Culture Junk

Garden Drive In Cleaners, Evergreen Park, IL.

2009-03-29T20:55:00.001-04:00

Garden Drive In Cleaners, Evergreen Park, IL.
Originally uploaded by Roberto41144

I love photos like this....

Another Career Crossroad....

2008-03-28T23:23:00.001-04:00

Crossroad
Originally uploaded by Kristian Hedberg

Right now, I am kind of feeling as if I am at a standstill in my career. I left a great job at AI, which I loved, but there were reasons that I am not at liberty to discuss, but I will say it was very tough to say goodbye. Very bittersweet indeed. Now, I've found out that my gut was right in the sense that there are many changes happening at the old office. The new job that I've taken, while the money is good, it doesn't offer me fulfillment - which is something that is very important to me. When I took this job, I was given a different picture of what was to be expected and am a little disappointed. I am not content to be an order filler - I am all about developing relationships with people and making them last. I guess that it took many years of not keeping in touch with people, that I realized how important it is to have a strong network of people whose relationships evolve over time. Realizing what is important to me is truly helping me map out my future.

the ridiculous jennie-o commercial

2008-02-22T18:04:00.001-05:00

jennie-o turkey store
Originally uploaded by lizzy poo

So, I'm watching TV in the midst of a snowstorm and this ridiculous commercial appears. A woman is walking down the street window shopping for clothes and all she can think of is how the pattern of the dress can inspire her to make some crazy poultry creation. Come on! When I see a mannequin in a store window, I'm not thinking turkey - rather, I am thinking about how the dress always looks better on the mannequin than on a real human being.

Target New Years Eve in Times Square

2007-01-03T10:17:00.001-05:00

Times Square 07 027
Originally uploaded by Rachel Dubler.

These days, it seems that everything is sponsored by someone. When baseball fields and arenas started to take on corporate identities in the 90s, it seemed really odd to me. It shouldn’t be so out of place in our capitalist culture, but something about it feels odd or lopsided.

Now, events and celebrations are named for their sponsor. This year, the Kentucky Derby was brought to you by Yum! Brands (hmmmm, KFC anyone?), and most recently, NYC’s New Year’s Eve celebration was dubbed “Target New Year’s Eve in Times Square.” The new year was unseasonably warm, but for the millions who watched the revelers in Times Square, all we saw was a sea of red. There were 3 times as much confetti as usual, with what they called “wordfetti” with different words of “inspiration” coming down every hour prior to the countdown.

Their objective was for the consumers to connect with the brand in a completely engaging way, using celebration to create excitement. This isn’t the first time that Target has used alt-media to engage consumers – last year, they were the sole advertiser of the New Yorker magazine for an issue – commissioning artists to fuse the ideas of New York and Target.

Is this our future? Well, think of it this way – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been that way, so the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Betty & Veronica Get an Extreme Makeover

2006-12-28T12:17:00.001-05:00

archie comics
Originally uploaded by black_coffee_blue_jeans.

I used to read, wait – devour Archie comics when I was a kid. I totally loved Betty and Veronica and I think I may still even have some of the books from the late 70s-early 80s. Anyway, I just read an article talking about a makeover of the characters and I couldn’t believe it! They want an older audience and they want to update the overall look, but the new Betty looks like an Olsen twin and the new Veronica looks like Lindsay Lohan!!! Sacrilidge! (take a look here: http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061225/ENT05/612250373/1037)

The thing that really gets me the most upset is that these are iconic characters. Sure, you can look at Barbie and as much as the look and feel may have changed over the years, overall the characteristics have remained the same, classic look. Imagine other comic books losing their overall style – you can’t – I mean, what if Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Pigpen were redrawn for the 21st Century – you just can’t even fathom it, right?

I don’t think the problem of lacking sales has anything to do with the image – the original look and feel of B&V is purely 1940s – something that Gwen Stefani has capitalized on in real life – I think it is more on content and the writing. A bad writer can kill anything, and changing a cast, revamping a wardrobe can’t do much to salvage that. Teens want good content – and teenage girls don’t read comics like B&V anymore as they are too busy devouring Manga or reading series like “Gossip Girl.” The great thing about Archie was that it was an innocent look at teenage life, and it wasn’t trying so hard to be like everyone else.

you don't need to travel alone

2006-12-28T09:45:00.001-05:00

DSC05966
Originally uploaded by Morghannn.

Using an online dating service is very standard these days – I don’t know anyone who hasn’t tried Match.com at least for one date or hasn’t completed eHarmony’s crazy assessment test (which is pretty clinical). Speed dating and friending has become a bit of a phenomena (which is a really strange concept to me), and now travel-based introduction services have started to pop up all over the place

Hitchsters is a site where you can split a cab to and from the airport here in NYC. It’s a good idea, but there are some kinks that need to be worked out. Whoever exits the taxi first is responsible for 60% of the fare (which is to ensure that the other person isn’t left with the tip) and there really is no guarantee. The matching part to the airport seems good – you are matched with someone coming from the same area and going to the same airport, but on the way back, you need to be lucky enough to be on the same exact flight as your ride, which means you really can’t rely on the service to get home.

AirTroductions is another start-up that matches people on the same flight as you for traveling companions – it is based on a social networking platform that users register for. Once on the site, you enter your itinerary and AirTroductions tells you how many members are on the same flight as you. You still pick your own seat, but you can look at profiles and contact other members before the flight. Once you are at the airport you can decide if you’d like to sit next to each other during the flight. People are using the service not just for a budding romance, but for business networking as well.

Tripmates is another travel social networking site that works by getting the honest opinions of locals and fellow travelers. This is a way for people to avoid relying on tour guides that can be unreliable – plus, what better way to explore a city than by people who live and breathe it? Oh, and if you can’t find a hotel, try couchsurfing.com which lets you crash in someone’s apartment while in the city of your choice.

People want to expand their world – they want to meet others that are outside of their own friends. With the web weaving us all together, the world is really not so big and we connect with people from all walks of life. Millennials are truly a generation that live and breathe in the Global Village, and want to absorb as much culture from others as they can.

Microsoft Crashing the Party

2006-07-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

Short Stack 2.0
Originally uploaded by *nathan.

When I think of Microsoft, the first thing that comes to mind is how much of a pain in the ass working on a PC is. The minute I switched over to using a Mac, I could not believe that all I needed to do to use any peripherals was just plug it in. With a PC, you need installation cds, run the application, install it...and so on. When Apple launched the iPod, a new generation of Mac users was born - more and more people made the switch over and the House of Jobs became a sacred temple. The iRevolution has changed the face of how we buy and listen to music - and some can say that Apple has saved the music industry.

Now, we all knew that Microsoft wouldn't just be standing in the sidelines and looking like a punching bag. Actually, they've been quietly developing their iPod killer for a while. The difference is that the Microsoft player will have Wifi so users can download audio and video content wirelessly. All in time for the Christmas shopping season. Honestly, I think that Microsoft is crashing the party a bit late, but since Apple does control 80% of the market, competition is a good thing.

Oh, and by the way - don't you think that Steve Jobs already thought of this? I think he has. All we can do is wait and see.

Let Them Have Cake

2006-07-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

Office Birthday Party
Originally uploaded by NWC021792.

Imagine if you will a world without office birthday parties that included the all-important cake. People look forward to the cake. In fact, that's usually the only thing cubicle workers look forward to break free from the monotony of the computer screen. Okay, well no one really looks forward to the singing. Now with companies becoming obo-phobic, some places are banning certain foods from the premises - including that 4 o'clock chocolate rush. Making a healthy celebration is sure to drive the party to the local bar afterwards - I mean who blows out a birthday candle on a rice cake?

For the most part, bringing healthier foods to the office is a good thing - BUT employers should not force employees to only eat approved foods on their premises. Some places are really smart about it - revamping vending machines and charging more money in cafeterias for a burger and fries or a bag of peanuts than a grilled salmon entree or a pack of Ring Dings. Prohibiting foods that employees bring into offices is awful - these are adults and they can bring what they want- but changing the face of what's offered in the break room is another story. Maybe instead of individual birthday cakes for each employee, a good compromise would be to just have one cake for the month's b-days. Come on, it's only once a month!

You WILL Conform!

2006-07-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

Mac & Cheese
Originally uploaded by Woupidy.

Mac & cheese is one of those dishes that everyone loves. I almost can't believe that I tried this quintessential comfort dish only a year ago.

In the past few years, a bunch of single dish restaurants have been popping up around NYC - you have Pommes Frites, Grilled Cheese NYC (which is now closed), Peanut Butter & Co., Dumpling Man, and now S'Mac - the new mac n' cheese spot in the East Village that has been getting quite a bit of press attention over the past week. The micro menu trend is getting more and more attention because it stands out from the crowd. Most restaurants serve dishes one way and don't build upon it - here, you have one base dish, and so many variations of it. I'm sure too, that owners are banking on the fact that you, the consumer will start to associate your cravings for that dish to their establishment - which can only lead to growth.

For people to wait on half hour lines in 90 degree heat for hearty winter fare must mean that S'Mac must be doing something right. With enough options to keep customers satisfy their cravings, the lines won't get shorter anytime soon.

Crazy Changes!

2006-07-05T00:24:00.000-04:00

If anyone reads this blog and is wondering why there's been a lack of posts, just wanted to let you know that no, I am not becoming a part of the abandoned blog graveyard! Actually, a lot has been going on - I just moved from Jackson Heights to Williamsburg and also started a new job within one week of each other, so I've been adjusting to both.

Yeah, so rather than reading up on branding, I've been obsessed with Gothamist, Free Williamsburg, Curbed, Brownstoner, and Chowhound. I've been researching every iota of what's happening on Grand Street which is right around the corner from me here in East Williamsburg which does in fact exist! It's really exciting to be in the part of the general Williamsburg area that is still rough around the edges and the energy is real good here.

Alright, enough of this - let's get back to Culture Junk!

Wrestling as a Lifestyle

2006-07-05T00:18:00.000-04:00

Old School
Originally uploaded by tikkirulz.

Ah, the WWE...I remember when I was in junior high and wrestling was the shit. Back then, it was the WWF and WrestleMania was still a new thing. Hulk Hogan and Rowdy Roddy Piper, Macho Man and Elizabeth, George "The Animal" Steele and Sgt. Slaughter - all names I remember. I actually went to a few matches with my Dad at Nassau Colisseum - not the most girly thing to do, but back then wrestling was a total phenomenon. It was so big that Cyndi Lauper got in the ring once with Captain Lou and he was in the infamous "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" video.

There was a WWF Magazine back in the day as well, and I remember reading stories that featured Macho Man and Elizabeth, have interviews with other wrestlers and give a recap of what happened in the ring. It was very guy focused, but I'd read my Dad's copies. It was back in the so-called golden era of wrestling - the mid to late 80s. So, when I read about the so-called launch of a brand-new WWE Magazine to be fashioned after Maxim or FHM, I immediately thought "wait, they've done that before and pulled the plug."

You see, in the late 80s, there weren't any magazines that were anything like the current men's magazines that are out now. You had GQ and Esquire with Details just coming out. Plus, people weren't as interested in wrestling as they used to - the fad faded, therefore they scaled the publication back with Raw and Smackdown which was focused on the ring to sell to the diehards. Will wrestling ever be the truly awesome phenomenon that it was in the 80s? I don't know if that's something that can be recreated at this point.

Trying to Make Dad's Day Pay

2006-06-14T00:27:00.000-04:00

best buy wall o' tvs
Originally uploaded by elevatedprimate.

My father is a simple man. We were probably the last people on earth to replace a rotary phone with a touch tone. We didn't have an answering maching until just before I started college and my Dad just discovered how awesome cds are a year ago when he got his first cd player standard with his car. He still scoffs off the thought of replacing the VCR with a DVD player (that's partially because my mother has an addiction to "General Hospital" and records it every single day). So, shopping for him is a no brainer - get a couple of cds and he's a very happy man.

Retailers, of course are trying to make this a big deal with a big payoff - saying our dads need that plasma tv, the iPod, and the turbo barbeque grill. There was even a Father's Day promo at a local furniture store chain that threw in a free grill with the purchase of a recliner (because we all know that Dad is synonymous with couch potato and grill master). But in the end, I know from my own experience - that buying the gadgets for Dad isn't really practical - they sit there collecting dust. Guys just want something they can use and enjoy - and it doesn't have to be big. A couple of cds and my dad will gleefully sing off tune.

What Happened to 99 Bottles of Beer on The Wall?

2006-06-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

200600281
Originally uploaded by bradmohr.

Every summer when I was growing up, my Dad would pack us all in the car and we'd go to some state park upstate. I liked watching the scenery pass me by - totally loved seeing new things. Sure, we'd talk and listen to the radio, and when I became a teenager, I brought along my Walkman to provide the soundtrack to the landscape.

I never thought the day would come where we'd have "in-car entertainment" and the ability to watch movies on road trips. With road trip season on the verge of beginning, it looks like 70% of parents will be bringing along DVDs to pass the time and to pacify cranky young'ins. A Blockbuster poll stated that watching movies on the road was second only to listening to music & traditional road trip activities like car games, singing and reading took a backseat. Even video games didn't come in close (just wait - with the slew of new portable systems that recently launched this is guaranteed to become a big road trip activity). I guess that now, people don't really care so much about travelling as they do the final destination. Getting there has become a chore that we need to be entertained in the process.

Lunch? What's That?

2006-06-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

fat lunch
Originally uploaded by malyousif.

Looks like we all really are wage slaves after all, according to a survey that was just released by KFC. Lunch breaks are now an office myth, just like the 9-5 work schedule and fully paid benefits. More than half of US workers take a half hour or less to eat, spending the rest of the time on errands, checking personal email, or shopping online. More people eating at their desks more. Have we become so good at multitasking that we only need a few minutes to gobble down some food? Some workers feel that they are deemed more valuable and dedicated if they work away, not taking time for a breather. In the UK, this perception seems to ring very loud and according to a survey taken their, the average lunch break is 19 minutes and workers take 3.5 minutes to actually eat! Crazy - aren't they going to get sick from eating so fast? I have worked in both environments that encourage you to get out and places that encourage the desk lunch. From experience, I would say that productivity and motivation is personally higher for me when I get out and clear my head for a bit. When I would stay at my desk every single day, just going out to pick up food and quickly bring it back, I suffered from extreme burn out. That just shows you the long term effects of this crazy work ethic we've bestowed upon ourselves.

More Proof That Starbucks Runs the World

2006-06-11T09:06:00.000-04:00

Starbucks
Originally uploaded by zingersb.

Starbucks is everywhere. They have gone from quirky Seattle based coffee chain to global brand in what seems like no time at all. They have also singlehandedly taken an everyday cup of coffee and made it a premium experience. Back in '92, I wouldn't spend more than a buck on a cup of coffee, but now I spend about $4 and upwards for chai, cappuccinos, and lattes. Now, when most people think of a brand associated with coffee, Starbucks is number one on that list.

Yesterday was the first ever Starbucks Coffee Fesival - which seems like a no brainer event for coffee lovers. It was held at the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA near DC. It featured coffee tastings, seminars, along with lessons on food pairings with coffee (whoda thunk that?). More proof that coffee is becoming more like wine and Starbucks is there, front and center.

Getting Out of The Gap

2006-06-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

GAP auf zwölf Uhr!
Originally uploaded by status6.

The Gap used to be one of my favorite stores. They had all the basics, and sometimes had some other great finds. But something happened in the mid 90s when their Old Navy brand launched. It looked like the Gap had taken a back seat to it's sassy, cheap-chic sister. The ads popped out more with a tongue in cheeck retro style that caught on rather quickly and there was a great sense of excitement. The thing was, the merchandise would crank out faster at Old Navy than Gap - and teens were buying it. The Gap, which is pretty much the same as Old Navy - casual basics, tried attempts at changing. They had a couple of collections that just didn't seem to go anywhere and smart customers were starting to feel that if they can get the same jeans at Old Navy, why shell out an extra $20 at Gap - they are the same company anyway.

Now, it looks like Gap - the flagship brand that seems to be the middle child to sophisticated Banana Republic and the fun, young Old Navy - needs to get back to being relevant. Enter the shop-within-a-shop concept which was tried out when the launched their Forth & Towne brand last year (whatever happened to that, anyway?). For the Gap, there will be four distinct shops : denim, T-shirts, activewear and "clean" - workwear basics like khakis and button-down shirts. In the test market, there was a positive response and the new plan allows new merchandise to enter the mix a lot faster - just like rivals H&M do so well. The new format will launch at all Gap stores at the end of July, when the first of the fall collection come in.

Re-Innovating Wendy's

2006-05-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

First Wendy's 1
Originally uploaded by JPHansen.

In the greasy world of fast-food, there is no other chain that has the reputation for fresh, quality food like Wendy's. The thing people love about them, is not only are they the underdog, but they have an ever-expanding menu and are very adaptable to the changes in their customer's tastes. They were the first chain to feature a salad bar, had a chicken sandwich in 1980, offer stuffed baked potatoes and chili, and have a 99 cent menu introduced in 1989.

For the past 3 years, it's been a little tough for Wendy's since founder Dave passed away. It almost seemed as if they have lost their soul, their voice. Advertising became clunky - remember the totally awful Mr. Wendy spots? People kept going, but there was nothing new other than a chicken and salad revamp to get excited about. If Wendy's is about innovation, why were they trying to reinvent the wheel? Enter the new advertising and in store displays featuring the "do what tastes right tag" and start getting innovative again. With the intoduction of the deli-quality Frescata line, adding healthy alternatives to kids' menus, and developing a brand new breakfast line. Their test kitchen is busy again and Wendy's has posted the first month of growth in an over a year long slump. Being innovative does pay off in the end.

Accommodating the 5 Senses

2006-05-29T07:21:00.000-04:00

Oil Blends
Originally uploaded by Eggybird.

Aromatherapy has been in vogue for a couple of years and hotels, well they've always been around (some more fashionable than others). It looks like many hotels are developing and implementing signature scents to accommodate all 5 senses to add to the experience of staying at a particular hotel. Most recently, Omni Hotels has created a Sensory Advisory Board, that includes companies like Elizabeth Arden, Whole Foods, and the Juilliard School of Music to develop the Sensory Bar in each room. Along with a cd, the bar includes pomegranate lip balm and mojito flavored jelly beans. At Westin, they are using the tag "sensory welcome" and has enlisted the Mayo Clinic to understand the effects that travel has on mind, body, and spirit. You'll also find signature lighting, music, and their white tea based scent.

Hotels aren't looking to just provide you with a bed to stay in during vacation anymore, they are looking to entice you and give you an experience that you will remember and look forward to again and again.

Learn While You Travel

2006-05-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

The Contiki Bus
Originally uploaded by Andy and Tony.

If you see a tour bus unloading, don't assume they are all gray haired with fanny packs. The idea of vacations are changing as people both young and old would rather take the opportunity to actually DO something as opposed to laying out in the sun doing nothing.

It looks like a bunch of travel tour companies have built upon the idea of learning vacations and from the research I did, each company has clear goals of who they want to target. Some are going after the boomer set, with Da Vinci code tours, culinary expeditions, and art history jaunts. On the flipside, there are tour companies like Contiki going after the Millennial and X-er set with a more extreme view of touring by going to historic sites, camping, wine tastings, and "mixing it up with the locals." STA Travel caters to the college set too and makes it easier for students to study abroad. Tours aren't just about sightseeing anymore, they are about learning about different cultures and taking a participatory role in them.

Tastes Like Homemade

2006-05-20T16:53:00.000-04:00

IMG_0165
Originally uploaded by FoxyCropper.

Making dinner after work for working families used to require a lot of effort. You'd get home around six, settle down for a couple of minutes, change, and then start cooking. For many families, getting a home cooked dinner meant eating at 8 o'clock in the evening with the television on, rather than at 6:30 when most families sit down. The time families had to spend together was dwindling - what to do?

The 30 Minute Meal revolution began, with the ever-perky Rachael Ray showing us how we could have great meals including prep and cook time in a half hour. But what happens on those nights when it's just easier to heat up some prepackaged meal or when the takeout menus are calling your name? Enter the advent of prep kitchen chains.

The concept goes like this - you go to a prep kitchen center where you can prepare anywhere between a week to a month's worth of food that you freeze and reheat. Sometimes, reheating can take up to an hour, but most people (mostly working moms) who have been to the centers feel that it is a big time and moneysaver and has also become a community center of sorts for the women. There are events held at the centers, and you can host a prepping party onsite. You can choose your menu ahead of time and when you get there, some chains like Dream Dinners feed you to as you are assembling your meals.

This trend is likely to spread like wildfire - ever since I first read about this in the New York Times in March, press attention has been getting louder and louder. Working moms have always been looking for ways to save time in the kitchen and bring their families together at the dinner table. It'll be no time before major brands court these centers providing their products exclusively.

Hot Topic Not So Hot

2006-05-19T13:56:00.000-04:00

hot topic is so not punk rock 1
Originally uploaded by getthebubbles.

When I first saw a Hot Topic store in the New York area, it was in Roosevelt Field on Long Island well after my high school days. I thought it was cool, but a sellout. You see, I started high school in the late 80s, we had to go to places like 99X or Trash & Vaudeville in the city or Utopia on Long Island. Being goth, punk, new wave, or anything alternative required effort and lots of creativity. You really had to trek to the city to get a pair of Docs or Manic Panic hair dye. St. Mark's was not a punk rock Disneyland - it was true hardcore and some parts of the East Village were quite sketchy.

Something strange happened around 1992, the year I graduated from Cardozo High School in Queens - bands that were considered "alternative" or "college rock" were gaining popularity in the mainstream, and the alternative look hit the runways. Goth and punk also became increasingly popular and Hot Topic was pretty hot. Teens didn't need to trek to the city to get the look of teenage rebellion. Problem is, since it became more and more accepted in the mainstream, Hot Topic started being considered a store where poseurs shop. The store was slowly starting to be seen as a sellout.

The original concept was quite cool - provide teens who seem to identify with music subcultures with clothing, accessories and music that fit their lifestyle and fit their sense of individuality. Now that teens are more open minded with music, they don't want to be stuck in premade slots. As a result Hot Topic has been on a decline of profits. What can they do to remain relevant with today's teens?

Magic's in the Makeup

2006-05-19T09:17:00.000-04:00

What's in my make-up bag
Originally uploaded by Nikita Kashner.

I remember going into the drugstore when I was in high school just to browse in the cosmetic section. The cheapest brand was (and still is) Wet n Wild, and I loved it because they had my black nail polish and eyeliner. Plus it was only 99 cents, so if you really wanted to try blue lipstick, it was no big deal. Wet n Wild has always been great for teens, because they are so affordable and really encourage experimentation and individuality.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the makeup market for teens is huge. There are tons of brands along with cosmetic only stores like Sephora which are wildly popular. A new cosmetic store called Missha which was a Korean chain recently opened their second location in Soho and their third in Queens Center is now open as well. They have a great signature line at very affordable prices, and they are attracting tons of teenage girls looking to try something new. Wet n' Wild is also still very popular on the drugstore circuit - they are having a contest for the next "Fresh Face" in conjunction with teen powerhouses Seventeen and MySpace for a new line of foundation that will be launching next year. Teens can vote online at the MySpace page while participating in the community. It's great that the potential of social networks continues to blossom - and by hitting the teen market, it's just smart.

Changing Fast Food

2006-05-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

mcasian chicken salad
Originally uploaded by scaredy_kat.

Fast food will always be a convenience food. People don't have time to schedule their lunch breaks and they don't have time to cook. We live in 24/7 society, so it's really no wonder that some of us patronize fast food establishments as a last resort.

McDonald's has been under the microscope for quite a while as ground zero for the nation's obesity crisis. After "Super Size Me," McDonald's has been trying to reshape their image and add more "healthful" options to their menu like the McAsian Chicken Salad. And you know something, it's an honest attempt. Plus the Go Active meals that they're selling include exercise DVDs and telling consumers that the only way to beat obesity is to get out and be active. As much as I have critiqued McDonald's in the past, I do agree with this. The problem is not the food that we are eating, but rather it's the fact that no one makes the time to exercise anymore (myself included). Because we live in this fast-paced, multitasking world, we do not take the time out to really care for ourselves.

Instead of a new diet revolution, maybe we need a new fitness revolution instead.

Sears Getting on Target?

2006-05-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Sears
Originally uploaded by a lih.

When Sears & K-Mart joined forces, no one really knew what to expect. K-Mart was like the middle child, stuck in between the more stylish Target, and the cost-friendly giant called Wal-Mart. If the middle child was going to repolish and get a facelift, they needed to do something a little different. Sears also was going through the same thing, not being an upscale department store like Bloomingdale's but not a discounter like Wal-Mart. What would happen after they joined forces?

Enter "Sears Grand." The result is a new "one-stop shop" where you can get anything and everything for the home with tons of new services that you can't really find anywhere else like free popcorn, internet access, a play area for kids, and instructional classes on home improvement projects. Overall, the customer reaction is pretty good so far and the change is a welcome breath of fresh air.

Not Another Tie!

2006-05-17T08:24:00.000-04:00

Golf lessons from T3
Originally uploaded by Cha-lot.

If your Dad is anything like mine, you are probably scratching your head as to what to give him for Father's Day. My Dad always give me the, "all I want is a hug" routine, but I just want to get him something besides cd's (getting a tie for him is completely worthless - my dad's a jeans and t-shirt guy, and that is just as lame).

Enter Excitations - they are a company that provides experiences to your dad that you can't put in a box. Why give golf clubs when you can provide a lesson with a pro? If your Dad is a car fanatic, he can learn to drive a racing car or drive his dream sports car for a day. In this day and age where everything is customized and catered to your personal needs and wants, giving an active gift along with a memory is way better than a passive gift that may be sitting in a box somewhere.

What Ever Happened to Must See TV?

2006-05-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

NBC Studios NY
Originally uploaded by Knot.

In the 80s & 90s, NBC owned Thursady's primetime lineup. There was no doubt about it as it was home to The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, Night Court, Hill Street Blues in the 80s & Seinfeld, Friends, and Mad About You in the 90s. As popularity faded and CBS took the number one slot, the slogan didn't seem to ring true anymore - it became more like "not see tv."

Now with the upfronts coming, NBC is praying for a hit. Let's see if they can reclaim their spot - I'm waiting for the next buzz worthy sitcom. Then again, this comes at a time where one in four teens cannot name the major networks, so is traditional broadcast TV even relevant anymore?

Sudoku Madness

2006-05-15T18:46:00.000-04:00

Big pile o' Sudoku books
Originally uploaded by msabramo.

Newspaper puzzles have always been a nice little pastime - you go through the Jumbles or the crossword and that's about it. Now, sudoku has been added quite rapidly to the puzzle lovers arsenal - and what a craze it has become. It seems almost like you can't get on a subway without seeing someone's head buried in their sodoku puzzle book. Not bad for a math puzzle - but the math haters are told that it isn't real math, so it's okay. The first published sudoku puzzle was actually published here in the good ol' USA in 1979 under a different name. Somehow the Japanese and the Brits got a hold of it and it became a worldwide sensation.

Now there are hundreds of variations of the game, and tournaments being held worldwide. In Britain, there was actually a one-time tournament show which aired last summer called "Sudoku Live." Sudoku started popping up back here in the US last year and books, television stories, and tournaments have exploded. The craze is so popular, that it has spoofed the Hollywood Squares in an edition called "Celebrity Sudoku"

http://datelinehollywood.com/archives/2006/04/30/celebrity-sudoku-game-show-a-ratings-flop/

The Card Craze Goes Blackjack

2006-05-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

Blackjack
Originally uploaded by michellej.

When competition poker first became a surprise hit on television, it dispelled the seediness of gambling. Casinos have been drawing a younger, hipper audience for the past couple of years, and Old Vegas has pretty much been demolished to much celebration. So has the image of seedy, smoky casinos with card sharks which has been replaced by a swanky, retro cool image harking back to the days of the Rat Pack. Atlantic City is next in line for a makeover, with new casinos going up and upscale cuisine hitting the shore. CBS is also taking its bets on big gambling by adding The Ultimate Blackjack tournament to the CBS Sports lineup.

XL at Obesity?

2006-05-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

Big Tall
Originally uploaded by wmacphail.

It's official - a report that just came out shows that America leads the world's population in obesity. So what does a company known for selling attire to the category formerly known as the "big and tall" market do? Change the connotation, of course!

Casual Male stores used to be known as Big & Tall Male, but changed their name for this very reason. Their new slogan is "Generation XL" and goes with the tag "why be average when you can be XL." Doesn't that make the whole obesity thing sound a tad permissable? They are playing off the meaning of XL to mean "excel" - almost giving an image of power and strength to bulk. Sure, there is a need for these specialty shops, but with all the media attention around the obesity crisis, is this really a smart time to launch such a campaign?

They're Baaaack!

2006-05-14T23:36:00.000-04:00

choose your own adventure.JPG
Originally uploaded by Laura Laura Laura.

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 80s? They were really cool books that were interactive and gave the reader the power to choose the outcome of the story. Just as they always say how everything comes back, these books are hitting bookshelves once again after about ten years.

The great thing about these books is the interactivity factor - the fact that you can have about 40 possible outcomes is amazing. A youngster reading it has a sense of empowerment by deciding what to do at the crossroads of the story and can start all over again, embarking on a whole new adventure. The timing couldn't be more perfect either in this age of hyper personalization.

Another cool thing is, the books were born from role playing games which were extremely popular in the late 70s when the books were conceived by a husband/wife team who really wanted to create a fun and educational book for children. Now, the stories are going further into interactive territory with a DVD series that gives children the power to decide. Looks like these books and it's influence will be around for a while.

Dance Dance Dance!

2006-05-14T09:12:00.000-04:00

DDR-time
Originally uploaded by rocktoklezmer.

No matter what arcade you go to, you are sure to find DDR (that's Dance Dance Revolution to those of you out of the loop). It's usually packed with kids and teens as well as the occasional hipster striking some "ironic" poses. With all the success of DDR, CBS will be adding a dance competition show to their Saturday morning lineup in the fall.

DDR has become a worldwide phenomenon where tournaments are held and communities have formed on the blogosphere sharing techniques worldwide. It is also being used in schools as an exercise tool, and people have stated that this is a great tool to fight obesity and get people more active. The craze has become part of our pop culture, being included in music videos (Madonna's "Hung Up") and on TV shows such as Malcolm in the Middle.

With the popularity also of the adult show, "Dancing With The Stars," it looks like dance mania is upon us once again. Anyone ready to bring back Dance Fever or Solid Gold yet?

Geek Prom

2006-05-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

VIP Geek
Originally uploaded by massdistraction.

With prom season in full swing, some of us adults are starting to wax nostalgic on our high school days. Personally, I didn't go to the prom because I was firmly anti-establishment and didn't want to be seen as a poseur. Truth is, I couldn't get a date and didn't want to own up to it. Plus, I didn't feel like I really fit in. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to go to the prom, but hey, I'm not losing sleep over it.

Enter Geek Prom - an annual event for those of us outsiders who didn't get a chance to go the first time around or had a miserable experience at theirs. It was started in Duluth, MN by Paul Lundgren whose first event was in Minnesota in 2002. The whole point of the event is to let your inner geek out and not feel like you need to fit into any specific category of coolness. Sounds totally awesome to me.

With the popularity of Geek Prom, the idea of having an adult prom night has spread beyond Duluth as an evening of cheesy music, punch bowls, and pouffy dresses.

Trailer Chic

2006-05-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

PBR
Originally uploaded by The Hoyt.

Only in America can white trash culture become hip. Go to any bar in Brooklyn, and you can order yourself a $2 can of PBR. Put on the television, and Britney is still making headlines along with her husband and partner in white trash pop culture, Kevin Federline.

In recent years, a swarm of trailer park to riches stories have immersed entertainment - from Hillary Swank to Eminem, and the trust fund babies like Paris and Nicole all want to emulate it.

Why is white trash so popular, when it's such a derogatory statement and appears to be erroding our culture? The term came about in the 1890s as a slur against poor and uneducated white families. The definition has evolved into an ironic hipster statement that college kids are eating up by throwing themed parties and going to themed bars like the Trailer Park Lounge here in New York City. There are mail order sites like White Trash Charms where you can get a charm of a Bud can to wear around your neck with pride. This is the part of the dumbing down of society that Pink is rebelling against with her brilliant song "Stupid Girls."

The fact that there is such a thing as white trash couture is both hysterical and frightening. It shows that there's an acceptance for our image of being dumb Americans. No wonder why the global society has portrayed us in this light - and it doesn't help with who we have in the White House.

Crazy New Summer Happy Meals

2006-05-10T14:22:00.000-04:00

Image013.jpg
Originally uploaded by :: kna ::.

Two news stories hit this morning about McDonald's Happy Meals - one not so happy, the other sure to increase waistlines just in time for Back to School.

Disney has decided to end their relationship at the end of the summer with the fast food giant because they don't want to be linked to childhood obesity. That doesn't mean that other companies aren't looking to take their place.

A press release issued today by Mickey D's is declaring this the "Summer of Happy Meal Fun." They will kick off their summer blitz with a "historical" partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop - the toys will be plush toys with removable mix-and-match clothing. It looks like it's set up to be the biggest thing since the Beanie Baby promotion a few years back. After that are the back to back Disney promotions, one for "Cars," and the other for "Pirates of the Caribbean. Then comes a Polly Pocket meal collection, and finally a big "mystery" collection.

With childhood obesity in the height of crisis mode, there is strict criticism of whether or not there should be such toy and meal deals. By providing kids with a toy that they buy in a package, it appears that kids are rewarded for eating crap. There have been strides to ban these meals, but to be honest, the more money fast food makes, everyone from the toy companies down to clothing companies ("Hey, Mom, I can't fit into my clothes anymore!") are profiting, so don't expect to see the demise of Happy Meals any time soon.

Mixologists the Next Celebrities?

2006-05-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

Vodka Party
Originally uploaded by Tracy27.

With the Food Network bringing celebrity chefs to the next level, entertaining and cocktail connoisseurs are now prepping for their turn in the spotlight. Smirnoff Vodka has just hired their very first Cocktail Consultant who will spend one year exploring trends and culture of all things cocktail.

This Saturday marks the 200th anniversary of the cocktail, and it's a big deal. Cocktails have defined how we entertain and have given us a glimpse into our pop culture. Cocktails can be seen as a sign of sophistication or retro chic. There are an infinite number of varieties from the classy Martini to the sassy Sex on the Beach. Bartender schools can be just as competitive as the top culinary schools. Speaking of competition, there are tons of professionals who compete their cocktail prowess on a national and international level.

The social acceptance of women consuming liquor can also be traced back to the invention of the cocktail. Bars were more hard liquor or beer establishments, and were "no place for a woman." In the 60s & 70s cocktails got a little promiscuous, adding Between the Sheets & Sex on the Beach to the cocktail vernacular. The most famous cocktail is the Cosmopolitan, which resurged in popularity in the late 90s when Sex and the City was at it's height. Yes, it's true, the signature cocktail of any given moment is the signature of the times.

Another Comic Spinoff

2006-05-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Dagwood was here!
Originally uploaded by floyduk.

No, it's not a movie based on a comic strip, but it's a sandwich shop. Named after the famous sandwich loving head of the household from the Blondie comic strip, Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppes, which is based in New Orleans, will be opening their first location in Florida.

Dagwood is actually in Webster's with the meaning of a multi-layered sandwich and is entering a very competitive, fast growing quick service market. Even Wendy's has started pushing their Frescata sandwiches a lot lately. The difference is that Dagwood's is going straight for the Baby Boomers, the main demographic who reads the comic. Great differentiator, but with so many sandwich shops out there like Subway, Quiznos, Blimpie and Seattle Subs, how else will they stand out?

Pooch Couture

2006-05-09T22:28:00.000-04:00

Dog Clothing Shop
Originally uploaded by alibash.

Doggie clothes stores have been popping up all over the place lately, and luxury specialty brands having been cashing in. Jazzy Pooch caters only to smaller dogs, and claim to be the very first dog clothier to think of the dog first, not the owner. All of their products are hand made and can be tailored to fit each specific dog. The clothes are designed to not only be comfortable for the dog, but to boost their esteem as well. You can get formal wear, outerwear, "vintage" inspired clothes.

I've passed by a couple of stores lately and these places are decked out just like a children's clothing store. You can buy pretty much any type of outfit for every occasion, along with accessories, jewelry, and beds. In a few years, I wonder if people will gasp at the thought of a naked pooch.

Triple XLarge Me

2006-05-09T21:58:00.000-04:00

freshly printed tshirts
Originally uploaded by woo.

How many brands have reissued their vintage logos on T-Shirts in the past couple of years? In NYC, if you take a trip to a place like Yellow Rat Bastard, you'll see tons of Tab, Mello Yello, Strawberry Shortcake, and Sesame Street Ts. Add McDonald's to this list now - jumping on the licensing faster than you can say the old school Big Mac slogan (come on now, you know it by heart: two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese....). Retailing at a whopping (whoops....) price of 55 bucks a pop, McDonald's feels that they will reach the all important teen market - including teen girls who generally have a negative impression of fast food (well, duh!). Of course, they are issuing the shirts in true retro style - using the old slogans and Playland characters such as the now forgotten Fry Guys, the Hamburglar, and Grimmace.

But do they come in a supersize? Inquiring minds would like to know!

Bogus Baby Boom

2006-05-09T17:15:00.000-04:00

Stroller Parking
Originally uploaded by girlfactor.

So, you'd think that with all those Bugaboos you have to dodge in the street would be a surefire sign that we are in the middle of another baby boom. Well, think again - the US birth rate has held at a steady 4 million per year since the late 80s, but the media attention has increased rapidly. Lately it seems that it's hip to be a parent - it's the "in-crowd" thing. Celebrity pregnancies have been the rage for a few years now, increasingly saturating the media - and marketers are listening. If you told someone ten years ago that everyday people would be spending $700 and upwards for a stroller, they would have looked at you like you were crazy - but Bugaboo has become a household name and the Mercedes Benz of strollers.

The publishing world has taken notice as well, with titles such as Cookie and Wondertime hitting the newsstands giving a fresh approach alongside old-school standbys like American Baby, Parents, and Child. The new glossies are just that - glossier, fun to read, providing more upscale content from the advertising to the articles and are catering to people looking for a magazine that they can not only relate to, but are fun and not just plain functional.

Latino Shopping Habits

2006-05-09T11:53:00.000-04:00

Originally uploaded by minusbaby.

Unilever just issued a comprehensive report assessing Hispanic consumers. They went through 3600 shoppers' reciepts and shopping diaries in NYC, LA, Houston, and Miami to uncover the needs of the Hispanic shopper.

They found out that each shopping trip is carefully planned out, especially since food is has such an important influence and is often the tie that binds Hispanic families together. They also buy more - they are more likely to buy in bulk as opposed to short, quick, convenience trips. They are value conscious and clip coupons. They are also more likely to frequent stores that are in walking distance, as most Hispanic shoppers either walk or take public transportation to get to the store.

Another interesting fact is that although Hispanic shoppers love and enjoy value, they are less likely to sign up for supermarket savings cards as they are more suspicious that their private information will be shared. Neither do I!

Name Brand or Store Brand?

2006-05-09T09:58:00.000-04:00

super target groceries
Originally uploaded by mpmb.

Interesting story on Brandweek about the increasing quality of grocery store brands. I remember a time when Pathmark on Long Island called their private label brand "No Frills" brand and believe me, that's all it was. The packaging was bland and looked like they were trying to sell to welfare recipients rather than compete with the name brands.

In the past couple of years, I've noticed some changes in my local supermarket. The labels got brighter, the product shots looked more appetizing, and the selection has expanded - all at a lower cost. I personally think it's what I like to call the Targetization of store brands. Ever since Target has made a name for themselves as a powerhouse for high quality and great design for their house brand, it looks like other signature labels have followed their lead.

With the increase in design and value, store brands have also been seeing increased action in sales - consumers are not as loyal to a specific brand anymore, as long as the quality is the same. People want to be smart and savvy shoppers, and that means keeping a few extra dollars in their pockets.

Changing The Face of Mom's Day

2006-05-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day I
Originally uploaded by k1rsty.

Alrighty, so you noticed from my prior post that gift giving on Mother's Day has changed just a wee bit, but an article today shows that the cards that we give have also changed culturally with the times.

If you go into any greeting card store right now, you'll see the massive selection. From ethnic inspired cards (Latina moms, African American moms) to Moms to Be, and even cards to Pet Mommies, you can get a little overwhelmed. Today's mother is a total Superwoman, multitasking from the boardroom to soccer practice to being the housekeeper.

Now, it is very common to give your pregnant friends or family members cards on Mother's Day, as it seems like for the past couple of years, baby has been on the mind for many celebrities.

I guess I need to head over to the card store this week and get my stash before all the good ones are gone - right now the count stands at 5...the card industry must love me.

The What The.....Files: Thongs For Mother's Day??!!

2006-05-07T07:14:00.000-04:00

IMG_1641small
Originally uploaded by nucleophile2.

When I'm looking to get my Mom a gift for Mother's Day it usually goes like this: perfume, jewelry, a nice shirt - nothing too crazy. But a thong? Hell no! Buying underwear for my Mom has never crossed my mind, and it just seems a little wrong.

Smart Ass thongs, a Canadian company just announced a Mother's Day line of thongs, complete with sayings like "Yummy Mummy" or "Domestic Diva." They say that it takes the faux pas out of thong exposure, I think it just takes it to another level. They say it makes a perfect gift to add to Mom's lingerie drawer and that it's sure to make her smile. Uh....sure.

Plagiarism, Schmagerism....

2006-05-07T06:52:00.000-04:00

Economic Development
Originally uploaded by Bright Green Pants.

Call me crazy, but when I was in college, I loved writing papers. Sure, there were the kids out there who would pay someone else to write it for them, but you really had to go out there and ask. Not anymore. Since the web has become a part of everyday life, and Millennials who can't recall a time before the PC, term paper writing services have popped up all over the web such as EssayTown.com.

EssayTown provides custom research material and unique papers to those who shell out $34.99 for an example paper. For a more hefty, per page customized paper, it'll cost you anywhere from $18 to $38 per page.

It's crazy that they've made such a business out of this, but not surprising. They have a staff of 150 essay "experts" incuding novelists, research experts and academic journal writers. They do have a caveat on their site talking about the evils of plagiarism and likening their service to Cliff's Notes. More like a REALLY expensive version of it. Of course they say that they are offering reference material for their clients, but come on, I'm sure that these papers are really being submitted, which is a shame.

Making Over Mickey D's

2006-05-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

Good Bye McDonalds
Originally uploaded by supercooldave.

Some things hardly ever change. A McDonald's burger will taste exactly the same in New York as it will in Hong Kong and that's part of it's appeal as a global brand. But, for 30 years the decor has been quite utilitarian from the plastic tables to the red roof. In fact, the last time Mickey D's got a makeover in it's overall global design was about 30 years ago. Time for a makever. A big article in Business Week shows just how it's going to be done - and it's massive: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_20/b3984065.htm

With Wifi access, comfortable armchairs, and a new color scheme (don't worry red and yellow are still the main colors, but adding to the palette are sage & olive green), it looks like a daunting task. New roofs will replace the now-dated, yet iconic red roofs. The golden arches will still play a prominent role, because hey, some things need to remain sacred! The dining areas will also have three distinct areas - a play area, family area, and a solo dining area.

Hmmmmm - an image change now? Maybe it's to get a more positive image after that whole obesity thing.

Albuquerque Here We Come!

2006-05-05T16:19:00.000-04:00

DSC_4839
Originally uploaded by tish575.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute - I'm not moving to Albuquerque, but it sure looks like a lot of businesses are, according to Forbes. They just named the city as the Number One metropolitan area in the country for business and careers. That's probably because the city boasts the lowest operating costs in the country, and has a very educated population (ie: people make more here). Lots of high-tech and healthcare/pharmaceuticals are out here, so it makes a little bit of sense. Oh, yes - they also apparently have 300 days of sunshine a year, not to mention their annual Balloon Fiesta. Also, their minor league baseball team is named the Albuquerque Isotopes - partially named after a Simpsons episode reference, and partially because the city is known for being a center of nuclear research. Yahoo!

The Smell of Happiness

2006-05-05T08:57:00.000-04:00

play-doh-smile
Originally uploaded by Rocke99582.

You know you can't resist opening a bottle of Play-Doh to take in the scent of instant childhood.

To celebrate Play-Doh's 50th birthday, Demeter, the fragrance company that has made its name by making perfumes out of the most unlikely scents will mark this milestone by making a signature, yet limited edition fragrance out of it.

The smell of Play-Doh is so synonymous with nursery school that it's very interesting to learn that it was actually discovered by mistake as scientists were trying to develop wallpaper cleaner. They discovered that their mishap had potential to be a great children's toy and was introduced at the 1956 Toy Fair. Nursery school would never be the same!

Recall Redux: The Natural Slingshot

2006-05-04T13:50:00.000-04:00

Slingshot
Originally uploaded by davebrosha.

Ah yes, the slingshot - the small hand-powered projectile weapon we all love. A new model dubbed "The Natural" by Daisy was a "revolutionary" slingshot that is ergonomically correct. And aiming seemed more natural than ever before!

So, today after a 12 year-old was blinded, a 16 year-old reported decreased vision, and an 11 year-old lost a few teeth, the Consumer Product Safety Commission along with the manufacturer Daisy, decided to recall it.

Okay folks, a slingshot is a weapon, not a toy. Does anyone ever think that the slingshot might misfire and give serious injury? Instead of a recall, don't you think a weapon like this shouldn't be sold to minors? Sounds like a no brainer, you think?

Soda's Out, What's Next

2006-05-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

Sugar Hyper
Originally uploaded by pupil.

You must already know about the ban of soda machines being kicked out of schools across the country. This seems to be a major win in the battle on obesity, but the war still goes on.

There are still snack vending machines, and companies like McDonald's still supply schools with food, so I'm sure those are the next things to be tossed out of schools in the coming months.

With all this talk of childhood obesity, I can't help but think back to the days when I was in high school. In the late 80s-early 90s, we were thrilled when we got a VeryFine juice machine. We had an SO (student organization) run store that was only open during lunch periods, and although our cafeteria served pizza (the kind you can only get from a public school cafeteria), we had at least three other options. In elementary school, the only beverage choices we had for lunch were milk or chocolate milk - I brown bagged, so I had my sandwich, a small snack, and my juice box. More kids were brown bagging than eating cafeteria food. I wonder how many kids get the brown bag treatment these days...

For Breakfast?

2006-05-04T09:32:00.000-04:00

Chick-Fil-A
Originally uploaded by LauraFries.com.

I've heard of stranger things (nothing's coming to me now) but Chick-Fil-A is now heavily promoting their chicken for breakfast. They are launching a massive outdoor campaign featuring their now famous cows urging customers to "Eat Mor Chik'n" for breakfast. The question is, will it work? Cruising around some foodie message boards, I've learned a couple of things:

1- It isn't a brand new concept, in fact Chick-Fil-A has had it a part of their breakfast menu for some time now.
2- Most people aren't really convinced that chicken is for breakfast. A lot of people are equating this with eating a hamburger for breakfast.
3- If you start having more chicken for breakfast, you are adding to the fast food obesity crisis.

Alright, let's see what we can have: Chick'n minis, chicken biscuit, a chicken breakfast burrito, chicken egg & cheese on a bagel, a chicken platter (scrambled eggs, biscuit, an chicken patty), and a slew of other non-chicken breakfast items.

Taking a look at the offerings, it does seem a little odd, but it just may work. Hey, when breakfast burritos started popping up everywhere, people scratched their heads too.

Everyone's Going Organic!

2006-05-03T15:41:00.000-04:00

Otherworldly shelves 2
Originally uploaded by alalsacienne.

Organic products have seen quite a boom in the past couple of years. It seems that supermarket shelves have been filling up with "organic" products rapidly lately. Of course this is a good thing, and I love the fact that there are organic supermarkets like Trader Joes and Whole Foods out there. Now it seems as if Wal-Mart is seeing the potential profit they can make from this trend.

Of course they're listening. Organic sales have gone up from $1 billion in 1990 to $12.2 billion in 2004 - so going organic is a bona fide moneymaker these days. The thought of organic supermarkets and products have radically changed in the past few years, from crunchy granola-eating hippie, to healthy and open minded. What this will do to the small, family owned "natural food" stores no one really knows, as Whole Foods and the other major retailers haven't really absorbed all corners of the country.

Football & Green Tea

2006-05-03T09:58:00.000-04:00

Enthuze, Vancouver
Originally uploaded by AgnesK.

Bigelow Teas have just announced that father/son NFL stars Phil & Chris Simms are the new face for their green teas. Green tea & football - just the two things that I always thought would go perfectly together.

Not Your Mama's Gym

2006-05-03T08:48:00.000-04:00

game over
Originally uploaded by djuless.

Life Time Fitness Centers are not like your typical Bally's or even Crunch. What they are doing is using the YMCA concept of gym as community center as their model, and it seems to be working.

The centers are larger than a Home Depot, if you can imagine that, and inside is a rock climbing wall, child care center, spa, indoor pool, along with all of your traditional gym amenities. They also have a huge cafe and nutrition center. You can take dance classes, join a league, or get your yoga going. To this New Yorker, it sounds familiar, but for people across the country, something on this scale has not been seen at other health clubs. Plus, with the trend of having everything catered to a family experience, I expect to see their first centers hitting Long Island or Jersey by next year.

Being Number 2

2006-05-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

Dunkin Afterglow
Originally uploaded by ez2axs.

There's nothing wrong with second place. Rooting for the underdog is a tradition that us Americans love. In NYC, you gotta love the Mets, because a win for them is far more exciting than a Yankees (expected) win. You drink Pepsi because it's not Coke. You prefer Burger King becuase it's just better than McDonald's.

Being Number One is also part of the American dream - everyone strives to be number one, so being the best is always going to be a challenge. You will root for number two, because there's always the hope and excitement that they will pull in first place eventually.

So, it's no wonder that Dunkin Donuts is groomed for second place in the so-called "coffee wars" (the millennial version of the cola wars). An article in Ad Age was talking about the new owners of Dunkin and what their strategy should be, which is this: be the anti-Starbucks. Great number two brands are the antithesis of the leading brand. The overall consumer attitude toward Dunkin leaves a down-to-earth, friendly, just good coffee alternative. The attitude toward Starbucks is that it's expensive and snobby and has a white collar "yuppie" image portraying its consumer. Dunkin shouldn't focus on cost, but rather the hard-work ethic and the "just good coffee" people love about them. Oh, and that they don't take forever to brew your 15 syllable concoction.

Cingular Reverting to AT&T

2006-05-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

cingular, raising the bar...
Originally uploaded by NancyK!.

Alright, so you are a company that spends billion dollars rolling over accounts from an old stodgy, yet trusted name to a newer, hipper brand. So, logically you decide to do a rethink of the whole thing and re-re-brand yourself back to the old crusty image. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense!

When Bell South bought AT&T Wireless, we didn't know that AT&T was thinking of going back to the wireless biz. Everyone thought it was the end of the road for them. Now, AT&T is in the process of acquiring Bell South, and that includes all of Cingular, so of course they want naming rights.

So, next year, Jack will be tossed aside like a bunch of pick up sticks and that ominous glow of the (boring) AT&T glow will replace it. Ho-hum.

AT&T sees this as an "elegant solution" where customers have a one stop shop from landlines to wireless and internet, but others see this reverting back to "Dad's brand" - unhip and conservative. With so many newcomers like Vonage and Ampd, will Cingular's customer base jump ship?

Do You See The Connection?

2006-05-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

KFC Bucket
Originally uploaded by agilitynut.

Yum Brands, owner of fine dining establishments such as KFC and Taco Bell are now the "official sponsor" of the Kentucky Derby. The closest thing to mint juleps that they have could possibly be Mountain Dew.

In what appears to be a move to sell more genetically modified "food," Yum is actually trying to sell more shares. Attracting investors is the goal of the KFC connection.

The main issue though is most people don't know who Yum is. The general television watching public is not going to know that it's the parent company of KFC & Taco Bell, and they aren't going to care. This concerned is echoed by branding experts saying that it's just another sellout. Let's see how this one goes - apparently Yum has a 5 year deal with the Derby.

World's Fair Back In New York?

2006-05-01T11:27:00.000-04:00

13 - Transportation Area_ Chrysler Pavillion
Originally uploaded by Maverick74.

Here's a picture of the Chrysler Pavilion in it's 1964 glory. According to a couple of news reports, the Bureau of International Exhibitions has asked NYC if it would be interested in hosting a World's Fair, er, Expo in 2012 or 2015.

Of course community leaders are thrilled - anyone who has been to Flushing Meadows knows how abandoned it looks, and it seems that the only thing going for it is the US Tennis Center & Shea Stadium (go Mets!). The area surrounding the park, Willets Point and downtown Flushing need some revitalization as well. This would be the first World's Fair to be hosted in the USA since 1984.

This also goes to show you the whole trend of "family values" that I mentioned in my prior post. If NYC (or the US, for that instance) were offered a chance at hosting a World's Fair 10 years ago, the attitude would be one of indifference. Now, it seems like from the articles I've read, the feedback is generally more positive. People love to hear about new trends and try new products out and the future will always hold intrigue to our present.

Trendspot: Bowling

2006-05-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

shoe again?
Originally uploaded by hoopty.

"Bowling is sexy!," declares an article in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer. A few years ago, if you asked people what they thought of bowling, most would say "smelly shoes" and a wholesome throwback image, harking on 1950s "family fun."

In this day and age, families are tighter - doing more together, and being wholesome in 21st century fashion. Parents tend to be friends with their kids and kids like to hang out with their parents more. Sure the food is a little better, the retro furnishings a little sleeker, but the draw of it all is that people are coming together and interacting. The new trend seems to be steering (a little) away from the passive interraction of playing internet based games at home and going out and having active interraction. This also ties into the high regard of "family values" that are making the Oh-Oh's more and more like the '50s (just look at any generational study and you will see the pattern).

LIC

2006-04-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

IMG_6133.JPG
Originally uploaded by clayfox.

Today I visited my old 'hood, LIC with a friend of mine. It's still a bit on the desolate side, however new lofts are going up. Ten years ago when I lived on 44th Drive, it was up and coming and called the "next hot neighborhood." The buzz is getting a little louder, but time will only tell if this riverfront area will truly live up to the hype.

Sure, there are more restaurants and bars, but the only supermarket is still that crappy C Town at the Ely stop. Living in an area that needs to be (re)built from scratch isn't stopping hipsters who declare Williamsburg as "over" from coming here, so maybe LIC will (finally) be the next big thing.

inside my shopping bag

2006-04-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

inside my shopping bag
Originally uploaded by omnia.

Gotta love Flickr - found this pool of photos that shows the contents of people's bags. I must say I'm getting hungry by looking at the contents here.

Whole Evidence

2006-04-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

Remember that episode of Seinfeld with the library cop? Well, this incident of an unsuspecting nibbler totally reminds me of it...
http://thecompanybitch.blogspot.com/2006/04/banned-from-whole-foods.html

I can picture Agent Doe with the spotlight on our meatball-tasting heroine, grilling for reasons before banning her from her beloved Whole Foods forever.

Bringing Some Magic Back

2006-04-28T14:09:00.000-04:00

Old Navy has just started a nationwide search to replace former canine mascot, Magic. Magic really lived it up in the Old Navy spots from about 10 years ago, lounging around with celebrities, participating in fashion shows, and just hanging poolside with his fashionably smart budget conscious pals.

After a run of lackluster ads that were over-kitschy, it looks like Old Navy is trying to recapture the fun that made their spots entertaining to watch. Starting next Friday, they will have "Canine Casting" buses coming to LA, San Francisco, NYC, and Chicago. The casting events will have a doggie photo booth, nomination kiosks, a custom dog tag station, among others. Sure, it wouldn't be Old Navy if there wasn't just a little kitcsh, so I guess that explains why Betty White is on the celebrity judge panel, but it honestly looks like they are trying to get people to remember that Old Navy is a fun brand.

Cake on Their Face

2006-04-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

You just gotta love the rich and spoiled - throwing temper tantrums to secure the location, gleefully rejecting "loser wannabes" from the velvet ropes, and anxiously awaiting their fill-in-the-blank model luxury car. Coming of age is such an ordeal! MTV's My Super Sweet 16 is a total guilty pleasure because it's just so ridiculous and over the top. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are dropped, with these brats barking demands to their parents and party planners. The vision is HUGE with carefully calculated themes and the party being a complete celebration of self. So, are Millennials THAT full of themselves that they need to feel like Paris Hilton for a day, being famous just for a few hours? Do they need the validation that, yes, they are indeed special by throwing around the bling?

Sure the rich love to show off their money, especially the teens. They want to have the best party ever. One teen on the show said that they were so happy that their party is the first and she was thankful to her parents for having her early in the year because "no one will be able to top this! I dare them!" One girl wanted to secure a very specific location on a beach that cost $50,000 a day (and it was a 2 day affair) and her father was a little reluctant. What's a girl to do? Create a sales presentation of course! What happens when the centerpieces are not high enough? Call your mother a bitch and cry to daddy!

Millennials are probably the most marketed to generation that we've seen to date. From the days of "baby on board" they have been coddled and protected as precious cargo. They don't know of a time pre-internet and they are extremely brand focused and aware with product placement and in game advertising as part of their everyday world. They must have the latest, the greatest, most up to date thing.

What does this say to the rest of America that cannot afford such luxe affairs? Will we have a generation of neo-yuppies who aspire to be rich and fabulous? Will they all turn out to be Republicans?

Apartment Hunting

2006-04-24T06:09:00.001-04:00

For the past month or so, Marc & I have been hunting Craigslist, getting an idea of how much our apartment would be in Williamsburg. My lease is up at the end of May, so I am really looking forward to getting out of Jackson Heights. We knew what we were looking for - a 2 br, railroad style apartment near the Lorimer or Graham stops on the L. We also knew that it was probably going to be around $1500, based on the "shopping around" that we've been doing.

So, on Friday morning, I see a posting on the list for a 2 br pretty much stating the afforementioned for $1350 through a broker: King David Realty. Sure, it's an old-school Williamsburg Hasidic office - everything is done manually, and the guy is speaking Yiddish on his cell phone. We go to the place - right off of Grand Street on Manhattan Ave. and it's on the top floor of a walk up & perfect (the only thing is, no sink in the bathroom). We took it immediately - and I'm glad we did, because there were other people waiting out in the rain to see it after we got back from our showing. That just goes to show you that the early bird gets the worm (and the sun came out after we left, so there's a sign right there!).

One thing I noticed by researching the broker afterwards - there were a couple of people that had an awful experience, but I honestly think that those 20-something hipsters are a) not native New Yorkers, & b) not familiar with Williamsburg. I think the reason why we were so comfortable with the broker was that we knew the lay of the land already - Marc has been living in East Williamsburg, further down on Grand Street for almost 2 years, and I'm a native New Yorker too. Sure, the projects aren't far from us (right around the block), but that project has recently been declared a landmark, and the Developer's Group is building a luxury condo right next to it. It's a strange juxtaposition, but it just works. I lived in Long Island City in 1997 and it was downright desolate at the time (and still is). In Jackson Heights where I am now, I feel like I don't belong - there is absolutely no sense of community. Leaving Queens after living there practically all my life (I moved to not-so-kid-friendly Bayside when I was 6) feels like a release. At least I now will have places to go after work besides my living room, plus I have a bigger buffer zone between me & my parents.

The hipsterization of Williamsburg is dwindling down, but most brokers are glamorizing and extending it. Bed Stuy is not South Williamsburg, the Montrose stop on the L is Bushwick, not East Williamsburg, and Greenpoint will always be Greenpoint (not "North Williamsburg," or "Steps to McCarren Park"). To anyone that wants to live in Williamsburg, here's a hint for you - it doesn't all look like Bedford! There are sub-neighborhoods which I like to describe as follows:
Bedford is the Soho, with high-end shopping, restaurants, and attitude.
Lorimer is like the East Village. Lots of restaurants and bars & it's accessible to pretty much everything.
Graham is like Bleecker Street - very Italian, very residential and charming.
Grand Ave. definitely has the Lower East Side vibe going, where it's slowly getting gentrified, but still edgy. This is the area we're moving into, and this is where a lot of people are moving into now - lots of bars, live music, coffeeshops, restaurants (including the infamous Mexican Diner).
Southside is also like the Lower East Side, circa 10 years ago. (ie - if you don't really know the area, you'll probably freak out and think it's a slum, but bars and cafes are slowly creeping in).

Whatever the case is, I'm happy to finally get out of Queens - it's been 25 years since I've lived there, but watch out Brooklyn, here I come.

Tastes Great, More Cancer!

2006-03-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

Skoal is updating it's chewing tobacco with great new flavors for a more cancerlicious experience.

I once had a boss that chewed tobacco. In the office. He tried to hide it, keeping his cup in an inconspicuous place on his desk. Dead silence would come over our office, until you could hear "that" sound of plegm coming out. It was quite an experience, to say the very least.

So, now the kid brother of big tobacco is getting a little bit of a facelift. Mint and wintergreen flavored in a "guaranteed fresh until" stamp will be key new features. There will be 20 compact pouches so that dippers can chew "discreetly." The makers are placing their bets with a big print campaign, revamped website, adult sampling programs, direct mail, eye-catching point-of-sale materials and pre-packed promotional displays.

Obviously the target is toward smokers who are looking to get there tobacco fix in a society that is increasing narrower for smokers. So, will it work? Will smokers start to say, "hey, let me put that stuff in my mouth and add to my cancer prix fixe menu?

Forever 917

2006-02-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

I've always been a 917. I'm a native New Yorker, and my cell phone number has been with me throughout 3 moves. I love my number - if you have it, you'll know why; it almost sounds like a limerick. I will never let it go.

Area codes are a status symbol. If you're in New York, like me - you are a 917 or perhaps 646. The more unfortunate New Yorkers are stuck with the 347 prefix. According to last Sunday's article in the Times, area codes are much more than the prefix to your phone number - they are a part of your identity and I agree with this. I've been at many networking events where people will trade cards and squeal when they find out that they just met someone with similar digits. It makes the world just a little bit smaller.

Just Kiss And Make Up

2006-02-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

Publicity coup? What publicity coup?
Okay, so this Martha Stewart/Donald Trump showdown has been the mogul deathmatch for the past couple of days. Martha says that she was supposed to fire Donald at the end of her series. The Donald says in his letter to Martha that his show is far more successful ("HUGE" as he often likes to say) than her's would ever be and that her letters to "let-go" participants was just plain stupid. Then she tells him that he's being mean-spirited. So Donald calls her a moron.

Well, isn't it just a strange coincidence that Martha's quarterly results were announced (which posted the first profits in 2 years) and Donald's new season of The Apprentice premiers next week? I think not.

Imagine if you will a conference call from Donald to Martha. He concocts an idea that will be a win-win for them both. As any businessperson knows - any publicity is good publicity. So, they stage a fight and people are talking. Mission: accomplished.

McPunkLand

2006-02-22T16:45:00.000-05:00

Once the Mecca for punk rockers and skinheads, St. Mark's Place has gone strip mall over the past ten years. Back in the early 90s, the East Village punk scene was filled with runts hanging all over the stoops with their multiple piercings, technicolor hair reflective of their DIY code of honor. Punk wasn't just music, it was a lifestyle, a political platform, a kick in the eye to conformists anywhere. Punk was about being who you are not giving in to the establishment. If you were all about the music, there were shows happening every night - CBs, Coney Island High, and The Continental.

With this being said - as 90s moved on, and the closer we got to the millenium, the East Village - once Ground Zero for counterculture has turned into a sea of luxury condominiums and chain stores. The old record stores are hanging on their very last thread - with dusty cd sleeves, as today's punks are more likely to carry a cell phone and iPod in tow. Materialism and conformity are not as shunned as it was in days past. If you go down St. Mark's now, you'll see a couple of punks hanging out, but nowhere near the packs that would hang on the stoop.

And so, about 15 years after it opened, The Continental will no longer have live music, as the music scene has forged eastward toward the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. Now that St. Marks has become a tourist trap where kids are starting to play "where's the punk?" amid the Starbucks, Chipotle, and Mondo Kim's, The Continental is looking for a more "bridge & tunnel" feel complete with pool tables and a less grimy feel. Maybe NYU owns the building too....food for thought....

Crazy Customer Service

2006-02-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I got a notice in the mail the other day that my cable bill was a little overdue. So, I went online to pay it and just take care of the whole thing. When I got home that night, I received a phone call thanking me for my payment. That struck me as really odd - don't these CSRs usually call when they want your money, strongarming you into making a payment over the phone? The funny thing is, it felt kind of nice and I wasn't speaking to an outsourced worker from India either.

Le Chateau Blanc

2006-02-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

Valentine's At White Castle Is A Steamy Affair

A couple of months ago, I was in Bayside and saw a sign at White Castle - "now taking reservations for Valentine's Day." I was thinking of blogging about this then, but I guess the thought was so ridiculous that I erased it from my mind.

Imagine if you will, your loved one telling you that you are going to have a romantic candlelit dinner for two, the reservations are set, only to arrive at White Castle. I'd laugh and think it's kitschy, but part of me would wonder if my stomach would survive the night. You know, they don't call 'em belly bombers for nothing. Of course, there are some die-hard Cravers out there who make this a tradition and take their White Castle very, very seriously.

When I realized that the Valentine's Day promotion is a 16 year old tradition for participating White Castles across the country, I was intrigued to learn more - and realized this is serious business. One White Castle manager started the promotion because V-Day is one of the slowest days of the years and was a way to poke fun at a holiday dedicated to love.

But the die-hards feel this is the perfect place to share the love. As a matter of fact, many couples tied the knot or proposed at White Castles across the country, arriving by limo (and not for the drive thru). Ahhhh - who knew such love could come out of a little steam, and a whole lot of cholesterol?

Gobble, Gobble

2006-02-14T16:08:00.000-05:00

Getty's on yet another purchasing rampage.

Stock photography is a very strange world. Believe me, I should know - it was 5 years of my life. When I started, it was a very exciting time - I started at Tony Stone Images as a web account executive at a period of time where people were still wary of downloading anything from the internet. Chromes were still the norm, and we still had quite a library of "mainstock" or 35mm of some really bizarre images (lederhosen and flugelhorns, anyone?). Getty was our parent company and the "analog to digital revolution" was something that seemed really exciting, and well, revolutionary at the time. We were a small company, with only one other brand under our name, Photodisc.

Getty has always been about acquiring "best of breed" brands with innovative, fresh perspectives on the world of stock photography. Photonica's acquisition last summer was no surprise. And now, iStockPhoto was just announced as Getty's newest feather in its cap. Am I shocked? No, but I'm really bummed about it. I thought that finally, there was a stock photo model that was punk rock enough to stand up to Getty. Anyone could sign up and be a photographer through them and the photos were sold cheaply to buyers. Wow! At first, I was against the model and felt a twinge - this model could totally screw over the entire stock photo industry - BRILLIANT! I guess, as the old saying goes, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

The Getty backlash is still in effect, though - Jupiter Images' ad campaign with all their brands which were once sold on Getty as part of a 3rd party agreement states "250,000 images no longer on Getty Images." I crack up everytime I see it. More power to 'em!

The Doll Wars

2006-02-09T18:19:00.000-05:00

Barbie's Tiara Knocked Off By Bratz

It's a fight that's been brewing for a couple of years now. Barbie, the reigning champion is in jeopardy of being dethroned by a group of Bratz. This cat fight between a group of squeaky clean blondes and brunette bratz is almost as big as the Britney vs. Christina debate.

You see, Barbie is going through a midlife crisis and all. She dumped Ken for Aussie hunk Blaine (Blaine...that's an appliance, that's not a name!). Mattel sent Ken off on a global trek to "find" himself. Back as a well-traveled, cultured metrosexual, Barbie took him back. But will that bring back sales to Mattel's flagship product. The squeaky-clean, girl-next-door image that she's embodied is not attracting sales. In fact, girls are bored of the unrealistic portrayal that Barbie has had in our popular culture, despite the fact that she's been an astronaut, teacher, and rock star. It seems as girls are not really as into dolls as they used to be - in an age of interactivity and customization, is there a future for the fashion-conscious doll?

The answer may be in the success of Bratz - they are edgier, curvier, sassier, and it looks like they've dethroned Barbie in doll sales. So much so that Mattel created 2 extensions to the Barbie line - the defunct Flavas and the Bratz wannabees My Scene. Regardless of the outcome in this dueling-diva showdown, Barbie still remains on top in terms of branding. With collector's items galore and a successful straight-to-video biz, it looks like Barbie isn't going anywhere yet. As the old saying goes, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

2006-02-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

Losing It

2006-02-08T22:01:00.000-05:00

A few short years ago, cell phones were a luxury. They weren't really necessary - convenient, sure - but necessary, not exactly. When I bought my first cell phone, it was heavy, cumbersome. It was ugly, too, and it was through a now extinct carrier - Omnipoint. It was 1999, and I bought it when I was in between jobs. It made a lot of sense to schedule interviews, give feedback, all that business-like stuff. Then, Omnipoint went under and I did without the phone for a while. Eventually, I got a new phone service complete with a new number and everything. Slowly, my cell phone became a complete necessity. Instead of shutting it off, I left it on 24/7. It was extremely useful when meeting potential suitors - no home phone number for crazies or the guys I had to think twice about (you know, after a night of drinks, your mind gets a little fuzzy). Essentially, it's a legit number that I didn't have to answer.

Now, fast forward a few years and so many people I know have given up their traditional landline. Why pay another bill? Why have a home phone, when in this day and age everyone is out and about and home is a refuge? So, what's to become of the traditional phone? I don't know. I still have my landline & it proved to be useful when reporting my cell phone as lost. I used to keep it for internet access, but once I got my laptop, I discovered that my AirPort is detecting signals from my neighbors which I take complete advantage of. I can barely count on one hand the people who call me on it along with the number of times I've used it to call anyone on a monthly basis. My cell has become my everyday phone and has totally become indispensable.

About a month ago, I needed to replace my last-generation cell phone as the screen was completely shot. Coincidentaly, I got an offer in the mail for a new phone for free when I extended my contract. Yesterday I realized that my coat pocket was a little lighter and I noticed that this essential communication device was missing. I checked the office - no dice. Was a little pissed, but not as much as I thought I'd be. So, instead of saying that I can live without my cell phone, like Marc has been doing for about a month now, I got on the train to Forest Hills, and went to the Cingular store. I replaced it with an identical Samsung phone which cost a whopping $150 - which is exactly $150 more than I spend in the first place. When asked if I wanted insurance, I paused, said no, recalled this event in my head, then quickly changed my mind. Better to be safe than sorry.

Will iSuccumb?

2006-02-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

I am part of the old-school. I prefer cds to mp3s & I guess that's considered old-fashioned by now, but I like having beautiful cover art, something I could put my hands on. A few years ago, before the iPod craze began, I was among the first to purchase an mp3 cd player. I thought I was so high tech.

Apple is trying to woo me. It was just announced that they are adding a new iPod nano at the 1 gb mark, priced at an affordable $149. The 512 mb iPod Shuffle is marked down to an I-don't-know-if-I-can-resist $69. I sure am tempted. Then again, I've been championing the fact that I am one of the last people on the face of the planet without an iPod - an item that has become synonymous with mp3 player (even a competing product uses the ubiquitous "i"). It's become an essential accessory.

Riding the 7 train home this evening, I carefully observed my surroundings. I was carrying my old clunker - as big as a Plymouth Duster. It fell and made this big thud on the ground. My fellow riders ignored me, but I couldn't help but notice everyone wearing those little white earbuds with wires leading neatly to their pockets. I curse at them as I hold my cd player under my arm, just so I could read a magazine freely. I remember when portable cd players first came out, and the main issue critics had was the true lack of portability. The iPod is calling my name and I may finally answer to the House of Jobs - heck I just got my iBook - may as well become a full fledged convert, huh?

Last, At the Very Least

2006-02-07T18:08:00.000-05:00

When you join forces with the love of your life, there are a few traditions that normally occur. The woman, of course traditionally takes on the last name of her husband and they live happily ever after. Well, in this post-feminist age and in an era where hipster/yuppie morals merge into one, it just seems perfectly normal to create your own name. One that is a combination of both, that proves your undying love and knowledge that the two of you are two equal partners.

In Sunday's Times, a columnist discusses her reasons for taking this step into marital bliss and justifies her reasons for creating a unique identity for both her and her husband. As one would expect, most find it weird. Me, I'm a traditional girl - when I take my trip down the aisle, I want my husband's name - not hyphenating, not creating something new. Hyphenating seems way too snobby and yuppie for me - I'm a down to earth girl, don't really like the idea of a multi-syllabic name that really doesn't quite roll off the tongue. Creating a new name? How wacky is that? Just seems like another hipster/trendy thing that doesn't make too much sense. Watch, I bet a bunch of Williamsburghers are gonna think this is the best thing ever and will happily shell out $500 for creating a custom name.

Poppin' Pills & Countin' Sheep

2006-02-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

In today's non-stop 24/7 world, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. So much so, that an onslaught of prescribed sleeping pills like Lunesta have hit the market. The advertising encourages you to "catch" a good night's sleep with minimal side effects. Of course the spots have proven effective - sleeping pill prescriptions have been issued in record numbers. Some of the things not mentioned in the ads are the side effects being short-term amnesia, sleepwalking, and being sleepy throughout the next day. Of course the ads brush off the side effects saying that you will be happy, enjoy an improved sex life, with a good night's sleep as the icing on the cake. All this at a time where more pharmaceuticals are developing and stocking shelves with competing products.

With the heavy DTC push, patients are asking for the prescriptions often before doctors are fully educated on all the effects of the medication. Ad spending on sleep medications was over $275 million last year, more than ever before. More and more people are being told they are insomniacs just like the big push a couple of years back that we all have Adult ADD. Everyone has periods of worry at times, especially in a society that tends to value work more highly than family and where we are one nation under debt. Let the pushers push, but we should push 'em right back.

Little Tokyo in LIC?

2006-02-06T17:40:00.000-05:00

When thinking of Long Island City, the only thing Japanese that comes to mind is the Noguchi Museum. If Hiroyuki Takenaga gets his wish, according to a New York Times article published yesterday, LIC (in the central Court Square/Jackson Ave area) will become a massive Japanese business district. The only thing is, this area has been the next big thing since I lived there, and that was 1997.

The LIC of 2006 is a developer's dream - a prime area that has been touted the next Williamsburgh forever. Artists have long had studios in the area - and with PS1 being there, of course it's an artist's haven. Everyone seems to want a piece of the action. My favorite part of living in the area, aside from the $350 I paid monthly in rent (yes, a 2 bedroom was really $700 at one point there), the best part was that view. Walking out of my building offered the most amazing view of the skyline there was. It is priceless. I think our Japanese friend's "golden triangle" may just be a dream at this point, as he's a little late to the developer's party. I mean, last summer LIC was slated to be the Olympic Village for a little thing called the....urrr....Olympics.

Speaking of LIC and the great Queens hype, the area still has a way to go in terms of development. There are no pharmacies, only one supermarket (a shabby C-Town on 21st and 44th Drive), and a couple of laundromats. Sure, they now have some cool bars, and the restaurant scene has really picked up over the years, but basic amenities are still few and far between. I love the area and would love to move back, but I remember living there and getting on a train just to get some Advil. I know LIC has slowly become more of a "neighborhood," but the pace is almost too slow.

No Vacationing on the Subway!

2006-02-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

The most recent advertising controversy in NYC are the latest round of train ads for the Bahamas. It shows ways that you have an "instant escape" during your commute. They are quite clever - one depicts turning a seat into an instant hammock, while another cheekily gives instructions on how to fly fish with a cell phone and scarf. Real serious stuff, huh? This is leaving the MTA in an tizzy, because it completely breaks all their rules of conduct - which were just updated about a month ago. Sure, we know better than to hog up seats, and no one in their right mind is really going to fly fish over the platform, but if you're going to advertise on the subway, you've got to set an example. CBS Outdoor, who placed the ads are taking down the 2 instant escapes in question.

The MTA means business, too and are cracking down on dual seat offenders. A Brooklyn woman was slapped with a $50 fine last week for putting her groceries on the seat next to her on an empty F train. I bet the MTA is saying that by keeping these ads up, it is only encouraging such deviant behavior. Whole Foods gave the woman a $100 gift certificate saying that "no one should be punished for taking their groceries home." The woman is still going to fight the ticket, and the Straphangers Campaign supports her.

This isn't the first time a subway ad has been scrutinized. Last summer, the awful "Mitchum Man" campaign which pretty much declared how much of a man you were if you could jump over a turnstile or kick in the emergency window. Those were just plain stupid. But vacation, who doesn't want to go on vacation?

2006-02-04T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Times May Change, But The Title Remains The Same

Jane Magazine, which was founded by Sassy editor Jane Pratt in 1997 is undergoing a facelift. Under new editorialship, the monthly magazine that was known as the anti-Cosmo is blossoming into a softer, sweeter 20-something mag. Back in '97, when Jane launched, I was completely excited, because I was an original Sassy reader and loved the conversational tone the magazine had. You instantly felt a connection to the editors and regular columnists - it wasn't preachy, it was fun and had a slightly sarcastic tone that I identified with. It was the first magazine that I knew of that really spoke to 20-somethings on their level. Sure, that was a time where Generation X - my generation didn't really have something for me - magazines were still more Cosmo and Glamour which to me, was a farce - it seemed like the fashion, beauty, sex thing was just a constantly recycled formula. Jane's formula was that it didn't follow - it led.

Now that the generational tide has shifted, and as the bulk of Gen X is either in, or rapidly approaching their 30s, the voice has changed as well. As one of the magazine's publishers declared, "grunge is dead" - so is the era of quick-witted, sarcastic Generation X. As the generations shift, so do the trends - the publishers really wanted to get "out of the dark" and be more bright and optimistic, which is exactly what their audience wants. Millenials are more in tune to fashion and trends and are used to being marketed to, so they are not as anti-establishment as their X counterparts.

I will miss the old Jane. But I won't hate on version 2.0 - to sell magazines, you need to know your audience and keep evolving with it, which is something I totally commend the new editor and the publishers for doing. The only thing is, what will an X Girl like myself have to to read that isn't Cosmo, Glamour, or (gasp) Redbook?

2006-02-03T13:17:00.000-05:00

Smash Hits Going Under

Just read a bit on the YPulse blog about the Britpop magazine, Smash Hits ceasing publication. Goodness, that magazine brings back so many memories. I remember reading this once essential pop music magazine to find out about import releases and all things British (which was a pretty darn cool thing to emulate in the 80s). I used to tear out the pages and plaster them on my wall - Morrissey, New Order, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie. They gave the kind of coverage of new wave pop that US magazines ignored. This was the period before alternative was alternative and only one radio station even dared to be different here in NYC (that was the legendary Long Island station WDRE ). I remember going into the Village, which was a big deal when I was in high school, tracking down imported cds from the UK - because all of the best music came from across the pond. Reading Smash Hits was essential when I started high school - this is circa 1988. When each issue came out, it was devoured rather quickly. I'd read all of the reviews for new singles that weren't available here in the States yet and astonish my friends with my musical knowledge. Smash Hits gave me the irresistable urge to continuously feed my hunger for new music - something that I continue to this day.

2006-02-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

Movie Night - Munich

Munich is a powerful, political film that resonates with the state of the world now. Unfortunately, the state of the Middle East has grown worse and terrorism is not only a worldwide epidemic, but a way of life. It really makes you see that by going "an eye for an eye" only drives one further into madness. You really watch the transition of Avner, from a simple family man into a murderer who is driven into a state of madness and paranoia. There's one scene that takes place in London where Avner completely looks like Alex from A Clockwork Orange - he has that same maniacal look on his face while walking in the rain with one mission in his mind. The similarities from that point on to Kubrick's Clockwork become totally apparent. Sure, the 11 that murdered the Israeli athletes should be condemned, but it seems each time that one of Avner's "droogs" made a hit, the Israelis were hit harder. Each time Avner got information from Louie, he was being betrayed. One by one, his group got smaller and the psychosis that Avner falls into toward the end is completely riveting.

I've always felt that neither side is right in this conflict, and it further shows that a government that is ruled by religion is completely unjust. Religion and politics are never good when thrust together and it drives people toward insanity. This film resonates with what is going on in the world now - the situation keeps escalating and escalating. Two wrongs most certainly do not make a right. If both sides continue their "eye for an eye" ethos, the world will destroy itself.

2006-02-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

"Adults Don't Understand Emo!" WTF
Ahhhhh, disaffected youth isn't what it was when I was in high school. Actually, it totally is.

Take a look at this posting on Phatgnat - http://www.phatgnat.com/log/2006/February/01/448/
The "why do they wear black all the time" thing was questioned to me when I was a teen, cherishing my beloved Smiths records, and scribbling on my notebook "I wear black on the outside because black is how I feel on the inside." So, emo is not a new thing at all. It's just the style of music associated with teens clad in black has changed - we were the new wavers who listened to that "strange" music that was beyond our elders' comprehension. I think there's always a clique in high school that is dedicated to those who are artsy and wear black. What's old is new again - everything is recycled. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

2006-02-02T07:59:00.000-05:00

My Love Affair With Last.fm

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a total music geek - I am always looking for new music, reading music news, going to the listening stations at Virgin in Union Square, playing with my Amazon recommendations just so I could just find something new. When Marc told me about Last.fm, I took a peek, installed their "audioscrobbler" and waited for recommendations which are based on what you play in your iTunes. For a really long time, I kept getting The Flaming Lips as my number 1 recommendation (Marc did too, so we thought they paid them off). They changed it a while ago and I just started to get hooked again. I will share my Top 10 tracks played here for you as charted on Last.fm - soon I'll link my charts here, too!

2006-02-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

The Best Fake Meat!

Okay, I'm not declaring myself a vegetarian - at least yet. Once a month, to cease the crazy statements from my parents (ie: "we are made to eat meat!" "you are depriving yourself" etc....) I quietly eat what's in front of me. The only insistence that I make is that it's kosher, and they've been good with that.

At any rate - enough with the labels thing, what I really wanted to talk about is how amazing Red Bamboo on W 4th Street is. Now, some of you meat eaters out there are probably really skeptical about fake meat. In all honesty, sure the "chicken" satay doesn't taste like "real" chicken, but it's better - when I was finished, I wanted more! It was soooooo hard to decide what to eat - so much fake chicken - you could have it jerked, cajun style, even parm! The fake beef dishes also looked amazing - my boyfriend had "voodoo sticks" which was fake steak on skewers, and my friend had a HUGE "steak" salad. I was eyeing the desserts, so me & Marc (that's the boyfriend) decided to share a vegan oreo cheesecake. We were, in fact a little skeptical about this, but were totally in heaven - words cannot describe how much heaven was in every bite. They are opening another restaurant in Fort Greene soon - another reason why I'm anxiously awaiting my move to Brooklyn!

2006-01-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl Madness

So, this Sunday is the Super Bowl, and while many people watch it for the "Big Game" - it's almost like Oscar Night for me & my guy. He has this big blogworking site, Adholes. For the second year, the site will have complete ad coverage and we're going to be typing away at our iBooks critiquing the ads. Yes, it will be fun - we don't care about football, so while most people will be yelling at the screen during the game, we are going to be yelling: "where's the concept!" "well, that must've looked good on paper, but the execution is horrendous" during the breaks where all the REAL action is! Hopefully next year, we'll be able to have some people over for a real party complete with hors d'oevres and everything.

2006-01-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

My Neighborhood Is Failing Me!

After almost 2 years of living in Jackson Heights, I am finally starting to grow disillusioned with it. When I moved in, I thought it was a welcoming, up and coming neighborhood in a central location, with lots of great restaurants. The reality of the situation is that I've NEVER encountered as many rude people in my life. Going to the Duane Reade for one thing takes about 20 minutes when it should take 5. Neighbors NEVER hold the elevator open for you. The restaurants get really boring and the closest thing we have to a cafe is Dunkin Donuts. And the kicker: my building has bedbugs. And I've been bitten. Thank goodness the landlord takes care of the exterminator. I'm in the process of cleaning out all of my closets and prepping everything. I am counting down to June when my lease expires and I kiss this neighborhood goodbye.