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Saturday, May 31, 2003
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Things to make you go "hmmmm"
Is this why men are afraid to ask directions? Viralmeister (mpeg) of a man asking a woman for directions (via dabitch)
Mysteries of Ronald McDonald- I had no idea Willard Scott was the first Ronald. That's sort of scary.
BSOD- taken to the extreme! I found this very amusing! (BSOD= Blue Screen of Death)
Cow Freedom Song- Great flash fun! (via dabitch)
Thursday, May 29, 2003
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Some stuff to post
Danish Fanta Web site - Add subtitles to a collection of film clips and to create your own personalized commercial.
Weasel Words- The Manila Times educates the Philippines on weasel words, complete with a healthy dose of advertising terms and an interesting origin of the phrase.
Idanda.net- an independent, bi-weekly, online magazine celebrating "all that is great and good in creativity" officially debuts today with its premiere issue dedicated to an exploration of the meaning of design. "Idanda.net occupies a unique place in the world of magazine publishing,"
said editor-in-chief, Helen Walters. It will celebrate all that is great and good in creativity through an elegant mix of text, dialogue, visuals and multimedia, with a genuine desire to promote, discuss, stimulate and inspire." (via dabitch)
"To help expand into the business arena, Adobe launched its first-ever television-advertising campaign, a simple spot aired on stations like CNN that extols not the virtues of the Acrobats, but of PDFs themselves." View the ad here.
Tongue and groove with Tooheys Extra Dry- Sounds like a decent ad...it's nice to see beer advertising that doesn't involve T&A.
Check out this years D&AD winners here.
Friday, May 23, 2003
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Weekly Wrap-Up - Children's Lit
1. What was your favorite book as a child? Why? Either The Phantom Tollbooth or Black Beauty. I loved the imagination of PT and the great story of BB.
2. How often did you read as a child? Describe your preferred reading area or situation. Rather often. Reading either took place in my room or in the living room. I wasn't very picky about where I read.
3. What children's literature series did you read when you were younger? Why? I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. They really let you take control of the story which was fun.
4. Do you still read children's literature? Why or why not? Not really. Unless I'm reading it to a kid.
5. What children's book would you recommend for a child's library? Why? Litte Bear, R. Dahl, Phantom Tollbooth to name a few.
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Just working for the weekend
Advertising running amok; even your banana isn't safe- A nicely written article about the state of advertising from a consumer. It's always interesting to get the point of view of those who are subjected to the advertising that is created. I think some advertisers live in a bubble. I mean, when you think about it really, a lot of the ads you see/hear/read don't always seem to be all that well thought out. Like the Extra's ad that features an angry gumball. I mean come on. There's nothing good about that ad. It's just annoying. The sad thing is they had a decent concept behind the whole thing...and in execution it came out awful.
California passes bill allowing spammers to be sued by you- "Under the new bill, a judge can triple the $500 fine if it is determined that the spam sender willfully and knowingly violated the California law. The measure is modeled on a federal law banning junk faxes that allows consumers to sue fax spammers for $500 per fax." Now if they could just make this law national- heck, even if they made the law they have in California that all spam must have "ADV" in the subject national it would be a start.
Handful of ads from the Guardian includes the the ad for Lil-lets tampons, which "goes out of its way to avoid the usual euphemisms and has come under fire from viewers disturbed by its direct approach. The commercial prompted 64 complaints from viewers accusing it being "distasteful", "inappropriate" and even "disgusting", making it one of the most complained-about ads of the year so far."
Juan Valdez comes back- The Columbian coffee growers are bringing back Juan Valdez starting with the new Jim Carrey movie which opens this weekend. "Juan was one of the most recognized symbols of global advertising before he was virtually pensioned off two years ago amid a financial crisis for Colombia’s coffee industry. Now, Mr. Silva says Juan is coming back. But rather than advertising in sporting events as previously, Colombia’s growers say they are putting Juan on the pages of hip publications such as Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly. “We don’t want him to become a vintage, we want him to be a living icon,” said Mr. Silva. The growers’ federation will next month award an advertising contract to run a $9 million campaign and is said to be seeking an agency with experience of marketing to 18 to 35-year-olds." I always liked these ads with Senor Valdez- although in a way they were somewhat creepy if you really think about it. I mean, who wants to find some random guy and his burro in their cabinet when you're half awake? Or even if you're fully awake. But they were effective and well done.
Thursday, May 22, 2003
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Question Time
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. If the President called up and said that he'd do his darnedest to implement any one policy or program you chose, what would you choose? This is a tough one. There are a lot of really good things that need to be done and choosing just one is hard. I guess I'd go with a policy that reduced the amount of money given by the government to corporations and groups that already have tons of money so that it can be used for education, helping the needy, and fixing the economy. There's no reason for billion dollar companies to be getting special tax breaks or any of the other butt kissing activities by the goverment when there are many other important causes. Funny, as I get older, I get more and more pissed off at how the government works and the number of massive flaws in the system. I think I'm getting more cynical in my "old" age too. ;-)
2. Is there scientific knowledge best left undiscovered? I'd say cloning, although I think the concept of cloning organs could be very useful...the cloning of whole people on the other hand is a bit scary. And who's to say that the technology for one wouldn't get used for the other? I guess that's the thing with scientific discoveries. For all the reasons something is being researched for good...there are as many people out there looking for non-good applications.
3. If you could proclaim a new national holiday, what would it be and how would we celebrate it? World Culture Day. A day for all cultures to celebrate. It would be like a world festival...and use it to celebrate the differences and similarities between all cultures. Also it would be good for those who don't know much about the rest of the world to learn that there is a big world beyond their backyard.
The Thursday Threesome::Rain, rain, go away. Come back another day::
Onesome: Rain, rain- Some people love rainy days every once in a while. Are you one of them? Do they make you want to curl up in bed with a good book or going walking through the mist? Or would you rather it just go away? Once in a while. When it rains for days and days on end, I end up craving the sun. But the odd rainy day is nice. It does tend to make me want to say in bed longer and enjoy a day inside.
Twosome: Go away- If you could go away to just one place, where would you go and why? The UK. I love it there. So much to do and see. Yeah, I'm an anglophile...and I can't help it. There's also a lot of London I didn't get to see when I was there last and go to the countryside and lots of other places.
Threesome: Come back another day- What's the one place you've been to that you would like to go back to another time? See the answer to the last question. ;-)
3 for Thursday - That’s entertainment!
1. What are your 3 favorite current TV shows? Futurama, Law and Order, and Good Eats!
2. What are your 3 favorite shows from your childhood? Oh this is going to be hard to pick three. Um...Fraggle Rock, Silver Spoons (had a mad crush on Ricky), and Punky Brewster.
3. What are your 3 favorite TV/movie/fictional characters? Fry, Bender and Dr. Zoidberg- yeah they are all Futurama characters, but since Fox stupidly cancelled the show...I'm putting them everywhere as my faves!! ;-)
4. What are your 3 favorite movies of all time? Movies you can sit and watch over and over. Another tough one to narrow down to three...The Princess Bride, The Breakfast Club, Lethal Weapon (and of them).
5. What are your 3 favorite books? Katherine by Anya Seton, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (the whole series) by Douglas Adams, and Mists of Avalon.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
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It's all about the ads
'Offensive' condom ad banned in UK- A great ad killed off by complaints...what's new? Click on link for image of ad- or go here.
Sizing up advertising shock tactics- "Whether an ad is acceptable to the public and to the relevant advertising authority depends mainly on the editorial environment in which the creative appears. Outdoor is different from other formats because it is a pure advertising medium. The only “editorial” context is the public and the Advertising Standards Authority’s definition of taste and decency. The fact that posters are still the most complained-about medium, according to the ASA’s 2002 figures, is simply because they are the most impactful medium. They can’t be turned off or tuned out. No 9 o’clock watershed, no 18+ category, no top shelf."
Reality TV fading on network TV- All I can say is thank god. Enough is enough. Networks are realizing that there's more money to be made in shows that can be syndicated, like sitcoms. Unfortunately, there are very few good sitcoms out there now, and even fewer coming this fall from the descriptions of the new line ups.
San Fran does up ads for non-profit groups- Four ads to check out here...the article discusses the freedom and challenges of creating pro-bono advertising.
Cannes to add new award category- "A new award to honor innovation will be added to this year's Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. The new prize, called the Titanium Lion, was created at least in part over how difficult it is to award groundbreaking work like the BMW Films campaign that doesn't fit neatly into a single category."
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
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This or That Tuesday
1. Large or small family? Mid sized.
2. Potato chips or pretzels? Potato chips.
3. House or apartment? A house would be nice. Landlords suck.
4. Zebras or giraffes? I like them both about the same.
5. Candles or potpourri? Candles
6. Flowers or trees? Flowers
7. Right or left-handed? Um...that's a secret.
8. Model trains or dolls/stuffed animals? Stuffed animals
9. Comedy or drama? Both
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: The city of Boston has recently banned smoking in all restaurants and bars. Would you want to see such a law passed in your city/town/country, or not? I can see it for restaurants but seems odd for bars and clubs in a way. Walking into a non-smokey club would be weird.
Friday, May 16, 2003
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Stupid clouds
I missed the eclipse last night due to low clouds that blocked my view. Very frustrating. I was hoping to take a picture or two and post it up here. Not that I have the proper equipment for really taking these types of pictures, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Now I'll have to wait until November 8th-9th for the next one. Hopefully it will be clear on that night! Space.com has some pictures of the eclipse up here. I tried to find some others but they aren't up yet or don't exist. If I come across any I'll add them.
Wow. One of my favorite places in Los Angeles is closed until 2005! They are taking three years to do renovations on the Griffith Observatory. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's all done. Here is a summary of what work is being done. Lenoard Nimoy and his wife donated $1 million to the renovations and he will have part of it named after him. I guess even after Star Trek, he's still interested in the stars, which is cool. The Observatory can be found at a satalite location found here if you want to check it out. It's sort of sad looking compared to the beautiful building that they normally work out of. And if you're not in the LA area or even if you are, you can find planetaria near you.
Comet could brighten skys next Spring although astronomers aren't getting too specific beacuse they're not sure what path the new comet will be taking. There may even be two for viewing but we'll just have to wait and see what happens with their orbits.
Other stuff
Caption contest at edgecurve has some funny entries.
This week the topics for theme thursday and and photo friday are light and candy. I haven't been playing along for the last couple weeks, mostly because of being busy and also because I haven't been motivated by anything to photograph based on the topics. Maybe I'll do these ones though.
Thursday, May 15, 2003
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I wanna get lost in your rock n' roll
Thursday Threesome ::Quick as Can Be!::
Onesome: Quick as- Quickly now, June is almost here: are you attending any graduation ceremonies in the next few weeks? Hmmm... Maybe that should be "Have you been invited to any?" Yeah...two.
Twosome: Can- Still moving right along: Can it really be the Merry Month of May? How many birthdays do you have to remember this month? Family? Friends? Associates? Just one. And it's next week and I already sent a card out- so no more until later in June I think.
Threesome: Be(e)- Be ready, the bug population is starting to be a bother (at least from blog reports). Is there any particular crawly or flying beastie that just makes you jump out of your skin? Ticks. Nasty things they are. Roaches and that kind of thing gross me out too. We've got some spiders but they aren't a big deal to me.
3 for Thursday - Fun and Sun
1. What are 3 things you're looking forward to this summer? The beach, getting some sun, and hopefully having my brother come visit.
2. What are 3 things you're not looking forward to? The humidity, the humidity, and the humidity!!
3. What are your 3 top vacation spots you'd like to visit? England, Amsterdam, New Zealand.
BONUS: Will you be taking a vacation this year? If so where? Dunno yet.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
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Lunar Eclipse
Tomorrow look out for the Lunar Eclipse! Starting the evening of May 15th and continuing into the early morning of May 16th depending on your location. For exact (or nearly) times of phases check out the minute by minute guide. "During totality, although the Moon will be entirely immersed in the Earth’s shadow, it likely will not disappear from sight. Rather, it should appear to turn a coppery red color, a change caused by the Earth's atmosphere bending or refracting sunlight into the shadow." Hopefully we'll have clear skys for an unobstructed view!
Interesting fact on upcoming lunar eclipses is that there will be an unusual number of them in the next 18 months...Usually the lunar eclipses appear in clusters of two or three during a 12-18 month span with a couple years between each set. But between March 15, 2003 and October 24, 2004 there are going to be four- three of which will be visible from the east coast...and then not one viewable until 2007! If you miss this one, there is another one in November this year. There's also an article which is interesting on the fear and awe of lunar eclipses in the past.
NASA has a new site up and running. Looks nice. A big change from what they had up before. Daily images are added to the Image Gallery. Some very cool stuff there. Plus loads of other neat things. Think I'll spend some time checking it out.
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Music to my ears
Whee! Live has a new CD, Birds of Prey, coming out next week! Listening to the radio I thought I heard a song that sounded like it was Live, but I hadn't heard it before (I have all their albums), and went to their site and yes, it's a new single called Heaven. I am impressed that I can identify Ed's voice that easily. Heh. Apparently they are touring in Europe right now too...although it's with Bon Jovi...which is weird (and scary!). Hopefully that means they will be coming this way sometime in the not too far future. Saw them last year (or was it two years ago?) with Jane's Addiction...what an amazing show that was! In attempt to see if either one is coming this way, I checked out ticketmaster...and I was amazed to find how many 80s bands/singers are touring this summer...ZZ Top, Hall and Oates, Huey Lewis and the News, B-52's, Bruce Springsteen, David Lee Roth, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Eagles, Poison, Boston, Chicago, Heart, Terence Trent Darby, and Bon Jovi. But no Live listed...at least not yet! Jane's is playing as part of Lollapalooza this year. I'd be tempted to go but I don't know that I want to see the other bands enough to pay for the tickets.
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Wednesday What-If
1. What if you could choose to be the ruler of one country on Earth? I don't know that I'd want to. There's so much pressure and the fate of so many would be in your hands- that's not the kind of thing I would enjoy. If I had to, I'd choose a very small country- maybe even an island that only I live on, with family and some friends or something.
2. What if you could be one politically influential person who is alive today (like President Bush or even Oprah)? Is Oprah politically influential??? haha. Um...Monica Lewinsky! ;-)
3. What if you could finalize one cause (such as end world hunger or stop animal cruelty)? It's hard to just pick one. There are so many things that should be ended. The top of my list would be ending world hunger, discovering a way to destroy viruses (meaning finding a cure for AIDS and all other viral diseases, etc), and an end to all hate crimes or even thoughts against people because they are different.
4. What if you could entirely make-over your own country -- what would it be like? I don't know but I don't know that I'd want that responsibility (see question one). I'm not sure if this is asking if I would make-over the country I currently live in or as in creating my own. If it's making over the one I currently live in- there are lots of things I can think of to be fixed but how it would be done I don't know. Which is why I'm not a politician, among other reasons ;-)
5. What if you could start a new planet -- what it would be like? Wow. That's an interesting question. I guess I'd like it to be a bit like earth...since it's really the only planet I know. Oceans, forests, mountains, and all that kind of thing. A wide variety of animals and people. A place that allow prejudices of any kind so that there'd be peace. Anyone who didn't follow this policy would be shot out into space without any oxygen. ;-) Actually, I don't know what I'd like it to be like.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
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Addy news
False advertising of tampons? No it's not about the funny blue liquid. " Procter & Gamble Co. advertised falsely to gain share in the tampon market, lawyers for Playtex Products Inc. said Monday at the start of a civil trial accusing P&G of unfair competition. But P&G lawyers contend that Playtex merely wants a jury's help after consumers decided P&G's tampon was superior."
Yo Quiero Dinero!- "Two men who sued Taco Bell Corp. more than five years ago, accusing the restaurant chain of stealing their idea for an advertising campaign featuring a talking Chihuahua, are finally getting their day in court."
US Campaign to Buckleup- "Motorists caught without a seatbelt can expect a ticket from police nationwide next week because of stepped-up efforts to promote safety belt use, federal officials said Monday."
Monday, May 12, 2003
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This or That Tuesday
1. Packrat or minimalist? Packrat!!
2. Computer: desktop or laptop? Laptop for now.
3. Seashore or mountains? Depends. Usually more seashore than mountains though.
4. Carpeting or bare floors? A combo.
5. Drinking water: bottled or tap? Both.
6. Shopping websites: eBay or Amazon? Amazon.
7. Cute little kitties or big scary tigers? cute little tigers. (and both)
8. Front door or back door? Um..heh....
9. Lots of jewelry, or little/none? Little.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: At the last minute, you obtain tickets to an event you're dying to attend. However, you have to work that day! Do you ask the boss for the time off, or just call in sick? Call in sick. Unless the boss is understanding- then tell the truth.
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission
1. Who are your favorite cartoon characters? Fry, Maggie Simpson, Bender, Lela, Dr. Zoidberg, Wily E Coyotr, Pepe Le Pew.
2. Have you yet reached the point where you feel like you are from a different generation than today's youth? Scarily enough- yes.
3. What was the first Music Video that really impressed you? What made it so amazing? Hmm. I guess Thriller. 'nuff said.
4. Name a song and an era that comes to mind when you hear the word "Retro." Probably something from the 70s.
5. How has your life been affected by HIV or AIDS? Sadly I lost a relative because of it.
6. Yesterday in the USA, we celebrated "Mothers Day," a day where we honor the mothers in our lives. If you were on a "special day" nominating committee, who or what would you recommend that we create a day in honor of? Teachers.
7. Last week, we have several Tornadoes tore through many neighborhoods, destroying homes and devastating the lives of the residents. How would you feel if you lost every possession you owned? Or would it matter? How would you go on with your life? That's hard for me to say. I think it would be difficult at first but I'd be happy if I came out alive. I mean possessions are just things. They can be repurchased. I guess that's the way one has to look at a situation like that.
BONUS: Do you remember the 21st night of September? Heh. Nah I was gone.
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Got ad news?
All ad channel in the UK? Apparently this idea had been tried in the US and resulted in a 24/7 infomercial channel.
Some product labels are just too silly, Elizabeth Day discovers in Britain's first Ridiculous Packaging Instructions Award contest "Some ridiculous instructions have a long and distinguished history, however. Douglas Adams, the late author, included a reference to silly labelling in his Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy stories of the 1970s and '80s. Towards the end of the saga, a scientist called Wonko the Sane withdraws from society in protest at ridiculous instructions on a packet of toothpicks: "Hold stick near centre of its length. Moisten pointed end in mouth. Insert in tooth space, blunt end next to gum. Use gentle in-out motion." "It seemed to me," explains Wonko, "that any civilisation that had so far lost its head as to need to include a set of detailed instructions for use in a package of toothpicks was no longer a civilisation in which I could live and stay sane."
Old Italian ads that are pretty cool.
Renaming parks and forests to pay off state debt? "With the state facing a $3 billion deficit, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering selling corporate sponsors the naming rights to parks and forests, including the Walden Woods immortalized by Henry David Thoreau." This is just horrible. It really saddens me that we may even be near this kind of thing. What's next? Victoria's Secret Grand Tetons?
Ad job market looking up? I hope so...but it's just a survey. I don't believe it until I see it...ie-get a job!
Want to be grossed out? This is just nasty. I wish I hadn't even looked at it. Time for some memory erasure!
Sunday, May 11, 2003
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Unconscious Mutterings - I say … and you think … ?
1. Want:: Desire
2. Pleasure:: Happy
3. Sugar:: Sweet
4. Special:: Me ;-)
5. Pure:: White
6. Right:: Wrong
7. Something:: Else
8. Cherish:: Love
9. Pub:: Beer
10. Snap:: Peas
Saturday, May 10, 2003
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Mulit is a trailer for an Absolut Film about arguably the worst hairstyle in modern history, tells the tale of the mullet in grand Bollywood style, complete with love, intrigue, suspense and a wonderful dose of '70s kitsch. Done by TWBA/Chiat/Day, NY.
Boards new commericals. Some good, some bad, and some in between. An interesting variety of products and services from around the globe.
DFILM lets you make your own flash movie without needing to know the ins and outs of flash. Has a limited library right now but hopefully it will grow.
Thursday, May 08, 2003
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Ad news
How do you win new biz in advertising? Look here to see how Crispin Porter & Bogusky got Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Mr. Crain tells why he thinks Ad Agencies do a lousy job selling themselves - " I've always held the view that the creative department was the only part of an advertising agency that doesn't believe in selling. Now I learn that the rest of the agency isn't very good at it, either."
AFLAC duck gets Japanese makeover-"The AFLAC duck is getting a bit of a makeover for the Japanese market. He'll remain a duck, but will lose his voice, or more specifically, Gilbert Gottfried's voice."
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Let's push things forward
Thursday Threesome::Coffee, tea or me?::
Onesome- Coffee: Do you drink coffee? If so, do you ask for brewed or do you prefer the fancy espresso drinks? What's your flavor? Heh- do I drink coffee? You bet. Depending on my mood (and funds!), what I order varies. Oh and I guess where I'm getting said coffee too. I'll do a brewed coffee- sometimes flavored vanilla or hazelnut. I like lattes and capps with a shot of almond.
Twosome- Tea: Do you drink tea? Hot or iced? Regular, herbal or flavored? Sometimes I'll do tea. Usually I like something like earl grey or english or irish breakfast. Also there's a yummy herbal mango and green tea one that I like. Oh and green tea. Depending on the temp/weather I'll either have it hot or iced.
Threesome- Or Me?: Ok, not really me! Seriously, what's your favorite beverage? Alcoholic or non, healthy or not? Hmm. Tough question. I don't know that I have an absolute favorite. I'd list some of my favorites but there are too many.
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. What is one event in the future whose outcome you would like to know right now? When I'm going to get hired!
2. If you were exiled from your country, and had only limited financial resources, where would you try to rebuild your life? England.
3. An eccentric millionaire hires you to spend $10 million to help society. What would you do with it? Use it to start programs to help those who are living in poverty in the US get out of it...not sure what kind of programs though.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
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This or That Tuesday:The Media Edition
1. TV or radio? Both. But probably more radio than TV.
2. On the radio: talk or music station? Music station.
3. Actual books or books-on-tape (or e-books)? Actual books.
4. Actual newspaper, or web version? Both.
5. Wall Street Journal or National Enquirer? WSJ
6. TV news...news channel such as CNN, or your local broadcast news? Local news. They aren't as obnoxious as the cable news channels.
7. A movie you've been looking forward to seeing gets bad reviews all around. See it anyway, or pass? See it anyway, although I might wait for it to go to video instead of seeing it at the theatre.
8. See movies when they first come out, or wait a few weeks for the lines at the theater to get shorter? Usually wait a bit so the theatre isn't super packed.
9. TV: cable, satellite dish, or just plain old antenna? Cable- even though you get a ton of channels and rarely is there anything on that's worth watching.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: If you had to choose only one form of media to come into your home, which would you choose...print (newspapers, magazines) or electronic (TV, internet)? Why? Um, I guess I'd say electronic. Mostly because with the internet you can search around for the news on issues that are interesting to you rather than being fed it.
Monday, May 05, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission
1. Are there any confrontations you have been avoiding that you know you will eventually have to deal with? What's that all about? Job stuff...same as usual. At some point a decision has to be made and I'm dreading it. :(
2. When was the last time you surprised yourself by being more brave than you ever thought you could be? Hmm. I guess a few months back when I finally conquered the "scary roundabout" that is a short way to my place from various locations. I dreaded taking it because all the people who have yield signs never ever do. And it's goddamn scary to have cars coming at you at 60mph when they don't even have the right of way. But the first time I tried it on my own, it was a very snowy day and I figured everyone had to go slow so it wouldn't be too freaky. And that was the case. Now I take it but I still get pissed off at those morons who don't yield. Although I suppose at least I know they don't yield, so I am more prepared for it than someone who isn't from the area.
3. You know that sickly feeling you get when are speeding and out of the corner of your eye you realize you just passed a hidden police car? It is that "deer-caught-in-the-headlights" feeling, where you are so busted there is no way out. When was the last time you were in a situation like that? It's been a while. I do my best to try not to speed much. That and my car is no roadster! *lol* I really can't remember the last time. I don't think since I've lived here that I've noticed hidden police cars. If they are doing that, I just haven't noticed them I guess.
4. One of the things I've had to do recently, is clean out my attic. I have an amazing amount of things I've collected over the years, and I am almost embarrassed that I still have so much of it. I realized that I may as well sell it, since it does me no good in the attic, and when I die, my family will probably sell it for a dollar a pound at a garage sale anyway. May as well enjoy the money now. Do you have any things stored away that you just can't get rid of but will probably of no sentimental value to anyone once you are gone? Why do we hang on to that stuff? Do you think you could sell or auction it off? I have some things, although the majority of them are saved for sentimental value only. My mom keeps trying to get me to throw stuff away when I go home, but there just are some things I don't want to part with yet. Maybe in time they will be less sentimental- at least some of them- and I'll get rid of them.
5. I've become the resident Handler at the house. Got bugs? Call me! Flies, ants, spiders, I'm your man. Vomit? Dog Poo? Toilet overflow? Yep, I get it all clean. Not much bothers me in that area, and I am glad really to be someone you can rely on. But the one thing that does make me squirm are injuries. Stitches, incisions, bloody puss-laden bandages, heavily scabbed areas, all that just about does me in. What are some of the things you have a strong stomach for, and what are some of the things that can turn your stomach? I have a pretty strong stomach when it comes to most things. Although seeing vomit or smelling it can sometimes make me feel the need to add to the pile, if you know what I mean. But for the most part it doesn't bug me too much. Bugs don't bug me (heh), but snakes do. Gives me the chills just thinking about them. But the weird part is, I don't mind other people's pet snakes as much as the wild ones for some reason. I also don't like city mice and rats. Mostly because god only knows what germs and things they have all over them. I have screamed when I see mice- like when I had them in my old place(s)- but usually that was because they startled me. Watching surgeries on tv makes me somewhat sick too. I really don't need to see that- especially if I'm having dinner while flipping through the channels. Ugh.
6. I am at the point where I am going to have to make some tough decisions about the future of this blog. I think this sort of moment comes to all bloggers at some point. For me, I am not very good at managing my obsessions (read as: things I enjoy passionately). Eventually they get too much focus and something that once was good begins to impact my life in negative ways. Something's got to give. Have you ever been involved in an experience that started out as something good and enjoyable but eventually became destructive and bad for your health (mentally or physically)? I can't think of anything. Funnily enough, I'm thinking of breaking my blog down into two separate ones- basically keeping this the way it is but then starting one for cooking. It's just an idea at this point though. So many projects, and only so many hours in the day though is something I'm considering. So we'll see.
7. Do you believe in evolution or creationism or something else? Evolution.
Bonus: Are you trying to tempt me? You betcha! ;-)
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Unconscious Mutterings: I say … and you think …
1. Nanny:: Fran Drescher (sp?)
2. Weight:: Gram
3. Deep:: Throat
4. Sock:: Puppet
5. 24 hours:: Day
6. Tongue:: Lick
7. Fees:: Dosh
8. Champagne:: Celebration
9. Bruise:: Painful
10. Pancakes:: Yummy!
(didn't get a chance to do this yesterday)
Saturday, May 03, 2003
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Something cool
Check this out The MayDay Project- On Saturday, May 10th participants will take a photo every hour to document their day. Neat-o!
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Tasty
Yummy tapas recipes and my favorite the Potato Tort. Mmmmm!
Now if I could just find some good empanada and samosa recicpes!
Friday, May 02, 2003
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Tax on drug advertising- "Under a bill filed by Hynes, drug manufacturers would be required to pay $1 for every $1 they spend on television, radio, print and Internet advertising within Massachusetts. The definition of advertising would include money spent by drug makers on visits to health professionals and free samples they leave with health care providers. The money would go into an interest-bearing state trust fund and help pay for the state Prescription Advantage program."
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Things to make you go "hmmmm"
Is this why men are afraid to ask directions? Viralmeister (mpeg) of a man asking a woman for directions (via dabitch)
Mysteries of Ronald McDonald- I had no idea Willard Scott was the first Ronald. That's sort of scary.
BSOD- taken to the extreme! I found this very amusing! (BSOD= Blue Screen of Death)
Cow Freedom Song- Great flash fun! (via dabitch)
Thursday, May 29, 2003
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Some stuff to post
Danish Fanta Web site - Add subtitles to a collection of film clips and to create your own personalized commercial.
Weasel Words- The Manila Times educates the Philippines on weasel words, complete with a healthy dose of advertising terms and an interesting origin of the phrase.
Idanda.net- an independent, bi-weekly, online magazine celebrating "all that is great and good in creativity" officially debuts today with its premiere issue dedicated to an exploration of the meaning of design. "Idanda.net occupies a unique place in the world of magazine publishing,"
said editor-in-chief, Helen Walters. It will celebrate all that is great and good in creativity through an elegant mix of text, dialogue, visuals and multimedia, with a genuine desire to promote, discuss, stimulate and inspire." (via dabitch)
"To help expand into the business arena, Adobe launched its first-ever television-advertising campaign, a simple spot aired on stations like CNN that extols not the virtues of the Acrobats, but of PDFs themselves." View the ad here.
Tongue and groove with Tooheys Extra Dry- Sounds like a decent ad...it's nice to see beer advertising that doesn't involve T&A.
Check out this years D&AD winners here.
Friday, May 23, 2003
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Weekly Wrap-Up - Children's Lit
1. What was your favorite book as a child? Why? Either The Phantom Tollbooth or Black Beauty. I loved the imagination of PT and the great story of BB.
2. How often did you read as a child? Describe your preferred reading area or situation. Rather often. Reading either took place in my room or in the living room. I wasn't very picky about where I read.
3. What children's literature series did you read when you were younger? Why? I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. They really let you take control of the story which was fun.
4. Do you still read children's literature? Why or why not? Not really. Unless I'm reading it to a kid.
5. What children's book would you recommend for a child's library? Why? Litte Bear, R. Dahl, Phantom Tollbooth to name a few.
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Just working for the weekend
Advertising running amok; even your banana isn't safe- A nicely written article about the state of advertising from a consumer. It's always interesting to get the point of view of those who are subjected to the advertising that is created. I think some advertisers live in a bubble. I mean, when you think about it really, a lot of the ads you see/hear/read don't always seem to be all that well thought out. Like the Extra's ad that features an angry gumball. I mean come on. There's nothing good about that ad. It's just annoying. The sad thing is they had a decent concept behind the whole thing...and in execution it came out awful.
California passes bill allowing spammers to be sued by you- "Under the new bill, a judge can triple the $500 fine if it is determined that the spam sender willfully and knowingly violated the California law. The measure is modeled on a federal law banning junk faxes that allows consumers to sue fax spammers for $500 per fax." Now if they could just make this law national- heck, even if they made the law they have in California that all spam must have "ADV" in the subject national it would be a start.
Handful of ads from the Guardian includes the the ad for Lil-lets tampons, which "goes out of its way to avoid the usual euphemisms and has come under fire from viewers disturbed by its direct approach. The commercial prompted 64 complaints from viewers accusing it being "distasteful", "inappropriate" and even "disgusting", making it one of the most complained-about ads of the year so far."
Juan Valdez comes back- The Columbian coffee growers are bringing back Juan Valdez starting with the new Jim Carrey movie which opens this weekend. "Juan was one of the most recognized symbols of global advertising before he was virtually pensioned off two years ago amid a financial crisis for Colombia’s coffee industry. Now, Mr. Silva says Juan is coming back. But rather than advertising in sporting events as previously, Colombia’s growers say they are putting Juan on the pages of hip publications such as Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly. “We don’t want him to become a vintage, we want him to be a living icon,” said Mr. Silva. The growers’ federation will next month award an advertising contract to run a $9 million campaign and is said to be seeking an agency with experience of marketing to 18 to 35-year-olds." I always liked these ads with Senor Valdez- although in a way they were somewhat creepy if you really think about it. I mean, who wants to find some random guy and his burro in their cabinet when you're half awake? Or even if you're fully awake. But they were effective and well done.
Thursday, May 22, 2003
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Question Time
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. If the President called up and said that he'd do his darnedest to implement any one policy or program you chose, what would you choose? This is a tough one. There are a lot of really good things that need to be done and choosing just one is hard. I guess I'd go with a policy that reduced the amount of money given by the government to corporations and groups that already have tons of money so that it can be used for education, helping the needy, and fixing the economy. There's no reason for billion dollar companies to be getting special tax breaks or any of the other butt kissing activities by the goverment when there are many other important causes. Funny, as I get older, I get more and more pissed off at how the government works and the number of massive flaws in the system. I think I'm getting more cynical in my "old" age too. ;-)
2. Is there scientific knowledge best left undiscovered? I'd say cloning, although I think the concept of cloning organs could be very useful...the cloning of whole people on the other hand is a bit scary. And who's to say that the technology for one wouldn't get used for the other? I guess that's the thing with scientific discoveries. For all the reasons something is being researched for good...there are as many people out there looking for non-good applications.
3. If you could proclaim a new national holiday, what would it be and how would we celebrate it? World Culture Day. A day for all cultures to celebrate. It would be like a world festival...and use it to celebrate the differences and similarities between all cultures. Also it would be good for those who don't know much about the rest of the world to learn that there is a big world beyond their backyard.
The Thursday Threesome::Rain, rain, go away. Come back another day::
Onesome: Rain, rain- Some people love rainy days every once in a while. Are you one of them? Do they make you want to curl up in bed with a good book or going walking through the mist? Or would you rather it just go away? Once in a while. When it rains for days and days on end, I end up craving the sun. But the odd rainy day is nice. It does tend to make me want to say in bed longer and enjoy a day inside.
Twosome: Go away- If you could go away to just one place, where would you go and why? The UK. I love it there. So much to do and see. Yeah, I'm an anglophile...and I can't help it. There's also a lot of London I didn't get to see when I was there last and go to the countryside and lots of other places.
Threesome: Come back another day- What's the one place you've been to that you would like to go back to another time? See the answer to the last question. ;-)
3 for Thursday - That’s entertainment!
1. What are your 3 favorite current TV shows? Futurama, Law and Order, and Good Eats!
2. What are your 3 favorite shows from your childhood? Oh this is going to be hard to pick three. Um...Fraggle Rock, Silver Spoons (had a mad crush on Ricky), and Punky Brewster.
3. What are your 3 favorite TV/movie/fictional characters? Fry, Bender and Dr. Zoidberg- yeah they are all Futurama characters, but since Fox stupidly cancelled the show...I'm putting them everywhere as my faves!! ;-)
4. What are your 3 favorite movies of all time? Movies you can sit and watch over and over. Another tough one to narrow down to three...The Princess Bride, The Breakfast Club, Lethal Weapon (and of them).
5. What are your 3 favorite books? Katherine by Anya Seton, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (the whole series) by Douglas Adams, and Mists of Avalon.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
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It's all about the ads
'Offensive' condom ad banned in UK- A great ad killed off by complaints...what's new? Click on link for image of ad- or go here.
Sizing up advertising shock tactics- "Whether an ad is acceptable to the public and to the relevant advertising authority depends mainly on the editorial environment in which the creative appears. Outdoor is different from other formats because it is a pure advertising medium. The only “editorial” context is the public and the Advertising Standards Authority’s definition of taste and decency. The fact that posters are still the most complained-about medium, according to the ASA’s 2002 figures, is simply because they are the most impactful medium. They can’t be turned off or tuned out. No 9 o’clock watershed, no 18+ category, no top shelf."
Reality TV fading on network TV- All I can say is thank god. Enough is enough. Networks are realizing that there's more money to be made in shows that can be syndicated, like sitcoms. Unfortunately, there are very few good sitcoms out there now, and even fewer coming this fall from the descriptions of the new line ups.
San Fran does up ads for non-profit groups- Four ads to check out here...the article discusses the freedom and challenges of creating pro-bono advertising.
Cannes to add new award category- "A new award to honor innovation will be added to this year's Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. The new prize, called the Titanium Lion, was created at least in part over how difficult it is to award groundbreaking work like the BMW Films campaign that doesn't fit neatly into a single category."
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
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This or That Tuesday
1. Large or small family? Mid sized.
2. Potato chips or pretzels? Potato chips.
3. House or apartment? A house would be nice. Landlords suck.
4. Zebras or giraffes? I like them both about the same.
5. Candles or potpourri? Candles
6. Flowers or trees? Flowers
7. Right or left-handed? Um...that's a secret.
8. Model trains or dolls/stuffed animals? Stuffed animals
9. Comedy or drama? Both
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: The city of Boston has recently banned smoking in all restaurants and bars. Would you want to see such a law passed in your city/town/country, or not? I can see it for restaurants but seems odd for bars and clubs in a way. Walking into a non-smokey club would be weird.
Friday, May 16, 2003
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Stupid clouds
I missed the eclipse last night due to low clouds that blocked my view. Very frustrating. I was hoping to take a picture or two and post it up here. Not that I have the proper equipment for really taking these types of pictures, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Now I'll have to wait until November 8th-9th for the next one. Hopefully it will be clear on that night! Space.com has some pictures of the eclipse up here. I tried to find some others but they aren't up yet or don't exist. If I come across any I'll add them.
Wow. One of my favorite places in Los Angeles is closed until 2005! They are taking three years to do renovations on the Griffith Observatory. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's all done. Here is a summary of what work is being done. Lenoard Nimoy and his wife donated $1 million to the renovations and he will have part of it named after him. I guess even after Star Trek, he's still interested in the stars, which is cool. The Observatory can be found at a satalite location found here if you want to check it out. It's sort of sad looking compared to the beautiful building that they normally work out of. And if you're not in the LA area or even if you are, you can find planetaria near you.
Comet could brighten skys next Spring although astronomers aren't getting too specific beacuse they're not sure what path the new comet will be taking. There may even be two for viewing but we'll just have to wait and see what happens with their orbits.
Other stuff
Caption contest at edgecurve has some funny entries.
This week the topics for theme thursday and and photo friday are light and candy. I haven't been playing along for the last couple weeks, mostly because of being busy and also because I haven't been motivated by anything to photograph based on the topics. Maybe I'll do these ones though.
Thursday, May 15, 2003
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I wanna get lost in your rock n' roll
Thursday Threesome ::Quick as Can Be!::
Onesome: Quick as- Quickly now, June is almost here: are you attending any graduation ceremonies in the next few weeks? Hmmm... Maybe that should be "Have you been invited to any?" Yeah...two.
Twosome: Can- Still moving right along: Can it really be the Merry Month of May? How many birthdays do you have to remember this month? Family? Friends? Associates? Just one. And it's next week and I already sent a card out- so no more until later in June I think.
Threesome: Be(e)- Be ready, the bug population is starting to be a bother (at least from blog reports). Is there any particular crawly or flying beastie that just makes you jump out of your skin? Ticks. Nasty things they are. Roaches and that kind of thing gross me out too. We've got some spiders but they aren't a big deal to me.
3 for Thursday - Fun and Sun
1. What are 3 things you're looking forward to this summer? The beach, getting some sun, and hopefully having my brother come visit.
2. What are 3 things you're not looking forward to? The humidity, the humidity, and the humidity!!
3. What are your 3 top vacation spots you'd like to visit? England, Amsterdam, New Zealand.
BONUS: Will you be taking a vacation this year? If so where? Dunno yet.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
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Lunar Eclipse
Tomorrow look out for the Lunar Eclipse! Starting the evening of May 15th and continuing into the early morning of May 16th depending on your location. For exact (or nearly) times of phases check out the minute by minute guide. "During totality, although the Moon will be entirely immersed in the Earth’s shadow, it likely will not disappear from sight. Rather, it should appear to turn a coppery red color, a change caused by the Earth's atmosphere bending or refracting sunlight into the shadow." Hopefully we'll have clear skys for an unobstructed view!
Interesting fact on upcoming lunar eclipses is that there will be an unusual number of them in the next 18 months...Usually the lunar eclipses appear in clusters of two or three during a 12-18 month span with a couple years between each set. But between March 15, 2003 and October 24, 2004 there are going to be four- three of which will be visible from the east coast...and then not one viewable until 2007! If you miss this one, there is another one in November this year. There's also an article which is interesting on the fear and awe of lunar eclipses in the past.
NASA has a new site up and running. Looks nice. A big change from what they had up before. Daily images are added to the Image Gallery. Some very cool stuff there. Plus loads of other neat things. Think I'll spend some time checking it out.
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Music to my ears
Whee! Live has a new CD, Birds of Prey, coming out next week! Listening to the radio I thought I heard a song that sounded like it was Live, but I hadn't heard it before (I have all their albums), and went to their site and yes, it's a new single called Heaven. I am impressed that I can identify Ed's voice that easily. Heh. Apparently they are touring in Europe right now too...although it's with Bon Jovi...which is weird (and scary!). Hopefully that means they will be coming this way sometime in the not too far future. Saw them last year (or was it two years ago?) with Jane's Addiction...what an amazing show that was! In attempt to see if either one is coming this way, I checked out ticketmaster...and I was amazed to find how many 80s bands/singers are touring this summer...ZZ Top, Hall and Oates, Huey Lewis and the News, B-52's, Bruce Springsteen, David Lee Roth, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Eagles, Poison, Boston, Chicago, Heart, Terence Trent Darby, and Bon Jovi. But no Live listed...at least not yet! Jane's is playing as part of Lollapalooza this year. I'd be tempted to go but I don't know that I want to see the other bands enough to pay for the tickets.
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Wednesday What-If
1. What if you could choose to be the ruler of one country on Earth? I don't know that I'd want to. There's so much pressure and the fate of so many would be in your hands- that's not the kind of thing I would enjoy. If I had to, I'd choose a very small country- maybe even an island that only I live on, with family and some friends or something.
2. What if you could be one politically influential person who is alive today (like President Bush or even Oprah)? Is Oprah politically influential??? haha. Um...Monica Lewinsky! ;-)
3. What if you could finalize one cause (such as end world hunger or stop animal cruelty)? It's hard to just pick one. There are so many things that should be ended. The top of my list would be ending world hunger, discovering a way to destroy viruses (meaning finding a cure for AIDS and all other viral diseases, etc), and an end to all hate crimes or even thoughts against people because they are different.
4. What if you could entirely make-over your own country -- what would it be like? I don't know but I don't know that I'd want that responsibility (see question one). I'm not sure if this is asking if I would make-over the country I currently live in or as in creating my own. If it's making over the one I currently live in- there are lots of things I can think of to be fixed but how it would be done I don't know. Which is why I'm not a politician, among other reasons ;-)
5. What if you could start a new planet -- what it would be like? Wow. That's an interesting question. I guess I'd like it to be a bit like earth...since it's really the only planet I know. Oceans, forests, mountains, and all that kind of thing. A wide variety of animals and people. A place that allow prejudices of any kind so that there'd be peace. Anyone who didn't follow this policy would be shot out into space without any oxygen. ;-) Actually, I don't know what I'd like it to be like.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
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Addy news
False advertising of tampons? No it's not about the funny blue liquid. " Procter & Gamble Co. advertised falsely to gain share in the tampon market, lawyers for Playtex Products Inc. said Monday at the start of a civil trial accusing P&G of unfair competition. But P&G lawyers contend that Playtex merely wants a jury's help after consumers decided P&G's tampon was superior."
Yo Quiero Dinero!- "Two men who sued Taco Bell Corp. more than five years ago, accusing the restaurant chain of stealing their idea for an advertising campaign featuring a talking Chihuahua, are finally getting their day in court."
US Campaign to Buckleup- "Motorists caught without a seatbelt can expect a ticket from police nationwide next week because of stepped-up efforts to promote safety belt use, federal officials said Monday."
Monday, May 12, 2003
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This or That Tuesday
1. Packrat or minimalist? Packrat!!
2. Computer: desktop or laptop? Laptop for now.
3. Seashore or mountains? Depends. Usually more seashore than mountains though.
4. Carpeting or bare floors? A combo.
5. Drinking water: bottled or tap? Both.
6. Shopping websites: eBay or Amazon? Amazon.
7. Cute little kitties or big scary tigers? cute little tigers. (and both)
8. Front door or back door? Um..heh....
9. Lots of jewelry, or little/none? Little.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: At the last minute, you obtain tickets to an event you're dying to attend. However, you have to work that day! Do you ask the boss for the time off, or just call in sick? Call in sick. Unless the boss is understanding- then tell the truth.
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission
1. Who are your favorite cartoon characters? Fry, Maggie Simpson, Bender, Lela, Dr. Zoidberg, Wily E Coyotr, Pepe Le Pew.
2. Have you yet reached the point where you feel like you are from a different generation than today's youth? Scarily enough- yes.
3. What was the first Music Video that really impressed you? What made it so amazing? Hmm. I guess Thriller. 'nuff said.
4. Name a song and an era that comes to mind when you hear the word "Retro." Probably something from the 70s.
5. How has your life been affected by HIV or AIDS? Sadly I lost a relative because of it.
6. Yesterday in the USA, we celebrated "Mothers Day," a day where we honor the mothers in our lives. If you were on a "special day" nominating committee, who or what would you recommend that we create a day in honor of? Teachers.
7. Last week, we have several Tornadoes tore through many neighborhoods, destroying homes and devastating the lives of the residents. How would you feel if you lost every possession you owned? Or would it matter? How would you go on with your life? That's hard for me to say. I think it would be difficult at first but I'd be happy if I came out alive. I mean possessions are just things. They can be repurchased. I guess that's the way one has to look at a situation like that.
BONUS: Do you remember the 21st night of September? Heh. Nah I was gone.
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Got ad news?
All ad channel in the UK? Apparently this idea had been tried in the US and resulted in a 24/7 infomercial channel.
Some product labels are just too silly, Elizabeth Day discovers in Britain's first Ridiculous Packaging Instructions Award contest "Some ridiculous instructions have a long and distinguished history, however. Douglas Adams, the late author, included a reference to silly labelling in his Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy stories of the 1970s and '80s. Towards the end of the saga, a scientist called Wonko the Sane withdraws from society in protest at ridiculous instructions on a packet of toothpicks: "Hold stick near centre of its length. Moisten pointed end in mouth. Insert in tooth space, blunt end next to gum. Use gentle in-out motion." "It seemed to me," explains Wonko, "that any civilisation that had so far lost its head as to need to include a set of detailed instructions for use in a package of toothpicks was no longer a civilisation in which I could live and stay sane."
Old Italian ads that are pretty cool.
Renaming parks and forests to pay off state debt? "With the state facing a $3 billion deficit, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering selling corporate sponsors the naming rights to parks and forests, including the Walden Woods immortalized by Henry David Thoreau." This is just horrible. It really saddens me that we may even be near this kind of thing. What's next? Victoria's Secret Grand Tetons?
Ad job market looking up? I hope so...but it's just a survey. I don't believe it until I see it...ie-get a job!
Want to be grossed out? This is just nasty. I wish I hadn't even looked at it. Time for some memory erasure!
Sunday, May 11, 2003
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Unconscious Mutterings - I say … and you think … ?
1. Want:: Desire
2. Pleasure:: Happy
3. Sugar:: Sweet
4. Special:: Me ;-)
5. Pure:: White
6. Right:: Wrong
7. Something:: Else
8. Cherish:: Love
9. Pub:: Beer
10. Snap:: Peas
Saturday, May 10, 2003
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Mulit is a trailer for an Absolut Film about arguably the worst hairstyle in modern history, tells the tale of the mullet in grand Bollywood style, complete with love, intrigue, suspense and a wonderful dose of '70s kitsch. Done by TWBA/Chiat/Day, NY.
Boards new commericals. Some good, some bad, and some in between. An interesting variety of products and services from around the globe.
DFILM lets you make your own flash movie without needing to know the ins and outs of flash. Has a limited library right now but hopefully it will grow.
Thursday, May 08, 2003
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Ad news
How do you win new biz in advertising? Look here to see how Crispin Porter & Bogusky got Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Mr. Crain tells why he thinks Ad Agencies do a lousy job selling themselves - " I've always held the view that the creative department was the only part of an advertising agency that doesn't believe in selling. Now I learn that the rest of the agency isn't very good at it, either."
AFLAC duck gets Japanese makeover-"The AFLAC duck is getting a bit of a makeover for the Japanese market. He'll remain a duck, but will lose his voice, or more specifically, Gilbert Gottfried's voice."
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Let's push things forward
Thursday Threesome::Coffee, tea or me?::
Onesome- Coffee: Do you drink coffee? If so, do you ask for brewed or do you prefer the fancy espresso drinks? What's your flavor? Heh- do I drink coffee? You bet. Depending on my mood (and funds!), what I order varies. Oh and I guess where I'm getting said coffee too. I'll do a brewed coffee- sometimes flavored vanilla or hazelnut. I like lattes and capps with a shot of almond.
Twosome- Tea: Do you drink tea? Hot or iced? Regular, herbal or flavored? Sometimes I'll do tea. Usually I like something like earl grey or english or irish breakfast. Also there's a yummy herbal mango and green tea one that I like. Oh and green tea. Depending on the temp/weather I'll either have it hot or iced.
Threesome- Or Me?: Ok, not really me! Seriously, what's your favorite beverage? Alcoholic or non, healthy or not? Hmm. Tough question. I don't know that I have an absolute favorite. I'd list some of my favorites but there are too many.
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. What is one event in the future whose outcome you would like to know right now? When I'm going to get hired!
2. If you were exiled from your country, and had only limited financial resources, where would you try to rebuild your life? England.
3. An eccentric millionaire hires you to spend $10 million to help society. What would you do with it? Use it to start programs to help those who are living in poverty in the US get out of it...not sure what kind of programs though.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
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This or That Tuesday:The Media Edition
1. TV or radio? Both. But probably more radio than TV.
2. On the radio: talk or music station? Music station.
3. Actual books or books-on-tape (or e-books)? Actual books.
4. Actual newspaper, or web version? Both.
5. Wall Street Journal or National Enquirer? WSJ
6. TV news...news channel such as CNN, or your local broadcast news? Local news. They aren't as obnoxious as the cable news channels.
7. A movie you've been looking forward to seeing gets bad reviews all around. See it anyway, or pass? See it anyway, although I might wait for it to go to video instead of seeing it at the theatre.
8. See movies when they first come out, or wait a few weeks for the lines at the theater to get shorter? Usually wait a bit so the theatre isn't super packed.
9. TV: cable, satellite dish, or just plain old antenna? Cable- even though you get a ton of channels and rarely is there anything on that's worth watching.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: If you had to choose only one form of media to come into your home, which would you choose...print (newspapers, magazines) or electronic (TV, internet)? Why? Um, I guess I'd say electronic. Mostly because with the internet you can search around for the news on issues that are interesting to you rather than being fed it.
Monday, May 05, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission
1. Are there any confrontations you have been avoiding that you know you will eventually have to deal with? What's that all about? Job stuff...same as usual. At some point a decision has to be made and I'm dreading it. :(
2. When was the last time you surprised yourself by being more brave than you ever thought you could be? Hmm. I guess a few months back when I finally conquered the "scary roundabout" that is a short way to my place from various locations. I dreaded taking it because all the people who have yield signs never ever do. And it's goddamn scary to have cars coming at you at 60mph when they don't even have the right of way. But the first time I tried it on my own, it was a very snowy day and I figured everyone had to go slow so it wouldn't be too freaky. And that was the case. Now I take it but I still get pissed off at those morons who don't yield. Although I suppose at least I know they don't yield, so I am more prepared for it than someone who isn't from the area.
3. You know that sickly feeling you get when are speeding and out of the corner of your eye you realize you just passed a hidden police car? It is that "deer-caught-in-the-headlights" feeling, where you are so busted there is no way out. When was the last time you were in a situation like that? It's been a while. I do my best to try not to speed much. That and my car is no roadster! *lol* I really can't remember the last time. I don't think since I've lived here that I've noticed hidden police cars. If they are doing that, I just haven't noticed them I guess.
4. One of the things I've had to do recently, is clean out my attic. I have an amazing amount of things I've collected over the years, and I am almost embarrassed that I still have so much of it. I realized that I may as well sell it, since it does me no good in the attic, and when I die, my family will probably sell it for a dollar a pound at a garage sale anyway. May as well enjoy the money now. Do you have any things stored away that you just can't get rid of but will probably of no sentimental value to anyone once you are gone? Why do we hang on to that stuff? Do you think you could sell or auction it off? I have some things, although the majority of them are saved for sentimental value only. My mom keeps trying to get me to throw stuff away when I go home, but there just are some things I don't want to part with yet. Maybe in time they will be less sentimental- at least some of them- and I'll get rid of them.
5. I've become the resident Handler at the house. Got bugs? Call me! Flies, ants, spiders, I'm your man. Vomit? Dog Poo? Toilet overflow? Yep, I get it all clean. Not much bothers me in that area, and I am glad really to be someone you can rely on. But the one thing that does make me squirm are injuries. Stitches, incisions, bloody puss-laden bandages, heavily scabbed areas, all that just about does me in. What are some of the things you have a strong stomach for, and what are some of the things that can turn your stomach? I have a pretty strong stomach when it comes to most things. Although seeing vomit or smelling it can sometimes make me feel the need to add to the pile, if you know what I mean. But for the most part it doesn't bug me too much. Bugs don't bug me (heh), but snakes do. Gives me the chills just thinking about them. But the weird part is, I don't mind other people's pet snakes as much as the wild ones for some reason. I also don't like city mice and rats. Mostly because god only knows what germs and things they have all over them. I have screamed when I see mice- like when I had them in my old place(s)- but usually that was because they startled me. Watching surgeries on tv makes me somewhat sick too. I really don't need to see that- especially if I'm having dinner while flipping through the channels. Ugh.
6. I am at the point where I am going to have to make some tough decisions about the future of this blog. I think this sort of moment comes to all bloggers at some point. For me, I am not very good at managing my obsessions (read as: things I enjoy passionately). Eventually they get too much focus and something that once was good begins to impact my life in negative ways. Something's got to give. Have you ever been involved in an experience that started out as something good and enjoyable but eventually became destructive and bad for your health (mentally or physically)? I can't think of anything. Funnily enough, I'm thinking of breaking my blog down into two separate ones- basically keeping this the way it is but then starting one for cooking. It's just an idea at this point though. So many projects, and only so many hours in the day though is something I'm considering. So we'll see.
7. Do you believe in evolution or creationism or something else? Evolution.
Bonus: Are you trying to tempt me? You betcha! ;-)
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Unconscious Mutterings: I say … and you think …
1. Nanny:: Fran Drescher (sp?)
2. Weight:: Gram
3. Deep:: Throat
4. Sock:: Puppet
5. 24 hours:: Day
6. Tongue:: Lick
7. Fees:: Dosh
8. Champagne:: Celebration
9. Bruise:: Painful
10. Pancakes:: Yummy!
(didn't get a chance to do this yesterday)
Saturday, May 03, 2003
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Something cool
Check this out The MayDay Project- On Saturday, May 10th participants will take a photo every hour to document their day. Neat-o!
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Tasty
Yummy tapas recipes and my favorite the Potato Tort. Mmmmm!
Now if I could just find some good empanada and samosa recicpes!
Friday, May 02, 2003
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Tax on drug advertising- "Under a bill filed by Hynes, drug manufacturers would be required to pay $1 for every $1 they spend on television, radio, print and Internet advertising within Massachusetts. The definition of advertising would include money spent by drug makers on visits to health professionals and free samples they leave with health care providers. The money would go into an interest-bearing state trust fund and help pay for the state Prescription Advantage program."
Cup of Java © 2002-2011
keep on using that brain.