An opinion editorial titled “Verbally Challenged – Potholes in college students’ minds” in Sunday’s Houston Chronicle highlights some frightening realities about the ability of today’s university students to recognize common words and construct simple sentences. The article’s author, a journalism…
Turbulent times for advertising – barf bags now feature ads
According to a recent USA Today article, US Airways plans to open up advertising opportunities on its air-sickness bags. I realize airlines are trying to squeeze every penny they can in this new age of thinner margins and increasing competition.…
Speaking metaphorically … works
The greatest thing by far is to be a master of metaphor. It is the one thing that cannot be learned from others; it is also a sign of genius, since a good metaphor implies an eye for resemblance. –…
Don’t end sentences with a preposition? Bloody nonsense.
Today’s New York Times includes an op-ed titled “An American Foreign Policy That Both Realists and Idealists Should Fall in Love With.” My third grade teacher would have made the writer sit in the corner and wear the dunce cap (yes,…
Holes in the Dunkin’ Donuts brand expansion strategy?
Dunkin’ Donuts is in the midst of a major brand revival effort, including new franchise interior colors, food and in-store experience offerings and a large expansion of their footprint across the country. The company is planning to add 10,000 new…
Mr. Happy Crack – better brand machine than even I gave it credit for
In an earlier blog column, I wrote about a seemingly boring franchise concept – a foundation repair business (I know, YAWN, right?) – that was turned on its head through simple, focused and buzzworthy branding. Well, after I sang the…
When the hero becomes the goat, he has to learn to eat crow
Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Terrell Owens waited a little too long to make an apology to his teammates and fans for fighting and making nasty comments that were detrimental to the team. And the later the apology, the more humbling,…
The branding genius of Mr. Happy Crack in a seemingly boring industry
With brilliant marketing and a fresh, hip image,this foundation repair business is quickly making a name for itself as an up and coming franchise. People are actively seeking to purchase hats, umbrellas, shirts and other paraphernalia featuring the company’s mascot/logo…
Advertising is not journalism. But Newark wants you to think it is.
The City of Newark couldn’t seem to get good press for its activities and policies. So it’s buying good coverage for a year from a community newspaper. Most would agree that paid coverage that features a controlled message is considered advertising.…
What Steve Jobs has in common with Spike Lee
When I heard how Apple CEO Steve Jobs called the father of a young man gunned down for his iPod, the first thing I thought of was a piece of dialogue from writer/actor/director Spike Lee’s 1989 hit movie “Do the…