Swedish Bed of Nails | FAD / WEIRD

NY Times/ Stockholm Journal reported on (I actually heard about this this morning on NPR) the Swedish Nail Bed fad... Yes, you read that correctly, a bed of 4,000-8,000 hard spikes...and it's been dubbed the 'Christmas Gift of the Year' in Stockholm. Apparently, once you get over the initial pain, the mattress pads are supposed to aid in relaxation and sound sleep via accupressure points. The pads range in price, from $50-$115. One of the largest manufacturers of the spiked beds, Shakti offers a more elaborate explanation of the product:

"The Shakti Mat's 6000 acupressure points make it a very effective tool for releasing tension and inducing a state of deep relaxation. Shakti helps stimulate the release of large quantities of endorphins, the body's own hormones responsible for inducing an overall sense of calmness and well-being. These “feel-good” hormones help make us feel happy, relaxed and energized, and are often referred to as the body's own “natural pain relievers.” Regular use of the Shakti Mat may help increase your feelings of well-being and renewal, both physically and mentally.
"
[Shaktimat.com]

Is it odd that I kind of want one??

Read more: NY TImes: STOCKHOLM JOURNAL - A Bed Where Comfort Is Not the Point
-jmd

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Addams Family Values, First Thanksgiving | FILM REWIND | HOLIDAY

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, let's all take a minute to watch what is one of our (ok, my) favorite moments in Thanksgiving-referencing film history, from Addams Family Values (1993). Seriously, this stuff never gets old.

Eat us before we finish this song... (says the dancing turkey)

Happy Thanksgiving Zandland readers!
-jmd

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Information Overload | OUT LOUD

(Our very own Irma Zandl* weighs in on topical issues in her column Out Loud with Irma Zandl)

Just as entertainment content and music have become devalued (i.e. nobody wants to pay for it unless they absolutely have to), information is now following the same trajectory. With such easy access to information coupled with the ability to pass it along electronically, it is becoming increasingly apparent that information in and of itself has lost its relevancy.

As a whole, we’ve seen this value shift among traditional media outlets – I’ve mentioned in a previous Out Loud that real-time, user-generated information from sources like Twitter and Facebook has a greater impact on both the news-cycle and my own quest for knowledge and up-to-date data.

Additionally, we have seen this dramatic change first-hand at our own company. Gone are the days when clients would call and ask for an “information dump” (e.g. “present everything you have on teens to bring us all up to speed”). Today, clients are asking us to address very specific problems with the most innovative and actionable solutions.

However, the fact that companies are drowning in information creates new opportunities for businesses that can sift through this intelligence and distill it into actionable insights for companies to turn into relevant new products and services.

In the future, marketers and brand teams will look for the following:

1. Relevant information that is trend-forward but actionable now
2. Experiences and immersions that provide forward looking insights into the consumers life
3. Innovative solutions and recommendations
4. Creative techniques that address specific brand/consumer issues
5. Ever faster turn-around

*Widely acknowledged as one of America’s foremost experts on consumer behavior and trend forecasting, Irma’s insights are eagerly sought after by clients, marketers, media and friends. A true pioneer, Irma moved to Manhattan’s Lower East Side over 20 years ago and set up The Zandl Group in SoHo. Continuing on her trajectory of forward-thinking real estate moves, she personally relocated to a fabulous loft in Long Island City, Queens, while moving the office to up-and-coming creative enclave Bushwick, Brooklyn a year ago. Her observations of consumers have proven to be well-rounded, grounded in years of research and always directional and actionable. Her keen instinct extends beyond marketing and strategic insights and across many categories from art, style and design to entertainment and nightlife to restaurants and food.

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Muppets Do Bohemian Rhapsody | VIRAL VIDEO / MUSIC

Caught this earlier today and have been grinning ever since. In less than 24 hours, this vid garnered more than 11,000 hits. The video coincides with the release of Queen's 'Absolute Greatest' digitally remastered hits compilation.
-jmd

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Black Friday, Holiday Projections | CONSUMER INSIGHTS

This interesting article in Advertising Age on upcoming Black Friday projections (dated 11/22/09, with research findings from The National Retail Federation and Nielsen's annual holiday retail survey) mirrors our online panel results from our release, 'Holiday Shopping: Top Ten Gift Items | CONSUMER INSIGHTS' (10/22/09):

Advertising Age: Will Retailers or Consumers Come Out on Top on Black Friday?

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Evian's Roller Babies gets Guinness Record for online views | TECH / ADS / VIRAL VIDEO

At over 45 million online views, The Guinness Book of World Records named Evian's Roller Babies the 'most viewed online ad in history' (based on Nielsen and YouTube data). The YouTube exclusive ad found groundbreaking viral status on a global scale...

That's 45 million views on YouTube, without paying out a dime on ad placement. And yet again, we have to wonder why so many brands refuse place their commercials online.

YouTube Biz Blog via Mashable
-jmd

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David Sedaris to release audiobook, 'Live For Your Listening Pleasure' on vinyl | READ / ENTERTAINMENT

David Sedaris will release an audiobook on January 5, 'Live For Your Listening Pleasure' a five essay album, to be released on...vinyl!

Albums are enjoying something of a renaissance, posting $57 million in sales in 2008, more than double the previous year and the best for the format since 1990, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The format is so rare for audiobooks, however, that the Audiobook Publishers Association has never even tracked its sales.

Maja Thomas, senior vice president for digital and audio publishing at the Hachette Book Group, said she was drawn to the idea precisely because it was quirky. Mr. Sedaris’s “audience is very attuned to irony and is going to find this funny,” Ms. Thomas said.
[via NYTimes]

The CD version will have only two of the five essays, with an access key to a full album download. We're super excited about the album, which includes clips from readings before audiences. We've seen him read in person before, and it's certainly a rewarding supplement to his written stories, complete with a perfectly snarky tone of voice that's sure to get a smile out of the straightest of faces.

Always look forward to what's developing in the world of the always hilarious and eccentric Sedaris clan. And as for the cover, we're in love.

Read more at NYTimes: Popular Author’s Audiobook Tries a New Format: Vinyl

-jmd

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Test Post:
DVZYSKRMN8AV

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Wikipedia Loses Volunteer Editors, Contributors | TECH

(image via Gizmodo)

According to the Wall Street Journal today, Wikipedia has been steadily losing contributors, the online encyclopedia's biggest asset. Wikipedia counts on the millions (3+ million to be exact) of volunteer editors to write, delete and police the site's vast content. More than 49,000 editors dropped off of the site in the first quarter of 2009...vs. only 4,900 who quit the same quarter in 2008.

As Wikipedia adopts more stringent rules and regulations, and content accuracy continues to spur heated debates amongst editors, we're not surprised that contributors are opting out of their voluntary posts. While heavier regulations are often necessary in maintaining the integrity of content, today's digital natives rarely hold out open arms for restrictions on open source platforms like Wikipedia. So often, ease of use is what can make or break users' relationship with an online activity. And clearly, for many editors, the more increasingly regimented editing structure of Wikipedia has them leaving in search of more malleable (& rewarding) prospects in the open source arena.

Also, the recession could be a factor in the sudden drop of wiki volunteers, as people continue to shift their priorities, vocationally, monetarily and on how they're spending their time...Users may have simply realized that their volunteer work on Wikipedia isn't going to pay off financially and professionally, and could just be a waste of their time and energy.

Readership, however continues to grow. Web visitors grew 20% from Sept 2008 to September 2009 according to comScore Media Metrix.  So, for now, I think it's safe to say Wikipedia is still hanging in there (with a tight grasp) as a leading online information resource.

Wall Street Journal: Volunteers Log Off as Wikipedia Ages
-jmd

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Jenna Jameson on Oprah | INTERVIEW / TV

And for your friday afternoon fix:

Oprah was making big headlines this week, between her interview with Sarah Palin and Winfrey's announcement of the 2011 end of her talk show's run. Meanwhile, lost in the media shuffle, Tuesday's episode was devoted to the porn industry and welcomed adult film megastar Jenna Jameson as a guest, for what turned out to be a truly engaging discussion about the industry (rewards and drawbacks), and some incredible insight into Jameson's go-getter attitude and strong-willed business-first mindset. I was incredibly impressed with her poise, honest confidence and ability to command respect from both Oprah and the viewers, despite her choice of occupation. Her entrepreneurial spirit and drive as a businesswoman (in an industry traditionally lacking in female power-players on the business side) is truly honor-worthy.

All that said, she can really do without the extensive botox, plumped out lips and cheeks, obscenely long hair extensions and orange-airbrushed face...c'mon Jenna...there's simply no need for that.

We caught Zombie Strippers a couple years back, Jameson's parlay into non-adult film roles...and we (not so secretly) loved it! Check out our recap/review:
FILM - Zombie Strippers

-jmd

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Twilight: New Moon Midnight Screening | ENTERTAINMENT

"Now I know how you must have felt on your wedding day! All the planning and the preparation and the excitement and now the day is finally here and....OMGOMGWOW!"

Yes, I uttered that sentence to my friend, Jessica. Yes, I was talking about a major life event. Yes, that major life event was an (opening-day) midnight showing of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Yes, I'm a grown woman.

Having bought my tickets in September, I've spent the better part of the past two months geeking out about the movie, day dreaming of Edward Cullen, occupying my time with Twilight inspired craft projects, and generally annoying anyone but the most die hard Twihards.

And so, finally, the day had come. Outfitted in my most FANtastic ensemble, I met up with my partner-in-crime, Rachelle Bergstein, drank some Red Bull and headed in to town.

(Rachelle's got a thing for werewolves, I prefer vampires)

Because I was so nervous about there being a line, we ended up at the (empty) movie theater 3 1/2 hours early. Not wanting to appear SO crazy, we went across the street and grabbed some dinner. When our waitress came by to take our order, she looked at my shirt, looked at Ra's and said "Oh no! Are you guys gonna fight??" We immediately burst into fits of laughter and maybe possibly some slight embarrassment before dissuading our server's fears and then proceeded to spend the entirety of dinner debating (jovially!) the pros and cons of both characters. NOT THAT I THINK THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH ZOMGDREAMSPARKLEVAMPIREEDWARDCULLENILOVEYOU...but I can see how he's not everyone's cup of tea. Maybe.

Once dinner was over, we grabbed a cup of coffee and headed over to check out the line situation. Since people had already started gathering in the lobby of the theater, we decided to commit to the line with two hours to go. Clearly, everyone else around us was equally excited/obsessed and for the next 120 minutes we waited together, talked about the books, the first movie, our allegiances and our hopes for New Moon.

My Twicrafts caused a bit of hysteria (the good kind), and so in the spirit of camaraderie, I gave one my new nameless friends a little bit of flair:

(my new friend "Edward")

("Edward" and his friend, "Bella)

From the moment we sat down in the theater, I was a wreck; over-caffeinated, over-tired and over-stimulated, my heart began to race. The lights went down and I gasped as a full, yellow moon appeared on screen. The rest is kind of a blur - vampires, werewolves, sparkles, shirtlessness, despair, true love, fighting, CREEPY A** DAKOTA FANNING....I can barely wrap my head around it all! My review, simply put (and without spoilers) is ZOMGOMGOMGOMGWHAT?YES!

I can't wait to see it a second (and third) time, and I really can't wait to do it all again for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse!!!

-p!n

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Next generation of Flip Cameras to come with Wi-Fi | TECH

We're always wielding around our Flip cameras undercover-style all the time (to events, restaurants, bars...we might even try and catch some footage of anxiously waiting Twihards at tonight's NYC Twilight openings). The cameras are nearly weightless and fit into the smallest of pockets...and take decent enough quality footage to use or at least reference when necessary. Looking forward to the next generation with Wi-Fi:

According to Pocket-Lint, an unspecified Flip camcorder slated to ship in the first half of 2010 will incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity. That's unsurprising, given the recent acquisition of Flip's parent, Pure Digital, by networking giant Cisco. The site also says a Cisco spokesperson confirmed that "the new model will feature 'a large screen that slides to reveal the record and menu buttons underneath' allowing users to see what is going on when they are recording video."
CNET

It won't be long before mobile phones start capturing HD quality video. Flip needs to figure out what gives them edge over all-in-one mobile devices. Clearly, the brand is aware of the tech prospects on the horizon, and is kicking up the pace. But for now, we're happy as clams pocketing our mini-HD video recorders when we're out on the town.

-jmd

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