Maple Takedown Maple Takedown A blog centered on the advertising world from an aspiring copywriter's view. Featuring insightful critiques on commercials and advertisements making news. Articles
Why Stress?
2007-09-27 19:38:00 It seems like every where I look there is a stressful face, a rushed speed walk, an AIM away message complaining about homework, or a cell phone conversation relating to exams, papers, or loads of homework to be done. I'm not trying to change the world here, yet I ask- WHY? I don't know any student who doesn't hate a certain class so I wonder, why do we put so much pressures on ourselves to do well in something we hate? Something that has no bearing on who we are or any evidence of being helpful in the future. A course which causes so much stress that you can actually feel years being taken off your life. First of all, this obviously isn't healthy. Second of all, learning is what makes people people, the fact we can retain information and think freely, but where do we draw the line?I spent four years of high school learning about Chemistry, Biology, Math, History, and English. For a writer, it's good to have a bank of resources to pull ideas from and that's why I took tho... More About: Homework , School , Classes , High School , Stress
The Cool Factor
2007-09-27 02:11:00 Math is cool. Cool like Sam Donaldson. More About: Math , Factor , Actor
Bushwhacked
2007-09-25 23:53:00 Ever had long hair? I did. Correction, I still do. My hair is like Nelson from The Simpsons. It plays tricks on me. It also likes to bull shit me. If I push it to the right to keep out of my eyes, it will continually shift to the left causing partial blindness. Some days it will sit nicely on my head without causing problems. Then other days, I want to shoot it, but then I think that would be a really bad idea. Then I say aloud, "good thinking." Then I smile, wink at myself, and proceed to stick out my index finger and thumb in the shape of a gun.Most of the time I wear a hat or bandanna. Take note, I don't just wear any bandanna. I wear American flag bandannas, made in the U.S.A. Not only does it support America but it supports my hair in such a way so that it is out of eyes. Otherwise, the moral of the story is if you want long hair be prepared for the problems it causes. Not to mention, at night when it gets in my eyes it's more annoying then the smell of an open pickle jar. More About: Hat , Hair , Annoyance , Whack
The Home Haven
2007-09-24 01:06:00 Being home and the way I view, "home" has completely changed in the course of a month and a half. Before college, I didn?t spend much time at home. In high school there was a movie to catch, an errand to run, or some place I needed to be. I never felt like I was "too cool" to be home or hated being there, but the feeling of ?missing out? was overwhelming while I was home. Being at my house when there is stuff to see made me want to stay out and be in the midst of this so-called action. However, a month into college my views have changed.Now home is like heaven. I hear a lot of students say they never want to go home. I can understand students not going home if their family has problems or whatever, but home is a place I can relax and get some sleep. I have nothing to worry about not to mention I get some damn good food. It was just months ago, I would be at home doing homework or studying, however today when I'm home I just watch T.V., play some XBOX, practice the piano, o... More About: College , Homework , Home , Holden , Hall
No Holds Bar Writing
2007-09-20 17:21:00 I either really hate or really love writing assignments. Sometimes the topics are boring and bland like the paper I'm writing now about the struggles of high school. While other topics are just bursting with potential like a creative narrative of my college experience thus far. It seems to me under the guidelines of writing a paper I'm able to focus my attention on one idea and write easier than I would when I have to free write with no topic or idea. However, as I have pointed out, this is a double edged sword to say the least. At any given time I can be stuck writing a five page paper of fluff or a three page paper on beer. It's a flip of the coin.I see writing school papers the same way as I see writing ads. Over the summer my boss was telling me about the time he had to do a Jeep spot for the Olympics. He told his team to come up with a cool commercial for Jeep. No guidelines or product spotlight- just a cool commercial. According to my boss, it became haywire. Cop... More About: Writing , Commercials , Guidelines , Holds
I Want You, Mr. Slurpee McGee
2007-09-18 16:41:00 I love slurpees- I will do practically anything for one, therefore I've compiled a list of what I would do to get one. I would run a marathon, swim five miles, not six because it sounds like sex- I?m no pedophile. I would bike from one end of a small MI city to another. I would lick a bathroom floor. I would eat sand. I would poke a bear with a stick. Come within 30 feet of Lindsey Lohan. Say the ?N? word- actually I wouldn?t. I would talk to a Rabbi. I would wear Fubu. I would plant lots of trees to help the environment but then cut them down 20 years later so I can get a slurpee. I would masticate in public, I already have once. I would talk with an Asian accent the whole day and not even laugh so people think it?s real. I would hide my right arm in my shirt so it looks like it?s missing, but pull it out at the end of the day and say, ?Surprise, I just grew it back.? I would drink goat piss, A.K.A. Busch Light. I?d put my tongue on one of those heavy duty batteries ... More About: Speedway , Slurpee
Movie Posters
2007-09-16 21:24:00 I'm a big movie buff. Before I went up to school I was probably at the theater twice a week. Sometimes the movie doesn't have to be good or get strong reviews, I just love watching movies. I enjoy the writing, the jokes, the drama, the emotions a film can evoke, and the whole movie experience.A guy down the hall from me has a couple of really cool movie posters and interestingly, they have all come out of newspapers. The color on the thin paper and the design of the posters in newspapers seem so much cooler than a five dollar poster you buy at a store. Luckily, my roommate gets the NY Times and I looked through it for some movie poster advertisements.I grabbed a huge "3:10 to Yuma" poster ad and a poster ad for "Curb Your Enthusiasm." I think they are a damn good edition to the dorm room. Here's what they look like: More About: Movie , Posters , Films , Newspapers , Movie Poster
Slapstick - Kurt Vonnegut
2007-09-14 18:01:00 A few days ago I finished reading, Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut . Supposedly, the book got poor reviews, but I actually found it to be a great and quick read. I'm not big into science fiction and even though a lot of Vonnegut's books are fantasy, I enjoy the creative leaps he takes with in the novels. I've only read two of his books, Slaughterhouse V and Slapstick, but it's enough to know I want to read more of his work.Yesterday when I was doing my laundry I started reading Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell. Even though I don't necessarily find his work as interesting as Vonnegut's, the writing is worlds apart. Orwell is an amazing writer. The way he points out facts and the smallest possible observations make the reader feel like they are right there in the midst of action. Hopefully I'll remember some of the techniques they both used when writing because, in my opinion, both of them are geniuses.While reading up on George Orwell I came across his, "Rules for Writer... More About: Tick
The Little Dude
2007-09-13 06:03:00 I?ve always wanted to write short stories on my blog except a combination of not writing them and not exactly knowing how they would fit in the page has held me back for months. At this point, what the hell, if I want to write I better let loose and freestyle a bit. Maybe drop a phat beat and phat line- proverbially, of course. Here is, "The Litt le Dude ."I was looking out the window into my backyard. It was one of those November days when the sun was barely poking its rays between the clouds and the ground was freshly covered in a montage of reds and browns and yellows. My little brother was playing on the swing set. He is nine years younger than me- I?m 17. Just looking at the little guy made me feel depressed. He has no idea what it?s like going through middle school, high school, or worrying about college.Just looking at him makes me want to go outside and play with him. I can?t. I?m a crappy big brother. My grades suck, I?m an ass hole to my parents- what kind of exam... More About: Fiction , Fall , Short Story
The Nature of College
2007-09-11 07:00:00 Here I am. A college student. Surrounded by 40,000 people. It's surreal in the fact I've never been from home longer than week; I have my own room, my own space, my own...everything. I decide whether I skip a class or get exercise or go to a party or study. The responsibilities are endless...yet, I love it. I'm already scoping out clubs like the Ad Association and MSU AAF called Cedar Banks.The campus is quite nice, but I have my complaints- check out Beyond Madison Avenue (soon) to see what I'm talking about. It seems like time travels much faster up here. The bulk of my classes are on Monday and Wednesday. On Tuesday and Thursday I only have one and it still seems like I'm struggling to find time for anything. I'm trying to make a "creative bundle" and this venture has taken over a month. I'm still trying to find time to watch the series finale of The O.C. Take this very moment for instance, it's 1 A.M. and I'm writing a blog post. Maybe it's because I know ... More About: Nature , Books , Reading , College , Homework
Michigan State
2007-08-24 18:48:00 I'm in college! More About: College , Michigan , Drinking , State , Partying
Nashville, TN
2007-08-14 06:15:00 I'm taking a road trip down to Nashville from Detroit tomorrow morning. My friend's dad took a job down there so a couple of us decided to pay him a long visit. Considering I go up to school the 21st, by the time I get back (Saturday), I'll be marathon mode getting everything ready. It's going to be hot, over 100 degrees everyday! But it's all good, he's got a boat and we'll be on the water all day. Hopefully I'll see some crazy stuff like a guy with a southern accent or maybe a confederate flag waving around. I'm pumped- it's going to be off the hook, or as much as Nashville can be, I suppose. Be back soon with the updates. More About: Road Trip , Ville
College Couture
2007-08-08 18:36:00 After four years of wearing a tie, dress shirt, and dress slacks in high school- I'm going to college. No longer will I feel like a middle management paper pusher sitting in a gray cubicle under artificial light. I can wear regular clothes like a regular person. Up until February of senior year my wardrobe consisted of about 5-7 t-shirts, two pairs of jeans, and three pairs of shorts because I never needed anything besides a nice oxford shirt or silk tie. After getting into this whole "blogging business" I started posting about cool companies, websites, and ad agencies. Most of them have hooked me up with great t-shirts and stickers. I especially love how everyone of these companies use American Apparel t-shirts- all made in America, of course.I?ve got a kick ass collection. Here are some of my favorite tee's:Wexley School for Girls- It Confuses a lot of PeopleVeer- Awesome DesignAmerican Apparel PoloAre you generic?- Wearing a MessageBusted Tees- Comical shirts, great conver... More About: College , Couture , Coll
Inspiration
2007-08-07 16:28:00 I love Paul Arden's books: Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite & It's Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want to Be. The books make me want to never give up and do whatever it takes to succeed. I want to be the best creative in advertising- the absolute best, ever. That sounds like a ridiculous goal, but according to Arden, aiming beyond your reach is how to meet these goals. In one of his books he asks, "How good do you want to be?" He uses visual examples of someone who wants to be, "Mediocre," "OK," "Good," "Great," and "The Best." There are so many people that can be included under these headings, but here is my interpretation of who fits these molds.Mediocre- Ryan LeadOK- Ralph NaderGood- Donald Trump Great- Red CloudThe Best- I don't know More About: Creative , Books , Advertising , Inspiration
My Creative Summer
2007-07-30 16:47:00 If you haven't already read about my summer as an intern, check out it out here at Beyond Madison Avenue. Hopefully you'll find something interesting in it. More About: Creative , Summer , Internship
The Skittles Touch
2007-07-23 18:14:00 Is there anything to say? Honestly. More About: Funny , Commercial , Touch , Skittles , Skit
Mad Men
2007-07-20 05:59:00 At work a few days ago I watched an infomercial for Never Compromise Putters. (If you have 30 minutes, watch it- you will not be disappointed). Sure, maybe it was an infomercial, but it was directed like a short. It had original music, original copy, original directing..everything about it was original. It was the best short film I have ever seen and it was an infomercial. This all in thanks to Mark Fenske, who created the work. Before watching this film, I found myself asking questions like, do I really want to go into advertising? Do I want to spend my life doing this?Well, I can honestly say after watching an infomercial like that and being able to work with some of the most talented people in advertising at my internship on a daily basis, I can answer with a resounding 'YES.' The inspiration I get out of this business keeps me coming back so I can give another person that same feeling. I love this business and I mean that whole heartily. I can't wait until the first ... More About: Summer , Advertising
Transformers Game- Autobot
2007-06-14 16:37:00 I came across this Autobots website on Adcritic.com a couple of days ago and thought it was a cool concept. The Transformers Game : Rise of the Autobots complements the new Transformers movie which is gaining some major Hollywood Buzz. Initially, I only checked out the stats and personality of each car, which I loved. For example, the HHR is the brains, the Cobalt is agile, and the Silverado is the muscle.But it wasn't until yesterday I started playing seriously. I chose the Impala for its combination of agility, strength, intelligence, and the fact I thought the black looked bad ass. Unfortunately, I'm 0-4 and can't seem to win a freaking battle. I guess the work was created by Campbell-Ewald- I'm impressed. Despite the battle mode, where you preselect five moves, basically meaning it's all luck whether you win or not, I think I'm starting to get addicted. The game is fun, a serious change of pace, and I'm ready to play right now. Look for me on there, my name is K... More About: Website , Chevrolet , Interactive
New Banner
2007-05-28 01:49:00 Just made a sweet new banner for the page with Wetpaint. Turned out to be a whole lot easier and faster than any CS2 program I tried using. After 15 minutes on Wetpaint I get an awesome looking banner. After two hours on Photoshop I become confused, agitated, and upset.Also, you can add your own touches, so if you're feeling artsy add something to it. If I like it, I'll set it as my banner (just keep the blog's name on it) and give you some mad props. More About: Banner , Anne
Detroit Driving
2007-05-14 19:08:00 I hate driving to school every morning. I'm sure if you live in a big city, you understand my plight. However, on your commute, are you risking your life or contending with 20 foot sinkholes in the middle of the road? Every morning before I go to school, I literally put my life into a bottle and strap it into the back seat because according to the Highway Safety Administration it is the safest place for a passenger. Anyways, a couple of months ago the expressway toward downtown was closed for construction meaning a ton of people had to find an alternate route.Let's pause for a minute and imagine farmers in Northern China given keys to cars. They don't know the difference between a gas pedal or brake, let alone what a green or red light is. But, for the sake of the story, say they somehow got licenses and are allowed to drive around here in the States. My commute every morning is composed of me trying to avoid the Chinese Farmers without licenses so I don't get into an acci... More About: Driving , Detroit , Ving
Future of Online Advertising
2007-05-02 21:04:00 Over at Beyond Madison Avenue, we have a ticket giveaway going on for the Future of Online Advertising conference. Check out BMA for the parameters of the contest and FOOA for the goods on all the speakers and such. Just a word of advice, the judges always seem to like, "funny." Good luck with your entries... More About: Contest , Online Advertising
Almond & The Convenient Stores of Speedway
2007-04-27 02:30:00 Some people are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, however I am addicted to slurpees. A slurpee is, "a partially frozen beverage that comes in various fruit and soda flavors." Mind you, I'm not a fan of the 7/11 slurpees, but Speed way gas station slurpees. Something about their combination of value and quantity far surpasses what 7/11 can offer. Not only are the slurpees cheaper at Speeday, but I get a "Speedy Rewards" card that racks up me up points every time I buy something in the store. Therefore, after enough purchases I get a free slurpee, hot dog, sandwich, etc. I'm assuming I will be poor this summer because I need to keep my money for college, so I have been saving up my points. Currently, I'm at about 4000 points meaning I have nearly 10 free slurpees which would last me about 5-7 days. So what went from infrequent stops at a gas station 10 minutes away from house has become a daily routine to get my 22 ounce slurpee fix.On my visits, I enjoy mingling with Alm... More About: Almond , Stor , Stores
Moral Idealogy VS Immoral CEO
2007-04-16 18:00:00 I'm going to put it out there, I love the U.S.A. Not to sound like an arrogant American, but we are the greatest country in the world. Best people, best places, best food, and the best everything! With global competitors such as China and numerous other Asian countries taking manufacturing jobs, it would make sense for me to take the time and try to support American companies. Unfortunately, it is difficult and time consuming to find companies who make their products in the U.S. American Apparel, an L.A. based company is committed to making their products, sweat shop free in America. I am willing to throw a few extra bucks down for products made in America, but one thing really turns me off, their graphic pictures and controversial lawsuits.If you have shopped at American Apparel in their stores or visited their website, you know exactly what I am talking about. Their pictures/advertisements are graphic and, according to Wikipedia, that of amateur photography. In addition,... More About: Deal , Immoral , Oral , Moral , Ideal
Portfolio Night: 5
2007-04-12 20:29:00 I got an e-mail the other day from David Neumann over at ihaveanidea.org. He was telling me about Portfolio Night 5 World Tour when all these creatives meet to look at juniors' work. It is also a night for mentoring and networking, not just a big "portfolio review." Let me tell you, when they say World Tour, they mean it. They are heading out to Brussels, Berlin, Hong Kong, Chicago, Singapore, London, and so many other places across the planet. Oh, and I can't forget to mention at every Portfolio Night, Burn Back will be performing. More About: Olio
BMA- Final Four!
2007-04-07 17:36:00 Just wanted to let everybody know the blog I write for, Beyond Madison Avenue has made it into the Fina l Four of Jaffe's Most Valuable Blog. I honestly thought we were going to be massacred at the hands of David Armano's Logic + Emotion, but somehow we pulled out a win. Since were taking on Jaffe Juice, we need all the help we can get. So please, kindly vote for BMA. Thanks a lot and check for updates! More About: Final Four
Truck Drivers
2007-03-29 21:01:00 Being a young man at 18 years old- driving for the past two and a half years has been a wonderful privilege. My car, a 2002 Chevrolet Impala boasts a 3.4 liter, 180 horsepower V-6 engine. The engine is much more reliable than it is quick, but I have been happy with its performance none the less. Even though my car is slow, I like to hover at about 80 MPH on the express way. Occasionally while driving on the express way, a lunatic will fly past me. If I am passed by another car I feel this as a blow to my manhood. Unless the car is in the luxury market or a sports car, I don't take the pass personally. However, if a foreign car passes me, specifically ricers I will become irate.While driving home from work I ended up behind a semi-truck on a two lane avenue. The speed limit was 45 MPH meaning I will usually drive at about 55 MPH. The semi had subtle purple accents on its exterior and it looked to be from the Mack brand of trucks. I whizzed past him and it got me wondering... More About: Drivers , Truck , Drive , Driver , River
Chucks
2007-03-27 01:43:00 When can I wear Chuck s again? Come on, the oldest basketball shoe dating back to 1908, yes, literally. You know, the shoes the sweet kids from Sandlot and Hoosiers wore. The shoes that were synonymous in the 60's and 70's with athletes. I don't want to be labeled a skater, emo, or tool, but just a fashion-minded teenager who happens to like low-top Chucks, specifically the white ones. I want athletes to wear them again, like Lebron James. If he wore them I bet they would sell like crazy. I mean, these are the original basketball/ multi purpose shoe in the world. According to GQ, these things can be worn with not only casual wear, but suits and ties too. How can you go wrong?Throw out your Nike's and Adidas, buy a pair of Converse All-Stars for less than 50 bucks. While you're buying, take a gander at these sweet movies.
Cannes Winner
2007-03-20 23:33:00 This is an 'o6 Cann es winner which I saw for the first time today. The simplicity of the line, "Human Touch" with the phenomenal execution makes this spot a piece of advertising art. More About: Winner , Anne
Tori Spelling and her B & B
2007-03-12 15:50:00 I was watching Good Morning America, when they did a little story on Tori Spell ing . They talked about her troubled past in acting and her family, but they also talked about her new bed and breakfast. Spelling and husband, Dean McDermott came up with the idea a couple of months ago and put their plans into action. The B&B is going to be featured in Spelling's new reality show on Oxygen, "Tori & Dean: Inn Love." It has yet to be named because a contest on Oxygen gives you the chance to name it. Though the contest is over, the show doesn't premiere until March 20th at 10:30 P.M.The B&B is located in Fallbrook, California only 12 miles away from "wine country." Supposedly this place has 4 guest accommodations with private bath, each with fireplaces, 3 with whirlpools, 1 cottage, 1 guest house and 1 conference room. The B&B also has accommodations for reunions, seminars, meetings and church retreats. The rates start at $165 and go up to nearly $400. From the pictures I ...
The Red Realization
More articles from this author:2007-03-07 22:43:00 According to Ad Age the global Red campaign hasn't brought in the projected amount of $100 million for the Global Fund for Aids. In fact, they weren't even close. Only $18 million was raised which is practically chump change. With investments well into the hundreds of millions- Gap, Motorola, and Apple have barely made a dent in the market. Celebrity endorsements with the likes of Penelope Cruz, Stephen Spielberg, and Chris Rock haven't convinced enough people to buy Red. Even Bono himself has failed to bring the revenue necessary to call this venture a financial success. Regardless, $18 millions dollars is going to support research and help those who need it most.From an advertising standpoint, I don't think they could have done more. It was heavily publicized and many people knew about the initiative. They had support from celebrities and billion dollar companies, yet people didn't buy. The only reason I can see why people would be hesitant to buy is the high priced n... More About: Real , Realization 1, 2, 3 |
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