When the Chrysler car company released its new model Dodge Coronet in 1967, the theme of its ad campaign was the "White Hat Special," with some ads featuring the "Dodge Girl" in her signature white Stetson, saying that "Only the good guys could put together a deal like this." These ads didn't need any elaboration. Madison Avenue knew the potential buyers had all been raised on film and TV Westerns, and knew the symbolism of white hats. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger — cinematic heroes wore white hats, and bad guys wore black. It was all very simple. The colors white and black have carried layers of moral meaning since long before American infatuation with cowboys and automobiles, and some scientists believe that those associations may be automatic and universal and ancient (abstract). [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Nov 10, 2009 - 42 comments

Some pig! In September, a Cincinnati artist carved a pig with wings...out of 7,000 pounds of Ivory soap. (It was commissioned by the chamber of commerce for an economic conference.) Now "Sudsie" is being sent on tour to Nicaragua to promote a kids' handwashing campaign.
posted by Vidiot on Mar 15, 2004 - 5 comments

Clutter Porn: The 2002 Messiest College Apartments Show! Do these photographs, not to mention the no-hold-barred 360º tours, make you retch or smile? Are you a Messie or a Cleanie? Would you ever pay a professional organizer to unclutter your home or office? Or are you worried there are deeper issues, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, involved? Never mind if you are. A wonderful essay by Daniel Harris puts our untidy hearts at rest. [first link via Boing Boing]
posted by MiguelCardoso on Mar 23, 2002 - 20 comments