François’s posterous

If you're in advertisement or marketing, you've got to see this video (via Mashable).

http://mashable.com/2009/10/29/banner-ads-on-flies/

Canada is faring adequately, but needs to pick up speed and bring down costs.

I love the idea: "New labels listing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of foods, from whole wheat pasta to fast food burgers, are appearing on some grocery items and restaurant menus around the country." (Sweden) Check the New York Times article from which the graph below was taken.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/world/europe/23degrees.html?pagewanted=1&hpw

Proof once more that the computer interface is getting a feel for the human body.

The Georgia Institute of Technology has come up with a way of integrating available video sources into Google Earth. The result is fascinating, but I can't get over the thought of Big Brother looming larger and larger, especially with all these surveillance cameras standing watch.

The clincher to this very interesting TED presentation by Tom Wujec comes at the 4:10 minute mark when he proposes 3 ways to create meaning, taken from neuroscience:

1. Use images to clarify ideas
2. Interact with images to create engagement
3. Augment memory with persistent & evolving views

The science of Twitter, already. For those who don't want to read the full transcript of Dan Zerella's presentation, this slideshow is worth the time.

http://danzarrella.com/the-science-of-retweets-report.html

Considering the rate at which Google is spending its riches on acquisitions, and keeping in mind the threat of a data empire, the following graph by the folks at Meet the Boss is an interesting visual reminder (as of Q3 2009).

http://www.meettheboss.com/google-acquisitions-and-investments.html

Somewhat blatant in the nature of these comparisons between art and design, but still interesting food for thought.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/09/the-difference-between-art-and-design/

There is something reminiscent of Reichsparteitag in this series of photographs that depict how "Chinese citizens and government workers have been preparing for months for their upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st. Parts of Beijing have been shut down several times, allowing for rehearsals of a once-in-a-decade military parade, multiple artistic performances and shows, fireworks and more. Security concerns are high as well, bringing out large details of security personnel and equipment."
 
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/09/china_prepares_for_its_60th_an.html