Graffiti With A Purpose

A former-graffiti artist turned photographer named JR, has taken his two passions, shook them together and created something really worth spraying around.

Inspired by events in his native country of France, JR armed himself with a 28 millimeter camera and began taking photos of people from one "side of the tracks," blowing them up into gigantic posters and then splattering them around the "other side." His 28 millimeter project, as it's titled, was an ironic way to help change the way people are stereotypically viewed by going over the top with that very stereotype.

He carried his art to the Middle East, where he photographed Palestinian and Israeli folks of similar professions and then pasted their big, old faces right next to each other. In two countries that couldn't be more divided, he shined on a light on their similarities. Face to Face, in such a simple way told a huge story of humanity. The funniest part was that people of these countries could not distinguish who was Palestinian and who Israeli. Begging the question: "If you are so different, how come you can't tell who is who?

In the videos below, he describes the stories behind these two projects and several others. Each one is equally impressive. It's amazing how with just a camera, some glue and paper, he can construct something so powerful and transforming. When modern art often seems to be inspired only by good supply of hallucinogenics and creative spin, JR's concepts come from a place of real intent. So take a look and be prepared to say, "Wow, this guy is way more than just an artist."

He is also the well-deserved recipient of 2011 TED Prize and has since started the inside-out project, insideoutproject.net.

The Fairways of Mumbai

This must be the week of inspirational sports stories.

Below is a wonderful look at the game of golf teed up in a way I've never seen. It's produced by E:60, ESPN's first prime-time newsmagazine. The story shows the sizable ingenuity of those who have very little. It's a testament to how one person's generosity can open up a door and quite possibly a whole new world for someone else. And as a sports fan & someone tired of hearing the same old stories being blabbed about on cable TV, it makes me want to watch more of ESPN's E:60.

So many cool stories out there, glad to see somebody is trying to tell them.

Soccer Island

As the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

And for some scrappy, soccer-crazy kids living in a tiny fishing village on a tiny island called Koh Panyee, those words could not be more true. The video below says it all. But I'll add my two cents that not only should the ingenuity of these young kids be applauded, but the video itself does a wonderful job of telling their story. So much so, I imagine a movie deal is in the works. While the film is merely a re-enactment of a true story, it feels very real, sucks you in from the start and brings a lot of heart.

It was created by Leo Burnett for the Thai Military Bank to help launch their new brand vision called, "Make THE Difference." Its purpose was to create a feeling of inspiration for this new branding effort by showcasing a story that embodied that very spirit. And I think there's no question that this story and film achieves that (cue Andres Cantor) "Goooooooooaaaallllll!

In honor of April Fool's Day

Here's a cool little trick performed by Coke Zero to prove to nonbelievers that their product truly tastes just like regular Coke.

As they mention in the video, you can say to people over and over that your low-fat or no-sugar version tastes just a good, but they aren't going to believe you. There's a reason for fat and sugar, right?

I mean, turkey bacon is not that same as regular bacon. A veggie burger even loaded with cheese and condiments cannot stand up to a good old juicy 100% beef patty. And don't get me started with light beer.

This is really a sampling opportunity with a twist. A twist certain to get talk value beyond the audience in the theater. And it's a particularly appropriate idea for today. 

Wear our product OR ELSE

Question: How do you make a 22-year-old guy fear the consequences of unprotected sex?

Answer: Have him spend a weekend babysitting my children, one of which is going through wake-up-at-3am-and-scream-mommy and daddy-phase.

Well Durex, a top name in condoms, not too long along ago put the age-old truth of kids being the ultimate deterrent to having kids into action. Their motivation, of course, was to sell some product. The video below explains how they combined this well-established scare tactic with today's technology. They basically created a Baby App where through some "unprotected" contact with another smartphone, your iPhone would find itself giving birth to a child. "Wahhhhhh!" Like all babies, this little guy would cry late at night, need morning feedings, want tickling, cuddling, burping... all the joys of parenthood, all the time.

Now to become baby-free, you simply had to head to your local pharmacy, find a Durex package and take a picture of a QR code located on it. All in all, this is a really well-thought out idea. My favorite part being how one friend knocks up another. It's not only the ultimate motivator for condom-use, but the ultimate way to violate your buddy's iPhone. Hate to think what their STD App might look like. 

One Shoe, Many Looks

"Hold on, I'm swapping shoe covers," is probably a phrase I will never actually utter. However, this new footwear concept by Podi is still quite ingenious.

Instead of buying countless shoes for countless occasions and color schemes, you can purchase just one and then accessorize it with a variety of covers. Simply zip off the old, and zip on the new. Podi also gives you the option to express your own artistic flair in their Tattoo Parlor. Create your own one-of-a-kind shoe or design a new one for each day of the week... Monday's being beige and boring, of course.


Whether it's those beat-up Chuck Taylors you refuse to take off or a fancy-pants pair of fire-engine red Manolo Blahniks, shoes have always been a way to show off one's personality. Podi has a wonderful, bank-statement friendly method of letting that trend continue. Their line, as of right now, does not have great breadth, but I imagine they'll continue to add to it. And while these may not be a hit at your local plumber's union, I think a certain teenie-boppin' crowd should jump for joy over them. And perhaps their moms, too.

Also, here's a fun commercial shot in my hometown for these very shoes.

Approved by YiaYia

From Kellogg's Tony the Tiger to All State's Mayhem Guy, 
advertisers have long searched for interesting characters to help define their brand.  Athenos, a Kraft line of Greek foods, has now entered that domain.

Her name is YiaYia (pronounced yaya.) And technically, she's not one character. Yiayia is the Greek word for grandmother and in this new campaign, each spot features yet another Yiayia. As you'll see, Yiayia comes from a different time, place and culture. She speaks her mind. And just about the only thing she might agree with you on is your enjoyment of Athenos hummus.

Oh, and she just might call you a "prostitute" if your cocktail dress shows off too much knee.

The spots were meant to go viral. And while they may have not achieved huge success in that goal, I find them very well done. Yiayia makes me laugh. She seems like a character you could really do a lot with it. And the idea behind these spots is clever. They also create a nice feeling and connection with Athenos, a name that until now just felt like any other brand of hummus. Opa to that! Now let's go throw some plates.