Almost 10 years ago a startup screen which my brother Mike and I had designed was featured in the Japanese magazine Mac People. When I was approached to have the startup screen featured in the magazine and included on their CD, I had requested that they send me a copy of the issue. Long after my exuberance about being in a magazine at age 15 had passed, having assumed they passed on including our work, a package from Japan filled our mailbox.
My 15 minutes of fame has occurred and I suppose I’m at liberty to say, I’m Big In Japan I Was Big In Japan.
08.14.07 — Etc., Personal, Technology
Figure 1. Map of Banks in Harvard Square
Since my term ended at Harvard my time in the Harvard Square area has dropped off significantly. Recently I ventured back through to meet up with some old co-workers. I was literally floored by what I saw. Harvard Square is becoming so commercialized and now exists mainly as a marketing tool for companies.
The Boston area banks have destroyed the culture of Harvard Square by invading its every space. Upon walking out of the MBTA station you have access to six full service banks all within eyeshot. It’s not about taking in the history and atmosphere of Harvard, it’s about taking in the brand.
The compiled map shows the Harvard Square locations of Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Sovereign Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, and Cambridge Trust Company.
10.14.04 — Etc.
I recently picked up Post Road’s [a Brooklyn Brewery brand] Pumpkin Ale. I had sought to find an uncommon beer, something that was not the standard ale fare of today’s beers. Lately I have found myself craving the award winning Harpoon Winter Warmer. I don’t know if it is due to that I am burnt out on Sam Adams’ Summer Ale or if I am just ready for Fall to come.
Alas, let me discuss the bouquet of flavor which is the Post Road Pumpkin Ale.
Tasting the Beer
In order to review the Post Road Pumpkin Ale I’ll use the Beer Advocate’s How To Taste Beer guide.
Color: A rich dark caramel color with hints of orange.
Aroma: A solid pumpkin aroma with a dose of spices akin to those in the Winter Warmer, such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
Taste: Probably one of the smoothest beers I’ve had in a long time. The flavor lacks a hoppy bitter after taste but supplies a bold pumpkin kick. There are also sweet hints which round out the overall changing leaves and crisp air feeling like beer.
If by chance you come across a six pack of Post Road’s Pumpkin Ale it’s worth the extra buck or two over your 120 pack of Bud Light.
08.23.04 — Etc.
Lately there has been a big buzz over the new ad campaigns from Burger King. From what I’ve read their new ad agency is looking to tap into the professional 20-something market. While I don’t eat a lot of fast food I will say I like how they are diversifying themselves from the likes of McDonalds and Wendy’s.
But back on topic, BK’s latest ad spot features a very Mugatu (Will Ferrell in Zoolander) like character, even down to the personality and body language. While I do find this a bit of a rip off I somewhat enjoyed the spot. The character in this case is named Ugoff and he features his own site much like the subservient chicken did.
The 20-somethings love stuff online and love sending their friends links to stuff like this and put it in their blogs.
06.10.04 — Etc.
The Japanese love using Hollywood actors in their commercials much like we do in the states as well but the Japanese always make hilariously fun ads. Over the years I’ve come across a few links online which feature some of these ads but today I found the ultimate resource. Japander.com has a huge collection of ads in quicktime format.
06.08.04 — Etc.