MINI Clubman

MINI's teaser site, counting down to the launch of buzz-building 15-second film clips promoting the Clubman. See Contagious post or MINI's The Other View clock.

Also running is their The Other Lunch campaign. Choose from a variety of events (FREE LUNCH included) where you can bone up on some valuable life skills. Why don't I live in London? Actually, I'm really curious to know how MINI will integrate their brand story directly into the events. Or, will there be no mention of MINI or the Clubman?

I like the quirk factor in the various events (how to get back in a will, how to pass a lie detector test). And I like that you get free food. Aside from this, the campaign is interesting in that it combines fun learning with community interaction. It's really working to bring like-minded people (MINI fans, potential fans) together, get them to interact, and ultimately bond within the group and to the brand.

If anyone signs up to one of these lunches, post your comments on the experience here.

One Laptop Per Child...

I can't believe summer is (for the most part) over. October is here already, and soon enough, Turkey Day (aka Thanksgiving). And we all know what this means. Holiday shopping season begins. The fun, the madness, the joy of holiday (can I say Christmas?). For the past few years, I just haven't been able to come up with any sweet gift ideas when I am asked "What's on your list?" I admit, I enjoy getting gifts, but I've come to realize that I have so much junk around here, and I don't truly need anything.

I was looking at the One Laptop Per Child/XO Laptop site and my eye fell upon: "Give 1 Get 1 starting November 12". I immediately thought how perfect this would be for a Christmas gift - either for your child/niece/nephew, etc. but more importantly, how meaningful it would be for that child millions of miles away. What if instead of exchanging gifts in your family this year, you pledged to purchase a few of the laptops? It would almost be like feeding the hungry a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, but probably better. (not that this isn't a generous or necessary cause)

Designed by fuseproject, the laptop represents ambitious and inspiring ideas that I hope people come to believe in and support. Education and the opportunities it affords should be a part of every child's life.

Listen to Nicholas Negroponte talk about his One Laptop Per Child project below.

Photosynth

Not too new, but worth posting -

Photosynth creates "multidimensional spaces with zoom and navigation features" which truly amaze. Blaise Aguera y Arcas demonstrates its capabilities in this demo.

personal DNA quiz

Saw this on Adam's Facebook, so I decided to see what I was...

Turns out I am an Animated Creator.

I like the visual questions (slide bars, graphs), vs multiple choice where you hem and haw. I sort-of zoned in and was drawn to intuitively click as I took in the spaces and bars. (You'll see what I mean if you do it.) Take it here.