Back to the phonecalls again. The agency that proved so good at paying on time has, alas, slipped into the overdue bracket. But I'm still solvent as the current place I am insisted on paying me early for my first couple of weeks. Still have several more cheques due in before Christmas.
And today is my last day here. What was a 3/4 week stint has turned into 6, and if I wasn't flying off on a short break tomorrow I'd probably still be here as the project is dragging on interminably. It's in its death throes but the clients are still faffing and refuse to finish it off. Still, it's meant a couple of weeks of extra money for me, which means I can now enjoy some time off leading up to Christmas. And replace the bike that was stolen at the weekend (galling).
The agency also won the big pitch they had a couple of weeks ago, which is great news. It puts them on the map, it's all over the trade press, and means they can expand, move offices, hire more staff. And hopefully they'll hire me again too. Lovely people, even if the project and client have been... um... difficult.
I have been working at the client's site, at their insistence for the past few days which was painful to say the least. They wouldn't allow us to connect to their network meaning that I couldn't email any files across, and couldn't print anything out to proof it. They also trapped us in endless Kafka-esque meetings with multiple rounds of amends from around a dozen different people - every few hours. A truly dreadful way of working and extremely non-productive. Still, on the plus side, the suit and I bonded well.
Ah well, sit back and think of the cheques in the post... and pack suitcase. Sunshine here I come.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Thinker
Sweet little ad. And a good example of why creatives should seek inspiration everywhere. More galleries/exhibitions/lectures please.
Agency: Perich Advertising + Design, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Agency: Perich Advertising + Design, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Intellectual stimulation
Last night, I went along to the Lyceum Theatre in Covent Garden, with Him Next Door and also Her Next Door. We didn’t go to see the Lion King, which is what’s usually on there, but to hear a talk from Malcolm Gladwell. You may have heard of him - he’s written a few books, including ‘The Tipping Point’. And he’s a very clever chap.
His ‘niche’ as it were, seems to be extrapolating sections of data about various social behaviours, exploring them within the context of the culture they come from, and then explaining how and why this can cause certain events to happen.
For example, his talk last night was about plane crashes. And how most of the time they have nothing to do with the plane. Or any technical issues. They don’t even have anything to do with the capabilities of the pilot or co-pilot (or whether or not they are drunk or on drugs). Most plane crashes are caused by poor communication - either between the co-pilot and pilot, or between the co-pilot and air traffic control. He explained this in several ways (misinterpretation, mis-hearing commands etc), but the really interesting stuff was in ‘mitigation’ and Geert Hofstede's theory of ‘power distances’ (i.e. our relationships with people we perceive to be our superiors and how we phrase information according).
I won’t go into every detail as that’s his gig, and you can read all about that is his new book, but it was fascinating. As was his delivery. He’s highly skilled at public speaking, with a great sense of comic timing (and rhetoric, as one of my companions pointed out).
When he started speaking, people were whispering/unwrapping sweets/fidgeting around/getting comfy and generally driving me bonkers. (I have no truck with rowdy audiences.) However, by the time he finished the evening - reading a goosebump-inducing transcript from the black box recording of the last few minutes in the cockpit of a doomed jumbo jet - the entire theatre was rapt.
Left us with plenty of food for thought too. An excellent way to spend an evening, and it reminded me how much I always have, and still do, enjoy learning.
Interestingly, not everyone agrees with me.
His ‘niche’ as it were, seems to be extrapolating sections of data about various social behaviours, exploring them within the context of the culture they come from, and then explaining how and why this can cause certain events to happen.
For example, his talk last night was about plane crashes. And how most of the time they have nothing to do with the plane. Or any technical issues. They don’t even have anything to do with the capabilities of the pilot or co-pilot (or whether or not they are drunk or on drugs). Most plane crashes are caused by poor communication - either between the co-pilot and pilot, or between the co-pilot and air traffic control. He explained this in several ways (misinterpretation, mis-hearing commands etc), but the really interesting stuff was in ‘mitigation’ and Geert Hofstede's theory of ‘power distances’ (i.e. our relationships with people we perceive to be our superiors and how we phrase information according).
I won’t go into every detail as that’s his gig, and you can read all about that is his new book, but it was fascinating. As was his delivery. He’s highly skilled at public speaking, with a great sense of comic timing (and rhetoric, as one of my companions pointed out).
When he started speaking, people were whispering/unwrapping sweets/fidgeting around/getting comfy and generally driving me bonkers. (I have no truck with rowdy audiences.) However, by the time he finished the evening - reading a goosebump-inducing transcript from the black box recording of the last few minutes in the cockpit of a doomed jumbo jet - the entire theatre was rapt.
Left us with plenty of food for thought too. An excellent way to spend an evening, and it reminded me how much I always have, and still do, enjoy learning.
Interestingly, not everyone agrees with me.
Friday, 21 November 2008
It's all me, me, me...
No really, it is. Here's 99 things to do, and whether or not I've done them.
1. Started your own blog - Yes. This actually number 4.
2. Slept under the stars - yes. Many times. Festivals, camping and the like.
3. Played in a band - yes! Was in 2 bands in my teens. Punk versus retro 60s.
4. Visited Hawaii - not yet, not sure I want to either.
5. Watched a meteor shower - no, but I have seen a falling star.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - yes but by accident.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - this will never EVER happen.
8. Climbed a mountain - yes, I’ve climbed 2. Ben Nevis and Mount Sinai.
9. Held a praying mantis - no thanks. Icky.
10. Sang a solo - yes. Loads of times. Singstar. Drunk as a skunk. Love it.
11. Bungee jumped - nooooo way.
12. Visited Paris - yes, 4 times but only ever for work. Need to rectify this.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - yes, Ibiza. Quite dramatic.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - does cooking count?
15. Adopted a child - yes with World Vision.
16. Had food poisoning - hell yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - no, but I have done the Empire State Building. Although I took the lift. Sorry, elevator.
18. Grown your own vegetables - yes, well... tomatoes and herbs. That reminds me, haven’t looked in the cold frame for months, I wonder what’s happening in there...
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - nope, see answer to 12.
20. Slept on an overnight train - not yet but planning a trip up to Scotland with my brother which will involve this.
21. Had a pillow fight - of course!
22. Hitch hiked - yes, going to see Bon Jovi in Milton Keynes with my friend Sam. We got picked up by a busload of long-haired heavy metal fans. Teenage rock chick's heaven. (Sorry Mum). (I fear there may be more apologies throughout).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yeeeees, but not now I work for myself.
24. Built a snow fort - nope
25. Held a lamb - Yes. Well, half a dead one. Shortly before stuffing it with rosemary and garlic and sticking it in the oven.
26. Gone skinny dipping - does taking your bikini off once you’re in the water count (it was daylight)? If so, yes. (Ahem, sorry Mum)
27. Run a Marathon - you’ve gotta be kidding.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - no, but it’s on the list.
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes! All the birds went quiet. Eerie.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - many times in many places. Favourite sunrise was at the summit of Mount Sinai (climbed it by starlight - awesome).
31. Hit a home run - no, have typical girl hand/eye coordination issues.
32. Been on a cruise - does going to see whales/dolphins count?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not yet but when I do I’m going to stay in the tackiest motel I can find. With a waterbed.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Yes on Mum’s side, not on Dad’s
35. Seen an Amish community - no
36. Taught yourself a new language - yes, HTML
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - probably not.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - no, think it’s overated.
39. Gone rock climbing - Once. Got about 6 feet up, scared the crap out of myself. However, am intending to try indoor climbing wall soon.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - no
41. Sung karaoke - once. Along with my friends Lou and Lisa. We humilated ourselves in front of a packed house which included some of the actors from ‘Teachers’ to the tune of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. I still have nightmares about it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - can this be applied to an ex-boyfriend losing his temper? If so, then yes on a daily basis for about 4 years. Also not entirely sure about the faithful business.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no, sounds like a blind date
44. Visited Africa - Yes! South Africa. It is a curate’s egg of a place.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - yes, lots of times
46. Been transported in an ambulance - yes, keeled over at Gatwick airport and came to in the back of ambulance with a paramedic attaching ECG things to me, wondering what the hell was going on. Mind you, at that point I couldn’t even remember my birthday. Totally bizarre. And quite scary.
47. Had your portrait painted - no
48. Gone deep sea fishing - no but I’d be up for trying it
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - no but come the Crumball Rally next year...
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - no. I refer you to answer 12. Again.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Yes, snorkling in the Red Sea, Egypt. It felt like I was flying. Spent about 6 hours a day in the water. Absolutely loved it.
52. Kissed in the rain - I can’t remember the last time I kissed anything, let alone what the weather was doing. But probably.
53. Played in the mud - still do! Also known as metal detectoring on the river shoreline.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre - no, but think it would be fun.
55. Been in a movie - not Hollywood or Bollywood.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - no
57. Started a business - yes! Just this year in fact. Oh hang on, and one last year too. Along with Him Next Door and Dave. Double yes.
58. Taken a martial arts class - No, never appealed.
59. Visited Russia - yes, it’s a weird weird place. Also quite brilliant if you stay with people who can speak fluent Russian. Can imagine it would be a totally different experience if you don’t though.
60. Served at a soup kitchen - nope, too selfish.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - don’t think the Brownies count, and no in any case
62. Gone whale watching - Yes, Tenerife. Saw lots too.
63. Got flowers for no reason -Yes, from myself. Have received flowers from ex-boyfriends but always for a ‘reason’ (ie pathetic creeping for things done wrong)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes, need to do so again soon actually. B rhesus positive in case you were wondering.
65. Gone sky diving - No. But I have just received the leaflet I ordered about doing an Accelerated Free Fall course (just don’t tell my Mum). Oh hang on. Whoops. Sorry (again).
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - no
67. Bounced a check - yes have bounced a CHEQUE but never a Czech.
68. Flown in a helicopter - yes! Around Manhattan. It was brilliant.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy - yes I still have a wooden clown that my sister bought me for a very early birthday. His arms and legs move when you pull a string. He lives on the handle of my bathroom cabinet.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - don’t even know where it is.
71. Eaten caviar - Yes. Revolting. Barfed it up again shortly afterwards.
72. Pieced a quilt - think we my have made little ones for Sindy dolls as kids, but my memory might be making that up.
73. Stood in Times Square - yes, was completely underwhelmed
74. Toured the Everglades - no
75. Been fired from a job - Yes once, as a barmaid. For laughing at the landlady. You would have too.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yes. Used to work 2 mins around the corner from the palace. Most memorable was the day after 9/11 when they played the US national anthem. Very moving.
77. Broken a bone - only my nose. It involved Primrose Hill, my friend Lou and a bottle of vodka. Oh, and sunrise (see question 30).
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - no, only a non-speeding scooter when I was 17 (skiving off college to go swimming in the River Wye). (Sorry Mum).
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - nope
80. Published a book - not yet.
81. Visited the Vatican - no.
82. Bought a brand new car - no. Have only ever owned one car, which was given to me by my friend Lou (weird how these answers are interconnecting).
83. Walked in Jerusalem - no.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes in many guises. Dancing school days/winning awards at college/modelling. This makes my life sound a hell of a lot more glamorous than it actually is. In fact, it sounds like someone else’s life.
85. Read the entire Bible - no.
86. Visited the White House - no but have been to Graceland. These are unconnected as far as I can tell.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no but I would do if the need arose. Am not particularly squeemish about such things. (Again, sorry Mum). (She's a vegetarian).
88. Had chickenpox - yes, age 4.
89. Saved someone’s life - two people have told me I have saved their lives in all seriousness. How true this is, I don’t know.
90. Sat on a jury - no but would like to, although I doubt it is an interesting as I’m expecting.
91. Met someone famous - Several. Some nice. Some horrid.
92. Joined a book club - no.
93. Lost a loved one - too many.
94. Had a baby - definitely not, I’d remember that.
95. Seen the Alamo in person - no.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - noooooo.
97. Been involved in a law suit - no.
98. Owned a cell phone - is there anyone left who doesn’t?
99. Been stung by a bee - yes! Was about 5. Cried a lot.
1. Started your own blog - Yes. This actually number 4.
2. Slept under the stars - yes. Many times. Festivals, camping and the like.
3. Played in a band - yes! Was in 2 bands in my teens. Punk versus retro 60s.
4. Visited Hawaii - not yet, not sure I want to either.
5. Watched a meteor shower - no, but I have seen a falling star.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - yes but by accident.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - this will never EVER happen.
8. Climbed a mountain - yes, I’ve climbed 2. Ben Nevis and Mount Sinai.
9. Held a praying mantis - no thanks. Icky.
10. Sang a solo - yes. Loads of times. Singstar. Drunk as a skunk. Love it.
11. Bungee jumped - nooooo way.
12. Visited Paris - yes, 4 times but only ever for work. Need to rectify this.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - yes, Ibiza. Quite dramatic.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - does cooking count?
15. Adopted a child - yes with World Vision.
16. Had food poisoning - hell yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - no, but I have done the Empire State Building. Although I took the lift. Sorry, elevator.
18. Grown your own vegetables - yes, well... tomatoes and herbs. That reminds me, haven’t looked in the cold frame for months, I wonder what’s happening in there...
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - nope, see answer to 12.
20. Slept on an overnight train - not yet but planning a trip up to Scotland with my brother which will involve this.
21. Had a pillow fight - of course!
22. Hitch hiked - yes, going to see Bon Jovi in Milton Keynes with my friend Sam. We got picked up by a busload of long-haired heavy metal fans. Teenage rock chick's heaven. (Sorry Mum). (I fear there may be more apologies throughout).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yeeeees, but not now I work for myself.
24. Built a snow fort - nope
25. Held a lamb - Yes. Well, half a dead one. Shortly before stuffing it with rosemary and garlic and sticking it in the oven.
26. Gone skinny dipping - does taking your bikini off once you’re in the water count (it was daylight)? If so, yes. (Ahem, sorry Mum)
27. Run a Marathon - you’ve gotta be kidding.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - no, but it’s on the list.
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes! All the birds went quiet. Eerie.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - many times in many places. Favourite sunrise was at the summit of Mount Sinai (climbed it by starlight - awesome).
31. Hit a home run - no, have typical girl hand/eye coordination issues.
32. Been on a cruise - does going to see whales/dolphins count?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not yet but when I do I’m going to stay in the tackiest motel I can find. With a waterbed.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Yes on Mum’s side, not on Dad’s
35. Seen an Amish community - no
36. Taught yourself a new language - yes, HTML
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - probably not.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - no, think it’s overated.
39. Gone rock climbing - Once. Got about 6 feet up, scared the crap out of myself. However, am intending to try indoor climbing wall soon.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - no
41. Sung karaoke - once. Along with my friends Lou and Lisa. We humilated ourselves in front of a packed house which included some of the actors from ‘Teachers’ to the tune of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. I still have nightmares about it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - can this be applied to an ex-boyfriend losing his temper? If so, then yes on a daily basis for about 4 years. Also not entirely sure about the faithful business.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no, sounds like a blind date
44. Visited Africa - Yes! South Africa. It is a curate’s egg of a place.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - yes, lots of times
46. Been transported in an ambulance - yes, keeled over at Gatwick airport and came to in the back of ambulance with a paramedic attaching ECG things to me, wondering what the hell was going on. Mind you, at that point I couldn’t even remember my birthday. Totally bizarre. And quite scary.
47. Had your portrait painted - no
48. Gone deep sea fishing - no but I’d be up for trying it
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - no but come the Crumball Rally next year...
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - no. I refer you to answer 12. Again.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - Yes, snorkling in the Red Sea, Egypt. It felt like I was flying. Spent about 6 hours a day in the water. Absolutely loved it.
52. Kissed in the rain - I can’t remember the last time I kissed anything, let alone what the weather was doing. But probably.
53. Played in the mud - still do! Also known as metal detectoring on the river shoreline.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre - no, but think it would be fun.
55. Been in a movie - not Hollywood or Bollywood.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - no
57. Started a business - yes! Just this year in fact. Oh hang on, and one last year too. Along with Him Next Door and Dave. Double yes.
58. Taken a martial arts class - No, never appealed.
59. Visited Russia - yes, it’s a weird weird place. Also quite brilliant if you stay with people who can speak fluent Russian. Can imagine it would be a totally different experience if you don’t though.
60. Served at a soup kitchen - nope, too selfish.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - don’t think the Brownies count, and no in any case
62. Gone whale watching - Yes, Tenerife. Saw lots too.
63. Got flowers for no reason -Yes, from myself. Have received flowers from ex-boyfriends but always for a ‘reason’ (ie pathetic creeping for things done wrong)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes, need to do so again soon actually. B rhesus positive in case you were wondering.
65. Gone sky diving - No. But I have just received the leaflet I ordered about doing an Accelerated Free Fall course (just don’t tell my Mum). Oh hang on. Whoops. Sorry (again).
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - no
67. Bounced a check - yes have bounced a CHEQUE but never a Czech.
68. Flown in a helicopter - yes! Around Manhattan. It was brilliant.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy - yes I still have a wooden clown that my sister bought me for a very early birthday. His arms and legs move when you pull a string. He lives on the handle of my bathroom cabinet.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - don’t even know where it is.
71. Eaten caviar - Yes. Revolting. Barfed it up again shortly afterwards.
72. Pieced a quilt - think we my have made little ones for Sindy dolls as kids, but my memory might be making that up.
73. Stood in Times Square - yes, was completely underwhelmed
74. Toured the Everglades - no
75. Been fired from a job - Yes once, as a barmaid. For laughing at the landlady. You would have too.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yes. Used to work 2 mins around the corner from the palace. Most memorable was the day after 9/11 when they played the US national anthem. Very moving.
77. Broken a bone - only my nose. It involved Primrose Hill, my friend Lou and a bottle of vodka. Oh, and sunrise (see question 30).
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - no, only a non-speeding scooter when I was 17 (skiving off college to go swimming in the River Wye). (Sorry Mum).
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - nope
80. Published a book - not yet.
81. Visited the Vatican - no.
82. Bought a brand new car - no. Have only ever owned one car, which was given to me by my friend Lou (weird how these answers are interconnecting).
83. Walked in Jerusalem - no.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes in many guises. Dancing school days/winning awards at college/modelling. This makes my life sound a hell of a lot more glamorous than it actually is. In fact, it sounds like someone else’s life.
85. Read the entire Bible - no.
86. Visited the White House - no but have been to Graceland. These are unconnected as far as I can tell.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no but I would do if the need arose. Am not particularly squeemish about such things. (Again, sorry Mum). (She's a vegetarian).
88. Had chickenpox - yes, age 4.
89. Saved someone’s life - two people have told me I have saved their lives in all seriousness. How true this is, I don’t know.
90. Sat on a jury - no but would like to, although I doubt it is an interesting as I’m expecting.
91. Met someone famous - Several. Some nice. Some horrid.
92. Joined a book club - no.
93. Lost a loved one - too many.
94. Had a baby - definitely not, I’d remember that.
95. Seen the Alamo in person - no.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - noooooo.
97. Been involved in a law suit - no.
98. Owned a cell phone - is there anyone left who doesn’t?
99. Been stung by a bee - yes! Was about 5. Cried a lot.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Swearing. Brilliant!
I've long believed there should be more swearing. In DM. In press. In TV ads. Not because I want to shock, but because it's how people speak to each other.
So fucking congratulations to the Morgan Hotel Chain for creating the vid below and for this bit of DM. And a big fuck off to the New York Times for refusing to run the press ad.
Campaign website here. I don't know which agency did it, but god love the client for having the balls to run it.
So fucking congratulations to the Morgan Hotel Chain for creating the vid below and for this bit of DM. And a big fuck off to the New York Times for refusing to run the press ad.
Campaign website here. I don't know which agency did it, but god love the client for having the balls to run it.
Nice work
Spoof of the current Barclaycard ad running on TV in the UK. Spoof done inhouse by Specsavers Creative. Great example of when spoofing another ad works. (Albeit with a short shelf life.)
The Barclaycard ad proper below (for anyone not in the UK)
The Barclaycard ad proper below (for anyone not in the UK)
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