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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Reviews of Paris City of Night
SEX AND THE CIA--Michael Balter
Okay, this book's hero, Jay Grant, whose father was a CIA man, has got two women in his life although only one of them really has his best interests at heart. It takes Jay quite a while to figure that out, however, as he is pursued from one end of Paris to another trying to figure out why both the CIA and a bunch of bad guys are after some daguerreotypes--could it be they contain the codes needed to blow up the city? Or to stop the city from being blown up? Only a longtime Paris resident writer like David Downie could weave City of Light street scenes so integrally into a fast-paced thriller like this and not lose the plot thread. And talk about your celebrity cameos! Adolph Eichmann, Jim Morrison--never mind that they are dead, they both play key roles. Downie brings both Paris and his characters alive with an economical but richly descriptive prose style reminiscent of Raymond Chandler and Eric Ambler. A must read!
A PARIS YOU'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED--Jordan Simon
I originally discovered Downie's writing through his deliciously evocative food and travel books, so was most curious to read his fiction. It was equally thrilling, albeit in a completely different genre.
Paris is affectionately nicknamed "The City of Light." But where there's light, there's inevitably shadow. Like many expat writers, Downie knows his adopted turf better than many locals -- witness the spot-on description of Jim Morrison's gravesite or a seedy barber shop near the Pantheon -- and he illuminates those hidden recesses, painting a vivid chiaroscuro portrait of the shady Parisian underbelly. Paris, City of Night recalls the complex political intrigues of Le Carré, the shadowy ambiance of Ambler, the psychological insight of Simenon, the cat-and-mouse tension of Highsmith... yet showcases Downie's unique voice and pitch-perfect perspective on his adopted city. And his prose is relentlessly entertaining (or entertainingly relentless). His recipe mixes secret Daguerreotype codes, embittered Cold Warriors, terrorists, and a somewhat reluctant, ambivalent "son of a spook" hero -- with a soupcon of sex and even spicier political commentary.
After reading this twisting compulsive CIA actioner, you'll never think of Paris in quite the same way.
For a sunnier view of his expat hometown, I recommend reading Downie's ode in essay form (Paris Paris) or one of his marvelous cookbooks (which also include delectable details of local flavor as well as flavors).
LEAVES THE DA VINCI CODE IN THE DUST--Tick Pyne
After sitting up all night, unable to put down this amazingly crafted, sensational book, I can only recommend it wholeheartedly and hope that it receives even part of the extraordinary recognition it merits. The writing is sublime. I have read many thrillers and many thrillers that take place all over the world, but this is stupendous, addictive and stays with you after you've finished as you marvel at Downie, wondering: "How did he DO that?" Please give yourself a real treat, get your own copy and then just see if you can put it down before you've finished it. I dare you!
UP ALL NIGHT WITH THE CITY OF LIGHT (NIGHT)--Harriet Rochefort
"Paris City of Night" is so gripping that I stayed up reading it all night and finished it over breakfast. So hyped up, so engrossed was I by how the story was going to turn out that I forgot that I was ALSO eating and dropped a nice splotch of egg yolk on my beige slacks. "Thriller" is right... What a yarn! And what knowledge of photography the author has! It's extremely well-written (but that's no surprise, given Downie's other books) and I loved all the detail about the Paris neighborhoods and streets, of course. Bravo, bravo to the author for pulling this off. And bravo for writing it in such a made-for-movie way. If I were a rich producer, I'd grab it in a nanosecond. I hope to see it on the screen someday. Whatever the fate of this masterpiece (and I hope it will have a long and healthy life!), I'm giving it my hearty and early endorsement.
YOU'LL BE ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT THE WHOLE TIME--Erica Heller
I cannot recommend this super-suspense thriller highly enough. It will keep you guessing and on thge edge of your seat the whole time and you will never be able to look at Paris quite the same way again.
Downie is a master at crafting a story with real, dimensional characters, places with texture, keen dialogue and beautiful language that stays with you. He is always a step ahead in his action and that is just the way you'll like it.
I hope this will be just the first of many thrillers to come from this exceptional author. Encore, monsieur!
Another One Hits the Dust: Media Deaths
Free? For now. But we'll pay down the road. Not with dollars or euros or any other currency. We'll pay with our freedom, because without real knowledge based on real reporting we cannot be free.
No one wants to spend money on news, photography, writing, reliable information? The Internet, so addictive and so clearly useful -- this blog, your emails, the news 24/7, videos, TV, radio, etc… -- is killing the proverbial media geese that lay the golden eggs. The Internet is deflationary. It is destroying many more jobs than it can ever create. Another metaphor: the economic downturn is merely the last nail in the media coffin.
With "classic media" outlets going down by the day, there is less and less paid work for professional wire service journalists, newspaper and magazine writers, freelancer writers, researchers and photographers. At the current rate of bankruptcy, only a few pros will be left by the end of this year. Reporting and analysis will be left to "citizen reporters" and bloggers.
More on that below.
Similar financial problems are affecting book publishing, distribution and retail sales: fewer and fewer readers are actually buying new books. More and more people are buying "used" books off the Internet. Many of these are simply new review copies of books that book-review bloggers resell. Other "used" books have been read once before being put back on the marketplace via the Internet. Authors and publishers earn no royalties off used books.
Audible books and ebooks are further cutting into the numbers. The profit margin on such books is too slim to sustain book professionals. The result is, publishers have even less money than they once did to spend on nurturing authors, promoting books, and taking risks on worthy projects that might not show an immediate return.
Authors are often not paid advances these days, and they earn a fraction of what they once earned. Mid-list authors are disappearing. Only best-selling books are promoted.
Bookstores are folding faster than shrouds can wrap them. Berkeley, the great university city, once home to dozens of fine bookstores, has no independent sellers of new books.
Back to blogs and unpaid "journalism." A word from the distinguished author and newspaper hound Mort Rosenblum, currently editor of the start-up, print magazine Dispatches:
<<Bill Keller, the Times' grandpa executive editor, made the real point when Jones sneered at red ink the paper bleeds while Huffington Post rakes in ad profits.
"The last time I was in
Real foreign coverage is expensive and dangerous, he said. "It's a lot easier to sit home and riff on the work that somebody else does."
Huffpost is a cocktail party where the famous or the most articulate, unpaid, talk the loudest. Some of it makes good reading. But to report, you've got to be there.>>
Dispatches is excellent. But it's not free. Will enough readers subscribe to make it viable? I hope so.
Bloggers and citizen reporters are swell. They are not paid, and they're often not trained. The world needs trained media professionals. We already have plenty of thin-sliced, smoked goose breast in the local hyper-market cold case. Let's not kill and cook the remaining specimens of this endangered species.
Here's Rosenblum again: << "News" that helps us avert calamity is a complex mix of fast-changing realities. You don't cover a story; you uncover it. And only the best get it right.>>
The same could be said of good books, fiction and nonfiction.
Everything comes from somewhere. Nothing comes from nowhere. Culture and knowledge underlie our western notions of freedom. They must be cultivated. They must be paid for by consumers. All of us.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sarkozy Should Chill Out
Monday, July 13, 2009
Paris City of Night Thriller Chill-Out for Bastille Day
One way to stay cool in the heat of July...
Paris is alluring and seductive but by no means benign, as Jay Grant well knows. Orange alerts make people trigger-happy. Red and black alerts are worse. They transform the City of Light into a hellish City of Night...
"A wild ride through the dark side of Paris."——Diane Johnson, internationally best-selling author of Le Divorce
"A fast-moving, atmospheric thriller. Best to start reading this one early in the evening... unless, that is, you don't mind losing a night's sleep!" ——David Hunt, best-selling author of The Magician's Tale
"Unputdownable——a real page-turner. No one should miss this."
——Anton Gill, author of the world best-selling series The Egyptian Mysteries
Please visit my new website www.davidddownie.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The July 3rd Jim Morrison Memorial BBQ
Whether or not you enjoy the music of The Doors, whether or not you're a fan of Jim Morrison, it's worth detouring to Pere-Lachaise cemetery in Paris to see the crowds that gather on July 3 to celebrate, mourn or scorn the rock star. He died in a Paris bathtub on a hot July 3rd, 1971 and was buried here, in the east of Paris, in the 20th arrondissement. The circumstances leading to his death are still the subject of speculation. Was he murdered? If so, why? By whom? The CIA? Why would they bother?
Morrison surfaces more than once in Paris City of Night, my new thriller. He's one of the background voices in the head of Jay Anthony Grant, the novel's antihero, the "son of a spook." Jay finds himself locked into the cemetery after hours. Here's how the Pere-Lachaise chase scene begins:
Groping, Jay searched for a tomb big enough to crawl into. He recognized the curving path that led to the grave of Jim Morrison, a hallowed spot scattered with keepsakes and trash left behind by rock 'n roll pilgrims.
By a bizarre twist of fate James Douglas Morrison had been fished out of a bathtub in Rue Beautrellis on July 3, 1971 and been buried here, in Pere-Lachaise, the repository of France's great and good. Morrison had become the object of cults. People crawled around his tomb day and night wailing Jim, come back to us…
Here's another snippet from the novel featuring Morrison:
In a section marked "1971" Jay found the photos he'd taken on July 4th at what he later thought of as the Jim Morrison Memorial Barbecue. The photos showed the farmhouse caretaker at his grill with tongs and a glass of wine, the clotted cream of his complexion darkened now by chemical discoloration. A yellowed International Herald Tribune newspaper clipping showed a series of photos taken in a Paris street. The newspaper's headline was three inches high. Rock Idol Dies in Paris Bathtub. A group of clean-shaven men in summer suits stood behind the gendarmes. Though partly covered by the eternal beige raincoat, one suit was familiar. Someone a long time ago had circled William Grant with an orange crayon. Jay wondered what kind of expression his father wore as he peered into the bathtub and cursed Jim Morrison, the drugged-out subversive idol. Morrison's greatest crime turned out to be his inconvenient date of death. July 3rd. How many all-American family barbecues had he ruined?
So, wherever you are, happy death-day, Jim!


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Recent Comments:
4 steps for dealing with Raid Finder harassment {WoW}
Jan 31st 2012 7:54AM delightful folks!
'I shall show everyone my uber dps by charging in as swiftly as I can, not bothering with tricks of the trade, melee hit, 70k,melee hit 70k, dead'
Makes me wonder how you can justify to yourself on calling someone out on their dps while yours is 0. The only thing that gets me to want to bully is people seeking to do as much dps as they can, even if it means ignoring mechanics. (let's shoot more tentacles or push that nice fiery analgamic thingie to 5% / add switching on Madness costs me dps, let other kill them!/etc. )
I do hope he took some time to blame the tank for that as well though!
4 steps for dealing with Raid Finder harassment {WoW}
Jan 31st 2012 2:40AM I have some deep respect for some bullies though. I mean, I'm amazed they can properly dodge the mechanics, do their job and still manage to type the raid chat full with badly spelled accusations. It takes some talent I am sure, for I am never able to type, or for that matter come up with so many swears, while trying to do my job properly and not 'stand in the fire'. It must be darned hard being able to type 'you n00bx0r, u dps sucks, epic fail, no1 hit the adds, fail fail noob l0s3r u don't know ur class' while hitting your key bindings at the same time.
So my respect to those bullies for showing me true skill.
*this message was sponsored by Sarcasm*
Breakfast Topic: Does being overgeared matter? {WoW}
Jan 30th 2012 9:41AM As an overgeared hunter I just sort of roll with the situation. If I find myself having to FD after helping out with a misdirect within no time, I slip into slowmotion rotation mode.
But i've seen cases where dps where less inclined to stop trying to break dps meters and things went sour swiftly. It's also the reason when I shift to my crappy geared dk, i tend to go for dps in pugs and save the tanking for more understanding guildies.
The chance to end up with one of those 'i massively dps all threath onto myself but it's your fault tank' is enough to just take the longer dps queue times. That said, such can be the hallmark of both well geared raiders or clueless lesser gods.
So overgeared a problem. No. Lack of a clue/understanding a problem, yes.
Breakfast Topic: What NPC do you miss the most? {WoW}
Jan 24th 2012 8:57AM when Grimclaw, that white bear sits at the bed of his dying master ....sniff.....
7 wishes for guilds in Mists of Pandaria {WoW}
Jan 24th 2012 2:21AM But doesn't the opposite happen as well?
Legendary is mine!!! Whoo, thank you guys for helping me, letting me shuffle around in fights to charge it and such!
Oh ps, bye bye, I'm going to another guild, adios!
Both guild and personal legendaries are a flawed concept, which one is more flawed.
Breakfast Topic: What is WoW's most lucrative profession? {WoW}
Jan 23rd 2012 9:06AM trade skill master is your friend there. I recently set foot into the exciting world of inscription. I'm on a small realm, but still, I make some ok money, though it has a lot of relisting efford. But the margins on some glyphs are mad. 90-95% profit. So it sells slow, but when you sell, it's nearly pure profit
Breakfast Topic: What is WoW's most lucrative profession? {WoW}
Jan 23rd 2012 8:16AM Ofcourse, some professions enhance each other as well. It's nice to jc away some excess gems into stuff that can then be disenchanted, to be used for some scrolls.
Ol' Grumpy and the Dragon Soul nerf {WoW}
Jan 20th 2012 3:18AM Tehe, our shaman threatened to bench her paladin hubby irl if he got another token...
And the token dropped..
but another paladin won it... he was saved from the couch!
But oh dear, the pally forgot she had that one already
back to the couch!
Anyways, we have 1-2 paladins, no priest or warlock, over half our tokens have been pally, the rest has been the druid, mage, dk variety.
Me, the hunter and our shammy and warrior have decided we shall try and bribe the bosses next time.
But well, I just guess there's a good few luck-starved combo's around the world of warcraft.
It's inherent to random drops. Even if something has a 50% drop chance it could still not drop in the next 10 tries. Making some roulating drop table for each guild for each boss...yeah, i doubt that.
So, all that is left is to either bear through it or...!
Burn some incense at that dragon shrine in chinetown, throw a few pennies into the local lucky fountain in a mall near you. One could also try some ritualistic offering of virgins upon stone altars, but that might in the long run not work out that great (don't think you can play wow from jail)
Breakfast Topic: Do you love to shapeshift? {WoW}
Jan 4th 2012 9:45AM I love the druid shapeshifting. My main is a hunter so I already got a thing for druids (mostly an obsession to try and tame em!). But levelling with my druid has been a treat. From the mere graphical delight to the convenience of skipping a 1,5 second mount cast every darned time.
And then ..... I got the flight form. Such a delight. I can't resist leaping off cliffs as a kitty and then 'weeeeeeeh','woosh','flaps away' .. (ok mixed in with the occasional 'weeeeeeeh','splat','spirit runs back')
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway: Foam Sword Rack from WoWTCGLoot.com {WoW}
Dec 21st 2011 2:29AM I shall go bonk!


text: I understand that part but what I don't understand is how are you guys coming up with that chipset . The one I ordered from Newegg.com don't list that info . I also went to the site of the company that made that cable I ordered from newegg.com . I couldn't find any info on the chipset . But its reported working on the D-11 box so im guessing it should work for the D-12-100 box like I have in my house from directv .Ill report back on Monday or Tuesday if she is working on that cable also there is a cheaper one that will run on Linux too on newegg.com I can link it to my page if you like .


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Select press:
- A Most Illegal Adventure with New York City's Wildest Underground Event Planners (The Daily Beat)
- Artistas americanos ocupam motel de SP com 'design de experiência' (Folia de São Paulo)
- Gothamist coverage of the Domin0 Sugar Trespass Safari
- Awesome Foundation write up on the Illicit Couple's Retreat
Wanderlust Projects is an experience design collaboration I started with N.D. Austin. We make experiences in places you aren't supposed to be, with a focus on the transformative power of intimacy, transgression, location, and generosity. The Daily Beast called us "New York's Wildest Underground Event Producers".
Our exploits have included an infiltration scavenger hunt for 100 players in the Waldorf=Astoria hotel, a pop up wine bar on an uninhabited island in the East River, an immersive retreat at an abandoned honeymoon resort in the Poconos, a photo safari in the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, and a love motel transformation in São Paulo, Brazil.
In 2013, we were in residency at Atlas Obscura. Kickstarter hosted our pop-up think tank "The Wanderlust School of Selling Out" as the first public events at their new Greenpoint, Brooklyn offices in March of 2014.


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Sensors & MEMS
Smartphones, Tablets, eReaders and Wearables 2013-2018
Publisher: | Juniper Research |
Date Published: | 29/05/2013 |
Category: | Networks & Technologies |
No of Pages: | 44 |
Coverage: | Global ~ Split by 8 key regions◊ |
• Future of MEMS Revealed
• New Smart Wearables Forecasts
• MEMS Mobile Revenue Opportunity
What's this report covers:
Juniper's new Sensors and MEMS Report provides an essential guide to the key drivers and trends shaping the mobile sensors market, together with an assessment of MEMS based devices. Thoroughly updated for 2013, the study examines the crucial role of MEMS in Smartphones, Tablets, and eReaders. For the first time, Juniper provides forecasts for MEMS adoption in Smart Wearable Devices.
The report provides market sizing and forecasts for ten individual MEMS device types, categorised into four segments, including Sensors, Audio, Visual and RF devices. The report delivers unmatched understanding of the breadth and depth of MEMS penetration and importance to the mobile ecosystem.
Market Forecasts
The 20 page forecast chapters contain a series of market data tables, including MEMS Device Shipments, Revenue and Average Selling Prices. These forecasts are categorised by region and segment.
The accompanying IFxl [Interactive Forecast Excel], comprising over 100 tables and more than '5,000' unique data points, provides additional forecast sets for MEMS Device Market Shipments, Revenues, Average Selling Prices split by mobile device type (Smartphones, Tablets, eReaders & Ultrabooks), and MEMS device types, giving readers a consummate understanding of the full spectrum of the current and potential MEMS market.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1. Sensors: Mobile Market Trends & Status
1.1 Sensors: An Introduction
Figure 1.1: Gyro + Accelerometer in iPhone
Figure 1.2: Nintendo Wii Remote Controller
1.2 Sensors and MEMS
1.2.2 MEMS: Technology or Device?
Figure 1.3: A MEMS Device - Example
Figure 1.4: MEMS - Industrial Application Levels
1.3 MEMS Applications in Mobile Device Sensors
Table 1.1: MEMS Applications in Mobile Devices
1.4 Sensors: Market Status & Opportunities
1.4.1 MEMS in Mobile Sensors: Market Trends
Figure 1.5: MEMS in Mobile: Current Adoption Levels
1.4.2 MEMS Sensor Opportunities
1.4.3 RF MEMS Opportunities
1.4.4 MEMS Audio and Visual Opportunities
1.5 MEMS Ecosystem Analysis
Figure 1.6: MEMS Ecosystem
Figure 1.7: MEMS Value Chain Analysis
1.5.1 Material Supplier and Equipment Manufacturers
1.5.2 Foundries
1.5.3 Device Vendors
1.5.4 Research Services
1.6 Market Trends and Opportunities
Figure 1.8: Growth Factors for MEMS Devices in Mobile
1.6.1 Smartphone Adoption
1.6.2 Increasing Tablet and eReader Device Adoption
1.6.3 Increasing Technological Awareness and New Emerging Technologies: Wearable Devices, Augmented Reality and LBS
Figure 1.9: Google Project Glass
1.6.4 Consumer Adoption of Mobile Gaming
Figure 1.10: Screenshots of Action Games on the Mobile
Figure 1.11: iPhone Accelerometer
1.6.5 Enhanced User Experience
1.6.6 New Devices, Applications and Service Opportunities: mHealth and Fitness Wearables
Figure 1.12: Wearable Sensors for Mobile Device Health Monitoring
1.7 Market Hurdles
1.7.1 Reliability Issue
Figure 1.13: Market Hurdles for MEMS in Mobile Devices
1.7.2 Technical Challenges - Mobile OS Limitation
1.7.3 Sensor Fusion- 2. MEMS Mobile Sensor Market Forecasts
2.1 Assumptions and Methodology
Figure 2.1: MEMS in Mobile Device Forecast Methodology
Table 2.1: Assumptions for MEMS Components Present in Mobile Devices
2.2 MEMS Sensor Device Market
2.2.1 Global MEMS Sensor Device Shipments
Figure 2.2 & Table 2.2: Global MEMS Sensor Device (Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Thermopile, Humidity and Pressure Sensors), Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
Figure 2.3 & Table 2.3: Global MEMS Sensor Device (Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Thermopile, Humidity and Pressure Sensors), Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by Sensor Types 2013-2018
2.3 MEMS Audio Device Market
2.3.1 Global MEMS Audio Market
Figure 2.4 & Table 2.4: Global MEMS Audio Devices (Microphone and Speakers), Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
Figure 2.5 & Table 2.5: Global MEMS Audio Devices (Microphone and Speakers), Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by Sensor Types 2013-2018
2.4 MEMS Visual Device Market
2.4.1 MEMS Visual Device Market Forecasts
Figure 2.6 & Table 2.6: MEMS Visual Device (Display & Camera) Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
2.5 MEMS RF Device Market
2.5.1 MEMS RF Device Market Forecasts
Figure 2.7 & Table 2.7: MEMS RF Device Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
2.6 Global MEMS Device Market
Figure 2.8 & Table 2.8: Global MEMS Device, Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
Figure 2.9 & Table 2.9: Global MEMS Device Type, Market Shipment Share (%) Split by MEMS Device Type 2013-2018
Figure 2.10 & Table 2.10: Global MEMS Device, Market Shipment Volume (m) pa Split by MEMS Device Type 2013-2018- 3. MEMS Market Revenue
3.1 MEMS Device ASP
Figure 3.1 & Table 3.1: Global MEMS ASP ($) per unit, Split by MEMS Device Type 2013-2018
3.2 MEMS Device Market Revenue
3.2.1 Global MEMS Device Market Revenue Split by Region
Figure 3.2 & Table 3.2: Global MEMS Device Sales Revenue ($m) pa Split by 8 Key Regions 2013-2018
3.2.2 Global MEMS Device Market Revenue Split by Segment
Figure 3.3 & Table 3.3: Global MEMS Device Sales Revenue ($m) pa Split by MEMS Device Type 2013-2018- 4. MEMS: Future Technology
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Applications
4.2.1 Mobile Device
i. MEMS Camera
Figure 4.1: MEMS Camera Focus Feature by Digital Optics
4.2.2 Healthcare
i. Proteus - MEMS Ingestible Sensors
Figure 4.2: Ingestible Sensors
4.2.3 Consumer Electronics & Wearable Devices
Figure 4.3: Fitness and Sports Wearables
Companies Referenced
Akustica, Apple, Bosch Sensortec, DigiKey, Digital Optics Corporation, Engadget, Fitbit, Google, HTC, iFixit, MEMS Industry Group, Motorola, Nike, Nintendo, Oracle, Pixtronix, Proteus Digital Health, Qualcomm, Samsung, STMicroelectronics, WiSpry
Extra Info
◊ 8 key regions includes:
North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe,
Far East & China, Indian Subcontinent, Rest of Asia Pacific and Africa &
Middle East
Single User
Multi User
Enterprise Wide
Search In Report
You can now search within each of our reports to find out whether a specific keyword is mentioned in the report.
Simply type a keyword or key phrase into the search field above and click 'GO'.
Key Questions
- What is the importance of MEMS in the mobile industry?
- What are the future MEMS devices enriching the mobile and smart wearable device market?
- Which application level including sensors, audio, displays, switches and other would see the maximum adoption and growth levels?
- Which mobile device market, including tablets, smartphones, eReaders and wearable devices, is driving MEMS?
- Which mobile device/MEMS device will see the highest growth in terms of shipments and revenue?
- How will average selling price per MEMS device change over the next five years?
- What are the key market drivers and hurdles for MEMS in mobile?
Any Questions about this report please contact us.
Related Reports:
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Author's details
Name: Brandi Smith
Date registered: April 16, 2012
You can watch Brandi Monday through Friday on KEZI 9 News at 5 p.m, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. She joined the news team in December 2007. She was born and raised in the Umpqua Valley, graduating from Roseburg High School. Months after graduation, she was elected as the youngest-ever member of the Roseburg School District Board of Directors. In 2001, Brandi got her first break in TV news at KPIC in her hometown of Roseburg while she was a student at Umpqua Community College. At KPIC, she learned just about every aspect of her new career by directing newscasts, shooting video, editing stories, writing scripts and producing newscasts. Once finished at UCC, Brandi completed her education at the University of Oregon. Degree in hand, she packed up and moved to Boise, Idaho, in April 2004. While at KIVI, Brandi worked as a weather anchor, lead nightside reporter and producer. A job opportunity in July 2006 offered her a chance to get back to Oregon; Brandi took a job as a producer at KOIN in Portland. Now she's excited to be close to home, where her family can watch her every weekday evening.Latest posts
- The Sustainable Table: Eating Local — May 22, 2013
- Learning How to Ferment — May 15, 2013
- Local Farmers Cope without Rain — May 9, 2013
- Fisherman's Market Truck Runs on Oil — May 8, 2013
- Marbles Tradition Continues at Melrose — May 3, 2013
Most commented posts
- Top 9 Locally Sourced Restaurants: No. 8 — 5 comments
- Top 9 Locally Sourced Restaurants: No. 2 — 4 comments
- Group Needs More Hats for Kids — 4 comments
- Sustainable Table: Biodynamic Farming — 3 comments
- Plastic Bag Ban's Split Impact — 2 comments


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Interview Andrew Stone
Stevie Kilgour catches up with the Starman frontman and 'Pineapple Dance Studios' star prior to his gig at The Cockpit on 1st August to coincide with Leeds Pride
Interview: Andrew Stone
Other Recent Interview Articles
As little as six months ago the name Andrew Stone would have meant nothing to the everyday man, but since the rise of Sky One's hit TV show; 'Pineapple Dance Studios', one of the shows most charismatic faces is at the forefront of celeb-stardom and a regular face in the tabloids.
Did we mention he's also danced with Britney and Christina?
Andrew Stone has found fame in recent months as the dance teacher, come wannabe pop star, who is full of confidence, hugely flamboyant and driven by an insatiable need for fame.
It is 'Pineapple Dance Studios' that has propelled Andrew into the spotlight, although incredibly entertaining, he appears to play second fiddle to the studios marvellously gay artistic director – Louie Spence. This however, doesn't deter Andrew from his long term plan; and is keen to reiterate it is not 'The Louie Spence Show', but that he does have Louie to thank for pushing him towards taking part in the show and being part of its success.
"I've not been surprised by the success of 'Pineapple Dance…' to be honest," he says. "I was told it was going to be TV gold and although some friends tried to talk me out of it, I'm glad I got onboard."
The show has been given a second series, albeit under a new name, which Andrew reveals to Leeds Guide as an exclusive, "it's going to be called 'Showbiz' we've got a new series and we are finishing the filming of the second episode already. So, all those tabloid rumours about it being cancelled are complete rubbish. We've been given a lengthy contract by Pulse – the production company behind the show, so viewers will be seeing me for the next few years yet."
As exciting as this is for all fans of 'Pineapple Dance…', it seems we will be seeing a lot more of Andrew, as Starman have also been given their own TV show due to air in 2011. "It's a very exciting time for me and Starman, we're taking a bigger role in 'Pineapple Dance…', we've sold thousands of our debut single 'I Don't Wanna Dance', which, by the way, is going to be used as the new intro theme for the next series of 'Pineapple Dance…'. We've been made part of The Sims games franchise and we are currently in the middle of a bidding war in America."
The fame Andrew currently enjoys has come at a price, he explains that striking up any kind of relationship can be very difficult and a strain on all concerned as his busy schedule just doesn't allow him time to relax and do the enjoyable things a couple would. Being in the spotlight has also thrown up questions about Andrew's sexuality, "with regard to my sexuality, I would just like to clear up that all members of Starman are straight. I do have a girlfriend at the moment but it's very difficult and kind of on and off. I can see how my character, confidence and how open I am in the show can portray me in one way, but, I'm just being myself. I give the audience all I am. I'm just a modern guy."
There is no secret made of how Andrew can grab the audience, whether it is with a sincere quote about wanting to take his music to the masses, or a comedy slip which could show him as being a little naïve. "The producers say I'm TV gold, I've been told I'm made for TV. That they'd film me taking a crap if I wanted."
One of Andrew's first moments on the show saw him ponder the fickle finger of fate by saying: "it takes 10 years to be an overnight success, I've been trying for… well, 15 years". To many this would seem the rambling of a confused lounge singer, Andrew however insists this phrase was designed especially to show the audience that he does not take himself too seriously and that he is just having fun. "I've been in this business for so long, I've worked with Tina and Kylie, danced with Britney, Christina and Justin. I feel I have the experience to go further/"
Andrew brings Starman to The Cockpit in August – a band compared constantly to everything from The Scissor Sisters and Lady Gaga to The Monkees; expect a few clichés but all in good taste. No doubt watching them live will make you feel like you're in an episode of the show itself.
1 August, The Cockpit, 7pm, £7.50
Posted on Wednesday 21st July 2010
Stevie Kilgour
The Cockpit
Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG
Email this article
Comments on Interview: Andrew Stone
Comment by Jane Knowl
Posted on Sat 31st May 14 7:02 pmhttp://andrewstone88.brandyourself.com/


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I bought 2 City Pickers patio garden kits last year and loved them. I only took the dead plants out for winter and left them outside. Now I need to know what I should do to the soil to replant this year's crop. Can I reuse the soil even though I had tomato plants in both boxes (along with either peppers or something else)? |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by johns.coastal.patio USDA 10b, Sunset 24 (My Page) on Sun, May 18, 14 at 15:33
Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are all "nightshades." We aren't supposed to re-use soil for those, and absolutely not if there was any plant disease last season. So, I think the best-practice choice wouild be new soil (and wash the containers) before planting more nightshades. Or, you could reuse soil and plant something different and robust, like green beans. For some reason many sites list green beans as the number one best container vegetable crop. |
Growing in self watering containers is different from growing in the ground, where it's best to rotate your crops, especially the ones from the night shade family. That's largely because of soil borne diseases like verticillium and fusarium wilt build up over time. I am new to self watering containers, but I've been frequenting the Earthbox forum and followed the activities of Raybo, who invented the Earthtainer. They recommend removing the old plants with their rootballs and about 20-30 percent of the old potting mix. Then they mix in the new mix along with a full dose of lime and fertilizers as you did the first year. You can do this for a couple of years so long as your mix doesn't get compacted and your plants stay disease free. |
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C'mon now… you gotta love it…
Month: February 2010
A Leader Being Led
My official title is "Pastor of Worship & Arts."
My primary function, and maybe my more common title, is "Worship Leader."
I'm supposed to "Lead" people in worship.
I'm supposed to create moments where people from all walks of life can engage with the Creator.
I'm supposed to be the tool that the Spirit uses to guide God's people into humbled hearts and authentic worship.
But yesterday, at The Grove, it was I who was led.
During our 3rd and final gathering of the morning, as the band powerfully played out "Glorious" by Paul Baloche, I looked out at the more than 350 people gathered together to see if they were "feeling what I was feeling," if they were "going where I was going," to see if "worship" was happening.
And as hundreds of voices belted out, "Oh – oh – oh – oh… You are Glorious!" this is what I saw:
- I saw a man who left a comfortable job to start his own business, but is struggling to make ends meet because of this decision, bowed in humble adoration, declaring that "God is Glorious."
- I saw a woman who's marriage is crumbling beneath her very feet, a world preparing for possible destruction, declaring that "God is Glorious"
- I saw people who I know are dealing with the loss of loved ones, worshiping their faces off, declaring that "God is Glorious."
- I saw people who had just gotten back from Haiti, who'd seen destruction, death, chaos, fear, and brokenness firsthand, with their hands in the air declaring "God is Glorious."
- I saw a man who doesn't know what he believes, isn't sure if Jesus is who he says he is, and can't decide if "church" is for him, declaring "God is Glorious."
- I saw a person who's life has been forever altered because of a car wreck, never to return to the "way things were," declaring "God is Glorious."
And in that moment, as I was supposed to be "leading" the people in worship, I discovered that in reality THEY were leading ME.
I took inventory of my life and discovered that singing this lyric, "YOU are GLORIOUS" is relatively easy for me. What might stand in my way from acknowledging and proclaiming that God is a Glorious Being? Currently… not much.
But for these people, of whom I knew their stories, there is a lot standing in their way. Or at least, a lot that COULD stand in their way. And yet here they were, declaring "God is Glorious."
And it didn't make sense to me. And in some ways, it still doesn't… and might not ever.
For that song, for that moment, the people of The Grove were showing ME what it meant to worship. What it means to realign our stories with God's story. What it means to know that all of life might be screaming at you that God is most certainly NOT glorious, or at least not worthy of being CALLED glorious, but to do it and sing it anyways.
Through tears and a choked throat, I quietly thanked those in attendance at the 3rd gathering yesterday. I thanked them for leading me to the King. For showing me that our God is indeed Glorious.
I should say it more often, because it's often true: Thank you people of The Grove for not only letting me lead you in worship each week, but for also leading me.
New Brian McLaren Book is Almost Out
Just four days left until Brian McLaren's newest book, "A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that are Transforming the Faith" is released!
McLaren's work (especially A New Kind of Christian, Generous Orthodoxy, and The Secret Message of Jesus) has been monumental to me in sifting through what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I'm indebted to his work and passion for seeing the Dream of God (aka, His Kingdom) be accomplished on earth as it is in Heaven.
I'm also grateful he got a new artist to design his cover… His last few have left much to be desired…
For more info on Brian, you can check out his blog here.
I'm Fine Being LOST
Last night, the first episode of the final season of LOST aired on ABC.
Last night, 12 million people tuned in with great excitement and anticpation.
Last night, the brain child of JJ Abrams, and the creative genius of Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse began it's final chapter.
Last night was pure euphoric joy.
Over the past five years, LOST has touched a nerve with many viewers. For some, it's the richly dense mythology. For some it's the depth and beauty of the characters. For others it's the way the story so meticulously plays out. And for the rest, it's just plain fun.
However, many people after last night's season 6 premiere found themselves further frustrated by the, quote, "lack of answers to the myriad of questions and puzzles LOST has built up over the past five years."
If you watched, then you know what I'm talking about:
- A seeming dual-reality of the characters both "on the island" and "off the island."
- A strange temple, with stranger temple people
- The "Man in Black" doubling as Locke AND Smokey
- The death and resurrection of Sayid (or is it?)
- etc
- etc
- etc
Rather than begin the process of unwinding the large string of yarn the writers have been weaving, they seemed to make the web even more difficult to untangle. And apparently this has got some people up in arms.
I, for one, am perfectly happy with more puzzle pieces being added to the already uber-complex 5000 piece puzzle, even if it means in the end there are some pieces that never make it in to the puzzle.
I'm an artist by many accounts, and so my brain is wired a little differently from a non-artist.
One artist friend I have, his name is Steve, writes plays and sketches.
I remember Steve writing a play one time and sharing it with me and some others. We offered some critique after reading through it, mostly centered around the fact that the "main point" wasn't clear enough. He kept arguing that he didn't want to "spell it out for everyone, and remove their obligation to have to think."
Ultimately he DID end up making the script clearer, but not for the sake of "art," rather for the sake that the play needed to communicate certain truths. In other words, it was more purpose-driven than art-driven.
But his argument has stuck with me.
And artists, for the most part, get this.
We don't want to have to "explain" everything about our creation. We don't want to spell it all out, and explain EXACTLY what we were thinking and what it all means.
Great art is open for multiple interpretations, regardless of what the original artist intends. And that's okay. In fact, it's good.
LOST, I believe is a 21st century work of art.
And as such, I feel less inclined to have to KNOW precisely what the writers MEAN about EVERYTHING.
For me, the journey is half (if not more) the fun. The puzzles, the mysteries, the plot twists and turns, are thrilling and addicting. And if, in the end, it doesn't all work out the way I want it to, or things get left unresolved, I don't think I'll consider the past 6 years of watching LOST a "waste."
Last night's premiere blew my mind.
And I'm okay with half of it still scattered on my living room floor.
I'll probably leave most of it there for the next 16 weeks, knowing that it won't do any good to pick up it because it will be re-blown in seven days.
After the series finale on May 23rd I imagine I'll need a day to recover. Partly because I'll be in mourning at the conclusion of my 2nd favorite show of all time, and partly because my mind will be numb from trying to wrap it around all that the writers will ask me to.
So Damon and Carlton, if you read this, please know that at least one person will not cry "foul" if you don't answer every question and solve every mystery.
Some things, like eating Mexican food and watching LOST, are better during the process than what comes out in the end.


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On August 18th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Music PR,Online PR,Online PR Trends.
Taylor Herring PR have been hired to promote Comparedownload.com, a revolutionary new music portal that offers fans a totally new way of enjoying and buying music.
With the contentious issues of copyright theft and illegal downloading rarely out of the news, the music industry has long been searching for ways to stem the decline of legal album sales. The site enables music fans to compare prices for downloads instantly across a wide range of leading download services, then click through and buy at the price that suits them best.
Comparedownload.com has brokered deals with all the key online retailers including iTunes UK, Amazon UK, 7 Digital, Play.com, Tesco Digital and We7, meaning users will be able to search their combined catalogue of over 10 million tracks in a matter of seconds (with around 1,000 new tracks added every day).
Comparedownload.com is the key to unlocking the world's biggest and best music collection – and users will know that by using the site to find the music they love, the money they spend will go back to the artists and record companies responsible for this music, a fact certain to appeal to true music fans.
Taylor Herring PR: 0208 206 5151
Tags: 7 Digital, Amazon UK, Comparedownload.com, iTunes UK, Play.com, Tesco Digital and We7 Posted in Music PR, Online PR, Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On July 8th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Online PR Trends.
Michael Jackson – an internet story
Following last night's Michael Jackson memorial, stories continue to emerge about the King of Pop's tangled financial situation, but those managing his estate will surely take some comfort in the astonishing surge in download sales of his back catalogue:
Prior to his death download sales were averaging fewer than 50,000 a week. This has since shot up to a remarkable 2.6m in the last week alone. Combined with the fact that the story was broken by a gossip website, news that Google itself buckled under the weight of the surge of Jackson searches on the day of his death, and the undoubted impact of Twitter as an emerging news service, all add up to put an interesting digital spin on the whole story.
The video below shows how the news of death spread across Twitter on the day he died, with the words representing trending topics on the site:
Popjustice blogger is 'most influential' in the world of music
The Hospital Club have just announced the results of their annual rundown of the most powerful movers and shakers in the creative and media industries, with Peter Robinson, creator of Popjustice.com, taking the title of 'most influential – emerging' in the Music category. We've known Peter for a while now, and are slightly surprised to hear him described 'emerging', as the site has been recognised as a powerful voice in the world of pop music for years.
Anyway, congratulations Peter! In honour of his receiving this recognition, here's our favourite Popjustice interview ever:
Popjustice vs Kelly Clarkson
Julian Perretta's 3D webcam video
Widely tipped as one of 2009′s hottest new musical talents, Julian Perretta (signed to Columbia Records) this week played an intimate performance to lucky competition winners and industry insiders, and unveiled tracks from his upcoming debut album. We're very excited indeed about the album, and look forward to working with Julian over the next few months, but the purpose of this story is to highlight the fantastic interactive 3D video available on his website – fans with webcams can insert their own faces into the video for the song:
Click here for the 3D video
10 Twitter Facts
Some interesting stats about Twitter, taken from research by a social media analytics provider named Sysomos:
1. 21% (One Fifth) of Twitter accounts are empty placeholders. These are the percentage of Twitter accounts that have never posted a single tweet. They may either be registered simply to hold a username for later use, or be experimental accounts started up but never used.
2. Nearly 94% of all Twitter accounts have fewer than 100 followers. In a finding perhaps consistent with the newness of the tool as well as the fact that many people may currently have an account simply to start experimenting with the tool, the vast majority of Twitter users have an extremely low followership.
3. March and April of 2009 were the tipping point for Twitter. During these months, Ashton Kutcher launched his quest to get to 1 million followers faster than CNN, Oprah started using Twitter, and the steady flow of new users to the site continued. For many, it offered a safer and easier way to get their feet wet with social media, 140 characters at a time.
4. 150 followers is the magic number. In a particularly interesting data point from the survey, Sysomos found that Twitter users tended to "follow back" all their followers up until about 150 connections. Then the reciprocation rate fell off dramatically, which seems to indicate that this number may be the crossover point where people shift from using Twitter for more personal use to using it more for "lifecasting" their thoughts and actions to a community of people who they feel varying levels of connection to.
5. A small minority creates most of the activity. A steep curve of a small minority of actively engaged content creators generating most of the activity on a site is common among social networks, but it is steeper and more pronounced on Twitter. 5% of users account for 75% of all activity, and 10% of users account for 86%. This seems to suggest that the site has managed to engage a mass audience beyond those who typically engage with social media.
6. Half of all Twitter users are not "active". If you take a general description of being "active" on Twitter to mean that you have posted a tweet at some point in the last 7 days (1 week), then the survey learned that 50.4% of all Twitter users fit this category. If you remove the 21% from point #1, this leaves about 30% of users who have an account and have tweeted before, but happen to be inactive now.
7. Tuesday is the most active Twitter day. One of the most useful data points from the report is that it clears up the common question of which day of the week is the best day to tweet something. The research found that Tuesday stood out as the most popular day for tweets and retweets, followed by Wednesday and then Friday.
8. APIs have been the key to Twitter's growth & utility. In terms of tools that people are using for Twitter, more than half (55%) of all Twitter users use something other than Twitter.com to tweet, search and connect with others. This may, in part, be due to Twitter's notorious reputation of failing/crashing, but also is a credit to all the third party applications that have been built on top of Twitter and do their fair share to bring new users to the service.
9. English still dominates Twitter. Twitter is, extremely English-friendly. As the report found, the top four countries on Twitter are all English speaking (US, UK, Canada, Australia). Of these, US makes up 62% of all Twitter users, followed by UK with nearly 8% and Canada and Australia with 5.7% and 2.8% respectively. The largest non-English speaking country on Twitter? Brazil with 2%.
10. Twitter is being led by the social media geeks. This particular finding should likely come as no surprise, but 15% of Twitter users who follow more than 2000 people identify themselves as social media marketers. These individuals are more likely to post updates every day (sometimes more than once per day) and also use Twitter more actively for direct communication.
The full report is here (thanks to http://rohitbhargava.typepad.com/weblog/)
Tags: Columbia Records, digital pr, Hospital Club, Internet, Julian Perretta, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Jackson, Online PR, Popjustice, trendspotting, Twitter Posted in Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On June 24th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Online PR,Online PR Trends.
This week's Twitter story – how not to do it…
Habitat have apologised for a not-very-subtle attempt to hijack Twitter buzz over the Iranian election to draw attention to their own brand. Predictably the Twitter community reacted extremely negatively to such activity, and Habitat have now deleted the offending messages. Even so the damage inflicted on the Habitat brand by this clumsy attempt at social media infiltration may continue to grow as the story and negative feedback spreads across the web.
Click here for more information.
Google Wave
Google's new real-time communication platform will be launching later this year, and this is one that we're getting seriously excited about here. In brief it will bring together email, instant messaging, UGC wikis, social networking, live chat, and multi-person project management. What this means is that the user will be able to bring a community of colleagues or friends together on one platform, which can be embedded on any blog or website, then share information and data in real time.
Online Trends Google Wave
Cannes Cyber Lions 2009
Some fine examples of viral video marketing – with the following eight clips nominated for awards at the 2009 Cannes Cyber Lions:
Which is your favourite? Our vote is for the hilarious Diesel clip…
Day In The Cloud
One more Google story for today… Google are now offering the opportunity for some interesting creative competitions, using their Google Docs system. A good example is their current 'Day In The Cloud' promotion with Virgin Atlantic, which sends the player on an online scavenger hunt which can be played both online AND on any Virgin Atlantic flight, with a year's free flights for the winner.
Contact – email@example.com
Or follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/force10pr
Tags: Cannes, Cyber Lions, Day In The Cloud, Google, Google Docs, Googlewave, Habitat, Twitter, Viral, Virgin Atlantic, Wave Posted in Online PR, Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On June 18th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Online PR Trends.
The original source of this article is InsideCRM.com, part of the Focus network of sites.
Posted in Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On June 8th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Computer Games PR,Online PR Trends.
Bing – The First TV Ad
Proving how serious Microsoft is about its new Google-challenger Bing, the company has just launched a $100m ad campaign. Billed as a decision engine rather than a search engine, the site is well worth checking out. Although Bing is due to stay in Beta phase for the next six months, the battle between these two giants is going to get very interesting.
Check out the ad here:
A Site We Love – Platform
It was Platform's amazing Julie Burchill interview that first caught our eye, but each article we subsequently clicked on delivered a healthy dose of humour and exuberance. Dazed and Confused have described it a site for "young people of every kind who want to get their pop culture fix without being patronized". The site aims to celebrate youth culture and does so magnificently.
Two articles we loved: Julie Burchill interview and Solange Solange Solange. Platform – we salute you.
Most Popular Online Teen Brands
Habbo Hotel released the findings of an interesting survey this week, looking into teenagers' favourite online brands. The top five sites for girls don't come as much of a surprise:
1. Youtube 2. Facebook 3. MySpace 4. Google 5. Bebo
The boys' list is a little more interesting however:
1. Youtube 2. Facebook 3. Google 4. Runescape 5. Minijuegos
Numbers 4 and 5 are the interesting ones here – primarily because they are so popular with the teen audience, but largely unknown to most other people.
A quick intro:
Runescape - the most popular free Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game in the world. Similar to World of Warcraft, but free to play, the game enables players to create and control a character in the virtual world of Gielinor.
Minijuegos - a Spanish language Flash gaming directory – offering users the chance to play hundreds of free online mini-games (probably not worth a visit unless your Spanish is up to scratch)
Viral Marketing Under Threat?
The Advertising Standards Authority recently found cause to object to a viral campaign carried out for the launch of the Metrodome film 'Shifty', which encouraged users to 'stitch up' a friend by sending a spoof message, purporting to be from the police, about alleged drug use. The friend would then, after the shock of receiving such an email, learn of the trick, and be directed to a website about the film.
Perhaps understandably the ASA have decided this was sailing too close to the wind, as the rules dictate that when handing over friend's emails for such activity, the user MUST have permission. Obviously this ruling does not go hand in hand with the basic ideas of viral marketing, and it will be interesting to see how this recent decision may impact on future campaigns.
Contact email@example.com
Tags: Bebo, Facebook, Gielinor., Google, Habbo Hotel, Julie Burchill, Metrodome, Minijuegos, Online PR Trends, Platform, Runescape, Shifty, Youtube Posted in Computer Games PR, Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On June 2nd, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Online PR,Online PR Trends.
Twitter Trends
Setanta are offering 'commentweeting' from veteran commentator Jon Champion for the FA Cup Final, aiming to provide 'traditional TV viewing with a modern twist'. Channel 4, meanwhile, used Twitter to allow audience interaction with their primetime show Surgery Live this week, which saw the show becoming one of the most discussed topics on the site. Expect to see lots more channels and products encouraging feedback and discussion via Twitter – broadcasters can tap into a ready-made community, rather than try to build one up from scratch on their own websites.
On the Horizon
Wolfram Alpha soft launched earlier this month, aiming to revolutionise the way we use the web. Whereas Google searches the whole web for the keywords entered by the user and offers a huge range of results, Wolfram Alpha aims to understand the question and return only the correct answer by mining a colossal database of information and statistics. Time will tell how successful the project turns out to be, but for now it's fun testing the limits of the database's computing power.
Microsoft is also about to launch its own challenger to Google's crown, the rather strangely named Bing.com. Not a huge amount has been revealed so far, but there's an interesting holding page.
Lessons Learnt
The ethical / organic skin care firm Neal's Yard this week faced a PR nightmare when they engaged in an open-forum discussion with consumers via the Guardian website and were deluged by harsh questioning on their stance towards alternative medicine – and rather than address the critics the Neal's Yard representatives simply refused to answer any questions at all. The story quickly spread around the web, with Twitter playing a large part in driving more traffic to the 'discussion'. In the end, the Guardian moderators were forced to end the session and disable further comments, leaving more than 200 queries unanswered and widespread derision and mockery of the brand across the blogosphere.
One Of Ours
Quick mention for a stunt we carried out this week on behalf of Current TV, to mark the launch of their Desperately Seeking Fame season: we compiled the Reality TV Rich List, highlighting the 25 figures who've banked the most money from careers launched by shows such as Big Brother, Pop Idol and X Factor. The story has proved extremely successful – and is one of the most blogged about subjects of the day, with dozens of showbiz and entertainment bloggers discussing the story (and crediting Current TV), plus homepage coverage on sites like Daily Mail, Digital Spy, and Yahoo.
And Finally
This one has been flying around everywhere this week, so there's a high chance you've seen it already, but in case you haven't, here's a brilliantly put together clip, by a couple of comic geniuses, known collectively as Cassette Boy.
Any comments or suggestions drop me a line to firstname.lastname@example.com
Tags: bing.com, commentweeting, Online PR Trends, reality tv rich list, Setanta, surgery live, Wolfram Alpha Posted in Online PR, Online PR Trends | Comments Off
On January 26th, 2009 James wrote on the subject of Arts PR,Awards PR,Book PR,Celebrity PR,Children's Brands PR,Computer Games PR,Event PR,Fashion PR,Festival PR,Film PR,FMCG,Food and Drink PR,Games PR,Magazine PR,Music PR,Online PR,Online PR Trends,Publicity Stunts,Retail PR,Sport,Sport PR,Teen PR,Television PR,Travel PR.
Think Famous. Get Famous. Some genius publicity stunts that inspired us.
You can also visit our Stunt Of The Day ideas blog over on Tumblr
The Olympic Torch Relay. The IOC's world famous Torch Relay, has been executed in the months before the Winter and Summer Games since 1936. The legendary stunt has generated mass publicity for the Olympics, athletes, and sponsors .
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. In 2008 twenty-eight floats; a 400-lb. inflatable Buzz Lightyear, Dr. Seuss's Horton elephant, a giant Smurf, 10 marching bands and a cast of thousands attracted 3.5 million New Yorkers to line the streets for the Macy's 82nd annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Another 50 million households watched from home. The first parade was a much smaller affair, created in 1924 as a publicity stunt to draw attention to the store. Macy's employees walked 6 miles in fancy dress, accompanied by animals, on floats, from the city Zoo.
Tiger Tees Off. In March 2004 Tiger Woods was paid $1 million to play in the Dubai Desert Golf Classic. Organisers staged a media call to launch the tournament in which Woods practiced his tee-shot from the helipad of the Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest free-standing hotel.
Tour De France. 100 years ago Henri Desgrange came up with the idea of a bike race round France in order to raise the profile of L'Auto, the newspaper he worked for. The first race was a big success. The road conditions were terrible, the riders barely slept and they were expected to ride through the night. But it captured the imagination of the public, doubled the circulation of L'Auto and put its rival paper Le Velo out of business.
Sex Pistols Sign To A&M Records. To mark their new deal with A&M records – The Sex Pistols staged a contract signing event for media in front of Buckingham Palace.
The Peanut Protest. Mark McGowan pushes a peanut, using only his nose, from Goldsmiths College to 10 Downing Street in protest at his student debt. The two week journey across London in September 2003 drew massive media interest and culminated with McGowan delivering the nut to Prime Minister Tony Blair, asking him to accept it as payment for his debt.
Hands Across America. On May 26, 1986, more than 7 million people, including President Ronald Reagan, joined hands in a human chain across sixteen states to raise money for the hungry and homeless in the United States. Participants paid ten dollars to reserve their place in line.
Ikea's Bondi Book Stunt. For one day only the Scandinavian furniture giant placed 30 bookcases on the sands of Bondi beach in Sydney. Beachgoers were invited to swap one of their own books or make a donation, with money raised going to The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation.
Calendar Girls. In 1999 a group of eleven members of the Women's Institute (in Yorkshire, UK) stripped to create a calendar to raise money for charity. The original calendar featured the women posing nude – obscured by baked goods and flower arrangements. 800,000 copies were sold worldwide. Their efforts took the world by storm in 2000 and inspired a hit movie, starring Julie Walters and Helen Mirren. Since then almost £2m has been raised for leukaemia research. The ladies posed again in 2009 to mark the 10th Anniversary. Angela Baker came up with the idea for the original calendar after her husband, John's death from lymphoma. You can buy the calendar here.
Best Job In The World. To bring tourist attention to their region Tourism Queensland took an advert to recruit an "island caretaker" willing to spend six months exploring the land and waters around the Great Barrier Reef for £70,000. The post, billed as "the best job in the world" would involve the successful applicant moving to a rent-free three-bedroom villa, complete with pool, on Hamilton Island. Click here to read more about the campaign.
Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty. Unilever's toiletry brand Dove became a household name thanks to its highly PR'able 'Campaign for Real Beauty' which used real women in ads rather than the stick thin models favoured by rivals. The campaign kicked off in 2003 with adverts featuring six ordinary women in their underwear and boosted sales by 700%.
The Boston Tea Party. On December 16th 1773 American patriots dressed as Mohawk Indians threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbour – in protest against repressive taxation and the monopoly of the East India Company. The event achieved mass awareness. The architect of the stunt, Samuel Adams, orchestrated much of the propaganda for the revolution – he pulled together the Sons of Liberty, developed the symbol of the liberty tree and named the Boston Massacre.
Harrods Gift Wrap A Helicopter. Luxury department store Harrods used over 600 metres of paper to gift wrap a helicopter. The chopper was sent to a Harrods customer as a gift to take his partner on a trip of a lifetime. The wrapping was caught on camera to help promote the launch of the 'Anything Is Possible' season.
That Dress. Unknown model Liz Hurley arrives at her boyfriend's Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere in a Versace dress adorned with safety pins. The next day she was the most famous person in Britain.
BA Can't get it Up. Virgin Airlines took a swipe at the late-running, British Airways sponsored Millennium Wheel project by flying a blimp over the site – carrying the message 'BA Can't Get It Up'.
Lotus' Faceless People. Lotus cars placed 'faceless people' at key events in 2008 including Wimbledon and Elton John's party to tie in with their marketing slogan – 'True character in a faceless world'. The 'humanoids' wore prosthetic skin covering their facial features and black suits with the Lotus logo spelling out the message that you are nobody until you own a Lotus.
The Big Bird Race. Back in 2004 bookmaker Ladbrokes came up with a unique betting opportunity and one that would also do its bit for conservation. In 'the ultimate flutter' – 17 Albatrosses were electronically tagged to allow the public to follow their migration across the Southern Ocean. Punters and wildlife enthusiasts alike could bet on which bird they thought would win the race, with updates available at Ladbrokes.com via an interactive map. All proceeds generated during the Big Bird Race were donated to the 'Save the Albatross' campaign, while punters were also given the option of donating their winnings to the fund. After a long journey, a Tasmanian Shy Albatross called Aphrodite, sponsored by Jerry Hall, eventually crossed the finish line first. Following the success of the race in 2004, it was decided to stage the race again in 2005 with similar rules – however all of the birds went missing off the coast of Australia.
Trafalgar Square Turfed. In May 2007 Trafalgar Square was transformed into a green space as part of Visit London's campaign to promote green spaces and villages in the city. The grass covered the square for two days during which visitors were able to soak up the sunshine in deckchairs or enjoy a picnic More than 2,000 square metres of turf covered the piazza around the national monument.
The Blair Witch Project. Producers of The Blair Witch project succeeded in creating huge pre-hype for their low budget horror flick which centered on students being murdered in a forest. Blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction was key to the early buzz that surrounded the movie. Allegedly the film makers had circulated tapes to colleges which were presented as 'real video diary footage'. Clips that were presented as 'documentary' rather than fiction were shown on the Independent Film Channel. This was one of first feature films to use online and viral PR to build hype. The buzz ensured that Blair Witch was a major success which took over $150 million at the box office.
Squirrel Crisps. Snack food giant Walkers launched its Do Us A Flavour campaign in 2008, challenging members of the public to think up a unique flavour of crisp. Crisps that taste of chilli and chocolate, onion bhaji, hoi sin duck and even Cajun squirrel were subsequently produced as part of the competition. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal helped pick the top six entries from more than one million, and Walkers turned the ideas into reality.
KLF Burn A Million Quid. K Foundation Burn a Million Quid. It wasn't the KLF's machine gunning the 1992 Brit Awards (with blanks), which cemented their controversy. On 23 August 1994, the K Foundation burned one million pounds sterling in private on the Scottish island of Jura. The money represented the bulk of the K Foundation's funds, earned by Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty as The KLF, one of the early 1990s most successful pop groups. The act inspired a book and world tour of the film Watch the K Foundation Burn a Million Quid. In 1995 the pair resolved not to explain their act for 23 years. The fact that the pair have never fully explained their motivations has forever sealed their legend. Is it art / an act of purity / a crime against humanity? Fervent speculation still rages on. Whether or not intended, Drummond and Cauty's burning of a million quid, is one of the most controversial publicity stunts of all time. The burning question which still remains is why? (with thanks to Photini)
It's A Wrap. The most accident-prone street in Britain was given the ultimate safety blanket - 1,500 sq metres of bubble wrap. Cars, gates, lamp posts and even garden gnomes were wrapped to highlight the dangers of winter driving. According to a car insurance comparison website, confused.com, homes in Somerville Road, Worcester, generate the highest number of accident claims in the whole of the UK. The stunt took eight men more than 12 hours to complete.
Cops Stage Fake Art Exhibition. London's Metropolitan Police Service's Art and Antiques Unit raise awareness of some of the investigative methods involved in detecting and preventing the increasingly sophisticated crime of art forgery by staging an exhibition of fake art at the V&A.
Earth Hour. Earth Hour started off in 2007 with 2.2 million people turning off all their non essential lights in Sydney, Australia. A year later and this event had captured a global audience with up to 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Rome's Coliseum all plunged into darkness as the world joined together to raise awareness of climate change issues.
Edward Bernays. Born 1891, Bernays was nephew to Sigmund Freud and pioneered the use of social science in delivering public persuasion. In the 1920s, working for the American Tobacco Company, he sent a group of young models to march in the New York City parade. He informed the media that a group of women's rights marchers would light "Torches of Freedom". On his signal, the models lit Lucky Strike cigarettes in front of the eager photographers. The New York Times (1 April 1929) printed: "Group of Girls Puff at Cigarettes as a Gesture of 'Freedom'".
Frozen Grand Central. On a cold Saturday in New York City, the world's largest train station came to a halt. In January 2008 a flash mob group from Improv Everywhere froze in place at the exact same second for five minutes in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station. The stunt has inspired many spin-off's including the T Mobile dance-mob PR stunt/advert shot in Liverpool Street Station London in 2009.
Richard Branson. Sir Richard Branson has always understood the power of a good picture, whether donning a wedding dress for the launch of Virgin Brides, a spacesuit for Virgin Galactic, or sticking a TV on his head for Virgin 1. The Virgin brand is one of the most recognisable in the world, helped in no small part by its CEO's willingness to have fun with his own image in a way unimaginable for most brands and companies.
The Travelodge Nativity. In December 2007, Travelodge announced that all married couples named Mary and Joseph would be offered a free room at one of their hotels. The hotel chain said that husbands and wives who showed an official marriage license would get a night's stay on the house between Christmas Eve and January 5th 2008, but with more home comforts than the humble stable of the Nativity story.
Naked Gail Porter on The Houses Of Parliament. A 100ft naked image of Gail Porter was projected on to the Houses of Parliament in 1999 as part of a publicity stunt by FHM magazine.
When Pepsi Turned Blue. In April 1996, Pepsi paid The Mirror to print on blue paper. They also arranged for Concorde to be sprayed blue and got the cosmonauts on the Mir space station to pose with a giant Pepsi can. The stunt was a success overall but Pepsi had to take some PR pain too. The Sun newspaper poured scorn on the initiative (for obvious reasons). Other papers suggested that the 300 litres of blue paint applied to the Concorde would prevent it from going supersonic. Pepsi denied this. Meanwhile Nasa's Endeavour space shuttle blasted off – stocked with Coca-Cola.
PETA. The animal rights campaign group are renowned for their highly visible, frequently controversial campaigns. From young women dressed in lettuce bikinis to the annual "Running of the Nudes" PR stunt which sees PETA activists run naked through Pamplona, Spain in a parody of the bull run tradition. The organisation has managed to win the celebrity vote – as such Christy Turlington, Eva Mendes and Naomi Campbell have posed naked on billboards supporting the slogan "I'd Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur."
Asda's Free Eye Tests For The Swiss. Piggybacking the media frenzy of Euro 2004, British supermarket chain Asda offered free eye tests to Swiss citizens. The stunt responded to a controversial decision of Swiss referee Urs Meier who disallowed a late goal. His ruling terminated England's future in the tournament.
Barbie Street. In November 1997 toy giant Mattel announced a 'pink month' to boost sales of their best-selling doll Barbie. The centre piece of the campaign involved re-decorating an entire street in bubblegum-pink. Mattel estimated that media coverage reached over 100 million people. (pic credit: Aidan O'Rourke)
Michael Jackson Statue On The Thames. In June 1995 Sony launched $30 million dollar promotional campaign for the album HIStory by floating a huge statue of Michael Jackson down the River Thames. There were a total of nine statues throughout Europe. Each statue was 10 meters tall, 2,100 kilograms in weight and made from steel and fibreglass.
Message In A Bottle. In 1959 The Guinness Brewing Company was wondering how to build a global identity. Its solution was to drop 150,000 bottles of Guinness Export into the Atlantic and Caribbean. Each bottle contained a message from King Neptune and instructions for how to convert the bottle into a lamp. The brewery intended that beachcombers would discover them and spread the word.
Homer Meets The Giant Of Cerne Abbas. To mark the release of The Simpsons Movie in July 2007, Fox Theatrical created a 70m x 50m chalk Homer in his underpants on a hillside to mirror the famous, 250 yr old chalk giant and brandishing his very own magical symbol, a doughnut.
Fathers For Justice. Despite factional issues within their own organisation, the campaign group Father's For Justice became famous for their headline grabbing tactics. Their supporters resorted to dramatic protest stunts, usually dressed as comic book superheroes. They frequently scaled public buildings, bridges and monuments – perhaps most famously Buckingham Palace.
Brown Is The New White. Snooker ace Jimmy White temporarily changed his name by deed poll to Jimmy Brown in a sponsorship deal with HP brown sauce. White known as 'the Whirlwind' for his fast potting, also swapped his black tuxedo for a brown outfit during the Masters tournament.
FBI's Most Wanted. In 1949, a reporter from United Press International asked former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to list his most-wanted criminals. After the story generated acres of positive publicity, the bureau formalised the Most Wanted list as a means to bringing media attention to fugitives. As of November 2008, 491 fugitives have been listed and 460 captured or located, 31%) of them due to public assistance.
David Blaine In A Box. Public interest in David Blaine peaked In September 2003 when he staged his most ambitious stunt to date. The American illusionist spent 44 days suspended in a glass box by the River Thames in London without food.
P.T Barnum: Born in 1810 Phineas Barnum was a circus promoter, museum curator, publicist, hoaxster and consummate showman. He staged bizarre events and generated sensational word of mouth for his attractions. From Jumbo the Elephant to the Feejee Mermaid, Barnum's publicity stunts tickled the hearts, minds and imaginations of millions.
Cannes Bee Movie launch. At the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, Jerry Seinfeld climbed to the top of the iconic eight storey Carlton Hotel, dressed in a giant bee costume. Thirty minutes later, arms and legs flailing, he zoomed down a 126 meter wire which took him across a four lane road, to the beach pier below where the press pack of international media were assembled. For more Cannes stunts click here.
The BBC's Flying Penguins. In April 2008 the BBC released remarkable footage of flying penguins that would be featured in a new natural history series. The following day the corporation issued a press release confessing to the April Fools Day stunt which was to promote their new online catch-up service iPlayer.
Madonna kisses Britney. At MTV's Video Music Awards in 2003 Madonna and Britney play tonsil hockey, their combined star power ensured the picture dominated front covers around the world for days to come.
KFC Face from Space. To celebrate a revamp of their logo – fast food giant KFC created an 87,500 square feet picture of founder, Colonel Sanders.The massive creation is made up of 65,000 one-foot square painted tiles that were laid out in the Nevada desert in a task that took 24 days.
Ultimo Bras. Founder Michelle Mone created huge tabloid coverage when she sacked Penny Lancaster (Rod Stewart's current partner) and replaced her with Rachel Hunter (Rod Stewart's ex-partner), as the face and body of the brand.
Mission Not Impossible. In May 2006 movie publicists, promoting Mission Impossible III, teamed up with the famous Vegas venue Caesars Palace (who were celebrating their 40th anniversary) to create a new world record that would be broadcast on national television. Stuntrider Mike Metzger become the first rider to successfully perform a backflip over the famous fountains.
Prince Changes His Name. Following a row with his record company Prince announced to the world (on June 7th, 1993) that he would be changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
Bye Bye Blue Smarties. Blue Smarties were voluntarily removed from tubes in 2006 as maker Nestle announced a drive to remove artificial ingredients in children's food. After a two year absence the blue sweets were brought back with a media fanfare as a natural colouring agent in seaweed was discovered.
David Beckham's Hair. The world's No.1 celebrity footballer David Beckham has always played to the gallery. When not stepping out in sari or allowing the reality TV cameras into his home he keeps himself busy by unveiling new haircuts. Timing has always been his forte – the reveals are usually made just before key games and tournaments to ensure that the media lens is firmly pointed in his direction.
The Goodyear Blimp. Tyre and rubber company Goodyear built its first PR airship, the Pilgrim in 1925. The firm painted its name on the side of the balloon and began to tour sporting and entertainment events across the USA. In later years the company offered up their blimps to TV networks, free of charge, for use as a camera platform – which they did in exchange for brand mentions.
Elvis Presley joins the army. On 24 March, 1958 Elvis Presley became soldier No.53310761 and a national hero when he enrolled in the U.S Army . The move came after Presley had spent ten years in the creative wilderness following a fateful movie deal. To quote Alan Levy's Operation Elvis 'By pretending he was just like anybody else, the Army had demonstrated to the world The Importance of Being Elvis.' (with thanks to Ben Thompson)
Red Bull In St Marks. Venice's St Marks Square had been making headlines all week for record flooding so Red Bull dispatched their stunt man to wake-board across the world famous piazza assisted by a power winch.
A Lego Inauguration. A week before President Obama's official inauguration – Legoland in California revealed an impressively detailed model of how the ceremony might look. The display showed Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arriving at the White House by helicopter. There were also more than 1,000 other Lego figures, representing celebrities, officials and other guests. An excellent example of how creative, opportunistic PR can hijack the topical news agenda.
Burger King's £85 burger. Burger King launch an £85 burger, made from finest Wagyu beef from Japanese Kobe cattle and garnished with foie gras and blue cheese. Rather than beans or salad, customers could get treats like black truffles as a side-order – but the traditional fries and fizzy drink would still be available. The burger was to be sold in a select few stores, with Kensington and Chelsea top of the list.
The Beatles Rooftop Gig. The Beatles final live performance was an unannounced rooftop concert. The gig, which took place on top of the Apple Records office in London (in January 1969), attracted a lot of attention from passers-by and was eventually closed down by the police. Similar stunts are regularly employed as means to drawing a crowd and creating that all important photo opp – most recently, in Feb 2009, by U2 on the roof of BBC Radio's HQ in London.
A Publicity Masterpiece. Actress Kim Cattrall posed semi-naked as part of a campaign to save a famous painting. The Italian masterpiece, Titians's 'Diana and Actaeon', was under threat of being removed from public display. The Sex And The City star went topless for a modern photo version of the painting to help artist Tom Hunter raise 50 million pounds to save the artwork from hitting the open market.
Borat At The White House. In September 2006, Secret Service officers denied Borat access to The White House. Sacha Baron Cohen's creation had hoped to persuade 'Premier George Walter Bush" to attend a screening of his film. The antics prompted the Kazakh government to disown the movie which went on to take more than $248 million worldwide.
Extreme Scrabble. Scrabble mobilised their fans to celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary. PR's at the board game compiled (and presumably staged) various snaps of extreme scrabble play including shots of sky divers who jumped from a plane 13,000ft over Florida to play the word game.
Google's Streetview Captures The Stig. Google brought together two great unsolved mysteries in January 2010 as Top Gear's mystery racing driver The Stig was 'caught on camera' by Street View – on the banks of Loch Ness. The cult character from hit BBC motoring series was spotted on the mapping website on the shores of the Scottish lake made famous by sightings of a prehistoric monster.
Panda's In Paris. 1600 papier mâché pandas were put on display in the centre of Paris to increase public awareness about the endangered species. The pandas, installed by members of the WWF, represent each of the remaining 1,600 pandas left in the wild.
A Tummy Tuck For Little Chef. In August 2004 roadside restaurant chain Little Chef put its famous logo on a diet. The company commissioned a slimmed down version of the chef character without his tummy in response to the growing awareness of healthy eating. Tim Scoble, chief executive of Little Chef, told The Times: "We get accusations that he's overweight, so he's going to lose his paunch."
America's First .Com City. Half.com, a retail website known for promoting heavily discounted items, paid Halfway, Oregon, to adopt the name Half.com for their town for 12 months - becoming America's first ".com" city. In exchange, Halfway received $100,000, new computers for the local school and other financial subsidies. There was a blitz of publicity and five months later eBay bought the company for $300 million.
The Human Billboard. In November 2008 an engineering student spent the day glued to a billboard in East London for a book pr stunt. Press reports claimed that the living advert 'caused passers-by to double take.'Daring' Dave Lions agreed to promote 'This Diary Will Change Your Life' to help pay his way through university. (picture credit: London Media)
Formula1 in London. Formula1 cars parade through central London in July 2004 ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Nigel Mansell and other F1 stars give fans and families a chance to see the awesome cars up close as they roar through Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. Ear plugs were recommended. Photos and video ran round the world.
Robbie Williams vs Oasis. On 22nd February 2000, having been dismissed as a "fat dancer" by Oasis star Noel Gallagher, Williams responded by sending Gallagher a £100 funeral wreath to The Sun newspaper, with a note that read: "R.I.P. Heard your latest album – with deepest sympathy, Robbie Williams." The Sun then passed the flowers on to Gallagher.
The Lamborghini Police Car: Taking product placement up a gear – Lamborghini handed Rome's police department the keys to a brand new 560-horsepower, fully customised Gallardo. The car hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, making it just the thing for chasing down criminals or making a run for espresso.30 officers were personally trained by Lamborghini's test drivers.
Chemists Solve Italian Job Riddle. An IT specialist solved the notorious cliffhanger quandary of The Italian Job movie and won a competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The society attracted over 2000 entries and received lots of media attention. The winner John Godwin of Godalming in Surrey won a holiday in Turin, the city where the 1969 film was made.
Threshers Voucher Error? In 2006, shortly before Christmas, alcohol retailer Threshers leaked a voucher worth 40% off booze via the internet. Word on the street was that the promotion was only intended for retail partners. The myth that Threshers had mistakenly released the voucher made it spread faster and faster round the country via email, social networks and blogs. Threshers told the media that they were worried about losing money on the promotion but no doubt ended up making a huge profit and getting publicity in a month than they got for the previous year.
Courting Publicity. No.1 seeds Ana Ivanovic and Elena Dementieva launched the Sony Ericsson Tennis Championships by playing a match on a specially built court on a desert island in the bay of Doha.The only people on the island other than the two tennis pros were the ballboys.
Musuem Appoints Director Of Fun. The National Railway Museum in the UK hired a 6-year-old as its "director of fun." Six-year-old Sam Pointon wrote to the National Rail Musuem and applied to replace retiring director Andrew Scott. In his application Sam wrote: "I have an electric train track. I am good on my train track. I can control two trains at once." Bosses were so taken with his enthusiasm they offered him the role. Great move. Deserved more coverage.
World's Greatest Dice Roll. With the help of a helicopter designed for extreme conditions, gambling website Gnuf.com air-lifted two huge dice, weighing half a ton, over a steep snow-packed slope in the mountains outside Nuuk, Greenland. By visiting gnuf.com, users could view the film of the dice on their journey down the mountain and bet on the result which would be revealed a week later.
Two Strangers And A Wedding. In 1999 two contestants, who had never met before, were chosen by a radio station's listeners to marry on live air. The marriage lasted just three months. But the bride eventually married the competition host, BRMB radio DJ Jeremy Kyle. The stunt was originally made famous in New Zealand.
Beaujolais Noveau Spa Launch. Marketeers at the Hakone Yunessun spa resort in Tokyo arranged a unique treat for their guests to celebrate the arrival of 2008′s Beaujolais Nouveau. Bathers splashed about in a wine filled pool. For the teetotallers there was also a pool of green tea.
Cosmo's Beach Babes. In March 2007 the Australian version of Cosmopolitan magazine created a human advert by gathering over 1,000 bikini-clad babes on Australia's Bondi Beach (the girls were lined up to spell out c-o-s-m-o).
$5Million Dollar Bra. Heidi Klum and a bevvy of supermodels took to the stage in Miami in November 2008 for the Victoria's Secret show where the company unveiled a $5 million 'Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra' paraded by Adriana Lima. (Photo Credit: Splash News)
Eau De Burger. In 2008 Fast-food chain Burger King launched a meat-scented fragrance.The cologne for men sold at a New York retailer and online was being touted as "the scent of seduction, with a hint of flame-broiled meat". Beef-loving consumers could buy a bottle of the scent for just $3.99.
A Night At The Museum. In 2010 capitalising on the impact of the Hollywood movie franchise, London's Natural History Museum created a unique dinosaur sleepover event for kids. The initiative 'Dino Snores' was such a success the museum now plans to allow 400 kids to sleep there every month.
and finally…a hat tip to some of our own…
Pink My Ride. To mark the launch of the Fiat 500 Pink - we worked with marketing agency Krow to win the car manafacturer a place in the record books by painting an entire vehicle in pink nail polish. The artist used 131 bottles of pink nail polish to turn a brand new Fiat 500 into a glossy pink ride. He lived and slept in a special studio where he completed the mammoth task which was broadcast over the internet by webcam.
Polar Bear On The Thames. We floated a 1.5 tonne, 20ft high statue down the river Thames to mark the launch of natural history channel Eden. The campaign reached 260 Million people.
Live Sky Dive For Honda. We worked with Channel Four to stage Britain's first live television commercial - an ambitious sky-diving stunt which would be the curtain raiser for a new Honda advertising campaign. Sky divers took to the sky over Madrid to undertake a series of highly challenging formations to spell the name H.O.N.D.A to viewers during a 3 minute commercial.
Edible Ascot Hat. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the reinvented Flake 99 ice cream brand – we created an edible fashion accessory which was then paraded at the world famous hat parade that is Ascot's Ladies Day. We secured next day coverage in every main UK paper – from The Sun to the Daily Telegraph.
Giant Suduko. Our team created a giant Sudoku board for Sky 1 to launch their new game show. Visible from up to 3 miles away, the full 275 x 275ft puzzle grid was positioned alongside the M4 Motorway – one of Britain's busiest roads.
The Simpsons Movie. In 2007 we were hired by 20th Century Fox to promote The Simpsons Movie. In a homage to the famous Pink Floyd album cover we created a super-size Spider Pig (the size of a double decker bus) and flew it over Battersea Power Station.
Del Monte's Super Smoothie: In July 2009 we marked the launch of the Del Monte Superfruit Smoothie range by creating a 'for one-day only', limited edition Daniel Craig lolly. The 007 creation was in a response to a national survey that we undertook to find the UK's smoothest celebrity. Sales increased by 25% in the first week.
Sister Act's Abseiling Nuns: In May 2009 we stopped city centre traffic by sending six nuns abseiling down the front of the iconic London Palladium theatre to mark the start of new West End hit musical Sister Act.
Zooming In On The Lumix. We worked closely with digital agency AKQA to launch Panasonic's ZX1 Lumix camera – a super-compact with an 8x optical zoom. The key PR creative focused on bringing the camera's lifestyle and zoom features to the fore via a series of giant model installations that would appear across the UK.
Tags: $5Million Dollar Bra, Add new tag, Adriana Lima, Ana Ivanovic, Angela Baker, art exhibition PR stunt, Ascot Hat, Asda's Free Eye Tests For The Swiss, BA Can't get it Up, Barbie Pink Street, Beaujolais Nouveau, Best Job In The World, best PR stunts, best publicity stunts, Big Bird Race, Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra, Blue Smarties, Borat at The White House, Burger King's £85 burger, Burj Al Arab, Cajun squirrel, Calendar Girls, Cannes Bee Movie launch, Christy Turlington, Cigarettes, Coca-Cola, Concorde, confused.com, Cosmopolitan Bondi Beach, David Beckham, dinosaur sleepover, Do Us A Flavour, Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty, Earth Hour, Edward Bernays, Elena Dementieva, Elvis Presley joins the army, Eva Mendes and Naomi Campbell, Experiential Marketing, Fathers For Justice, FBI's Most Wanted, Flake 99, Flying Penguins, Formula 1 in London, funeral wreath, Gail Porter on The Houses Of Parliament, Giant Sudoku, Goodyear Blimp, Guerilla Marketing, Hakone Yunessun, half.com, Hands Across America, Harrods Gift Wrap A Helicopter., Heidi Klum, Heston Blumenthal, Homer Meets The Giant Of Cerne Abbas, Honda Sky Dive, Human Billboard, I'd Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur, Ikea PR stunt, Improv Everywhere, iPlayer, James Herring, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy White HP Sauce, John Godwin, Julie Walters and Helen Mirren, KFC logo from space, Kim Cattrall, KLF Burn A Million Quid, Ladbrokes Albatross Race, Lamborghini, lego, lettuce bikinis, Little Chef, Liverpool Street Station, Liz Hurley, Lotus Faceless People, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Madonna and Britney Kiss, Mark McGowan, Message In A Bottle, Michael Jackson Statue On The Thames, Michelle Mone, movie pr stunts, Music PR, National Railway Museum, Natural History Museum, Oasis, Olympic Torch Relay, Online PR Stunt, P.T Barnum, Penny Lancaster, Peta, Phineas Barnum, polar bear on the thames, Prince becomes the symbol, Publicity Stunt, publicity stunt hall of fame, Rachel Hunter, Red Bull, Robbie Williams, Royal Society of Chemistry, running of the nudes, Samuel Adams, Sex Pistols Sign To A&M Records, Sir Richard Branson, Sister Act, Sky Dive Scrabble, Sony Ericsson Tennis Championships, Spider Pig Battersea Power Station, T Mobile, Taylor Herring PR, That Dress, The Beatles roof top gig, The Blair Witch Project, The Boston Tea Party, The Sun, The Top 50 Publicity Stunts, The Travelodge Nativity, This Diary Will Change Your Life, Threshers, Tiger Woods, Tom Hunter, Top 50 PR Stunts, Torches of Freedom, Tour De France, Trafalgar Square Turfed, Two Strangers And A Wedding, U2, Ultimo Bras, Victoria's Secret show, Virgin Airlines, Walkers, When Pepsi Turned Blue, Women's Institute, World's Greatest Dice Roll, WWF Pandas in Paris Posted in Arts PR, Awards PR, Book PR, Celebrity PR, Children's Brands PR, Computer Games PR, Event PR, Fashion PR, Festival PR, Film PR, FMCG, Food and Drink PR, Games PR, Magazine PR, Music PR, Online PR, Online PR Trends, Publicity Stunts, Retail PR, Sport, Sport PR, Teen PR, Television PR, Travel PR | Comments Off
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