Why doesn’t Apple have free wifi in their stores? Seems pretty much a no-brainer or is my brain missing something? Not that they need another attraction on 5th Avenue or Lincoln Center but where I am right now (Albany) the joint is empty.

Twelve South came up with an inventive and subversive way to house your mac book with this cool one-of-a-kind hardback leather case.  It comes in red or black.  Love!!  Thanks for sharing Ami!  Best part, it is stylish and secure.

Ala Craig Ferguson.  Click the link, it’s worth it!

I have been so impressed with the GE EcoImagination campaign. Each product or approach seems more innovative, timely, and relevant as they go on. These television commercials are made with excellent production values, on-target branding that doesn’t stretch beyond credibility, and the feeling that some real progress is coming to the consumer space. Their GeoSpring Water Heater is a case in point: not only is it beautifully designed, not only is it eco-conscious and eco-friendly, but the message is about cost savings to the consumer. At the very least we’re in the territory of “I’m going to find out more.” So I start at the source and here is what I find at the bottom of the screen:

Are you kidding me? All that beautiful messaging (the site isn’t particularly beautiful, certainly not up to the standard of the TV advertising, but that’s OK) and they spoil it by selling a huge chunk of screen real estate to offset their hosting costs? Yeesh. Fire the guy who let this go through.

It’s been snowing beautifully all day in NYC. Big fat flakes floating through the sky. (Of course once it hits the ground it’s a different story.) Now that it’s evening and the best of it is over though, I chance across this in the Times:

They timed it perfectly. The Plaza started offering hot chocolate in a colorful Thermos just as the first snowflakes started falling. For $19, you can buy 15 ounces of steaming hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon, orange and port, and the container is yours to keep. Ten percent of the price goes to the Central Park Conservancy. They have it ready to go, so you need only to go to the bartender in the Oak Bar and request it.

I’m heading over there tomorrow. Maybe the snow will continue?

via New York Times

Throughout the whole financial crisis, I’ve felt mad, guilty and a little helpless about doing business with the Big Banks. It’s just oh so convenient!  (Which is not unlike so many other consumer choices we all make.)

But now, moving your money locally has become a little easier:

http://moveyourmoney.info/about-us

I’ve long held doubts about the truth of Verizon’s claims, I think they’ve massaged the data-points, but this piece of advertising takes the claims and puts them to brilliant use. I can’t believe this kind of thing is legal, it’s so good. On the other hand, who the heck would want to pull it?

To see something truly great, as I did last evening with the current production of A Little Night Music at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway, is to be reminded of the possibilities of great work. Many pieces go into its creation and each of these relies on the integrity of the individual maker. This is the nature of inspiration: the whole package integrated to a level of positive surprise. For greatness is always surprising; it cannot be taken for granted.

What products, events, creations in your world are the inspirational surprise that lift your ideas of greatness? What work of your own could use that extra nudge toward the Extraordinary?

How cool!  This style is made by a company called Riiflex (Everlast already has a clunky looking set on market.) They weigh in at 2 pounds and cost about $30. 

LOVE this view of Earth from the International Space Station. According to the NY TImes “The new window is reminiscent of dramatic round windows in classical buildings, like the duomo in Florence or Thomas Jefferson?s Monticello. It also resembles the cupola-like cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo?s spaceship in ?Star Wars,? and Captain Nemo?s giant porthole in the study of the submarine Nautilus in ?20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.?

Some in the branding world think that Vitamin Water as a BFF to the Olympics is a great addition to the brand voice. I don’t. I think it’s co-opting consumer language in an attempt to be “cool”…and the net effect sounds like marketers trying to be hip and not quite getting there. Irritating brand voice for sure.