Random Culture

China Surpasses US Internet Users

It's official... China now has more Internet Users than the US, at 253 million to our 223 million. We knew it was going to happen, but I believe it's happened faster than anyone thought. In fact, there was a 56% increase from a year ago. That's a HUGE leap. And guess what... that 253 million is only 19% of the population!

Makes you want to learn to speak Mandarin...

Quick Links: July 23, 2008

Apartment Hunting Online: 50+ Tools
Great list of 50+ tools for apartment hunters and landlords.

Google Maps Adds Walking Directions
Yes, and it's different than driving directions. Includes calculations to find the best terrain.

Private Online Communities: Communispace
They've been getting some buzz lately... heck, they were in our office yesterday!

Evolution of the Ad Agency... Production

Digitas is giving us a glimpse into the future of ad agencies. In May, they announced the creation of "The Third Act", a digital studio to created branded, episodic programming. Beet.TV has an interview with the creative director of "The Third Act", Christine Beardsell.

Is this the future of the agency model? Is anyone else following suit?

Quick Links: July 16, 2008

New York Times has 70+ Blogs?
Wow... they've been really busy lately. My guess is that if you aren't a blogging journalist, you're too far out of the loop to be employable. [via Fimoculous]

Remember E3? Yeah, it's Happening!
Gallery of photos from the long-forgotten E3 expo that archaeologists are now rediscovering.

MySpace TV Eating into YouTube's Share?
ComScore says yes... even though YouTube is still on the top.

Radiohead: Goodbye Cameras, Hello Lasers

Interesting technology used in Radiohead's new music video for the song "House of Cards." The video was shot with lasers instead of cameras, real-time 3D imagery. Watch the video from YouTube below.

Quick Links: July 8, 2008

Family Guy + Google?
Looks like Google and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane have teamed up to push animation through Google AdSense to a male audience.

Google's Second Life Competitor, Lively
Yes, another virtual world, launched by Google Labs. Oh yeah, it requires Vista/XP. Check out the trailer here.

Bacon Flow Chart
Well I just had to post this, didn't I.

Smart Marketing in Japan

While marketing for smart cars in the US is practically non-existent, due to the demand, it appears that Smart is taking a different path in Japan. They've launched a great website at www.playsmart.jp.

iPhone 3G: Guided Tour

Yes, I'm going to be joining the ranks of iPhone users when the new 3G phone is released... that is, if there are any available. I've been impressed by Apple's use of video on their site for "guided tours" and support.

Granted, the guided tours are a bit too geeky for the mainstream user, and they can be way too long, but they're worth a look.

Watch the "guided tour" for the 3G iPhone here