Now here is an idea I can get behind: a service that automates the process of making “mental notes”. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I have a terrible time remembering anything unless it is in an email, on my phone, or (gasp) written down somewhere. While I do my best to create reminders, notes, and have even go so far as to send myself emails and texts, all that results is a disorganized mess. Enter the folks at Mindjot.com, who claim to offer a means to save time, stay connected, and “remember what matters”. After creating an account, users can note products and services bearing a proprietary Mindjot unique ID (or mCode). So the story goes, you spot something cool, open your mobile browser, sign in, and enter the code, plus any optional notes, leaving open the possibility of inadvertently hilarious tipsy commentary. Later you can sign into your account online and see saved summaries of the relevant Web pages. While this all sounds well and good, there are a few things I wonder about. For starters, while I honestly haven’t been on the lookout, I have yet to notice any mCodes in print or broadcast and what are the odds I’ll remember to look? I heard they were everywhere at ICFF this year, and similar exhibitions may be Mindjot’s best (and only?) use-case. Second, Mindjot claims you will receive spam “more information” on your phone after creating a note. (Why would you want to receive more information immediately? Doesn’t that go against the idea of making a “mental note”? Hopefully, you can opt out of this service.) Finally, Mindjot smells a bit of other dotcom projects — the CueCat, anyone? — that ultimately crashed, burned, and fell victim to hackers along the way. Even so, I’ll try anything that sounds like a good idea once. Now, about this piece of string tied to my finger…

If you’re in NYC and, like me, feel that all your daily dietary requirements can be derived from martinis and pizza, you should come and check out Pause, Beyond Madison Avenue’s creative industries’ happy hour tomorrow night at Pizza Bar. BMA and Pause are projects spearheaded by a regular commenter here, Danny Nathan, and tomorrow is sure to be a lot of fun — not to mention the pizza/beer/martini specials going on. Danny told me it starts when people get there and in my case, that’ll be around 5:30pm…so come down, say hi and do a little networking. Just don’t forget to répondez s’il vous plaît.

(Pizza Bar is located on 14th Street and 9th Avenue.)

Ruben Sanchez, the 27 year old Art Director of Spain’s Alai Skateboards, is my new favorite graphic designer. With notable talent in several areas (web, video and illustration in particular) Sanchez takes a particularly unique approach in the creative incorporation of his diverse talents into his work. I just watched his intro for AlaiOle, one of Alai’s latest skate films three times, not only because I am lame, but because the music, animation, and creative direction all add up to something so stimulating that it seems to mirror the addictive qualities of crack cocaine. Like so many successful creative types, Ruben is self-taught in all areas of his expertise — a trait that is nicely evident in his fresh work. He’s also doing a bit of freelance on the side, so if you need a snazzy intro for your latest series of home videos or something else equally serious, I’d have trouble thinking of a better candidate.

On Saturday, I had a moderately awkward conversation with someone who couldn’t tell me where the teak in his pieces was sourced from. Not wanting to get into a human rights debate in the middle of the Javits Center, I politely excused myself and seethed quietly for the remainder of the afternoon — it’s amazing to me that there are still designers who aren’t morally or environmentally conscious when it comes to the production of their pieces.

On the other side of this story, however, were a myriad of companies who set out to make sustainability and environmental responsibility their number one priority. At times I was floored by the thought process evident from beginning to end in the development of such beautiful lines of fabric and furniture, and not just in the fabrication, but in delivery and end-life strategies as well. To be honest, I struggled with where to start, so I just decided to go with my five of my favorites. Stylish quasi-treehugging and photographic goodness continue after the jump.
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Scott Hansen of ISO 50 is sneaky. I don’t know how he got access to the information, but somehow he planned the release of some killer newbie prints to directly coincide with my latest moving/redecorating blitz. I’m not, like, upset about it or anything — the posters are going to look good in my new place, after all — I’m just saying that there should be some sort of waiver that lets people know that Mr. Hansen’s music, however pleasant it may be, a) lures you into a deceptive state of relaxation; b) sucks your brains out; and c) spits the contents directly at the master’s feet… so that he may find the exact dates that you will need wall decorations. I knew there was something weird about his double life as a musician/designer- no one can ever be that good at both without that extra little gift the Feds call “mind control.”

It just feels wrong, you know?

Related Post: ISO 50: Vuela and Past is Prologue

My apologies for the radio silence since I arrived here in London! I’ve had an incredible past few days, filled with meetings and engagements. The most notable experience was definitely my talk at Google Zeitgeist yesterday followed by a panel with an amazing group of people (moderated by new friend Jonathan Zittrain) discussing the Digital Youth and the future of marketing and implications to the younger generations in the digital world. I spoke about five trends I believe are affecting the next generation of marketing, and what I am doing at my new agency to tackle those issues. The trends I spoke about covered Mobile as my center of gravity, I’m always on (so find me anywhere), Dating as Gaming, Virtual Gifting and Mass Individuality.

I’m told a video of my presentation and highlights from the panel will be on YouTube shortly, I’ll be sure to update everyone when they’re up there.

After being badgered by two close friends yesterday to check out the first episode of Flight of the Conchords, I did this morning and I have to say — this is hilarious stuff. Maybe it was the best breakup line in the history of the world (”What I really want is an Australian. Maybe you guys know some?”), Kristen Schaal’s sadly hysterical stalker character or the absolutely random song-and-dance routines interspersed throughout the episode, I pretty much just sat in front of my computer dying of laughter. You should go watch now, too, but I warn you: you may be subscribing to HBO as a result. After all, this summer it’ll be screening on Sunday nights after Entourage…