Sure, blame the interns

Man me
Please don't call it a shower puff. It's the Axe Detailer Shower Tool. Has a lather and a scrub side, all in one Klingon-meets-Batman package. $6. Said to be selling well, though that's several bucks more than your average, unmanly puff. (source: Supermarket News, 7/13/09)

Nyet
Beer may be in in North Korea, but in Russia, it's decidedly out. The Kremlin has been trying for years to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among young people, but the new rules, according to one Moscow-based marketer, "will kill off any human touch." No people, no off-screen voices, no dancing bottles, nothing with an implied pulse. The crackdown is fueled in part by the country's tanked economy. The government fears hard times will drive even harder drinking. But it can't all be blamed on clever advertising. In Russia, beer isn't classified as an alcoholic beverage, so the legal age (18) doesn't apply. Nostrovia. (source: Wall Street Journal, 7/14)

PL boundary
Private label's good enough for me, but not for my kids or Fluffy. While 59% of adults surveyed said they've moved to PL for some household and food products, only 12% have done so for kid-related and 23% for pet-related stuff. (source: ICOM/Marketing Daily, 7/10/09)

New Wonder
Wonder Bread has changed all of its packaging to appeal more to grown-ups. Did they hit the mark? Old is at far left. (source: Shopper Marketing, July 2009)

Hangin' with my Peeps
If you're in DC, be sure to stop by the National Harbor mall and say hey to the Peeps. The yellow marshmallow critters, and all their squishy friends, are opening their first retail location. Of course, candy won't be the sole attraction. There will be all manner of peepin' tchotchkes. Semi-related: Check out entries to this year's Peeps diorama competition. So much better than eating them. Too late to enter this year, but look for it again March 2010 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2008/03/21/GA2008032101983.html

We're over it
Nothing much has changed in the economy, but people have gotten used to it and are looking up. 57% of adults said their household economic situation is better or the same as it was this time last year. Only 47% said that in April. People are still trying to cut spending, but only 9% say it's because of the economy. 17% blamed the economy in April. (source: Performics/Marketing Daily, 7/16/09)

Requiem for an American dream
"100 Houses." Portrait sales support Detroit Habitat for Humanity (source: NY Times, 7/12/09)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/garden/09online.html?ref=garden

Save your logo
It's a new charity that asks corporations that have benefitted from an animal, like Charlie the Tuna, to help protect that animal through the Endowment Fund for Biodiversity. On board so far are: Puma, Geico, Taco Bell, Jaguar, Lacoste, and Peugot. http://www.saveyourlogo.org/en (source: Springwise, 7/15/09)

Mint condition
Whether 46-year automotive industry insider Bob Lutz is the right marketer to put GM back on its feet, I have no idea. But whatever his anti-aging strategy is, if he could package that, he would sell enough to buy GM back from the government. People, this man is 77. (source: Ad Age, 7/13/09)

Product disclaimer of the week
"You're just plain crazy if you put these in a microwave oven." Sigg aluminum lunchboxes. (source: mysigg.com)

Got hope?
Text a message in support of LiveStrong to the Chalkbot and have it printed on the streets of the Tour de France. http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/livestrong/en_US/chalk_messages

A most interesting result
"He once had an awkward moment, just to see how it feels." With imported beers in steep decline (11% average), the Most Interesting Man in the World, the international man of suavity, is being credited with a 17%-plus sales boost for his brand, Dos Equis, in the first half of this year. Stay thirsty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2SSZA0CjdQ

Twitter faux pas
Habitat, a UK furnishings retailer, had to apologize for an "overenthusiastic intern" who popped hashtags related to the new iPhone and the Iranian election protests, among other hot topics, into advertising messages promoting Habitat. Cringe. (source: Iconoculture)

Grease and go
A new McDonalds in NC will offer free fill-up for your plug-in car. The restaurant building is gold-certified under LEED standards. The food remains the same. (source: Springwise, 7/15/09)

Diabolical
Today's Very Short List recommends the ‘90s PBS series "House of Cards," and I have to 1,000% adamantly concur!! (Yes, that's two exclamation points. And here's another!) Ian Richardson as Westminster's master of political intrigue is one of the scariest freakin' villans I've ever seen. Though you won't see him eat anyone's liver, Hannibal Lecter's got nothing on Francis Urquhart. Go to Netflix. Rent it now.

Chill
I've been waiting for summer to kick in in the Northeast to share these gorgeous photos with you. Since that doesn't seem likely to happen this year, slip on a sweater with your galoshes and enjoy http://www.nickcobbing.co.uk/ice.html

Mud, sweat, and beers
Whether you love mountain biking or just like watching other people do crazy things, come out to Dryer Road Park in Victor this Saturday for the 4th annual GROC Fat Tire Festival. Sign up to race, take lessons, or just eat, play carnival games, and listen to some groovy music. Races start at 9 a.m.

Jon Brown (aka Mr. GROC) and his family will be there, along with Ron Manley, who created this year's graphics and the posters you see around the office. Thanks, Ron! And thanks to Partner + Napier for sponsoring the fest once again. If you'd like more info or want to register to race, go here www.mygroc.com. Or you can just ask Jon.

GROC (Genesee Regional Offroad Cyclists) and its over 600 members created this fest as a way to introduce the public to mountain biking, to advocate for the shared use of public trails for biking and hiking, and to educate riders on safety and responsible trail use and management.