The Huffington Post reported today the death of Robert S. McNamara. The Secretary of Defense from 1961 (under JFK and subsequently Lyndon B. Johnson) to 1968. He was five years ago – the focus of one of the most extraordinary films I have seen in recent times. (more…)
I found this on It’s nice that. It’s a bit old now but thought it was a wonderful guerilla art piece. (more…)
An interesting sidebar of the election of Barack Obama was the openness he encouraged throughout the campaign through such actions as inviting photographers to document the most intimate of moments that defined the campaign. The continuing result has Obama and his subsequent administration have created a new dialogue and insight into how not just campaigns work, but now, how the West Wing and the Presidency operates in real life. (more…)
Wow – D’you think they are going to have a heart attack after 200?
I finally saw An Inconvenient Truth last night, which was a revelation, for no other fact that it was not as preachy as I thought (or had heard) it would be, and I fond his closing remarks about the will of humans to makes changes for the better a compelling and inspirational conclusion. The first ad break on Channel 4 last night was dedicated to the one particular advert. The ‘Doer’ ad from Honda. As everyone knows, Honda (and their agency W&K) have over the last four or five years have created some of the most stunning TV ads around. From the ‘impossible dream’ ad to the choir, the quality of these ads is right up there. It turns out the doer ad was actually launched last year, but to coincide with the launch of the Honda Insight, the ad has been re-released. What I love about it is it’s positivity, it’s a really simple idea, which manages to avoid so many of the cliches and tweeness of environment awareness communication. By framing and idea around the ‘doing’ (as opposed to telling) it feels more real and achievable. A ‘nudge’ if you will. (But more about that later) Great work.
http://www.vimeo.com/1533153
Wieden & Kennedy London, Directed by Coan & Zorn @ Not To Scale
Found this great site via Agency Spy, who posted up this fantastic Blackberry Ad. I love the simple idea, and shows that Blackberry has some balls to fight the onslaught of the iPhone. I’ve not been convinced by the effectiveness of their communication, it’s so bland, you just know it was death by committee. It ends up coming across like those horrible ads you see during the World Cup or the Olympics, but with 10 times more complexity. What should be a great time saving all-in-one device becomes a frigging rubiks cube of unfathomable clichés… Lets hope this (banned) ad points the way. A little bit more ‘bite’.
While on the website (which I highly recommend) I caught this little ditty from Heineken – the walk in fridge… It’s a slow burner but I’m totally in awe to how they did this. Kudos.
Love this.
Street Boners & TV Carnage is by Gavin MacInnes – formally of Vice – now as anyone will tell you, Vice jumped the shark a few years ago when it started in Britain, the Old Blue Last was alright for a while but the rest of it, too much Topshop, Landfill Indie, middle class guilt grime and all the rest… Always one of the highlights was the do’s and dont’s, but that lost it’s way too. Now via the grace of Street Boners and TV Carnage it’s back in business! And harsher than ever. Here’s some highlights. check the rest out HERE.
and some TV Carange…
A stirring, strong speech. Impressive – and fascinating how EVERYONE seemed to stop and listen to it – a true global leader. Personal highlight? This passage stood out.
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the west – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Anyways here’s a great gallery (via GAWKER) of the world watching Washington.
And here’s some great pics from HUFFPO as well (via AP)
LOVE George Bush V.1’s hat!
