Monday

Ad Fed's Minnesota Magazine Day


Magazine Day is an annual gathering of publishing and media executives to meet and network with members of the local advertising and marketing world. This year’s event was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis and was sponsored by The MPA and Media Networks Inc. The gala hosted a number of the nation’s top publishers including Dow Jones, Conde Nast, Hearst, and Time Inc.


Attendance to Magazine Day would not be complete without a visit to the legendary magazine room, an all you can eat buffet of sorts, featuring hundreds of varieties of issues from across the full spectrum of trades and topics.


Attendees rolled into the room with suitcases and gym
bags in arm, excited to grab any issue they could reach until they couldn’t carry anymore. Think of a milder form of “Black Friday,” without the Wal-Mart crowd running around in sweats and trainers. The room was a great incentive in itself to come out to the event, but luckily there was a lot on-hand to experience and enjoy. The luncheon kicked off with the annual Ad Fed and Ad2 awards celebration and new member nomination. 2011 Silver Star Award winner Lynne Robertson and Paul Foss Award winners Amanda Brinkman both were thrilled to receive such honors. To cap off the day, the incredible guest speaker, Kelly Leach, the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Dow Jones Company finished with her keynote address titled “Some Things Never Change: Quality and the Relationship with the Reader.” 

Ms. Leach addressed the crowd during lunch by beginning with her history with Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal. She is currently responsible for guiding business strategy for consumer and enterprise products across traditional and digital platforms. Before her current position she was responsible for SmartMoney magazine, The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, and oversaw the successful global launch of WSJ Magazine.


Eventually Ms. Leach spoke about what was on everyone’s mind, the state of publishing today. She acknowledged that the industry has been struggling to gain readers and “technology has been a destructive force. But on the other hand, technology has created opportunities” by
 means of delivery method on exciting new platforms including the iPad and other tablets. She spoke on how it is the editor’s responsibility to cultivate a relationship between magazines or newspapers and their readers. “Trust and mutual respect is crucial… relationships evolve over time it is the editor’s responsibility to continue to evolve the brand.” Ms. Leach also had strong words for those who may be on the dying side of the print industry, who have forsaken their readers and relationships, “their uninspired and boring content is killing themselves.” Overall, she believes that print industry is thriving and can continue to be successful if publishers can adapt to the changing market effectively. Who knows if she’s right, but with such an impressive background and history of success with every publishing career she’s been associated with, it’s tough to doubt her.



Friday

A TRIP: Episode 2 and Episode 3 Rough Cut

Recently, I had the pleasure working with two local film makers, Eric Ortiz and Mike Baltz, to produce their ambitious sci-fi comedy A TRIP. We filmed at various locations around the Twin Cities, including at the famous Cedar Ave greasy spoon, The Weinery, and the iconic Minneapolis Thai restaurant Sawatdee. Since the duo also moonlight at ShopNBC, we had access to a wide variety of audio and video equipment, and extra help. From audio engineers, to lighting and camera grips, we had it all. It's a producer's dream to work with such creative people and they both possess the talent and determination to create some impressive work.

Here is a quick synopsis from one half of the creative duo, Eric Ortiz:

"A TRIP is a show about to two slackers who try to take off on a trip but never get anywhere. The two slackers are constantly distracted by bizarre situations that stand in the way of their progress. Seemingly strange forces prevent them from acting on their free will. Do said forces have a different plan for FELIX and GAZ? These guys have a bizarre imagination and live in a world of their own. Who's to say what is real anymore. Think Beavis and Butthead meets the X-files. Tune in and find out. HA! It's a work in progress. The first 3 episodes are nearly done, save for final audio and a few fx/color correction. We have been trying to use all original music to give it a grunge rock feel. Enjoy!"

Monday

Ad Fed Pub Crawl 2011: Yacht Rock! on Lyn-LAKE

When:                          
Thursday May 12, 2011
Time & Location:                     
5:30-6:45 –  Herkimer: 2922 Lyndale Ave South, MPLS| 612.821.0101
7:00-8:45 -- moto-i: 2940 South Lyndale Avenue| 612.821.6262
9:00- ??? -- VFW and Karaoke: 2916 Lyndale Ave S| 612.823.623                    

It’s that time of year again sailors, Ad Fed’s annual pub crawl has capsized upon us, and this time we will Rock the Yacht on Lyn-Lake! Join us in a 70s/80s nautical theme party inspired by the amazing musical genre of known as Yacht Rock, sung by the sultry, smooth sounds of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, and Hall and Oates.

This will be a great opportunity to network with fellow Ad Fed members, while getting three sheets to the wind… responsibly of course! The party launches at the Herkimer at 5:30pm sharp, where we will pour some craft beer down our hatches and maybe indulge in a few rounds of shuffleboard. Next, we will journey portside to moto-i at 7pm, where the party continues on the rooftop (weather and high swells permitting) with prizes and discount apps/drinks to enjoy. Lastly, follow us to the starboard side, where we end the night singing our hearts out to Adult Contempory hits with Karaoke at the VFW!

Register now and don’t forget to dress the occasion- wear your flippy-floppies, or you’ll be left stranded on the shore at Kinkos, straight flippin’ copies.

"Yacht Rock" cast from hit You Tube web series
Register online or contact the Ad Fed office at (651) 290-7489.


Sunday

It's the End of an Era, It's True: Farewell, LCD Soundsystem


Thank you James Murphy for creating the soundtrack of my life for much of the 21st century. Over the weekend I was able to witness the last show of the now legendary band LCD Soundsystem, live in person. For nearly four hours, Madison Square Garden's capacity crowd (including myself) danced until exhaustion. The show was unlike the other three times I've seen them before. From a concert choir, to an backup jazz band, and topped off by a special guest appearance from Grammy award winners, Arcade Fire, this was truly a night to remember. Below is the concert in its entirety, clear your schedule and enjoy.



Also, check out Pitchfork's new article featuring the complete LCD history.

Saturday

Mauer, Solid Gold sing in Colle+McVoy's Explore Minnesota Spot


The hokey, yet catchy new Explore Minnesota ad by Minneapolis agency Colle+McVoy debuted this week, featuring a cameo by local indy darlings, Solid Gold, fresh after a successful SXSW trip performing at the Gayngs Affiliyated Showcase in Austin, TX.  Speaking of solid gold, the more recognizable appearance by filthy rich Twins catcher, Joe "Mega Millions" Mauer, is highlighted at the end singing like a beautiful autotuned angel. Side note, the YouTube screen caption above makes Mauer look sickly and malnourished, agree?

Tuesday

The First Avenue Mobile App Has Arrived!

About the First Avenue & 7th St. Entry App:

The legendary music venue, First Avenue and 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis, MN, launched an amazing app that lets you track shows, preview artists, purchase tickets, view photos, and review concerts. In addition, you can connect to First Ave's live Twitter feed and join in the conversation with other patrons at the show, displayed on TVs throughout the venue.  Developed by Mobile Roadie, or MoRo, an online do-it-yourself mobile app site where you can inexpensively build and manage your own apps.  

Download here or use the QR code at the bottom of the post with your bar code scanner on your iPhone or Android phone.



Released: March 1, 2011 Copyright 701 Ventures Inc, 2011.


A Brief History of Title Design



Recently, I stumbled upon this gem of a video on the Minneapolis Egoist website. It's pretty straight forward, just a number of movie titles, showcasing the evolution of fonts and graphics ( I love the Art Deco King Kong title myself), but the real bonus was the soundtrack featuring RJD2's song, "Ghostwriter." A perfect combination of music and design, all wrapped up and presented in a two and a half minute package. Enjoy.

A Brief History of Title Design from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.
http://themplsegoist.com

Monday

Morgan Spurlock Takes on Advertising




The documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, who created "Super Size Me," is now taking on the advertising industry with "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold." Apparently, he financed the entire film using product placement and sponsorships. Should be interesting...

Sunday

Minneapolis Artist Spotlight: Adam Turman

Adam Turman's iconic screen prints featuring Twin Cities landmarks and his unique, pop-art inspired work have been surfacing at local shops and galleries around town for sometime now.  His colorful and whimsical style brands Minneapolis residents as beautiful, beer obsessed, bike fanatics.... and he isn't to far off.  His art can be purchased at one of my favorite local stores (even though I haven't been in since I was politely rejected by the store clerk, ha... she had a bf....she's so cute though), "I Like You!" or online at AdamTurman.com

Every letter in the piece "Bars, Bikes, and Beers" is taken from landmarks around the city

Grain Belt Brewery sign above Hennipen Ave Bridge


Model depicted in this piece standing in front of St. Anthony falls and the Stone Arch Bridge


Varsity Theater in Dinkytown

Saturday

How to Fill Time Until Mad Men Season 5: LA Noire

Our favorite Senior VP of Accounts at Sterling Cooper, Ken Cosgrove, has been moonlighting as a detective in 1940s Los Angeles.  Apparently before he helped make such products as Glo-Coat and Seacore Laxatives a house hold name, he filled in as a gumshoe by gathering evidence against the Black Delia killer,  pulling bloody pipes out of garbage cans and questioning witnesses in a firm, yet polite manner.  As we wait for AMC to get their stuff together and finally renew the contract for Mathew Weiner's hit show, we can jump in to LA Noire for Xbox 360 and PS3 on May 17th.

LA Noire, published by Rockstar games, is going to revolutionize video game making forever. Developer Team Bondi has created a way to directly video record actors and rendering them in real time.   

"L.A. Noire represents a total break with conventional game development and animation.  Instead of recording dialogue, animating, and performing motion capture as separate steps of the process, Team Bondi (using technology developed by its sister company Depth Analysis) is capturing human performances just as a filmmaker would – except instead of generating movie footage, they come away with fully animated 3D models. It's a tremendously advanced process." - Game Informer






Artist Damien Hirst: Olympic Ambassador?


Hirst posing with his diamond encrusted skull which sold for a record $198,000,000 at auction

"As the world descends on London for the 2012 Olympics, the formaldehyde animals, diamond skulls and spin paintings of Damien Hirst will demonstrate to the visiting masses the prowess of contemporary British culture. Tate Modern has announced that Hirst's first major retrospective will coincide with the sporting event."

FUN FACT! My former boss, real estate mogul Ralph Burnett and owner of the Chambers Hotel in Minneapolis, has the second largest collection of Hirst pieces behind Charles Saatchi! Tagged under: WOW! COOL~!! OMG!

Street Art is Soooo Passé

Before street art becomes too mainstream and commercialized (thanks Shepard Fairey!), check out this street art viewer utilizing Google's Street View sponsored by Red Bull (sigh.) 

Agency: Loducca Brazil for Red Bull

Wednesday

My Playlist.

Hello again reader.  I believe you don't know me as well as I think you should. I'm going to share with you my playlist to help you get an insight on my phenomenal (or awful, depending on your preference) taste in music.  Music is the window into a person's sole. Yep, right underneath your shoe. Take a look.


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones

Monday

Donate

'ello gorgeous

Gorgeous, a British production company, features some of the most creative directors in advertising today. One of my personal favorites ads for a few years now is Budweiser's "All Together Now." Shot in Chicago and directed by Chris Palmer, features a clever, literal video of the Beatles classic song with the same name.

Blu Dot's Swap Meet was a Success

Minneapolis advertising agency Mono recently created a website for the upscale, modern furniture store Blu Dot. The purpose of the site was to have people post creative offers to Blu Dot, from random art collections to an up-close-and-personal talent show of the most bizarre kind, in exchange for their high-end designer furniture.  My favorite bids are Emilo Estevez's character from The Breakfast Club offer (or threat) to "tape all your buns together," and The Disco Ball Helmet. And most importantly, Minneapolis' own Har Mar Superstar was in the online commercial!



Har Mar Superstar explains/pimps the Blu Dot Swap Meet.
from Blu Dot on Vimeo.

http://swapmeet.bludot.com/

Sleater-Kinney: Burn, Don't Freeze


Have you ever had one of those moments when you just heard a band for the first time and asked yourself: "where have you been my whole life?" That just happened to me over the weekend when I discovered Sleater-Kinney, a Portland area band that has been around since 1994.  I just realized that Cary Brownstein, who is in the band, is also in the new TV series, "Portlandia" on IFC. I've watched a few episodes, but I just assumed she was just an underground comedian/writer. She's pretty talented.

Burn, Don't Freeze! by zachariahzutler

Sunday

ESPN: Choose Wisely NCAA Ad by Wieden+Kennedy


Wieden+Kennedy's new ad for March Madness debuted today featuring an array of ways people will pick their winning bracket. I'll give you a surefire tip that will guarantee victory for the match up featuring George Mason vs. Villanova. Choose Mason, because I chloroform ragged the entire Villanova squad, tied them up, and put them in my trunk.
Wieden+Kennedy
Creativity Online



Social Media Hell at SXSW

RG/A developed a mobile app for the "South by Southwest"  music festival this week in Austin, TX.  This app that will let your annoying, social media obsessed friends brag every minute while they enjoy the yearly ritual. Mediabistro.com breaks down the mobile app's main features, which are cleverly related to the 7 deadly sins:


* Lust: what/whom people are loving at SXSW
* Debauchery: check-ins at Austin bars
* Gluttony: check-ins at Austin BBQ and Tex-Mex joints
* Greed: the most aggressive overtweeters
* Wrath: what/whom people are hating at SXSW
* Idolatry: who’s being tweeted about most at SXSW
* Vanity: who’s “tweeting too hard” about themselves; i.e., naked self-aggrandizement

Social Media Hell
Mediabistro.com

Plasticgod's Take on "Hello Kitty"

Plasticgod's "Hello Kitty" Anniversary Collection

"Kitty Tupac"

"Kitty Pee Wee"

"Kitty Daft Punk"

"Kitty Janet and Michael"

"Human Stevie"