Hallmark – the greeting card monopoly that rules the “DAYS”. I have to admit, this company is smart – it’s outlived the e-card fad (which was killed off by spammers) and still finds a niche online. One of my favourite corporate blogs is Shoebox, one of Hallmark’s business lines. Here’s a design making fun of the ever increasing trend of overlapping holidays!
In my version, there would also be Three Wise Leprechauns!
It’s sometimes the case that trademarks are mocked for political reasons. This time, a teenager named Jimmy Winkelmann decided that he needed to challenge the “branded kids”.
His The South Butt brand and logo obviously mock The North Face brand. Beyond mockery though, he’s actually selling product. For $60. you get a SouthButt fleece jacket! To their credit, North Face is treading lightly on this one – needing to legally protect its brand, yet not hammering down on a college kid.
If you owned the brand, what would you do?
BTW – I’m a big fan of North Face. I think South Butt is a nice complement! I’d wear both!
By chef Bill McDaniel at Red Cat in New York City.
12 strips quality thick-cut bacon
Canola oil
2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups club soda
Salt
1. Seperate strips of bacon, then lay half the slices in a large skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but still pliable, about 10 minutes. Let bacon drain on paper towels. Repeat process with remaining bacon. (Save rendered bacon grease for another use, if you like.)
2. Pour oil into a heavy medium pot or a wok to a depth of 2” and heat over medium heat until temperature registers 375° on a candy thermometer.
3. Meanwhile, whisk egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold one-quarter of the flour, then one-quarter of the club soda, at a time into whites, folding thoroughly after each addition until batter is smooth.
4. Working in batches, dip bacon into batter, then deep-fry, turning once, until bacon is golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire rack. Season to taste with salt and serve immediately.
Very nice web app from NetFlix to flaunt the re-release of Wizard of Oz on October 3rd. Upload a face picture of yourself and within seconds you’re Scarecrow! Instantly uppload the video to Facebook! Yep. That’s me. Scary, huh? Oz Yourself here.
The US government has been publishing recovery program data via its web site Recovery.org. It gives you access to all sorts of data relating to government programs aimed at stimulating the economy. There is a tons of data including an interactive US map showing the number of active projects and investment.
The company running the site, Smartronix announced today an open API for all the data it has access to. This will allow developers to use the information Recovery.org collects and mash it up. I suspect there should be an iPhone app available by the weekend!
This outstanding transparency on the part of the US commendable. In Canada, our government’s stimulus activities are shrouded in secrecy!
One thing that struck me strange on the Recovery site: Rhode Island has 154 projects going on valued at over $478 million. Rhode Island?? Nothing happens in Rhode Island does it? Another thing – Why did Washington DC have to spend $9.5 BILLION?? Bailout for politicians?
What about Washington state. Microsoft ground zero got over $8 BILLION. Was this a Vista bailout? Zune??
SM friend Amanda Fisackerly of Fizz-Biz sends us an interesting quote from US president Coolidge (1923–1929) in the context of product success.
‘Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent’
So would Calvin be a PC or a Mac? An iPod or a Zune? A Segway or a Toyota?
It’s sometimes the case that trademarks are mocked for political reasons. This time, a teenager named Jimmy Winkelmann decided that he needed to challenge the “branded kids”. 
Another thing – Why did Washington DC have to spend $9.5 BILLION?? Bailout for politicians? 
SM friend Amanda Fisackerly of 
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