business

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9 Unique Ambient Advertisements

As I researched a recent article on innovative outdoor advertising, I came across quite a few examples of ads placed in unique settings. These communications, meant to surprise consumers by making their brands stand out, are referred to as "ambient" advertising by some, and "guerilla" advertising by others. Whatever the name, they brought a smile to my face, so I thought I would share them here. 1. Big Pilot... READ ON

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5 Bizarre Real Estate Investments

So, you're a little hesitant about investing in the stock market. To quote Great White, even though the S&P 500 is up over 30% from its low three months ago, you're once bitten, twice shy. Plus, that overbearing uncle keeps cornering you at every family gathering and telling you that you should invest in real estate. "Son," he says (even if you're female), "God only made so much land, and he ain't gonna make no more." So you've decided to take his advice, but where do you start? Well, you can start... READ ON

Article

The Late Movies: Holiday Inn's "Mark" Campaign

Today's edition of The Late Movies is not sponsored by Holiday Inn, but you probably couldn't tell the difference. When I worked in advertising, I used to cut out, photograph, record, and download ads and commercials I enjoyed. This Holiday Inn campaign featuring comedian Ross Brockley, which I recently found on an old laptop, was one of my favorites. The campaign, called "Mark," was launched by Fallon in March of... READ ON

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Where Are These Thousand Islands? The Origins of 7 Condiments & Sauces

We've looked at the origins of a few of our favorite condiments on the blog before, but that didn't quite answer all of our questions about the namesakes of our favorite spreads, sauces, and dressings. Here are a few stories that you can use to regale your friends the next time you chow down. 1. Thousand Island... READ ON

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If They Build It: 9 Other Sports Facilities by the Architects of Camden Yards

In 1983, Chris Carver, Ron Labinski, Joe Spear, and Dennis Wellner founded the first architecture firm dedicated exclusively to the design of sports facilities. HOK Sports Venue Event operated under the St. Louis-based HOK Group, an established leader in the field that was launched in 1955 by Washington University in St. Louis School of Architecture graduates George Hellmuth, Gyo Obata, and George Kassabaum. After 25 years as an HOK subsidiary, HOK Sports Venue Event principals, including Spear,... READ ON

Article

5 Really, Really Expensive Speeding Tickets

What's the most expensiveÂ speeding ticket you've ever gotten? What's the craziest ticket you've ever received? Drop a comment and let us know. But I doubt they could approach the following, unless you were pulled over in Finland, where the punishment definitely fits the crime. Speeding tickets, for instance, are based not only on how fast you're going when you get nabbed, but on your net income! This way, those who make millions have to suffer just as much as those just making the ends meet. Here are... READ ON

Article

Cheetos Lip Balm & More Bizarre Brand Extensions

When I heard about the new Burger King Whopper Bar, my immediate thought was that it wouldn't be the first place I'd go for a cocktail. Then I read they won't be serving alcohol, and I knew I wouldn't be going to a Whopper Bar any time soon. This also reminded me of Burger King's other recent brand extension "“ a new fragrance called Flame by BK. This meat perfume was obviously a promotional stunt designed to sell more burgers, but in general, corporate brand extensions are serious attempts to grow... READ ON

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Wedding Registries That Don't Include Gravy Boats

Wedding season is in full swing, so chances are you'll be scouring a registry or two in search of the perfect gift over the course of the next few months. While most couples register for the fairly mundane "starting a home together" items like linens, dishes, and flatware, these certainly aren't the only options available for brides and grooms. Many couples who have been living on their own for a while are pretty well stocked for housewares by the time the big day rolls around,... READ ON

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Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 11: What's the Difference?

Earlier this week, General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. What exactly does that mean? And what's the difference between Chapter 11 and Chapter 7? For the answers, we cracked open our MBA Degree in a Box "“ America's #1 boxed business school. Empty Pockets, Heavy Hearts: Coping with Bankruptcy Here is a hard and difficult truth that many MBA programs are unlikely to share: Many of you, perhaps most of you, will at some point be involved with a business that runs out of money and can't... READ ON

Article

Where Are They Now? Dot-Com CEOs

Much has been written about the iconic American brands that have recently left the corporate landscape. Names like the bankrupt Circuit City and the nowhere-to-be-found Pontiac are casualties of the Great Recession, and there are most likely more to come. But every downturn means the end of the road for certain companies. Just a few years ago, brands like Kozmo, Flooz and Pets.com were going to change the way we all shop. So what happened to the CEOs of those dot-com casualties? We caught up with a few... READ ON