AdSponge

Turns out, I have internet access here in Arkansas which I really didn’t expect. I’m in a somewhat remote area of the Ozarks on Bull Shoals Lake. Its been freaking hot so far- mid 90’s yesterday and today, so I’m making use of my time inside enjoying the AC.

Going along with the vacationing/leisurely theme, Ad Age today had a delightful article about agencies with bars at their offices. Personally, I think its a pretty sweet deal if you happen to work there. In creative settings, I could imagine a few after-work drinks actually stimulating some great dialouge between co-workers, and who knows maybe the next great campaign could come from it. If not, who cares- you are creating value for your staffers and allowing them to connect outside of the work environment. I wouldn’t choose an agency specifically if they had a bar or not, but it would probably tip the scales on similarly matched shops.

Found this ad for Nuveen Investments on AdPulp. Does a nice job speaking to the spirit of Cubs fans, and is literally true. $6.25 a beer? No wonder Miller High Life isn’t available around Wrigley.

I’ve been absent this week (family in town visiting) so I thought I would highlight some of what’s happened. Here now, is the first AdSponge Week in Review!

Discovery introduces Planet Green, a 24-hour channel devoted to green living.

Read about the new venture from Discovery in this NY Times article.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

NBC, Nielsen join forces to further analytics

These two media forces are combining data from TV ratings, Online Video and Consumer data. More information on this to come, but check out what Ad Age has to say about it.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anheuser-Busch and NHL renew contract

The NHL is enjoying a renaissance of sorts, and Bud Light wants to remain the exclusive beer partner through 2011. Being a fan of both parties, this is great news.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Honda ad goes to new heights

If you didn’t hear about it, you need to check this out. Props to Wieden+Kennedy and Starcom for making this happen.

Miller Brewing Company is going through a renaissance of sorts. The largest change is undoubtedly the ongoing merger with Coors. Aside from that mess, Miller’s brands are getting a fresh makeover as well. Miller Lite gets both a new campaign as well as new logo and packaging. The new look is smooth with more emphasis on color than the logo itself, and comes across as less distracting than the previous version. The first place I noticed the new Lite look was on the #2 Dodge that Kurt Busch pilots on the Nascar Sprint Cup circuit. The car debuted at Daytona in mid-February; however I didn’t see newly packaged Miller Lite in stores until last week. When you’re a massive brewer like Miller it is probably difficult to get packaging up to speed with promotions and advertising. None the less, I think the new look is great.

Among the changes going on at Miller include a new campaign on the horizon for Miller Genuine Draft. Ad Age has a wonderful article on the recent downward spiral of MGD’s sales and subsequent agency changes, including whats on the horizon. I’ve never preferred MGD personally, but if Y&R can breathe new life into the brand, expect to see MGD back in the game soon.

Miller Brewing Company is going through a renaissance of sorts. The largest change is undoubtedly the ongoing merger with Coors. Aside from that mess, Miller’s brands are getting a fresh makeover as well. Miller Lite gets both a new campaign as well as new logo and packaging. The new look is smooth with more emphasis on color than the logo itself, and comes across as less distracting than the previous version. The first place I noticed the new Lite look was on the #2 Dodge that Kurt Busch pilots on the Nascar Sprint Cup circuit. The car debuted at Daytona in mid-February; however I didn’t see newly packaged Miller Lite in stores until last week. When you’re a massive brewer like Miller it is probably difficult to get packaging up to speed with promotions and advertising. None the less, I think the new look is great.

Among the changes going on at Miller include a new campaign on the horizon for Miller Genuine Draft. Ad Age has a wonderful article on the recent downward spiral of MGD’s sales and subsequent agency changes, including whats on the horizon. I’ve never preferred MGD personally, but if Y&R can breathe new life into the brand, expect to see MGD back in the game soon.