VisArt is Shutting its Doors
VisArt Video, a mainstay in downtown Carrboro, is closing its doors after more than 20 years of renting independent and art films to the public. It’s a shame for many reasons. For us here at HM&P, they were especially near and dear since they were actually a client back in 1998. We did a small direct mail and poster campaign to help them build awareness and create traffic. Here are a few pieces we found in the vault. Au revoir VisArt.
Happy Holidays from Mr. Peanut
If you’re like me, you think it’s way too early to start thinking about the holidays. However, since we’ve never heard the Planters spokesman spokespeanut speak in 94 years, I’m willing to make an exception. Robert Downey Jr. is the voice of Mr. Peanut in two new holiday-themed commercials. The first spot, called “My Remarkable Holiday Party,” was unveiled a few days ago on Mr. Peanut’s Facebook page:
The second spot is called “Mr. Peanut Greeting Card”:
Both commercials will air on CBS Wednesday night during Criminal Minds.
What do you think of the new spots – is Mr. Peanut a more likeable figure now that he has a voice?
Our People
We hate to see good employees leave the agency, but occasionally they do. Unfortunately, a young professional left us just a few days ago. She sent a goodbye email to the staff that made me smile when I read it. I am proud to work along side some great people, who are not only creative and smart, but make working here interesting and fun. More »
Video Tape
Something scary is going on in the creative department at HM&P. And it involves a whole lot of duct tape.
Valentine's Day, Associated Press style
Roses, chocolates, candy hearts and…AP Style?
10,000 Words, a site that follows journalism and technology, managed to add Romance to the school-yard staples Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic with its second annual “Happy VDay: Valentines for Journalists” blog post. The site hilariously incorporates newsroom mainstays such as bylines, crime beats, quotes and word counts into sweet, bite-sized sentiments.
For more fun, check out more AP Style lovin’ on 10,000 Word’s Valentines Day post from last year.
Focus Group for Socks
We don’t usually like focus groups here at HM&P, but this one was different. While pitching a sock manufacturer, we got a little group together and asked a few questions. Very insightful.
Is this a calf or what?
The lower leg muscle of our very own Steve O, copywriter/leg model. I challenge everyone in the agency to work the legs this summer. First day of fall we have a leg lineup for a Calf Competition. 
A Pet A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
I found this story while doing my morning client media monitoring. It made me laugh and that is always a good thing on Good Friday!
Wilcox Memorial Hospital (Lihue, HI) has a policy that allows visitors to bring pets to visit recuperating patients. Staff a few weeks ago were taken by surprise, however, when an intoxicated man took the policy to its illogical conclusion. He called in advance to say he was coming, but the front desk was closed. That evening security staff apprehended the man emerging from the third floor elevator with what he said was his friend’s horse. The patient was allowed to come out to see the horse before it was taken back down the elevator, but unfortunately for good intentions, it was the wrong horse.
Check it out for yourself here.
Your Winning Cartoon Caption
Every Monday, the New Yorker Magazine holds a Cartoon Caption Writing Contest. The Qualified Winner of each Cartoon Caption Contest will receive a print of the cartoon, with the caption, signed by the artist who drew the cartoon (the “Prize”).
The deadline for this week’s contest is Sunday March 29th. Here’s the cartoon and my lame entry:
“Number 1. Thou shalt not eat MSG.”
C’mon you can do better than a hack copywriter.
Here’s the link to the actual contest:
Madoff v. Lobsters
Woody, my hero, is back with a timely and unexpected piece on the scandal. A must read for seafood lovers, Ponzi scheme victims and people who appreciate smart humor writing.
