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UNIQLO

UNIQLO's site is amazing and uplifting with its beats, and on top of that they have high quality fashionable products at great prices!  Why haven't they opened up shop here in the West Coast?  They're known for their design of their sites, take a look, need I say more?

The Movie Genome Project

Enter Jinni, it's like Pandora meets movies, how brilliant!  Their team of movie and TV experts created the Movie Genome, an ambitious, ongoing project with the Jinni community to map more aspects of movies, shows, and semi-professional videos than ever before - so that all different viewers can match their personal tastes and moods, and find what they really want to watch next. The Movie Genome powers the search, recommendations, Taste Types and more.

Electric Cykel

 

Brian Mcallister, for The University of Washington Design Show 2009, announces the sharing system of the plug in electric bicycles that can be charged when plugged into their docks.  Cykels similar to this are already prominent throughout Europe, and they are to be tested in the States-in cities like Seattle and San Francisco.  With this Cykel, you have the choice of pedaling to your destination or using the full on electric mode, if you're just lazy.  This is a great alternative way to commute around the city and improve conditions with the environment.

Palm Pre Vs. iPhone 3GS

Which of thee do I love more, the iPhone or the Palm?  Thanks to Daniel Ionescu of PC World, you can decide!  Pros and cons of both phones.

Power of Mommy Bloggers

Agencies, Retailers, and Publishers are reorganizing their structure to keep up with this powerful movement of mommy bloggers, which is up 73% from the past year and companies are adding them to their list of servies (ie. Walmart & BabyCenter.com). This is a huge business for marketers!  View the video for intersting facts.

USPS has found a use for Augmented Reality

According to Brian Morrissey of ADWEEK'S digital news, on behalf of USPS, AKQA has helped USPS deploy a new use for technology-Augmented Reality, that has connected with consumers for a more involved 3-D brand experience where they can see if their objects will fit into the real shipping boxes.

How it works? It's quite simple- a webcam and a print out of the virtual box stimulator- the "eagle" icon, and users are able to play with the functions on the site of different virtual boxes.  Check the site out here.

Back Into Time - A Visual History of the Game Controller

For you gamers out there, check out the innovative history of game controllers.  We've come a long way, can't wait to see what's in store for us in the future.

Color on Cue

This pen called the Color Picker is nothing short of awesome.  It can scan a color from anywhere and then recreate it instantly for your writing / drawing needs.

From Tuvie:

Color Picker is an innovative design of a concept pen that can scan colors from anything around and instantly use the color for drawing. After placing the pen against an object, the user just presses the scan button. The color is being detected by the color sensor and the RGB cartridge of the pen mixes the required inks to create the target color. This superb device will help people to observe the changing colors of nature. With color picker, all range of artists will be able to cerate a more sensorial and visual insight of their surrounding nature’s colors.

The Future of Social Media

Check out this article from Mashable regarding the possible future of social media.  The article was written by Mike Laurie, a Digital Planner at UK Integrated Agency JPMH and is truly thought-provoking, especially #4--what a trip!

The Haunting in Connecticut

Check out this new site for the upcoming movie The Haunting in Connecticut.  The interactive site goes deeper into the story of the haunted house that plagues an unsuspecting family who has recently moved in.  The site features a blog from a parapsychologist who discusses various paranormal encounters with photos and videos.  In addition, visitors to the site can find out if the live in a haunted region by entering in their zip code and accessing a Google Map that reveals to them the scary truth. 

A Digital Application...of Makeup

All you thrifty ladies out there, I know you were all excited when Rite-Aid announced that they would accept the return of used cosmetics if you didn't like how they looked on you.  Now, thanks to IBM, you no longer have to buy and try...just apply.  Well, digitally, that is.

According to Trend Hunter:

IBM will show their first “Virtual Mirror” kiosk at the National Retail Federation Show in NYC. Upload your photo and choose different brands of makeup products and watch them virtually make over your face. The mirror is already being used in Israel, and look how it’s improved the beauty of that country.

It will hit major retailers in the U.S. this summer.

Boxes for Buzz

This is an awesome idea to create buzz in the blogosphere.  The creators of Coraline sent out 50 handmade boxes to some of their favorite bloggers.  The boxes contain mysterious items from the movie that allude to the plot.   NOTCOT highlights some of the boxes and their contents here.

The Proof is in the Photoshop

When I was younger, I thought it was the coolest thing when my dad captured a photo of Santa Claus while he was heading out the door after delivering my presents on Christmas morning.  He then showed me the proof -- a Polaroid picture of a black boot going out the door.  I was stoked.  I truly thought it was the real deal.

Now, nearly 20 years later, advancements in technology have made believing in Santa A LOT easier.  Enter Capture the Magic.

For about $10, you can upload a picture of a room in your house and insert one of 200 possible Santas in various poses into your picture.  You can instantly 'wow' your kids with evidence that the big guy really exists. 

Now, if your kids are more computer literate than you, meaning that they know the capabilities of Photoshop, you're screwed.  Just sayin'.

Nintendo Messages With Massages

While shopping at the Topanga Mall with what seemed like the rest of America this past weekend, I was randomly asked by a young girl if I wanted a free massage.  Being the skeptic that I am, I hesitated at first but she reassured me that it wouldn't cost me anything--just ten minutes of my time playing Nintendo DS.  Happily, I sat down on a padded white stool inside the cabana and was handed a DS.  The young girl explained to me my choice of games and also introduced me to my masseuse.  I chose Brain Age and within a minute, I was hooked.  Sure it helped that Katie (the masseuse) was kneading my shopping aches away, but honestly, the game was fun and the whole experience made me leave WANTING a DS.  With a strong marketing push towards women, Nintendo definitely got this one right. 

The picture below doesn't do the booth justice because while I was receiving my massage, the place was packed.  I took this photo during their down time (obviously) but you can get the feel for the experience.  In fact, one girl sitting across from me stayed another ten minutes after getting her free massage just so that she could continue playing with the DS.

  

Tis the Season

Need gift ideas? 

Leave it to the folks at Zeus Jones to help you get that extra special gift for that extra special person. They've compiled an interactive list of great gift ideas for friends, lovers, men, women, adults, kids...you name it.  And most of these aren't your typical 'run-of-the-mill' Christmas gifts--they're truly unique and perfect for white elephant exchanges.  We especially love The Pop-up Book of Phobias!

Scare the S%#t out of You

Let us paint the picture for you. You're in the bathroom at a club, taking a quick break from the dance floor. Suddenly, the lights go out and you find yourself surrounded by what appear to be blood stains from a crime scene, illuminated in black light.
You + unexpected darkness + a murder scene = spine-tingling fright...perfect for marketing a mystery channel.
To promote the exclusive thrillers and horror films on 13th Street, this scene is exactly what resident club-goers from Hamburg, Germany encountered when they stepped into the loo. In addition to the black-lit bloodiness, they were also able to see the words: "See what others don't see. 13TH STREET. The Action and Suspense Channel."

Work at Jelly...no, Seriously.

For those of us who love the ease of working at home but miss the interaction with co-workers, Jelly has come to the rescue. Termed "casual coworking," Jelly was created by two roommates who were working from home but wanted to enjoy the company of others from time to time--so, they started inviting people over to share their workspace. Welcoming all different backgrounds from artists to entrepreneurs, the guys at Jelly claim that this daily dose of different conversations has led to a more creative and collaborative work day. Since its inception, Jelly has grown to have a presence in a number of cities and offers a truly new way of to experience working at home.

Your Service Calls; Finally Answered

Service Guy is a genius, yet simple idea. ServiceGuy will call up-to 750 service providers in a given area based on time of day and consumer ratings. Available service providers who answer their phones are asked to dial a number if they are available. The first service provider to dial the number is immediately connected to the consumer.

Milk, Cheese, Bread and Some Alter Egos

Some people collect stamps, some collect coins--but Hillary Carlip likes to collect people's discarded shopping lists...and then she likes to write about and reenact the stories of the people from which she imagines the lists came. In her new book A La Carte: The Secret Life of Grocery Shoppers, Carlip enlists the help of an expert makeup artist to transform herself into her characters, using their lists as inspiration.

Consider Yourself Sweded

This quite possibly is the coolest movie website EVER that creatively translates the premise of the film into an amazing online experience. Check it out and you'll not only have fun, but you'll also find out what "sweded" means.

Story Monkeys

Remember those "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories you used to read as a kid? Well, 1000000monkeys is resurrecting that concept but adding their own twist--YOU can choose to create your own version of a story on the site. The idea is simple: You begin by picking a story that appeals to you and when you finish the first section, you can choose to either read on, or add your own section to it. Your segment will either live to be a continuation of the story on the site or "wither and die" (as the site says) depending on how many people vote for your rendition.

Fun With Pimples and Cellulite

Check out these billboards for Pond's Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub and Nivea's anti-cellulite cream. The former is in the shape of a pore with a custodian inside sweeping it clean. The latter is a simple poster covered in bubble wrap, encouraging people to symbolically "eliminate" their unsightly bumps.

Fun Ads Exist

Courtesy of Leo Burnett in Sao Paulo for Arcor Bubble Gum. Neat. And while you're reading this, do check out the LB Sao Paulo site. Awesome.

A Story Close to Your Heart

Too often it seems that we feel disconnected with those people who are in need of help. Founded in 2006, Rosa Loves is a new company that understands how this disconnect can affect potential donations, so they've decided to help bridge the sentiment gap with tangible reminders: t-shirts. Rosa Loves creates and sells t-shirts with personal stories of those in need imprinted on the shirt itself. They are made in limited runs so once the necessary funds are raised for the recipient, Rosa Loves stops selling.

A Conference About Play?

Yup. The 2008 Pasadena Art Center Design Conference from May 7th-May 9th, entitled Serious Play, brings together a diverse group of leaders. Don't believe me? Check out the roster which includes a homocide detective, a puppet master, an origami virtuoso, an athlete, and many more interesting contributors. It's described as a hands-on conference with interactive workshops that show people how to incorporate play into work. Sign us up!

Dog's Got Skills

We here at Sideways absolutely LOVE dogs so that's why we got a kick out of a recent post on Random Good Stuff. The ads are for a dog coach in Germany. Absolutely hilarious and creative!

Marketing "Sense"

Unique ad by T-Mobile targeting "Chatty Cathys"

What If?

Check out this AMAZING site that is chock-full of ideas, all following the words "What if..."

SmashLab Shows Where Their Creativity Comes From

We came across these 2007 ads from SmashLab, a strategic interactive agency, that tout their creativity in a unique way.
Tag: "Our creativity comes from within"

"Your Name on a Grain of Rice" is SO Yesterday

Who would have guessed that rice would make such a good gift? Japanese company Yosimiya is selling bags of rice printed with a newborn's photo, name and date of birth. In addition, the weight of the bag is the exact weight of the newborn and the bag even resembles a swaddled baby.

Campbell's Soup Eliminates Hunger

Courtesy of Leo Burnett

Japan does it better.

Retail design has cut through the clutter lately for the grand opening of the newest Apple Store in New York City, but as more and more US consumers begin appreciating modern aesthetics and their incorporation into the “shopping experience,” retailers should look to Japan’s prowess in interior / retail design for inspiration moving forward, like many US manufacturers have looked at Sony, Honda, etc. in the past.

Meet Masamichi Katayama ... owner and founder of Wonderwall, a Japanese design firm best known for sculpting the physical look and feel of A Bathing Ape, the cult footwear and apparel brand.  His futuristic take on retail and other commercial spaces has earned him 10+ projects for Bathing Ape founder Nigo, as part of a diverse client list that also includes the likes of Marc Jacobs, Harrod’s, Ogilvy & Mather, and the BBC, among many others.  (Image courtesy of wonder-wall.com)

There is lots to learn ... In attempting to provide an experience for customers that helps develop or define a brand, US retailers could use a healthy dose of inspiration from books that feature Katayama’s (and many other firms from around the world) work like Powershop or Retail: Architecture and Shopping.

A few of my favorite Wonderwall projects are:

100% Chocolate Cafe

Ogilvy & Mather Tokyo

Bapexclusive

Footsoldier

The Yipster

The yipster - bet you can guess what it is? Maybe you've heard it already? Ah yes - the yuppie-hipster. They have finally coined a name for almost everyone in advertising I know.
A few hints: 
1)The live in almost every urban metroplex
2) That guy on that show Love Monkey is one too
3) You get to wear cool T-Shirts and jeans to work but you don't work in the mail room
4) You can afford to buy expensive shoes and jeans
5) You listen to indie rock and can afford to go to every show
6) If you're reading this blog then you probably are one

It will probably replace trustifarian in the current urban lexicon.

Thanks to the New York Post online for introducing this to me. I think...

Hey magic, you blow.

Dear magic,

Dude, what is your deal lately? You've changed.

You're washed up. You're a has been. You haven't shaved since '87 and you haven't even made an effort to come up with any good card tricks since Regan left office.

As magic, you have a serious responsibility to make anyone and everyone feel 8 years old all over again.

You call that David Blaine crap "magic"? Please. The guy sits in a huge fishbowl and tries to hold his breath for 9 minutes. And fails! On live TV nonetheless! And you know what's even sadder? Even if he HAD done it, it still would have sucked. Yeah that old David Blaine stuff was cool, but c'mon, lately you've been slipping.

Remember back in the day when you went all Copperfield on everybody's asses and was like, "Statue of Liberty? WHAT STATUE OF LIBERTY?! BAM!". Now you don't even get off the couch. You lay around watching Leno all night with little bits of KC Masterpiece potato chips lying on your stained shirt from where you missed your mouth. Seriously dude, get it together.

As a lifelong kid, I have the need to be amazed and astounded at times. To feel like maybe, just maybe there is a land where unicorns roam free and marshmallows fall from the sky. You are the deadbeat dad of wonder and amazement. You've failed people everywhere.

But I do have faith. I believe you can get your shit together and get on the right track. Just look at what this Criss Angel guy is doing:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/37292/criss_angel_walks_through_glass/

C'mon magic. I know you've got it in you. So get up off that couch, take a shower (or two) and get back out there and make us all wide-eyed again!

Sincerely,

Miller Jones

Post a secret

Love it. Seriously...anonymously publicized secrets is such a great idea... its like that therapy trick where you write a letter to someone but never send it. And you know what...everyone is creative. They also just published the book of the best of Postsecret. The site manager guy calls it a community art project - I guess so... I'm going to send in my secret - maybe we all should and see if it makes it as part of the chosen few great ones for the day. Some are serious, some are not, but they're all a testament to the human psyche and conscious...Looking for a little insight?  Well this is a pretty special resource.
And I know you have one to share.
Check it out...

Happy 150th Birthday!

Here's a question for ya. If you could live to be 150 years old, would you WANT to? I read an interesting article on the web the other day:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11840433/

and it struck a nerve in me and a debate between several of my friends.

Apparently, babies being born today have the opportunity (thanks to medicine and science) to live well into their 100s, and possibly as high as 150. Look out Yoda, here comes Madison Taylor Smith!

(Kinda makes you want to invest in life insurance companies, doesn't it?)

Anyway, it poses and interesting question. If you could live to 150, would you?

Personally, I find it appealing to spend more time laughing, crying and living with family and friends and spending more time on this Earth. However, most people I ask say they'd rather die at 77.6 years old like everyone else. The thought of growing old and wrinkly and becoming more and more helpless does not appeal to most. But logic says if we are meant to live until 150, we'd grow old slower and be healthier longer. (Imagine being the star of your company softball team at age 70!) After talking with Christina de la Cruz (a co-worker of mine) about this, she brought up a good point. Take a look at all the 25-30 year olds we work with. Who of them ACTUALLY look their age? Most could easily be mistaken for very early 20s. Seems we're growing older slower, or at least more gracefully thanks to better healthcare, science, and daily moisturizers!

So...who of you out there would want to live until 150? Who of you wouldn't? Why?

~Miller

It puts the lotion on it's skin

So I was thinking about what to write about for my virgin blog entry ... what have I seen or thought about that would be interesting, or be a fresh perspective on something we've all already seen. Then I remembered seeing this viral music video for a band called Greenskeepers for thier song Lotion. If you've seen it then you know  - it's creepy - but good creepy. They wrote the song about the famous scene from The Silence of the Lambs:

"It puts the lotion on the skin or else it gets the hose again!"

The video is actually that scene cut to thier song and it's wierdly mesmorizing. If only all the things we create could be this unexplainably good and funny at the same time. And the song is pretty good too. I know some of you have heard of the term mashing. I think I'd call this advanced mashing in some way. Greenskeepers claims that they've had over a quarter of a million downloads since the release of the video online and the song has even had a recent debut on the hit show Grey's Anatomy. To me, that's modern day marketing success. And if this is where we're headed - we should learn a thing or two from these guys.