just add maple syrup

Years ago, a good friend of mine passed on the one piece of advice he had ever been given on what makes a great ad. His graphic design professor at Concordia University in Montreal had once upon a time been tasked to come up with a poster to promote a lunch at the United Nations. His ad? Simply: lUNch . The advice: there is always an idea in your message, you just have to look hard enough to find it. Now, there are hundreds of great ads that follow this advice, but it has been awhile since I've seen any as good as these print ads for British Airways by BJL, Manchester, UK. They're refreshing examples of visually applying the professor's advice. (And not just because one of them features a pint of Guiness.) P.S. Where the hell are you, Nick Hammond? Advertising Agency: BJL, Manchester, UK Creative Director: Gary Fawcett/Lisa Nichols Art Director: Gary Fawcett Copywriter: David Forster Illustrator: Gary Fawcett

There seems to be a never-ending debate (usually between creatives and suits/clients) about what works better in advertising: emotion or logic. Bud Light has recently been playing with the latter end of the spectrum in their 'Drinkability' campaign. This straight-forward approach is often a fall back position for big brands in nervous times such as these, but, as this article from AdAge.com explains, logic doesn't always make sense. One of my favourite entries into this debate between emotion and logic, or art and science, comes from the 'Philosophy' section of Vancouver-based ad factory, Rethink. While it's not directly about humour vs. drinkability, it poignantly explains the importance of emotion in advertising. Have a read: "There are two schools of thought here. Many agencies believe that advertising is a science - that with the right formula, you can always achieve results. This type of advertising usually features lots of "ra...

This has been floating around email boxes today. Another reminder to think before you call your boss a "pervvy wanker" in your status update, especially when your boss is on your facebook.

Ready for a new look? Tired of your same old style? Why not give yourself the Croydon facelift! All the rage in south east London, it's as simple as pulling your hair back into a tight ponytail, then accessorizing with a crying baby, a hand-me-down stroller and a nasty teenage attitude. Optional accessory: chav boyfriend (usually not included) 5/5 crumpets (for how uniquely British it is)

Guitar Hero has taken over the world as one of the hottest video games in years. This past weekend, I got on the bandwagon as a good friend and I strapped on our controllers and rocked along to the songs of everyone from Pat Benatar to Twisted Sister. Quick observation: It's surprising how much more open-minded you are towards a song when you strip away the image of the group behind it. I thought I hated Twisted Sister's music. Turns out I just hate them. Anyway, a few songs in and I was already feeling like a rock god. I'm sure millions of Guitar Hero gamers around the world have had the same feeling. Thanks to Zippo for putting us in our place with this great ad. Check out the rest of the campaign here .

After living on my own for many glorious years, it's been a bit of an adjustment living with roommates again here in London. I don't mind it all that much. It's great to have some company/drinking partners after a long day at work. My only real complaint would be the shared facilities, i.e. the bathroom. Four guys sharing the same bathroom takes a toll, especially in the shower. I keep on expecting the door to just lock us out for it's own health and safety. Whenever I'm about to step into the shower, this simple but brilliant spot for Old Spice from Weiden + Kennedy inevitably pops into my mind - and I can't help but shudder. Thanks for the daymares, guys.

Another first in advertising from Vancouver's Rethink . This time it's for a North Vancouver waxing company called Parissa. I can only imagine the craigslist ad for this job: "Wanted: Hairy men to get half naked in public for cash. Must have high pain threshold." Ouch.

I was just thinking to myself "Hmm, what ad can I talk about today?" when I came across a great new campaign for Kidsport by DDB Vancouver. Being a Vancouver boy myself, I remember reading about sports being cut back at schools in the area over the years, so this campaign is addressing a real concern. And I can think of no better agency to handle it. Building on their experience with the Hockey Canada campaign and the BCSPCA campaign , they've come up with another grand slam. If you think that's a wrestling move, you desperately need to watch the spots here and check out the website is here. Also, I'm glad to see Vancouver/Canada getting some well-deserved recognition in the UK. Nice work, DDB.

It's way past Father's Day, but here's a great selection of stupid dad ads . Mmm, Post-It Note Blizzard...

This video has been on my mind lately. Besides being downright awesome, it's a great lesson for viral and online marketing: fun is contagious. It's that simple. Create something that's entertaining and engaging, and people will want to share in it. By the way, this video is from a great little festival called Sasquatch, which goes down every May about 2 hours outside of Seattle. Last year, The Flaming Lips closed the show with a classic UFO set, featuring a flying saucer lighting rig that had half of Washington State believing in aliens. Definitely worth the trip.

You have to love the British way of adding a touch of class to even the most embarrassing things in life - like being broke. While most people would say they were kind of broke, running low, short on cash or just plain poor, the Brits have come up with the delightful word "skint," as in, "I'm a tad skint this week. Want to share a half pint of Fosters?" It almost makes it cool to be poor. That's it, poor is the new black. Actually, thanks to our current economic apocalypse, it's kind of true. 5/5 crumpets (for how uniquely British it is )

A team out of Melbourne put creativity to the test on the world's biggest online marketplace and came up big; 500% profit big. Check out the video here . Sick as rad as.

Last night, I was talking with a flatmate when we were both stalled mid-sentence by this ad for Orange's RockCorp . The rapid morph-like progression through hundreds of people was impressive enough to make us stop and stare, which is the first aim of any TV spot, isn't it? And our interest was paid off when it came to the line at the end about the Orange volunteers being rewarded with a couple of free concerts. I couldn't help but think, "Awesome." Great stuff from Fallon and Orange. (Hope you had something to do with this Noel!)

I just came across this radio spot for the LCBO (Ontario's government-run liquor store) from GJP Advertising and something just doesn't sit right with me about it. The announcer's voice is way too monotonous to make the bland "informative" part of the spot interesting. So it took me a few listens to understand that this spot is all about the "passion" of Spain, which is represented by an irate Spanish woman whose date has shown up two hours late for dinner. I'm guessing the inspiration for the character was Penelope Cruz's character in Vicki Christina Barcelona. And it's not far off. I'm just wondering what this has to do with the wines of Spain and Portugal. I know it's always easier to critique than create, but I think the concept could have used a better execution. I wonder if they explored how a regular Ontario couple would be affected by the passion of the wines of Spain and Portugal, setting up a scenario in which a white-as-mo...

"You can say anything with a smile." Truer words were never spoken, although I would add "almost" to the line from this 2008 Gold Cannes Lion winner for Crest. Test the theory on a stranger at a bar and you'll find out why.

Weiden + Kennedy successfully held off Grey London's attempt to win over the £7.5 million Visit Wales account. Taking a look at this spot, I can see why. The open-minded and easy going "Holidays Unpackaged" theme does a nice job of selling the area's amenities, including the fact that they make many of their own goods in Wales - even wine. Who knew?

Everyone loves a good anthem. Here's the latest from DDB London for Budweiser, featuring a Beatles cover from The Hours. All together now!

Just brilliant.

Another classic Hockey Canada TV spot from DDB Canada. I'm sure every hockey fan can identify with this, although it makes me kind of glad I just collected autographs as a kid.