You Suck! Oh, wait a minute …

I attended the National Association of Realtors show this past weekend in San Diego, California. I was shocked when I first saw the billboard at this booth and noticed what appeared to say “You Suck.” I was anxious to find out who would display such an audacious message. After approaching the billboard from a different angle, I noticed that it really said “YOUR SUCCESS.” I was curious if this was intentional or completely accidental.  Unfortunately, the message didn’t turn out to be the insult I had first perceived. Either way, because of the position, it mostly looked like “YOU SUCK.”

Animals and humans come together in a beautiful way

These lovely manimal creations are from UK based illustrator Kevin Cornell. They are funky and whimsical with a tad bit of sarcasm added for good measure. Even though this series is varied, there is a commonality which runs through and grabs you head on.

You can see Cornell’s other works and purchase the prints above at BearSkinRug. I recommend following @BearSkinRug on Twitter as well. Good stuff!

The IE6 disclaimer I wish I had written

Saw this on NewToYork.com. Scroll down to the bottom and you will see this little gem:

Hi, if you are coming to this site via Internet Explorer 6, you might not be getting the best experience possible. Honestly, I can’t even begin to think about what your entire experience on the internet must be like? (…probably like riding a bike on the highway while cars blow by you on their way to Costco to get gallons of mayonnaise and 60-inch plasma TV’s). How will you ever be able to use this website?????? You wont. You’re an asshole and your browser is an asshole. So look, I’m going to be honest: I kind of hate you. BUT we c-a-n make this work. Here is what I am going to need you to do: fire up your Toshiba ShitBook© that weighs about 45 pounds, wipe the Cheeto dust off the screen, download Safari ( http://www.apple.com/safari/download/ ), delete Internet Explorer from your computer, punch yourself in the face, and get me a pulled pork sandwich.

Yeah. I like the line punch yourself in the face … That’s why it’s bold … twice!

Hey Starbucks, FIRE YOUR COPYWRITER!

The other day I stopped in Starbucks and ordered a coffee and a muffin. My muffin was packaged in the bag above. I read the copy printed on the outside of the bag. I almost couldn’t believe it. I read it once … then again. It read like it’s written by an 8 year old kid!

Here is the copy as it appears on the bag:

Hi,
We’re making a change. Using simpler
recipes and taking out artificial
ingredients. So your food not only
tastes better, it is better. It’s a good
start. But we think it’s a good one
Hope you do too  Enjoy.

Your Friends at Starbucks

P.S. More to come.

Missing punctuation, capitalization errors and overall – it lacks style!

Is it a Basket, Buggy, or Cart?

Everybody looking at the photo above instantly recognizes exactly what it is. The big difference is what people call it. I listed a few examples – basket, buggy, cart – for starters.

I have to tell you it drives me crazy when I’m at the grocery store and I hear someone refer to it as a “buggy.” A buggy? Isn’t that what parents use to push around their little baby as in “baby buggy.” Just the other day at the grocery store I heard a little old lady ask her husband rather loudly.. “ARE YOU GOING TO GET A BUGGY HENRY?  HENRY, THE BUGGY, GET A BUGGY HENRY!  I had this horrible expression of disgust on my face. I can’t really say why it bugs me so much but apparently it does. Of course the loud screeching voice didn’t help matters.

On the other hand, I don’t really mind the reference – Basket.  Although I don’t personally use the term, it doesn’t really bother me. I can sign off on basket. It seems to fit. But not as well as cart. I like the term cart. Let’s face it, you’re shopping on the internet, do you click the buggy button. Uh, NO!. It’s called a shopping cart. And that’s just the way I like it!

What are some of the names you have called it?

Don’t be that guy!

I love the “Don’t be that guy” spots created by OLSON for Fifth Third bank. They are clever and funny at the same time without ramming the message down your throat. The problem is that I’ve never actually seen any of the spots on TV even thought Fifth Third has a presence in my town.I believe these videos are intended to be viral. With that said, it’s about time some clever spots got some air time.

The “In the dark” spot with the Snuggies is classic. They never mention the product yet the message ties beautifully back to the Fifth Third tag line at the end. Well done!

Continental is NOT jetBlue

Clearly not all airlines are created equal. Flying Continental Airlines is something else. Sitting up straight in my seat with my knees jammed into the seat in front of me is absolutely no fun. I guess once you fly jetBlue or Virgin American, the others just don’t stack up!

iFingrU iPhone app

HardTimes :: iFingrU from ze frank on Vimeo.

Ze Frank strikes again with a funny new app! You don’t even have to visit the app store to get it!

Don’t Mess With Mickey Mouse!

There is always some smart alec kid who thinks he can out do Mickey Mouse. Sorry kid, Mickey schooled you big time! Remember whose house you’re in next time.