Last night I couldn’t walk past this bar without taking a picture. I bet it’s good since it’s named after me. But we didn’t go there, we went to Common. Lots of people, good banter and good beer. I got to tell that hotel story and proudly display my new mug. It’s taken awhile, these…

Daydream. Scientists think it’s one of our most complicated activities, the way we shape ourselves and become aware of those things we’ve felt without thinking. We need time to allow those thoughts to unfold. Lots of empty spaces that precede stumbling on the unexpected. Being bored is important sometimes. The brain sometimes needs a chance…

The Northern Planning catch up thingy is confirmed for this Thursday (21st) at Common. People will start arriving at 7.30ish. Simon chose the venue, if it’s no good blame hime.

Hello out there. Can anyone help me understand a bit more about Dubai? If anyone has any data on: How much flesh you can bare in advertising Rules on religious reference in advertising Any stuff on women’s relationship with hair, salons and who the style opinion formers might be.. …….I would be so grateful that…

The trailer for Indy IV is out. Had a big stupid grin watching this, please make it be good. MY family were all in Blackpool at the national swimming championships when Raiders came out. It was chucking it down, so we decided to see a film. The kids voted – Clash of the Titans or…

Adam from work has a blog called Adam’s ads (we’re also making some agency t-shirts together by the way). He’s set out to post an ad or two every Monday that will make you smile. Remember those? Ads you want to watch. This is my personal favourite we all used to copy the walk in…

The Northern Planning meetings resume Thursday 21st February, somewhere in Manchester. I’ll there, Rob will, Gemma will and so will Simon. Probably Mr Furlong too. Anyone else fancy a drink and a chat about stuff? Be nice to see you. I’ll post venues soon – as for time, about 7.30ish.

Until very recently, I spent a lot of time working on a sofa retailing brand. I don’t regret a single minute, but I won’t miss it that much. That’s not because it’s considered the creative doldrums, more do with the wrongheaded way they stick to tshort term actics orather than developing fans. Ikea is an…

I wonder if slavishly following ‘lifestyle’ propositions can get in the way of good thinking sometimes. Much of strategy works make a ‘lifestyle’ available for purchase. If you don’t like your life, buy a new one…..have a garden makeover, a new ‘look’ for your wardrobe. This can make up for the tedium of life of…

Following on from that ‘the world will be fine’ post, something else struck me on history teaching us about the future. Made me optimistic too. There have been some wonderful innovations in human history, but the real leaps in the development of our species have pretty much been forced by necessity. Like the way we…