If Beth Ditto popped out of my box ...

...I'd be a happy man


Yah, Mika's pretty tasty too

Branded

I was recently asked during an interview if I were a brand, which would I be? I can't explain how dumbfounded I was by the question - particularly because I tend to be exceedingly brand fanatical.

My first answer (yes, I took it back) was Kettle Chips, in particular, Salt & Vinegar. I eat a bag a day - no lie. For obvious reasons (you should have seen her lips purse at the mental taste) I reconsidered.

My final answer - very Merideth Viera, was Gerolsteiner, makers of natural mineral water hailing from Germany.

At the time, I felt like an idiot - I mean really, I've never seen any ads, a website or nothing that led me to think that this would be a good answer. At the time, I simply felt that Gerolsteiner represented the emotional essence I was feeling at the time - refreshing optimism.

So to make sure I wasn't a complete idiot - I checked out their website and was shocked that I wasn't such a douche after all. Here are the latest commercials for Gerolsteiner - their website puts it best:

"The new Gerolsteiner TV spots take place in the prime of life. They deal with normal people and concern positive moments of everyday life, which everbody knows. Moments when we feel good and alive."

Pollinate Me

These frisky bee's have no shame! Just look at them performing ungodly deeds in watercolor - it's blasphemous.

Lust, an erotic boutique in Copenhagen, worked with Grey to twist the classic tale of pollination to a stickier level. Genius!

Client: Lust
Agency: Grey, Copenhagen
Illustrator: Johannes Bojesen

Diesel: Seaing is Believing

Diesel's new Style Lounge is so breathtaking that you just have to check it out for yourself.

Even though I'm not a huge fan of their clothing, the web design is so captivating that it keeps you glued longer than most sites.

And that's genius on their part because the longer they engage viewers, the more likely they are to adopt the brand as their own.

Agency: Diesel Creative Team, Neue Digital

Must Haves

I picked up a few magazines and a new Moleskine squared notebook today.

Two new finds:

Fantastic Man
Pretty much the best fashion/culture magazine for men.










The Journal
Has some really great articles/interviews of culture shapers . There are also some fantastic photographs and illustrations. I got lost in it for a few hours.

Not So Standard

There are some things I miss about Los Angeles - like pastrami sandwiches at Canters, midnight drives along Mulholland Dr., Too Big For Your Own Good Boobies (2BFYoGB), and The Standard (you've gotta love human aquariums). Where else could you drink a 40 and talk sudoku with the Hiltons? What's great about this ad is that it really plays up the brand identity of the hotel - i.e. the upside down marquis. Add the rooster to the mix and you have a genius print ad (for those who don't understand, stay a night at The Standard in West Hollywood and tell me what your head feels like in the morning).

Client: Andre Balazs Hotels
Agency: Unknown - Fill in the blank
Found In: Fantastic Man Issue No. 6

I want to meet her brother

Such as, I believe, uhmmm, he will put out

So what if I took a break?

Jesus, you're all so nosey.

So while I wasn't blogging, I was moving from San Jose to Half Moon Bay, interning @ BBH, living la vida Harlem, and visiting THE Foxy Lady in D.C

I'll be starting up a new blog - it's an extension of this one, so don't wet your chonies.

HarvesTED

This ad for Toohey's Extra Dry convinced me to plant bottle caps in my backyard. I mean who doesn't want a lawn full of hair-pods to water/blow dry/buff and eventually trick your neighbors to become food. It's like David Lynch and David LaChapelle's love child after a midnight viewing of Little Shop of Horrors. If someone can tell me what's playing in the background I'll invite you over for a swim - Toohey's on me!



Client: Toohey's Extra Dry
Title: HarvesTED
Agency: BMF

Giada Does San Jose

There is something wrong with waiting for a Food Network chef for over three hours on your day off. However, I had a blast making small talk with suburban mothers and other foodies while waiting to get my copy of Giada De Laurentis's latest cookbook, Everyday Pasta, signed.

All in all it was a surreal experience - after the long wait, I got a quick hello, but let me tell you, Giada has a smile that makes your heart dance (think Hanson's MmmmBop).