Likes & Likes

Minis and Italy have always been synonymous since the original “The Italian Job”. Modern MINI is looking to capture a little of the excitement from the climactic chase scene with this new spot for the Countryman - with a bit of a different twist.

Was I the only one with nightmares about the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man? Seriously. I was frightened. Watch above while I look away and shudder.

No idea what took so long but Stay Puft Marshmallows is now it’s very own brand. Marketing what else, but melty, gooey marshmallows. The site lists them as both a “gourmet” caffeinated treat, and a legit licensed collectible item. Each package is considered a marshmallowy-feeling box keepsake.

You can buy them here but looks like all the nostalgic bunch are ordering quick, as they seem to be on indefinite back order.

We had such a good time on our road trip to Niagara. I can’t wait to post photos (to come this weekend). Thanks to all for your suggestions, tips and birthday wishes. My birthday was really quite lovely.

Above are some folks playing in the water (not us—Haha). I love the song, and if you should find yourself on a road trip of your own this weekend, the Shout Out Louds might make the perfect backdrop.

We’re far too polite to say this, but Cee-Lo doesn’t mind. Above is the video for his vulgar, but catchy song “F**k You”, which uses simple text animation and an old school film treatment in an effective engaging way.

Thanks to our friend Brian Ho for the tip. Check out his site Dreams in Audio, which had a nice new redesign. Hopefully this might inspire us to launch our own redesign soon too!

Above is the companion film for a recent Radiolab show on words. The beautiful visual poem by Everynone was created for Radiolab’s episode on “Words” for WNYC/NPR.

From Radiolab, “Words have the power to shape the way we think and feel. In this stunning video, filmmakers Will Hoffman and Daniel Mercadante bandy visual wordplay into a moving exploration of how language connects our inner thoughts to the outside world.” (Listen to this podcast episode here.)

The score for the piece by Keith Kenniff is really moving as well.

Has anyone tried this? It looks pretty neat, despite the fact my handwriting is pretty illegible.

Pilothandwriting.com is an online application that turns your handwriting into a digital Font, allowing you to write by hand on the computer and send personalized handwritten e-mails. You can also publish handwritten messages on Facebook.

Creating your own typography is made simple: go to the website, download the template, print, and then write in each of the letters. The site let’s you tweak your handwriting from there, and then you can use it as you would like, even posting messages on facebook. The concept for this is based on a campaign started by Grey Advertising (Spain) to promote Pilot pens.

Pretty brilliant.

A little while back the girl posted a music video with kids singing the lyrics - now it’s my turn. This time it’s the new video for The Black Keys “Tighten Up”, and it’s well played by both the kids and the band members. Liking the couple curveballs the vid throws you… check it out.

By the way, stop by TheBlackKeys.com before Friday June 18th for a chance to win the Tonka truck from the video, signed by the band.

Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is just about perfect I think. It also makes me wish I could whistle better!

Previously on this blog, we’ve covered other films pertaining to my obsession with old hand-painted signage. So you can imagine my delight when we learned that production has begun on another film on the subject, entitled The Sign Painter.

This documentary on smaller-scale commercial sign painting will include interviews with several of the artists that still practice this age-old craft. The directors, Sam Macon and Faythe Levine, were recently capturing footage of artists such as Jeff Canham, Bob Dewherst, New Bohemia Signs, and Jimmie Collier. Can’t wait to see some the trailer!

Find more about the film at the website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Toy Story 3 is about to release this June, and in preparation Pixar has “leaked” viral retro-style commercials advertising Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, one of the new characters in the upcoming movie’s cast of toys.

The above clip is spot on - just like an videotaped commercial from the 1980s - from the clothing to the voice over and jingle.  What makes the campaign seem even more authentic is that Pixar placed the video via MrCrazycommercials’ YouTube channel, a user that has uploaded other classic commercials. Well done!