Hopped up Easter

This is a cappuccino
Tip that barista. (source: Daily Candy, 3/26/10)

Trippy
Over 600 people have reviewed Schrute Farms on TripAdvisor.com, even though it doesn't exist. The fictional B&B, which boasts an 82% positive ranking, is owned by "The Office" character Dwight and his cousin. Reruns and DVDs keep the reviews coming. TripAdvisor was over the moon when NBC called because they "don't have a big marketing budget and don't do TV ads." Most people realize it's a fake, but TripAdvisor has added a footnote for those not-in-the-knows who complain they can't locate the place. (source: NY Times, 3/28/10)

Don't chili me, man!
The Indian military is planning to use the world's hottest pepper as a new weapon in their war on terror. They'll be adding it to tear gas grenades. The "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili," got its name because it's so hot, even ghosts won't touch it. (source: Christian Science Monitor, 3/30/10)

Doing good, doing well
Can't say enough about corporate social responsibility. Every survey I see confirms its value to consumers, esp. since the recession has killed our trust in big companies. Although half of consumers aren't really sure what CSR is, 75% believe it's important, 55% would choose a product that supports a particular cause against similar products that don't, and 38% plan to spend the same or more on products or services from socially responsible companies. 70% are willing to pay a premium and 28% are willing to pay at least $10 more. Most define CSR as "giving back to the community." (source: Brandweek, 3/30/10)

Funny money
To close its budget gap, Maine is considering a tax on clowns, jugglers, and comedians. (source: NY Times, 3/27/10)

Pac(k) money
In 1937 a handful of sitting senators received $1K each to act as spokesmodels for Lucky Strike. In a testimonial ad, ND Sen. Gerald P. Nye praised the "comfort and safety a light smoke gives my throat." (source: Ad Age, 3/27/10)

Time is relative
Last weekend, Russia dropped 2 time zones to just 9. If this move jumpstarts the economy by making it simpler to do business across the country, as is the plan, they may eventually slim down to 5. (source: Global Post, 3/27/10)

Are you the world's greatest sales person?
Then OgilvyOne is looking for you. They're hosting a contest on YouTube which asks entrants to sell the ubiquitous red brick. The prize is a 3-month fellowship at the agency and the opportunity to write a contemporary manual on salesmanship. The inspiration was two-fold: 1) Mr. O got his start selling stoves in Scotland. 2) The feeling that modern marketing has gotten too far from its sales roots. (source: NY Times, 3/28/10)

Outstanding
Pearl's hobby, portrayed in this new John Deere ad, gave me goose bumps. Does your avocation make the world a more beautiful place? (source: Adweek, 3/29/10)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1227613352?bctid=74439102001

Wok luge
German-Asian mash-up http://online.wsj.com/video/wok-racing-causes-stir-in-germany/A2EEADCE-2C31-4E84-82AD-8B870C95ECA8.html (source: Wall Street Journal, 3/26/10)

Here comes Earth Month
The 40th Earth Month, to be exact. And another rock band fundraiser compellation disc to go with it. If there had been rock stars shown in this ad, I never would have given it a second look, or shared it with all ya'll. It's nice that their agency didn't go for the easy solution even when preaching to the choir. (source: Mother Earth News, February/March 2010)

Back to basics
Calvinism is staging a comeback. (source: Christian Science Monitor, 3/27/10)

Cheerios on the go
Meijer is testing drive-thu grocery. Buy online, pick it up. Considering the #1 thing grocery shoppers want is to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible, not going in at all should be a hit. Although not being able to select your own meat and produce could be a speed bump. (source: Chicago Tribune, 3/30/10