Lame Pepsi Monster Invades Times Square

After skimming Ad Age's article this morning about a Pepsi Monster in Times Square (idea hatched by BBDO), I figured I'd stroll outside the office to see if I could locate the creature.

Well, low and behold -- a lame, giant, inflatable, ugly-looking thing awaited just outside our doors. I walked over to take a closer look and capture a few photos, but the below-freezing temps resulted in some quick snapshots and a speedy retreat back inside.

(However, not before I managed to walk away with this freebie.)

Adobe's Wild Imagination Grows

Curious with Adobe's simple yet intriguing new rich media web banner, my attention was piqued with a welcoming slider bar within their new ad. Sliding the bar within the interactive ad was very rewarding, as new creatures, wildlife and organic growth emerge from behind the controls. Bravo, Adobe!

I posted a short demo here of my own interaction with the ad late last week. (sorry, play controls are all the way at bottom of screen)

Wii Remote Strap Replacement

I received an email this evening from Nintendo, indicating that my Wii remote may be in need of a replacement wrist strap. They've assured me that by wearing the wrist strap (I suppose both new or old), it will prevent me from "accidentally dropping or throwing the remote during game play which could damage the remote or surrounding objects, or cause injury to other people."

My wife can attest to the damage I've already caused with my Wii remote. I've managed to hack/scuff the frames on our living room walls, and on several occasions narrowly miss her face as I swing my tennis backhand -- all with wrist strap firmly secured, mind you.

But by the looks of this photo, I'm not sure what sort of wrist strap improvement I should expect from Nintendo in the mail. I can't tell much of a difference in quality between the new and original.

Letting Users Accurately Resize Text

Increasingly web designers are developing a compassion for users who would like to read their content. What a novel idea. A List Apart provides an interesting analysis of addressing website typography in CSS (found here), comparing line heights, pixels vs. ems, body size by percent, etc.

An interesting debate and worth a read.

Holiday Shopping Guide 2007, Vol 1

UncommonGoods: While the products are consistently fresh and original, their website is lacking in design and usability. They're a trusted, long-time quirky goods reseller. Be sure to sign up for their print catalog -- it's nice to browse through printed materials every now and then.

Elsewares: Taking a page out of Urban Outfitter's playbook, Elsewares is another success story in peddling original, quirky stuff on the web. Popular among urban-dwelling twenty-somethings, like the above UncommonGoods, this is the place for independent artist designed jewelry, clothes and products for your apartment (err, dorm?).

Branch: Recycled and earth-friendly products are perfect for an eco-minded gift recipient. One fact I especially warmed up to is that their founder Paul Donald is a former creative from Wired magazine.

GelaSkins and Mophie: Looking for great iPod accessories? These guys have got the hottest way to wrap, protect and accessorize the most precious of mp3 collections.

NY Transit Museum Store: For those passionate about trains, or more specifically NY's mass transit, this is the place. While the subway map emblazoned apparel and bags are a bit tacky, the old subway grab holds and original subway art make for tasteful, original gift ideas.

Burt's Bees Community Service Announcement

I fully disclose that Burt's Bees is a client of ours over at the agency, and I never leave the house without my Beeswax Lip Balm. With that said, I am still compelled to share news that these fine folks are raising awareness to a growing concern: our country's troubled bee population.

We have a problem with honey bees dying. This issue is important for all of us… not just nature lovin’ tree huggers. To learn more, visit the Burt's Bees site and watch a new video about dying honey bees.

Do-it-Yourself Flintstones Car for Kids

Yabba Dabba Doo! A member at Instructables has posted detailed instructions on how to build a Flintstones car for your kids! Brilliant idea, and very well executed. Eat your heart out Fisher-Price!


Warning: May not be appropriate for children under 3. Hazardous and dangerous to most children's health. Only use if your child grew up watching classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons, and is named Pebbles or Bam-Bam.

Sure, we've all faced challenging clients. They often put us on the spot in the middle of a creative pitch, and ask if we use "that software that makes logos," or share design comps they'd like you to consider... you know, the ones their high-school grade level nephew assembled.

Ever wonder if there was a comprehensive list of responses you could reference in cases like this? Go over to Eric Karjaluoto's ideasonideas blog — he's got just what you're looking for! Bravo.

Thx for the link Jeffrey Zeldman