Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Over the next couple of weeks, Megan will be honeymooning and relocating and I'll be biking through Germany—so we'll be taking a short break from blogging. What's going to happen to the Creative Cooler during this hiatus? Don't you worry—we have a few posts up our sleeve and some agency friends keeping tabs here until we get back.

Most notably, we'd like to introduce you to our newest copywriter at the agency, lil' Bill, who'll be blogging and checking in. We think you'll enjoy his musings.

The Page 143 Challenge

On page 143 of his newest book, a certain social media guru (who will remain nameless for reasons that will quickly become obvious) states that “every single time” somebody mentions his name online, he knows about it: “From newspaper articles to blog posts, from podcasts to bathroom walls (if they have an RSS feed), nothing escapes my vain and watchful eyes.” He goes on to say that “people who are trying to get my attention know very well that it is just a matter of time before I find them and inevitably respond.”

And we don’t doubt it for a second.

Reading those words, however, did get us to thinking: What if we made the challenge a little tougher? Suppose a tiny little blog like ours referenced this internationally recognized authority without ever actually uttering his name or the title of his book. In other words, what if we gave Google Alerts precious little to work with, but still included enough specifics to narrow the list of possible people we’re talking about to just one?

Just how long will it take Mr. _______ to find out about this post and acknowledge its existence? We’re hoping he will eventually. We just don’t know when. Let the blogging games begin.

Heineken Prevents Suicide?

I love a good Heineken. I am very much a beer girl at heart and Heineken is one of my favorites. I'm generally a fan of their advertising as well. In fact, I've been meaning to blog about how much I enjoy the Share the Good spot they're running right now.

But I'm not so sure about their 'Suicide' spot. Well, I'm not entirely sure it's actually theirs since I've heard rumors it may be a fake. Still, it's in poor taste. I get the idea, it could be funny if done right, but somehow this execution just isn't. It's not completely off, but with a concept like this, you have to be dead on and funny or it just doesn't work—and this one just doesn't work.

What do you think?

Creative Cooler Blog Update

In keeping with the agency tradition of birthdays and birthday treats, I brought Scotcheroos today to celebrate my birthday. Yes, I am now officially in my late 20s (thanks for reminding me, Christine). I celebrate with the likes of Tom Hanks, OJ Simpson, John Tesh, Jimmy Smits, Donald Rumsfeld, Courtney Love and Fred Savage.

Today is also my last day in the office. As was posted earlier this week, I've gotten hitched and am about to take a month hiatus from work in order to do some traveling, pack up my life and relocate.

In the meantime, the blog will continue in all its glory thanks to Christine. And I'll check in periodically, too. I miss you already.

Improv Everywhere Is At It Again with Human Mirror

Christine blogged about New York-based improvisation group Improv Everywhere in January when it held its annual Pantless subway ride. Seems like the group is taking over the subway again. The latest antic, Human Mirror, includes 15 sets of identical twins riding opposite each other on the subway mirroring each other's moves. It's pretty impressive.

Speaking of The Shining...

This is just cool.

Verizon Creeps Me Out

Of all the cell phone providers, I've always found Verizon's to be the most inventive. Granted, I've been rather unimpressed with their 2008 campaigns until I saw these most recent spots playing. The first, featuring two boys that bring back chilling memories of The Shining and room 237, is my favorite, although the creepy neighbor lady spot works well too. The casting was great—her delivery reminds me of some movie or actress that I just can't put my finger on at the moment.

My only thought is I wish they'd started running these closer to Halloween. It would be so fitting.

Congrats to Megan!

Megan got married this weekend and I couldn't be happier for her! All of us at the agency wish her well. It was a beautiful wedding that Megan spent countless hours meticulously planning and organizing. I must say, all that prep work showed as everything looked beautiful and flowed flawlessly.

I've included a couple pics from the big day!

Truth in Advertising #5

Nothing is more effective at gaining 100 percent participation than a free lunch.

Walmart Scraps the Hyphen

Retail giant, Walmart, is changing its logo and signage. Walmart is ditching its hyphen and all caps letters for a 'friendlier' looking logo with a large sunburst. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the new logo, but I wasn't really a fan of the old one either.

The old logo had a bit of a blocky, discount store look to it, but that's what Walmart is, isn't it? This new logo seems to be trying a little to hard and clearly coming out at a time when Walmart is trying to change its image. I'll admit, I actually don't mind the sunburst (gasps ensue...) but I am definitely not a fan of that font. Something about those lower case a's is bugging me. What do you think? Is it an improvement?

Check out the history of the Walmart logo here.