Archive for the World category
Chinese vs. American Students - Scary
by Rio Flores on April 20th, 2006
Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah and a bunch of clueless students demonstrate very clearly how our public schools are a complete wreck. The clip:
Before & After video of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
by Rio Flores on April 20th, 2006
Marking the Centennial of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, we can take a look at some before and after video of the quake (article here). As describe on Salon.com: “In the first reel, we see an early, bustling San Francisco in the early part of the 20th Century; cars, cable cars and horse-drawn buggies jockey for position as the camera moves East down Market Street. Then we take another trip down Market Street — a faster, more manic one — shortly after the 1906 quake.”
Chevrolet Appears to be Lying to the New York Times
by Rio Flores on April 4th, 2006
Taken from Viral No.de: “The New York Times takes a look at Chevy’s new create-your-own-ad contest. According to Chevrolet spokeswoman Melisa Tezanos, Chevy anticipated the “critical submissions,” but accepted the risk. According to her, the company doesn’t plan on shutting down the anti-SUV ads.” But they appear to be doing that very thing!
This probably isn’t the best way to win over the hearts of the shrinking pool of customers. I hope they get nailed for it in the mainstream press.
Awesome Video: Trusted Computing
by Rio Flores on April 1st, 2006
There is a great video featured on YouTube promoting awareness of Trusted Computing. The vide clip asks: “If the industry doesn’t trust you, why should you trust them?” First Chevy gets trashed with their remixed advertising contest, and now this! I’m really impressed with the level of sophistication that people are able to bring to the causes the care about, but am puzzled by a few things that don’t completely add up.
I just don’t understand why they link to a page that hasn’t been updated since October 2005. I don’t understand why the folks at againsttcpa.com don’t mention this really awesome video promotion. I wonder how closely the video makers are really working with againsttcpa.
While I commend their remarkable efforts, I just wish they had chosen a more active partner.
What Would Jesus Drive?
by Rio Flores on March 31st, 2006
It looks like some people have been having a little fun with Chevy’s new ” contest, which they sponsored through NBC’s The Apprentice. As described on their site:
“Now, you’re the director and it’s your job to communicate this message by creating the best Tahoe online commercial for your chance to win.”
A few of the funnier ones are getting passed around the web, including a few that are more politically hostile (the second one below). I’m entertained.
What Would Jesus Drive?
America 2006: The Ultimate Padded Cell
Support Our Troops - Ad Council’s Dissapointingly Bland Campaign (plus one typo)
by Rio Flores on March 29th, 2006
Originally founded to , Ad Council has just come out with a print and radio campaign urging American’s to support the troops. While I completely support the sentiment, especially with a kid brother on his second tour in Iraq, I’m disappointed that Ad Council’s volunteer agency couldn’t come up with something that wasn’t quite so bland. You can download the radio spots and flash banners at Ad Council, and a few print executions are below. Unfortunately, the jpegs they released to the media appear to have a typo in them. The copy in the first ad should read “You don’t have to be A commanding officer…”
Media Bias in Iraq? One Reporter Hits Back
by Rio Flores on March 27th, 2006
Recent Republican criticisms of media bias in report on Iraq prompted this interview on CNN’s Reliable Sources. Lara Logan, CBS News Baghdad correspondent sharply defends her reporting and that of her peers and even makes the case that coverage has if anything been kind. She points out several key facts, including:
- Travel is sharply limited as the U.S. military requires that journalists travel only under military guard.
- Military commanders often prevent reporters from covering successful reconstruction efforts as they place those successes at risk of attack. They don’t have the ability to move around the country.
- Many more American soldiers die every week than are covered by the major media outlets.
- Countless Iraqi civilians come forward with claims of American soliders’ abuse, but those aren’t reported.
- Reconstruction efforts aren’t going well, of the 1.5 million jobs that were supposed to be created by the efforts only 77,000 jobs have been created thus far.
- Security is the dominate consideration for military commanders and Iraqi civilians. Journalists are held prisoner by the security situation. Security dominates every event in Iraqi.
The Video:
Then & Now - An Awesome Flickr Photo Pool
by Rio Flores on March 23rd, 2006
It’s always so fascinating to see how places change over time. This is an awesome photo pool to very dramatically see that process in action! It’s basically a collection of historical photos matched with photos from current times. Especially history fans, I’m sure this would be worth exploring.
The Tipping Point Summary Launched!
by Rio Flores on January 17th, 2006
After seeing the success of my Winning Friends & Influencing People Summary, I’m posting my summary of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
Please take a peak and leave any comments you may have below. You should also note, I wrote my summary while analyzing the text for useful and actionable insights from an advertising and business perspective.
Win Friends & Influence People Launched!
by Rio Flores on January 11th, 2006
Having invested well more time than I had intended, I’ve finally launched my guide to the ideas in Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People (links to amazon).
Check it out: http://www.notesofintelligence.com/influence
If you have any feedback or comments, please leave them below!
