February 7, 2010

Superbowl Commercials 2010 - Taco Bell and... Charles Barkely?

As a Canadian we get tortured with bad ad after bad ad.  Thanks to the internet I get a chance to take it all in.  So far not good though.

Taco Bell “It Rocks, It Rocks” (…no it doesn’t)

I’m assuming this is to pay off Charles Barkely’s gambling debts..?  What was Taco Bell thinking?  Moreover, how does this sell product?

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]


Comments (View)
February 4, 2010

The Challenge of Reviewing the iPad

There seems to be two distinct groups that make reviewing any Apple product or service a nightmare.  Apple fanboys and haters.  They both suck. Fanboys love everything with a bitten apple on it while haters typically rip any launch because of pricing or lack of features.  Worse still are the ones who pretend to hate something only to turn hardcore bullish only days later (or vice versa).

The iPad is a perfect example of this.

I’ve followed people on twitter who have gone from labeling the product as an “epic fail” (comparing it to the Newton) to saying the iPad will “revolutionize the industry”.  Ok thanks, Nastrodamus but what does that mean?  In my eyes only a handful of products or services have “revolutionized” anything.  The car, television, the internet etc.  Sure, it sounds great to say that about an iPhone or an iPad but let’s get real, they are iterations in a long (yet fast) growth in technological ubiquity.

My Useless Review

I can’t speak for all consumers but I’m just not sure where I’d fit this in on my typical day.  I walk to work so I’m fine there.  I’m an iPhone guy so I still have access to much of the same tools and apps.  I have a Macbook at home so to switch to anything else would be a downgrade (and boarderline stupid).  If I read a lot of books I’d surely pass and pick up a Kindle (e-ink > screens).  If I gamed I would either keep using my iPhone so I don’t need to carry more than one device.

There are those who could immediately benefit though:

  • Doctors and practitioners
  • Those who don’t have a smartphone or laptop
  • Tradesmen or niche jobs where a full screen is ideal
  • Commuters who scan over typing (otherwise netbook)
  • Fanboys of course…

iPad vs. Kindle

I’d just like to add that this isn’t a war.  The slate industry, like all industries will become fragmented.  If you’re a big reader of books then the iPad is a drain on the eyes and battery life.  If you want a more interactive experience with the web, video or gaming then the Kindle is about as useful as a brick.

Let’s not over think it.


Comments (View)
December 9, 2009

Top 5 Japanese Game Show Ideas

From digital toilets to robotic sex puppets, the Japanese are just plain awesome when it comes to thinking differently.  So I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they also have some odd, yet amazing game show ideas.

For those of you who loved watching MXC I bring you a few more wonderful game shows.  You can find plenty more on YouTube.

5. Human Tetris

4. Playing Soccer with Binoculars

3. Having Fun in Groups

2. Human Bowling

1. Pitfalls


November 27, 2009

Time for a Re-Brand?

Stumbling by this restaurant in Vancouver, I just had to snap a picture.  I’m not sure when the name was developed but I hope it was before two girls and a cup.

P.S. Their chocolate ice cream is delish.

Two Chefs and a Table


November 19, 2009

Microsoft Store Employees Crank Up The Douche

This reminds me of grade 6 when my choir teacher thought it would be “cool” to put a rap together in front of our parents.  I chose to be sick the day of performance.  Unfortunately I wasn’t sick for our rendition of the Rembrandts Friends Theme.  I still feel sick to this day.

Anyway, could you imagine working at Microsoft and having to choriograph this crap?  I’m still trying to figure out how the Manager bribed employees making $10/hr to line dance in a public place.

Next step, pissing themselves in the Apple store.


November 17, 2009

Turkish Ice Cream Man

This guy puts on a good, yet unsanitary, show.  I’d love to see a bank teller or garbage man do something similar.  How longer before someone shoots him?



Jesus Fish 2.0

This makes me want to buy a car.


November 10, 2009

Banned Ikea Commercial

…And I’m still trying to figure out why?



The Golden Age of Video - By Ricardo Autobahn

Great little montage video.  Enjoy.



Mathemagic to the extreme!

Arthur Benjamin considers himself a “mathemagician” due to his love of magic and math.  The latter will be more obvious in the video below.  He makes rainman look like George Bush.

Thank you again TED.


Share



My name is Nate Haidle and I'm an Interactive Project Manager at Creative B'stro here in Vancouver. Please feel free to contact me at any time.