Book It Across the Pond

I love the warmer weather because it means I can sit outside and do a little reading. Though the problem I’ve found: when you venture outside of the park, there isn’t much in the way of bench seating. Yes, you can sit on the concrete steps of Diversey Harbor (like Harry Potter and I did this weekend), but I can never get comfortable. There’s something about sitting on a bench and reading and having the backdrop of a Lake behind you.

It seems London and the National Literacy Trust have cured my current dilemma by teaming up with with a cartoonist and How to Train a Dragon creator. The Books about Town campaign brings to life classic book illustration interpretations on 50 park benches. Yes, there are book benches strewn about London begging for you to sit and read and they depict some of your favorite books. As we know, I love a seek and find when it comes to the arts.

Heavy sigh. Via BBC News Entertainment & Arts

P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins by Artist Darel Seow

Michael Bond’s Please Look After This Bear by Artist Michelle Heron

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations by Artist Ivan Liotchev

 

 

New York State of Mind

“I didn’t know the city at all, but I was so happy to be in New York I cried. I was so excited.” 
–Greta Gerwig

Very rarely do I travel alone. Or rather, very rarely do I travel alone where I stay at a hotel all by my lonesome. I’ve been fortunate enough to always have a traveling companion or a friend/family member eagerly awaiting me to step off the plane. Even when studying abroad, I made a friend, we met at the airport and experienced the hilarity of our situations as we attempted to find our apartment together. But that will all change come June when I head out to New York. And navigate without a smartphone. Cue the maps.

I’ve always had this weird pull to New York, despite not spending much time in the city. As a kid, without knowing exactly what the job entailed, I wanted to be a Broadway producer. It just seemed like the job that would mix a little business with some art. And one I could spend my days completely enthralled with music. My latest stint to NYC was with Amanda last year, though we didn’t really venture north of Midtown. As this trip is happening for a creative recharge, I’m excited to find other ways outside of class to gain some inspiration and insight.

A few years ago, I saw this The Sing for Hope piano installation. Pianos are placed throughout the city and available for you to come and play a little tune. And what do you know? They’re back at the beginning of June. So I will step up and play the Ladage Family Staple: The Garbage Man (at least I think that’s what it’s called…) the minute I see one.

And last year, I saw this intriguing exhibit in London Rain Room. It’s a room where it’s raining and when you walk in, the rain stops. You essentially control the weather. I’ve been waiting for this exhibit to make its way to the States and it has! Finding its home at MoMA and on exhibit through July.

Our classes have us visiting other locations and destinations for keynote addresses and projects, though if there’s a hidden gem, pray do tell!

Source: Maybe Sparrow

Ad of the Day: Red Stripe’s Music Bodega

This is just pure awesome, insane and genius. I think it just goes to show, it’s all about the experience. And I can assure you, if I was in this store and a person holding Red Stripe was responsible for this great moment, I too would quickly grab one.

Via AdFreak The finished video is below, though the behind-the-scenes is worth a look.

Losing a Client

Completely loving this tongue and cheek ad from McCann running in today’s Times and London Mail. Especially that last line of copy (“And with clients who don’t wear quite so much Lycra”). Way to graciously thank a client for a business while grabbing the attention of the masses.

But who’s with me on the depression that’s now happening thanks to the Olympics wrapping?

Via AdFreak

Passing the Torch

I’ve seen and heard mixed reviews about this past weekend’s Opening Ceremonies. I for one, absolutely loved them. Loved the historical storyline timeline Danny Boyle dreamed up. Loved the bouncing children on trampoline beds (where do I find one?). Loved Mary Poppins dropping in and JK Rowling performing a reading. But just when I thought it wouldn’t get any better, they lit the cauldron. And that my friends, was well worth the time investment to watch.

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Finding the Greatness

I’ve been counting down the days for the Olympics since the last ones ended. I’m obsessed. And the commercials? Only feed my addiction. Currently loving this one from NIKE that does not feature any athletes. It makes me crave the days of  jumping off the high dive–how that was the biggest achievement of the summer and you just felt on top of the world.

Relive the moments…

Across the Pond, or rather, River

Heading to a show tonight with The Bowerbirds. But I must say, I’m pumped for their opener Dry the River–a group of five lads from London. I’m a sucker for accents, meaningful lyrics and a violin. Plus the drummer plays with his glasses on. Sold.

Book it!

Stumbled upon this video via The Book Bench of a domino effect with books in London. Is it me, or does Europe put together some of the coolest videos for inspiration. I must say, I’m quite surprised the books just don’t sprawl everywhere after falling.

Ad of the Day: Museum of London

The coolest part of this ad is the fact we’re rolling out something similar for one of our client’s next year. I’ve never had any desire for a smartphone, but after seeing this, I want one, solely so I can do this. I’ll also then be in London, which is I guess okay too. And this ad basically brings to life Inception which I’m equally okay with. And I promise, proper posts coming soon, life is just moving a mile a minute.

 

 

 

 

 

Ad of the Day: Eurostar

From Eurostar comes When Was the Last Time… focusing on London. I just love how the pictures on these ads say so much, requiring little text. As always, found these on I Believe in Advertising. Here’s my fav of the four:

Eurostar is basically the bullet train of Europe. So jealous.