In Miyagi’s dreams

Now featuring warm chocolate croissants
Finally a Tweet you can really use. Albion's Bakery (alas in London), lets followers know what's fresh out of the oven. (source: Ad Age, 4/13/09)

Battle of the Bavarians
Cori spotted this billboard war that's being waged all over Southern CA.
Audi: "Your move BMW."
BMW: "Checkmate."

Take that, Hyundai
GM is offering to cover your car payments for up to 9 months if you get laid off. Seemed like a great idea, as opposed to having to give your car back, until I remembered that that would be me paying for my neighbor's Saturn. (source: seen on TV)

We're number 3
For using coupons in the US. Way to save, Rochester! All but 2 of the top 10 towns are in NY and PA, hmmmm. (source: Marketing Daily, 4/15/09)

Big stick
84% of consumers say they're heavily influenced by online customer evaluations of products and services, but only 24% post reviews. (source: PROMO Xtra, 4/16/09)

Blogger beware
If the blogger you gave a sample product to makes a false claim, you could be held responsible. The FTC is mulling new regulations. The vote's this summer. Will keep an eye out. (source: Ad Age, 4/13/09)

While I was out
During a "Matlock" marathon between hits of pseudophedrine and Jenny Craig infomercials, something penetrated my germy haze-the probiotic straw. It comes with BOOST for kids. Why put the bugs in the straw, not the drink? Because dry they stay fresh and powerful for up to a year, remaining dormant until the liquid rushes by. I hear it's big in Japan. (source: WGN America)

Probiotic, smobiotic
Shredded Wheat's new campaign touts the fact that nothing about their product has changed in 117 years. One ingredient. No innovation. They say it's one of the healthiest foods in the grocery store. I say it's tasty. (source: Marketing Daily 4/17/09)

Left on, right off
How do dolphins sleep and swim at the same time? They're never completely out. Half of their brain takes control, while the other half gets some zzzs. How productive. (source: Discover, May 2009)

R-e-s-p-e-c-t
Only 5% of US agencies get pitch fees. 56% of European agencies do. (source: Ad Age, 4/13/09)

Addicted?
Get your life back. http://macfreedom.com/ locks you out of the internet for up to 8 hours. Mac-only for right now. (source: Very Short List, 4/14/09)

Do your civic duty, eat out
Colorado campaign explaining how dining out contributes to the state's economy--$570 million annually in state and local taxes-and keeps services available. Funding provided by private media companies. Unveiled by the governor. Design looks suspiciously like our We Roc ad. (source: Marketing Daily, 4/9/09)

Got stink?
Dutch Boy's full of innovation. First the easier-to-handle, resealable plastic can, now paint that removes odors from the room it's painted on, a collaboration with Arm & Hammer. They're launching the new product with a contest. Upload a photo and story about your smelly room and win a bunch of paint at http://www.myhousestinks.com/. People are gross, and not at all embarrassed to show it.

To my cousin Daisy, I bequeath my Flickr account
What happens to your digital assets if you die or become disabled? Does your family know your passwords, or even what accounts you have? https://www.legacylocker.com/ lets you store everything, along with the names and contact info of people who need to know. (source: Springwise, 4/16/09)

What to do with all those carpet samples
Design competition. Some cool stuff. Still time to enter. http://www.amplesample.net/2008/ (source: Iconoculture)

Spring cleaning
Sales at Goodwill are up 7.2%, but donations are down 7%. Hardly anybody's bringing in furniture or appliances anymore. Demand for job training and placement assistance, funded by store sales, is up 92%. C'mon, you know you've got too much stuff. Dig in, load the car, do some good. (source: USA Today, 4/15/09)