New Persuasion

Plastic Bags are a Waste

Inhabitat had a great post this morning about declining plastic bag usage in Ireland...

Ireland plastic bag usage drops dramatically after plastic bag taxes are instated!

With all the recent bans on plastic bags around the world, it’s natural to wonder just how effective all the bag banning will be. Instead of simply enacting laws to phase out plastic bags - which seems like a wishy-washy attempt at most, Ireland has implemented a tax-based incentive to cut plastic bag useage — and it seems to be working wonders. Between the government tax on bags, an effective advertising campaign, and public support, plastic bag usage has dropped 94% in a matter of weeks.

I am so glad to see some of the new things being done to decrease the use of plastic bags around the world!  I know what a huge problem they have caused and continue to cause to our environment, and can't wait to see the types of things we will do in the U.S. to make a difference for ourselves.

Filter for Good

While doing some research this morning I came across a website representing a campaign called "Filter for Good."  According to the website,

Brita and Nalgene have partnered to present FilterForGood. Take the pledge to make a small change in your life that could be part of a big change nationwide.

If you're ready, take the pledge. Still not convinced? Learn the facts about why reducing bottled water waste is so important.

And, if you purchase a FilterForGood refillable bottle, you'll also be supporting the Blue Planet Run Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to provide safe drinking water to 200 million people for the rest of their lives by 2027. For every FilterForGood refillable bottle purchased between August 10th and December 31st, 2007, a donation of $4, up to a maximum of $25,000, will be made to the Blue Planet Run Foundation.

This site offers some really great statistics about why bottled water waste is a concern and what we can do as individuals to help the big picture.  This shows that our society is aware of the environmental issues gaining media attention as well as ways in which we can make a difference.  I think that emphasis on the environment is only going to become more and more important over the upcoming decades-- especially because of the continuous coverage of the impact humans have on global warming.  It is good to know that companies are teaming up to give us options as consumers without taking away the convenience element that we love.

Firsts

Here at McGinn MS&L we find it important to keep track of the first time important things occur in our society.  These changes tell us a lot about things that may be surprising or even overdue, and are a great indication of where we stand.

Some recent firsts that are significantly important are:

Ø      On July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown, the world's first successful "test-tube" baby was born in Great Britain.

Ø      For the first time at least since World War II, there were more failed marriages than lasting ones at the 25-year mark: Slightly more than half of the men and women who got married in the late 1970s were separated or divorced -- or widowed -- before they reached their 25th anniversary.

Ø      The 2008 edition of “America’s Best Black Colleges” marks the first time U.S. News & World Report has released a stand-alone ranking of historically black colleges and universities.

Ø      John Edwards appeared in the first MySpace/ MTV candidate forum. The Democratic presidential hopeful was the first in a string of candidate dialogs planned by those two stalwarts of modern culture.

Ø      The number of violent crimes increased by a larger amount than expected last year, extending the first significant rise in murders and robberies in a dozen years.  Robberies surged by 7.2% and murders rose 1.8%.

Ø      The number of people living past 100 in England and Wales reached almost 9,000 last year for the first time ever.  The number of Centenarians had increased ninety-fold since 1911 when there were only 100 total in the country.

What does this all mean?  Well, advances in technology have made things like the "test-tube baby" and the record number of Centenarians possible.  It also is the main factor behind the MySpace/ MTV political influence which signals a huge shift in society and the things that we emphasize as a nation.  Technology is changing everything about our world and we are taking notice.  It's great to see that we are taking advantage of our ability to communicate to mass audiences and political leaders are taking the time to speak to these audiences-- young and old.

The rise in the number of murders and robberies could be because of a larger issue, such as Hurricane Katrina or the terrorist attacks on September 11th.  We are starting to realize that we should stop and enjoy life, and how important is really is to remember that everyone is an individual with their appreciation for the world around them.  This could be the reason for the record number of failed marriages as people begin to explore what they find most important in life.  We are encouraging individuality and uniqueness, as well as embracing positive changes such as the first edition of U.S. News and World Report releasing a ranking specifically for the nations Black Colleges and Universities.

As new firsts emerge and these changes continue to become an integral part of the way we live, it's important to just stop and take in these shifts before years go by and we never even realize they occurred.

No Car Day

Yesterday I found myself sitting in traffic wondering what the road would look like without cars on it.  This morning I found this article which made me think that maybe I am a tiny bit psychic after all.

On September 22nd, the first annual "No Car Day" will debut in over 100 cities in China as traffic is reduced and the number of private vehicles on the road shrinks.  Residents will have to find new ways to get around-- especially in Shanghai where one-third of the city's cars will be off the roads. 

The fact that the cost of driving in China continues to go up but people are still finding ways to afford vehicles tells us a lot about society.  The above article mentioned that the practice of auctioning license plates was initiated to limit the number of vehicles in Shanghai, but that the number of cars on the road keeps increasing.  I could never imagine paying $6,200 for a license plate.  People are becoming so accustomed to driving long distances for small things that it becomes a complete inconvenience to go without a car for even a few days in today's world.  I live in an area that has so much to offer locally but still find myself behind the wheel each day.

China has been in the news so much lately and is at the top of the charts for poor air quality and pollution problems.  The emphasis on our environment and on global warming has created awareness and makes events like the No Car Day possible.  I think this is great but I'm wondering how much of a difference one day will make.  It's definitely better than nothing and I'm a fan of baby steps.

You're Renting What?

Springwise had an interesting post today about a type of rental service that I've never heard of before.  It just seems to make sense. 

"German Lütte-Leihen came up with a solution [to the costly adventure of newborns growing out of their clothes every few months]: a layette rental service for a fixed fee per month. Parents can choose from different sets of onesies, pajamas and outerwear. The clothes are delivered by post (or by hand to Hamburg and its suburbs). Once babies grow out of a size, the set can be exchanged for the next size up, free of charge. Like NetFlix for baby clothes."

"Lütte-Leihen's 9 – 11 piece sets come in a limited range of neutral colors and patterns, and include everything from bodysuits and pajamas to socks and hats. Pricing ranges from EUR 17 – 26 per month, depending on which set is selected. The clothing may be used, but it’s in great condition; the items are only used for short while by each baby, and there's not much wear and tear in the first six months. Moreover, most of the clothing provided Lütte-Leihen is made from 100% organic cotton."

This seems like a service that so many people have needed at one point or another.  There are plenty of families that are not thrilled about spending money every few months to replace entire wardrobes for their babies, and this seems like the perfect way to always have the right size clothes on hand.  The trend of renting things-- from homes to pets to cars to clothes, is something that is more popular now than ever.  The practical aspect of services like this is something we have grown to appreciate.

Is She a Barbie Girl?

There are some things that we as Americans love, and there are some things we just seem uninterested in.  It's normal for product popularity to fluctuate over time.  We change our minds often and love when products are created just for us.  It's interesting to compare the way people in other countries spend their money with the trends in America and the types of things we like to buy.

One thing we know for sure is that parents are spending a lot of money on their children these days.  According to an estimate by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from infancy to college entrance ranges from $143,790 to $289,380-- depending, of course, on outside factors like family income and lifestyle.  Along with educational spending and the cost of things like food and clothing, every child enjoys getting a new toy-- families are buying them up often all around the world.

An article from The Wall Street Journal that focuses on the rise and fall of toy maker Mattel Inc.'s products was pointed out to me today-- and I think there is a larger meaning behind the changing numbers.  According to the article, Mattel's second quarter profit rose 15% because of the huge international interest in Fisher-Price and Hot Wheels toys.  According to the article, "International sales jumped 18%, helped by foreign-currency translations and gains in Brazil and other Latin American market."  Toy sales in the United States actually were down 3% this year.

Sales of Barbie rose 6% internationally, but fell by 5% in America.  Apparently the Bratz dolls by MGA Entertainment Inc. have been in competition with Barbie's fans.  Mattel is trying to fight back with things like www.thebarbiegirls.com, an interactive online site which allows girls to create a virtual character, play games, chat, and shop online. 

With the rise in technology and the new types of activities young girls are interested in today, it's not surprising to me that Barbie isn't as popular today as it was when I was a little girl.  Now there are so many options of how a young girl can occupy her free time, so sitting and playing with a doll may not seem as appealing as watching a DVD or playing a game online.  Interactive entertainment has become a trend of today and it's very interesting to note that Mattel Inc. is doing all it can to break into the online market and target these groups of new technology-savvy kids.

Does This Diet Make my Footprint Look Smaller??

As an overachiever, I'm always looking for ways to make myself better.  I am constantly trying to plan for the future, figure out how to do the best I can in the moment, save money, take care of myself, be a good person, take care of others, and stay happy.  Sometimes this is a tough thing to accomplish without becoming stressed-- which can make me act like a different person.  It's like a vicious circle.

I think a lot of other people feel the same way I do.  We are all so busy and we feel that we have capabilities to fill roles that we couldn't fill in the past and are trying to take full advantage.  Technology has changed our lives and has made a lot of things easier-- but this doesn't mean we want to do less.  We always want more.  We want to accomplish more during our days but we also want more sleep.  We want to save money but we still want to spend it on luxury items we may not necessarily be able to afford.  We want to be successful at work but we still want family time.  We want huge homes but we don't get to spend time in them because we have to work so hard to be able to pay our mortgages.  Basically, we want everything. 

Because the environment has been a topic that has gotten lots of attention lately, and global warming is on a lot of our minds, the concept of carbon offsets has become big news to a lot of people.  When I think of carbon offsets I immediately think of travel by plane and the option of paying for carbon offsets from our flights-- that sort of thing.  Apparently, I need to think outside the box.  The Washington Times published a short piece on a unique diet coined by Laura Stec, a chef from San Francisco, who has created "The Global Warming Diet."

She realizes that food choice has a big effect on climate change and wrote a 250-page  book packed with vegetarian items, scientific claims from the United Nations and the Union of Concerned Scientists, as well as guides for "discussion" parties.  She says, "One of the most positive effects you can have on the environment begins on your dinner plate."

Here are some shocking statistics from the article:

• It takes 10 times more fossil fuel to produce a calorie of meat than a calorie of plant protein.
• Flatulent cows and methane-producing manure piles contribute to 18% of all greenhouse gases-- the equivalent of 33 million cars on the nation's roadways.
• 11 pounds of grain and 2,500 gallons of water go into making a hamburger.
• The average meal travels 1,500 miles to get to your dinner plate.
• Americans consume more than 1 billion pounds-- and 1 trillion calories of food each day.

The fact that our idea of a "diet" may not just revolve around losing weight, but also focus on the good of the environment is a good sign.  Cutting out meat altogether seems like an extreme move to me, but I would be willing to buy locally and make vegetarian meals every now and then.  We will probably see more of this type of thing in the future as more attention is paid to our world and the impact we have on our environment.  Making a few small changes is definitely doable, but I can't see myself hosting a "discussion party" anytime soon.

Intellectual Property Trends

I recently did a survey of Intellectual Property articles we had collected over the last year.  After going through tons of information, I reached some conclusions - which may seem simplified and obvious to some, but since I went into this knowing nothing, I had to spell it out for myself:

• Intellectual Property is increasing in value.  Big money is at stake.
• What Americans define as IP is changing.  The definition seems to be
  broadening.  Industries that up until now had no IP are now claiming the right to it.  Comedians, Chefs, Fashion Designers, and Sports Leagues are all pushing to get protection and recognition for their work.  It’s a matter of respect.  A fashion designer wants to be on the same level as a software engineer.
• The IP arena is going to be one of the most fundamental, important areas of the 21st century.  Court decisions and legislation will affect every industry, every creative.
• The U.S. government systems are outdated and cannot keep up with both the number and complexity of patent applications and copyright issues.  The consensus is that too many weak or broad patents are granted.  And companies end up paying licensing fees to patent trolls who have no other business or product than to collect these fees.
• U.S. Patent law will most certainly change in the next few years.  Which means it changes worldwide as the U.S. leads the globe on IP issues.
• There are indications that Congress and the Supreme Court are both leaning toward a patent process that tech companies (Apple, Microsoft, Comcast) want and not the present system which more old school companies favor (3M, Dow Chemical, General Electric) This is because the tech sector’s complicated products can rely on hundreds of patents for one product, so they need a system that reliably produces quality, focused patents.  The tech companies take on IP issues seems to be more about collaboration and quality – and less about protection and fear.
• IP issues are fundamentally about creation and control.  On copyright, the direction seems to be for individuals or small groups to retain control over their own material and not sign their rights away.  Organizations like Creative Commons have evolved to give creators a place to decide how their work will be used.  On patents, holders of individual patents are looking for ways to sell or license their IP that gives them more power over fees.  For example, one-on-one negotiations give the seller little leverage over the prospective buyer (usually a big corporation), but a more open auction lets market forces play in where the true value of the IP is revealed, usually benefiting the owner.
• Pharmaceutical companies are in a losing situation.  Global health issues are the one area that we think overshadows ownership issues.  Don’t try to make a profit off the world’s poor and sick people – it’s a very hard position to defend.
• Pharmaceutical companies are facing increased competition from Asian and South Asian countries that are developing a drug industry infrastructure.  Using India as an example, the pharmaceutical industry develops first by ignoring IP and reverse-engineering patents, and then moving into their own R&D, and then looking for richer markets to move into as they now want to protect their own patents.  Look out for India, China, Thailand, Brazil.
• China’s Piracy problem – they copy all brands, all products.  This will probably continue for years and years.  Time may be the only answer – as the Chinese economy develops a huge middle-class that insists on quality goods, not fakes.
• More IP Claims, More IP Free - Paradoxically, as the number of IP claims grow, so does the amount of freely available, usable IP.  Many forward thinking companies are releasing valuable patents and other IP material – sharing ideas with either the public or interested parties.
• The Internet has changed and will continue to change the entertainment industry.  Music, video, creative content are all in flux right now and big issues still need to be decided as several lawsuits are pending.  Music seems to be at the forefront of change – with artists retaining control and cutting out the record companies, with music sold in every format imaginable, with digital music starting to be sold without DRM (copy protection).  Even digital products (like a bed in Second Life) are claiming IP protection. 

Did you Drink you Nutrients Today?

I don't think the American public will ever get sick of hearing about anything health-related.  We spend hours worrying about dying of cancer and getting mercury poisoning, and we often buy things that we hope will make us live longer and look younger.  Sometimes our priorities are completely off-kilter.

I was really interested when I saw that The Wall Street Journal had an article about getting your daily vitamins through drinking liquids like Propel Fitness Water, Vitaminwater or the new Coke Plus soda.  I feel that we as a nation are always interested in stuffing vitamins anywhere we can, and don't even flinch when we hear that consumers are willing to pay about $2.00 for a drink that may not even be as good for you as it wants you to think it is.

The article points out, "For example, each 8-ounce serving of passion-fruit-and-citrus-flavored SoBe Life Water has 10% of four types of B vitamins, considered essential to helping cells make and use energy.  But a bowl of breakfast cereal or a couple of slices of bread typically offer even more than that amount."

Drinks containing nutrients have more than tripled in volume growth in the United States-- compared with a growth rate of only 5% for the entire beverage industry.  It is important to note also that popular drinks like Life Water and Vitaminwater have about 125 calories per bottle, whereas sodas generally have over 150 calories per can or bottle.  Obviously drinking something with some nutritional value (instead of having a regular soda) is likely better for you, but so is taking a multivitamin with a tall glass of water.

The relief people get from doing something that makes them feel better about their choices is likely to be a driving force behind the popularity of vitamin drinks.  People know about healthy choices and could just as easily make small diet adjustments, but enjoy feeling trendy and doing something that is new and "healthy" without having to change their lifestyle.  I can see why parents would prefer to buy nutrient-fortified products for their children in lieu of soda or other sugary drinks, but I can't see why anyone (like CC Brunk-- mentioned in The Wall Street Journal article) would want to spend money to drink three bottles of Vitaminwater per day. 

I think this trend tells us that we are interested in taking care of ourselves and in being healthy.  It's definitely on our minds-- but obesity rates are definitely up.  We have good intentions, but, unfortunately, good health benefits usually don't come without a little bit more effort.  A part of me believes that if products like these had hit the shelves in the 70s or 80s, very few people would have considered spending money on them.  I guess timing is the key.

Straight from the Tap

We are bombarded with advertisements every single day.  We see ads when we walk around outside, when we read the newspaper, and when we watch TV.  It's a challenge now for advertisers to create ad campaigns we really notice that stand out in the crowd of thousands we are exposed to on a daily basis.

One ad campaign I found out about in Brandweek really surprised me: the new "Get your fill" campaign-- gloriously paid for by the taxpayers of New York City-- promotes tap water to residents and tourists.  Apparently, New York is one of only five U.S. cities that has a federal filtering waiver, yet, many children and adults have the preconceived notion that the city's water is not drinkable.  This may be partially due to the overexposure of people walking around with bottled water (which is still proving to be a very profitable business).  No matter what the cause, Mayor Bloomberg has taken notice and is doing all he can to change viewpoints.

The campaign will spend $700,000 and will post ads throughout the subway system, check-cashing stations and bus kiosks in hopes that use of city water will increase along with awareness. 

I know I have blogged a lot about water (especially bottled water or negative effects on the environment) and I most likely will continue to post articles or information in the future because water is so important.  Water is something that we as a nation often waste and take for granted, and I think the ad campaigns are a little obvious, yet, interesting.  I'm not sure that all taxpayers would agree that this is a good use of $700,000-- but the long-term effects could be worth it.  I think the fact Mayor Bloomberg even feels it's important to advertise tap water shows the way our societal viewpoint is shifting.  We are taking notice of the types of things we should focus more on as unit and are trying to come up with ways to get the word out.  We have realized that togetherness can pay off and that our environment is something that should be on the top of our priority list.

Sweaters that tell us everything

One thing that we as consumers are beginning to appreciate is the concept of transparency.  We like to feel as if we can find out as much as possible about the products or services we chose to have in our lives, and we love when companies go out of their way to make this possible.

A great example of this is a Springwise post I found about "full provenance sweaters" from the Netherlands.  A company called Flocks by designer Christien Meindertsma gives out specific details to customers about the animal who provided wool for the products purchased.  Each item is tagged with an animal ID number as well as a certificate and picture.  You can even find out about the weight, breed, and birthplace of the sheep that made your sweater possible. 

Our priorities are changing and we are willing to pay a little bit more if we feel more in control of what we buy.  Technology is making it easier for us to feel connected and for us to understand the details that make products unique.  It will be interesting to see if this trend continues to maintain similar levels of popularity in the years to come.  While price seems to play the largest role in overall product selection, transparency often is a little detail that can make a big difference.

Personalize Everything for Us Please

The population mark in the United States recently topped 300 million. There are so many of us sharing similar goals and buying similar products. We commute to and from work and see other people with the exact same cars and the same routines we have each day. Sometimes we get tired of this and go to great lengths to make what we have different from what everyone else has. We love finding ways to make things our own and bring our unique styles to the forefront and enjoy standing out. We crave personalization in America.

From custom stamps to clothing to video games and popular websites which are based on the concept of customization like MySpace and Facebook, being able to create a space that is all your own is definitely catching on. And this isn’t something that just kids enjoy—adults are even more obsessed with personalization than kids are in some respects. Companies like Google, which created “iGoogle,” a personalized search homepage that has become the fastest-growing product by a number of new users have realized the importance of this trend. Apparently, about 9,000 iGoogle pages are created each day.

Advancements in technology have made it possible to bring the “make-it-yourself” trend to anyone with a computer and with time to spend. Lucasfilm posted 250 sections of “Star Wars” clips from 6 movies to the Internet for people to edit and rearrange in any order they like best. Fans can then add to or cut the clips and decide if they would like to post them to MySpace or a similar social-networking site. This gives everyone a chance to take their favorite clips and create something that is all their own. Everyone wins.

People who rely on us as customers have also started to take notice of our feelings about personalization. Comedian Jim Gaffigan promised to stay at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center after his stand-up performance until he met everyone who was interested in meeting him. He has kept this same promise every evening after each of his shows on his 30-city concert tour. His connection with his fans on a personal level creates an environment that everyone is happy to be in.

Consumers and businesses see the appeal of personalized products and services and are doing what they can to keep up with competition and create new and innovative ideas that will surprise us. We love anything that will make our lives easier, create shortcuts for tasks and responsibilities that we already have, and represent us as individuals.

Water Skin?

I found a really great post on Springwise.com about a new type of bottled that could serve as an alternative to traditional plastic bottles used today.

Pitched as a water skin, a new bottle created by French packaging manufacturer Sidel provides a lighter alternative to traditional PET bottles. A regular plastic half-litre water bottle weighs 13 – 16 grams. Sidel's "NoBottle" weighs just 9.9 grams. According to Sidel, "Water is the largest beverage market by volume with 160 billion litres consumed in 2006. It also represents the highest growth sector and is expected to expand by 5.7 percent annually between now and 2010." On that scale, waste reduction of 20-30% adds up.

The innovation was made possible by using a highly flexible type of plastic with shape-memory, which lets the bottle bounce back into shape after being gripped or otherwise compressed. While calling a plastic water bottle eco-friendly smacks of greenwashing, Sidel's NoBottle is definitely is eco-friendlier. The potential waste reduction is significant and offering a lighter bottle — and its story — could boost sales for beverage makers marketing to green-aware consumers. NoBottle will be officially introduced at K 2007, an international trade fair in October.

I know that awareness is increasing across the globe and that we are starting to understand our environmental impact.  While this is a good idea for sure, we need to keep in mind that we should avoid one-time-use bottles when we have other alternatives.  The fact that companies are developing other means to continue making products that we demand on a daily basis shows that we hate to make changes that we feel could be inconvenient.  Hopefully we will find a way to keep everyone happy and healthy.

When Customers Find New Uses for a Product

I have a nephew in the Marines.  He's in Iraq and he recently sent the family a list of things that guys in his unit would like to get.  High on the list was baby wipes.  Baby wipes?  Turns out soldiers use them for personal hygiene and cleaning their equipment and lots of other things. 

Now Matthew at Childs Playx2 says baby wipes are the new duct tape. (Thanks to Sarah at Strollerderby for the link.)  Besides wiping various parts of the body, he also uses wipes for:

• Cleaning the bannister
• Removing crayon from the coffee table
• Polishing your shoes
• Wiping snot off your computer screen
• Cleaning grout on kitchen tile
• Wiping dried oatmeal from the floor
• Cleaning high chair trays
• Cleaning the blades on your windshield wipers
• Wiping dirt from the top of a soda can
• Doing a quick wipe down of the toilet rim before visitors arrive

I love when people find new uses for a product.  A man I used to work with, who had no children at the time, always carried a bag of disposable diapers in his car.  He used them to suck up spills on the car seats or floors.  You can't believe how well they work.  He used them at home for the same thing.  So I did it too - and continue to do it.

I always wonder why the manufacturers of these products don't make use of the ingenuity of their customers.  If baby diapers can clean a carpet spill better than anything else, why not market them for that purpose?  I wrote about it awhile ago, but there is one company that does this - P&G has a fresh ideas section on its website for the laundry freshener Bounce.  Turns out you can use it for lots of different things and they encourage their customers to share their uses with each other. 

Flickr photo by Tom-Tom

Fun AND Sun

I know a huge trend right now is self-care.  We are starting to realize more and more that certain things are important and can extend our lives.  We are understanding more about certain types of cancers, foods to eat and to avoid, and ways to keep ourselves healthy that we didn't necessarily know about even just 20 years ago.

One topic that I have read so much about and seen so much media coverage on is skin cancer and skincare.  I have seen multiple news and magazine articles about the dangers of tanning beds, the proper amount and SPF of suntan lotion to apply daily, foods that can trigger sun sensitivity, times of day to avoid the sun, heredity issues, etc...  The list is endless. 

I was surprised to see an article in the Financial Times that ties in to this trend.  The article mentions that Speedo's Endurance + synthetic bathing suit fabric lasts 20 longer in chlorine and sunlight than regular nylon and has an SPF of over 50.  Other companies such as Mitty James have products like the "Towellling Top" that "has an UV/SPF rating of 45 [on the palest garment] and goes up to 100 on the darker pieces."

According to the Financial Times article, swimwear with SPF 'started in Australian market but is becoming more popular here'." 

Here are some websites to check out for more SPF swimwear products:

www.carvico.com

www.speedo.com

www.mittyjames.com

www.figleaves.com

www.sunseekersswimwear.com

www.laperla.com

The fact that so many products are making their way into the American market really says a lot about the way we value our health now.  We are starting to realize that negative effects of the sun and the ways that we can take action against aging and preventable health problems.  I think that this is going to continue to be a huge area of growth as more and more research emerges about the dangers of the sun.  It is a good thing that we are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors while protecting ourselves.  We love to live our lives and we won't let much stop us from doing this the way we want to do it, but a few things that can make this easier for us is greatly appreciated.

Products that Change for Us!

I read an article about shoe-related car accidents among women the other day and realized just how important wearing appropriate shoes can be to drivers.  I will admit-- I break the flat-shoe-while-driving rule almost all the time.  I saw a great blog on Trendhunter.com today with an invention that could save us all... convertible stilettos!

The website says:

Driving in heels is difficult and uncomfortable. Of course there’s always the option to take them off before starting the engine, but here’s a much glamorous idea. Why not wear high heels stilettos that go flat with a push of a button? It comes from Sheila’s Wheels, it’s pink and black, it’s classy, it’s practical. if you need any more reason to justify buying one, here’s a tip: it’s just as useful when you want to ride your bike, or just get comfortable after dancing the night away. 

This is a good example of how our minds in America work.  We don't like to sacrifice anything for anything... and we love products that let us live the way we want to live.  I think we'll be seeing a lot more examples of versatile products in the near future.  This gives you the best of both worlds-- safety AND fashion.   

More on the 411

Last week, I wrote about how anyone can text Google for all sorts of information.  To follow up on this, I just found out that if texting isn't your thing, you can also just call Google and get similar information.  And it's FREE.  FREE.  You don't have the usual $1.99 charges that apply from calling 411.

From Google:

To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.

Using this service, you can:

• search for a local business by name or category. You can say "Giovanni's Pizzeria" or just "pizza".
  
• get connected to the business, free of charge.
  
• get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone. Just say "text message".
  
  And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business. Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.

Skyecade sees endless possibilities for this techonology:

If Google can iron out all the kinks in this technology, the possibilities will be endless. Why limit themselves to a mere phone directory. You're already connecting to (and searching through) Google's massive databases via a phone connection, why not pass them other search terms? For example, need to know  John Adams birth date in a pinch? - Just bare with me.- With this technology, Google could simply forward the user's query to a site like Wikipedia, or even use their own built in define operator, i.e., define: John Adams.  Now all Google would have to do is read you the results, which is what they are already doing in Goog 411.

It will be interesting to see where they take this.

I have to agree- the technology is fascinating and Google continues to make our lives easier and best of all, it's free!  I'm a fan.

Life Coach in the Palm of Your Hand

Wired had a great article about a new trend in Japan.  I personally think that knowing about trends in other countries says a lot about the possibilities for us in America.  We often can look at other countries latest and greatest and take a glimpse into our own futures.

The trend was using Nintendo DS as a life coach.  The article says,

Gals in Japan are using Nintendo DS to do way more than play with Mario. A flood of femme-focused self-help software now runs on the touchscreen handheld.

Female Power Emergency Up! DS (shown) promises to "Change your destiny in three months!" by measuring skills in love, fashion, beauty, diet, and fortune-telling(?!), then challenging girls to increase their scores.

My Happy Manner Book gives lessons on social etiquette — vital stuff, like which kimonos are proper for single women.

Mainichi Kokorobics DS Therapy (a play on the Japanese word for "heart" and the English "aerobics") is like a series of sessions with a digital psychiatrist.

And Yoga Anywhere is a CG personal trainer that demonstrates poses and guides girls through daily workouts.

People everywhere love convenience and control.  It seems that the Nintendo DS gives you both-- plus a little extra assistance.

Fake...Cake?

I've heard about and seen a lot of things that are fake.  Of course, there are the obvious-- fake teeth, fake designer bags and wallets, fake nails, etc...  There are so many things that pop into my head when I think of the concept of fake products.  One thing that I would never have thought of, until today, is fake wedding cakes.  Cynthia from work sent me a link today with a CBS article about the new trend of renting fake cakes for special occasions because she knows I'm getting married soon.

Below are some highlights:

For the budget-minded bride and groom, a new business is offering a less costly alternative to buying an expensive wedding cake: renting a fake one.

The idea is to have an elegant, multi-tiered pretend cake for show while serving guests slices from a real, tasty and inexpensive sheet cake.

The inside of a faux wedding cake crafted by Fun Cakes in Grandville contains mostly plastic foam, with a secret spot reserved for a slice of real cake to be shared by the bride and groom. Everything is covered by gum paste and fondant, a frosting-like confection made from sugar and water often used in cakes and pastries.

After a bride and groom take the traditional first slice of their real wedding cake, it's often wheeled away from guests, out of their sight, to be cut up and served on plates. Do the same thing using a fake cake and a sheet cake, and guests will be none the wiser.

"The only difference is the inside. nobody can tell," said Kimberly Aya, whose 3-month-old company also bakes real cakes. The online version of her business is called CakeRental.com.

This concept is really interesting to me because it shows that we are constantly finding creative ways to get around expenses that we feel aren't as important as others.  We typically want to keep up with the tradition of having a nice cake for our weddings, but we are becoming less willing to put up with the fact that cakes can cost us over $1,000.  Weddings are SO expensive today and I guess we think that if no one can tell, what's the harm.  Based on the faux cake website, everything seems pretty easy.   There is even an option available to keep the entire cake afterward.  We, as a society, love to get as much as we can for the least amount of effort and money.  Who can blame us?

Made-to-Order Online

What can be easier than buying things online?  As a country, we love the internet.  As consumers, we especially love the perks of cyberspace.

Now it's possible to order clothing that used to require alterations and measurements with the click of a button. 

TrendHunter posted a description of a website, www.asuitthatfits.com which says:

"Too busy to go for a suit? A change in the times for busy people. Now you can have a suit made to measure online. You send all your requirements: colour, material, measurements etc and they do the rest. There is a comprehensive step by step guide to assist you in getting that perfect suit, without moving. Look Natty, asuitthatfits.com."

I wonder how popular this type of thing is going to become.  We are always trying to save time.  I guess I understand that people feel they are not willing to compromise time if the product they are ending up with is basically the same.  If we have the choice of getting true-to-price quality in clothing right to our doorstep or going to the mall and getting measured, we pick the online option. 

Is "Innovation" Meaningless?

Innovation is used so much anymore, it's lost all meaning.  A recent Business Week article pointed out that there seems to be...

"...A backlash against 'innovation' (and 'design') is now under way. The constant incantation of the I-word in advertising, marketing, and conferences threatens to undermine a key business movement..."

And this from Popular Science Editor Mark Jannot:

"...but I certainly think that creating something entirely new (invention) deserves at least as much respect as improving on something that already exists (innovation).  But somehow innovation is flashy, cutting edge, new millennium, while invention appears fusty and old-school - Alexander Graham Bell to innovation's Steve Jobs..."

A few months ago, here at McGinn MS&L, we looked at 408 print (newspapers and magazine) ads with the words "innovation" or "innovative" - because we noticed that it was being over-used to the point of becoming meaningless.  Turns out we were right.  Here are some quick findings:

• There were 102 different company advertisements that claim their company is innovative.  These ads were not for a product, but for the company itself.
• There were 14 watch ads that were "innovative."
• There are 9 cities and states that consider themselves innovative.
• Ten clothing companies used innovation - including Eddie Bauer, JoS. A. Bank and J.Crew.
• The top three phrases used were:

1. "Tradition of Innovation" - Firestone, Riedel, Serta, Movado, Blackpain Boutique
2. "Innovative Technology" - Ford, Goodyear, Casio, Pure Vision, Norilsk Nickel, Con-Air, Dell
3. "Innovative Design" - Ultra Vision, Samsung, Dell Toshiba, LG

This was by no means a scientific survey - everyone in the office was told to pull anything they saw for about two weeks.  But it is telling - trying to distinguish yourself by being "innovative" really is not going to work.  Everyone's innovative - which means no one is. 

Some examples:

Special thanks to Christina Scripps in our office for the numbers and findings.

We Love iPersonalization

I was thinking today about how much we care about personalization and conveniently found a New York Times article about this luxury we have grown to expect.

I have not yet used "iGoogle" but have heard a lot about it.  I feel like I already know how to use it and the features offered-- without even having to explore them on my own.  I know this because I work with people who use and love it.  It is basically a homepage that allows you to specify what type of information you want to see immediately.  For some it's the first few new emails in their inbox, the weather forecast for the day, and a horoscope.  Others can get news, links to blogs, headlines, stock quotes, and even movie show-times.  It can even show a customized skyline based on your zip code which changes depending on the time of day.

According to the article published May 24th of this year,

Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said this week that being able to acquire more personal data was a key element in the company’s expansion plans. Customized services such as iGoogle, which enables users to personalize their own search page and publish their own content, should be more valuable to individuals. The details gathered about their private lives can be used to sell more accurately targeted advertisements. Since this form of marketing commands higher rates than a more broadly based approach, the initiative makes business sense. Other search engines are working on similar lines.

There are even blogs about iGoogle floating around.

Basically what this all means is that we love when things are personalized for us.  We live in a world that embraces trends and we often find ourselves with the same things as thousands of other people (the same cars, phones, iPods, clothes, etc...).  To make ourselves feel as if we really do stand out, we love when we have something that is just for us.  This is where Google has done such a great job.  I took a moment while writing this blog to sign up for iGoogle and create a personalized homepage-- and I love it already.