Alacazam!

The dog couldn't see my homework
Not having electricity is a major hurdle for many kids in the developing world. You just can't study in the dark. IKEA to the rescue. Buy one of these solar-charged desk lamps ($20) and one goes to a student, gratis. (source: Metropolitan Home, November 2009)

What mommies pay attention to
A new survey from Prospectiv says mommy-bloggers may be overrated. Of the moms surveyed, only 1% thought blogs are the most effective way to promote a brand. 47% said product samples offered online and 40% said coupons. (source: eMarketer, 10/12/09)

Say goodbye to the average American
That's what demographic experts are predicting the 2010 census will confirm. We're 309 million individuals without a definition. In 10 of the country's largest cities, no racial or ethic group is the majority. And only 22% of households fit the old-school married-with-children mold. The census will offer 14 household relationship types to choose from. Data to be released spring 2011. (source: Ad Age, 10/12/09)

The North Face is suing
But 18-year-old entrepreneur Jimmy Winklemann of Missouri is sticking to his counter-culture clothier guns. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKz5XiaMXE (source: Iconoculture)

Merry Christmas, Denver
Colorado's minimum wage is tied to the cost of living, so the state will be lowering it by 4 cents to $7.24 per hour. Before the reduction, assuming a 40-hour week, that's a whopping $291.20. Yes, those folks will miss that extra $1.60. (source: Rochester Business Journal Daily Report, 1013/09)

How to sell work boots
Help workers find jobs so they can afford new boots. Check out the spots and the site http://creativity-online.com/work/timberland-pro-hammer/17568 (source: Creativity)

Tough market
I think this is Romanian duct tape. I sure hope they're joking. (source: Failblog)

ROI
Mint.com, the 2-year-old online personal finance management tool, was just purchased by Intuit for $170 million. Mint says it spent a mere $2 million on marketing from start-up to sale, including the marketing staff's salaries. (source: Brandweek, 10/10/09)

ROC trivia
Did you know that the oldest business in Rochester is Alling & Cory (currently Xpedx). Founded in 1819, the company was the first paper merchant in the US. (source: Rochester Business Journal, 10/9/09)

To recession or not to recession?
Most consumers don't want hear about it anymore, at least not in advertising. 23% said it made the ads seem more realistic, but...
- 12% found it "depressing"
- 25% "manipulative"
- 39% had "no opinion"
(source: Harris Poll/Adweek, 10/12/09)

Sidebar: I saw a spot for a local GM dealer that pointed out that we, the consumer/tax payer, are their owner now, so they'll be sure to treat us right. They also mentioned that they were confident GM would be able to pay us all back soon. Didn't make me feel warm & fuzzy. You? (source: probably YNN, 10/13/09)

Banned in China
Liu Bolin's photos are crazy. Please excuse all the other non-artistic junk on this site. (source: Very Short List, 1014/09) http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/meet-the-real-life-invisible-man.html

Site graffiti
For good or ill, Google Sidewiki is up and running. I'm sure all comments will be as cheery and helpful as these ladies' at left.

iAm
A U.S. teen's average daily media consumption consists of 200 minutes of television, 52 minutes of computer use, 6 minutes of mobile voice activity, 96 text messages (sent or received), and 25 minutes of console gaming. (source: Nielsen/Iconoculture)

Can you say "mesothelioma"?
It's the most expensive keyword on both Google ($99.44 per click) and Yahoo! (source: MediaPost, 10/14/09)

Counterfeit Corn Flakes
To fight fakes, and the perception that Kellogg's makes cereal for store brands, the company will laser cut their logo into their flakes. Accept no substitutes; inspect your spoon. (source: Brand Republic, 10/14/09)

New product name of the week
Minute Maid Pulpy Super Milky. OJ, milk powder, coconut bits. (source: Shanghai Daily, 10/13/09)

For my next trick...
I will make it louder. You don't have to be Hermione to magically change channels. This wand can be programmed to control anything that uses IR technology-TV, stereo, the Jumbotron in our conference room. Oooooooo. 50₤. http://www.thewandcompany.com/ (source: Springwise, 10/15/09)