Apples brand core is @ it's stores.

It's not often you come across an article quite like this one. It says a lot about why Apple is so successful these last few years. And it's not just about design, anyone can copy the iPod's coolness...anyone!  But when a company's culture is so incredibly different from it's competition you can't help but to notice, and to buy. Click the image to read more from the NYT.

Are We Done Yet?

You know, I'm about as sick of Christmas as I am of this presidential run-up. Neither seem like they'll ever be over. Ever.

But, then, the season brings some of my favorite commercials. I've listed two of my favorites: the creepy Garmin commercial (love them all) and one of the ancient Norelco commercials which always signaled the coming of Christmas.

"I missed my turn. I'm gonna burn...."


And from way in the past...

Word Nerd-dom and Business Results

I love words. Always did. My mother bought us, first a dictionary, and then a set of encyclopedia when we were very young children. My brothers and I read the entries in those blue and white Grollier International volumes like short stories in an anthology.

My work with clients includes constant clarification of what they say and how it connects (or doesn't connect) to their beliefs, actions and results. Does your language create your business reality? You bet. Is this something New Age, connected with the? Where have you been? Really! It isn't just the good people in the marketing department who agonize over words: It's also the concern of those of use who work in the area of business strategy as well. Our words are like the points on a map towards our desired results. Nebulous strategic mission, vision, objectives, strategies and action plans will get you...well, you get the picture.

In this TED Talk, lexicographer Erin McKean discusses her work in the constant pursuit of new words, new meanings for old words, or signs that once-favored terms have fallen out of use. She worries that dictionary editors are viewed as little more than traffic cops looking to police the "bad words" and put dictionaries on the Internet in the same way that they exist on paper. She longs to participate in the Internet-driven transformation of words and meaning.

Word Nerds Rule!

Pimp My Hearing Aid

You know, I'm rah-rah for all things technology--particularly at the smaller end of the spectrum (must come from my days selling Systems 36 and 38 for IBM). But when I saw this, I just didn't quite know what to think. We know that we're not supposed to rock out with the volume on the old iPod pegged at the max, but do we listen? No. We can't hear anymore. At least that's what hearing aid design and manufacturing firms are hoping for.

Designs are getting hipper (the first wave of the MTV Generation has just turned 50, ya'll) and have a more youthful appeal. The little gem pictured above (from Widex.com) is slathered with diamonds (I couldn't have foreseen this one if I tried) and sells for a staggering $49,000! Quite a lot of cabbage, I'd say. I think they're getting ready for Paris and all of her friends.

I can't wait for a design brainiac to combine an iPod and a "Personal Communication Aid." Maybe they'll combine it with an iPhone and get the most out of this possible convergence device.

Now that I've put that in the blogosphere, I'll wait for my check from Apple.