from San Francisco Chronicle: Al Gore never said he invented the Internet. But the new San Francisco-based cable TV network he's heading promises to transform television by plugging it into the Internet. Current, the name of Gore's enterprise, hopes to do that by airing a shuffle of short news features, some produced by the network but many submitted online by viewers. Current will also air segments every half hour …
It Worked For Martha
from New York Times: The footwear retailer Steven Madden has decided not to shy away from the imminent release of its namesake founder from prison. The company is promoting the return of its creative leader in a series of eye-catching posters and print advertisements, and is having some fun with it in the process. Mr. Madden has been in a federal prison in Florida since September 2002, serving a 41-month sentence …
The Riddles In McGriddles
Just Say No To “Gloomy Pits Of Dickensian Misery”
from USA Today: Garment factories in Cambodia, one of the world's poorest nations, aren't gloomy pits of Dickensian misery. Instead, Cambodia is seeking to become the rare Third World country to develop economically while treating workers reasonably well. Under a global trade regime that expired Jan. 1, quotas limited the amount retailers could buy from individual countries. In effect, that system forced companies …
Continue Reading about Just Say No To “Gloomy Pits Of Dickensian Misery” →
Can’t Hurt To Try
Trendwatching's April newsletter introduces an interesting term …
“Vodka + Kabbalah” Does Have A Certain Ring
from Allentown's Moring Call: Combine medieval Jewish mysticism, a fizzy strawberry-flavored drink loaded with vitamins and a splash of holy water and you have the perfect fusion of two of the hottest fads sweeping the country: Kabbalah and energy drinks. Next week, the hip, the curious and the thirsty in the Lehigh Valley will be among the first consumers east of the Mississippi to find 16-ounce cans of Kabbalah …
Continue Reading about “Vodka + Kabbalah” Does Have A Certain Ring →
CEO Gets Fat On Late Fees
from Adweek: After settling false advertising claims in 47 states, Blockbuster is eliminating 20 percent of its headquarters staff to offset a $70 million increase in spending for its online operation, the company said. The layoffs will affect between 200 and 300 employees, the company said. A $630,000 settlement with 47 states' attorneys general stems from Blockbuster's "No More Late Fees" ad campaign created by …
Take It Down Already
Citizen activist, John Coonrod, made the following comments regarding our earlier post about the desecration of the historic Flatiron Building by clothing retailer H+M. After speaking with the Landmark Preservation Commission, I was informed on 30-March that: The Department of Buildings issued nine violations for the illegal advertising banner recently placed on the apex of the historic Flatiron Building at Madison …