The Next Level
Many home improvements come out of a basic need. The lawn didn't weather a tough winter? Reseed. The toilet leaks? Call a plumber. Mother-in-law moving in? Head for the hills—or, if there's no time to run, turn the den into a bedroom....
The Calla Lily's In the Mail
Some people buy their gardening supplies at the local big box store. But millions order them from catalogs, a purchasing method that goes back to Colonial times. ...
But Does It Go With Jelly and Snot?
Our current DIY project is redoing our guestroom for our three-year-old son Jacob, so his baby brother Danny can take over the nursery....
The Lady's Slipper Doth Protest Too Much
The spring 2006 White Flower Farm catalog's frontpiece "Notes from the Farm" contains a bit of self-flagellation from Amos Pettingill. It's worth quoting....
How Does Your Garden Grow?
To the world of plants, I'm a known felon. I've killed so many houseplants, that if there was a bud and bloom post office, my picture would be on the wall as public enemy number one. I'm great with things that can scream when they're hungry, like pets and children. Violets that sit there quietly, politely waiting for a spot of water and some plant food? They're out of luck....
Dinner and a Show
Different people go to the movies for different reasons. But sometimes even the most rabid cinemaphile needs a push. For the Texas-based Studio Movie Grill chain, e-mail was the admission to filled seats....
Meow Darling, Catwoman Here
How would like to get a call on your mobile phone from Catwoman? Okay, you’re not going to be talking with Catwoman personally. But you could see a short video clip of her, attached to a promo for the movie, thanks to advanced mobile technology. ...
Lights, Camera, WAAAAH!
It was quite a sight. As John Williams' theme to "Star Wars" trumpeted through the air, a majestic fleet marched forwarded. The Imperial Guard? Think even more imposing. Try a battalion of mothers with fully loaded strollers making their way into the Loews Boston Common Theater....
Dis Hid Kids’ Vids
Marketers who sell children’s products face a balancing act: Pitches need to appeal to kids while at the same time inducing grownups to open their wallets. The Walt Disney Co. usually excels at this. Television commercials for its cruises showcase kid-friendly activities while letting parents know their little darlings would be out from underfoot long enough for adults to enjoy the trip as well. Not bad for a 30-second spot....
Hey Rory, Read Dwight's Blog Lately?
Viewers have powerful connections with the television characters they love. After all, unlike movie stars (or their brothers), TV stars like William Shatner – in guises such as Captain Kirk, T.J. Hooker and Denny Crane -- visit their homes weekly or even daily. That makes for a powerful emotional connection that translates into ratings -- and that translates into advertising dollars. ...
It's the Pictures That Got Small
Americans consume 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn annually or 54 quarts per man, woman and child, according to The Popcorn Board. Approximately 70% is eaten in the home....
Brighter Side: December 2005
"The world is awash in advertising clutter. For decades marketers have been spending more and more to try to get their message out -- only to find their pitches drowned out in a sea of noise generated by countless other marketers trying to do the same thing....
Media on Media: December 2005 - Blogs: The Next Hot Customer Strategy
Gaffney, and Hall, believe blogs are a key tactic for companies that can no longer efficiently reach these devotees with advertising in a cluttered information landscape…and that ‘blogs may be the next ticket to the enthusiast market.” ...
Take Heart, Executive Flip-Floppers
Rod Kramer cooks up some food for thought about flip-flopping executives....
Media on Media: October 2005
CM Publisher Hershel Sarbin's take on BUSINESSWEEK columnist John Fine's "The 'Mystical Hold' of TV"...
