Branding by association

Watch it.

What do we do again?

First off, I wanted to congratulate the good people at Venables (Bryna + Josh) for winning the Audi pitch. As you know, I broke up with my A4 before I moved to London but if you guys "engage" me as a "consumer" and "connect" with me on a "relevent" note, I might buy the A3 when I get back :)

Second, I was showing off the new flashy business cards we got yesterday to my sister (aren't they cool Jo?) but she still has no idea what I do. And I had no idea how to explain it without sounding like a big dork.

Does anyone have a little little speech put together especially now since it's Christmas time and I'm pretty sure you'll get drilled by family members. Or something unique they say about their job?

2 years ago, sometime around today...

Cool agencies

Does anyone know of any independent agencies that are doing things differently? I would like to put a list together, here are some on mine that I don't think anyone else will have. Agencies with cool websites will do but they have to be independent!

http://www.thehappycorp.com/contact/
http://www.cunningwork.com/
http://www.brownsteingroup.com/
http://www.karmarama.com/
http://www.wexley.com
http://www.attik.com/
http://www.stickandmove.com/
http://www.theyouthconspiracy.com/
http://www.threadnyc.com/
http://www.trumpetadvertising.com

Mike (or) Tom works on Lifetime?

On Adage today. What Lifetime networks sent them for the holidays. Having one foot in the media realm here at VB&P, all I've gotten is a ton of cookies from various pubs, and two bottles of wine. Anyone get anything super cool?

Also thought it was appropriate that Lifetime decided to go with Eleni's, because Mike and Tom got the idea to use the brand for a project in school-while watching one of their made for T.V. movies "The Baker who was Beaten". I think they snuggled.

They are going to claim that Charlie gave them the assignment, but unless he comments to the affirmative, then we all know the real deal.

XMAS

where's everybody gonna be over the break?

any sweet vacation locales?

cmon, make me jealous...

Winter Season Festivites

"Christmas lights burn out in time, dear. We see the world in a different light." With Holiday parties all over the place for the next few weeks, I know that the communication between all of us is going to be spotty at best, so Happy Holidays to all of you. May you get what you want, not what you deserve.

I for one am pretty excited about the coming year. We are all scattered all about the country (and world) now, doing that which for some was our life aspiration. Some of us have gotten engaged , some of us have broken up, some of us are now intimately familiar with Southwest Airlines. This is probably as close as I can come to sentimental, but it struck me as a rolled into the office around 9:30 today to a catered meeting that centered around the best Spring Break Bars, that life doesn't get much better. We are allowed to flex our intellect with genuine , interesting people on a variety of projects , in an environment in which childlike curiosity and a dash of insanity are rewarded. Handsomely. (Eventually). And I guess that is a lot of what I am thankful for. So, tip your glass to yourself, I have a feeling you don't do it enough.

Ooohhhh Swaaaanky

I feel the same way I did when Kmart remodeled. Itchy.

dancehall

the music festival on the 2nd of June is going to be hot fire.

shopping around for some dancehall DJs, came across this guy who is big in London. i'm def getting him! check it out

My new love...

Does anyone else share my love for flemish paintings?

blue ocean strategery?

Reunion

It's been a while since we've all been together. And I propose that we all try to get to NYC for a night of fun. Ran across this article and I think this place would be perfect. It's kind of posh and poncy and you guys will prob hate it but we can start it from here.

March anyone? Clear you schedules. List dates/cities/venues you would like to meet at if below is not sufficient.



Since hotel rooms have mini-bars, why not shake things up and create a bar with room-service? Located in New York's Flatiron District at 35 E. 21st Street, Room Service is a new nightspot with 9 curtained-off rooms ranging from petite intimate chambers to a roomy presidential suite that offers guests a grand 15 by 20 feet.

The private spaces are furnished with couches, chandeliers, a mini-fridge, dvd player and a drawer stocked with mouthwash and condoms (one assumes for patrons to use after they've left the premises). Most importantly, guests are appointed a personal butler/bartender who's instructed to cater to any whim a guest may have -- whether it's a tailor-mixed cocktail, a pair of silk pyjamas or a manicure.

Founder Chris Reda came up with the idea in part because he was fed up with bottle service policies at upscale bars and clubs, where patrons buy bottles of liquor or champagne to secure a table or VIP seating. At Room Service, guests rent a room for the evening (USD 350-800) and can then consume as little or as much as they please.

It's a fun idea for the hospitality industry and presents a new approach to VIP treatment. Affluent consumers will no doubt enjoy another opportunity to feel like celebs, with the added amusement of coming up with unusual challenges for the butlers. (Jeeves! Fetch me a hard-boiled egg and a riding crop.) For more bar-side innovation, check out Bacardi Bespoke and member's bar for everyone.

Website: www.roomserviceny.com
Contact: Chris Reda and Mike Romer - 212-254-5709

BALLLLIIIINNNN'

Last weekend ray visited and we went to the Absolut Ice Bar in London. £15 ($30) for 15 minutes. I'm not kidding, they time how long you can stay in the bar for. Here's us throwing the VA signs b/c we're thug like that yo!







And because you guys are so out of the loop in the hip hop world, this is the reason all the NFL players are doing fadeaway shots when they score on Sundays. And probably why you hear same people yelling "BAAALLLLIIINNN" now.



Lastly, I need a huge favor from you guys. I'm throwing a music event on June 2, 2007 on Brown's Island and I'm looking for major sponsors. Soooo, if you are working with any brands/clients that are looking to break into music and sponsorships, let me know. Or if you know of anyone, let me know too.

This event is going to be huge so I'm looking for a big sponsorship. Thanks a lot guys. Cheers!

Coming to Chicago

Hey everyone
Sorry I haven't posted on this crazy thing--It's great to see everyone doing so well!! Chicago is rocking--seriously love this city. Cheese fries, stuffed pizza, classic cab drivers, Wrigley Field, below zero temperatures, corn-fed boys, drinking, beer, great bars and the best people!
Work has been drama--we' re still figuring things out. Old boss out, new boss in and now we are rebuilding our planning department from the bottom up with new management. Miss all of you!
Oh and this week, Ogivly Holiday Party '06. Jenn says hi too. We told everyone we were the President & Co President of the VCU Adcenter bowling team. So needless to say we rocked...

let's get this over with.

So, before the adcenter telephone tree begins, i thought i would share all by myself that i won't be staying at W+K.
Alison will however and that is wonderful news.

Sweet and sour. (just like my favorite candy, how appropriate).

Anyway, i need a job, so if anyone's got any leads i would love to know.

Please no compassionate comments. I'm serious. My life is not over.

Love you guys.
Barrie

Gus the camel.

This morning (or afternoon for most of you) I would like to assign a small task.
Read this article involving a drunk camel.
Then, vote on which on of our classmates this camel most reminds you of.

Yes, i might be avoiding work.
But in a healthy way.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061206/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_ireland_christmas_camel

PS. I can't make links to things and i don't know why. Computers make me angry sometimes.

updates

I've added comments back to the page but have changed the settings to weekly. So what that means is that the comments on the sidebar are for the past week and not past month like they used to be.

Does anyone know how to make this blog private so that we are the only ones that can read it? Or do you guys want to keep it public? There's way too much embarassing shit on here. I don't want future employers to google my name to find pictures of me passed out in a pumpkin suit on the steps of the Adcenter. Wait, that was Thompson, nevermind.

Dear West Coasties:

I will be among you soon.

Tonight, in fact.

Until Monday, in fact.

Sincerely,
Mr. Awesome (me)

Xmas presents

Here's a gift from me to you. Speaking of Sergio and Tiff, this was filmed after the first Adcenter prom. Make sure you watch Sergio try to drink out of a candle. CLASSIC



I was in Prague last weekend and I thought about all you guys. I drank one for you.



Lastly, I'm doing a NY vs London night in a couple of months. We're looking for some big sponsors. Anyone have any ideas of brands that are linked between the two cities? Something like Virgin Atlantic or along those lines?

OK, it's almost 10 AM, I should start doing actual work now. Cheers!

Oh christmas party.....

Here are my memories of the Davignon Xmas party:

Kate got dancy.
Glenn lit himself on fire. (Glenn: "It's kind of hot in here")
I think TIffany and Sergio did something naughty.
Oh yes, and Tom dressed like Mr. Rogers.

Feel free to add accordingly.
And go.