The “second screen” (smartphones, tablets, PCs) and how it complements the first screen (TV) have become hot topics over the past year, but the phenomenon isn’t new: Nielsen was reporting on Internet/TV multitasking four years ago, and one of our 10 Trends for 2009 was the idea of Distraction as Entertainment. But today the spike in connected screens and services that link them with the big screen is creating intriguing new possibilities for TV broadcasters and marketers alike.

The second screen can turn TV viewing into a shared experience (“social TV”), enable fans to go deeper into the story world, allow instant follow-up on a call to action, extend a message beyond the limits of 30 seconds—and the list goes on. Perhaps most important to marketers, it means integration in communications will reach a much more mature level thanks to the mobile, seamless and multiscreen interaction in which consumers will be immersed. While the fight for engagement will be more fierce, ROI will improve thanks to more targeted, personalized and therefore meaningful branded experiences.
Here are some numbers:

•The vast majority of American tablet owners (88%) and smartphone owners (86%) surveyed by Nielsen in Q4 2011 said they used their device while watching TV at least once during a 30-day period. This multitasking occurred daily among more than 4 in 10 U.S. tablet and smartphone owners. Nielsen’s four-country study, which included the U.S., U.K, Germany and Italy, found that Americans were significantly more likely to be multitasking. • Among U.S. tablet owners age 13-plus, Nielsen found that a significant percentage followed up online after seeing a TV ad, with 27% looking up related information and 22% looking up related coupons or deals. More than 4 in 10 checked a social networking site during either a TV show or commercial break. • Among respondents to a recent Hollywood Reporter survey of social network users ages 13 to 49, 79% always or sometimes visit Facebook while watching TV, and 83% surf other parts of the Web. • Forrester reports that 63% of Gen Xers and 74% of Millennials use a second-screen device more than half the time they watch TV.

The top 10 Ways Marketers Are Using the Second Screen are: 1. Leveraging the small screen during big live events 2. Incentivizing ad engagement 3. Gamifying TV ads 4. Bridging a campaign’s TV and digital elements 5. Syncing e-commerce with TV content 6. Sponsoring second-screen extras 7. Giving sports fans a game of their own 8. Spurring social chatter with hashtags 9. Enabling real-time interactivity 10. Creating transmedia opportunities

For more info on the top click here

source (wpp-jwtintelligence)

#1: Businesses consolidate social media activities, learn to choose the right channels and integrate new content consumption practices

#2: Photo and video social networks will blossom – Yes! “webvideo” again.

#3: Brands embrace real time – Social Engagement. 2012 will be the year when brands will consistently-designed presence across multiple channels.

#4: Strategy takes center stage for social media and new apps help with content overload – Marketers adopt smarter social media tools to consolidate and be proactive and specially using the right SMM tool for the right “service, I mean Twitter for customer service, Facebook for community, Crowd-sourcing via a niche network, branding via Flick and etc

#5: Businesses outsource content creation and regularly creating unique content becomes essential

#6: Facebook’s growth inspires unique Facebook marketing experience and more branded Facebook apps are on the way

#7: Competition on Google+ rises, more social players will join in and a meaningful second tier of social networks emerges

#8: YouTube takes the lead, provides a social experience

#9: More “do it all” services will become available

Two new papers based on data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft scrutinize the complex chemical activity on the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan. While non-biological chemistry offers one possible explanation, some scientists believe these chemical signatures bolster the argument for a primitive, exotic form of life or precursor to life on Titan’s surface. According to one theory put forth by astrobiologists, the signatures fulfill two important conditions necessary for a hypothesized “methane-based life.”

At least two astrobiologists at NASA Ames Research Center, confirmed that there are complex bio-chemical processes occurring in Titan’s atmosphere compatible with metabolism of methane-based life forms. Obviously another group of scientists of NASA, quickly jumped to dismiss the existence of alien in the misty moon of Saturn, but a couple of odd features on Titan’s surface, captured by the orbiter, might suggest otherwise.

This lack of acetylene is important because that chemical would likely be the best energy source for a methane-based life on Titan, said Chris McKay, an astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., who proposed a set of conditions necessary for this kind of methane-based life on Titan in 2005.

“We suggested hydrogen consumption because it’s the obvious gas for life to consume on Titan, similar to the way we consume oxygen on Earth,” McKay said. “If these signs do turn out to be a sign of life, it would be doubly exciting because it would represent a second form of life independent from water-based life on Earth.”

Since 1859, when Charles Darwin published his book  – On the Origin of the Species – and proposed the scientific theory of evolution, a different view of where humanity originated.

With such a controversial subject, we can’t deny today a survival of the fittest philosophy in our modern life. Society moved from an agricultural system to an industrial in a matter of 200 years. We are dependent on electricity, computers, cellphones and all the gadgets we could list. The speed of information increased astronomically in the last 10 years, and you need to move fast, think fast and through the Internet we are part of a great network that is growing and growing everyday.

Because of this speed, time becomes our enemy. How many of us would appreciate that extra hour, week or year to accomplish our goals or dreams. We need more time, we need to live longer – that may be possible in the short future.

Many studies in the field of longevity and disease being done today, are being developed together with a new study called Singularity. In short, Singularity is the development of artificial intelligence. But how could that improve our lives?

In a recent article from Computer World, Intel commemorated its 40th anniversary with a statement that human and computer intelligence will merge in 40 years (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9110578/Intel_Human_and_computer_intelligence_will_merge_in_40_years). But let’s face it, there won’t be many people interested in the idea of brain surgery to implant some kind of a chip. Well, that surgery may not be necessary!

Now going from science fiction to science fact, this year the Allen Institute for Brain Science completed the detailed map of the human brain (http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/651858.html). Also if you want to spend some time to research, you can find the studies of an international scientific research a project called The HUMAN GENOME PROJECT (HGP), a study to analyze and change the human DNA for a better, strong and healthy human race. Basically the study will implement a possible protein chip that will change the human DNA and allow the connectivity between the human brain and a futuristic artificial intelligence. Surgery will not be necessary, and the  projection of this is to start to happening in 40 years.
Now Going back to science fiction – we will have this option: With just a shot, a vaccine, or medication and bang‚ you are disease free, capable of living up to 500 years and with the power of being part of a great network in your hands, I mean brain. Many of you may think the pharmaceutical industry will never allow that. Well, think of it as a very expensive vaccine with financial payment like a mortgage payment. You will have 100 years to pay and 400 to live. Still, a great gift!

Another thought on this will be something like the socio economic differences, that we have today. People will have this shot, the individuals who pay for the vaccine will have the genetic advantage and will stand up on top of the others. The class without “the DNA shot”, will not have credit or good job opportunities, their kids won’t be able to attendant schools, travel won’t be allowed, etc… It will be a must have. The worry you will have that your brain is connected to a world network, where your thoughts could be controlled, won’t matter any more. You and your family need to survive.

I would like to have your opinion on this science fact.  And if you want to read more, there is a couple links below on the interesting and (I believe so polemic subject.

Biological cognitive enhancement in humans may cause the Singularity to occur more quickly than it otherwise would.

The Singularity Institute

300 was a huge blockbuster with over $210M in box office sales. The movie’s producer Mark Canton has returnedto bring Immortals, releasing today.  Despite a long list of highly regarded upcoming projects, Canton and director Tarsem Singh don’t hold out on the green screen setup and CGI production in Immortals.

For those not familiar with the movie, it centers on Theseus (Henry Cavill), a mortal who teams up with the Greek gods in order to defeat the power-hungry King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke).  The film also stars Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Isabel Lucas, Joseph Morgan, Kellan Lutz, and Stephen Dorff.  Trust me, it is a must see, especially if you have an affinity for gore laced with special effects.

The film’s star, Henry Cavill is currently in production on ’300′ director, Zack Snyder’s ‘Man of Steel’, where he’ll play the title role of Superman.

Producer Mark Canton has also given news of an upcoming ’300′ sequel with the working title ‘Battle of Artemisia’. No word yet on whether Gerard Butler will reprise his role as King Leonidas.

In the exclusive behind-the-scenes video below, members of the effects team explain how director Tarsem Singh pulled off the film’s epic and eye-popping battles and stamped the ancient story with a grand style of it’s own. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy.

 Click here if you missed our previous blog about 300.

 The introduction of the cover photo, which is approximately 850px X 315px, has the potential to entice formerly non-interested users to become a fan and interact in your brands Page.  People are attracted to images, that is, anything flashy and in your face stimulates an immediate reaction, so for companies who are branding their image, the addition of the cover page may be advantageous for marketers.

One aspect that still remains favorable for marketers is that Facebook is free.  With the exception of pay-per-click and impression advertisements, the use of Facebook is entirely free for all users.   However, with that, many companies see the potential in having this free marketing platform and create a Facebook Page for their company.  Unfortunately, many companies that created a nonchalant Page developed a Facebook presence that lacked in creative content, engaging material and as a result, did not capitalize on what Facebook has to offer.  Facebook, if managed strategically, can be a markers dream, promoting small businesses, increasing customer loyalty and developing a virtual brand presence that doesn’t need to be calculated into their budget.

If Facebook Timeline is launched for both Profiles and Pages, marketers will need to develop imaginative content in order to rise above the competition.  An alteration with the new Facebook Newsfeed will allow users to decipher which stories are worthy enough to be considered a “Top Story,” putting pressure on brands to be innovative with their marketing approaches.  For some companies who may have missed the concept of Facebook Pages, this is will be an opportunity for them to re-invent their Facebook presence.

Go beyond what others will be doing with the new Facebook Timeline (if launched).  Veer away from targeting the established fans that are aware of your company and focus more on those who may be on the bubble.  Offer incentives, promote new products or even create a contest where the winner will become a citizen journalist, or Blogger, for your company.  Remember that Facebook is not a bulletin board for information and events, this will only clutter your wall and most importantly, it will not generate a conversation.  Always consider when posting content to your Facebook to construct a multi-way conversation in which users will want to comment and respond.

It is clear that the majority of Facebook users adapt to changes as they’re launched so I predict the same will happen with the launch of Facebook Timeline.  After all, the current Facebook was once criticized on its release date, but nonetheless, users are now comfortable with it and are moving on to criticize the new changes.

K-pop is largely popular due to the Internet. Websites like Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and tons of other networking sites have allowed the Korean Idols to build large fan bases quickly. The SM Town World Tour- Live in Paris concert exemplifies just how much social networking has helped Kpop Idols. The director of a French national broadcasting channel, France 2 TV, commented,“14,000 tickets were sold out in two days with only minimal advertising”. American P.R., advertising/marketing and other businesses need to jump on this global opportunity.

Businesses must realize this is, at the very least, a two way street. Connecting with Kpop Idols also means Koreans will be able to associate more with American stars as well. Both countries already enjoy each other’s entertainment industries and products. For example there is a Korean Bowl in California every year and Koreans already listen to American music. The relationship however could be stronger. If the relationship becomes stronger between USA and Korea, perhaps other Asian countries will tighten their entertainment bonds with the US as well.

Yesterday Korea’s top labels  gathered to create a global K-pop concert brand ‘M-Live’. Better move fast America.

Some of the their most  popular artists are:

• TVXQ also known as DBSK  (they are extremely popular)
• BoA (She was the first Korean to go international)
• Big Bang
• SNSD
• Wonder Girls

For more information on Korean artists visit:

• http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_7_1.jsp
• www.Allkpop.com

Sources: http://www.allkpop.com/2011/06/why-are-foreigners-so-captivated-with-k-pop

First of all when you look at the price of a gallon of gas these days, current national average of about $3.65, the only thing that comes to mind as most consumers sigh in disgust or curse their local convenient store clerk, is how high the price of gas seems. But in terms of true money, gasoline is actually very cheap. Now before you say “this guy needs to put away the crack pipe”, please read on as we take a brief trip through history.

From the 1920’s up to about 1970 the national average price of gas was about 30 cents a gallon. In fact I remember filling up our metal gas container at the local corner gas station for only a quarter. Now that was 1970-1971 in what was still undeveloped South Florida. Perhaps more densely populated areas like New York or California were a bit higher, but then again average was about 30 cents.

Then in 1971 something happened. It was at this time that President Richard Nixon took the dollar off of the gold standard. In other words, the US dollar was no longer backed by anything tangible, like gold, but was now based on the fact that the US dollar was the world’s reserve currency, strengthened by the fact that OPEC only sold oil to countries who paid with US dollars. Meaning, that if a country wanted to purchase oil, they had to exchange their currency for dollars. Talk about cornering the market (but that is another topic for later).

Furthermore, something else that had occurred six years earlier in 1965 that would have a profound effect on prices today and went quietly unnoticed by the majority of the US population, with the probable exception of any coin and/or precious metal dealers, was the fact that the US mint had changed the metallurgical make up of the country’s coinage. Quarters, and dimes for that matter, were now minted primarily of copper and nickel. Prior to 1965 however, these coins were made up of 90% silver. “So what” you say. Well, here’s what. Historically, it is proven that gold and silver have always retained their intrinsic value, in other words, throughout the entire history of mankind, these precious metals have always been accepted by the populace as true money.

In the past it may simply have been because of their luster. Gold being an inert metal, means that it does not corrode, rust or deteriorate in any capacity. Silver will tarnish, but can easily be polished to perfection. Today the use of these metals is incalculable as they are used not just as a store of monetary value, but can be found in nearly every electronic device in use today. From computers to televisions to cellphones, the industrial use has exploded.

Now, as you may have noticed, the price of gold and silver these days have skyrocketed. This is in direct contrast with the US dollar which seems to be in decline. As we have observed if the dollar is strong, metal prices are low. If the dollar weakens, metals go up. Again, this is because of their intrinsic value. As investors, leave the dollar, they buy precious metals – they do this to preserve their wealth, as a hedge against inflation. And that is the key to being able to buy gasoline for a quarter.

What is inflation? Most see it as rising prices, but in reality what it is, is a decrease in purchasing power of the US dollar. In other words the value of your paper money is worth less and less over time. Prices haven’t risen, your money has become worth, for lack of a better word, “less”. Why this is true is the topic of another blog, but to illustrate my original claim of being able to buy a gallon of gas for a quarter, we need only to look at gas and silver prices.

Today, in the face of a weakening dollar, the price of silver at the time of this writing, is about $34.29 an ounce. A 1964 or earlier quarter is made of .900 silver, i.e. 90%, and weighs 6.25 gm so the total content of pure silver is 0.90 x 6.25 or about 5.63 gm. Add the copper content and you get a value of about $6.192 per quarter. (Source: http://www.coinflation.com/coins/1932-1964-Silver-Washington-Quarter-Value.html) So as you can see, you can purchase nearly 2 gallons of gas for a quarter – provided that quarter was minted prior to 1965.

OK – so it’s not like you can just pull into a gas station, hand the clerk some pre-1965 quarters and fill your gas tank. But in reality, this article is to illustrate to a small extent how a fiat currency system like the one in place in the US can only lead to a loss of wealth. And to make the argument for purchasing precious metals as a way of fending off inflation and preserving one’s wealth. I am not a rich man by any stretch of the word. I am not a stock market investor, I have no impressive financial portfolio, nor am I qualified to dispense financial advice. I’m just an everyday graphic artist making and average middle class income. But I can read, I have eyes to see and ears to hear and what I have learned is it may be prudent to put one’s paper currency in to a hard asset currency like gold and silver or other commodities. I have done just that.

I now own several ounces of silver and I’m not talking about silver on paper, like ETF’s, but have taken physical delivery of actual “in your hand” bullion, both bars and coins. This represents only a small portion of my overall wealth, but it’s a start, and of course I am reminded of the old adage, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. But if you will, bear this analogy in mind when thinking about the current economic atmosphere and owning precious metals. You don’t have to be a millionaire to think like one, and who knows, you could just end up as one.

(Oh – and don’t think about tracking down where I live to trying and steal my silver – you won’t find it).

We see dwindling TV network audiences, fragmented radio listenership, and decreasing print readership.  These consumer patterns will only escalate in the future media landscape. With the countless ways to communicate messages these days, is the full service Advertising Agency model somewhat archaic and outdated?

The full service Agency model is more important than ever before.. And this is precisely WHY… to move products, communicate services and reinforce brand awareness and significance.

There is no such animal as an unlimited marketing budget.  Marketing dollars must be allocated for maximum efficiency and optimal effectiveness.

And so it is the primary job of an experienced account management team, media-savvy professionals, and social media mavens to craft and develop an integrated marketing strategy for every agency client.  A strategy that identifies the profile, behavior  and attitudes of the primary demographic..before a single dollar is spent.

Today’s technology demands that the clarity of market research be synced with evolving patterns of consumer behavior.   As just one example, in the past five years alone, we have learned how smart cell phones with the ability to scan bar codes and receive and deliver text messages can impact on immediate buying and entertainment decisions.  And this is just one example that we are all familiar with.  The choices are endless.  The media fragmentation model is growing.

And today, more than ever, an advertiser with a product to sell.. Or a service to provide.. Needs the skills and expertise of an experienced market team.

Developing a solid relationship with a full service advertising/marketing firm is the first step to a successful marketing program.