The K Agenda

Long live the King

2009-07-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today the world pays their final respects to Michael Jackson.

Like everyone else, I grew up with his music around. As a kid I couldn't listen to "Thriller" by myself at night because it scared the crap out of me. Come to think of it, it still does. But later, in my 20's, someone special gave me a deeper connection to Michael Jackson because she was a big fan. I remember rushing with her to the Virgin Megastore in Burbank for the midnight release of his last album, "Invincible". Good times. Sadly, in the end, he wasn't invincible, and neither was that relationship. But I'll never be able to listen to "Rock With You" or "PYT" and not think of her.

That's the magical thing about music. Doesn't matter how much time goes by, you hear a song and *poof!* you're transported back to a moment you probably didn't even recognize as special at the time. And even though the moments we're brought back to are sometimes bittersweet, they make us who we are. As they say, 'tis better to have listened to Michael Jackson and lost, than never to have listened to him at all.

So long MJ.

Glee indeed...

2009-05-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last night after the last performance show of American Idol (I thought Kris Allen did great, but Screamy McScreamerson is sure to take the crown tonight), I watched the preview episode of Glee. The comedy set to premiere this fall is about a group of misfits at a Nowhereville, Ohio high school who find their niche in the school's Glee Club. Not exactly the premise you'd expect from the creators of Nip/Tuck.

It has a great ensemble cast including Jane Lynch as a scathing cheerleading coach, and Lea Michele, the young lead female singer, has a wonderful voice and reminds me so much of Idina Menzel it's distracting.

I literally couldn't stop smiling for five minutes after it ended, and I immediately downloaded the cast's performance of "Don't Stop Believin'". If anyone knows of a stage choir that needs a mezzo alto, give them my number.

Consider yourself Glee-ked. : )

Idols and Stars

2009-05-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey hey.

I found it fitting that today, the same day as the last performance show of this year's American Idol, I saw the trailer for "Afghan Star". It's a documentary that follows four contestants as they compete on Afghanistan's popular Idol-style show. They have the same dreams as anyone yearning for fame and fortune, except that in their culture, singing for a reason other than religion is not allowed. And if you're a woman competing on the show, your very life can be in danger.

I wasn't that thrilled with this year's American Idol crop. I can't stand probable-winner Adam Lambert's incessant shrieking, and am astounded that the judges haven't gotten sick of it as well. They keep saying how "brave" he is to go on stage and scream his head off. Sorry guys, but that isn't brave. The ladies of Afghan Star have that covered.

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

Dance 10, looks 3...

2009-04-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yo. Long time no see.

I'm not a professional dancer. Or singer. Or actor. I did run off to a performing arts college in L.A. after high school to explore this crazy dream I had that I could be, but alas, I ended up in advertising. It's just as well; I don't have the guts to be an actor for a living. I tip my hat to anyone who does. One of my oldest friends is performing on Broadway right now in the revival of Hair. It took her ten years, but she made it. And I think that's amazing.

Of course even though I know I'll never do it, a part of me deep inside would love to. And I think a large part of that is due to a movie I watched countless times as a child: A Chorus Line. The show about the incredibly un-glamourous lives of career performers always seemed romantic to me somehow. Now that show is making its return, and a documentary was made it. I don't know if it's showing here in Vancouver, but I hope I can find it somewhere.

*sigh*

Happy Monday, y'all.

2009-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen an SNL in its entirety since the days of Sandler, Farley and Nealon. Without Tina Fey I don't even bother tuning in for Weekend Update. So needless to say I didn't catch Neil Patrick Harris hosting last weekend. But I did catch this after the fact, and wow. It's amazing.

The only things missing are Wanda and Vinnie. Oh, and the computer that clearly had to boot up in DOS. Love it. lol

In Ted we trust?

2009-03-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's a bit of a weird time for TV. Battlestar Galactica comes to an end this Friday, ER is ending a 15 year run in a couple of weeks, Grey's Anatomy has gone off the rails into crazytown. Seems all we have left is our friends over on Lost.

But there may be hope. ABC has a new show coming out called "Better Off Ted". I'd seen the ads for it and it looked amusing, but this preview of the first nine minutes has me officially on the train.

It looks smart, dark, and subversive, and looks to have a strong ensemble including the always funny Portia De Rossi. Which means it'll probably get canned after ten episodes. But I'll give it a shot.

Happy hump day!

It's beginning to look a lot like...March?

2009-03-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just when we thought we were on the road to Spring, it's snowing. In Vancouver. In March. I don't really mind because I missed out on so much snow during my 10-year tenure in LA. That being said, I can't wait for summer to come so I can get some sun on this white-ass skin of mine.

In that spirit, here's a cool video for a cool song that goes out to anyone still stuck in winter that might be dreaming of a warmer place.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Typography Tuesday

2009-03-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hey hey,

I hadn't thought of posting anything today until I came across my friend Dan's FFFFound page and BAM. He hit me in the face with some wicked cool typography. Here's a few of my fave pieces, but there were a lot more. You should definitely check it out.

Happy almost-hump-day, y'all.

2009-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

OK. So I don't know why, but this site that I saw a couple of years ago floated through my mind today and it is SO GOLD that I have to pass it along.

In short, this lady found a box of old Weight Watchers recipe cards from 1974 in her parents' attic. They are disgustingly, amazingly rife with comedy. You can't make this shit up. I can only hope I can make an ad inspired by these one day.

Enjoy!

Long time no see!

2009-02-19T08:48:00.001-08:00

Hey hey,

Wow. Can't believe I haven't posted in over a month. I've been neglecting my duty to the two of you out there that actually read this. So what's new? I've been very busy, hence the no posting, but I've also found myself rather uninspired. I was certain I'd have a lot to say about this year's Super Bowl ads, but to be honest they were all pretty "ehh". Oh look, a sentimental Budweiser ad with a horse in it. Oh look, GoDaddy.com is using blatant sexploitation. Quel surprise.

Granted, the economy is in a shit-state. But it always amazes me that the companies who throw millions and millions of dollars at ONE 30 or 60 second spot can't produce anything fresh. Like, say, this gem from 2000.

The one spot that actually made me chuckle was this one from CareerBuilder.

Punching a Koala? Really? Amazing.

In other news, only a few weeks 'til Watchmen comes out! Also, how frakkin' good is Battlestar right now? And don't get me started on Lost. I have no idea what the shit is going on in that crazy-fest, but I LOVE it.

So there we have it. It's good to be back. See ya soon.

WTF Wednesday

2009-01-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

I have to get this off my chest. I don't like pharmaceutical ads at the best of times. I personally think it's inappropriate to advertise for that stuff on TV. And I haven't seen a sex pill ad yet that hasn't left me feeling creepy with the visualization of two people I would never want to visualize doing it, doing it. But, they have a lot of dough and they pay a lot of advertising salaries. Who knows? Maybe someday they'll pay mine. So what can you do.

But funnily enough, it isn't the couple in this ad that bothers me the most. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but the thing that absolutely makes me keel is that just 2 seconds in, we see a dog frantically scratching at the door to get out, and you can see the dog's BALLS swinging around. Who casts that dog? They're only there for a second, but it seems SO weird to me. I can't be the only person in Canada who's noticed this.

Maybe it's a lifetime of hearing Bob Barker say "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered," but I don't want to see that. Just like guys shouldn't wear sweatpants without a lot of support. It's just too much information. Anyways, maybe I'm just insane. But here it is for your enjoyment anyway.

Four frakkin' days and counting...

2009-01-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

I was going to make a big long post with all these videos to get you ready for Friday's premiere of the last (half) season of Battlestar Galactica, but I didn't. There was just too many. So long story short (too late), Sci-Fi Network produced a couple sets of webisodes to get you all amped and excited, entitled "Face of the Enemy" and "The Resistance". Each is 10 videos of about 3-4 minutes each. They're on YouTube. Knock yourself out.

I can't wait to see how it all wraps up but on Friday I'll have to live in anticipation as I don't have the Space Network and will be reduced to using the underground railroad that is my mum taping the episodes on VHS and giving them to me when I go over to visit. Just when you thought I couldn't get any cooler...lol

Anyways, onto non-Starbuck related things...my best friend recently showed me this bottle of wine he got and I love the packaging.

Perfect if you're ever in the mood for a South Eastern Australian Cabernet with a little, um, sass.

Makes me think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for some reason...

Peace out playas.

Movie Monday

2009-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

So in the category of "What the f*** are studios thinking remaking this?!", I saw the trailer for Pink Panther 2 starring Steve Martin. God these movies look bad. Like insultingly bad. Peter Sellers must be rolling in his grave. I grew up watching the original Pink Panther films. They were hilarious, but they weren't really for kids. The new ones are so tame the Jonas Brothers could watch them.

The originals. I highly recommend you go out and rent some of these. My personal fave is "Return".

...and the new. Blech.

But before I go all high and mighty on the sanctity of film, I also saw a trailer for "The Proposal", a new rom-com starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, either of whom I'd marry in 0.2 seconds just for the chance to stare at them for 72 hours straight. Does it look cheesy? Yes. Does it look formulaic, sentimental and cliche? Yes. Am I probably going to shell out ten bucks to see it? Absolutely. I'm only human for chrissake.

Aren't they pretty? Happy Monday y'all.

2009-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

In the not-so-distant passed I posted some videos of Target Women, a segment from Current.com's weekly culture skewer Infomania. My new favourite tidbit from Infomania is called Viral Video Film School. I have to crank out some stuff this morning so I'm going to let Brett Erlich take it from here.

VVFS: Animal Fights

VVFS: Guitars

Happy Thursday!

O Hockey!

2009-01-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

In honour of our Canadian boys winning the World Junior Championship for a FIFTH year in a row, here are a few good hockey or hockey-ish ads.

Classic Nike Ad featuring our departed Markus Naslund.

Rollerblades really need to make a comeback.

An ad for those who love hockey...too much...

And lastly, an ad for anyone who's experienced the joy of equipment.

WARNING: Do not watch this one if you are eating, just ate, are hungry, may be hungry soon, are hungover, or have a weak gag reflex.

Game on! See you tomorrow.

Don't Trust Me Tuesday

2009-01-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

It's officially a new year and like yourself, I am back to the grind. Needless to say it has been difficult to get the creative juices flowing again after a couple weeks off. I think my brain is still somewhere back in Maui. Yes, I was in Hawaii over Christmas. I know you're jealous. Let's move on.

So, what's going on. I've made the same resolutions as I always have, ie stop eating junk, get my butt on a treadmill more than once every two months, etc. But I am determined to be more vigilant this year as I have the big 3-0 coming up this summer and I'm determined to look good. *sigh*

But back to work: in one of the many magazines I read on my trip, I came upon an ad for a new show debuting on TNT entitled "Trust Me". It seems that Mad Men has gone and paved the way for more shows about the advertising industry. Only I don't think this will be as good as Mad Men. Call it a hunch. Or just look at the ad.

Seriously? The tagline almost made me spit out a perfectly good mouthful of Pina Colada. Not to mention that these are possibly the two most lightweight guys on TV. Eric McCormack, I know he's not Will anymore and not really gay, but he could've fooled me. And Tom Cavanaugh is simply incapable of not mugging. All the time.

If you still don't believe this show will be an affront to all of us actually in this industry, watch the promo.

When does Mad Men come back again?

Happy New Year, everyone! : )

2008-12-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

What up.

So it's a lovely snowy day, and I'm trying desperately to finish all my Christmas cards so that they'll be only slightly late this year. In that vein, I'm going to let Sarah Haskins do the heavy lifting for me today.

Ms. Haskins has a recurring segment on Infomania, Current.com's smart weekly culture shredder. Her bit's called Target Women, and investigates the way we as ladies are marketed to by the powers that be. This week she dissects the vampire phenomenon. I have to admit, I've always had a thing for vamps. I blame Buffy. Then I saw Twilight and wow. It almost ruined fangs for me. What an awful movie. Seriously. It was bad. And this is coming from someone who paid money to see BloodRayne. Anyhoo, take it away Sarah!

And here are a couple more of my favorite TW's.

Target Women: Cleaning

Target Women: Birth Control

And of course, Target Women: Number Two. Yeah, that Number Two.

I'm off for a nice festive holiday next week so I'll probably see you in the new year! Happy Chrismahanakwanzakah to you!

W is for WTF?

2008-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

What is it with children's tv? Ever since Barney came along kids' programming has been on a permanent acid trip. I once watched Teletubbies for 10 minutes and all I saw was kids climbing a slide and going down it. Over and over. And then the creepy baby face in the sun laughed. WTF?

The latest hot thing is called "Yo Gabba Gabba" and consists of some guy in an orange body suit and fur hat dancing around with large monsters. Fair enough. But I watched some clips of it and I was freaking terrified.

Here's a sample of the YGG a with ascerbic wit via Joel McHale of The Soup.

I grew up watching Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, 3-2-1 Contact and Square One (yeah, I said Square One. Mathnet anyone?). Jim Henson knew what he was doing.

I'm not saying that the Muppets always made sense. They were silly and weird. But they were also smart, sarcastic, musical and funny. They hung out with grown-ups. They didn't talk down to kids, they expected them to understand. The same way "children's" movies like Toy Story and Shrek are smart enough to appeal to all ages. I have season 1 of the Muppet Show on DVD and it's still amazing. That's the way we should entertain our kids. IMHO.

Happy Monday!

2008-12-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

I don't have much time today but I heard someone mention this ad and it reminded me that I wanted to talk about it.

No doubt you've seen the recent Subway campaign that inexplicably uses a monkey to illustrate I don't know what. There's "games" or "memory tests" or "puzzles", but they're all ridiculous, random, and in my opinion are not in any way cute or appealing. To me, anyway. It's insulting. I hate these ads.

I apologize, this is in French. But don't worry, it doesn't make much of a difference.

Now, if you're going to incorporate random animals and make ads that don't make sense, you might as well go all the way. Like Quizno's did with the Sponge Monkeys a couple of years ago. You'd be hard pressed to find a more random, disturbing image connected to food. And you know what? It was GOLD. In my humble opinion.

Just try to get that out of your head for the rest of the day. THEY GOT A PEPPER BAR!

As you were.

Never gonna give you up...not that I have a choice...

2008-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Okay. Let me preface this by saying that I love Rick Astley as much as the next person. I think I still have his debut album "Whenever You Need Somebody" on cassette tape in a bankers box in my closet. Probably sandwiched somewhere between Taylor Dayne and INXS. Oh yes, I've spent my share of time on the Astley train.

That being said, I'm SICK of being "Rick-Rolled" on YouTube. We need to stop this madness. All I want to see is the trailer for the new Terminator or Transformer movie and there he is. Again. Trenchcoat n' all. I saw you on the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade, Rick. Haven't we suffered enough?

Oh and PS: Can someone please bring back Pop-Up Video? It was GOLD. Love it.

Random, I know. As you were.

2008-12-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Gooood morning.

So while watching football on TV yesterday (oh, Seahawks, why must you toy with my emotions?) I saw your typical mix of Christmas commercials. There were happy couples exchanging diamonds, "adorable" kids doing "adorable" things and lots of cars with big red ribbons. But the one spot that stood out to me wasn't a Christmas commercial at all. It was a Chanukah commercial.

That's right. For the first time I can remember, a large brand (Best Buy) made a holiday ad specifically targeted at Jewish people. It wasn't complicated; a Best Buy employee recounts how she helped a mom pick out gifts to give her daughter for each of the 8 nights of Chanukah. It started with earphones, then an iPod case, iTunes gift card, etc, finally leading up to an iPod on the last night. It was simple, friendly, and matter-of-fact.

I think this is fantastic. Too often we have to tiptoe around any religious undertones at all. Some clients don't even want you to mention Santa as that relates to Christmas. I once heard someone sued an airport because it had a holiday display with trees and lights and they found it offensive towards non-Christians. HUH? So good for Best Buy.

I can't find the Best Buy spot online, but keep an eye out for it. For now here's a Virgin Mobile spot from a couple years ago that also supports an equal opportunity holiday shopping experience.

Shalom!

Watchmen Wednesday

2008-12-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Hello hello,

The new trailer for Watchmen is out. It explains a little more of what the story is about. At least as much of the story they can explain in two minutes. It's a really complex book.

This is Trailer 1. Far superior to the second in my opinion, so watch this one first if you haven't seen it.

Here's the new teaser.

Did I mention the director Zack Snyder and his DP Larry Fong went to Art Center? : )

I'm off the grid Thursday and Friday, so I'll see you bright and early on Monday.

Word.

Typography Tuesday

2008-12-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yo yo.

Most of the other writers I've met don't really seem to get into the design side of things, but I'm a bit of an anomaly. I love to break out a pen tool or a golden section from time to time. I also love type. I blame Art Center.

As for typography, I fully admit I don't know all the technical stuff. But I do love looking at it. There's nothing like a beautifully designed wine label or bakery box.

Anyways, here's a couple of places to look at some nice stuff.

ilovetypography.com

TheDieLine.com

Oh, and if you haven't seen Helvetica yet, rent it. Like, today. I totally geeked out over it.

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

(RED) Monday

2008-12-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today, December 1st, is world AIDS day.

33 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS and that number rises every day. The worst part is that it is preventable. All it takes is education and resources. Unfortunately those things are hard to come by in places like Africa where people don't have the tools they need to control the spread of HIV.

We're not all Bono or Angelina Jolie with a million dollars to donate. But if you want a simple way to contribute to this cause whilst indulging in a delicious beverage, forgo the Timmy Ho's or SBC today and go to Starbucks. See you there.

For more information visit

WorldAIDSday.org
or
Starbucks.com/Red

Midnight Mixtape

2008-11-28T23:50:00.001-08:00

I grew up listening to my Mum's mixtapes and made countless tapes of my own via My First Sony, so I was among those saddened by the quick demise of Muxtape. But this seems to be picking up the torch. Saw it on another blog (thanks, happymundane.com), and couldn't resist giving it a try. Oh and in case you were worried, I did put Debbie Gibson on it. Oh yeah.

Free Pap Friday

2008-11-28T14:08:00.001-08:00

You might want to put that plate of leftover yams and gravy aside for just a moment. Ready? Kay.

If you live in the Greater Indianapolis area and need a unique gift for a special lady in your life, look no further. You can now purchase gift certificates for Planned Parenthood. Yes, I said Planned Parenthood. Apparently a good papsmear goes for about $60 these days, so if there's someone you think could use a good swabbing, there you go.

Now, I'm not sure quite how I feel about this. On one hand, it's definitely practical, and if someone has put off their yearly girl-doctor trip because of the cost, then it's thoughtful and far more healthy than, say, a copy of the new Beyonce album. On the other hand, it just seems uber-bizarre to gather 'round the tree and give someone the gift of a pap, birth control, or std testing. "Merry Christmas! Here's to another Herpes-free year! Fingers crossed!"

Truly, the gift that keeps on, um, giving. Happy Friday y'all.

Time Machine Tuesday

2008-11-25T09:13:00.001-08:00

Yo. So today we're travelling back to the year 1979. It was a good year. The Seattle Supersonics (RIP!) won the NBA Championship, President Jimmy Carter was attacked by a swamp rabbit, and I was born. Woot woot.

It was also a great year for weird liquor, flying Toyotas, and gratuitous butt shots. Enjoy.

Speak into my good ear, Jaclyn. You're freakin' me out.

Whoa. Wonder how many Tercels they went through making that one.

God I hope I can write a jingle like this someday. Amazing.

Movie Trailer Monday

2008-11-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's a complicated request: go see this movie. Just don't go see it at a Cinemark Theatre.

Apparently the CEO of Cinemark donated 10K to the "Yes on Prop 8" campaign in California. In case you aren't aware, Prop 8 overturned the decision of the California Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage. So I find it interesting that Cinemark would show a film about one of the most pivotal figures in the gay civil rights movement. I guess we're good enough to give them our money. We just aren't good enough to get married.

At any rate, the film looks brilliant. Just maybe check out Laemmle's or something. : )

Read this book.

2008-11-20T08:04:00.001-08:00

This is The Cheese Monkeys. The first novel by graphic designer Chip Kidd. Of course just calling him a graphic designer is a vast understatement as he pretty much redefined the art of book cover design. But that's neither here nor there.

The Cheese Monkeys should be required reading for anyone in the "commercial" arts. It tells the story of Happy, a graphic design student before they called it graphic design. It's sarcastic, hilarious, and absolutely true to the experience of art school. And it has several passages that, depending on the type of person you are, will either make you more proud than you've ever been to be in design or advertising, or it will make you so ashamed that you sell everything, move to Jupiter Hollow and can peaches for the rest of your life.

Me, I felt the former.

Even the design of the book is worth getting it for. I may be a lowly writer, but I am a type geek, and I love the way Kidd uses it.

I am currently reading his follow-up novel The Learners. Will report back on that once I'm finished.

In summation: The Cheese Monkeys. By Chip Kidd. Go get it.
That is all.

Sunday Night "Ewwww...."

2008-11-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

I admit that I wouldn't want to be faced with this creative brief:
Write an ad about toilet paper getting stuck on your ass when you wipe. Oh and use cartoon bears.

Nonetheless, I cringe every time I see these commercials. It's bad enough we have to see these bears popping squats behind trees all the time. But dingleberries? And that little weight pulling wet toilet paper along the carpet? Eww! Not a visual I need, thanks.

Advertising Darwin Award of the Week

2008-11-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

Okay. So I see an ad on TV for the "Safe Cut", a nifty package opener that gets you into those ridiculous thick plastic cases that things like Walkmans (yes, I said Walkman) come in. "You'll never struggle with opening a package again!" the ad promises. AWESOME. Sounds great. Except that at the end of the ad, they show a product shot, and I WISH I could find a picture of it, but they package it in the KIND OF RIDICULOUS IMPENETRABLE PLASTIC YOU REQUIRE A DAMN "SAFE CUT" TO OPEN.

A+ guys.

Keith Olbermann goes to bat for the human heart

2008-11-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this doesn't have anything to do with advertising, branding or design. But it is pretty damn important.

One of the most moving editorial pieces I've ever seen.
Thank you Keith.

The secret to happiness is...

2008-11-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Okay. Let's get right into the best news I heard today as my clock-radio alarm roused me from dreams of alien invasion. Seriously. It was scary. I'll tell you about it another time. As I was saying...

THE STARBUCKS RED CUPS ARE BACK!!!!

This causes me more happiness than it should. It literally makes me giggle like a schoolgirl. Why? Because I am a victim of amazing branding and an irrational love of Eggnog Lattes. It's just not the holiday season without them. Let Christmas begin.