by Jeffery Racheff There are two ways to define a pair of denim jeans. The first says they are nothing more than sturdy lifestyle-and-work pants, made from reasonably cheap material, that go just as well with Motörhead t-shirts as they do with bow ties. But the second definition takes a different approach. This angle sees
by Jeffery Racheff Screaming across the sky at over 1,000 miles an hour, the Blue Angels are the world’s oldest and most famous flying aerobatic team. Since their debut in 1946 they have performed for almost half a billion people all over the world, thrilling ground folk with their death-defying tricks. But what most spectators
by Jeffery Racheff Lungs aside, smokers tend to be a resilient bunch. You can take away their advertising, raise sales taxes 400% and ban cigarettes from being within three miles of the nearest doorway, but if a die-hard smoker wants a drag, there is little outside of Armageddon that will keep him from getting one….
by Eli Altman Over the weekend I was interviewed by Jacki Lyden on NPR’s Weekend Edition about the Wisconsin Tourism Federation. Recently they got tired of WTF jokes and changed their name to the Tourist Federation of Wisconsin (TFW). I don’t see what the big deal is, but apparently the kind folks at the TFW
by Mars Riley Starbucks celebrated National Coffee Day (how did you celebrate it?) by having a taste test between its new instant coffee, Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, and one of their regular coffees. The goal was to prove that it was impossible to tell the difference between the two. Always eager to see a major
by Eli Altman Rick Klotz thinks branding is bullshit. Yeah, sure, lot’s of people think and say that branding is BS, but Rick is actually doing something about it. After 20 years of running Freshjive apparel, he recently decided to drop the name and logo from everything the company makes. In 2010, he’s also pulling
by Mars Riley Can a really bad name for a product actually be a great name for publicity? Ask the Aussies. Last July, Kraft Foods Australia launched an online contest to have Australians and New Zealanders name a new version of the popular Aussie bread-spread called Vegemite. The product, a mix of traditional Vegemite (a
by Danny Altman Last week I reported on my journey into the world of robotic naming, where names are untouched by human hands. They come out pure, often in staggering numbers like some species that is desperately trying to perpetuate itself. I was looking for a name for my new business, which is an ice
by Mars Riley After 373 years, Harvard University has started to actively brand its name. One would think the world’s most famous university wouldn’t need to differentiate itself from the other institutions of higher learning; yet they are going through great lengths to do so. The reason: money (isn’t it always?). Although Harvard has the
by Jeffery Racheff International pop star Beyonce has found herself in a smelly situation. The “Halo” singer, who plans to introduce a “Fierce” themed fragrance line next year, is currently being sued by Abercrombie & Fitch for copyright infringement. The clothing retailer already owns a cologne by that name, and they’re claiming her new perfume
