Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darlin'.

Hey folks,
So our blog was nominated for the Baltimore Sun’s Mobbies Award, and well… I’ll just say it:

We could really use your vote. Like “bold really”, “large font really”, for “realsies really”.

Here’s the link.

Anything you can do to help spread the word is very much appreciated. Seriously.

Vote early. VOTE OFTEN (you can vote once a day). And share with the ones you love – or moderately like. Or kinda know from that one party that one time in college.


Thanks for letting me spam you on a Monday. And, more importantly, thanks for being you.

Matt

Ad club schmoozing and the chaos of Bob Garfield

So last week was Advertising Week Baltimore, put together by the local chapter of the AAF. For some reason, they thought it was a good idea to have me on the board. Bless their hearts, I suppose they needed someone to finish the half-empties people left behind at cocktail hours.

The week got off to a smashing start with opening night featuring a presentation - or maybe it was a performance - by Ad Age's Bob Garfield. Jeff Goodby may have panned Bob's book, but there's no arguing that Garfield brings to light a few things that should be keeping the industry awake at night.

Equal parts doomsday predictions, podium soapbox histrionics, and level-headed insight, Bob worked a room full'a ad wonks over pretty good. Folks stayed glued to their seats despite the open bar just outside auditorium.

There's a testimonial for you.

Garfield and unknown assailant.

Here's Bob's take:


The Chaos Scenario by Bob Garfield - The best bloopers are a click away

The things you see at an ad agency on a Monday morning

9:45a. Wasn't expecting to find this in the kitchen:


But then again, I'm not really surprised. Pretty sure those are bite marks on the canister.

Note to HR: the decision to hire a Chupacabra for the Junior Copywriter position may have been a little hasty.

So a priest and Bobby Flay walk into a bar...

Okay, not really a bar. More like a tent behind a seminary. Either way, there's a punchline somewhere. The celebrity chef stopped by Mount St. Mary's University to challenge Roman Catholic priest, Father Leo Patalinghug, to a cooking duel for his Food Network show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Some back story: Our sister company, Renegade Studios, produces Grace Before Meals, a web series featuring Fr. Leo. The good Reverend serves up recipes for busy families along with a side order of spiritual goodness.

Besides cooking (and savin' us sinners from the flames), the padre's also got a few hobbies that no doubt enticed Food Network. He's a wicked break-dancer:


And a black belt in the martial art, Arnis:

I'm pretty sure he's the only guy who could kill you with his bare hands then put in the good word for you with the Big Guy on your way Upstairs:

So Flay and Fr. Leo, mano y mano. The challenge: fajitas.

The result airs tonight on the Food Network at 9p, Eastern. If you're in Baltimore, stop by for the show premiere party in Little Italy out in the parking lot of Da Mimmo's. They'll be projecting it onto the outdoor summer movie screen. Party starts at 8p.