Brand Girl™

I recently read that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), charged with policing the airwaves (i.e., wardrobe malfunctions), intends to fine 52 ABC stations some 1.4 million for airing a 2003 episode of “NYPD BLUE” that revealed Charlotte Ross’s buttocks as she made her way into a shower. Seems kind of random that Kevin Martin, FCC Chairman (a little trivia here: used to work for Ken Starr of chasing Monica Lewinsky fame) would be cracking down (no pun intended) on a show that is no longer on the air, and on a medium of yesterday. But we are in an economical downspin, and I would suspect that even the FCC has a quota to fill. But it did get me thinking, how does the FCC intend to patrol the Internet. I mean, ABC is regulated, but Google is not. And according to another yet to be regulated entity under the FCC’s watch, Lycos, the recent appearance of Lindsay Lohan’s remake of Marilyn Monroe in the New York Magazine’s current Spring Fashion issue (where she practically bares it all) –– “sent search activity for Lohan skyrocketing 700 percent.” Now that’s easy math, and certainly equals a greater exposure rate than any rerun of NYPD Blue could — despite how cute Charlotte’s tush might be.

… discoveries. Self or otherwise.

Louis Vuitton’s first ad — ever.

Enjoy. xo

The only things predictable about the Super Bowl this year, was the commercials. As always, there were lots of them. (And lots with animals. Did you notice that too?)

Sad that Tom Brady could not usher in historic wins for both himself and the New England Patriots, but how happy are we for the NY Giants? What a great game! Being called the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, XLII certainly marks a defining moment for the Giant’s brand and Tom Coughlin’s too, its head coach. He’s the real story here (bigger than Sobels dancing lizards and Victoria Secrets football fondling… Cute).

Last year, Tom’s antiquated ways finally caught up to him. Players were despondent and the media soured by his rough and tuff persona. It created lots of tension — and lots of bad press. Giant management was not happy. But Tom was given a reprieve and a request — to lighten up. And he did. Rather quickly, Tom addressed his negative image, involved his team — and reinvented himself. His core messaging (genius) stayed the same, but the way he delivered his message changed. Like any good brand knows, whether you’re leading a pack of tightly clad uniformed hotties to a victorious win, or perhaps just leading your own little parade across a crowded room, you have got to know how to reach and serve your crowd. The old involved me and I will understand. Coughlin’s change proved to be the turning point for a pivotal year and created a cohesiveness that provides a solid platform to launch – and I’m willing to bet — even bigger wins.

Next time you’re feeling like a scrappy underdog, or are at your wit’s end because you are feeling cornered, or perhaps you’re dealing with a beau and thinking, “it’s not me, it’s him (her)” –– think again. And think about Tom’s tremendous turnaround. And think about Tom’s giant win.

It’s a new year.

Despite the fact that the first few weeks of 2008 feels very much like a repeat of ’07 [the writer's strike in LA still looms (as my sister says, "Thank God for American Idol"), some boy is being reprimanded for getting out of line (this week, it's Chris Matthews), and the media is tiptoeing around the "r" word as if the kids shouldn't hear. (I've got news for you. We all know we are in a "r-e-c-e-s-s-i-on.")].

But it is a new year. A traditional time to conjure visions of fresh starts… filled with ambitious beginnings and sought after goals. These resolutions run from stone sober to brilliantly witty –– love Nora Ehpron’s. Well-done my friend. And we make such resolutions in jest or not — but with hopes of doing better. As Nora says, “being a better human being.” So exactly how do we become better? Better as beings. Better as brands. Hmm.

Where better for a Brand Girl to take her lead then from the big boys themselves.

Google opens 2008 with a philanthropic charge — earmarking up to $175 million in grants and investments for “making the world a better place.” Apple is still the golden child, lunging right into the new year with another revolutionary product that more then resonates with its fans. Hello — MacAir. It’s the new McDreamy. (Ladies this is going to do so well for our posture — yes the shoulders. Seriously. Weighs less than the Very Sexy® bra at Victoria Secret. Seriously.) On a sour note, McDonald’s recently lost marks for its report card infringement, but earned more when they quickly backed off.

The common thread? The skinny? They all serve, reach and keep.
A Brand Girl mantra, applicable to business and the business of self.

Think about it.

1. Serve – Fill a need. Have a great product or service, continuing relevance.
2. Reach – Know, find, communicate and resonate with your audience.
3. Keep – Live up to our word. Have integrity; always deliver.

Have fun in 2008. Make those resolutions, and if needed — break a few. Change is good and needed. But serve, reach and keep whether you’re convincing mom to craiglist your childhood bedroom set, mapping out a global brand strategy for a fashion diva, or simply learning how to cook a timballo. Cause hell… knowing how to cook a timballo couldn’t hurt. Right Nora?

Happy New Year.

And just wrong.
Paul Janka. “Name rhymes with Wanka.”

Casnova or scoundrel?

There has been recent press about President’s Bush’s flagellating, abstinence program. Apparently millions of federal government dollars are spent on promoting “no sex” practices till marriage. It has proven ineffective and archaic. On the other hand, Laura Bush promotes safe sex to prevent aids and disease. Many have called the Bush’s on their incongruous efforts. Mix messaging indeed, but the “Wanka” story exemplifies why a “smart sex” or “sex can smarts” program makes sense.

Brand Girl says — we make “Wanka Boy” the national poster child for the cause. And our slogan: Don’t be this guy. And don’t be that girl!

He rocked back then. He rocks today.
That boy is welcomed to hang with me, or my walls.

Scene: Digital Domain, Venice, CA — “Let it Bleed” book launch.
The prints –– ridiculous. The book –– beautifully designed, shot and written. Brilliant. Historical. Captivating. Truly. Unlike a purse puppy (hee) — well-worth the splurge.

And the free product placement for Jack Daniels –– priceless.

The Post reports: THE “BRAINS” surrounding Hillary Clinton didn’t make any friends last Friday at Condé Nast when they balked on a firm, long-standing commitment to let the candidate pose for Vogue, while the astute Julia Reed hung ten waiting to write about her and the giant fotog Annie Leibovitz had her cameras at the ready for nothing. A source inside Hillary’s camp supposedly informed the Vogue contingent they’d decided some time ago not to honor the commitment, but Vogue wasn’t told until the last minute. Handlers for the senator decided Vogue would be “too elitist” and Hillary might come off as “too glamorous.”

Brand Girl must ask, “these handlers… were they the same ones responsible for Tuesday’s less than glam performance?”

The Democratic presidential debate in Philadelphia reminded me of my youth, and its late night ping-pong sessions with the brothers — all four of them. Think suburbia, think sweat, think testosterone – think lots of it. At some point in the game, it would predictably get ugly. (C’mon we’re playing with boys.) The strategy would eventually turn to eliminating players – especially minorities. And hello – that meant your sister – or any girl in the lead for that matter. It was no longer about keeping the ball in play… it was about winning the serve. And that was what Hillary failed to do. Repeatedly.

No one expects any candidate to have the answers to solve largess issues like the immigration or social security crisis, but we do expect a candidate to answer. Hillary, rather than take any position, unfavorable or not, wavered on such issues like Governor Eliot Spitzer’s effort to award New York driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and basically got herself into trouble. Ironically, some of her opponents also supported the Spitzer scenario, but — they said they did.

So was Hillary’s downward tumble due to being tight-lipped and unable to rebound when she realized she was under attack? Maybe. But when placing yourself under the spotlight in a heated game (and running for president of the United States as a leading candidate, a minority and woman no less –– is a hot one), you need to know how to handle the pressure and return the serve – every time.

Clearly, I’m all about women being in places of power (ahem) –– and Steve Colbert too –– so here are three things for Hillary and her handlers to take note of to ensure future success:

1) When you’re building a brand campaign that hinges on your ability to play ball with the men –– then play ball with the men. No whining!

2) Do not underestimate the intelligence of your audience or women. (I wonder about that follow-up piece, “The Politics of Pile On” – a.k.a.”damage control”? Were they tugging for the sympathy of women or,… at their stupidity? Let’s face it, spin as they wish, but Hil gave those boys the ammo and ability to slam her off the table. Period.)

3) Do not freeze out your fellow sisters. I mean, really! Blowing off both Vogue and Annie Leibovitz in one sitting? Talk about Elitist! (Girl… where are your manners?!)

And yes… I can play a mean game of ping-pong.

Why it’s good. And why it needs to be better.

Yes, it’s halloween, today. The weather appears mild enough encouraging what seems to be truckloads of costumed goblins, ghosts, and (if out west) some variation of democratic candidates, parading around and campaigning for goodies. And so today marks an end to another October, and quite the month we’ve had.

Joe Torres steps down, or if a Yankee fan – is ousted. A woman, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is elected president of Argentina, surely giving Hillary’s camp a rise, in spite of last night’s performance. The dollar is weak, keeping many Brand Girls out of stores and safely at Targets all across America. The better news? Breast Cancer Awareness is at its highest.

Every October brings what seems like hundreds more of companies and brands adopting the “pink ribbon” logo and its efforts to raise funds, awareness and research for breast cancer. Maybe some of these tactics are arguably growing more commercial than philanthropic, but it is doing the job of spreading the word. There’s no escaping the pink ribbon medium and it’s messaging, whether you’re browsing Avon, googling Sheryl Crow or buying a ream of HP copy paper at Staples. It’s all in the name of awareness. But let’s not forget, it’s also about educating — properly.

It appears that despite the rampant run on pink, studies show that ribbon wearing women may not necessarily be as informed as they should. (What!) According to this, “While awareness of breast cancer is high, a new survey released today by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) reveals potentially critical knowledge gaps among American women.”

It is encouraging to see brands show up for Breast Cancer and other worthy efforts, and to see firsthand that they have the power to positively change the world — but hopefully, we (they) will get better with delivering key information — with every future step, strut or strand. After all, good decisions come from good information.

And folks, be careful out there today. Not too much dumpster-diving into the kids goody bags, pumpkin pies or sugars that you can drink. And ps… nooses are JUST wrong.

Now if you excuse me, I have some Greek tycoon pawing at the door. (*yawn*)
Trick and treating. Or so he says.

I hope he likes pink…
as in ribbon.

So yesterday, Steve Jobs was busy unveiling holiday plans throwing retail, wall street and Hollywood folks into all sorts of buzz. And speaking of buzz, macs and Hollywood, BG couldn’t resist passing by this “People Magazine” moment. (All in the sake of research, kids.)

Justine Long, (a.k.a — Mac Spokesperson of sorts) is spotted canoodling with Drew. This after they just finished filming, “He’s just not that into you.”

Any guesses to how this story plays out?
xo

Apple announced a revised ipod collection –– after all it is fashion week. The Ipod has been re-interpreted as the “touch.” The thinner she gets, the more power she packs. The Nanos are squattier, just like this season’s trend of cropped jackets, and the shuffles colors are more brilliant, like that of Zac Posen’s handbags. And all in time for the upcoming holiday season. Steve, nicely done.

Apple also slashed the entry point for the iphone by $200 bucks (now an affordable $399). A move that has left financial analysts wondering why — and consumer folks ––who bought high (as in the phone) crying.

(LOooOL) I’m sorry. Please forgive Brand Girl for that uncontrolled burst of “are YOU kidding me?” Really, have we not learned that there is always a price to be paid for the privileges of fashion firsts?

I’ve also read that Wall Street has taken the cut of the iphone price a tad negatively reflecting negatively in Apple’s stock. Hmmm – a slight dip. Now I’m no Wall Street mogul, but I have been an Apple maven for longer than most of those suited boys. And BG says – (again, I’m no money honey) but it’s time to buy — the stock that is. And as far as the phone, as in a much sought after accessory — (and again, this is purely speculative) –– my guess is that Apple is coming out with another version. One that is likely to be thinner, packed with more power and hopefully addresses some of those pesky touch pad troubles. (Again speculative… rumors that I’ve heard on the street.)

BG votes to pick up that accessory on round two. Cause just like picking apples, stock, or a new handbag for that matter –– you gotta know when to grab or pass.