A Little Christmas Cheer?

With our last week of school being in full swing stress levels are high. Everywhere you go there seems to be more and more Bah Humbugs than happy holidays. Therefore I decided that what everyone needs is to watch this video for some much needed Christmas cheer. Enjoy and if nothing else I hope it puts a smile on your face.

Branches of Joy

This past Saturday, a group of 13 friends and myself participated in an outreach event called Branches of Joy. The idea came from one of my friends from high school, and the purpose is to bring joy to the elderly who are often alone over Christmas.

All day we decorated 42 mini Christmas trees with donated ornaments and made Christmas cards. We then spent over an hour at the St. Adolphe personal care home visiting with seniors, giving them trees and cards, and listening to their stories. It was so amazing. Many people were very out of their comfort zone while trying to communicate with some people who were almost non-verbal. But everyone did a fantastic job, and all of the seniors and staff really appreciated it. One man kept thanking us over and over again for making his day and even his life. It was so sweet, and I think that we were just as blessed as they were. It felt so good to bring joy to people who are otherwise sad, in pain, and lonely. This may have been one of the best parts of my Christmas.

Someone's Trash is someone else's treasure

As previously mentioned our ad class is fundraising to go to Chicago. On Monday we will be having a garage sale at our school and you should definitely come by and check it out. There will be some great deals and who knows, maybe you'll get all your Christmas shopping done? Check out our Facebook page for more info.

12+1=Losing the Grey Cup

I got and interesting email from friend, anyone who watched the Grey Cup this weekend may find it funny. Sorry to any Rider's Fans.

Happiness

Disclaimer: I'm going to get a little cheesy. Maybe even sappy.

Life is stressful. Everyone in CreComm is going a little crazy with all the semester-end assignments. We all can't wait to get out of school for a while and relax. But I think we need to make the most of the next two weeks of school. Life can still be wonderful, and stress doesn't need to control our lives.

I write this on the first day of December because I had a lovely moment of realization. Despite all my stress and work to do, I spent an evening at the Youth for Christ drop-in centre that I volunteer at weekly. I spent my night with a bunch of adolescent girls who spent the whole time giggling. We made Christmas snow globes, ate chips, talked about holidays, and took a walk outside in the beautiful snow.

And I realized something. While walking arm-in-arm with one of my young friends through the crisp snow and pointing out the cool frosted tips of bushes under Christmas lights, I realized that happiness is moments like these. Yes, jobs are important. School is important. Commitments are important. And all of those things stress us out and make us infinitely busy. But if we spend all of our lives focusing on those important things, and never take the time to, well, take time, we will be quite miserable.

So take a step back. Maybe take a night off of homework or work. Do something that makes you truly happy. Whether it's volunteering, taking a walk outside before it gets too cold, or watching The Big Bang Theory while eating ice cream, just relax and take a hold of the small, happy moments.

Spam

I am not very tech-savvy. Well, rather I am reluctant to new technology. As a small-town girl, I'm probably one of the most technologically advanced of those in my circles. But for being in the communications field, I am a little behind. It took me longer than a lot of people to get Facebook but I'm quite addicted now. I only got Twitter today and it already fascinates me.

However, both of these social networking sites seem to think I'm some sort of spammer. In the past week I have received two different notifications to stop "going so fast." While on Facebook, I sent the same message to a number of people about a surprise baby shower. After about 7 of these messages, Facebook gave me this notification:



It says "Warning! You are engaging in behavior that may be considered annoying or abusive by other users. Facebook's systems determined that you were going too fast when sending messages. You must significantly slow down. Further misuse of site features may result in a temporary block or your account being permanently disabled."

Stop going so fast? Significantly slow down? Fine then. It's Facebook's fault if not everyone shows up to the shower. I dont' want my account being shut down. Then today, I was rapidly following friends on Twitter when I received this notice:



I give up. I try to conform to technology, but it hates me. I am not a spammer. I just get excited too quickly.

Worst Local Commercials

With the holidays fast approaching many people are pulling out all the stops to you get shopping at their store. This means stretching the advertising budget and finding new ways to get people's attention. While most companies seek out professional help to come up with the best print ad, radio spot, and television commercial, some people, think they can do it on their own. This is a great example of how much the world needs advertisers. I found these videos online and couldn't believe how bad thy were. I was shocked that someone out there would actually allow them to run on television. Check them out, you truly have to see them to believe em.

Worst commercials

Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody

If you grew up loving The Muppets and have any admiration for Queen, you will love this new viral video. Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody depicts The Muppets performing the famous Queen song, using every recognizable Muppet including Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Animal. It was released on November 23, and was produced by Muppets Studios. The hilarious Muppet version imitates the actual song with a few added lyrics, but it also mimics Queen's original video. In only one day of being posted on YouTube.com, the video has received over 2 million views.

Apparently, the video is only one of a series of Muppet viral videos. A few others will be, "American Woman," "Carol of the Bells," and "Stand by Me."

The humour of the video is more in the knowledge of the original Muppet characters than anything else. But no matter what, you should find it at least a little entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY

Fun for a Cause

This past weekend I had my first fundraiser for my IPP. I live in a small town, so I planned an event that catered to that audience. I had sort of a smorgasbord of events including a BBQ, garage sale, bake sale, silent auction, and even manicures and pedicures. Interestingly enough, that beauty station was mostly dominated by men.

Once my Saturday event was over, I decided to open it up to people after church on Sunday. This proved to be more successful than I imagined, and shows the power of advertising. Give people the option of easy-access lunch after church, and they will give you money!

Here are some images of the event that raised over $500 for Autism Society Manitoba.

Image is everything...

As ad majors we are constantly struggling with finding the most creative and effective way to get our message out. After hours of perfecting our copy and headline then comes the challenging task of finding the perfect image to help us sell our product. But what happens when the image you choose sends the wrong message? What if it accidentally insults people and turns them off your product altogether? How do you know when choosing that image that it will truly work? While it might seem that it would be obvious it's not as easy as you would think. Don't believe me? Check out these ads that did just that.... can you tell what they are selling?

Trivia Night

Do you have a wealth of knowledge of seemingly useless facts? I feel that a lot of people in CreComm know a lot about random things that can now be put to good use! In support of the ad majors' trip to Chicago, Trivia Night at the King's Head Pub will be happening tonight at 7:30.

Come to watch or join a team for $5 a person with a chance to win fantastic prizes, including gift certificates for the King's Head and Tim Hortons. Use your knowledge of Trivial Pursuit, Red River College, CSI, Sex and the City, and the King's Head! Even if you haven't joined a team, it will be a fantastic game to watch. Cheer on your friends, shout out the answers obnoxiously, or challenge another team. It'll be worth it!

Nice people

As part of our ad class, we were required to brand ourselves through a series of questions such as, "What is your brand vision?" and "What is your brand promise?" Yesterday we were required to present our personal brand in front of the class. We each had to rate our peers on how we thought their brand aligned with their actual personality. They were all very entertaining, but I was really surprised by a recurring theme.

Nearly every person stated that they strive to put others first, and to be a genuinely nice person.

Obviously most, if not all, people want to be liked and treated with respect. In order to receive that, you need to treat people the same way. But it seems that our world has become very self-centered and self-focused. More people are wanting to be career-driven, have no kids, and become so busy that they don't have time for anyone else. So I was rather encouraged to hear that people still have a desire to love others.

However, showing love for others is more than just asking someone how their day is going. It's hard work, and will require some of your time. Here are some ideas to really put others before yourself.

-Volunteer your time somewhere. Yes, work for free. It is definitely worth it.
-Compliment at least three people every day.
-When you ask someone how they are doing, really listen to what their answer is.
-Show the same love and respect to every single person you encounter.

No one even comes close to being perfect when it comes to loving others. But if you want to try, don't just do it when it's convenient for you. Go all out.

-Melanie

The joys of being an ad major...

Being an ad major obviously means hard work, but it also means... fun! Today we got to go bowling with all the first year Creative Communication students. It was an afternoon to mix, mingle, and bowl. I also used it as a way to take a break from all the work and become inspired, since inspiration can come from everywhere. And well now I'm definitely inspired to join a bowing league. Perhaps I will drop out of school and pursue a professional bowling career? Probably not considering my score was not very impressive. Oh well, I guess it's a good thing I still have Crecomm, and lots of fun memories from my bowling afternoon.

Windows 7

I'm sure many of you have seen some form of advertising for the new Windows 7. My first introduction to it was actually from my wonderful, but rather technologically impaired mom who subscribes to coupon websites. Through one of these discount databases, she saw a deal on something called Windows 7, and asked me if I knew what it was. Her description made it sound like a slightly advanced version of Microsoft products, and once I did a little digging, I found that's pretty much it. Since I was so confused about the product, and am still a little unclear as to what Microsoft is trying to do, I'll give you the "Windows 7 for Dummies" version.

Windows 7 is the new Windows Vista. But apparently better. It has a new task bar, a home networking system, and various performance improvements. The improvements include:

-Immediate start up when you turn your PC on
-More parental control with monitoring websites
-A detailed search engine in the start menu to look for your files
-The ability to "snap" documents you're working on to see them side-by-side
-A task bar you roll your mouse over to find the files you were recently working on

If you're at all familiar with Apple products, you'll notice that these new features are awfully similar to PC's opposition. The short ads with people who show you how to use the new features even end their script with, "I'm a PC and that's how it's done," or "I'm a PC and my job here is done." You can view all of the videos if you follow the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/what-is-windows-7.aspx

The new software costs up to $219.99, depending on the type of upgrades you want. But if you're anything like my mother and subscribe to smartcanucks.ca, you can get it for only $64 if you're a student. If you're not a student, you can spend $200 on new PC software. Or you can buy a new Mac with all the same plus even better features for under $1,000. Take your pick.

Nightmare on Princess Street

You're never to old for dressing up!
Halloween is fast approaching and our ad class is getting into the spirit- by throwing a party!

Our social, Nightmare on Princess Street, will be our first big fundraiser to help us raise money for our ad class trip in May. It will be taking place this Thursday, October 29th 2009 at Republic Night Club. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. They can be purchased in the Princess Campus Atrium from 12-1 everyday leading up to the big event, as well as at Connect Four clothing. There will also be some great auction prizes for a great night out and a great night in.

Make sure to come out support our class and have a spooky, fun time.

You can check out our Facebook group for more info.

Love languages

I'm sure many of you have taken personality quizzes before, and found out a little more about yourself. We took some in our ad class on Monday and learned what kind of advertisers we are. But I bet most of you have never taken a love language test. I, Melanie, came up as a lover and caregiver in the personality test, so I thought that this quiz would be appropriate. It was set up by Dr. Gary Chapman who has written books about relationship issues

There are five love languages, and you may be dominant in more than one. They explain how you give love most often, and how you feel most loved. It is important to know this in all relationships, from marriage to friendship to co-workers. Knowing how other people feel appreciated will greatly improve your relationships. The love languages are as follows:

Words of Affirmation
This includes simple compliments on things like looks and achievements, and encouragement. Here are some examples from Dr. Chapman: reinforcing a difficult decision; calling attention to progress made on a current project; acknowledging a person’s unique perspective on an important topic. If a loved one listens for “Words of Affirmation,” offering encouragement will help him or her to overcome insecurities and develop greater confidence.

Quality Time
This is about focusing all your energy on someone with no distractions. During a good conversation you need to listen, offer advice, and respond to make sure the other person knows you are listening. Quality activities are also an important part of quality time. Those whose love language is quality time will feel loved whether you're playing a board game or working on homework together.

Receiving Gifts
This is the easiest love language to learn. It doesn't always mean expensive gifts, and they don't need to come as often as you'd think. Free or rare gifts are equally as important. Any physical item to symbol your affection will be appreciated.

Acts of Service
Examples of this love language include doing chores for someone, or helping someone with an assignment. This requires your time more than your money. You need to figure out what types of acts of service are most appreciated. They also need to be clearly out of love and not obligation. Small gestures can mean the world to someone.

Physical Touch
This is not just sex! People often feel most loved from a simple hug, back massage, or pat on the shoulder. It's also important to know which touches annoy people. This may be one of the most interesting of the love language, and it is equally as important.

To take the quiz for yourself, copy this link!

http://edified.org/myspace/lovelanguage

Milkquarius

Have you heard about a campaign called, Got Milk? Chances are you probably have. Well now the same agency that brought you that is bringing you White Gold.

Who's that you ask? Well White Gold is the new creation of the California Milk Processor Board and ad agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners San Francisco. He stars in the new milk campaign, Milkquarius, a milk themed Rock Opera.

So why spend millions of dollars to make 20 minute rock opera about milk? Obviously to promote milk, but also it's part of $50,000 scholarship for the arts for the California Public High School art programs


The agency will encourage students to enter a contest by creating their own video spoof of the White Gold Rock Opera and uploading it. The prizes will be a $20K scholarship for first place, $10K winner for second place and 8 honorable mentions at $2.5K each.

Click the link below to check out the video. But warning, the songs are actually quite catchy and you may have them stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

http://milkquarious.com/#/home

You don't know me

In our ad class, we were required to write at least 400 words of body copy in an ad for Corporate Express paper clips in less than an hour. This is what I came up with and was told by the class to put it on here.

"What do you see when you look at me? Am I just thin metal, twisted to a shape that fulfills your basic needs? Do you look right past my full potential, and use me without gratitude, simply to improve your quality of life? You care nothing for my history, my opinions, or my needs.

You don’t know me. You don’t know where I came from, or where I’ve been, or whom I have helped. But I have done great things that you can only dream of achieving, and worked with people you will never have the privilege of meeting. My life has been so much more than holding your tax receipts together or preventing your daughter from losing her homework assignments. You treat me as if this is all I am and all I am good for. But you don’t know who I am or what I have done.

Do you know who held together the pages of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or The Silver Chair while Clive Staples Lewis was crafting these masterpieces? Do you know who stayed up well through the night with him while he toiled over setting descriptions and plot advancements? It was I. Without my assistance, the writings of C.S. Lewis would be scattered and in a state of utter chaos.

It was also I who became a key component in the writing and directing of Titanic. Where would James Cameron be without me? His scripts, lists of cuts, and record of camera angles would be lost without my support. The audience would not be able to feel the same excitement, sadness, and passion for Jack and Kate if it hadn’t been for my organization.

I have had less glamorous, but still thrilling, experiences in my lifetime. I have pierced the ears of Candice, an adolescent girl whose parents refused to pay for the proper procedure. I have picked locks on doors that led to great adventures. I have even replaced zipper pulls on the jackets of Olympic skiers.

You may not believe my stories. If all I am to is a basic necessity, then why would you? But these are the things I have accomplished, and I won’t hide my pride in them. You may still see me only as the object to keep the letters sent from your mother-in-law together. But know that without me, your wife would not have the same admiration for you that she does because of this thoughtful gesture. I am valuable, whether you realize it or not."

Slogans

Yes it was indeed a busy weekend for both Melanie and I and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The Marker Social was my first Fundraiser for my IPP and my partner and I were very happy with the turnout.

Now onto working on my Hilary Druxman Campaign. First things first, figuring out a slogan? Well not exactly, but I did find this quiz online and thought it was interesting. Give it a try and see how good you know your slogans...

http://money.aol.com/special/advertising-slogans

Walkathons and markers

This past weekend, both Daria and I had events as part of our Independent Professional Projects (IPPs.) I spent my Saturday morning at Kildonan Park north shelters to help out with the walkathon for Autism Society Manitoba (ASM.)

ASM is a small organization to help families of and those who have autism spectrum disorder. (For more information visit www.autismmanitoba.ca.) Part of my IPP was to do the advertising for this event, as well as the walks in Brandon and Morden. I wrote PSAs, radio ads, and print ads for the walkathon. Because of the size of the organization, I relied heavily on word-of-mouth and free advertising. It turned out to be quite successful, and we were pleased with the turn-out.

The walk started at 11, and I was in charge of registration. Most people came with their kids, and enjoyed a leisurely walk around the park followed by refreshments and a magic show. Over $11,000 was raised for Autism Society Manitoba. This money will go towards their information library, camps for autistic teens, and many other useful resources for those with autism.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out.

Side note: Later on that day, I did attend Daria's fundraiser i.e. the Marker social. Kudos, Daria. It was an absolute blast.

Diamond pancakes

Don't ever tell me advertising isn't fun.

Yesterday morning, our class met at the Pancake House to stimulate our minds with syrup and orange juice. After I ate everyone's leftover toast, we all headed over to Polo Park Shopping Centre to, well, stalk people.

We are currently working on a campaign for Hilary Druxman's jewelery store in the Winnipeg airport. Our assignment was to check out the jewelery stores in the mall as her competition. We needed to discover things like: Who shops at these stores? Who are they buying for? What is the busiest time for shoppers? How does the decor and set-up compare to Hilary's?

After "stalking" customers and actually being stalked myself by 17-year-old boys, I discovered some interesting facts.

• Sales associates are less likely to help you if you are carrying a notebook into their store.
  
• A permanent marker and scotch tape combination is an awful way to tell people your necklace lengths.
  
• Guys do not like to ask their girlfriends to marry them during a time when all of her friends are getting engaged.
• There is a lot of hideous jewelery out there.
  

We also checked out the new Apple Store, which is quite a sight to behold. Being in the store feels much like you might feel if you actually entered a Mac.

In the same day, we also discovered which side of the brain is most dominant in each of us. Consensus: We are all right-brained.

Find out for yourself!

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,22492511-5005375,00.html

So this year our ad class is going to Chicago for our class trip. We are all very excited to go check out everything the windy city has to offer. We have some big plans to check out Critical Mass, an ad agency, try some deep dish pizza, and maybe, fingers crossed, get to see Oprah. In the meantime we have to fundraise because as most of you probably know, we are struggling students.

So for our first fundraiser we're having a bake sale tomorrow in the atrium. If you're in the area between 12p.m-1p.m then feel free to stop by for a tasty treat and make a donation to our Chicago fund.

And now as promised, the highlight of the day. Check out this link. It's not ad related, but I find it quite funny. Let us know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AZ9O65nzHc

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our blog. Neither Melanie or I have ever blogged before, but we got an assignment in Advertising class to start a blog so here we are. Our blog will follow us ad majors throughout the year and include interesting things going on in class and and in our lives. Hopefully you'll find our blog funny, entertaining, informative, and eventually become the must see highlight of your day.