CPB and the New Aggregated Agency Site

My former manager Scott was right when he emphasized 'aggregation'.  Understanding how to pull content from the web can be extremely beneficial for brands, as shown by Crispin, Porter + Bogusky's new agency site.  CPB's new site in beta form isn't being LAZY, it's being clever.  Why do extra work, when people are already doing the work for you?

Using twitter, news, blog and youtube feeds, CPB proves that there is no TEMPLATE OR MODEL for agency sites and demonstrates its understanding of the web to clients.  

Right now rules don't exist for digital media and that's they way I like it.

Oh Baby Heineken, You Don't Got What I Need

"Oh baby you, you got what I neeeeeed but you say he's just a friend..."

How many times in the past month have you sung along to Heineken's 'Let a Stranger Drive You Home' commercial? How many times has someone said this was their favorite? What about the Heineken 'Walk-In Closet' commercial? Everyone seems to LOVE and have high recall of the Heineken commercials, so congratulations Wieden+Kennedy you've created some brilliant ads for my least favorite beer ever!

After working on new business pitches for Asahi Beer and Stella Artois in the UK, I have taken interest in beer advertising because so much of beer sales depend on branding and not taste.

It's surprising that I dislike Heineken especially since growing up in Hawaii, we live by the motto 'Keep Hawaii Green'. Heineken is the second most popular beer in Hawaii (after Bud Light). Hawaii is the 'number one market per capita for Heineken in the U.S.' and has the most localized and aggressive Heineken marketing strategy, sponsoring local music events, bars and clubs. Locals also take pride in their 'greeness' by starting businesses inspired by Henieken branding, such as DoSomethingTonight.com and Green Bottle Productions.
The past four years I've been living in Boston--the most saturated beer advertising city I've ever been to. This Sunday, I saw a Heineken bus wrap and laughed (Bahstan? A Heineken City? NEVAH.): I have seen my share of Coors Light and Heineken subway takeovers and Rolling Rock and Bud Light billboards, but when it comes down to what I order at the bar, advertising seems to do very little to my decision. I may order a UFO White, Blue Moon or Snakebite; however, the girl next to me at the bar may order a Heineken, Stella or even worse Michelob Ultra. That's when I think to myself, Damn, advertising does work.

In the end, it's a win-win situation for me.

Phantom Gourmet Summer Beach BBQ

Last Saturday, I went to Suffolk Downs (horse racing track) on the Blue Line for Phantom Gourmet's Summer Beach BBQ! Phantom Gourmet is a popular TV show about yummy food in the Greater Boston area. I had high expectations for a Summer BBQ event, as last summer I had amazing ribs at the Big Apple BBQ in NYC's Madison Square Park for only $8. Shown below.Phantom Gourmet Summer BBQ recap:
A shuttle from the T station took us to the BBQ located in the parking lot of Suffolk Downs Horse Racing Track.Upon arrival we received purple mardi gras beads. There was a crowd with a beer in hand standing in a giant sand box (aka beach) in the middle of the parking lot yelling "I LOVE MICHELOB!" I'm not sure if this was a good sign.Every BBQ company had a giant stand set up with a wall of banners flashing awards their ribs or BBQ sauce has won.
I decided on Aussom Aussie's BBQ because it had a crowd and very persuasive banners. Their portions looked big too. I LOVE RIBS. Their half-slab with slaw, beans and bread was $15.
It was the juiciest ribs I've ever had and the bbq sauce had a fruit preserve-like aftertaste. After getting bbq sauce all over the creation and a plate full of bones, we witnessed a MJ dance contest and headed to the race track when the fog was getting thicker. MY FIRST EVER HORSE RACE!
Overall, the food was good but drinks and dessert overpriced (bottle water $3, cannoli $5). There were two major things wrong with Phantom Gourmet's Summer Beach BBQ: 1) The weather was cold, foggy and overcast. 2) Entrance fee was $10 at the door, $5 in advance.

Although Boston had the best ribs, I think NY's Big Apple BBQ wins for overall best summer bbq deal.

I Can't, I Have Hockey

The hockey season may be over, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about it.  Yes, I did witness the best BU hockey season ever--won a national championship, witnessed my third Beanpot win--and nothing could top that; however, there's a lot to look forward to this Fall:

• Rival Films is coming out with a movie about the BU/BC rivalry!! Release date is Novemeber 2009
• An "authorized biography" of the 2008-09 BU Hockey Season named Burn the Boats will include in-depth player interviews and 16-page photo section.  Comes out before next season.
• BU is playing Notre Dame at home in Agganis Arena this Fall on 10/20/09
• The raising of the National Champ flag at Agganis (date to be determined)
• Red Hot Hockey at Madison Square Garden this Thanksgiving (Sat, 11/28/09) against Cornell University 

Once a BU hockey fan, always a BU hockey fan.

Summer Blockbuster Battle to the Death

Summer of 2008, it was ALL about The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger's last and brilliant role as the Joker cemented The Dark Knight's title as the '2008 Summer Blockbuster King'. Who will this summer's Blockbuster King be? Megan Fox's boobs or Hermoine's? Alan's jock strap or Bruno's mesh tank? It's a tough battle between robots, black babies, every-flavored beans and roofies, but I've got a solid point-system that will predict a winner (I'm leaving the Johnny Depp mob movie "Public Enemies" out of this, because it just wouldn't be fair to the other movies):

The Hangover (+3 for the title) was about a Vegas bachelor party (-2, too cliche) gone wrong (+6). It involved lots of lots of alcohol (+151) wild animals (a tiger +3, a chicken -3), strippers, a baby (+100, i looove babies), Mike Tyson (+2), a cop car, a missing tooth (+3), a wedding (+5 for having two)... Alan was awesome and provided many memorable quotes Did Ceasar live here? (+10) and also dressed as Rain Man (+200). I'm being too generous I should stop.
Total = 478 pts

Transformers 2 (-5 it was a bad idea for them to make a second one)
I really like Michael Bay (+2) despite all the criticism he gets for excessive explosions (look at all the blockbusters he's responsible for... Armegeddon, Bad Boys, The Rock!!). Optimist Prime, enough said +1000. Megan Fox is hott but a doozy (we'll give her +7 for trying). Shia still looks like a boy (-5) but hits it up with Megan Fox (+10). GM really needs this movie (+50). I am a huge fan of cars that change into robots that also fight evil.
Total = 1,059 pts

Bruno Aahhhhhhhhhhhh (+5 for the name)
Where. to. start.
+250 for Sacha Baron Cohen making this movie and being consistently over the top--MTV Movie Awards butt-in-Eminem's-face (+90) and premiere outfits (+30). Brownie points (+100) for Bruno creating buzz early on with his real fashion show stunt a while back. There's not much I can say except it's going to be a hilarious movie, and I can't wait to see it July 10.
Total = 475 pts

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (+1000 for being the best book out of the series, -550 for pushing back the release date when I obviously planned on studying abroad in London last Fall for a reason)
You've got magic (+100), a wizard with a long white beard (+50), British accents (+500), teenagers going through puberty (+5), A SIGNIFICANT DEATH (-50, because it is sad) and an epic battle looming (+300). What can I say? Start counting down.
Total = 1,355 pts

Looks like Harry's the winner.

I Like to Stretch, so What

Bay Area Bite

My favorite part about visiting Chinese family in San Fransisco is being fed lots and lots of food. Also, the Californians sure love their outlet malls. Every time food + shopping-- it never fails. I leave a very happy camper.

In-N-Out without a doubt

Cheeseburger meal (animal style)

Golden Island Cafe

1300 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Grapefruit and Mango with Sago (Tapioca)

901 Columbus Cafe (Columbus Ave + Lombard)

$2 drafts & $3 wines, belgian waffles, paninis & yummmy salads

Asian Pearl
43635 Boscell Road, Fremont, CA 94538
Popo's (grandma) 70th Birthday celebration! The dinner was mostly seafood and I didn't know what half the stuff I ate was, but it was good.

Suckling pig, jellyfish, charsiu, and I don't know the rest

Pidgeon! I know...

Fish stomach, abalone and sprout veggies

Noodles are apparently a symbol of longevity.

Mango pudding topped with bird's nest (spit)

Napa Valley
MUMM sparkling wine factory
Boudin Bakery at SFO airport

Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl

A heffer, I am.

How the Iran Election Conflict is Changing Cyberspace and Redefining Green

I admit that I don't follow world politics or the news as closely as I should, but the recent Iran Election protests and Mousavi movement has been called to my attention through the media channels I use on the internet. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, NY Times, BBC, Google--these are the new combatants placed at the front of a possible revolution.

Americans are used to seeing images of bloodied protesters, faces of desperation and mass movements on the news--but today, these 2-D images no longer feel flat because we can hear REAL voices with them. YouTube videos, tweets, blog posts--the internet is giving Iranians a louder voice than ever, a voice that can be heard ANYWHERE in REAL-time:

• The Boston Globe has the best collection of photographs from the events in Iran this week

• The NY Times' Lede news blog has the latest news out of Iran
• Protest photos and comments on Mir Hossein Mousavi's Facebook page
• Tweet from Iranian Student @Change-for_Iran "we have to leave, it's not safe here anymore! wish us luck!" is eerie. Change_for_Iran's life has been unfolding on his/her twitter page, and with the Iranian government internet crackdown this could be the last we hear from him/her.

• Gathering global support - WhereIsMyVote.org seeks the support of abroad Iranians who demand 'a new election' that is 'held with transparency and accuracy.'
• Painting the Internet GREEN- From changing your profile picture green to the Iran soccer team sporting green bands, Mousavi supporters and those who wish for a new election have been spreading word of their cause through the color green. Some are even asking Google to change it's logo to green for one day.

You can't prove everything you see on the internet is real, but what is real is that Iranians are struggling to find peace in a very complicated situation. I posted about Iran not because I support a side, but because I support a fair election and a need to end the conflict peacefully. I also feel, in a time when Iran government is heavily censoring the media and internet, it necessary to spread the voices of Iranians who have spoken.

Lastly, I can't help but feel that times are changing dramatically. Never in my parents mind would they think that something like the internet could raise massive movements with a click of a button.

FitRec Student Employee of the Month

The last four years I worked at the coolest place on BU's campus, the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center or I like to call it the most amazing gym ever. FitRec was my second home and the people at the front desk my family. After many 6 a.m. shifts, swim parents and guest passes, I am going to miss putting on my red shirt, but it looks like all my hard work paid off, check this out: Employee of the month baby! If you don't believe me, check it out on the 2nd floor of the gym near the basketball courts.

Thanks to Tom, Alec, Shaun, Katie, Murph, Joe, Deb, Erin, Laura, Michelle for being awesome managers and the PERD staff for keeping the front desk in line.
Remember NO ID. NO ENTRY. (except now we have a one-time courtesy admit, but I won't get into that)

Sexy 60s TV

Surprisingly, The Daily Zeny's most popular post to date is the one about 60s illustrator Robert McGinnis and Stella Artois' French Riviera ads. And so, I dedicate this post to two of my favorite television shows that celebrate everything 60s and how you can watch it for FREE online.

I Dream of Jeannie
While other kids watched Reyn & Stimpy and Beavis & Butthead, I was addicted to Nick-at-Nite. I would catch episodes of Bewitched, I Love Lucy and I Dream of Jeannie before bed and never got tired of it. I was even more excited when technology could transform black+white shows into COLOR!!!! But then, I got old and Nick-at-Nite started showing Taxi, The Jeffersons and Family Matters. I stopped watching the channel.
Anyways, I Dream of Jeannie is a mix of comedy, fantasy and the awesome 60s!! Besides her adorable pink genie outfit, Jeannie wears Pucci-esque mini dresses, and Major Nelson is always clean shaven and handsome in his crisp, blue uniform. Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman's chemistry is so genuine that you wish Major Nelson would suck it up and let Jeannie make his fantasies come true.

Lucky for me and you, watch full episodes at Hulu.

Mad Men
I absolutely love AMC's Mad Men, not just because I'm an Advertising junkie, but because the characters in the show drink straight whiskey 24/7 and adulterate like there's no tomorrow. It's definitely not the vibrant I Dream of Jeannie, but it's really well written and acted drama.

If you're an ad person, you'll love the name-bombs (DDB, Y+R) and reminiscing the good 'ole days when advertising could get you a 'summer house'. If you're not an ad person, you'll appreciate the clothes... you never see a man without a suit and tie, a well-fitted suit and tie.
I'm still trying to catch up on season two, but season three starts in August. You can watch full episdoes at SurfTheChannel.

Why can't Girls get Hangovers too

I'm not surprised that The Hangover is the fastest R-rated movie to cross the $100 million dollar mark (it did it in 10 days). It's so funny that I WOULD see it again and again and again, but because of the recession, I'll wait for the DVD.The other night my guy friend argued that 'Women aren't funny'. He asked me to name some funny females, so I said "Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Anna Faris...", then my mind drew a blank, "...Chelsea Handler!"

Girls ARE funny, and here are some movies to prove it:
I can't help but see a trend that funny 'girl' movies are about shallow, slutty valley girls.

These movies are fun to watch; however, the comedies with ROFL-factor all star men: The 40-Year Old Virgin (Steve Carell), Knocked Up (Seth Rogen), Jackass (Johnny Knoxville), Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen), Anchorman (Will Ferrell), Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), Zoolander (Ben Stiller)...

Zack and Miri sort of got the idea by having a mix-gender cast and letting girls be a part of outrageous, crude comedy, and I LIKED ZACK & MIRI. So let's see it Judd Apatow and Todd Phillips make a movie where four women wake up butt naked, with a tooth missing after a bachelorette party gone bad...OH, I see the problem...

Anyways, the point is women are and can be funny. I'm just waiting for a movie where it doesn't involve mini skirts and push-up bras.

Brad Delson's UCLA Commencement Speech

After James Franco dropped out and Conan O'Brien declined the honor, Linkin Park's Brad Delson gives a thoughtful, funny keynote speech--oh, and also sings Britney and Jaime Foxx.  

I miss college. 

Belgian Waffle Party

You can never go wrong with breakfast for dinner. My ex-roommate Reese grew up in Brussels, so we decided to make Gaufres (Authentic Belgian Waffles) with the recipe her mom sent her.

The key to making Gaufres is using special sugar pellets instead of regular sugar. The key to making 'Zeny' Gaufres is adding twice as many sugar pellets as the recipe calls for. Reese and I stopped following the recipe when it asked for us to wait 2 hours for the batter to sit. Time is money and we don't have the patience to wait, so we just went ahead and made them.

Photo recap:

Something about this photo conveys disaster

Adding the Rum

See the purple box? That's the special Belgian Waffle sugarI chopped the StrawberriesAfter lots of tests, we reached Success!I LOVE WHIPPED CREAM and STRAWBERRIES and WAFFLESWe watched Gran Torino as we ate the waffles. Not sure if that made much sense, but the waffles were délicieux.