What we're looking forward to this Xmas
- 62% spending time with family & friends
- 8% holiday dinners & parties
- 7% finding & giving presents
- 4% holiday music and TV shows
- 3% putting up & taking down decorations
- 2% getting presents
Since it sounds like most of us hate the trappings, why not just skip them this year? Go ahead, buck convention. Break out the Xbox and have some simple merry down time. (source: Harris Poll, 12/15/09)
Unusual holiday gift
Sponsor a sutra at http://www.bl.uk/supportus/idp.html . The Dunhuang Project is an international effort to conserve and make available online a cache of tens of thousands of manuscripts, textiles, and paintings from between 100 BC and 1200 AD discovered in a cave in China along the Silk Road. The document at left is a 9th century apology to his host from a sloppy-drunk guest who is "ready to sink into the earth with shame." Rice wine or Jaeger shots, nothing really changes.
Plug ‘n' power
Lowes now sells DIY solar panels. So far 21 stores in CA. (source: Fast Company, 12/14/09)
O as in optional
According to a new study, in 2009 there was no growth in the number of Americans who bought organic food and beauty products. (source: Marketing Daily, 12/10/09)
Not talking about your brand
63% of Americans have never promoted a brand on their social networking page. 9% are doing it more often than last year. 4% follow a brand on Twitter. (source: Synovate/Center for Media Research, 12/17/09)
Crowd sourcing, Indian style
The rupee has long been a currency in search of a symbol (currently Rs). We have the $, England has the ₤, India has the TBD. The final symbol will be announced soon, after a yearlong contest open to all Indian citizens. (source: The Economic Times, 12/18/09)
No paper
After more than 300 years, the UK is doing away with paper checks. Starting 11/1/18, only plastic, electronic transfers, or cash will be legal tender. (source: Slate, 12/17/09)
Clunker sticker
A tad belated, but I love this bit of bumper humor from Mini.
Tweets in the hood
Gangs use Twitter to plan and boast about attacks. (source: NY Post)
DD USA
High schooler Patrick Streckert of Portland, OR, believes it's important for him to take the responsibility to study civics and learn how the government works because not enough other people do. Says Patrick: "It's like being the designated driver for a country." Sigh. After 40 years of moldering, civics is making a comeback in curricula. BTW: 68% of Americans think "most Americans do not live up to their responsibilities" as citizens. (sources: Christian Science Monitor, 12/10/09 & Harper's Index, 1/10)
Wrinkles and all
If you could zoom in on this display, you'd see Brooke Shields' crow's feet. How cool is that? Not that she has crow's feet, but that the company selling age-fighting, skin-repairing product didn't feel the need to Photoshop them out. Nice job Schering-Plough.
Move yer stinkin' cart
49% of Americans want nothing more from their supermarket than to get in and out as quickly as possible. 50% would grocery shop online if they were sure it was secure and the quality would be ok. (source: Quirk's, 12/09)
I am so great
Among social media users ages 30 and older, 29% of males and 45% of females believe "most people are interested in what I have to say." The survey didn't cover what "most people" really think. (source: eMarketer)
Ad Age spots of the decade
I still don't get the gorilla http://adage.com/brightcove/lineup.php?lineup=56282081001&title=56340414001
Ad Age non-TV campaigns of the decade
http://adage.com/article?article_id=141011
Robo-elves
How your holiday orders from Gilt, Zappos, and other e-tailers get filled http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI_YQp3zoo8&feature=related
The ‘bots wish you a Merry Christmas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdmtya8emMw
Plastique
This is what happens when two Parisian designers get bored with their kitchen - 20K Lego blocks covering an Ikea island. Notice the matching Lego-head cookie jar. They also built chairs. (source: Inhabitat)
We ROC the arts
Rochester is #7 in the US for people who contribute money to arts and cultural organizations. (source: Scarborough)
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