Thursday, July 17, 2008

Stuffocating

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

I’m surprised the urban dictionary does not show stuffology: noun the study of overconsumption, overconsuming material goods. I’ll admit I suffer from “stuffitis,” overconsuming on a moderate to high level. Is advertising to blame for continually circulating the stuffocating cycle, work – watch - buy?

Our culture may be quick to jump on advertising, blaming it for sparking our desire to need more, want newer, and desire bigger. It would not be hard to say that it is an argument Johnnie Cochran would not want to be a part of. When our resources become deplete who will be able to pass the upcoming problems/news to society, educate citizens on how the economy is running, and demonstrate how we can become greener and revive our national/world landscape that our grandchildren will grow up in one day? Or will they? Advertising also possesses the capabilities to do good and has the mass reach that gives hope in being able to engage people in how changes need to be made. It’s up to an agency or company to produce and execute something powerful and impactful enough to activate that engagement. Companies claim that they have started to become environmentally responsible, but it is easy to mistake motion for action.

Advertising can’t help a bad product. Nor will telling people to recycle solve our resource challenge. Thus, it will take new innovative products like a substitute for fuel along with advertising to marriage and vow to make a difference together. The first change our generation is turning is mentality: initiate change, don’t let it initiate you. I believe Barack Obama in office would symbolize this movement of change.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Incertitude Path

"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Friday, July 11, 2008

JMW XMAS outing?

JMW Cycling Class



















Much like the historic cobblestone streets that lay foot in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom, Minneapolis has some of its own on Saint Anthony Main. Because we are Jack Morton WORLDWIDE, we decided to make our presence on these streets by riding, or should I say awheeling, the customized vehicle from the Netherlands – the PedalPub. My first question when pulling up to this ten person bike was why didn’t I see this in the movie Beerfest? The game possibilities generating in my head were endless, yet maybe untasteful for the family streets of Minneapolis.

I would be cliché and make a comment on how efficient this Fietscafe (created by Zwier and Henk Van Laar) would be for carpooling during our gas crisis, but the Netherlands don’t pump out cars like China. The PedalPub costs $40,000, a price to pay for having the only one in North America. I imagine China’s Fietscafe would sit lower to the ground similar to a massive easy chair bike to offset the 5’3” height requirement to hop on the PedalPub.

As our eight person journey began, a few of us had some questions and pointers for our driver and co-owner of PedalPub, Eric Olson. Sam asks, “How far to the closest bar?” Interrupted by Tina’s confusion, “I feel like I’m not peddling?” Before Eric can reply the marketing in Larry suggests, “Instead of ‘It’s SLOW Fun’, it should be ‘It’s SLOW Much Fun!’” Larry, did you bill them yet?

City ordinance prohibited us from drinking on city streets so half of our cycling class was spent stopping to replenish inside on a stool. I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no, currently we are not accepting applications. However, PedalPub is looking for people to expand its business outside Minnesota. Cobblestone streets not required.