Will wearing Alter Ego apparel turn you into a superhero?

Under Armour in partnership with DC Entertainment has announced the introduction of a new line of apparel and footwear called Alter Ego.  The line is an expansion of previously released limited-edition items .  (Janoff, 2013)

So what do you think?  Can buying a t-shirt make you feel like Superman?  And, will you buy one?

Janoff, B. (2013, July 18)  Under Armour, DC Entertainment Enlist Superman, Batman, Flash For Game Plan.  nysports.journalism.com.  Retrieved July 24, 2013, from http://nysportsjournalism.squarespace.com/under-armour-has-super-plans-7/

If you learn what can be made from your recycled plastic, will you recycle more?

The Ad Council and Keep America Beautiful have teamed up to do a campaign urging consumers to recycle more.  The strategy is to explain what recycled goods can become, e.g. plastic benches and sports arenas.

It’s an interesting approach and since few people actually bother to recycle (and the amounts go down by age) it’s probably time to start getting the recycling message out there.  But, is this the best approach?  Will people find it motivating?  Do you?

Here’s a link to one of the commercials in the campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-KF4kSGuVM

And here’s a link to a blog from 2011 about some research that suggests an alternative approach.

http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

Forbes, T. (2013, July 17)  Ad Council, Keep America Beautiful Recycle Their Cause.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved July 17, 2013 from, http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/204693/ad-council-keep-america-beautiful-recycle-their-c.html#axzz2ZL3rMO8Q

What TV shows do you like? It depends what type of Gen Y you are.

A new study from Horizon Media and Fizziology has identified four different segments within the Gen Y demographic and has identified tv media habits for each.

The largest group, at 32%, is the “Confident Connecteds.”   They are knowledgeable, sociable and hardworking.  They like to watch Dateline, Ellen, American Idol and CSI.

Next we have the Indie Dreamers (25%) who are ambitious, creative and individualistic.  They like to watch Glee and Big Bang Theory.

The “Creatures of Comfort” (also 25%) want the simple life, are unmotivated, and easygoing.  They watch Vampire Diaries and Downton Abbey.

That leaves the “Youthful Pursuits,” (18%) who are image-seekers, live for now and embrace youth.  They like Pretty Little Liars, and Vampire Diaries too.

So what about you?  Do you fit into one of these four segments?  Do you watch the same tv shows the others do?

Friedman, W.  (2013, July 8)  Millennial Groups Favor Specific TV Shows.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved July 10, 2013, from  http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/204015/millennial-groups-favor-specific-tv.html?edition=61991#axzz2YeOzhXba

What will you do for free burritos?

Chipotle has announced a promotion for their 20^th anniversary.  They call it a treasure hunt.  To me it sounds like a quiz. 

Here’s how it works.  Starting on July 13, Chipotle will post a puzzle on its Adventurrito.com.  Puzzles will be posted for 19 days, and will incorporate Chipotle history and its brand mission.  For those that aren’t experts on all things Chipotle, hints will be available by texting the receipt code from a visit to the restaurant.  Players must solve all 19 puzzles to be entered in the final puzzle.  Along the way, 20 people a day will receive free burritos for a year, while the grand prize winner will receive them for 20 years.  (Lukovitz, 2013)

It all sounds very complicated to me.  And I can’t imagine that it will interest anyone other than true fans.  What do you think?  Will you participate?

Lukovitz, K. (2013, July 1)  Chipotle Celebrates 20^th With Treasure Hunt.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved July 3, 2013, from  http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/203624/chipotle-celebrates-20th-with-treasure-hunt.html?edition=61771#axzz2Y5kekrzE