"His Master's Voice" (What you don't see is that Nipper is sitting on the coffin of his dead owner) In company logos and advertisements, animals are a fairly common sight. So common, in fact, that you probably haven't given these mascots a great deal of thought. But those whose job involves selecting an animal representative for an organization or company face no small task. With their choice, they will be aligning themselves with whatever qualities people tend to associate with that animal. Once they’ve found their totem, they may forever be associated with it. A prime example of logo longevity is "His Master’s Voice," a design trademarked by the Victor Record Company on this day in 1900, sealing forever in our minds the image of Nipper the dog listening attentively to a Victrola, and connecting it further with the Gramophone Company (later known as HMV). In the ensuing century, plenty of other corporate critters have made their marks on our cultural consciousness. How many times have you heard Leo, the MGM lion roar? Financial institutions have adopted symbols of strength, including an elk and a lion, though Merrill Lynch was wise to select a bull rather than a bear. Animals in advertising have also provided memorable and humorous moments. Cuteness gives many animal representatives their appeal. The Geico gecko is pretty adorable, as is Snuggle, the Fabric Softener Bear. Some creatures are simply effective because they are cartoons, and appeal to kids, such as the Trix Rabbit and Sugar Bear. Turns out there’s a science behind the success of animals (or "visual identifiers," as the marketing analysts call them). While some wine critics may claim they avoid "labels bearing cute animals," the rest of us are drawn to these images almost against our will, according to researchers. Did you pick up that bottle of Syrah because it had a kangaroo, chameleon, or a cute dog or kitty on it? It’s not your fault -– you're a victim of your own "perceptual fluency." In light of the incredible sway these animals have over us, some mascots may not have been the best selections. Joe Camel, for example, the longtime rep for Camel cigarettes, was no longer depicted in cartoon form due to objections that he appealed to children too effectively, and Budweiser’s Spuds MacKenzie faded into obscurity before anyone noticed that a dog in a Hawaiian shirt was probably not the most appropriate spokes-animal for beer. After all, wouldn’t you rather share a tall one with a creepy penguin? Suggested Sites... TV Acres - Advertising Mascots - take a four-legged walk down memory lane. "Of Frog Wines and Frowning Watches" - academic study on why we select animal-endorsed brands and respond to other visual cues. Live-Animal Mascots Get an "F" - PETA argues that actual animals should not be used as mascots. "Dinner With the Mascots" video on YouTube - amusing reunion of several iconic mascots.

Directory categories: Advertising, Commercials, Pop Culture, Graphic Design, Phonographs

Archived under: 19th Century, Advertising, Animals, Anniversaries, Bears, Birds, Brands, Cartoons, Design, Dogs, History, Images, Mascots, Music, Music History, Nostalgia, Records, Society and Culture, TV, Wine

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"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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"What's in the daily news? I'll tell you what’s in the daily news." So this afternoon I took a gander at what folks were looking for on the Interwebs; seeing what people are searching for or sending to each other. As I surfed, it occurred to me that we have a lot of information in the Yahoo! Directory on those very subjects; the things that people are interested in, whether it be the Obama's dog; the doings at the caves in Lascaux, France; serial killers; Tiger Woods's comeback (and his wife, of course); or baseball gearing up again (not to mention the question of just where Manny Ramirez is going to end up). So take a look at the Yahoo! Directory, won't you? The more you know about the stuff you’re interested in, the more interesting it (and you) will be. Suggested Sites... Yahoo! Directory: Michelle Obama - he may run the country, but I'll bet she runs the household. Yahoo! Directory: French Travel - see the caves before they're fungused away -- and the rest of the country, too. Yahoo! Directory: PGA Tournaments - follow all the action. Yahoo! Directory: Homicide - more than just serial killers -- though they're there, too. Yahoo! Directory: Spring Training - all the info about the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.

Directory categories: Dogs, Barack Obama Administration, Paleolithic Cave Painting, Serial Killers, Manny Ramirez

Archived under: Ancient History, Animals, Archaeology, Artists, Arts, Athletes, Barack Obama, Baseball, Baseball Players, Crime, Criminals, Dogs, France, Golf, History, In Character, Internet, Law Enforcement, MLB, Models, Presidents, Serial Killers, Spring, Spring Training, Yahoo!, Yahoo! Directory

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Hello, Directory fans! Once more, it’s time to take a look at all the exciting happenings in the Yahoo! Directory -- the world’s favorite source for aggregated and categorized Internet information for more than a tenth of a century. Today, though, we’re changing our focus a little. In past installments of this feature, we’ve focused on the past; that is to say, things we’ve recently added. But, just for a change of pace, we’re going to put on our swami hats and predict the things you’ll be looking at in the future. We may not be Kreskins or Criswells, but we think our crystal ball is pretty accurate. Of immediate interest is next week’s inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. We’re always on the lookout for information about inaugural activities, as wek as what to do in Washington D.C. once the dust has settled, and you’ll find it all here. And, hey, the NFL playoffs are proceeding apace, and you can find everything you want about all the teams, players, and odds. (Personally, we’re rooting for the Steelers, but you can learn about the other teams, too.) With the Super Bowl around the corner, you’ll be wanting to know about the ads -- and what to cook for your parties, won’t you? And it’s almost prom season, isn’t it? Now, our own prom was more than a few years ago, but we know the gals will be trying to find the latest and hottest fashions and hairstyles, won’t they? And fellas, don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner -- you’d better have tips on gifts and things to do -- if you know what’s good for you, that is. (And for guys without a Valentine’s date, well, there’s always the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue …) Awards season is in full swing, and with the Oscars, Grammys, and even the Westminster Dog Show -- coming up, you’ll want to have all that information about nominees and winners at your virtual fingers, won’t you? So, come on into the Yahoo! Directory; the info’s fine -- and you’ll be proud to be the most informed surfer on the block. Suggested Sites... Yahoo! Directory: Super Bowl Commercials - from "1984" to the "GoDaddy" girl, they're all here. Yahoo! Directory: Prom and Homecoming - they're getting closer, after all. Yahoo! Directory: Valentine's Day - sweets for the sweet. Yahoo! Directory: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue - we buy it strictly for the articles. Yahoo! Directory: Dog Shows - canines on parade.

Directory categories: Presidential Inaugurations, Barack Obama, Mentalists, National Football League, Super Bowl

Archived under: Advertising, Athletes, Award Shows, Awards, Barack Obama, Celebrations, Dogs, Entertainment, Events, Football, Gambling, Hair, History, Inaugurations, Models, NFL, Paranormal, Parties, Presidents, Prom, Prophecy, Psychics, Recipes, Romance, Safety, Sports, Super Bowl, Swimwear, Valentine´s Day, Yahoo!, Yahoo! Directory

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Statue of FDR and his best friend Fala (Photo by Tony) With all the other important presidential and governmental issues Barack Obama has to tackle after Inauguration Day, it seems the country has the greatest vested interest in a decision of the heart that the whole Obama family will have to make: what kind of puppy will they get after they move into the White House? Heck, even the Vice President-Elect has heard the call of the canine and acquired a new German Shepherd puppy. First Pets are something of a national institution in the United States. There's even a Presidential Pets Museum, dedicated to the preservation of historical information and artifacts of all the animals (from alligators to wallabies) that have belonged to our Commanders-in-Chief -- nearly all of whom had a pet during some part of their term(s). A White House pet's actions can be worthy of a news watch, which is the case with the current Top Dog, Barney, who is a celebrity in his own right. Some pets were so popular that they are eternally depicted in memorial, as is the case with Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottish terrier. And Richard Nixon's Checkers has a grave located in a public pet cemetery on Long Island. The President-Elect's promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia, spiked curiosity in what type of breed the new First Dog will be. Dutiful citizens have offered suggestions on how to combat Malia's pet dander allergies, and which types of dogs offer hypoallergenic or hairless qualities. But the Obamas are striving to set an example, do the responsible thing, and find their new family member in a shelter. After all, choosing what type of dog and personality it has is just as important to a happy family dynamic as its health and development. So we wait, with bated puppy breath, to hear word of the new furry addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And as Bob Barker always reminded us, "Be sure to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... The Daily Puppy - your daily fix for puppy pictures. ASPCA: Adopt - find your next pet through your local ASPCA. Wikipedia: List of United States Presidential Pets - a quick-reference guide to all the First Animals. National Geographic Channel: In the Womb: Dogs - using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, follow the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds. FDR's "Fala Speech" - President Franklin Roosevelt defends his Scottie against GOP attacks.

Directory categories: Humane and Rescue Societies, Choosing a Dog, Pet Health

Archived under: Allergies, American History, Animals, Bob Barker, Cats, Dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pets

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