“I just saw the Pollock retrospective at the Modern, and it was an absolute feast,” your arts and entertainment editor gushes, “have you been yet?”
Maybe you couldn’t tell a Pollock from a halibut. Maybe you think any eight-year-old could do a better picture than these abstract so-called artists. Maybe you’d just as soon be out at the lanes with a pitcher and a pack of Marlboro lights.
Despite the thin film of sweat that appears on your upper lip when anyone mentions a bit of culture you haven’t encountered or can’t comprehend, they generally aren’t trying to make you look dumb. As a rule, they’re actually expressing genuine enthusiasm for the subject, and any eye-rolling, groaning and snorting on your part is guaranteed not only to look like a flimsy cover for your own insecurity, but to slight someone’s feelings a little in the process. And that’s no way to establish a fulfilling and mutually beneficial business relationship.
Rather than mumbling sheepishly, why not try taking an actual interest? What, after all, is it that has made your interlocutor so excited about her experience? If you’ve heard of the painter Jackson Pollock or perhaps even seen ads for the show, you might ask some questions based on that knowledge; if you still aren’t sure why they’ve got fish at an art museum, your questions can be general enough to help you at least figure out what the conversation is about.
Who knows? You might just want to go check it out for yourself by the time you’re done. And honesty: Wow! It’s so refreshing if you have the personal fortitude for it. Respect your and others’ culture: people give of themselves to share it with you. Elan about some aspect of it is never out of place; contempt or disregard, always.
Nowadays, it’s more and more difficult to draw consumers’ attention to advertising and commercials. No one can deny the fact that display advertising on billboards, newspapers, and TV lost impact in the last decade. Consumers are overwhelmed by publicity and don’t pay attention to it anymore. Also, they are increasingly mobile and find everything they want instantaneously by consulting their communities’ news on laptops and mobile phones.
How, then, can a brand draw consumers’ attention and increase the impact of traditional advertising? Well, recent events have highlighted how impactful a marketing campaign can be when using hot news. By linking your ad with a topic everyone is paying attention to, you increase people’s attention toward your company and gain more visibility. And the earned media is higher. For instance, and it’s not a surprise, Osama Bin laden’s death has been used by many brands to gain visibility. Not always with success of course. Being responsive is not just about linking your brand with a recent event. Be at the right place at the right time is essential.
EXAMPLES
#EXAMPLE 1: Osama Bin Laden’s death
In New Zealand, the pizza delivery company called Hell has run a tactical ad that makes reference to Osama Bin laden one day after his death. “Come in, Osama, we’ve been expecting you,” reads the ad copy, which runs beneath an article on the Al Qaeda leader’s death in the New Zealand Herald. The ad was created and media planned by full service agency Barnes. In this case, the success of the campaign is mainly due to the responsive media planning.
#EXAMPLE 2: Carla Bruni’s pregnancy (France First lady)
Two weeks ago, everyone began gossiping about Carla Bruni’s possible pregnancy. It was in every French mind, and the news has crossed European borders. A French textile company, Enviedefraises.com, specialized in clothes for pregnant women, built a smart advertising campaign around the event. It says: «So Carla, sudden urge for a strawberry? » (In France, we say that instead of craving pickles and ice cream). The ad has been released on the front page of « Le Parisien Aujourd’hui en France », the most printed daily newspapers in the country (580 000 editions per day), and spread all over the Internet.
# EXAMPLE 3: Dominique Strauss-Kahn Porsche
The controversial picture of Dominique Strauss-Kahn traveling in a Porsche has been extensively used by his political enemies in France, to denounce how neglectful he is about issues that affect the vast majority of French citizens. But the case has also been beneficial to the luxury car brand Porsche. They used the controversy to make an ad. The new campaign’s slogan says “Porsche is not about politics, just beautiful mechanics. » Beautiful mechanics may indeed be the thing that will definitely stops DSK from running for the French presidency (if he’s not still in prison).
# EXAMPLE 4: Dominique Strauss-Kahn affair
Because staying current can apply everywhere, here is an example of how to use recent events to increase brand awareness on social media. A few weeks ago, Schweppes released a new commercial staring Uma Thurman [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tc7ZB4ywUI] In this commercial, a journalist interviewing Uma is mixing up Schweppes and Sex. The brand cleverly linked the campaign with the DSK affair by creating a Facebook page called: “It’s a big misunderstanding, the maid asked DSK for Schweppes”. In 4 days, the page has already reached 35,622 fans and the joke, staring Schweppes, has been used by many famous TV shows in France.
By using the popularity of a topic, a brand is more likely to be remembered by consumers because the ad is definitely connected to the news. Therefore, an advertising campaign built around fresh news encounters an efficient word-of-mouth effect and is more likely to be shared on social media. The earned media can be tremendous.
However, there is an obvious black mark for our examples 1, 2 and 3. They didn’t support their traditional campaign with a social media presence. With a good PR strategy on social media and blogs, the visibility would have increased very fast and open new rooms for conversation and experience. Next time, find a good partner.
Have you ever been board on an airplane? Well stop your whining, because before wi-fi, direct tv, movies, and mp3 players–passengers flew with zero access to multimedia. Come to think of it, multimedia didn’t really exist when man first began utilizing airplanes as a mode of commercial transportation. Fast foward to today’s commercial flights and you will find more entertainment than your own living room. But how did we arrive at this point? How did commercial airline evolve their entertainment over time, and what are the next breakthoughs of commercial aviation entertainment?
I love live music and hate flying, but I have a strong feeling that if I were able to experience them together, I may just change my option on the latter. Well lucky for me, an amp, a drum kit, in-flight PA system, and some all star talent is all it takes to get a rock and roll show all to yourself on your private jet.
Imagine flying at 40,000 feet and instead of watching in-flight entertainment on the back of the seat in front of you, the in-flight entertainment is performing live!
The idea of experiencing an in-flight concert is incredible when you consider what the history of in-flight entertainment has been. Dating all the way back to pre WW1, in-flight entertainment was considered looking out the window on Zeppelin “sight seeing tours.” Soon after that in 1936 the German airship, Hindenburg offered a piano lounge on its two and half day trek to the United States.
After WW2, food and drink services were offered to passengers with the occasional projector movie on lengthy flights, however it wasn’t until the 60’s that in-flight entertainment became mainstream. In 1961 the first ever feature film, “By Love Possessed” was shown on a regular commercial airline flight.
By 1963 pneumatic headsets were developed, which were basically hollow tubes that echoed sounds into each seat console. These early forms of in-flight headsets were a far cry from contemporary sets, and it wasn’t until 1979 that their electronic predecessors took over. The early 80’s touted in-flight entertainment that vaguely resembles what we see today, and by the end of the decade the first in-seat audio/video on demand system was installed- an early precursor to the beloved JetBlue TVs.
Today we see LCD screens, in-flight on demand centers, and personal entertainment options that sometimes rival those in our very own homes. Clearly, in-flight entertainment has grown exponentially, yet only a few have approached, what could be considered, the final frontier.
In 2006 global air charter company, Air Partner embarked on that frontier when they broke into the rock-and-roll market and subsequently took in-flight entertainment to a whole new level. Operational expertise, and knowledge of the industry enabled them to pull off Korn’s mid-flight rock-and-roll show at 40,000 feet for 60 passengers, including eight US soldiers who were heading home from service overseas.
In 2010, Air Partner did it again with James Blunt’s record-breaking performance at 42,000 feet above the North Sea. Blunt’s performance broke the Guinness World Records for highest concert performed, and was a treat to the 150-strong audience who accompanied him on the Boeing 767.
Thinking back on the history of in-flight entertainment, it truly amazes me that feats like this can even be achieved. Regardless of my distaste for Korn and James Blunt, a live show in a Boeing 767 is pretty unbelievable when you really think about.
As the seasons change rapidly, many New Yorkers demonstrate widespread confusion on how to adjust their business attire from the hot summer months to the chilly autumn/winter seasons. While cooler weather calls for warmer clothes, some people are quick to jump the gun and throw on a parka in September; while others insist on wearing shorts until the week before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! In all we reality, we all know people who fit these descriptions–but are you one of them? Take our quiz and find out if your business wardrobe aligns with the appropriate seasons!
Fashion Week in New York City is in full swing, and with this year’s move to Lincoln Center has fashion fanatics buzzing about the new location! While getting access to these events can be a tough feat for the ‘average joe’, PUBLIC’s own Topher Burns had an opportunity to attend the Yuna Yang show last Saturday.
Saturday’s Yuna Yang show succeeded because it gracefully inserted itself into the tension that stretched especially taut on the day of the presentation (September 11th).
Poised between summer and fall, this season’s New York Fashion Week seems especially timed as to flirt with being irrelevant, indulgent while of course undeniably exciting, and the nexus of now.
I happen to really love fashion, but I could certainly see the author’s point when a recent Forbes article asked ” What Decade Are They Living In?” Current events, though by no means calamitous, might seem momentous enough to require the fashion industry to adopt a more subdued public statement of its own importance. With the heavily disputed “Ground Zero Mosque” site just a scant few miles down the road, Giselle’s triumphant stomp could certainly sound hollow to some.
Fortunately I am not one of those people who think celebrations and art aren’t appropriate in stressful times. Pour me a mimosa and let’s get this show started! Yuna Yang obliged on both accounts.
Her hype (pointed out by both New York Magazine and WWD as a designer to watch) is well deserved. I found a canny complexity in her spring/summer 2011 collection: “My Black Wedding Dress”. Yang’s inspiration, she says, came from Betty Draper. The 60’s housewife, pulled between the traditions of the 50’s and the liberty of the 70’s, found elegant expression in Yang’s collection. Though the pieces were modest, they were also alluring – an uneasy balance that seems especially appropriate right now.
The fuzzy grayness of a cloudy day lent a subtle glow to the lace and sequin accents that drifted down a runway at the private outdoor park of the Hudson Hotel, set to unmistakably Parisian music.
Champagne bubbles tickling my brain, I left Yuna Yang’s show singing “La Vie En Rose” to myself, even though it had not been played during the presentation. Thinking back now, both to the collection and to its cultural context, I find that very apropos.
R&B and seasoned Funk artist, Ceelo Green has been on the mainstream music scene for quite sometime. From his solo projects to his colloborative efforts with “Gnarls Barkely”, Ceelo is no stranger to making gigantic splashes in the music industry. However, his new hit single bravely titled “F*ck You” which may not make it to too many radio station’s rotation lists!
Yet, the quality of the song managed to garner enough hype to balloon the number of Youtube views to a bit over 4 million. When discussing popular Youtube videos with friends I like to refer to videos with over 2 million views as “Lady Gaga numbers”, and Ceelo Green has surpassed this mark with style and ease! But how can a song with no radio rotation and not available for purchase gain this much popularity? And what does this mean from an artistic stand point?
Well the first question is a given–being that this is the age of viral media and stars, that were once ordinary people but catapulted into limelight via their Youtube presence. The second question is vague enough to form your own opinion. In my eyes, the story behind Ceelo’s recent hit only gives more power to the artist. During an era, where the music industry is clawing for any sort of traction to stay afloat, record executives have been extremely picky when selecting which artists’ projects they are willing to invest money into. In other words, if your not selling, your record label probably won’t invest too many resources into your project.
An overall slump in the industry has unfortunately given record executives more control of artists, which I personally believe curtails the creatvity any musical genre is built upon. However, Ceelo’s single is a beacon of light to musical artists and demonstrates that a great song doesn’t really need an extra push from record executives.
This signifies that people still want something new, people still want quality! Ceelo didn’t have to do an apperance on all the usual promo stops (i.e. Letterman, Kimmel, Fallon, Leno, etc), instead his talent trumps ALL.
So just like his song his named, Ceelo’s new single is officially the f*ck you to controlling record executives everywhere!
To those who don’t watch the Colbert Report, this game may be something new. But if you’re part of the Colbert Nation, you should be familiar with this popular segment by now! Here is PUBLIC’s version of “Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger”—enjoy!!
Tip of the Hat: HBO Hard Knocks
Now entering its 10th season, the highly acclaimed HBO sports series is back again–this time with the NY Jets. Although, I despise the Jets; one cannot take away from the ever charming rants of Head Coach Rex Ryan, and the colorful cast of personalities that layer the locker room of the NY Jets. The show’s uncensored access it offers audiences is unmatched by any football program and essentially invites viewers into the long days of their favorite NFL training camps.
Wag of the Finger: Ben Stiller
On Saturday, I spent a relaxing evening indoors and elected to treat myself to a pay-per-view movie–and unfortunately selected ‘Greenberg’. After viewing the preview, I was expecting a deep themed, and carefully constructed script to bring Stiller’s rare indie performance to the next level. Instead, I was ambushed by a long winded, witless, romantic comedy hybrid; that left me feeling like I wasted a good portion of my evening waiting…and waiting…and waiting. The movie dragged on forever, and instead of delving into the psyche of our lovable Greenberg, it proceeds by being dry and insanely anti-climatic. Every time the viewer is set to hear the movie’s real conflict, the writers steer away or dismiss the issue; leaving the main point of conflict the health of his brother’s ill dog. Ben Stiller, I’m a big fan; but I want my money back for this one!
Tip of the Hat: Twitter Movie Spoof
While the buzz surrounding Oliver Stone’s Facebook inspired movie; in this day and age, it is only a matter of time before a spoof on youtube surfaces. While many spoofs are ‘hit or miss’, this spoof is a direct hit! The viral video manages to stick to the flow of it’s original preview, while not using any over the top humor. The clip is stuffed to the gills with witty and creative one-liners; taking aim at Stone’s movie idea as well as Twitter in general. This video is a definite must see, as the release date of this film nears!
Wag of the Finger: Stevie Slater
I call you Stevie, because I feel like I know you personally after you soaked up more media coverage than Lohan, Tiger, and Mel Gibson combined! This is the 3rd straight blog post Mr. Slater has appeared in for PUBLIC, and I’m finally hear to burst his bubble. Late last week, stories surfaced that Slater has had numerous issues he had been struggling with over the last few months and that this flight was his breaking point. However, while I don’t applaud the actions of the woman, reports have said that Slater was obviously disturbed hours before the altercation. Personally, that takes away from the overall ‘cool factor’ of the story. No one likes bad service, and if you’re having a bad day their are better ways to deal with your anger than making snooty comments while you complete the flight’s beverage service. Though issues in his personal life have him in a state of emotional distress; Slater’s consistent rudeness and his lack of spontaneous hostility towards a rude passenger kills the story for me. Now my feelings reflect a popular tweeters when he says, “ Hey Steven Slater, shut the @#$% up and bring me my coffee”.
Tip of the Hat: Entourage
The entire office knows that Entourage is one of my favorite shows of all time, and as of late the office discussion has been reserved to criticize HBO’s hit show and poke fun at the diminishing entertainment value. Well consider that discussion topic OLD NEWS; this past Sunday Entourage came roaring back with more interesting story lines than fans can handle. Billie is back and has found peace with himself, Amanda is still a wench, Vince channels his inner Lindsay Lohan, Turtle is hustling tequilla, Drama is dying for a new hit show, and Ari’s reputation in Hollywood is deteriorating; I mean what is not to like? Those who previously thought the show was going down the tubes, should tune in ASAP–because the boys are finally back!!
Wag of the Finger: Dr. Laura
I will try to keep my opinion of Dr. Laura’s rant concise, let me first address the obvious. Was it really necessary to use the N-word, 11 times in one interview? The short answer is no. But is anyone else disturbed how easily that word rolled off the tip of her tongue? When I replay the tape, Dr. Laura almost seems like she is starved for anything to keep her relevant. She even comes to the conclusion that if interracial couples marry, they should expect and accept racial jokes that will be made at their expense. Are you telling me someone with a P.h.d logically came to that conclusion? Anyway, I digress. My real issue comes with her attempt to make a ‘philosophical point’ that many have failed miserably in doing so in the past. While she struggled to grasp HBO comedy specials starring African Americans as her primary reference basically claiming that they say it, so why can’t I? Well here is my question, why do you feel so passionately about the n-word being taboo for races outside of the black community? Is it relevant why some black comedians insist on using the word, or does the constant usage by black comedians in a comedic context take away some of the harshness of the word’s origin? The short answer is no. For such an educated person you truly are a moron and should make reference to a preschool rule we have ALL heard before: a few wrongs, don’t make it right!
The Dog Days of Summer – the sunny season’s feverish excitement has worn
thin, and left us with a lingering stagnant heat that brings even the most devoted
New Yorkers to contemplate “I think I’m going to move to Portland.”
At PUBLIC, we hear your exasperation loud and clear. We suggest you take a
little break and treat yourself to our quick Dog Days survey.
A few laughs can be just as refreshing as an ice cream bar, and let’s be honest:
at this point of the year Haagen-Dazs doesn’t need any more of our money
anyway.
MTV is gearing up for the 2nd season of the increasingly popular reality show, Jersey Shore. After one season of GTL, orange friends from New Jersey are taking their show on the road to South Beach. While the show has been criticized over its blatant portrayal, everyone’s favorite shore-goers have become household names. Don’t believe me, just see who got to ring the NYSE opening bell this morning!!
Thank you Gawker for pointing out why the Jersey Shore is not a unique television phenomena – that people have just had this epiphany that watching absurd, self-enamored, extreme stereotypes is something new. Go to any region of any party of the country, or world for that part, and you will find your JWows, Situations, and Snookis.
So let’s have a little fun why don’t we.
We shall start off not too far from the Jersey Shore and head into Maryland’s “laxer” territory. The Lax Bro is a pastel polo wearing, BMW driving, jam-band (ala Disco Bisquits) fan that uses such colloquialism as “it’s a brodeo”, or “woah – what a brohemoth”.
This next category can be found across the United States and is one of the countries most beloved stereotypes – The Hick. While there are a vast number of varieties of hicks, the term no longer is limited to uneducated, toothless people living in rural areas. In fact, the suburban hick has become quite the norm. And by this I refer to the doe hunting, Skol loving, Bourbon-based alcoholic that drives any “truck” (refers to 4 wheel drive, not a flatbed) with a lift, and refutes any ideas that question creationism or claim Harry Potter was not written by the devil. This term and its description apply to both male and females.
As we head out west, we encounter two kinds of Gnarly Brahs/Dudes – snow and surf. While initially these individuals may be confused with the Lax Bro due to the concentrated use of the word “bro” in their lexicon, the differences eventually begin to emerge. Gnarly Brahs/Dudes talk about shredding sick waves/slopes (while actually rarely doing so), live an herbal lifestyle, and admonish capitalism while shopping online for their Volcom gear.
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Regarding the emergence of The Hipster; I think this says enough for why this specific genre of individual is highly deserving of its own reality television program.
And finally, should you be interested in a more international television experience – I give you Britain’s fine “Rude Boys”. Popularized by Ali G, these track-suit wearing (tucked into their socks), gelled hair styling, house music loving individuals like to talk about pulling girls, getting into knife fights outside the chipper, and rapping. Rude Girls are equally as pugnacious and “up for it”, with the same uncanny sense of style.
So while the Jersey Shore enables Americans to embrace their infatuation with absurd stereotypes, it’s nothing new. This to shall pass for bigger poufs and better tans.
Anyone that utilizes air travel frequently knows that the traveling process can be a total drag. But do frequent flyers have a reason to be optimistic about the future of commercial aviation? Arielle discusses the ups and downs of flying commercial.
Since 911- almost nothing about commercial flying has been enjoyable. What used to be a glamorous, sometimes luxurious flight through the skies has now become, what feels like- wrangling the herd from point A to point B.
But America’s frustration with flying isn’t anything new. Jerry Seinfeld’s 1998 bit about “tiny” airline bathrooms is still funny, but if only he could remake it 12 years later. I’d love to hear the funny man rant on about water bottle confiscation, pillow charges, checked and carry-on luggage fees, and maybe the possibly implemented bathroom fee.
What I don’t understand is the fact that flying in this country has seemingly only gotten progressively worse. As a frequent traveler in a long distance relationship I have personally experienced three flights with 2+ hour delays, and 2 flight cancellations in just 6 weeks.
We seem to just keep moving from one obnoxious inconvenience to the next. At first- it was the no liquids rule that infuriated American travelers. Once we got the hang of packing everything in mini 3oz. bottles they spring a new burden on us- hello ancillary fees!
Ancillary airline fees now compromise 6.5% of all airline revenue and have increased 42% since last year. Want to check a bag? Well now you can for just $25. Want to carry on a bag to avoid that cost? Well if you fly Spirit Airlines you’re gonna have to pay for that too. Not carrying any luggage but want to enjoy a nap? Better bring 7$ so you can pay for that pillow you wanna use. Need to use the bathroom? Better bring some change.
The excess fees keep coming too- American is allowing you to pay extra to board early, and other airlines are offering you “insurance packages” to buy in case your flight gets cancelled. Which brings me to our newest airline burden- route cancellation.
During the recession airlines had to cut capacity in order to turn a profit. As travelers return to the skies, airlines realize the only way they can turn even a minimal profit is when the aircraft is at maximum capacity. Good news for airlines- horrible new for travelers. These days if a flight isn’t completely full, the airlines will seek to cancel that route- leaving many passengers stranded. Flight cancellations for May reached an absurdly high 30%.
As the IATA and other groups lobby for airlines to start accepting more responsibility- airlines simply throw their hands up in the air saying they aren’t responsible. Which leads me to ask the big question- who is responsible? Are airlines too vast for their own good? Is the system too outdated? Is it the actual airports? One thing is for sure- I know it’s not my fault, I know it’s not your fault, and I’m just really glad I don’t do PR commercial airlines.
“I just saw the Pollock retrospective at the Modern, and it was an absolute feast,” your arts and entertainment editor gushes, “have you been yet?”
#EXAMPLE 1: Osama Bin Laden’s death
#EXAMPLE 2: Carla Bruni’s pregnancy (France First lady)
# EXAMPLE 3: Dominique Strauss-Kahn Porsche 
