Hasta La Creative!

LONDON – Drinkaware, the UK charity promoting responsible drinking, has expanded its work with homeless charity Crisis to sponsor the fundraising event, Crisis Consequences Live.

Washington, D.C., is celebrating one of its only advantages over New York: fewer rats in the subway system. This ad, running in the D.C. Metro, begins, “Unlike some subway systems (which will remain nameless), you don’t see rats the size of house cats roaming Metro.” This ticked off New York Times writer Jennifer 8. Lee, who says it’s “a little out of form for [one] city to needle another about our rats.” She also doesn’t think the reference to house cats is fair, “unless they are very small house cats.” A Metro spokesman says it’s not meant as an insult to New York at all, saying, “It can [refer to] any other transit system. It doesn’t make reference to any other transit property at all.” Technically, this is true. New York’s war on rats has been well documented, of course, though its primary focus remains the vermin above ground—particularly those who patronize KFC and Taco Bell.

—Posted by Tim Nudd

Carmen Kontur-Gronquist, the mayor of Arlington, Ore., has been removed from office following a 142-139 recall vote after a risqué pic on her personal (and non-public) MySpace page peeved some townsfolk. A fire truck and black lingerie were involved. The image is about as racy as your average Sears catalog ad. But imagine those poor city councilors trying to focus on the hottest issues—I mean, the hot-button issues—in the Pacific Northwest these days. Such as the bare problem—I mean, bear problem. “That’s my personal life. It has nothing to do with my mayor’s position,” says Kontur-Gronquist. In Boston, we have an always fully clothed mayor, Tom Menino, who to the best of my knowledge has never posed in racy underwear on a fire truck. (And let’s keep it that way—OK, Mr. Mayor?)

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Well that was a lot of money wasted just to tell us using a professional photography studio is better than using speed cameras to get the shot.

If you’re bummed about your creative inability to contribute a musical mash-up to Obama’s viral war chest, we’re found your solution.

This one’s been out for a little while, but it’s worth a laugh: Martin Scorsese’s “Turn off your cell phone” cinema ad from BBDO. American Express has also featured the director spoofing himself, as has HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, but it doesn’t really get old.

—Posted by Tim Nudd

“Stomping Grounds” is a half-hour romp through the childhood streets of Biz Markie.

LONDON – A Picture Loans ad has been banned by the advertising watchdog for being misleading, because its light-hearted tone gave the impression that taking out a loan did not require careful consideration.

LONDON – Lifesaving charity the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has signed an agreement with Acxiom to use its data services.

Yawwwwwwwnnn. Starbucks closed up shop for a few hours last night to “re-educate” its employees. I didn’t take it so well. Could’ve used a grande with extra foam around 6 p.m. Went to Dunkin’ and forgot to order a latte to get their 99-cent anti-Starbucks price. Odd how the mind wanders. The large with three sugars gave me enough pep to begin research on this post. I walked past the nearest Starbucks and peered inside. A half-dozen baristas were nibbling scones. Maybe they were playing one of the mix CDs they sell. Sounded like Al Green. My attention was dragging, so I didn’t bother sticking around. Napped at my desk. Began writing this item, but was too tired for complete sentences or coherent analysis. Thursday and Friday, McDonald’s is giving away a McSkillet Burrito with each drink purchase. The last time I had a McSkillet, I hallucinated I was Ralph Nader and stood in rush-hour traffic begging commuters to vote for me and drive safely. Or maybe I acted that way after downing three grandes in less than an hour. So hard to focus. Can’t keep my eyes open. Think I’ll turn in early.

—Posted by David Gianatasio