Below is a picture of me, back in my Starbucks days, donning the “Mercury Man” out-of-store sampling tank (Version 2.0) The backpack contraption contains a pressurized, thermal container used to sample fresh brewed coffee in crowds and at special events.

Version 1.0 of this backpack was more uncomfortable (lacking proper padding) and the silver tank was [...]

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Today it is quite an achievement be recognized with an Academy Award for Best Picture, Tony Award for the Best Play, or Grammy for Best Song of the Year. However, rewind 2500 years ago in Athens and the prize was even bigger.
Each spring, the city of Athens would turn into a party town with a [...]

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The Parthenon is the famous monument that sits atop a large rock hill called the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was build over 2,500 years ago, dedicated to the goddess Athena. And it is amazing.
Over the centuries the structure was used as a temple, cathedral, mosque, government headquarters and even a munitions warehouse.
The original structure [...]

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With just eight days before the Olympic Games launch in Beijing… And it being Greek Week at Idea Sandbox, I thought you’d be interested in some interesting Olympic history.
Do you know the history of the marathon? The marathon race wasn’t part of the ancient Olympic events. It was added in the contemporary Olympic games in [...]

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I’m not looking for college freshmen “pledge” students - I’m actually in Athens, Greece this week.
This is my second visit to Athens. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world - filled with incredible history, knowledge, and tradition.
I plan to share some highlights with you… and of course… relate it back to marketing and [...]

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In the oldest part of Athens, Greece called The Plaka, the guidelines for commercial signage requires that signs be hand-crafted.

So Starbucks had a wooden, hand-painted sign created locally. The slight (and I mean slight) imperfections make it cooler.
[click for larger view]

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I’m a big Walt Disney fan and was recently watching a film featuring a preview of EPCOT Center before it opened in 1982.
Backed with pulsing electronic “futuristic” music from the 80s, the film builds excitement and features images of EPCOT Center being built in Orlando, Florida.
What stood out to me was the dedication speech given [...]

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I’m proud to share with you that Idea Sandbox has contributed to the Age of Conversation ‘08 book project. This is the second collaborative book spearheaded by Gavin Heaton and Drew McLellan. The first book featured over 100 writers talking about 1 topic. This edition features 237 “dream team” writers offering marketing insights and stories.
Not [...]

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There’s a neat looking video game called SPORE due out this summer (7 Sept) by game designer Will Wright. It’s a simulation game - sort of like the Sims or SimCity… But the level of game play and user customization goes beyond pretty much anything that’s come before it.

The website describes…
“Spore, the highly anticipated [...]

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It was a year ago I posted my first article on the MarketingProfs DailyFix blog.
I’m not sure if Idea Sandbox readers know there’s another source of brand building, creative problem solving, and remarkability-related nuggets out there?
Some of the posts on DailyFix are updated versions of classic Idea Sandbox material, but the most are brand new [...]

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The first thing that comes to *my* mind is the plot to the 1984 movie Footloose… “A city boy comes to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned.”
In addition to being the “right” way to behave in church… this image was photographed at Disneyland Paris. It “says” please don’t stand up [...]

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We’re switching platforms for our blog. While we don’t anticipate any problems… We thought we’d let you know, just in case.

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In addition to wishes of health and happiness in the New Year, I wish you…
great ideas
better decisions
innovative solutions
Happy New Year!

Paul

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As I head south along the Italian coast during my vacation… I wanted to share with you what I hope to see. Enjoy!

Positano on the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast
Next on my trip is Palermo, Sicily. I fly out of Naples directly to Palermo.
I’ve updated this post to include actual images from the trip.

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I have always loved the artwork of the original Candy Land board game… In fact, I have the board framed in my office as a reminder to remain as creative as a child…
Today is the perfect day to share the art of the “candy hearts” card. If you selected this card from the pile, you [...]

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[click for larger image]

I wish you and your family a warm Holiday
and a New Year filled with healthy and happiness!
Thank you for being part of Idea Sandbox this past year.
I look forward to sharing new ideas with you in 2007.

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