Nov 27, 2008

Don't Eat Too Much


your turkeys won't be able to tow you.
Happy Thanksgiving

Nov 26, 2008

6 Gifts For the Geek Who Has Everything


1.  USB storage skull ring

2.  Electronic Bubble Wrap Key Chain
that's right, it makes the bubble wrap sound when you pop the bubbles
The 21st Century Lite Brite!
'sure to keep up appearances'

5.  The E-Cigarette - the electronic cigarette 
6.  LED Color Changing Light Bulb with Remote
put this one on my wish list

Nov 25, 2008

The Traffic Jam Recreated

How many times have you been stuck in traffic and asked yourself why the car ahead of you doesn't move up?  The Mathematical Society of Traffic Flow in Japan may have scientifically solved the true nature of the traffic jam. Researchers argue that vehicles clump together at a certain point on a track resulting in a shock-wave effect running backwards through the traffic. Watch the demonstration video embedded above or view it here.

Nov 24, 2008

The Obama Pet

If it were only as simple as cat or dog.  
The Roosevelt children had a pet.  A lovable one legged rooster.
One-legged Rooster - pet of the Roosevelt children

Nov 22, 2008

We're All A Bunch of Show Offs


Does that mean no one likes us?
If you were at Lollapolooza '92 you may remember the interactive video sound loop thingamajig set up in the village part.  Here you had a chance to compose your own music to looped scenes of drag racing, space launches, animals fornicating or overall destruction - somewhat Koyaanisqatsi or Baraka esque in feel.  A clip from Koyaanisqatsi is above - you can also view it here.
The lineup at Lollapolooza '92 was headlined by Ice Cube, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Ministry, and Jesus and Mary Chain - so yes, the stoner interactive video sound loop thingamajig was a hit.
The 21st Century
Check out Uniqlo's 'Create Your Loop!' an irritating, interactive and supposedly addictive viral marketing campaign directed at hipsters.  Get your mute button ready but do check it out!

Utloop
a hipster t-shirt marketing campaign

Nov 20, 2008

Sex, The Economy, and The Guerrilla Marketer


Courbet
Should Nevada's brothels apply for a government bail out too?
The world's oldest profession has been hit by the economic downturn.  The industry has a $400 million impact on the state of Nevada and generates about $50 million in revenues but in the last 18 months disposable income, aka the fun fund, has been going the way of the condom - down the toilet. Revenues for the 25 brothels in the Nevada Brothel Owners' Association are down by as much as 45 percent.  Stats on the women's individual earnings can be found here.
If done correctly,  guerrilla marketing tactics could work brilliantly here.
  1. viral marketing
  2. ambient marketing
  3. presence marketing
  4. grassroots marketing
  5. wild postings
  6. tissue pack advertising
  7. undercover marketing
  8. astroturfing
  9. alternative marketing
  10. experiential marketing
Go here to read a great post on the definition of each type of guerrilla marketing tactic mentioned above.
photo from weburbanist

Nov 19, 2008

What's Going On

Deborah Layton joined Peoples Temple as a teenager. She left Jonestown six months before the suicides.  In the PBS film Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple she expresses her unhappiness with the world in the 1960s and 1970s and the desire to change it, noting Marvin Gaye's song "Mercy, Mercy Me" off the 1971 album What's Going On.  YouTube video embedded above, and here's the link.
"...the whole time I was in college, I would go into the library -- they had headsets-- I'd ask them to put that entire tape on (What's Going On).  And it was all about "What is going on here, people," you know?  The war in Vietnam, everyone's upset.  And that sort of drifted into every aspect of my life...You know, we all seem to be lost here and that maybe it is time to get involved in something..."  Deborah Layton; Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2007)
November 18th, 1978 
Jonestown Massacre
Jim Jones issues a suicide order commanding his followers to drink cyanide-laced Fla-Vor-Aid.  918 people died in Guyana: five at the Port Kaituma airstrip, four in Georgetown and 909 men, women and children in Jonestown.
November 17, 1938.  
Gordon Lightfoot is born.  He releases Don Quixote in 1972, one year after What's Going On. Listen to "Beautiful" above or  here.
60% of participants polled believe the deaths of the adults at Jonestown were murders.  View the poll here.

Nov 17, 2008

10 Rock n Roll Rider Requests Sure to Surprise

The Rider.   Musicians can become legends over these. These contracts can include specs on everything from dressing room 'vibe' and meals to transportation and opening act.  You're thinking about Van Halen, Black Sabbath and NKOB right now aren't you?
Here are 10 musicians whose riders were and weren't what I expected: 
  1. Sheryl Crow - Mon. Makers Mark, Tues. Bombay Gin, Weds. Courvosier Brandy, Thurs. Good Quality Champagne, Fri. Silver Tequila, Sat. Absolut Vodka, Sun. Silver Tequila
  2. Kid Rock - if McDonald's could of set up I'm sure they'd be there.
  3. Coldplay - NO chardonnay, NO Stella, NO U.S. beer but stamped postcards are nice.
  4. Prince - more like a spa than a gig. The Yogi tea and scented candles do add a nice touch.
  5. LL Cool J - the driver must know where to find a Soul Food Cafe and that door better not say Jay.
  6. Boy George - boy o boy happy hour starts at sound check and that black t-shirt better be ready.
  7. Nine Inch Nails - who would've thought these guys were juicers!
  8. The Black Crowes - wooden furniture doesn't go well with zig zags.
  9. Frank Sinatra - plants, Tootsie Rolls and top shelf liquor are 'appreciated'.
  10. Guns n' Roses - Dom Perignon, guacamole and porn.
Korn's rider with a PHAT towel request
click it to enlarge it
What's on your rider?
Source: smoking gun 


Nov 15, 2008

May I Introduce You To...

Shocking Blue.
One of Kurt's favourites.  Nirvana covered Love Buzz.  

You can view more  here.

Nov 14, 2008

Dear Apple Strategic Development

Signature series, limited edition pieces do very well.
Why not try these:

1. Travis Millard - Fudge Factory Comics
3. Powell & Peralta Series
5. Basquiat
image copyright Artist Rights Society

Nov 12, 2008

23 Irritating Words and Phrases

There are certain words and phrases that wake a growling monster in me. Once they're said there's no going back.  You've lost me.
Researchers at Oxford University have compiled a list of the top 10 most irritating expressions to coincide with the release of 'Damp Squid', Jeremy Butterfield's book which uncovers, 'a wealth of fascinating facts about the English language.'.
Here is my personal list of the 23 most irritating words and expressions that make me want to... crumple up a ball of paper and throw it at the wall!
  1. get 'er done
  2. cheers (for thank you)
  3. you're joking
  4. random
  5. fashion forward
  6. eco and green (as marketing buzz words)
  7. we work hard and play hard
  8. the bottom line is
  9. epic
  10. no brainer
  11. agree to disagree
  12. ASAP (pronounced ay-sap)
  13. it's not rocket science
  14. value added
  15. corporate culture/philosophy
  16. at the end of the day
  17. outside the box
  18. I'm sorry, but...
  19. it's all good
  20. I need this yesterday
  21. team (in a corporate setting)
  22. I understand where you're coming from...
  23. oh, yeeeeaah...
What about yours?

Nov 8, 2008

yes you CAN


go and find this album for your deep winter listening - Tago Mago~CAN
listen to mushroom here

Nov 7, 2008

The Fashion Designer and the Comic Book Artist

Veronica dresses better than Betty.
I think my first girl crush was on Veronica Lodge later to be replaced by Daphne Blake - which would probably explain my penchant for scarves and mini dresses.  
As for my thing for Asterix, later to be replaced by Shaggy - I think it was the facial hair and titular heroism that did me in.
When I read that Diane von Furstenberg had released a comic, Be the Wonder Woman You Can Be, published by DC Comics, I was intrigued.  The limited edition comic book features von Fursentberg's original story through the adventures of Diva, Viva and Fifa (get it - DVF) as well as bits by Lynda Carter and Gloria Steinem.  100% of the proceeds are for DVF's charity, Vital Voices. Check the pics out here.  Betty dresses better than these gals.
John Galliano had a great comic inspired website in 2004 where one could dress the heroine, Ms. Galliano, in his current collection and lead her on 007 style adventures around the world - thigh high stilettos and all.  I'd like to see a walk off between Veronica and Ms. Galliano.
So, which leaves me to wonder, do comic book characters have stylists or are comic book artists extremely stylish...

Nov 5, 2008

12 Best Boots for Dirty Girls

Q: PLEASE do a post on women's boots. I NEVER know what to buy! The walking down the street shopping kind of boot, or what to wear out for dinner with pants. I hate boots that are too fine to wear outside in real weather... DH
A: Sure thing DH - Here are my best boots for women who aren't afraid to get dirty.
1. The Granny Boot
2. Faryl Robin
3. Yves Saint Laurent
4. Ann Demeulemeester
The tall lace ups are a must!
5. Golden Goose
6. Prada
7. Marc Jacobs
8. Dries Van Noten
9. Golden Goose
10. Alberto Fasciani
11. vintage military
12. YSL
Stefano Pilati can do no wrong

Nov 3, 2008

How to Make A Cool Floor Lamp



Like a small budget, a small space calls for imagination and efficiency.
The stovepipe light above casts a warm glow and provides an accent to furniture groupings. The piece is created from lengths of galvanized stovepipes in six and eight-inch diameter sizes. You can find stovepipe and other jewels at Habitat for Humanity ReStore or your local hardware store.

What to do:
  1. Cut the stovepipe into five lengths ranging from 16-30 inches, and buff the sections to the desired shine.
  2. Cut five discs from 3/4 inch plywood to fit tightly in the bottom of each tube.
  3. Attach a ceramic fixture and standard wiring to each disc (found at a hardware store).
  4. Insert mini-spot bulbs into the fixtures.
  5. Insert the discs into the tubes.
  6. Cut to size, and place the entire unit on a 3/4 inch plywood base.
  7. Spray paint the base black.
**Don't use oversize or high wattage bulbs because they will overheat. If the pipes become too hot or need ventilation, drill small holes near the base of each tube.

Remember, imagination, time, and a willingness to do it yourself are all you need to make your decor plan effective and keep your budget on track.


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