Striking writers try hand at children’s books

Writers
Bored with hanging around in their Bel Air condos and Aspen timeshares, striking TV and movie writers have turned to penning children’s books to help pass the time. Here’s a sample of some of the lesser-known titles:
  • The Little Engine That Couldn’t, by the writers of 24. “I think I can, I think I can,” the little engine said. Jack Bauer’s hand tensed on the detonator. “I think you can’t,” he hissed, as he set off the bomb and blew up the train. Was Jack blown to bits? What about President Obama? To be continued …
  • Where the Wild Things Aren’t, by the writers of Lost. The snarling from the jungle grew louder. “I bet it’s monsters! They’ll eat us up for dinner.” Evangeline was right. Luckily, it was all a flash-forward, and it won’t happen until 2012. What? It makes perfect sense. Maybe you’re not paying attention.
  • Make Way for F*cklings, by the writers of South Park. “@%#$!!,” said Cartman, puking on the baby ducks as they crossed the road. “@%#$!! @%#$!!!!!” Nobody killed Kenny. That hasn’t been funny in years.
  • Barnyard Massacre VII, by the writers of Saw IV. “Old Bessie’s been sick,” said Farmer Brown, who began hacking off the cow’s legs with a chainsaw. From their hiding place in the haystack, horny teens Tony and Tina watched, unaware of Farmer Brown’s wife approaching from behind, a wild look in her eyes and a pitchfork raised above her head.
  • Run (for Office) With Dick & Jane, by the writers of The Colbert Report. See Dick run. Run, Dick, run! Run in the Super Tuesday primaries. See Jane stump for Dick. Stump, Jane, stump. See Dick run negative ads: “Romney freed a terrorist every day he was in office.” Lie, Dick, lie! See Dick finish behind Ron Paul. Cry, Dick, cry.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Upgrades At The Industry School

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Ad Age has breaking news out of Richmond.

Effective Jan. 14, the Richmond, Va.-based VCU Adcenter, founded in 1996, will be called VCU Brandcenter. It also is unveiling a new logo, courtesy of New York-based design firm Collins, as well as a website, www.brandcenter.vcu.edu, created by Interpublic Group of Cos.’ RG/A, New York.

Following lengthy debate, faculty, board members and students concluded that association with advertising was too limiting and that the school needed a broader name to reflect the rapidly changing industry landscape in which the school’s graduates find employment, said Rick Boyko, managing director of the VCU Brandcenter.

VCU Brandcenter also dropped $9 million to move to a new building, tapping world-famous architect Clive Wilkinson to lead the effort. Wilkinson partnered with local firm Baskerville to transform a historic 27,000-square-foot building in VCU’s Monroe Park campus into an open, airy space with a modern feel.

Boyko hopes the changes will help the school further set itself apart from the pack of portfolio schools and traditional academia by more closely aligning itself with an evolving ad business.

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CONTACT BOOK UPDATE: 11-JAN-’08

The latest update on all the new launches, hires and developments in the world of print, broadcast and digital media.

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Councils unite to recycle

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New approach to stop smoking

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Sales house targets student radio

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Honey Monster sponsors Harry Hill’s TV Burp

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Leisure Vouchers partners with HMV Group

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Gloomy December hits Sunday newspaper circulations

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Royal Mail hires Tony Lamb as head of data

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The Sun falls below 3m as Mirror drops past 1.5m

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Evening Standard down 2.6% as Metro holds own

LONDON – The Evening Standard’s December circulation fell 2.6%, while the Metro was the free London paper most insulated from the seasonal drop-off, according to the ABC figures for December.

VCCP scoops Government school dinners work

LONDON – VCCP has netted the Government’s School Food Trust business after winning a four-way competitive pitch.

Ipoints strengthens direct marketing team

LONDON – Online loyalty business Ipoints.co.uk has filled two new senior posts, appointing Andy Hulse as head of online direct marketing and Bruce Kay as business development manager.

Royal Marines launch ad campaign on Extreme.com

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Talk of the site: Kerry Katona, M&S and the Beatles

LONDON – As the Brand Republic community starts its new year, the talk focused on advertising effectiveness and the possible lack thereof. The case studies include Kerry Katona and Marks & Spencer. The Beatles also feature in our weekly round-up of the best user comments made on Brand Republic in forums, blogs and news.

Northern Rock Pension Trustees turn to PR support

The Trustees of the Northern Rock Pension Scheme have brought in City agency the Hogarth Partnership to help protect Northern Rock pensions.