The SF Zoo Needs Donations

I love animals and advertising. Props to the team at my agency that produced the new work for the SF Zoo. Check out the article below on the ads and take a look at the creative. Shot in house with coworkers as models... oh, and of course we had our animal "teammates". Nice work to everyone involved! Makes me proud to be a part of this team. And if you're in a position to help donate to the Zoo, please do. Maybe with the donations, they can finally get an elephant. ::fingers crossed::

http://www.thesfegotist.com/news/local/2011/december/20/twofifteenmccann-helps-out-sf-zoo

Drunk History

Not sure how I missed this before, but in the spirit of the holidays, there's no better way to catch up with these Funny or Die shorts than with the Drunk History of Christmas. Cheers to the celebs making cameos and bringing this drunken tale of Saint Nick to life. Now which one of my friends is going to offer up their rants for our version this year?! You know you want to.

Build Me A House

I love architecture and beautiful design. But who doesn't? Well, I could philosophize on who might not, but instead, let me show you my future home.. or at least what I have planned for. it's won numerous awards and is in a city that i've only visited and always wanted to live in... New York. Check this bad boy out. Numerous floors, an inside-the-house-outside-courtyard and imagine what else you could turn the other spaces into! And well since it appears to be a bit big for just myself, or me and the BF... who wants to join us?! Any takers? Oh, and I assumed already that the dog in the picture comes with the place... but maybe I'll have to photoshop in my boxer/pit mix to really bring it to life.

Shit Girls Say... pt. Deux

You knew that more was coming and it continues to ring true... enjoy more of the 'Shit Girls Say'.

Put Your Shirt Over Your Head

If you haven't seen this, then here you go. If you have, then, well, good for you. It's a design made for tshirts around the time last year for the FIFA 2010 world cup. We all know players have a way of celebrating and this was a genius design. Pull it up, over and get ready to go bat shit crazy, "GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!"

Walk Of Shame

Any commercial that plays off the walk of shame must be good, right? Well, you'd at least hope so. This one works for me. It's relevant to the season and takes something almost everyone can relate to, rolls it into a short, but sweet little piece. So take note everyone, and 'avoid the walk of shame this season'.

Oh My Dog!

I love me some packaging and well frankly I can't wait to have a dog. That whole space, time and financial commitment will have to wait a bit. But in the meantime I can appreciate the packaging for pooch products.

http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2011/12/13/oh-my-dog.html

SH*T GIRLS SAY

You know you do these too. Don't lie. To not repost this gem to my blog would've been a crime. An injustice to the truths that are being put out there in the world. They need to be shared, glorified with a man in a wig and then spread across the interweb.

In The Chambers

Oh yeah, it happened. We had our company holiday party. It was phenomenal. Had a blast, loved the space and everyone looked soo good. The venue was perfect and the cocktails were flowing. Food was served and the photo booth was a hit. Without posting every picture in the world, here's some snapshots that I was involved in.

Oh, and if you get the chance, I highly recommend checking out the venue. The space was great, revamped from the old Bambuddha Lounge at the Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin district of SF. I've not eaten a full service meal but the bartender (wish i could remember her name) that was working was great. She's got tattoos on her left arm, just in case you go.

http://chambers-sf.com/

Hilary. No, Not Duff.

LGBT issues are everywhere. This video was taken of Hilary Clinton's Human Rights Speech in Geneva and if you have the time (30 min, the length of an useless TV show), I suggest and highly encourage watching it. If you don't have time.. make some. I'm not overly political, but I have a lot of respect, appreciation, and agreement for the message and efforts towards all human rights.

Seriously, It Gets Better.

Many have already seen this, but I want to continue to spread the message and have yet to post this in my very own blog. It's something that I hold very close to me and am very proud to be a part of.

We all have a unique story. It's amazing. This is not contingent on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or age. For those who are young, and gay, and subject to bullying, there can seem like no end in sight to the torture, worry, anxiety and doubt that are daily experiences. I've endured this myself, and with the 'It Gets Better' Project, there was an opportunity to speak up. To tell my story in hopes that it will resonate with those who are looking for hope. To not give up, to continue marching on, realizing how utterly amazing this life is, and that they are as human beings.

My soccer club (The San Francisco Spikes) took the initiative to make our own video. To show not only our stories, but to provide a video by a gay sports team. Something not always directly associated with the LGBT community as much as other stereotypes. This was very important to us and couldn't be more proud of the results. A HUGE thank you to the crew who worked on this, the club for sponsoring, and Tim Kulikowski, a teammate and friend, for directing this effort.

The video posted on the 'It Gets Better' Project page

It Gets Better Project Homepage

And here's the short version on the 'It Gets Better' YouTube Channel

Watch it. Enjoy it. Spread it around.... oh, and don't ask me, "How gay are you?". Just watch the video. I'm sure you can figure it out.

Someone's Going In The Pool

I will say, it says something about the company you work for when you come in, Monday morning and everyone's desk has been dawned with a "holiday party safety kit" of sorts. The 'kit' includes instructions (more like a warning), a "floatation" device and an emergency contact list that includes everything from taxi service (A Guy With A Van) to Planned Parenthood. I apologize now for whatever happens on December 9th... ok, no I don't.. but this should be epic to say the least.

Deadmua5 Does London

Another reason I love advertising, and well, technology. Frankly I could do without the part for the Lumia phone, but after all, this is a promotional gig to promote the new gadget. They did keep it nice and to a minimum, at the end. To have been there for this experience would have been wicked.

Marriage Equality

No, this isn't a political banter about what I think and what should happen... frankly because it's obvious and we all know it. But I did want to share recent videos that have virally taken the social world by storm.

First you have the Australian ad entitled, "It's Time" created to help move the country towards marriage equality, and I must say, it's genius. Beautifully shot and the story is simple. ANYONE can relate. It's how these stories should be told.

And then you have an incredible testimony from a young man raised by a lesbian couple in Iowa. His insight is poignant and his speech articulate. ANY parent would be proud to have this gentleman as their son. "Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on House Joint Resolution 6 in the Iowa House of Representatives. Wahls has two mothers, and came to oppose House Joint Resolution 6 which would end civil unions in Iowa."

Dumber With Your Mouth Open

In the spirit of everyone getting sick throughout the holidays (myself included), I thought I would share some TV spots that offer up some relief, and smart thinking. Because, of course, you should always remember that you look dumber with your mouth open.

and because we can't leave the adults out...

Turkey In The Desert

For the first time, I was venturing out of California for a holiday. Thanksgiving this year was with the bf's family (for the first time)... in the desert. Phoenix, AZ to be exact. It was an adventure full of Peruvian cuisine, Guatemalan rum, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, a bear-dog, gay bars, a bout with food poisoning (no, the family didn't do it to me), and then a 15 hour drive back to SF.

I for some reason didn't take into consideration the fact that when I got off the plane, I saw cactus. Didn't really think about the fact that I was going to actual desert, 100%, no ifs ands or buts.

Had a killer time, wouldn't change it for the world. That said, I will never be moving to Arizona. seriously, it's too flat, you need to drive EVERYWHERE, and well, I'm sure I'll melt when it's 110 degrees.

But thank you Arizona for the self realization and the fantastic holiday weather. Oh, and the cactus. I was thoroughly entertained.

"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!"

Spots like this remind me of why I love advertising. Enjoy!

Short Stories... in the form of TV Spots

I stumbled upon these ads recently and thought they were definitely worth passing along. Watch, enjoy and then get ready for more as the world of advertising produces some awkward, interesting and amazing stories... all in 30 second spots.

http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/35772/DrugFreeorg-Save

http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/35876/Skittles-Park

Leather Bound?

New things breathe new life and it's invigorating. One of those involves a part of the community I have more recently been introduced to over the course of the last 15 months. That's if you don't count the last couple years of going to IML in Chicago. Don't know IML, Google it.

The opportunity is working with the Leather Alliance of San Francisco for a design of their logo. Finally a creative outlet to dive into and I couldn't be more excited. It's about time to get some creative energy flowing outside of what I do in the office Monday through Friday.

That said, I couldn't be more stoked to get started. Once things come along further, I'll make sure to keep posted updates. Until then I can't wait to hear reactions when Googling IML.

Touch It... You Know You Want To

I love Skittles.... well, more appropriately I love their advertising. Their most recent release is a bit more interactive, and I couldn't be more overjoyed and unsettled all in one fell swoop. Take a look at their newest spot on YouTube HERE. Can't tell me your not just a BIT disturbed... and if you're not, then you're a creeper. End of story.

The point of this post is to show the innovative (albeit creepy) advertising in a world that can be cluttered with the mundane and expected. Reminds me with I love visual communication. and I thought everyone should experience it... at least once.

The BIG Move

It's official. I've moved locations in San Francisco and couldn't be happier. From the ever-so-charming-and-colorful Tenderloin District (is my sarcasm clear enough?) to the ever-loved Mission Dolores area of the city. Just steps away from the park, where outdoor practice is held for the SF Spikes, and blocks from friends and the flaming Castro District. It's nice to not be crammed into a studio where you step over the homeless urinating on the stoop, and it's time to continue the climb set out forth in front of me.

That's all for now. Look out when the summer comes, the park becomes our backyard, and the frequent BBQ's are announced!

Community Driven

I have, more so now than ever, an extreme appreciation for my community. Those in it, what they stand for and what we all do to improve it. That's why over a year ago I enrolled in an HIV vaccine study with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. As the HIV disease has become more present in my life and those around me, I have found that it is very important and near to my heart to get involved. People ask about the study - they wonder what it's about, some have preconceived notions, many want to know more - the reactions go on in all directions. One thing remains the same. No matter their orientation or viewpoint - I have the opportunity to educate.

If it mattered what was going to be thought about me, I wouldn't offer to put my face and my story out to the world for all to see. This is about doing what I can to connect with others to educate the community. I have never been so close to this disease before in my life. I am HIV negative and have many close friends who are HIV positive. I do this for them. I do this for those who don't know much about HIV. I do this because I want to make a change. The ad campaign with the Study is only the beginning and can't wait for what I have in the works for down the road.

If you're interested, check out the profile on me HERE. The ad is below. Sorry for the scan quality, but that's what I got, damnit! And next time you are loading up your Clipper card in the Church or Castro muni stations, you just might see my face.

A "Dream" Weekend & A Promise For 2011?

He had a dream, and I have many, most of which I can't share, and as we enter into another fantastic year (yeah, it will be, because I'm going to make it), we're celebrating this holiday weekend by bringing another fundraiser event for the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club. Of course I'm going to promote my team (also because of the flyer design), and of course it's going to be the first thing in 2011 that I've posted (because I am that behind on updating this blog).

Admittedly being very behind in these posts, I thought it was about time to start updating and making this blog what it was originally intended - about my life, and my creative influence. Thus, more regular postings to come... PROMISE.

Until then, enjoy a flyer with info on an always entertaining event. If you can make it, be there. It's going to get crazy... and a lot of you have Monday off, so you can fully partake in the festivities! You know you want to!