Most of you know who Alexander McQueen is, but for those that don't a quick primer: a celebrated British designer who takes inspiration from the everyday, the anti, the rebellious, the anarchical, the punk, the underground and churns out runway worn, groundbreaking fashions.
Now he's breaking ground in a new way with MySpace. He handpicked 35 under-21 MySpace members to be a part of his marketing campaign for his younger-skewed McQ line. They were invited down to his studio (in London) and charged with creating ads for his upcoming campaign.
Could this be a new wave in marketing in this age of social empowerment? Those most-receptive to and most-responsible for viral marketing being given the keys to drive corporate campaigns?
Perhaps. In my personal opinion it depends on the industry, in the highly personal, or tailored if you will, industry of style it could pay huge dividends because it's an industry that directly allows people to express themselves. Maybe that wouldn't work as well for, say, beer or batteries or tourism, but it will certainly be interesting to see if more companies in this industry and more companies who target the highly coveted teen/young adult demographic will follow suit.
7.02.2007
Don't Let the Music Die!
Music is in serious danger! The big music companies in conjunction with MTV and Clear Channel have been trying to kill music for years, opting instead for attempting to sell people on pre-packaged, processed, interchangeable pop. However, real music was still able to survive and thrive on the independent circuit thanks, in large part, to streaming Internet radio.
Well, on July 15 a new rule goes into effect where Internet stations will have to pay a royalty for each time a song is streamed (as opposed to the old system where, essentially, a station paid royalties that could never exceed the equivalent amount of US record sales). What does this mean? It means most of these stations will be put out of business! Take, for example, a web-based sation in San Francisco. In 2005 they paid $20,000 in royalties, under this new rule that number will jump to $600,000!
It's pure unadulterated greed on the part of music companies. An attempt to extort money in order to stem the flow of so-called losses in record sales. You can't expect me to have sympathy when a CD costs $20 and the reason for it is the label gave the band a $70 million, 4 record deal. Not to mention the fact that the companies are operating with an obsolete business model. You simply cannot take terrestial business methods and apply them to the Web, it doesn't work. Yet they stubbornly refuse to evolve or die, and our government, acting as if these companies have a God-given right to exist bail them out time and again. Call it the Divine Right of Big Business. If King George were alive today he'd probably be head of one of these music companies.
But this goes beyond that. This goes to the very heart of the American dream. Big business in so many industries is so in control of the system that small businesses quite frankly have absolutely zero chance of survival. With the enactment of this rule, this will certainly be the case with radio.
But it is not a foregone conclusion! We still have a chance to stop it. Write your senator or congress person and tell them how this displease you and how they should take action against it. Support the cause of listener supported radio. But first, and above all, educate yourself. Check out these sites below and then do what you think is right.
KEXP Article
Tell Them Public Matters: A PBS Forum
Save Net Radio
Copyright Royalty Board
The US Senate
House of Representatives
Well, on July 15 a new rule goes into effect where Internet stations will have to pay a royalty for each time a song is streamed (as opposed to the old system where, essentially, a station paid royalties that could never exceed the equivalent amount of US record sales). What does this mean? It means most of these stations will be put out of business! Take, for example, a web-based sation in San Francisco. In 2005 they paid $20,000 in royalties, under this new rule that number will jump to $600,000!
It's pure unadulterated greed on the part of music companies. An attempt to extort money in order to stem the flow of so-called losses in record sales. You can't expect me to have sympathy when a CD costs $20 and the reason for it is the label gave the band a $70 million, 4 record deal. Not to mention the fact that the companies are operating with an obsolete business model. You simply cannot take terrestial business methods and apply them to the Web, it doesn't work. Yet they stubbornly refuse to evolve or die, and our government, acting as if these companies have a God-given right to exist bail them out time and again. Call it the Divine Right of Big Business. If King George were alive today he'd probably be head of one of these music companies.
But this goes beyond that. This goes to the very heart of the American dream. Big business in so many industries is so in control of the system that small businesses quite frankly have absolutely zero chance of survival. With the enactment of this rule, this will certainly be the case with radio.
But it is not a foregone conclusion! We still have a chance to stop it. Write your senator or congress person and tell them how this displease you and how they should take action against it. Support the cause of listener supported radio. But first, and above all, educate yourself. Check out these sites below and then do what you think is right.
6.21.2007
Car Sharing
Ever heard of car sharing? I hadn't either until getting the latest TerraPass newsletter in which they talk about a company called Flexcar. Flexcar is a company that owns a fleet of cars, all of which are fuel efficient and 30% of which are hybrids. The way it works is you pay an hourly fee (usually $8 per) to use the vehicle. That's it, there are none of the typical costs associated with owning or operating a car.
From the TerraPass blog: "The U.S. Transportation Research Board reports that each car-sharing vehicle takes up to 15 private cars off the road. Seventy percent of respondents in a 2005 study said they postponed buying a car because of car-sharing. Half of those interviewed said car-sharing enabled them to sell an existing second car....This arrangement should encourage drivers to eliminate unnecessary trips, and indeed, surveys show that roughly half of Flexcar drivers report driving less after becoming members, with an average reduction of almost 40%."
Of course, TerraPass isn't talking about Flexcar just to talk about them. No. They've announced a joint partnership where Flexcar users can buy a Green Membership for $9.99 and they will aid in taking a billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions out of the atmosphere.
The idea of car sharing isn't just unique and original, it's revolutionary. Who knows if it will catch on nationwide but they already have a significant presence in many cities including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. Hopefully soon they'll come here and we'll get to try them out.
More info:
Flex!
TerrPass Blog Post
From the TerraPass blog: "The U.S. Transportation Research Board reports that each car-sharing vehicle takes up to 15 private cars off the road. Seventy percent of respondents in a 2005 study said they postponed buying a car because of car-sharing. Half of those interviewed said car-sharing enabled them to sell an existing second car....This arrangement should encourage drivers to eliminate unnecessary trips, and indeed, surveys show that roughly half of Flexcar drivers report driving less after becoming members, with an average reduction of almost 40%."
Of course, TerraPass isn't talking about Flexcar just to talk about them. No. They've announced a joint partnership where Flexcar users can buy a Green Membership for $9.99 and they will aid in taking a billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions out of the atmosphere.
The idea of car sharing isn't just unique and original, it's revolutionary. Who knows if it will catch on nationwide but they already have a significant presence in many cities including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. Hopefully soon they'll come here and we'll get to try them out.
More info:
Vertical Farm Update
Now Iconoculture has caught on to this (you may remember I posted and talked about an article I read on the vertical farm concept a couple months back). Here's what Iconoculture has to say on the subject:
"Consumers living in large metropolitan areas may be struggling with the desire to buy locally grown produce and the lack of availability. The creative solutions, whether a complex skyscraper design or simply a small indoor garden, will likely connect with those looking for a way to lessen their impact on the planet."
Also, Toronto is bandying about the idea of building a Sky Farm downtown, the building's 58 floors would have nearly 3 million sq. feet of floor and 8 million sq. ft. of farmable surface, or growing area.
Pretty cool. And personally I think it would be great to have a cluster of three 35–40 story buildings in Denver that were vertical farms. Not only would it make it easier for people here to buy locally grown produce but it would be great for the economy in terms of our exports. How often do we hear of late frosts (or other bad weather) severly hampering our crops of corn, cherries, peaches, apricots, etc.? A climate controlled environment could guarantee that a certain amount would always be available. Plus, by making the buildings not only green but a source of renewable energy (recycling rain/snow water as well as turning sewage into gray water) we're aiding the health of our own local environment.
"Consumers living in large metropolitan areas may be struggling with the desire to buy locally grown produce and the lack of availability. The creative solutions, whether a complex skyscraper design or simply a small indoor garden, will likely connect with those looking for a way to lessen their impact on the planet."
Also, Toronto is bandying about the idea of building a Sky Farm downtown, the building's 58 floors would have nearly 3 million sq. feet of floor and 8 million sq. ft. of farmable surface, or growing area.
Pretty cool. And personally I think it would be great to have a cluster of three 35–40 story buildings in Denver that were vertical farms. Not only would it make it easier for people here to buy locally grown produce but it would be great for the economy in terms of our exports. How often do we hear of late frosts (or other bad weather) severly hampering our crops of corn, cherries, peaches, apricots, etc.? A climate controlled environment could guarantee that a certain amount would always be available. Plus, by making the buildings not only green but a source of renewable energy (recycling rain/snow water as well as turning sewage into gray water) we're aiding the health of our own local environment.
6.12.2007
Cool Wall Art
OK, this ain't exactly new as this was put up before last year's World Cup. However, it's the first time I had seen it and I thought it was pretty cool. This is some mural art Nike did in Berlin promoting its involvement with soccer.
6.04.2007
The Future is Here! (almost)
The two latest technologies revealing that the future is right around the corner:
Releasing this fall from Microsoft is a kind of revolution in computing, or at least in interfacing. For those of you that have watched, as I have, shows like Star Trek or Minority Report and said to yourself, "That'll be the day! When computing can be done with your hands, just you interfacing directly with the computer." Well that day is (almost) here. And the product's name? Surface.
The Surface Site
Popular Mechanics In-Depth Article
Geektastic Article from a Geektastic Blog
Wiki-wiki-wikipedia
In the future television will be everywhere! Again echoing sci-fi visions from the likes of Minority Report, Star Wars, Total Recall, etc. we will soon be able to watch TV, well, anywhere. Scientists are perfecting a technology that is essentially paper TV. A TV screen that's paper thin and pliable—it can be bent and because it's so thin it won't break. This technology can also be applieed to other media, like clothing, so you can wear a TV on your t-shirt that isn't bulky like current video screen tees, but feels completely natural.
Paper TV!
Paper Thin TV, Take Two!
But that's just the beginning! Also in the works is a technology using OLED, Organic Light Emitting Diodes. In other words a living TV. Because they're organic they can exist in organic compounds, like paint. So in the not-too-far distant future you will be able to buy paint for your living room that is not only a lovely, complementing shade for your sofa but it's also your TV screen.
And much like Microsoft Surface manufacturers are working on technology that literally allows you to watch TV anywhere...not just a wall, but you can turn it on to your counter top or on the back of the person in front of you in the elevator.
BUT those don't compare to the technology of implants. Scientists already have an implant for people suffering from severe myopia that helps restore their vision. This implant is placed on the back of the retina. Scientists are working on taking this technology to the next level (the leisure level) to create implants that allow to you watch TV in your own eye, like a hidden video screen. You know what that means? Never having to miss a game because of work or loved ones ever again!
Amazing.
Thanks to Eduardo Yorvit Moutinho for the DL on the Microsoft Surface bonanza stanza!
Releasing this fall from Microsoft is a kind of revolution in computing, or at least in interfacing. For those of you that have watched, as I have, shows like Star Trek or Minority Report and said to yourself, "That'll be the day! When computing can be done with your hands, just you interfacing directly with the computer." Well that day is (almost) here. And the product's name? Surface.
In the future television will be everywhere! Again echoing sci-fi visions from the likes of Minority Report, Star Wars, Total Recall, etc. we will soon be able to watch TV, well, anywhere. Scientists are perfecting a technology that is essentially paper TV. A TV screen that's paper thin and pliable—it can be bent and because it's so thin it won't break. This technology can also be applieed to other media, like clothing, so you can wear a TV on your t-shirt that isn't bulky like current video screen tees, but feels completely natural.
But that's just the beginning! Also in the works is a technology using OLED, Organic Light Emitting Diodes. In other words a living TV. Because they're organic they can exist in organic compounds, like paint. So in the not-too-far distant future you will be able to buy paint for your living room that is not only a lovely, complementing shade for your sofa but it's also your TV screen.
And much like Microsoft Surface manufacturers are working on technology that literally allows you to watch TV anywhere...not just a wall, but you can turn it on to your counter top or on the back of the person in front of you in the elevator.
BUT those don't compare to the technology of implants. Scientists already have an implant for people suffering from severe myopia that helps restore their vision. This implant is placed on the back of the retina. Scientists are working on taking this technology to the next level (the leisure level) to create implants that allow to you watch TV in your own eye, like a hidden video screen. You know what that means? Never having to miss a game because of work or loved ones ever again!
Amazing.
Thanks to Eduardo Yorvit Moutinho for the DL on the Microsoft Surface bonanza stanza!
5.25.2007
Web site of the Day!
Thanks to Sean Miller for pointing this bit of brilliance out to me. I don't fully understand what it's all about yet, but I love it nonetheless.
Snuggle with Crap!
5.22.2007
Coming Soon!
Airport Secutiy Bin Advertising!
Which begs the questions: Would this be a boon for business or a boondoggle for advertisers?
Chime in with your thoughts!
Your Ad Here!
Which begs the questions: Would this be a boon for business or a boondoggle for advertisers?
Chime in with your thoughts!
5.18.2007
The Gen Y Revolution
Interesting article from CNN Money about the new Gen Y workforce (including myself, thank you) and, basically, how awesome we are. At least that's how I interpreted it.
Gen Y Revolution
5.11.2007
The Celebrity Backlash
The Cult of Celebrity has always had its heroes and villains, but probably most prevalent in this subculture are the celebrities once celebrated that people turn against. I don't know that Paris was ever celebrated, she was more of an amusing punchline, but it's obvious now that her shtick is wearing thin with John and Jane Public.
Case in point: The two petitions I have run across just today being sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger to jail Paris Hilton and refuse her clemency. Some people even call for her execution as she (and I'm paraphrasing here) adds nothing to humanity and her continued existence is a drain on valuable resources such as air and water.
Jail Paris
While this is amusing and I do agree she should go to jail I think people are missing the larger picture here. This is, after all, a person who's famous for having no talent. Honestly. As a model she only has two looks. As an actress she adds nothing, not even sexuality to a formulaic slasher flick in which you know she'll die but not before getting it on with her boyfriend. Carrying a toy dog in a purse does not count as being an animal activist. She can't sing. And, from what I've seen of her sex tape, she's a lousy lay. Unless, of course, you prefer women who answer their cell phones mid-coitus. The point is this woman should not be a celebrity in the first place, and if she weren't a celebrity this wouldn't be a news story.
Celebrity's a funny thing, and I'm not sure what should qualify for such a dubious mantle. On one hand you have entertainers, people who are naturally in the spotlight and by the nature of their occupation are strangers that people feel some sort of connection with (and in the cases of stalkers a little too much of a connection). Entertainers at their best provide more than entertainment, they provide an insight to the human condition that can not be matched and they act as a social mirror to the times we live in, the times we made it through, and the times that may yet come. So why should they not be venerated (and alternately destroyed) for taking on such a noble profession, or at least a profession that was once noble?
On the other hand, they are not teachers. They are not the leaders of society, nor are they those charged with educating tomorrow's leaders. And shouldn't those people be the celebrities? My argument for that is if teachers wanted to be celebrities they'd get a TV show, or have sex with a student.
Of course, another worry that this petitions signify is a serious concern that we are devolving to a Running Man sort of mentality as a society. A new Roman Coliseum in which you don't need a ticket in order to get a first row seat to all the bloodshed the Republic sanctions as mindless entertainment. No, for that privilege now you need only a cable box or a satellite dish. Our choicest Gladiators are celebrities, our Lions the predators of Vice and Public Opinion.
The public is as much to blame for the Paris Hilton sentence being a news story as the media or the airheaded heiress herself. And these kinds of intrusions into the areas of real and actual news will continue until we, as a public, demand a higher standard for celebrities. These petitions are either the start of that, or the start of something much worse.
Case in point: The two petitions I have run across just today being sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger to jail Paris Hilton and refuse her clemency. Some people even call for her execution as she (and I'm paraphrasing here) adds nothing to humanity and her continued existence is a drain on valuable resources such as air and water.
While this is amusing and I do agree she should go to jail I think people are missing the larger picture here. This is, after all, a person who's famous for having no talent. Honestly. As a model she only has two looks. As an actress she adds nothing, not even sexuality to a formulaic slasher flick in which you know she'll die but not before getting it on with her boyfriend. Carrying a toy dog in a purse does not count as being an animal activist. She can't sing. And, from what I've seen of her sex tape, she's a lousy lay. Unless, of course, you prefer women who answer their cell phones mid-coitus. The point is this woman should not be a celebrity in the first place, and if she weren't a celebrity this wouldn't be a news story.
Celebrity's a funny thing, and I'm not sure what should qualify for such a dubious mantle. On one hand you have entertainers, people who are naturally in the spotlight and by the nature of their occupation are strangers that people feel some sort of connection with (and in the cases of stalkers a little too much of a connection). Entertainers at their best provide more than entertainment, they provide an insight to the human condition that can not be matched and they act as a social mirror to the times we live in, the times we made it through, and the times that may yet come. So why should they not be venerated (and alternately destroyed) for taking on such a noble profession, or at least a profession that was once noble?
On the other hand, they are not teachers. They are not the leaders of society, nor are they those charged with educating tomorrow's leaders. And shouldn't those people be the celebrities? My argument for that is if teachers wanted to be celebrities they'd get a TV show, or have sex with a student.
Of course, another worry that this petitions signify is a serious concern that we are devolving to a Running Man sort of mentality as a society. A new Roman Coliseum in which you don't need a ticket in order to get a first row seat to all the bloodshed the Republic sanctions as mindless entertainment. No, for that privilege now you need only a cable box or a satellite dish. Our choicest Gladiators are celebrities, our Lions the predators of Vice and Public Opinion.
The public is as much to blame for the Paris Hilton sentence being a news story as the media or the airheaded heiress herself. And these kinds of intrusions into the areas of real and actual news will continue until we, as a public, demand a higher standard for celebrities. These petitions are either the start of that, or the start of something much worse.
5.10.2007
Sister Agency in the News!
Sister agency Karsh/Hagan had a nice little article about them appear in the Rocky Mountain News this morning, thanks to some new McDonald's commercials. It's actually an interesting example in the case study of how viral is going mainstream and playing a vital role in the influencing of decisions being made by all marketers, not just small or fringe ones.
Also, can I say that having been in Karsh's main conference room, they have a pretty sweet Mickey-D's drive thru mocked up in the room. The only thing that would've made it cooler is if I could've actually ordered food from there.
Wakabayashi Speaks!
NOTE: I do not actually know Dennis Wakabayashi. I know of him through mutual friends, but the only reason I mentioned him above is that his name is just as fun to type as it is to say.
Also, can I say that having been in Karsh's main conference room, they have a pretty sweet Mickey-D's drive thru mocked up in the room. The only thing that would've made it cooler is if I could've actually ordered food from there.
NOTE: I do not actually know Dennis Wakabayashi. I know of him through mutual friends, but the only reason I mentioned him above is that his name is just as fun to type as it is to say.
4.26.2007
476ad
Now I can only speculate as to why the Web site is called 476ad but the first thing that comes to mind for a history geek like me is the fact that the year 476 A.D. marked the fall of the Roman empire. Visit the site and draw your own conclusions.
476ad is like Last Night's Party except for two distinct advantages. 1) It's not firewalled by Integer. Yet. And 2) Unlike LNP anyone can upload photos of their own shindig. As the site says it's a phot blogging revolution.
Romanesque Debauchery Meet the Photo Diary
Now, according to Iconoculture here's why we should care about this aside from the fact that it's really cool—and I'm talking cooler than in the 5th grade when Phil Roth got the new BMX, tore it up on our homemade dirt track, and was king of Naper Carriage Hill for like a week and a half—aside from that here's why we should care:
• Millennials, among scores of others, are into low-level voyeurism. "From personal blog-scoping to full-fledged Facebook stalking to see other people's party pics, the urge to check out the sometimes banal aspects of peers' lives is in full effect."
• Party-pic sites are popping up to cash in on the popularity of Mash Creativity (SM).
Iconoculturelyze! (That's Iconoculture Analyzes mashed together...see, that's clever)
476ad is like Last Night's Party except for two distinct advantages. 1) It's not firewalled by Integer. Yet. And 2) Unlike LNP anyone can upload photos of their own shindig. As the site says it's a phot blogging revolution.
Now, according to Iconoculture here's why we should care about this aside from the fact that it's really cool—and I'm talking cooler than in the 5th grade when Phil Roth got the new BMX, tore it up on our homemade dirt track, and was king of Naper Carriage Hill for like a week and a half—aside from that here's why we should care:
• Millennials, among scores of others, are into low-level voyeurism. "From personal blog-scoping to full-fledged Facebook stalking to see other people's party pics, the urge to check out the sometimes banal aspects of peers' lives is in full effect."
• Party-pic sites are popping up to cash in on the popularity of Mash Creativity (SM).
Never Grow Up. Never Stop Learning.
People are no longer content to have little dreams or hobbies left unexplored. No longer content to take a job and turn it into a career. People want to, in the words of New Belgium's wildly popular print campaign, "follow their folly." Passion for what they do and the happiness that comes with doing what you want are becoming the barometers of success for some. For others it's merely exploring a long nagging interest. Whatever the reasons people are going back to school in record numbers, not to pursue another degree but just to take one or two classes. A literature class here, a music appreciation class there. People are using continuing education to further their hobbies, enrich their lives, and give themselves a sense of fulfillment.
These people cross age, gender, and race barriers, twenty-somethings to baby boomers are doing it. Occasionally a trend comes along that seems to defy demographics and this is that trend for this time. This is now how people sate their wanderlust, not just through travel but through education and stimulation. These are the people determined to not grow up, to not stop seeking out lessons, and to not stop following their follies.
CNN Reports on the Trend
Sidebar: Speaking of New Belgium, they currently have what is unquestionably the best advertising in the beer industry. The first beer company I've seen in, at least, the last 10–15 years to really understand their consumer.
New Belgium on the Boob Toob!
These people cross age, gender, and race barriers, twenty-somethings to baby boomers are doing it. Occasionally a trend comes along that seems to defy demographics and this is that trend for this time. This is now how people sate their wanderlust, not just through travel but through education and stimulation. These are the people determined to not grow up, to not stop seeking out lessons, and to not stop following their follies.
Sidebar: Speaking of New Belgium, they currently have what is unquestionably the best advertising in the beer industry. The first beer company I've seen in, at least, the last 10–15 years to really understand their consumer.
4.21.2007
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming? Sounds crazy, right? Straight out of science fiction. Well, maybe not. According to this New York magazine article a Columbia professor believes it's not only feasible, but also inevitable and our only-best chance to curb global warming.
I first read about this in todays Rocky Mountain News. A writer for RMN must have stumbled across this article and began thinking about the possibilities of vertical farms in Denver. A possibility that, if these farms are proven to be efficient and doable, I see as very real. That led me to the Web site, which is very interesting.
The possibilities excite me, but more than that I think responsible civic leaders in this day and age have a responsibility to research any and all alternatives to farming, waste, pollution, and conservation. The vertical farm is certainly one such alternative. I appreciate that the conservation movement is starting to gain momentum as the threats and effects of global warming become more real and present, but our overall attitude is still too passive. We must be more aggressive in our efforts to create a new consciousness in our culture, and a new, greener world for our kids and grandkids. If these alternatives, like the vertical farm, can in fact meet these needs (farming in the city not only creates less waste and lower prices on produce it could also allow some farmed areas to return to their natural state, be it plain or forest) then I see no point or logic in idly waiting for someone else to try these methods, or waiting for some magic potion that makes it all better. And we don't need to spend tax dollars to do this. Create incentives for the industry to take charge on this, I don't care if the sign above the entrance to the farm says "City of Denver," "ConAgra," or "Starbucks." Corporations can dig into their pockets, as can philanthropists—after all this is a capitalist society, make it a capitalist initiative. Put dollars and sense behind these methods and make it impossible to not attempt.
Put aside thoughts of global warming for a second and just think how we're all environmentalists. There's not a single person alive who doesn't enjoy the beauty of a warm and clear spring day when the trees are in bloom and the grass is green. No one likes seeing a polluted river or a brown sky. And that is why we need to be proactive in our thinking and aggressive in our actions, if not for the future of the world then just for our own pleasure.
Still need more reasons? The majority of those who are intensely overweight in this country reside in the lower half of the income bracket. Why, you ask? Very simple: junk food is cheap, good food is not. Next time you're at the grocery store compare the cost of some junk food (say a bag of Oreos) to something healthy (a pound of apples) and see A) which is cheaper and B) which lasts longer. More than likely you're answer to both questions will be junk food. However, in a vertical farm environment not only is all food grown locally but it's grown year round. Making it much cheaper to produce and distribute, which would mean that suddenly those with tight budgets don't need to sacrifice to eat well. Now, of course, with all things being equal whether or not someone chooses to eat well is not something we can control beyond education. But the more I think about this the more I'm convinced that something like this needs to be done by someone and soon.
So bring on the ConAgra, WhiteWave, and Fresh Express vertical farming skyscrapers! I already got some good plots of infill land picked out.
4.17.2007
Despicable Practices?
Is it just me or does this make anyone else kind of sick?
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The New York Times and "Inside Edition" are among those sponsoring Google key-word searches for the phrase "Virginia Shooting." While many mainstream media companies solicited user-generated media for early coverage of the grisly scene at Virginia Tech, others are now ensuring they're the go-to source for news. In another development, NBC's "Dateline" has set up a FaceBook group seeking out friends of the shooter.
I'd say from now until...at least some later time I will be boycotting the New York Times. I would boycott Inisde Edition too, but you expect this from a fourth-rate sensationalist program like them.
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The New York Times and "Inside Edition" are among those sponsoring Google key-word searches for the phrase "Virginia Shooting." While many mainstream media companies solicited user-generated media for early coverage of the grisly scene at Virginia Tech, others are now ensuring they're the go-to source for news. In another development, NBC's "Dateline" has set up a FaceBook group seeking out friends of the shooter.
I'd say from now until...at least some later time I will be boycotting the New York Times. I would boycott Inisde Edition too, but you expect this from a fourth-rate sensationalist program like them.
4.16.2007
The Slash-Proof Hoodie
An interesting idea, truly, and we'll see it could be hugely successful. I mean, who wouldn't want to wear clothing that helps them be a little more safe?
I do have some questions about its viability though. First, they say that these hoodies are for kids who live in more dangerous neighborhoods. Yet numbers support that if your 'hood's dangerous it's likely also poor, and at $130 a pop (or £65) it's unlikely that the hoodies intended audience can afford them. Secondly, just because it's slash proof doesn't mean it can prevent someone from jacking you for your slash-proof hoodie. And lastly, there's the question of even if this does take off in Europe could it ever make it's way to the States? Because slash-proof definitely doesn't equate to bullet proof.
Prevents Stabbing And Is Machine Washable!
On a slightly unrelated topic: in light of today's tragedy in Blacksburg could someone in Washington please, for the love of God, renew the gun control debate? It's time to tell Charlton Heston and Ted Nugent to f- off. I'm not saying abolish guns, that would be absolutely impossible, but it should nearly impossible to obtain a gun and law enforcement needs to crack down on the black market for these weapons. Then maybe a slash-proof hoodie would make some sense in this country.
I do have some questions about its viability though. First, they say that these hoodies are for kids who live in more dangerous neighborhoods. Yet numbers support that if your 'hood's dangerous it's likely also poor, and at $130 a pop (or £65) it's unlikely that the hoodies intended audience can afford them. Secondly, just because it's slash proof doesn't mean it can prevent someone from jacking you for your slash-proof hoodie. And lastly, there's the question of even if this does take off in Europe could it ever make it's way to the States? Because slash-proof definitely doesn't equate to bullet proof.
On a slightly unrelated topic: in light of today's tragedy in Blacksburg could someone in Washington please, for the love of God, renew the gun control debate? It's time to tell Charlton Heston and Ted Nugent to f- off. I'm not saying abolish guns, that would be absolutely impossible, but it should nearly impossible to obtain a gun and law enforcement needs to crack down on the black market for these weapons. Then maybe a slash-proof hoodie would make some sense in this country.
4.13.2007
Indy 4 Rolling Like a Giant Boulder
Since this is the Pop-Culture Periodical I feel compelled to share this article from USA Today. It's been known for awhile that Indiana Jones 4 is a go, but this film has had false starts in the past. However, this time around there is a script that's been approved by Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford, every key member of the cast has been locked up except Sean Connery, and they're actually in pre-production.
Now the USA Today officially reports what Ain't It Cool News first uncovered two weeks ago: that Shia LeBouf has been cast in the film. Some speculate he's just a sidekick, some say he's Indy's son, all that's known for sure is that he's in it and this film is hitting theaters in May 2008!
OK, so why report this here? This isn't a trend, right? Well, it is news about one of the most important and successful film franchises in history. You take Star Wars, Indiana Jones and a host of 80s films like Risky Business, Fasttimes at Ridgemont High, Breakfast Club, Goonies, etc. and what you have is Pop Culture. Specifically pop culture that defined a generation. And to see that it's not only kept alive through nostalgia and VH-1, but is actually still a viable product should tell you something about the influence that pop culture has had on our society as well as where we're at today, and perhaps even where we're headed.
This article also serves as an indicator of that because it does mention that Shia (a 20-year old actor who wasn't even alive when most of this stuff came out) is also the star of this summer's live action Transformers adaptation of the popular 80s cartoon series. Some say it will be the biggest movie of the summer. And it very well could be, but it doesn't even compare to another chapter in the Indiana Jones adventure.
4.11.2007
Step-It Up!
Organized by 6 college grads this is a protest event on a massive scale. The interesting thing is it's also completely local and do-it-yourself. The goal? Get the government to pass legislation committing to cutting carbon emissions 80% by 2050. The method? A series of local, do it yourself events and protests scheduled for this Saturda, April 14. All you have to do is go to the Web site and find the event going on closest to you. How easy is that? Overall this is pretty ingenious AND there are over 1,300 events set up nationwide.
Unfortunately I have to be in a wedding on Saturday, but protesting has never been easier!
4.05.2007
Basketball Shoes Come Back to Earth
I never thought I'd be saying this but, Thank God for Stephon Marbury. He has started a sneaker line called Starbury. The idea behind this is to make cool sneaks affordable for everyone. He remembers what it was like growing up on Coney Island, the 6th out of 7 children, in a family that could only afford hand-me-downs. Sneaker prices are creeping upwards of $175 for "top of the line" shoes, and what child outside of gated communities can afford that?
So Stephon Marbury created the Starbury line of sneakers: sleek, comfortable, affordable. Currently they're only sold at Steve and Barry's®, but they retail for $14.98. Yep, $15. And Ben Wallace of the Chicago Bulls has since gotten on board to have his own line of Starbury sneakers. Other NBAllers are also in talks to create their own Starbury. People are hoping these are successful to bring sneaker prices back down to earth. I'm hoping it's successful to make the sneaker industry competitive and honestly priced, two things it hasn't really been since the first $100 pair of Air Jordans hit the shelves.
Chuck Taylor Eat Your Heart Out
So Stephon Marbury created the Starbury line of sneakers: sleek, comfortable, affordable. Currently they're only sold at Steve and Barry's®, but they retail for $14.98. Yep, $15. And Ben Wallace of the Chicago Bulls has since gotten on board to have his own line of Starbury sneakers. Other NBAllers are also in talks to create their own Starbury. People are hoping these are successful to bring sneaker prices back down to earth. I'm hoping it's successful to make the sneaker industry competitive and honestly priced, two things it hasn't really been since the first $100 pair of Air Jordans hit the shelves.
4.03.2007
Springfield is in...
Here's an interesting bit of marketing from 7-11, most importantly I think it shows that they're finally embracing their place in the pop culture and showing an ability to laugh at themselves. Now, this rumor's not been confirmed by either the studio or the company (at least not to my knowledge) but this has come to me from multiple sources so I feel comfortable posting it.
7-Eleven is set to turn a number of its stores into Kwik-E-Marts in conjunction with the release of The Simpsons Movie. Not only will the name on the outside change but inside they will sell products from The Simpsons universe, such as Krusty-Os cereal, Buzz Cola, and squeeshies.
Absolutely brilliant.
7-Eleven is set to turn a number of its stores into Kwik-E-Marts in conjunction with the release of The Simpsons Movie. Not only will the name on the outside change but inside they will sell products from The Simpsons universe, such as Krusty-Os cereal, Buzz Cola, and squeeshies.
Absolutely brilliant.
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