Adopt a Scientist

I just received an email from amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, with an interesting approach to fundraising that I haven't seen applied to a research-focused non-profit. This year, amfAR is asking you to "give the gift of science" by adopting one of six featured scientists doing different types of HIV/AIDS research. In doing so, you can "read updates, track progress, and take pride in knowing that your gift is helping amfAR and its researchers work toward a world without AIDS." Pretty neat.

I know this is pretty much how scientists receive funding for their research projects, but it's usually coming from an organization via a grant, as opposed to multiple individual consumers. I'm also aware that it's not a new approach to fundraising -- I mean, Sally Struthers has been using it for years -- but I think for this type of market, it was a whitespace that amfAR capitalized on. Hopefully others will be inclined to adopt a scientist this holiday season.

You've Got Innovative Ideas -- Now What?

I just wrote an article / blog post for New York Enterprise Report on innovation, entitled "You've Got Innovative Ideas -- Now What?" Click on over to check it out if you're interested. It seems like it's going to be a semi-regular thing, so RSS it if you need another outlet for my ramblings.

Is Sprint's Network the 'Most Dependable'?

Apparently someone's doing their job. An ad watchdog (these actually exist?) refutes Sprint's claim that it has the 'most dependable' 3G network. Apparently AT&T is challenging Verizon Wireless's claims that it has the widest cell phone coverage. Can't we all just agree that everyone's service pretty much sucks? We're generations behind Europe's mobile phone capabilities, so why both fighting over who's the least underachieving of the bunch?

Actually, the only company who needs to step up or be left behind is AT&T. Their coverage genuinely is sub-par -- where was this "watchdog" when they were making those 'fewest dropped calls' commercials -- particularly the 3G coverage and once iPhones are opened up to other networks (regardless of how crappy those are), people will flee en masse. Hell, I'd jump ship right now, except there's really nowhere better to go, sadly.

WorkSnug is Here!!

Get excited, because a new tool for mobile working just launched (in London). WorkSnug is an app that "uses Augmented Reality to connect mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work in the city." I can't wait for it to be rolled out in New York. Check out the video below for more information and a better sense of how the app works. And download the app now. It's free!

Thank You for Being a Friend

As if anyone needed one more reason to love Bea Arthur, she gives us one more. She left $300,000 in her will to the Ali Forney Center, a non-profit that provides housing for homeless LGBT youth in New York City. I have no clue what AFC's operating budget is, but I'm sure this is an enormous help to them, particularly given the tough economic year for non-profits.

Kind of amazing. Very touching. I wish more people were like her. RIP.

Rhapsody Commercial

Rhapsody was one of the sponsors of MTV's Video Music Awards last night, so their commercials ran throughout the course of the show. The commercial featuring Jay-Z is pretty brilliant. It wasn't the first time I'd seen it, but I was reminded again of how great it was. Who knew a company like Rhapsody would produce such a great ad?

The commercial goes from one scene to the next and depicts each of Jay-Z's album covers over the years, a perfect match for a service that lets you listen to "millions of songs, thousands of artists" online. Each of the scenes in the commercial are meant to appear as if they were all done one after the other all in one take. That probably wasn't the case, but if it were, that would make the commercial even better.

Have a look for yourself:

Catherine Tate Show - Lauren's French Exam

This is hilarious. It's kinda similar to Little Britain, which I love. I guess this chick is like Vicki Pollard. British humor is apparently all the same. Regardless, this cracked me up.

SYTYCD

This is kind of amazing.