We’re an inventive agency obsessed with turning complex information into simple, creative communication. Obsessed.
Yesterday, millions and millions of devotees sat glued to their screens, waiting for breathlessly for the latest life-altering word from their leader.
Also airing: The State of the Union Address.
In a sad state of affairs, it seems that there was more buzz about Apple’s latest release than the President’s. How can healthcare compete with a 10 inch screen and a wireless milk frother? (The latter is still in beta.)
According to our friends at Google, it can’t….
Canadians all over the country enjoyed a small victory yesterday when the iconic Tim Hortons brand announced that they would not, after all, be sponsoring “Marriage & Family Day” hosted by the National Organisation for Marriage (NOM) an American association that campaigns against gay marriage.
Ok, so I’m sure you’re sick of all this Twitter excitement, but you have to admit; to Tweet or not to Tweet is no longer in question…. only why you didn’t Tweet before…. Continue reading ‘How do you organise a protest in 2009? Use Twitter of course…’
“I believe that my next 100 days will be so successful I will be able to complete them in 72 days,” Obama said. “And on the 73rd day, I’m going to rest.”
Hilarious? Possibly. Tradition, sure; everyone loves a good roast. But one of the first things that struck me when I watched through highlights from Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ dinner was this side of Obama we haven’t seen a ton of yet -- master of the partisan punchline. Of course, he made fun of himself and the Democrats too…but there were definitely some claws out (laugh-worthy) moments dedicated very specifically to Republicans, past and present. Continue reading ‘Obama: zing!’
Ignoring the uproar generated by the G20 summit, the thousands of protesters and the police’s questionable use of force, the British public did indeed show their support for one political figure – Michelle Obama. Continue reading ‘Barack who? It’s all about Michelle Obama…’
What’s in and what’s out in this years Junior Oxford dictionary? Providing real insight into our times: Nature and Christianity are out… technology and politics are in. I hope that the kids 10 years from now know that a blackberry grows on a bush and is not just a phone that emails. Continue reading ‘Remember kids: Nature still exists’
In a quick skim of the newspaper yesterday, I came across an article that mentioned Obama had been heard using fairly controversial language…one quote going a little something like this…
It seems hope really is contagious. Or so it seems, as this recent report on Pepsi and Ikea highlights an apparently-Obama-inspired ad campaign. Though I’m not convinced they were a direct response to Obama, it’s not surprising that brands would want to cash in on the emotional upswing we’ve witnessed since inauguration day. But what will the long-term cost be? Particularly in the case of Pepsi – who modified their logo this October (it hadn’t been tweaked since 1998)… life imitating brand or brand imitating Obama? Continue reading ‘Jumping on the brandwagon’
So last week I submitted my first ever iReport. If you haven’t heard this term before, you’re not alone –iReport is a CNN project/offshoot that effectively puts news in the hands of the audience and provides a platform for everyday people to report on what’s happening from their own point of view. Continue reading ‘How to make the news’
Unless you live under a rock or have been sequestered in a small cave somewhere, sheltered from global news, Barack Obama’s upcoming inauguration (on the 20th of January) hasn’t escaped your attention. Continue reading ‘Will anyone miss George Bush?’
Last night I was watching Kenny Glenaan’s 2004 film, Yasmin, a piece that focuses on the heightened cultural, religious and generational conflicts faced by British Muslims post 9/11. It’s one of the few British films that looks at Islamic fundamentalism in Britain and raises the very relevant question of whether Islam and Non-Islamic cultures can co-exist. Continue reading ‘Brown Skin, Silver Screen’
Kyrgyz cinema enjoyed great success under Soviet rule. With freedom of expression being encouraged in all artists under Krushchev’s regime in the 1960’s, directors like Tolomush Okeev were able to make films showing the Kyrgyz and their sensibilities within the wider frame of the Soviet Union. Okeev’s The Fierce One (Lutiy), pictured above, is a good example. Continue reading ‘The Rise of the Kyrgs’
I just stumbled across a new campaign website for Benjamin Netanyahu, who is running for Prime Minister of Israel.
You might not be able to read Hebrew but you can have a quick look at http://ru.netanyahu.org.il/. Continue reading ‘Obamitation? Israeli candidate copies US campaign site…’
I have a favourite new item of clothing, a tank top especially designed by Zac Posen for the Obama campaign. The only place to buy the shirt is at the Obama store online.
The t-shirt is part of a designer collection called runway to change where famous designers created bespoke items of clothing and accessories in aid and support of the Obama campaign. Continue reading ‘Dare to Dream’
I know some of us have had just about all we can take of elections recently, but I was delighted to see that the winner of the MTV Europe “Best Act Ever” Award last night was given to…….Rick Astley. Continue reading ‘8 out of 10 cats’
Whilst compositing an interview subject against a background isn’t exactly new for news reports (nor indeed really dodgy chroma keys), CNN decided to advance the format with a new ‘Hologram’ interview between Wolf Blitzer and Jessica Yellin during last night’s election results.
R2D2 Labs, the creator of the technology reports that the system may occasionally pick up ’slight flutters.’
Today’s record voter turnout is testament, not only to the historic significance of this ballot, but also the unprecedented media onslaught…designed to get Americans off their couches and out to the polls.
Sure, every election there’s a push to register – but there’s been a sophisticated, superdistributed push this time… Continue reading ‘Heads Obama, tails McCain’
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/couric-palin-open/704042/
Tina Fey has been catapulted to red white and true blue stardom these past few weeks/months…and we’re about to see what kind of impact this has on her day job. Continue reading ‘Is Feylin blurring our public images?’
Oh gosh, just when it couldn’t get worse for poor elderly Senator McCain. He goes and calls out for a plumber to find no-one there. This really is painful. I think we all know that moment in a presentation when we realise that the key prop isn’t there. Continue reading ‘No Show Joe’
Apparently Mr McCain didn’t read my post yesterday. Tsk Tsk.
Have a look at The Times’ response to his speech today in Pennsylvania:
“…the disdain in his voice was often unmistakable.” Continue reading ‘Check your tone, my friends’
It was horrible to see and painful to watch. First rule, don’t list more than 3 things (rule of 3). Second rule, if you do, don’t try to recall them. Watch as McCain looks oh so old…
So Obama is is off to see his Grandma in Hawaii. Now of course he’s only taking time out of his campaign schedule as she is gravely ill and he’s stated that he doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes he made with his mother. Continue reading ‘Obama’s Grandma’
Well I just watched the debate and can see that whilst Biden clearly won it, Palin did herself a lot of favours by not appearing as a total idiot.
It goes to show that if you set expectations low enough, you can be a winner by being mediocre. Now how might we use that in our communications business?
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