McDonald's Whips up Spin Art Game to Promote new Smoothies
To promote its new line of fruit smoothies, McDonald’s has created an online Spin Art application. Users can create their own works of art and share them via Facebook Connect (see also “Us” Marketing: McDonald’s, Social Media and Nationalism for another social media campaign from McDonald’s Canada).
Source: BrandFreak 7/22/10

Apple Begins iPhone 4 Case Program: Apply for Your Free Case or Bumper Now
Never fear iPhone 4 owners, Apple has created a solution for the new model’s call-dropping problem, the iPhone 4 Case Program. Users can download a special application from the company’s app store which allows them to order a complimentary custom case that covers the phone’s physical fault.
Source: Engadget 7/23/10

Mad Men Season Four Premieres in Times Square
AMC premiered the fourth season of its hit TV series, Mad Men, by broadcasting it in Times Square. The screening was kicked off by a special appearance from Elizabeth Moss – who plays Peggy Olson on the show – and a live game show for the crowd. Fans who showed up to watch the show, dressed in Mad Men era clothing, were treated to the episode one hour before the television audience.
Source: AdRants 7/26/10

Lindsay Lohan's Favorite Tanning Salon Misses Her Terribly
The Lohans’ favorite tanning salon, Beach Bum Tanning, held a rally in New York City on July 27 to help free the incarcerated starlet. The chain hosted a ribbon-tying ceremony at its 7th Avenue location and posted a sign that read "We love you Lindsay! Come home soon." Beach Bum held a similar event for Paris Hilton who was jailed in 2007 after a DUI arrest (see also Beach Bum Backs Lindsay Lohan; Tanning Salon Rallies for Famous Client).
Source: Gawker (via MSN) 7/26/10

YouTube Increases Video Time Limit to 15 Minutes
On Thursday, YouTube announced that it has extended the video time limit from 10 to 15 minutes. To celebrate the change, the video portal has launched a mini contest, “15 Minutes of Fame.” To participate, users must create and upload a 15-minute video. The best videos will appear on the YouTube homepage.
Source: Mashable! 7/29/10

'Jersey Shore' Spoofs Itself With new Games
MTV has created two “Jersey Shore” themed-advergames in an effort to get fans pumped about the season 2 premiere. In the Jersey Shore Facebook game, users can get their GTL (gym, tan, laundry) on and can fight other players with pickles. With the “Spread Snooki” iPhone application, users can superimpose Snooki’s face over any of their photos.
Source: AdFreak 7/29/10

Freshpair Giving Away 5,000 Pairs of Underwear for National Underwear Day
National Underwear Day is August 5. To celebrate, Freshpair.com is giving away 5,000 pairs of undies; visit their website for your chance score a free set. Along with the giveaway, the company released the results of its annual poll – according to the survey, 80 percent of people wear the same style of undergarments throughout adulthood, while 60 percent wear underwear that doesn’t fit.
Source: AOL Stylist 7/21/10

Navigate the American Museum of Natural History
With new iPhone and iPad Apps
The American Museum of Natural History unveiled an application for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad that provides patrons with turn-by-turn directions, audio/visual tours, interactive games and more to help them get the most out of their visit. Guests are welcome to access the application on their personal devises or borrow one of 350 available at the museum free of charge.
Source: Mashable 7/29/10

Is Your Detergent Stalking You?
Consumers who buy Omo detergent in Brazil are getting a little something extra with their purchase – the brand is placing GPS devices in select boxes as a part of its “Try Something New With Omo” promotion. People who pick one of the special boxes will receive a surprise visit from the promotional team, and will win a video camera and invite to a family fun event.
Source: Advertising Age 7/29/10