The Whoopi Goldberg Poise Ad: Huh?

Posted by Julie | March 10th, 2010

I don’t remember a lot of ads from Sunday’s Academy Awards Ceremony.

But I do remember this ad for Poise with Whoopi Goldberg. But I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.


I keep thinking about this ad, and I can’t decide if it’s brilliant or ridiculous.

On the positive side, it definitely takes a unique approach to a somewht taboo subject (female incontinence) and attempts to bring it out into the open and a very public forum- using very public women.

Whether Whoopi’s humor works (fake French accent and all) is another story. I think she’s a polarizing celebrity. You either love her or hate her. I’ve never been a huge fan.

But I think what keeps me pondering this commercial, is I don’t really understand the strategy.

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The Tale of the Boy and the Box

Posted by Julie | March 9th, 2010

My Mom got me snow shoes for my birthday.

Having just tried out a pair at my friend’s house in Vermont, I was very excited.

But not half as excited as my 8 year son who promptly got to work transforming the empty LL Bean box into a fort.

I looked at the box, determined it had served it’s shipping purpose and started to put it in the recycle pile.

Fortunately, his imagination stepped in and he quickly reclaimed the empty box as a toy.

He spent the next hour cutting out a peep hole in the side, covering it with black paper (better to hide) and rigging a pretty sophisticated system to attach a light bulb to the inside corner of the box “just in case”.

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Oscar Follow Up

Posted by Julie | March 8th, 2010

Well, I was wrong about Avatar taking best picture.

But I was right about this being a “year of small” as many lower budget films like Hurt Locker, Crazy Heart (yeah Jeff Bridges!) and Precious swept the awards.

Hard to believe that Kathryn Bigelow is the FIRST woman director to win an Oscar. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1633375/story.jhtml
But better late than never. And for a war film, and not a romantic comedy, no less.

Overall I found the evening a bit uninspired. I actually fell asleep at 9:30 and had to catch up on what I missed in this morning’s news.

For NY area viewers the fight between ABC (broadcasters of the Oscar’s) and CableVision left the consumers as the big losers, until a last minute reprieve straightened things out. Wonder how this will impact the CableVision brand.

That’s my point of view. What’s your twist?

What’s your take on the 82nd Oscar’s?

QuickTwist

Posted by Julie | March 5th, 2010

Who are your Oscar Faves?

This Sunday is the 82nd annual Academy Awards. In case you need a refresher on who is nominated, click here.

This year’s nominees are an interesting mix of big budget blockbusters  (Avatar) and smaller , more quirky pieces (An Education).

I think it will be hard to ignore the commercial success (and technical prowess) of Avatar- which I think will walk away with Best Picture. But I also think this may also be a year of the underdog as the national rejection of all things “big business” could permeate the voting.

I think we may see smaller films like Precious rewarded for best supporting actress (Mo’Nique) and Crazy Heart taking home the precious statue for Best Actor (Jeff Bridges).

What are your Oscar predictions? Who do you think will go home with the gold?

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Calling All Rube Goldberg Fans

Posted by Julie | March 4th, 2010

Check out this amazing video for RGM’s “This Too Shall Pass”.

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, when I saw the red splattered overalls. Was hoping it was paint and not blood.

Bravo for StateFarm for supporting this.

Inspirational!

My Last Meal

Posted by Julie | March 3rd, 2010

We all know that food really isn’t about sustenance- at least the physical kind.

Sure we need food to fuel our bodies and keep them functioning. But it’s no great secret that food is about emotional nourishment and associations.

I find exploring favorite foods and the feelings they evoke is actually a great exercise to do in brainstorming sessions. It helps to warm up the creative juices and can sometimes have direct implications for developing stronger brands.

I remember once pitching a large Atlanta based airline where we recommended that they serve ice tea to everyone who comes on board to really bring their promise of southern hospitality to life. We even recommended finishing each glass with a small mint leaf in each cup to demonstrate (not just talk about) the special touches the airline was touting in its ad campaigns

I am sure many of you are familiar with the power of the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies on Midwest Airlines. It’s not about the physical need of hunger that’s satisfied. It’s about the emotions of comfort and security that the taste, and most importantly the smell, of the cookie evokes.

Here’s a great game that explores these food feelings. It may seem morbid at first blush, but I find that it actually unlocks a lot of creativity and inspiration if you allow yourself to get into it. It’s really fun to do in groups.

It’s called “Last Meal”.

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More Great 70’s Brands

Posted by Julie | March 2nd, 2010

This Flowbee hair cutter example was sent in from a BrandTwist reader in response to yesterday’s post on The Pet Rock and other Great 70’s Brands.

Does anyone remember it? Did anyone try it?

Thanks for all the great responses (and the birthday wishes).

Any other nostalgic faves?

The Pet Rock and other Favorite 70’s Brands

Posted by Julie | March 1st, 2010

Today is my birthday.

Rather than focus on the fact that I am another year older, and freaking out about the passage of time etc. – I’ve decided to focus on the brands of my youth- some of which I miss.

As a child growing up in the 70’s, I remember a lot of iconic brands- many of which are no longer with us.

Check out Retroland.com and search under the 70’s in case you miss some of them too.

I have distinct images of myself in front of the bathroom mirror singing into my hair brush or accepting my academy award (thanking my mother of course).

I probably also thanked product sponsors and gave them a shout out for for making me look so beautiful and glamorous.

Top on my list were:

“Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific” Shampoo (the best name ever)

Herbal Essences (who could forget that green bottle and distinct smell?)

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