The friends I got I can count on one hand and with fingers left over ... I really liked Alex. If it had been anyone else, they'd be dead."

Hakuna Matatah... Awesome Photo...

2009-08-22T15:48:00.007-05:00

Saw this on Ffffound, which saw it on Threadless, which got it from someone who either took an amazing photo, or had a clever idea for a photoshop project.

Either way this is a funny shot.

Thought I'd share.

Art & Copy - Advertising Porn

2009-08-19T14:05:00.007-05:00

As if Creatives weren't full enough of ourselves, heres this:

Should be fun to see, especially with how dark the directors other films have been. I like to see the ugly underbelly of my industry.

Or is our face that's the most ugly?

Crispin Porter + Bogusky Loses VW

2009-08-18T10:04:00.002-05:00

You probably love or hate Crispin Porter + Bogusky. You may not know them by name, but you've seen their advertising work. Think the King, Big Buck'n Chicken or Whopper Freak-out from Burger King. Or Windows Mojave, Jerry Seinfeld/Bill Gates or I'm a PC from Microsoft. And for the last four years, anything that you have seen from VW.

Volkswagon has had a storied advertising past, from their iconic "Think Small" from DDB in the 50's, through the cultural phenomena that was the VW microbus in the 60's. They were early venturers in product placement in the 70's with the Herbie the Lovebug films, and through the 80's and 90's expanded their Jetta, Rabbit, Golf and Passat lineups with advertising that was way above par. In the Early 2000's, Arnold Worldwide was doing extremely interactive and fun things with the brand, starting with the launch of the New Beetle and extending that buzz across their entire brand. I remember the "There's a yellow one." ads off the top of my head.

But in 2005, something that happens quite frequently, but isn't talked about much, happened. A marketing executive from Crispin Porter + Bogusky, left to change jobs. As a matter of happenstance, she went to work for a "small" car company called Volkswagon. And when it was time for an agency review, guess what agency she favored. Goodbye Arnold, hello CP+B and more personally, goodbye to my College plan to work for Arnold here in STL.

Anyway, you may remember the "My Fast" campaign, featuring a little humming creature sitting in the passenger seat of thos drivers that find it hard to control their fast. That was one of the earliest CP+B VW campaigns. Subsequent campaigns have featured extremely realistic and often unexpected car crashes, a lot of lame but funny usage of "Germa-nglish" like "Unpimp Mein Auto", and recently a talk show-esque set of spots, featuring a pristine vintage Bug as the host.

No more. C'est la vie.

VW is looking to become more mainstream, and they don't feel that Crispin Porter + Bogusky is the right agency to get them there. I can't help but agree with them. Look, people love to hate CP+B, or at least root against them, but they have done a good job, especially with VW. Adage.com sites that VW's market share climbed:

"to 2% from 1.6% through July, according to Automotive News figures, the result of a 13.5% sales decline as the decimated auto market as a whole fell 32%"

But, I describe Crispin as a "Underdog" shop. Their style and marketing sensibilities cater to clients that have nothing to lose in gaining ground in the consumer conscious and pocket book. Look at Burger King, Dominos and Sprite as examples of that. All of which are chasing giants.

Even their Microsoft Vista stuff screams, "We're not as good, but...

So, for VW, if they want to become a more mainstream choice, and yet maintain their immaculate brand, I don't think that CP+B is the right agency for them.

Many VW lovers are worried about their beloved brand trying for the mainstream, especially as so many mainstream automakers are failing. But, I don't see how wanting a larger market share does not require cannibalizing your niche brand or charm. There is no reason why when someone is shopping for a Honda or Toyota (which are a lot of people), they shouldn't also be thinking VW (which is not as many people). And Honda and Toyota's public perception, brand and quaity hasn't been compromised. At least not as I see it.

VW will find an agency that will do them right. And now is the time when market share is up for grabs as we come out of the recession. I don't fear that they will go the Krispy Kreme route, and toss their brand and let quality suffer for short term profitability. Plus every ad man and woman has dreamed about this "holy grail" of accounts. Anyone who gets their hands on it will handle it with the respect and creativity it deserves.

Ehemm...Goodby...mmm.

Here's a look back ad VW ads from the past (Stolen from this blog):

Old Tyme Scott goes way back...

2009-08-14T10:34:00.005-05:00

Scott Lichtenauer is back at his old tyme tricks again. This time for the Kansas City Beer Fest, and this time back to prehistory.

Beerus Drinkarious. Awesome.

Shaq vs. Albert: Homerun Derby Continued...

2009-08-14T09:18:00.007-05:00

I caught Albert's first (fake) homerun ball.

I guess they wanted to film some B-Roll before the real deal went down. We didn't know. Shaq and Pujols both came out to great fanfare. Shaq had a round, then Albert was up. First ball off the bat came two rows behind me.

Bounce.

Bounce.

Snag.

There it was, under the bleachers behind me. It was my years of Spoons playing finally realized. I have very fast hands.

But then after Albert had done the deed. 11 times. They announced that those didn't count and they were going to re-do the entrance, the fanfare and the whole first round.

So, like I said I caught a homerun from José Alberto, but it didn't count.

Who cares.

Here's the promo from ABC about the show:

That was a fun experience last night. Free. Saw two genuine sport superstars. Was literally in Homerun ally, with balls right over my head at least 22 times. Shack took off his shoes and batting gloves and handed them out to people right next to me. Albert, Shaq and AJ Pujols all, as they say in Field of Dreams, "had a catch," about 20 yards away from us.

By the way this is probably no surprise, but AJ Pujols is incredible. Better arm, hand eye coordination and composure in front of cameras than any ~seven year old I have ever seen. Trust me, I worked for 6 years at a little league concession stand, and I've seen a lot of seven year olds playing ball. This kid is awesome.

The whole event was set up so that Shaq had a fighting chance. So while Albert had to hit over the regulation fence, Shaq only had to hit over a fence about 100 to 150 yards out. Round 1 Pujols had the standard 10 outs, while Shaq had 15, Round two was a 7 to 10 out matchup and the final round was a 3 to 5 out split.

I won't tell you who won or how many homeruns were hit, you'll have to watch Shaq Vs. on ABC in mid August for that, but I will say that this could be a really fun show to watch. Other contestants include Serena Williams, Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Phelps and more.

Hint. Hint: The show might prove that not all amazing athletes can be good at every sport.

Shaq vs. Albert: Homerun Derby

2009-08-13T17:39:00.005-05:00

My sister got me tickets to this for tonight. Shaq vs Albert Pujols in a Homerun Derby.

I think its for this new TV Show Shaq has.

I'm leaving now, but I'll let you know all about it tomorrow.

Secret Passages and Wine

2009-08-11T14:46:00.009-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows two things about me. I am extremely limber and I love secret passages. I mentioned in my post from earlier today that I would have a passage or a trap door in my uniquely designed house, and I meant every word of it.

At the same time, I have been gaining an affinity for wine lately. I don't really like the drink that much. I certainly appreciate it, especially a good Shiraz or a Port, but I am more fond of the culture. I very much like the look of a wine bottle on my counter or table. It's a classy drink, and I aspire to be classy. The epitome of class however is not merely having "a" bottle or "a few" bottles, if you want to be in the big leagues of classocity you need a cellar. That's right I wine cellar.

There are few things better than the ability to say phrases like,

Are we out of wine? Let me go grab another bottle from the cellar.

Or,

The wine cellar is looking a little bare, we better buy another case of that Cabernet you like so much.

Or even better,

We just had sex in the wine cellar.

Awesome, right?

Well, what if we could combine secret passage with wine cellar? Check this out.

I want that. It's the classiest thing I have ever seen. And it's attainable.

Thank you FFFFound.com for showing me a picture of it, and thank you SpiralCellars for digging a whole in any room of my house and installing classiness and jealous friends into my life. Now expand to the US, so I can utilize your services.

Now.

If I were a Multi-Millionaire...

2009-08-10T11:02:00.001-05:00

Shows like Cribs and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous are great shows. Letting the poor and downtrodden scum of the earth designers like me venture into the homes of celebrated personalities like pornstars and gangsta' rappers is not only thoughful, but downright American.

But when I think back through those shows, I seem to remember a lot of "houses". You know what I mean? Sure they were big houses, sure they had big pools, custom crown molding, marble tubs w/TV built in, king size beds for infants, and typically a really stocked fridge. Awesome. But they were Houses, like mine. Probably like yours. Pointy roof, shingles, windows, front door, garage, brick, carpeting or hard wood. Same basic design principal.

I guarantee you right now, if Ol' Rob ever wins the lottery or finally execute my grand jewel heist, my house will be unlike any home as I know it. And why not? If I have the financial opportunity to be imaginative, work with amazing designers and architects, and live uniquely, I say again, why not? I guess I'm a quality over quantity kind of guy.

But, I saw this "Shell" home today and it inspired me. Take a look.

This is what Designboom.com had to say about the home:

"The 'shell house' by architect kotaro ide, is a sculptural shell-like structure which has been built in the woods of karuizawa, located in the nagano prefecture of japan. the house is meant to function as a vacation home, which is able to withstand the humid summers and cold winters of the region. to accomplish this, ide opted not to use the typical wood structure of villas in the area because of their susceptibility to decay easily. instead, he used reinforced concrete to construct two elliptical shell forms which are supposed to represent a conch."

If Johnny Knoxville, Rev. Run, Dion Sanders and Kelly Clarkson want to spend their money on monstrous houses that all look generally the same, that's fine, but for me, I would go in a different direction. Or at least have a vacation home that did. The only problem would be that there wouldn't be enough closet space for all my guns, shoes and mistresses.

I'm ready for a new Timbaland album... Are You?

2009-08-07T13:19:00.007-05:00

So two years ago, the music producer/artist know as Timbaland released what was both critically and popularly considered to be "the shit". I think that's an industry term. However it holds a special meaning in Timbaland's case because literally he had the equivalent of an Indian food induced bowl-movement of genius work and success. Every song/album/artist he touched was instantly dominating. Case in point: One Republic. They aren't great. But Timba, as I like to call him, handed them a hit song in Apologize (By the way , if you haven't heard the original un-timba'd version of the song off the bands first album, you should, It is not 1/3 as good).

Anyway, I 've been thinking about my ears and what they have been hearing lately, and I have decided that it's time for more Timbaland. A new album.

Go. Timba, go.

I heard this song arranged and produced by him a while back, for Chris Cornell album of the same name, "Scream". I like it. It's a good start.

But, that song came out in 2008. What else.

Maybe that Keri Hilson song? Ok, another 2008, but later, better:

Apparently he's been busy, I guess. Wikipedia says...

In 2008, Timbaland helped produce many albums for various artists that include Sean Paul's Imperial Blaze, Madonna's Hard Candy, Brandy's Human[37], Omarion's cd,Menudo's upcoming album, Ashlee Simpson's Bittersweet World, Keri Hilson's In A Perfect World, Flo Rida's Mail On Sunday, Letoya Luckett's Lady Love, Lindsay Lohan's Spirit in the Dark, Chris Cornell's Scream, JoJo's All I Want Is Everything, Nicole Scherzinger's Her Name is Nicole, Missy Elliott's Block Party, Matt Pokora's MP3, Keithian's Dirrty Pop, The Pussycat Dolls's Doll Domination, Busta Rhymes's B.O.M.B, Lisa Maffia's Miss Boss, Teairra Mari's Pressed For Time[38], Jennifer Hudson's debut album, Dima Bilan's Believe , Samantha Jade's, My Name Is Samantha Jade, New Kids on the Block's The Block and Keshia Chanté's new Album.

that line up, sans a few, bodes very well for some quality tunes in the upcoming months. But what about a new album from the Man himself. Apparently Shock Value 2 (Clever name) is on its way. Wikipedia (which doesn't lie) says...

In 2008, Timbaland began working on his third studio album, Shock Value 2, the follow-up to his 2007 platinum album Shock Value.[43] In January 2009, Timbaland clarified rumors about the recording process of the album but acknowledged that he would release the album within the year.[44] In March 2009, he filed a lawsuit against his label, Blackground Records, alleging that they attempted to blackball him after he decided to move from music performance into production.[45]

Doesn't sound good, but we'll see. Come on Timbaland, I need me some new cuts to get me through the upcoming cold, cold winter.

Chuck Anderson - Day 2

2009-08-06T14:05:00.008-05:00

I'm thinking of making this a daily thing.

Each day, I rip off Chuck Anderson's NOPATTERN style. And each day you look at it.

By daily I mean I did it yesterday, and I'm doing it today. That might be as long as my scattered brain will take this. Let me know what you think of my monkey.

Original:

ChuckStyle:

Alright.

Now as for commenting on my blog. It has once again been brought to my attention that people are having trouble commenting. That makes me sad because I love reading comments. I'll try to fix it, the only advice/request I can give you is to keep trying to post you coments. Multiple times. Maybe even copy and paste before you submit, then if it doesn't go through, you can just paste it again as opposed to retyping.

It's not ideal, but I'm working on it. You can also post on my Facebook page.

Chuck Anderson

2009-08-05T13:32:00.008-05:00

I have spoken a bit about Chuck Anderson and his NOPATTERN identity on here before. He's a designer that I really respect.

I have been trying to mimic his style lately and I finally have one that is about 1% as good as his stuff, so I thought I'd share.

Here's my attempt.

It's not bad, but here's his version.

Damn. I'll keep trying.

Tron? Tron.

2009-07-30T21:36:00.006-05:00

Are you getting tired of remakes and sequals of classic movies for purposes of ridiculous monetary gain from a new generation?

Yeah, me neither.

All I know is that people are watching them. If there was a protest to be made about remakes, reimaginings or gapped sequals then it would have to be made at the theaters, or more, at Walmart on Blu-ray and DVD sales. Until these flicks stop earning enough to close the U.S. deficit in 5 years, were in for a lot more where this came from.

To Tron Legacy's defense however, this should be awesome. New story. Talented actor (Bridges), who doesn't usually go for cash grabs. Amazing graphics. And hopefully, finally, a unforced use of this new-fangled 3D technology that IMAX keeps trying to pull over on me, and my $15 cash money.

Let me know what you think, here or on Facebook. I'm always ready to listen.

JORTS Party

2009-07-23T10:35:00.046-05:00

Update:

That happened!

--

It's official.

I'm having one.

Are you coming?

Hardee's - French Maids, French Dip

2009-07-11T08:13:00.002-05:00

A big part of my absence for the past 20 days or so has been Hardee's, their newest Thickburger® and a handful of gorgeous french maids.

The French Dip Thickburger was launched at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game here in St. Louis and is available at most if not all Hardee's restaurants. Thats's right the French Dip Thickburger. That's a Thickburger, with the full amount of Roast Beef you would get at say Arby's on top of it, with Swiss cheese, and side of Au Jus for dipping. Voila!:
"Meat as a condiment," is Hardee's M/O. And I had one of these Thickburgers. It's good. Not good for me, but good tasting. This isn't the ideal sandwhich for someone who sits at a computer all day. But when I was working as a roofer in college, this would have been perfect.

We helped make Hardee's vision of four models/actresses dressed in french maid uniforms, riding around the streets of St. Louis on Segways, flirting their way into the hearts of Meat loving Americans a reality. And now they're on the move. Next week the girls (the French Me Femmes; Sophie, Antoinette,Gabrielle, Isabelle are touring the region in a SUV that I designed. This is it:

You can see if they are coming to your area anytime soon by checking this calendar. The girls will be distributing coupons for FREE French Dip Thickburgers, as well as taking photos while "Frenching" guys across the country. If you don't think you'll get a chance to see the girls in person, click here to download a coupon for $1.00 OFF a French Dip Thickburger Combo.

Let me know what you think of the sandwich, the promotion or the unapologetic female exploitation.

Almost a month without a blog... wow!

2009-07-10T07:45:00.000-05:00

So I hate when bloggers apologize for their absence, it seems a bit presumptuous. But that won't stop me. I'm sorry. I have been crazy busy for the last month, and due to the fact that I do most of my blogging at work, well, let's just say the bosses never like to see me writing about the new Kellogg's Corn Flakes® Touch of Honey when were on a tight client deadline.

So for the next few posts I am going to try and take a look back at my month and tell you what I have been seeing and hearing around my world.

Mark Ronson and Daniel Merriweather... "Love and War"

2009-06-22T23:54:00.012-05:00

Mark Ronson's 2007 album Version has played a pivotal role in defining what I have been listening to for the past two years. It exemplifies exactly what I want out of music. I want it to make me feel. I want it to make me dance. I want it to make me proud that I am listening to it. Version and Ronson harness the soul of Motown, the pop of the late 80's and the attitude of today's elitists creative youth.

While the Midas touch is usually reserved for financial behemoths, I feel the argument can be made that Ronson has helped orchestrate the Second British Invasion with his finger prints all over the likes of Lilly Allen, Amy Winehouse and Adele. He's also making waves with other acts like American rapper Rhymefest, Brit Rockers The Kaiser Chiefs and his protege Australian Daniel Merriweather... yeah the guy singing in Ronson's biggest hit thus far and Smith's cover "Stop Me". This song is so good... try not to bang your hands on the steering wheel/desk/person in front of you when you hear the beat kick in.

Stop Me (Feat. Daniel Merriweather) - Mark Ronson

If you liked that song, then I have good news for you. Last week Daniel Merriweather released his sophomore album "Love and War" masterfully produced by, you guessed it, Mark Ronson. Though this album is no Version, the style is there, and is the perfect fit for the soulful yet popularly palatable voice of Merriweather. Listen to any of these songs, picture Merriweather in your head, then (if you don't know already) guess what his racial background is... I'll tell you right now I was wrong.

Boy's got soul.

At the same time that this album has all the characteristics of Ronson's go-to sound (tambourine tempos with brass heavy, organ rich Motown/Philly soul) Merriweather really chills out for a few of the tracks, even eluding touches of Ben Harper (Cigarettes) and Prince (For Your Money) at points. These few variations make the album a lot fuller and will help keep singles jumping off this thing until his next album. I love this thing. There's something here for everyone. Change and Red have been tapped as hits, and are quality cuts, but my ears can't stop lusting for Impossible, Chainsaw and Water and a Flame Ft. Adele:

Daniel Merriweather

I don't know if Ronson's golden touch or status as Britain's most Stylish Man (according to GQ) is enough to bless the american radio waves with any of the many hits from Merriweather's "Love and War" any time soon, but really, who cares? Buy it for yourself, and impress your friends with your impeccable taste in music.

Or click here and D/L it for the next two days. But make sure you support the album if you like it, and tell everyone you know.

Fine Art... ehem.. on Vinyl

2009-06-21T22:57:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wanted a Picasso, Chuck Close or Jackson Pollack hanging in your house, but didn't wan't to pay the $10 -100 million for it. Want to bring the Sistine Chapel into your home, without all the tourists, Swiss guard's shushing and confiscating cameras? Why didn't DaVinci paint the Mona Lisa bigger, it's so tiny? All this an more can be solved thanks to Betterwall.com. With the perfect mixture of art and sustainability, Better Wall takes old art exhibit advertisement and resells them after the exhibit is done.

You know what I'm talking about, those massive Vinyl Ads that say things like "Frida Kahlo 'Triunfo y Tragedia'" which hang down the entirety of museum facades or gallery windows. Yeah, those. On sale. In your living room, classing the joint up a bit.

Chicks'll dig it I think. So Guys, get rid of the Natty Light neon, and put one of these on the wall to step up your game.

Here are the ones I want to buy, and I think you might be interested in too:

Chuck Close - Self Portraits - Double Sided with two of Close's best self portraits. These pristine examples of photorealism would be a super modern, and masculine addition to any space.

Bechtle - ’61 Pontiac - Staying the photrealism realm, this piece is another beautiful example. But, I'm even more tempted buy this one because of the absence of words. This really can act as a piece of art, from head to perfectly painted toe.

Renoir - Boating Party - Impressionism is awesome. Especially when your painting an impressionist painting of all of the great impressionist painters. This could be a cool kitchen or dining room addition.

Warhol - Self Portraits - Now that Apple Photbooth or any number of photo softwares allow you to Warhol yourself, I feel like the over use of the style has killed it. But, you have to give props to the originator, especially if you can have it hanging in your house. You could cut it or just fold it over to just leave the iconic faces, but I would keep this clean design of this piece as is. I think its beautiful and a great buy for any home.

Tiffany - Library Lamp - I'm including this because its my wife's name, and I love lamp. Brick, do you really love the lamp or are you just saying it cause you saw it?... I digress.

If you're looking to fill some or all the space on your walls, these are not only large, classy and beautiful, but they have real historical connotation to boot. They represent specific exhibit tours or showings, and may even be pieces of pop art in and of themselves one day.

Enjoy! Saw this on Outblush.com again.

Respect! Missouri

2009-06-17T22:55:00.005-05:00

Saw this on FFFFound.com today. Don't know what it is, don't care.

It's awesome.

Restaurant.com - 80% OFF

2009-06-14T10:22:00.005-05:00

I usually try to inverted pyramid my blog posts, but not this time. Restaurant.com is offering 80% OFF their already discounted gift certificates to local restaurants you already go to, or definitely want to try. I saw this on Outblush.com., which is an amazing site, with cool things intended for the ladies, but awesome for guys too. Great for Christmas, Birthday or Arbor Day presents.

Heres how it works. You go to restaurant.com, where they sell discounted gift certificates to restaurants all around the country. An example would be "Buy a $25 Gift Certificate for $10". There are some limitations, like only valid Sun - Thurs, or must spend $35, etc. But you get the picture, It's a good deal if you use them.

However, this weekend, and until Monday June 15, if you enter the coupon code PRESENT, you get an extra 80% OFF your entire order. Tht $25 gift certificate you were buying for $10 is now just $2.

Here's the list of Restaurants in the STL area. But the site has options all across the country.

Here is where i got mine for, and what I paid:

Feasting Fox $25 Gift Certificate

The Drunken Fish - Central West End $25 Gift Certificate

An American Place $25 Gift Certificate

Monarch $25 Gift Certificate

Baileys' Chocolate Bar $10 Gift Certificate

Rooster $10 Gift Certificate

Flaco's Cocina $25 Gift Certificate

Cafe Eau $25 Gift Certificate

Crepes in the City $25 Gift Certificate

Coco Louco Brasil $25 Gift Certificate

Sgt. Pepper's Cafe $25 Gift Certificate

TOTAL: $19.20

Do it. Do it now.

Exipres TOMORROW - MONDAY the 15th

The Funniest Singing Voice

2009-06-08T14:58:00.011-05:00

I love music. People call "bullshit" when I tell them that I can find something I like about all musical styles and genres, then they hear what I listen to and immediately believe me, and subsequently wish they hadn't heard many of the songs. Due to this transparent musical filter I tend to be really into music many people find not only annoying, but downright painful to listen to.

One of these styles that never fails to turn away most friends is the "high pitched whiney voiced singer". I love it, can't get enough. It's that long drawn out ability to keep the singer's voice at a high pitch and form sounds, yet the sounds never quite metastasize into words. At least not when I sing along. Why try to figure out the lyrics in these songs, when its just as fun to whine along.

Here's a perfect example from the Fine Young Cannibals that I heard this weekend at a JCPenny. Andy Brown, you gotta hear this:

The genre became really popular in the 1970's due in large part to international superstar family band The Bee Gee's: This stylistic heyday was later immortalized by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake on SNL:

I think it's hilarious. Not the skit, though it's really funny, but the style of singer. How has this become an acceptable and lucrative form of serenade? Or is the better question, why isn't more music like this? I can't stop laughing when I hear it, I know its rediculous, but I also can't stop listening either.

Here are my top five "high pitched whiney voiced singers" that I love:

#5. James Blunt - This guy is text book "whiney". I thought I was the only person who made loud ridiculous noises as I sang along to this song. But I was in a liquor store in Orlando, Florida a couple years ago when from a few aisles away I heard someone else singing the exact same way. It was eerie and awesome all at the same time, that guy knew what was up:

#4. Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons) - His voice tends a little deeper, but we all know what school it came out of. He's not fooling anyone. Actually I think he is fooling everyone, what is he? This guys has the weirdest and most awesome voice of the pack. Check it out:

#3. Van Morrison - I think this debunks what I said earlier about The BeeGees pioneering the "whiney" sound. I think Van has to be included as one of the godfathers. Jackie Wilson Says is a great example, but if you have heard any Van Morrison song you know that he utilizes whiney goodness throughout his body of work:

Van Morrison - Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heavn When You Smile) (mp3)

#2. The Bee Gee's - You have to give it to the originators. The Bee Gee's perfected it, and are still the benchmark. Spicks and Specks is a good one because its not one of the standards, and you get a great sense of how you could literally be making up sounds and it would sound like you were singing along:

Bee Gees - Spicks and Specks (mp3)

#1. Aaron Neville - Thank you David for this clutch, and clearly winning, addition to the list. Aaron's often unexplainable vocal bravado is unmistakable, and no one even comes close to matching it. Why try? It's laughable throughout, until you realize how beautiful it can be. I say it can be, because I once heard him sing the national anthem live at a TN Titans game. There are just some songs that don't need the Aaron Neville touch, and The Star Spangled Banner is definitely one of them. This one, however, is just fine:

Can you think of some more? I know they're out there.

OK, one more:

more movies at www.miloop.com

AstoundSound™ Website Launch

2009-06-03T11:41:00.006-05:00

So I know all of you have been wondering where I have been for the last few weeks. I haven't called, I haven't wrote... but I have been designing my ass off.

AstoundSound™ a new and cherished client of NGAGE recently underwent a complete brand overhaul which included a new website. Initial design by David Johnson, but blown out site wide by yours truly (masterfully developed by Jay Criscione).

Check it out, and let me know what you think:

AstoundSound™ is a sound software company dedicated to taking the crappy sounding compressed music that has been bourne out of the MP3 ear-bud generation, and bringing it back to the fuller more expansive sound of vinyl, or theatre sound in the case of movies. Basically giving you a better sound experience without expensive speakers or headphones. Specifically, AstoundSound's product Expander 2.1 is built for the movie or music enthusiast that wants their audio experience to be as dominant as possible.

There are some Demos on the site, check it out for yourself.

Walmart's Great Value - Before and After

2009-06-01T10:45:00.001-05:00

So I'm stealling this blog post from one of my favorite design blogs The Dieline.

They recently discussed the new look that Walmart has given to their Great Value product line. You know, the box of cereal or bottle of ketchup that cost a dollar less, but looked as if it had been sitting on the shelf for 12 years and had probably been opened and resealed.

Well for all the flaws of the world's biggest retail chain, both moral and aesthetic, they tried and I feel succeeded in this endeavor to build a stronger brand for their line of cost conscious products.

Check out this before:

And look where they're at now:

Not a bad job. Now if they could just do something about they're "Big Box" architectural style. I know, I know... big box means a small price for me. I don't know though, I might be willing to pay a bit more to avoid feeling like a redneck for shopping there.

On a side note, it has been brought to my attention that my comments section doesn't work all the time, I'll fix that immediately. I really encourage anyone who reads to comment as much as possible, especially about that "redneck" line. Thanks as always.

Celebrate St. Louis with Musical Mediocrity

2009-05-26T11:21:00.005-05:00

So the line-up for Live on the Levee Summer 2009 was announced recently, and it's good. Maybe mediocre in the header is a bit harsh, but what can I say, I like alliteration.

No huge names, but overall I'm impressed and excited.

Many might not agree, but I am a really big fan of Counting Crowes. They'll take the stage July 4th.

Some say they never lived up to their potential or dreadlocks, but I disagree. Butterfly in Reverse, Round Here, Color Blind and of course Mr. Jones were great songs, and reamain so today. Sure their set list is fraught with covers that appeared on Shrek Soundtracks and easy listening radio, but hey... you gotta make money these days. I still like them and am proud to say it.

The rest of the list looks good as well:

Lupe Fiasco
Sonic Youth
Guster
Train
Gretchen Wilson
Angie Stone
Nat and Alex Wolff (for the kiddies)
Little Feat

I'll be there for at least 4 of these. 50%; thats a good percentage.

It's always free, fun and perfect on a nice St. Louis evening.

Let me know if I'll be seeing you there.

The Deal is Dead

2009-05-21T19:10:00.005-05:00

So remember this post. Just Yesterday. Ehemmm... forget that.

The merger is off.

The best way I can explain it is NGAGE and Hughes were like two young lovers. We were super into each other, finishing each other sentences, similar goals and aspirations. Both of us liked Hugh Grant movies and preferred Reese's Cups to Pieces (if you get what I'm saying). Peas and Carrots as Forrest's momma would say.

Then we decided to get Married. Take the plunge. So we started moving in together just weeks before the nuptials. And then the bickering began. NGAGE always leaving the toilette seat up, Hughes taking up all the closet space. Nagging, differences of opinion and disgusting habits that had never been part of the relationship surfaced.

It was clear that the wedding had to be called off, for each party to remain awesome and retain their friendship.

C'est la vie.

Awkward Family Photos

2009-05-21T13:58:00.003-05:00

My buddy Tom Buchok tweeted about this today, I think this site is really funny. It's called AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com, and the content is fairly self explanatory. I like making fun of people that are doing something completely innocent and that was intended to be personal.

Ones like this:

With the caption:

Never before has a birthday cake photograph been so chilling.

Love it.

Does your iPhone look like this?

2009-05-20T12:59:00.009-05:00

If not, you should think about joining the club!

NGAGE now Hughes...

2009-05-20T09:45:00.008-05:00

Sorry I have been out of sorts lately. I was on vacation, where I destroyed at least 5 burritos, frolicked on 2 beaches and took in a whole lot of sunshine in San Diego. Also, work has been crazy lately. We're cranking out a website and promo pieces for Astound Sound. They're an audio software that takes your compressed music and movies and expands the sound without stretching it. Its pretty incredible, and the work we're doing for it is very cool. The new site should be live in a couple weeks. Here's the banner I'm working on now, just to give you a sense.

But also, we found out a few weeks ago that my company NGAGE has merged with an agency known as Hughes, and that we are going to retain their name. Hughes has been around for more than 30 years, and has about 30 clients. Scottrade, our biggest client, will remain so for Hughes, but we are also bringing our other beautiful clients, much needed digital expertise and agency culture/brand. Here's some of our combined work, I did some of it.

As I said, Hughes has been in existence for over 30 years, and has seen at least two generations of Hughes at the helm. They have been profitable, versatile and extremely thorough. They specialize in the front end, and the back end. The research, and the PR proliferation. We are charged with bringing them a better creative product, opening doors in the digital space and most importantly breathing some new life and freshness into the company.

The immediate question from everyone when I tell them is, "Is your job ok?" The answer is an overwhelming yes. First off, I plan to approach the situation like my job is in danger, even though it's not. I'm going to dominate. But, lets go through the list of pluses in my court:

1. Hughes is an agency that falls more in line with my educational background (though I feel like my education may have been a bit outdated), and NGAGE has prepared me for where Hughes and the marketing world is moving. I'm covered.

2. My Creative Director will remain my CD, and immediate boss. This is huge, and if I was jumping onto a whole new creative team, I think I might be a bit more concerned. Though new creative thinking is never a bad thing, it's nice that I am on the inside of this transition.

3. I don't have to move offices again. Hughes (South Campus as we're calling it) is coming here. Which means a new creative floor. Thus less shushing from the AEs and more creatives being creative; collaborating. Never a bad thing.

4. More clients. More variety. We're like Y98 over here.

5. New people, more people. Fresh blood, fresh ideas. More business contacts. More growth potential.

So, I'll keep you guys up to date on how I feel moving forward, but as of now, I'm pumped.

Ahhhhh... San Diego

2009-05-11T13:08:00.006-05:00

So, I have to apologize for disappearing for a week or so. Work has been crazy, with lots of news on that front.

Plus, as I type this (on my iPhone; forgive the typos) I am over looking Mission Valley in this $1million house at the top of the bluffs, in classy San Diego, California. Note: to anyone looking to visit here for a week with more than 5 people, check out renting a house. This has been an awesome experience, with tons of personal space, for not much if any more than two hotel rooms.

We came out here to visit my brother (in law), who graduated last week from the Navy SEALs B.U.Ds Program. It's a really big deal! Very few make it to this point, and I am really proud of him.

We've beached it up, and we'll be there again today. Had Mexican food at least three times. And saw the sites, both touristy and military.

I'll write more and post pics when I get back, then get ready for 10 days of new posts.

The Death and Life of the Kurca

2009-05-05T14:25:00.005-05:00

So I live vicariously through Scott Lichtenauer lately, but I wanted to post his latest project for all, especially my Kansas City Slavic loving friends.

The Sugar Creek Slavic festival is a local event filled with slavic food, dance and garb. His current agency Salva O'renick in KC handles the promotion of the event every year, and has made Scott the point man for the past few years. He has dominated each time, especially given the nonexistent budget and zero time allocation.

This is this years installment.

Its a sort of who done it, Kurca (pronounced Kur-cha) murder mystery. Your three suspects are Borislava Jaje (the bakers wife, who fell in loving with the womanizing Kurca), Vlatko Ovaca (a peace loving shepard, enraged by the dissapearance of his flock) and of course Belbog Harmonika (plays "The Chicken Dance" on the squeeze-box like an angel, but has been silenced by the Kurca seemingly uncontrollable desire to destroy when hearing his rendition). Scott is Belbog by the way.

Check it out, as well as his normal blog The Surly Birds.

Dark Was The Night

2009-04-30T11:25:00.012-05:00

What album would you direct people to that represents perfectly your ideal music? Not your favorite song, or artist... I think that is an impossible question to answer for most people. But what's the style that you are into.

I found mine yesterday thanks to my buddy Scott of Surly Birds acclaim. He heard just a snippet of the the compilation album Dark Was the Night and was on a mission to get it to me. He had a feeling that I would geek out about it, and I have to tell you that he was absolutely right. I am in his music sharing debt for at least a year.

I had read about this album back in February on a few blogs, and seen it on iTunes as well. I even downloaded a few tracks from it randomly, with out knowing their original source. But I passed it up, didn't pursue it. I missed out on some amazing music on account of it. Til' now.

Check out the artists featured on this two disc compilation:
Andrew Bird
Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons)
Arcade Fire
Beach House
Beirut
Blonde Redhead
Bon Iver
The Books
Buck 65
David Byrne
Cat Power & Dirty Delta Blues
The Decemberists
Aaron Dessner + Bryce Dessner
Devastations
Dirty Projectors
Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene)
Feist
Ben Gibbard (Deathcab for Cutie)
Grizzly Bear
Iron & Wine
Jose Gonzalez
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Kronos Quartet
Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian)
My Brightest Diamond
My Morning Jacket
The National
The New Pornographers
Conor Oberst
Riceboy Sleeps
Serengeti
Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio)
Spoon
Sufjan Stevens
Gillian Welch
Yeasayer
Yo La Tengo

If that list doesn't mean anything to you, I'm sorry. You are missing out on some tremendous musical forces dominating the ears of the world for the past few years, and the years to come.

These some 31 tracks are a part of an ongoing project from Red Hot, who describe themselves this way:

The Red Hot Organization is the leading international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.

Since 1989, Red Hot has produced fourteen groundbreaking albums, related television programs and media events incorporating the talents of leading performers, visual artists, producers and directors to raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.

To date, these efforts have donated nearly 7 million dollars for AIDS relief around the world.

So, in essence this auditory bliss of a project is some of the best artists of today and tomorrow performing everything from original music to covers and remixes in order to raise awareness about and money to fight the AIDS virus.

This isn't your standard charity song project. We're not talking Springstein, Wonder and Jackson in a recording boothe here. These are amazing songs with powerful writing, playing and arrangement. Awesome original music written by the performers or amazing covers of underground classics.

Many of these tracks also offer unexpected but obvious musical pairings I haven't heard before, but hope the colaboration continues. For example, check out the song Train Song featuring Feist and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab and Postal Service fame.

Check out these songs, but please, consider buying this amazing album which goes to support a really good cause and other musical projects hopefully just as good or better than this one.

So next time you ask me what kind of music I am into, I will direct you immediately to this album. Hopefully you will like this enough to do the same when you are asked.

Thanks Scotty.David

Honda Insight

2009-04-28T12:32:00.006-05:00

I've been toying around with getting a new car. Mine is on the brink of needing a lot of repairs, I feel. Plus I have lost 70 MPG over the last year. I take MPGs very seriously these days, especially after the gas prices of last summer.

I think I might want the 2010 Honda Insight. What do you think?:

Check out this commerical/project that these people (I think from Vimeo) are doing for the Honda Insight. They are using car headlights to make a LEDstyle movie. It's pretty amazing, though I'm not so sure its very "Green". Regardless, if this cool execution puts 100,000 more Hybrids on the road, then the end will justify the means of wasting gas.

Honda Insight - Let It Shine from Honda on Vimeo.

You can see a making of here:

Honda Insight - The Making of "Let it Shine” from Honda on Vimeo.

I saw these on Google Reader, which pulled it from Gizmodo.

Google Reader is worth checking out if you haven't done so. It is a blog and friend aggregator. Keeping not only your favorite blogs and news sites updated in one centralized location, but also letting your friends see what your reading and you what they're reading. It aids in video, article and music sharing. Plus, the site offers recommendations as to other sites and blogs that you might be interested in due to the blogs that you are following or writing.

Pretty cool.

Let me know if I should get this car, or if you think I should get something else. Smart BRABUS, anyone?

This Guy is CRAP!

2009-04-24T16:02:00.005-05:00

Have we seen this?

This guy hates your business card, rolladexes and probably puppies.

But he can get a crowd, damn it!

Here's my business card. It's on a 110lb paper stock with an aqueous coating. It's terrible for the environment, but feels like silk. 1.5"x3.5" of raw business contact identification. Stolze Priniting here in St. Louis made these happen:

I like it, but I bet it gets lost in a rolladex. Damn.

Wisdom from Andrew Zuckerman

2009-04-23T14:25:00.003-05:00

I have been seeing this book, Wisdom, around for a while. On design sites, in bookstores and on Amazon.com. However, I didn't know there was a film associated with it. I saw this trailer for the film thanks to this really cool blog Changethethought.com.

Wisdom - Introduction from SLNSW on Vimeo.

Aside from the superb design, layout and art direction of the book and portraits, the film adds another level to this historical chronicle of figures over the age of 65 speaking about their lives, what they have learned and their perception of the wisdom that is supposed to come with age. Actually hearing the voices associated with the face and the story is tremendously impactful.

Look at this line-up of great figures of our time:
Chuck Close
Clint Eastwood
Nelson Mandela
Bill Withers
Jane Goodall
Dave Brubeck
Ted Kennedy
Buzz Aldren
And like 40 more more amazing people...

Everything about this is really smart and beautiful. Just the concept of all theses figures speaking about their experiences, and their take on a similar subject is a conversation for the ages.

Wisdom is directed by photographic master Andrew Zuckerman. He specializes in that super high contrast, high resolution, HDR style of photography, where every detail of a photo is present and beautiful. Take a look at some of his photos from his last project Creature:

The great thing about this is that the 60 minute film comes Free with the book Wisdom. You can buy it here. It's like $30, which is not bad for what would be a perfect coffee table book, but also I can't think of a better gift for someone who is either approaching that 65 age, or just starting out their adult lives.

Check out this book and film, and if you don't find inspiration from the photos, people or stories you might need a hug.

Bruno

2009-04-22T00:57:00.001-05:00

Sacha Baron Cohen as Bruno. 'Nough said.

This long anticipated and hyped movie is the last of the staple characters from The Ali G Show that has yet to be outed (so to speak). If the show is any kind of bench mark, the movie will be hilarious, disturbing... and eye opening as to how homophobic most people are.

Check out the trailer, if you are over 17 years of age of course.

Sony vs. Tango Juice

2009-04-21T23:40:00.011-05:00

So the other day I posted a Sony Bravia commercial that is probably my favorite pointless commercial of all time.

Here it is again, along with the rest of the campaign:

(This is all stop motion, no CGI, by the way)

I know, I know. It's the brilliant color and beautiful images that the TV has. I'm already second guessing the initial intent of this post, which is that this Bravia spot is really just an amazing execution affixed to a product or brand. However, this was a related video to the original, that I saw yesterday:

Now... I think I'm prepared to propose that this commercial for Tango Juice is actually a better, more brand specific commercial. Plus, I like how they piggybacked on another successful spot to effectively push their product.

I am arguing with myself, so I know someone out there disagrees with me. Comment. Let me know your thoughts.

Also, really quick. I want to give a shout out to the song featured in the bouncy ball Bravia commercial. That's Jose Gonzales covering the song Heartbeats by The Knife. His awesome voice takes that song to an amazing level, but I really want to speak a bit about the The Knife version. Listen to this song.

Heartbeats - The Knife (mp3)

This song came out in 2003, and I know, in my "in denial" state of how old I am, 2003 doesn't feel like all that long ago. But when you think back to what was out at the time, this song is super progressive... in a throwback sort of way (It came out the same year as Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne, Loose Yourself by Eminem and pretty much witnessed the rise of Jack Johnson).

This song was on the front line of the current hipster scene, and and has lead the way for some questionably awesome repercussions including but not limited to really tight pants, funky design, re-synthing America and apparently scrunchies and everything else at American Apparel.

You don't believe this song is influential or relevant? Check out this track off the mixtape Sky High by Mr. Hipster himself Kanye West:

High Heartbeats - Kanye West (mp3)

Hope you like.

JCVD

2009-04-20T12:27:00.001-05:00

So next time I make it out to a DVD rental place or a Red Box that is carrying this I'm gonna get it.

JCVD (Jean Claude Van Damme) is a fictional-ish biopic turn documentary about the actor's downtrodden life and career, and the extremes he is driven to in desperate times.

I am not sure how this is going to be, but my Creative Director and a trustworthy film lover David Johnson, saw it and was super impressed. Acting, directing, soundtrack and the general screenplay is apparently really good. Not just better than expected, but a genuinely decent film.

Here is a teaser scene featuring the real JCVD confronted with the reality that he wasn't even cast in a movie about himself:

I'm going to pick it up really soon, and I'll comment as to what I thought. Let me know if you have seen, want to or think I'll be wasting my hard earned $3.

Short Film for Phillips... I guess?

2009-04-19T12:23:00.001-05:00

Check out this short film, meant to promote the Philips Cinema 21:9 LCD TV.

I saw it today on Computerlove , a tech blog.

Spots like this make me jaded as to my own profession. They are sweet for sweetness sake, but have absolutely no function or tie to the brand. This could be an ad for Sony, Magnavox or Panasonic... or even Bose, Astound Sound, Best Buy or any number of companies and products.

But, I still think it's kind of cool.

Here are some other "commercials" that fall into the same pointless, but awesome category:

Invisibles

2009-04-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

So I might be late to this game, but my boss turned me onto this after seeing my last post.

It's on Filmwise.com and its called Invisibles.

They take still frames from movies and transform all the characters in the scene into the invisible man or woman. No head, no hands; even pets become simply a leash.

There are like 10 on a page and you are tasked at guessing them all, submitting and seeing how terrible you did.

David Johnson my Creative Director said its funny how tricky they are sometimes. I am like, "WTF, these are hard". I consider myself a movie guy, and I can not get some of these. It's frustrating, but really fun.

Get on it and tell me how you do. Here's the quiz from my birthday (some are obvious, but some are really hard:

Interesting Posters - Film the Blanks

2009-04-15T14:18:00.001-05:00

Check out this site, Film the Blanks. I saw some of these on FFFFound.com.

They take movie poster from past and present and compartmentalize and simplify the designs.

I don't know why I love it, but I do. I think I like the fact that they take something down to its most basic elements.

Check out these examples, can you determine the movies?

Baileys’ Chocolate Bar Chocolate Ale

2009-04-15T11:43:00.001-05:00

Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, the spot for desserts and martinis in St. Louis, has put out their own beer.

A partnership with local beer maker O'Fallon Brewery, has yielded the Baileys’ Chocolate Bar Chocolate Ale.

On their Blog, Bailey's describes it this way:

Amber Wheat Beer brewed with Natural Chocolate is perfectly balanced, finishes dry instead of cloyingly sweet, has beautiful lace, and enough effervescence to keep things interesting.

Translation, not a sweet stout, like is normally designated for chocolate brews.

I like that they are doing this. I like that Bailey's has teamed up with another local company, promoting community and craft brewing in St. Louis. But more, I like that they looked outside the box when producing this beer. A dessert like stout or porter seems like the obvious choice, but they went with a lighter bodied chocolate wheat.

I for one am glad and proud.

I'm going to go and try it as soon as I can get over to Lafayette Square.

St. Louis Originals

2009-04-14T09:58:00.002-05:00

So we all know how I feel about local restaurants vs. chain slop houses ( See my post about The Hill ).

Well I have been a member of this St. Louis Originals rewards program for a few years now. I'll admit, I tend to opt into things, use them religiously, and have absolutely no clue how to benefit from them... so I don't. This held true for this card until yesterday.

Listen to this long, drawn out and difficult process. I had to go to the website, enter my card number... okay, that was it. And it generated an unexpected surprise. I have earned $40 in rewards. That's cash money, player.

This is how it works. If you flash your St. Louis Originals card at any of the participating restaurants, you earn a point per every dollar you spend. So to beat a dead horse, a $10 check means 10 points, and a $200 check means 200 points. For every 150 points you acquire, you earn $10 towards your purchase at any of the St. Louis Originals restaurants.

Aside from that, your membership gets you drink, appetizer and meal specials at many of the restaurants as well. Here's a good example from Bailey's Chocolate Bar – widely regarded as the best dessert spot in STL:

Come in to Baileys' Chocolate Bar on Mondays and Thursdays to receive any of our martinis at HALF PRICE with your food purchase. What better way to spend a cool spring evening in St Louis than with a delicious (half price) martini and a light snack followed by a decadent dessert!

And last but not least is something that I can't quite wrap my head around. St. Louis Originals offers gift certificates for all the restaurants on their list. That part I understand. However, they offer them at discounted rates. So a $50 gift certificate only costs $35. A $25 gift card will only set you back $17.50.

What!?!

That is by far the coolest offer I have ever heard. I don't know how long they will have this offer, or if there is some legal copy I am missing, but you can check it out for yourself here.

I am pumped, and excited that I have another excuse to go to these great culinary establishments and splurge.

Another round, "Hell yeah!"

Dessert, "Why not!"

Truffles, "What the hell is a truffle? Who cares?"

Here are the list of establishments that St. Louis Originals lists as their members ( I'll !!! my faves):

Baileys' Chocolate Bar !!!
Bryan Young Catering Plus
Cafe Provencal
Companion
Cravings Rest. & Bakery
Dierdorf & Harts
Duff's
Eau
Eleven Eleven Mississippi !!!
Harry's Restaurant & Bar
Harvest
Herbie's
LoRusso's Cucina
Massa's
Mike Shannon's
Monarch
Ricardo's Italian Cafe
Riddle's Penultimate Cafe !!!
Rooster !!!
Schlafly Tap Room/Bottleworks !!!
Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream
Soda Fountain Square
Square One Brewery & Distillery !!!
SqWires Restaurant and Market
Sunset 44 Bistro
Tenderloin Room
Terrene
The Delmar Restaurant & Lounge
The Gardens at Malmaison
The Scottish Arms
The Shaved Duck
Three Monkeys
Trattoria Marcella
Vin de Set !!!
Vito's Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante
Wapango
Wild Horse Grill

Bon Appetit!

Easter Day Owl Massacre

2009-04-13T10:20:00.001-05:00

So, I know my writing fell off over the Holiday, but I promise to get back in the swing of things this week.

To start it off I want to let everyone know about a tragedy that I bore witness to over this holy-day weekend.

We had what could be referred to as a reunion this weekend of sorts of most my best friends. The old high school buddies and budettes convened at our typical watering hole Erato Wine Bar in Edwardsville, IL. We drank, we laughed and there was a lot of man hugging. About 2AM the bar was shutting down, I acted as DD for my buddy Dustin, and we took off to get him home. About 400 yards down Glen Carbon Rd. our headlights illuminated something. Things. But what were they, we swerved and drove by to fast to really see?

After dropping Dustin off we came back by to see what they were. Three dead animals scattered across the road. Raccoons, Opossums, Cats?

Neh!

Three dead Owls were laying there. In the middle of the road.

Aside from a zoo or bird sanctuary, I don't think I have ever seen three owls in one place at the same time. Let alone dead.

It opened up a lot of questions. "How" is the big one, but each answer I could think of lead to a "Why" or "Who" (No pun intended)?

I don't know what happened, and I probably never will. But, it was just impactful to see these majestic and elusive birds in that state.

So in that spirit, I compiled a list of the top 10 songs that an Owl should die to. You know that scene in the movie when the owls are falling in slow motion, these are what should be playing.

Owl Massacre Playlist

R.I.P.