The history of the horse is the history of civilisation itself. The horse has had a revolutionary impact on ancient civilisations and this major exhibition explores the influence of horses in Middle Eastern history, from their domestication around 3,500 BC to the present day. Britain’s long equestrian tradition is examined from the introduction of the Arabian breed in the 18th century to present day sporting events such as Royal Ascot and the Olympic Games.

The domestication of the horse more than 5,000 years ago dramatically changed human history. Domestication is thought to have first happened on the steppes of South Russia with horses being introduced into the Middle East around 2,300BC. Before this introduction, asses and donkeys were used for transport, predominantly as harness animals pulling cumbersome but technologically advanced vehicles — as seen on objects found at the Royal Cemetery of Ur -but gradually horses became the means of faster transportation for these early societies.

The exhibition includes one of the earliest known depictions of a horse and rider: a terracotta mould found in Mesopotamia (Iraq) dating to around 2,000 – 1,800 BC. Horses became a vital component in warfare and hunting, as reflected in the art of ancient Assyria, where elaborate and ornate horse trappings and ornaments were developed reflecting the prestige and status of horse, charioteer and rider.

Riding became an essential part of society during the Achaemenid period (5th -4th century BC), a cylinder seal of Darius, dating to 522 – 486 BC shows the king hunting lions in a chariot, and famously, the Achaemenid’s introduced ‘post horses’ which were used to deliver messages on the royal road. The horsemen of the Parthian Empire (3rd century BC – 3rd century AD) were celebrated by Roman authors for the ‘Parthian shot’, in which an apparently retreating rider would shoot arrows backwards whilst on horseback. The renown of Parthian horsemen is shown in their representation on terracotta plaques and bronze belt buckles in the British Museum collection.

Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Mughal miniature paintings, ceramics and manuscripts all attest to the growing importance of the horse in the Islamic world from the 7th century AD. Exquisite Mughal miniatures depict princes with their valued Middle Eastern steeds, horses that were famed for their speed and spirit. A magnificent Furusiyya manuscript, dating to the 14th century AD, on loan from the British Library, is a beautifully illustrated manual of horsemanship, including information on proper care for the horse, advanced riding techniques, expert weapon handling, manoeuvres and elaborate parade formations.

The horse has a long history on the Arabian Peninsula, becoming an important cultural phenomenon and a noted part of the traditional Bedouin way of life. The ‘Arabian horse’ was developed through selective breeding, and with features including a distinctive head profile and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most familiar horse breeds in the world. The exhibition includes ‘Gigapan’ panorama photography of rock art which show horses in scenes of various dates from sites in Saudi Arabia, as well as loans of objects from Qaryat al-Fau which include wall paintings and figurines.

The importance of fine horses in the Middle East is explored through the fascinating Abbas Pasha manuscript (dating to the 19th century and on loan from the King Abdulaziz Public Library, Riadyh). This document is the primary source of information about the lineage of the purebred Arabian horses acquired by Abbas Pasha (the viceroy of Egypt) throughout the Middle East.

The story of the Arabian breed of horse is examined in parallel to that of Wilfrid Scawan Blunt (1840-1922), poet and agitator, and Lady Anne Blunt (1837-1917), the granddaughter of Lord Byron. The Blunts travelled widely in the Middle East and established a celebrated stud for purebred Arabians, which was crucial for the survival of the Arabian breed, at Crabbet Park in Sussex, and another outside Cairo in Egypt.

Horses, including Arabians had long been imported from the Middle East to Britain, but from the 17th century, three Arabian stallions in particular were introduced, which, bred with native mares, produced the Thoroughbred breed, now the foundation of modern racing; some 95% of all modern Thoroughbreds are descended from these three horses. Paintings and prints, trophies and memorabilia explore their remarkable success and their influence on sport and society, from early race meetings through to modern equestrian events.

Faissal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad Al-Saud, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saudi Equestrian Fund said "It is well known that the horse has played a crucial role in the development of civilization, and that a close bond exists between horses and men. I am very pleased that it has been possible to support this exhibition in London which gives us an opportunity to look at different aspects of the history of the Arabian horse and the context from which it emerged."

The exhibition runs until 30 September 2012 and is part of the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee.

Admission is free.

Source: The British Museum [June 02, 2012]

As London hosts the 30th modern edition of the Olympic Games, Dr Craig Barker from the University's Nicholson Museum and Michelle Kiss, a Year 10 work experience student from William Carey Christian School, evoke the ancient Olympic spirit with a look at the origins of the world's oldest sporting festival that may provide parallels for the next three weeks of competition in London.

• The first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC at Olympia in Greece, a sanctuary site devoted to the Greek god Zeus. The ancient Olympics were held every four years, a tradition that remains today. However, whereas cities around the world compete to host the modern games, ancient-world athletes always competed in Olympia.

• Olympia boomed as the games increased in importance — a statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world — before the games were eventually abolished by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in 394 AD, supposedly because they were reminiscent of paganism. While there is much talk of the legacy of London 2012, Olympia and its athletic stadium is an important historical and archaeological site.

• In 2012, news surfaced that Australia's men's basketball team travelled to London in business class while their female equivalents languished in economy. However, during the first ancient games, gender equality in sport was even worse: women couldn't compete. Competitors were split into two groups, boys (12-18 years) and men (18+ years). Horses were also split into colts and fully grown age groups.

• While the composition of the crowds of spectators is less well understood, it's likely that only males and young girls were allowed to watch.

• In antiquity, a lit flame was tended throughout the celebration of the Olympics, and the idea of the fire was reintroduced in 1928 in Amsterdam. Every four years the Olympic flame is lit in front of the Temple of Hera then carried by torch to the host city. The torch relay was not an ancient practice and was introduced at the controversial 1936 Berlin Olympics.

• Judges were handpicked from people living in Elis, the area surrounding Olympia. The 'Elean Judges' enforced strict rules on the competitors: fines were issued for failing to arrive on time for the training period, cheating and for cowardice.

• Events in the ancient Olympics included foot races, discus, jump, javelin, boxing, pentathlon, pankration (a blend of boxing and wrestling) and chariot races. Most events, including the races, discus and javelin, took place in the Stadium of Olympia with other events taking place in the surrounding area.

• Before the start of any Olympic Games a truce would be announced, proclaiming that all wars, disputes and death penalties be put on hold until the end of the games. This truce also guaranteed athletes a safe journey to Olympia in the month leading up to the games. The truce was written on a bronze discus and placed in Olympia. The modern International Olympic Committee has revived the tradition of the truce, and all 193 United Nations member states have, for the first time, united to co-sponsor the Olympic Truce Resolution for the 2012 London Olympics.

• the sixth-century BC wrestler Milo of Croton, who was said to have died when he was wedged against a tree during a display of strength gone wrong and subsequently devoured by wolves

• Astylos, also of Croton, who competed at Olympic Games between 488 and 480 BC, but was expelled from his home city when he agreed to compete for Syracuse, and so can lay claim to being the first free-agent in sporting history

• Roman emperor Nero, who despite being thrown from his chariot in the 10-horse race at the 67 AD games, was still proclaimed the winner on the grounds that he would have won had he been able to complete the race

National Geographic Channels International has partnered with The Corner to create a global TV and print campaign for the launch of its two new series The ’80s. The Decade That Made Us and ’80s Greatest. The two series are an epic roller-coaster ride that offers an inside look at the political, technological, cultural and social revolution that created our modern world.

Using one of the most iconic puzzles of the 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube, as a storytelling device, the TV trailer highlights different images of world-changing innovations in the 80s, such as the internet, hip hop and mobile phones through the cube. In the spot, the cube is being masterfully played by UK Rubik’s Cube ‘3x3x3 One Handed’ champion Simon Crawford.

A Rubik’s Cube is also the centerpiece of a print campaign which juxtaposes 21st century and 80s images to show the evolution of the iPod and Spotify, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The 60-second TV ad launches this month all over the world together with an extensive multimedia campaign.

Emanuele Madeddu, Vice President of Creative and Consumer Marketing for NGCI, said: “In reacquainting viewers with the riveting moments of the 1980s, National Geographic Channel’s new series illustrate how the 80s truly shaped the way we live today – minus the shoulder pads. To capture this contemporary take on a decade that holds a unique wonder for viewers around the globe, The Corner and our in-house team developed a clean, strong concept with a clever and thoroughly modern execution.”

Tom Ewart, Founding Partner at The Corner, commented: “Sometimes the simple ideas are the best. Taking the ultimate 80s icon, the Rubik’s Cube, and using it to tell the story of ten dramatic years that changed our world, has created something wholly relevant and compelling.”

‘The ’80s. The Decade That Made Us’ airs in the UK on Sunday May 12th at 8pm on National Geographic Channel.

Credits:
Client: Emanual, Madeddu, marketing director, National Geographic Channel
Creative Advertising Agency: The Corner
Creative Director: Tom Ewart
Creative team: Tom Prendergast and Joe Stamp
Designer Rob Russell
Business Director: Oliver Morgan
Directors: Hoku & Adam Sound design
Production Company: Partizan

Virgin Trains launches a vintage inspired print ad campaign, "Fly Virgin Trains" was designed by the design shop I Love Dust who created the images to reflect the retro golden era of travel with a modern twist.

Credits:
Ad Agency: Elvis Communications
Copywriter: Ken Taylor
Art Director: Gavin McDonald
Design: I Love Dust

Business cards is your reputation

Online printing of business cards

More than 300 astonishing objects made from gold and other precious materials are presented in the major exhibition “Beyond El Dorado. Power and gold in ancient Colombia”, held by the British Museum in conjunction with the Museo del Oro, Bogotá. The exhibition opens on October 17, 2013 and will run through March 23, 2014.

In ancient Colombia gold was used to fashion some of the most visually dramatic and sophisticated works of art found anywhere in the Americas before European contact. This exhibition will feature over 300 exquisite objects drawn from the Museo del Oro in Bogotá, one of the best and most extensive collections of Pre-Hispanic gold in the world, as well as from the British Museum’s own unique collections. Through these exceptional objects the exhibition will explore the complex network of societies in ancient Colombia – a hidden world of distinct and vibrant cultures spanning 1600 BC to AD 1700 – with particular focus on the Muisca, Quimbaya, Calima, Tairona, Tolima and Zenú chiefdoms. This important but little understood subject will be explored in this unique exhibition following on from shows in Room 35 such as Ice Age art: arrival of the modern mind, Grayson Perry: Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman, Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World and Kingdom of Ife: sculptures from West Africa in shining a light on world cultures through their craftsmanship.

Although gold was not valued as currency in pre-Hispanic Colombia, it had great symbolic meaning. It was one way the elite could publicly assert their rank and semi-divine status, both in life and in death. The remarkable objects displayed across the exhibition reveal glimpses of these cultures’ spiritual lives including engagement with animal spirits though the use of gold objects, music, dancing, sunlight and hallucinogenic substances that all lead to a physical and spiritual transformation enabling communication with the supernatural. Animal iconography is used to express this transformation in powerful pieces demonstrating a wide range of imaginative works of art, showcasing avian pectorals, necklaces with feline claws or representations of men transforming into spectacular bats though the use of profuse body adornment.

The exhibition will further explore the sophisticated gold working techniques, including the use of tumbaga, an alloy composed of gold and copper, used in the crafting the most spectacular masterworks of ancient Colombia. Extraordinary poporos (lime powder containers) showcase the technical skills achieved both in the casting and hammering techniques of metals by ancient Colombian artists. Other fascinating objects will include an exceptional painted Muisca textile and one of the few San Agustín stone sculptures held outside Colombia. Those, together with spectacular large scale gold masks and other materials were part of the objects that accompanied funerary rituals in ancient Colombia.

Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum said “Ancient Colombia has long represented a great fascination to the outside world and yet there is very little understood about these unique and varied cultures. As part of the Museum’s series of exhibitions that shine a light on little known and complex ancient societies this exhibition will give our visitors a glimpse into these fascinating cultures of pre-hispanic South America and a chance to explore the legend of El Dorado through these stunning objects.”

“American Airlines and American Airlines Cargo are thrilled to be partnering with the British Museum on Beyond El Dorado: power and gold in ancient Colombia.” said Tristan Koch, Managing Director of Cargo Sales for EMEA – American Airlines. “American Airlines is a supporter of the arts in many cities that we serve around the world and it’s exciting to be linking the two destinations of Bogotá, Colombia and London by transporting precious passengers and cargo between them.”

Source: The British Museum [August 04, 2013]

“Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo?”

If the modern woman uttered these lines from her balcony, you can bet your bard Romeo would not be there to hear them. In fact, the modern Romeo would most likely be at his best friend Julian’s place having a few beers while watching `the game’. Sure, it is not the traditional plot of a romance, but stories of a man and woman falling in love are of little importance to cinema audiences these days. The new niche market is man and man love stories.

No, I’m not referring to Brokeback Mountain syndrome, rather the current cinema trend of bromantic comedies. Gone are the days when audiences would fork out their hard earned cash to see any film where Hugh Grant would stutter, twitch and be British for two hours before sweeping the girl off her feet. No longer do people turn to butter at the sight of Julia Roberts flashing her signature smile whilst wondering whether they can climb into her mouth. Instead, audiences now want their romantic comedies served with a large side of testosterone.

Coined in the nineties, the term bromance refers to a close but non-sexual relationship between straight men. The portrayal of this form of homosocial intimacy on the big screen isn’t a new phenomenon. One only has to look at films such as Wayne’s World and Dumb and Dumber for examples of early bromantic comedies, whilst themes of bromance are evident in movies like Good Will Hunting and Clerks. However, only recently has the bromantic comedy formula emerged as a stand-alone genre.

Why, you ask? Blame filmmaker Judd Apatow and his uber-successful films Talladega Nights: The Ballard of Ricky Bobby and Superbad which highlighted the box-office earning potential of the male love story. Initially the first two or three films were a clever twist on the formula of a tired genre; boy meets boy, boy loses boy, boy gets boy back. Yet bromantic comedies are now as frequent as Lindsay Lohan at a bottle shop.

I guess you cannot blame Apatow for every entry into the never-ending stream of bromantic comedies. That would be like blaming George Clooney for Ocean’s Twelve, when really he was only partially responsible. Plus there have been some hilarious films under the bromantic comedy umbrella such as Pineapple Express, The Wedding Crashers and Role Models. But their entertainment value is dimmed under the sheer weight of unoriginal movies raining down.

It is ironic that given bromantic comedies were initially a fresh take on a spent genre, their greatest problem is the same as the original genre from which they were born. After just seven years of mainstream success, already this cinema trend has become generic. All it takes to make and sell one of these films is a blossoming bromance (obviously), two semi-appealing lead actors and a few penis jokes. Done. Before you can say `dude’, males in their teens to late twenties are queued up down the block to see the latest thing they have seen before.

The reality is that as long as the formula continues to create box-office revenue, Hollywood studios will keep pumping out bromantic comedies as often and fast as they can until audiences spontaneously self-combust under the sheer weight of onscreen homosocial intimacy. In the meantime, the success of the genre (within a genre) makes me wonder whether we will see the emergence of a bromantic comedy sub-genre. Perhaps fromantic comedies will be the next big earner. After all, who would not want to watch a love story between two people with Afros? Or perhaps toemantic comedies will take over. A price cannot be put on the entertainment value of seeing two kindred spirits’ united by their love for feet and toes in the manner to which Luis Bunuel was accustomed. It would have my ticket. Oh, what a grande take it would be on the notions of timeless romance.

“Romeo, Romeo, where are thou Romeo?”

Memo to Juliette: he is over at Julian’s placing playing footsy and sucking his toes.

New FAB1 campaign by Partners Andrews Aldridge for Breast Cancer Care. Presenter Chris Evans came up with the idea to recreate FAB1 as a modern day Rolls-Royce and rent it out to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. Rolls-Royce, a PAA client, teamed up with Evans, reproduced the car and made it available for hire.
Partners Andrews Aldridge has created an integrated campaign ‘#FAB1Million’ to support the initiative. The aim of the campaign is to raise £1 million for the charity over the next 12 months.
Press: Breast Cancer Care gets Thunderbirds’ FAB1 on the road for new campaign The iconic pink car owned by Thunderbirds character Lady Penelope, FAB1, is the driving force behind a new campaign by Partners Andrews Aldridge for Breast Cancer Care.
Presenter Chris Evans came up with the idea to recreate FAB1 as a modern day Rolls-Royce and rent it out to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.Rolls-Royce, a PAA client, teamed up with Evans, reproduced the car and made it available for hire.
Partners Andrews Aldridge has created an integrated campaign ‘#FAB1Million’ to support the initiative. The aim of the campaign is to raise £1 million for the charity over the next 12 months.
The campaign will launch on April 18th, the same day Chris Evans, Gary Barlow, James May and Prof. Brian Cox attempt to drive FAB1 from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 24 hours.
Partners created the visual identity for FAB1 Million and has collaborated with sister agency Fantastic Thinking to deliver a website showing the route of the drive and stop-off points at www.fab1million.co.uk.
The agency has also created a Twitter personality and Facebook page for the car, which will serve as the hub of information for the campaign, as well as encouraging people to donate and hire out FAB1. They also plan to support the campaign throughout the year with a series of initiatives.

Partners has collaborated with The Scarlet Life and Brand Events in making this campaign come to life.

Breast Cancer Care chief executive, Samia al Qadhi, said: “FAB1Million is an incredibly exciting project and we’re grateful to everyone involved in making Chris Evans’ brilliant idea come to life. We can’t wait to see the FAB1 Rolls-Royce on the road and raising funds to ensure that no-one faces breast cancer alone. Funds raised by FAB1Million will enable Breast Cancer Care to provide free information and support to many thousands of people affected by breast cancer. So whether you book the car for a special day or make a donation through the FAB1 text donation line, we hope everyone across the UK will get involved.”
People can take part by texting FAB to 83222 for @BCCare. Every time the total of donations reach £7,500, a lucky person will be chosen to win the FAB1 car for a day.

Modern ballet mixing elements of classical ballet and a dash of bboy. Levi's meets up with Korea National Ballet and performs a modern ballet on the streets of Seoul for their Stretch to Fit Jeans.
Composed by Rafael May, featuring dancers Kim LiHoe — a classically trained ballet dancer and Lee DongHoon, Bboy trained and classically inspired. Choreographer by Sejung Hong and Director by Lee Jae Cheol.

Additional Levis Ballet Stretch Ad Credits:
Ad Agency: Tribal DDB, Korea

Body Shirt: Summer Collection

Happy Day, everyone! If it's raining as much near all of you as it is over here in New York, I sincerely hope you're all staying dry! What's the best thing to do on a rainy day, in my opinion? Online (window) shop! I love learning about new and up-and-coming stores, as well as checking in with my favorite websites to see what was recently added to the inventory (or what's on sale!).

The store where this beautiful dress came from is certainly not unknown - this is the Glacier dress from the super-popular, super-lovely website Shabby Apple! This dress is part of their Berkshire line. I love what they have to say about this line of beautiful dresses:

"Made for the last breaths of summer, this line embraces the Woman-in-the-wild--with basic,feminine silhouettes in easy-to-wear fabrics that provide you the ease and comfort you need for a weekend getaway, a last summer barbecue, or even a long day at the office. Slip into one and feel the joy of the evanescent summer - you'll be glad you did."

I'm sold! As I sit in my apartment shivering and watching the students battle with umbrellas in the storm-like conditions, I could certainly go for a sweet, lingering summer day! Even though this line is inspired by the end of summer, I think this dress is totally a fall piece. It's made from the "sturdiest, no-fuss poly blend," and has the sweetest pinstripe detailing. I love the pleats in the skirt. I think this dress has an incredibly-flattering shape that anyone can wear! Look at those details! So pretty and graceful. Thank you, Shabby Apple, for making such a wonderful dress.

Suiting Up at Express

I've always loved the chic styles in the windows of Express! Whenever I need something classic and pretty for an event or a night out, I'm eager to check out what's new in the store. Right now I'm crazy about the women's suits that can be found in store or online. These tailored pieces are so flattering and would definitely make a statement.

I mean, look at how cute the Rouched Sleeve Jacket and Wide Leg Editor Pant Suit is! I think the silhouette is modern and just so classy. I could totally see myself wearing this to a job interview. Look at the Luster Tweed Jacket and Editor Pant Suit. The details on the jacket are lovely. I love the pockets. I think this suit can easily go from work to play with the addition of some fun accessories (a pretty necklace or a cute clutch).

Guess what, readers! Right now there's an Express sweepstakes taking place on their Facebook page! The Work It Sweepstakes is offering one winner a $500 Express Suiting Makeover! How great is that? Wouldn't you like the opportunity to add one of these cute suits to your wardrobe?

What Express suit do you like best? Where would you like to wear one of their suits, and how would you make it uniquely you?

G-Star Denim new Spring/Summer 2013 campaign 'The Art of RAW' animated video is not what we've been use to seeing to seeing in typical denim ads. The campaign captures the G-Star fascination with the many facets of RAW in unexpected combinations, as seen in the Skeleton Dog art object within the campaign and the artist collaboration with electronic dance music producer Skrillex.

Accompanying the Art of RAW video is a custom created track created by electronic dance music producer Skrillex. He is a natural fit for the artist collaboration; RAW talent, self-made digital music pioneer and genuine fan of the G-Star Elwood denim. Currently Skrillex is packing stadiums with his signature sound, "a mixture of dubstep, electro-house and fidget," in the words of the producer. G-Star appreciates Skrillex as a RAW talent who has developed in a range of disciplines, from lead-singer, to solo artist, to producer with his own record label.

The video, ending with the G-Star signature Skeleton Dog, celebrates a passion for denim craftsmanship and its unlimited possibilities. Known for innovating 3D design in denim, G-Star and the brand's designers continually seek to pioneer new construction techniques, fabric treatments and denim creations through experimentation with the RAW Art Series, including the Skeleton Dog centrepiece. By looking outside and beyond the world of fashion, G-Star is able to uncover and apply new concepts within the medium of modern denim.

Heineken introduces new limited edition star bottles, the first time they've redesigned it's packaging since 1946.

The new "Star Bottle" design (above) is for U.S. consumers and scheduled to be on shelves nation wide by March of next year. The James Bond Skyfall limited editions bottles are below.

"The newly designed Star Bottle allows Heineken to take a huge step forward in the globalization of the brand, which started with our 'Open Your World' marketing campaign and our more recent draught program," says Colin Westcott-Pitt, VP of Marketing, Heineken USA. "The Heineken bottle has gone through a number of progressions but has always maintained its core iconography that has become a symbol of upscale premium beer, and this philosophy will remain the same with the new Star Bottle design."

"The Star Bottle will be available in 12 oz. and 22 oz. sizes and features a taller, thinner shape giving it a more modern and premium look. The bottle also features an embossed thumb groove that improves grip and encourages people to hold the bottle at a lower point, keeping the beer colder. While the bottle is changing, consumers can still expect the same smooth, full-bodied beer with a complexity that balances fruity notes with mild bitterness that has been synonymous with Heineken for more than 100 years."

What do you think about the new bottles?

All cultures throughout time have tried to honor and commemorate those they have lost. A new exhibit at the Oriental Institute Museum will show how the living cared for the dead, and how the ancients conceptualized the idea of the human soul in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and Israel/Palestine.

The Oriental Institute’s Neubauer Expedition to Zincirli, Turkey in 2008, during which an inscribed funerary monument was discovered, inspired the exhibit. The monument, which dates to about 735 B.C, is carved with an image of a man named Katumuwa seated before a table heaped with offerings and with a lengthy inscription in Aramaic—a language widely used in the ancient Middle East. The text proved to be the longest-known memorial inscription of its type.

“The text gave us a whole new understanding of the ancient belief system in eastern Turkey and northern Syria. Although Katumuwa knew that the realm of the dead could be a cruel and lonely place, the rituals he describes that his family would enact on his behalf would give him a happy afterlife,” said exhibit curator Virginia R. Herrmann, PhD’11. Herrmann, now a visiting professor at Dartmouth College, was part of the team that discovered the stela and co-curated “In Remembrance of Me.”

The text also revealed that the rituals took place not just at the grave or in the home, but in a private mortuary chapel next door to a temple—exactly the setting where the Katumuwa stela was discovered. The stela itself is in the Gaziantep Museum in eastern Turkey, but a precise facsimile of its front has been produced for the exhibit.

Rituals of remembrance

Other sections of the exhibit explore how commemoration and communication with the dead was enacted, the importance of banquet scenes, and how the concept of the soul differed in ancient Egypt, Iraq and Israel/Palestine.

Rituals of remembrance of lost loved ones—from memorial services to Day of the Dead celebrations in Latin America and even the “funeral selfie” phenomenon—continue to be an important aspect of many cultures.

Jack Green, chief curator of the Oriental Institute Museum, said, “In coordinating this exhibit, we found that although death can often be a taboo topic in Western society, there are plenty of examples today that commemorate the dead through festive and colorful celebrations—the Dia de Muertos being just one example.”

Source: Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago [March 13, 2014]

Kevin Spacey is brilliant in the new ad campaign for American Airlines created by the ad agency McCann, London, enjoy a sneak peek of the spot set to air in a couple of days.

Official Press Release:
Kevin Spacey, the Academy Award-winning actor, takes on three new roles as part of a campaign to promote American Airline’s unique brand philosophy of understanding the individual flyer.

The 60-second ad ‘The Individual’ breaks on UK television on 12th November.
Kevin Spacey appears as a slick designer type, a creative screen writer and a Malibu family guy and finally as himself in the series of ads.
Director Chris Palmer of Gorgeous who’s previous work included the Skoda ‘Baking Of....’ and the Budweiser ‘Lyrics’ ad, worked closely with Kevin Spacey in developing and bringing to life the three characters who reflect the broad American Airlines premium flyer demographic.
American Airlines is tapping into the rich values associated with ‘Modern America’; egalitarianism, primacy of the individual and the impeccable but informal approach to customer service.
All the characters are united at the end of the film in their appreciation of American Airlines understanding ‘what makes me, me, whoever I happen to be.
Two additional 20 second ads bring the proposition to life. ‘Multiple Meals’ shows the three characters having distinctive dining habits, all of which are accommodated by American Airline’s ‘Dine Upon Request’ service. In ‘Multiple Boarding’, the characters are shown checking in their various ways, from a traditional boarding pass to a smartphone option.
The campaign is backed by out-of-home advertising and digital activity which has also been created by McCann, and ties in with American Airline’s evolved ‘discerning flyers’ strategy, developed to widen American’s appeal, to be more inclusive of a wider audience for First and Business.
The first screening of the Advertisement on TV will break on UK television on 12th November at 6.05 pm on ITV1 during the International Football match between England and Spain.

Maria Sebastian, Vice President, Sales and Marketing EMEA at American Airlines comments:
We believe that this new campaign is an exciting development for American Airlines as we have Kevin Spacey creating a number of unique characters purely for our campaign. It’s interesting and engaging – but crucially, it also conveys our service ethos, treating discerning customers as individuals.”

Geoff Smith and Simon Butler, Co-Creative Directors at McCann London, said of working with Spacey: “The casting of Kevin Spacey for the trio of roles was crucial to the emotional appeal of this ad, and his performance really lifts it to a higher level. He manages to combine an everyman quality with an indefinable touch of class, which sits seamlessly with the ‘discerning flyers’ message that the ad conveys.”

Chris Palmer says: “Kevin Spacey really nailed the characters, as you'd expect. I can't imagine any other living actor who could have transformed into such diverse and believable characters. It was weird shooting with him as a totally different character each day. The crew didn't recognise him when he came on set, even on the third day. You completely forgot it was Kevin Spacey in there. In fact, it was a bit of shock to see him as himself on day four.”

Credits:
Project: The Individual
Client: Stephen Davis Head of Marketing EMEA American Airlines
Agency: McCann London
Brief: American Airlines is the airline that treats you like an individual
Copywriter: Geoff Smith
Art Director: Simon Butler
Creative Directors: Geoff Smith & Simon Butler
Worldwide Chief Creative Officer/TM: Bill Oakley
Director: Chris Palmer
Production Company: Gorgeous
Producer: Michaela Johnson
Agency Producer: Paula Mackersey

Translation has unveiled the second chapter of its ongoing brand campaign for Champs Sports with “Game Loves an Audience,” a dynamic new marketing program for the back-to-school season. Seizing on the pins-and-needles feeling of anticipation that comes along with every new school year, “Game Loves an Audience” is all about looking good, and wanting everyone to see it. The campaign reinforces Champs’ well-established “We Know Game” tagline with three :30 spots, daily content for Champs Sports’ social media channels, digital banners, and a custom digital hub.

“The first day back to school is more than just a day,” notes Translation CCO John Norman, “it’s the red carpet moment of the school year. It’s a reunion, a chance to try something new, and a special moment to stand out. It’s the perfect time for a brand like Champs Sports to help you show off your game with new kicks, stylish tees, and a fresh look.”

“Translation, through its new brand work, has done an exemplary job of expanding on the idea of ‘We Know Game’,” explains Champs Sports Director of Marketing Scott Burton. “We’re showing that ‘Game’ is as much about athletic skill as it is about swagger and confidence in all other arenas. Moreover, the work is done through the lens of a high school athlete, making the impact and its meaning to our consumers relevant during this time of year when students are going back-to-school.”

Creative Credits:  
Brand/Client: Champs Sports
Campaign Title: Champs Sports Back to School Campaign
Spot Title: “Joy Ride,” “First Period,” “Practice”
Launch Date: August 2014

Agency: Translation
Chief Executive Officer: Steve Stoute
Chief Creative Officer: John Norman
President: Nils Peyron
Executive Creative Director: Jay Berry
Executive Creative Director: Marc d’Avignon
Creative Director: Mat Jerrett
Associate Creative Director, Copywriter: Matt Herman
Associate Creative Director, Art Director: Matthew McFerrin
Art Director: Adam Chang
Copywriter: Greg Dyer
Art Director: Allison Bulow
Copywriter: Jameson Rossi
Director of Content Production: Miriam Franklin
Producer: Carole McCarty
Assistant Producer: Monica Johnson
Head of Brand Strategy: Tim Flood
Strategist: Shon Mogharabi
Music Supervision: Nick Pacelli
VP Account Director: Daniel Mize
Account Supervisor: Patrice Caracci
Account Executive: Steven Molinari
Asst. Account Executive: Jackson Brodie

Production Company: @radical.media, Los Angeles
Director: Michael Lawrence
Director of Photography: Alex Disenhof
Executive Producer: Donna Portaro
Line Producer: Scott Cunningham

Editorial Company: Cut + Run NYC
Editor: Dayn Williams
Assistant Editor: Katie Pehowski
Post Executive Producer: Rana Martin
Post Producer (“Joy Ride,” “First Period”): Olivia Chiu
Post Producer (“Practice”): Ellen Lavery

Telecine Company: CO3 NYC
Colorist: Damien Vandercruyssen
Producer: Katie Andrews
Assistant Colorist: Matt Paul

On line: Cut + Run
Flame Artist: Joseph Grosso
Assistant: Matt Dolven
Producer: Julia Williams

Audio Post: Heard City
Mixer: Evan Mangiamele
Executive Producer: Gloria Pitagorsky
Producer: Katie Flynn

Music by: Elias Arts
Creative Director: Greg Grifith
Producer: Matt Phenix

In Mother's first TV and web campaign for Castello Cheese, we are introduced to the Marquis de Castello, a man with a passion for cheese, women and wild parties. Set in a lavish castle, the spot is set in the 18th Century with a modern twist. Each cheese brings a different mood to the party at the House of Castello seducing the revelers until dawn.
Everyone is talking about the Marquis de Castello®...
Take a deeper look inside the House of Castello®, an adventurous world of decadence and extraordinary cheeses.
This is the world where Castello® was created. From rich and feisty Creamy Blue to the invigorating and full-bodied Herrgård®, from the fiery and experimental Black Pepper Halo to the seductive Creamy White.
Credits:
Client: Castello Cheese
Spot Title: "Marquis De Castello"
Ad Agency: Mother London
Production Company: RSA London
Director: Jonas Akerlund
DP: Tim Bret-Day
Producer: Scott Horan
Editorial Company: Fresh Editorial/Los Angeles, CA
Editor: Richard Cooperman
Executive Producer: Sean DeVeaux
Post Production: The Moving Picture Company, London
Sound Production: Siren, London
Music Production: Massive Music, Amsterdam

Extreme Kama Sutra

Swedish adv agency «Volt» has shown the Kama Sutra poses in advertising of a boutique of children clothes.

"You do the future buyers, we do clothes for them", — underlines a slogan. Visual realization shows how it's possible to make the future buyers.

Ancient Hindus did not consider intimate entertainments as something indecent or sinful. For this reason they managed to create a masterpiece which remains to this day the most popular book.

The Kama Sutra allows any person to open the new world of fantastic pleasures, love joys and the unearthly pleasures. Here everyone will find modern outlook on carnal joys and desired satisfaction. Learn to love itself!

Black Thursday in USA

On October, 28th, 1929 The Wall Street Journal left under heading: Dow Jones Industrial has fallen on 38,33, that meant index falling on 12,82%. Next day the index has fallen to 30,57 points or 11,73 %. These two days of falling of the market of a steel the second and the third among record days of falling of an index in percent the relation.

Within 6 days the index (Dow Jones Industrial Average) has lost more than 96 points or about 30%. Within six days the industry has lost 96 points is about 30 % of cost. So one of the most serious economic crises in history began: «Great Depression».

In a photo — the leading article of newspaper The London Herald from October, 25th, 1929 with heading «WALL STREET CRASH!» And article describing events «Black Thursday in America».

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Chivas Regal have partnered with Academy Award winning short film-maker Joachim Back to make two cinematic films that focus on the trials, tribulations and idiosyncrasies of modern male friendships. The films will act as the online centerpiece to a campaign that spans TV, print, and social media.

Joachim Black takes the audience through break-ups, breakdowns and good times and brings his trademark comic sensibility to celebrate real friends and the stories that bind them forever.

Film and Chivas lovers alike can raise a glass to Big Bear or Twinkle and discover the full story online here at the Chivas website.

The films form part of Chivas Regal’s ongoing Live with Chivalry campaign which launched in 2008 and encourages men to aspire not just to have more, but to be more.

Following the success of the “It’s not quite Carling” campaign, the first advert for Carling British Cider will be making its debut on TV tomorrow. The ‘refreshingly perfect’ ad, which is the third in the series of the wider Carling campaign, shows one of the new Carling heroes perform their most outlandish feat yet in a bid to get a taste of the award-winning cider.
The ad created by Creature features one half of the new Carling duo, Dylan, attempting an astonishing stunt combining a bungee jump with apple bobbing. With his friend Jon and a crowd of onlookers watching, will Dylan succeed in his feat or fall just short and earn the verdict: ‘It’s good...but it’s not quite Carling’?

Carling British Cider launched exclusively in the off-trade in March and won a gold medal at the International Brewing Awards 2013, reinforcing the results of consumer tests, which proved that the modern, premium cider was preferred to the market-leading brands on taste, refreshment, and likelihood to buy. The new ad, celebrating the ‘refreshingly perfect’ taste of Carling British Cider, hits TV screens tomorrow and the campaign also includes outdoor, mobile and digital advertising throughout 2013.