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Stats and random facts of the day
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78% of 12-17 year-olds game online, while only 67% participate in social networks (Pew Internet)
75% of millennials find computers to be more entertaining than TV (Deloitte)
Only 9% of CMO’s report that their agency exceeds their expectations in terms of price, 12% for ROI (October survey from GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media for Epsilon)
As of 12:49 PST there were 461,410 blog posts posted today (worldometer)
35% of people who use personal ads are already married (Time magazine)
1 in 8 couples married in the U.S. last year admit to meeting online (online dating insider)
25% of all fires of unknown origin are rat-caused (Zilvan.com?)
Brain gyms to replace yoga studios?
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In the past 5-8 years there has been an escalating movement towards holistic health. Physical fitness is still important in culture, don’t get me wrong. Especially this culture. But, as yoga, retreats, meditation, acupuncture and organic foods boom I think it’s already old news to say we are moving beyond the mere physical side of wellness.
Well, it looks like the next area of health to exploit is our mental agility. Our brain is a muscle too. So vibrantBrain, a San Fransisco start-up, wants to help people exercise it. They have built a complete workout center for the brain with classes such as neurobics, computer software programs and more.
These clubs are aimed at Boomers, but I think they might do well for strategic planners.
How (and where) to shop online, part 1
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20×200 (Art)
I love this site. Love. They sell original art, curated by Jen Beckman who owns a great gallery on the Lower East Side. Each piece comes in three sizes at three price points. The smallest size is printed in batches of 200 (hence the name) and run $20 a pop. The largest size is an original and can go for $2,000. They introduce two new pieces a month and each comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist. I just ordered this guy:
Craigslist (Furniture)
I know this is not rocket science, and it’s not new. But it is my favorite place to find mid-century pieces. It is the best scavenger hunt. Try these search terms “mid century” “vintage modern” “danish” “danish modern” “french deco.” Here are some finds from just today:
Etsy (Home decor, art, furniture, accessories)
Etsy can be a joy. It can also be scary Christmas sweaters. That is what happens when everything is handmade and anyone can set up their own store. But if you know your style or which sellers are good it’s a great place to find art, decor, furniture and handbags. My favorite sellers for the home are Spruce Home and Highstreet Market; for art, luludee and JennSki; for accessories Valhalla Brooklyn. Here are some of my favorite pieces:
Quick interactive roundup #2
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Skoda Octavia’s Remote Control
For the release of the new Octavia models, Skoda launched a website that allows visitors to control a real car. Cars are parked throughout several locations in Holland and then driven and controlled via the internet audience. Go try it out or watch the live stream. (more…)
Location, location, location
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Thanks Mike for this awesome find:
PSFK highlighted a new iPhone app called Alocola that basically adds location awareness to websites (with your permission) as opposed to just the iPhone & its apps.
Why are advertising shows the new law series?
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Trust Me premiered on TNT last night. Critics called it emotionally vacant, dumb, and soulless. For them to succeed, they’re going to have to go way deeper. 
We caught glimpses of the Ad Biz on Melrose Place, Bewitched and 30 Something. Mad Men changed perceptions. It has complicated characters. Don Draper gets poetic about the products he’s schilling. He also makes it onto SNL where he tries to pitch a hula hoop with suspenders.
But why are TV writers in love with the ad industry?
Crazytown for Obama
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The world has officially turned into a freakshow over Barrack Obama. To celebrate the inauguration Krispy Kremes in Britain gave away Obama Americanos. What is an Obama Americano? It’s just your average joe with Obama’s face smiling up at you in the foam. They used stencils to create that masterful effect and let me tell you it’s creepy.
3 mil for a :30 spot and they’re selling out like Weiner Circle hotdogs
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It’s a recession. Most headlines I read are about marketers and advertisers slashing budgets for 2009. And yet, for the Super Bowl, they are all shelling out dough like a young celeb at Chloe.
This year :30 Super Bowl spots come with a $3M price tag, 11% higher than last year. But you wouldn’t know it from the line-up of brands jumping on board. Pedigree, and Denny’s are two newcomers. And the old trustees are stepping it up a notch with 3-d commercials. Should be an interesting show. I wonder if the old “blow-your-wad” trick will work this year, or if saving and rationing would have been a better play.
Hulu takes a page from the Apple playbook
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In 1984 Apple launched that hallmark ad during the Super Bowl changing the trajectory of their company and inserting themselves directly into the cultural conversation. This year, Hulu hopes to achieve the same momentum.
Hulu’s media team sent an email to the digital-media press world promising that their Super Bowl ad would “finally reveal the secret behind Hulu.” Hmmm. Not sure what this secret could be. But I guess it’s a smart way to make a tech-savvy press group not DVR through their commercial.
