After my beer post yesterday, i got to thinking about how terrible the packaging for the Hoppin' FrogB.O.R.I.S The Crusher is. For such a deliscious beer, it looks like it would taste like Frog crap and swamp water, and trust me the consitency of the beer doesn't help in relieving that concern either. It wouldn't surprise me if some would just pass it up just for that reason.
Now, mind you I am the type of person who chooses wine based on bottle design and label, not quality, age or grape. Not so much with beer, but sometimes I'll give a beer a try just because I like the design.
A perfect example is the above beer and its gorgeous packaging. The Howling Monkey Black and Tan is damn near perfectly designed all way down to the choice of bottle. The design firm Tuner Duckworth can take well deserved credit here for an amazing capture of a brand.
I can't wait to try this beer, and I don't even like black and tans. I mean I'll drink them if they are done right. This is what I mean by done right:
But what we have with Howling Monkeys and with any black and tan in one bottle is what a 8 year old me would call a "suicide". A "suicide" is essentially every flavor of soda from the fountain, including but not limited to Coke, Sprite, Orange, Root Beer, and Mr. Pibb (none of this Pibb Xtra bullshit... what's Xtra?... another post I guess). Just like a black and tan in a bottle it always tasted OK, but never as good as each flavor would have on its own. Especially if Hawaiian Punch came into play... never a good compliment to any other soft drink.
This kid has the right idea, and I can admit that he's a stronger man than I.
But I digress.
Here are some amazing packaging designs I have been seeing on this great site Lovely Package. Check them out:
Check out the site for some great inspiration, or just awesome products that probably aren't half as awesome as their packaging.
Have you ever considered drinking Motor Oil that tastes like a trip to Aspen on Christmas with a Supermodel Ski Bunny. You need to try Hopin' Frog Brewery's B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher. B.O.R.I.S. (Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout) is a meal in and of itself, and has what some might call hints, but I call taste explosions, of chocolate, roasted oats, and barley. As the folks Hoppin' Frog say the Imperial Stout "is the grand-daddy of all Stout styles". Combine that heritage with the popularity of the Oatmeal Stout style, and the alcoholism of those crazy Russians (This beer sports a 9.4% ABV) and you have delicious beer that can either start the party or cap off the night.
It recieved an A on Beer Advocate, and most reviews tend to put it at the top of the class in Flippin' Awesome Beer 101.
Check it out at your local wine bar, or fine beer supplier.
I get it at Erato Wine Bar in Edwardsville, IL. They sport one of the best Beer Lists in the midwest, and that is only small part of what makes this restaurant and bar great. They feature one of the Top chefs in the St. Louis area, coupled with a Sous Chef who arguably might be even better at some things. Regardless, you can trust me that the menu is amazing. As is the wine list, service and atmosphere.
If you go, look for a short, but tall in heart, bald man behind the bar named Todd. Tell him I sent you, and he'll make sure you're well taken care of.
There's been a lot of Buzz about the upcoming Spike Jonze adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are for a while now, but the trailer has finally emerged and as expected it's awesome.
Incredible!
I'd like to be able to say that this was my favorite book as a child, or how it changed my life, but unfortunately I don't think I've ever read it. If I did, I don't remember the story line. I do know that Sendak is generally accepted to be a genius, the 1963 book is hugely popular even today and that it is only like 50 pages long, so my usual disappointment at what gets cut from a book or story as it transitions to film is a non-issue in this instance.
Regardless of my inexperience with the story, I couldn't be more excited for this film. There has been buzz and controversy from the beginning about Wild Things.... If the actor was right play Max, rumors of a mandated reshoot after the studio saw the rough draft, over spending speculation, and even accusations that Jonze was being overly creative in his vision of the film. Well, I for one am a big fan of Over-Creativity, especially for this book, and I'm for pissing off movie studios for that matter.
I'm a huge fan of Spike Jonze. As a director he has an incredible perception of what a shot should look like and he will do whatever it takes to make that vision happen. I don't know the man, but I get the sense that he surrounds himself with the things and people that he finds really interesting, and it carries over to who he works with and the final product of his films and videos. Here's a few videos to help you get a sense where you've seen his work, and maybe didn't even know it was him.
Kanye West - Flashing Lights
Gap Commercial
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Being John Malkovich
Heaven - Skate Boarding Film
And of course... Fat Boy Slim's - Prasie You (featuring Jonze as his alter ego Richard Koufey a bonafied dancing machine)
The man co-created Jackass, is Charlie Kauffman's go-to guy and has revolutionized the music video and commercial experience. I have a feeling that after the world sees Where the Wild Things Are, he will be more of a household name, and I'm curious what new big price-tag opportunities will come his way.
Anybody who has ever had to go without Jack in the Box for a prolonged period of time knows that their extensive menu and cult following is unmatched in the world of fast food. Even if you don't eat there (which I haven't in probably 3 years), you have to hear about it from those who do or haven't been able to in a while. And it usually goes like this, "Ooooo... Jack in the Box, that sounds so good right now!"
Well they have changed their image, beginning with a Superbowl commercial where we almost lost Jack (the confident and quippy faux-CEO and figure head, literally, of the restaurant chain) to a tragic bus accident. And has extended into a social media phenomenon with 80,000 opt-in notes to Jack during his 6 week recovery, as well as other viral efforts and games.
Jack in the Box has a long and interesting Advertising history. After the clown-like character was destroyed in a 1980 bombing to make way for a new more mature Jack in the Box, called Monterey Jack's for a time. This was an epic failure, and the company returned to the Jack in the Box moniker in 86'. But the clown head ordering station remained in exile.
That is until 1994. Coming off what some might call a PR nightmare, the death of four children to Salmonella poisoning, Jack in the Box was ready for a new direction. Dick Sittig and the agency Secret Weapon responded with what could have been bland if done any other way. Bring Jack Back!
Something that isn't a hugely known fact is that Dick Sittig and Jack have eerily similar voices. Ok, they're the same. Talk about securing a client. Make yourself the mascot. I would have loved to be in that meeting.
Well the Jack's Back campaign and subsequent marketing efforts have been off the charts successful by anyones standards. Jack is even popular in areas that don't have the chain in their region. Antenna balls with Jack's holiday likeness still grace cars every year. It hasn't gotten stale in 15 years. But that doesn't mean it wasn't time for a face lift.
During Superbowl XLIII this happened:
Subsequent videos and extensions were circulated for the next 6 weeks from www.hangintherejack.com, and utilizing Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and Blogs, as well as Traditional In Store, Outdoor, PR, Print and Broadcast media.
And what has it all lead up to? Here it is.
From my favorite design agency, Duffy & Partners in Minneapolis, MN, the new logo offers a classier and more modern feel, coupled with the excitement and charisma that has been established by the Jack in the Box brand. The new brand will be reflected in both advertising and in store, and the hope is that t will account for a cleaner and more enjoyable experience, and increased sales.
Jack's not going anywhere, but I feel the the restaurant might be. New markets, more locations and better exposure all around.
Over the last few years, I have had to come too terms with a few things.
One: I am a Democrat. Not a moderate. Not a liberal conservative. Not a "I don't really care about politics." A Democrat. It feels good to say that.
Two:Stephen Spielberg may have lost it. I'll stop at that, but prompt you to just think about it.
Three: I like Prince. A lot. You know Prince. The Artist. Love Sign #2. Prince.
It's true, and I won't deny it or waiver on that.
Some friends might say I'm crazy, others will probably say, "Welcome to the party, you're late."
Here are Top Three Princisms that put me over the top.
1. The song "7" And almost every other song this man this man has ever touched. Its amazing. Many of his albums have been stamped with the phrase "Produced, Arranged, Composed and Performed by Prince," and the truth in that makes all the hits and fan favorites that much more amazing. Other big ones for me are Controversy, Starfish and Coffee, and Uh Oh! Let's Go!.
2. He's Prince. The man is crazy like a fox. Or else he has just maintained himself in such a way that it seem like the only possible reason for his genius. He changes style, band mates, names, album titles on an apparent whim. He'll go from sexually assaulting his audiences ears to only performing only wholesome music and back again. I can only imaging what it was like dealing with him as a record company or distributor. For the first time I have a bit of pity for Warner Bros. Music.
3. Musical Domination I alluded a bit to it in #1, but the man is a musical tempest. He plays like 100 instruments. Well. Really Well. His influence come out in his music, but it is quickly overshadowed by his own originality and talent.
Watch this video all the way to the end. Prince does a 5 minute guitar solo that makes me wanna cry, and I don't even like the guitar that much.It was taped after George Harrison's death at a tribute concert (Tom Petty, Ringo Starr and others are also featured). Guitar players around the world's jaws dropped at this.
I guess that's what it sounds like when a guitar weeps.
Give Prince a chance, as if you haven't already. Or maybe go back and re-listen to the albums, and see if you don't, in some wierd way, wish you were Prince.
And now Charlie Murphy's take on the man, and his true skills of B-ball and Pancake making.
I spent this Pre-St. Patrick's Day weekend in Chicago. And I can't get over how much I digg that town.
I know that like three months in, its exactly the same as anywhere else. Eventually the novelty wears off, and reality sets in. But I like the reality of life in chicago. I'll go point for point.
1. Public Transportation
The L, trains and buses make having a car in Chicago not only pointless, but in most cases just plain stupid. You can get anywhere at pretty much anytime with the insertion of a ticket. Goodbye sober driver, goodbye searching for parking, goodbye oil changes, tune-ups, flat tires, auto insurance and fender benders. Hello public transportation.
2. Seemingly Endless Burrows
According to Wikipedia (which never lies) Chicago has a total of 77 community areas. Most of which have a distinct personality, unique attractions and convenient accessibility (see #1). When I ride the L, it seems like stop after stop has something of interest. I feel like I keep catching myself saying "this looks like a cool area." Now I know it's not all fun and games, and you have to be careful in all areas of Chicago, but even more so in some. But I feel like the extensive population and urban integration leads to a much more vibrant culture and thus a exponentially more fulfilling city.
3. Great Food
Pizza, Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai... The list goes on. The more cultural diversity and people looking for food, the better variety and quality. The best part about food in Chi-town, is that usually you walk about a mile before and after you eat, forcing the much needed exercise you need to eat all that delicious food.
4. A Surplus of Parks and Recreation
I'm sucker for parks. Its good for communities, kids, dogs and most importantly me. I get 60% more exercise when I live near a park than when I don't. Well, this weekend I stayed in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, and I kid you not, there was a park spanning both sides of Lakeshore Drive all the way to the city. Thats at least 3 miles of park right there.
5. Lake Michigan and Subsequent Beaches
The lake is big. It has beaches. It looks cool. I can make sand castles and get a tan. I can kayak or play on wave runners. Sand volleyball and soccer, frisbee or just a little wading in the water or swimming. It's all good. Sure it's not the ocean, sure it might be a bit dirty or cold, but in the midwest we take what we can get.
6. Awesome Skyline and Architecture
The Sears (or I guest Willis) Tower, regardless of it's height, is a spec in an ocean of amazing architecture that Chicago features. Its post-fire reconstruction yielded a renaissance of architecture and engineering spearheaded by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright. I can't help but be awed by what I see when I stop and take a look around that city, from Navy Pier to Naperville the city looks incredible. But my favorite view has to be as you step out of an L station tunnel. You are consumed by the expansiveness of it all. Its breath taking, usually because of the freezing cold, and bone chilling wind, but also because of its beauty.
7. The Cubs
I don't like the Cubs. In fact I typically smile when they lose. I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan, and I always will be. But for that reason, I respect The Cubs. I'll even root for them if The Cardinals are out of the running. I like our rivalry. I like seeing Cubs fans in St. Louis for games and I would like to be a cards fan at games in Chicago (as long as I don't get stabbed or something). For whatever reason I think it sounds like a lot of fun to be there and cheering for The Cards, like I'm doing my part for the cause.
8. Michigan Ave at Christmas Time
The best stores, tons of people, christmas music in the air, the smell of foods and chocolate, street performers, marketing promotions and the sounds of the city. Freezing cold makes you get all bundled up, wearing awesome scarves and gloves, maybe a stocking cap, I don't know. I know I'd hate the lines, but it just sounds like a perfect Christmas to me.
9. Big City "Street Cred"
Nough' said... you are immediately cooler than 2/3 of the country if you live in Chicago or a big city. Others will deny that, but they know, deep down, that it's true. I'm not knocking small towns or rural areas. Thats where I'm from, I have had a great life and I'm really cool. There are thing to experience in a quainter, more condensed community that can never be experienced in the Chicago's of the U.S.A. But there's just more unique city experiences, and also something raw about living in the city that can't be topped. It is universally accepted as the dominant form of living.
10. Style
We discussed this subject this weekend and here's my theory. I think the average Chicagoan is more stylish and fashionable than the average St. Louisan or the like. It's not because the people are cooler in reality. I think it has to do with exposure to other people, and thus other people style. On an average St. Louis day, I might see/be seen by 35 - 75 people, the entire day. I get up, see my wife, walk the dog, a few neighbors, get in my car, go to work, some people on the street, coworkers, get done, a few more on my way back to car, home to wife, neighbors, maybe a restaurant... In Chicago that number is exponentially larger. You are exposed to a hundreds upon hundreds of people in just the morning. And so are they. When people have to be seen by a lot more people they tend to care more about how they look, and thus style ensues. Second, I think that with so many people in what can be looked at as a mindless heard of sheep it can be important for some to stand out from the crowd more. Thus fashion, tattoos, piercing etc. are more prevalent. Plus, living up to the street cred mentioned in #9 can be a factor.
I know, I know... this blog post has no point. So as I hang my head in shame, let me end it like I ended english papers in High School. So, all in all I am fond of the Windy CIty, and plan to move there at some point in my life. Thank you.
Maybe I'll let my boys The Hood Internet explain Chicago through mash-ups, maybe that will end this post on a high note.
I'm not one for celebrity gossip. I can see the publicist through almost every story in People or on Extra.
Ok, I get suckered in from time to time. I'll admit. Britney's "Lady Land" hanging out in concert, Octomom's unsupportable children habit and any of those ambiguous photos that say "whose ass is this?". I don't seek it out, but I don't exactly avoid it either.
Anyway, I can tolerate the rediculous stuff, but sometimes it's nice to see celebrities doing something awesome. Artistic even.
I have blogged about my fellow Missourian Brad Pitt before. As I said I'm a big fan. I normally try to avoid any "Brangelina" hype, but this I thought was amazing work, and I like the story behind it as well.
In 2005, Pitt and Jolie were filming Mr and Mrs Smith (While Brad was still married and before all the adopted children). The produced Smith movie was comedic and more suberbia than what Pitt had in his mind for the story. Brad apparently wanted a seedier mid-century style for the husband and wife. He saw them caught between the family that ties them to normalcy and the dark lives that they lead in secret from each other. Brad coordinated a photoshoot with photographer Steven Klein.
The photos turned out amazing. I saw these on FFFFound tonight.
