WTF
Some day’s I wish I’d gone into advertising
Feb 17th
This ad is amazing – and so is the story of its making. Double amazing!
One take!!!
Black History Month: Dutch Style
Feb 10th
Stephen Colbert and I had the same thought when we saw the current Heineken beer ad for Black History Month: WTF.
| The Colbert Report | Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Celebrate Black History Month With Heineken | ||||
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I wonder what my Dutch friends would think of this? Unfortunately ironic, or brilliant marketing?
Very often I am terrified of my own workplace
Oct 27th
…and mostly of phrases like “gown up” which I’m pretty sure aren’t referring to slipping into something slinky and off-the-shoulder.
Hey Hey it’s a “Teachable Moment”
Oct 19th
As an Australian living overseas, the Hey Hey It’s Saturday ‘Jackson Jive’ skit and the reaction to it, has been interesting – mostly in a disappointing and embarrassing way.
Was I surprised that it went to air in the first place? Sadly, no.
For a sizable chunk of the Australian population, this act would have been as hilarious as it was when it was first performed, on the same show, 20 years ago. “Ha, people who look different to us.. let’s make fun of them” is pretty much the premise to the gag.
This demographic is primary made up of middle-aged or older white people, many of whom have probably traveled little or had any direct contact with people of other skin hues – excluding the Chinese family who run the local take-out store.
Should we expect more? I’ve learned to give up most of my expectations over the years on people treating each other with respect and dignity, particularly when a minority group is involved. But this time I think a line was crossed that even the Jackson Jive’s target market need to be made aware of.
Not Only In New York?
Apr 10th
One of my regular podcasts, Only In New York, is trying to make the case for a similarity between Amsterdam and New York City.
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I like the rules of the hotel that the author stayed in – basically no making noise of any kind!
Having actually lived in both cities, I honestly don’t see a similarity. Especially when it comes to the fabled Dutch “freedom” of culture. If ‘freedom’ means ‘apathy towards’ other cultures, then perhaps!
As much as I enjoyed my time there, I don’t think that the Dutch are more free or tolerant than any other culture.
Whilst there may not be as many rules and regulations imposed on them by their government, there is definitely a well established system of social pressures, boundaries and expectations that most people obediently follow. Same-same.
However, while I don’t agree that AMS = NYC, I will concede that AMS/NL = NYC/USA.
Bitching