Did you ever look that the 25 most played songs on your iPhone or iPod playlist? I was shocked at the songs I listen to more than any other. When I looked at the list I started thinking why are these at the top? What mood enhancer does this song do for me? Why do I start with this song and move on from there? Here are the top 25 songs in order from my iPhone playlist.

1) Stray Cat Strut. Huh? Of all the songs on my iPhone this is #1? I know that I’ve been listening to it because I’ve been trying to learn how to play it on the guitar, but I was shocked to see this at #1.

2) Heart of Gold. This I understand. Neil Young is one of my favorite artists, and this song is one of the first I ever learned to play. I expected this at the top.

3) Suite – Judy Blue Eyes. Like the #2 selection, this song takes me back, I love to play it, listen to it and sing to it.

4) Melissa. Allman Brothers Band at its best. I love this song. I love that I really can’t play this. But I can completely believe it’s in my top five.

5) Wish You Were Here. Ah, Pink Floyd. Another oldie but goodie. I’m only surprised that there wasn’t more Pink Floyd in my top 25.

6) Here Comes The Sun. The Beatles finally crack the top 10 on my playlist. And it’s a George Harrison song. No surprise. I liked the quiet Beatle. And I love this song.

7) Sweet Home Alabama. Do you think my musical tastes are all over the place? In college I went through a huge Southern Rock faze. Lynyrd Skynard, Marshall Tucker, The Outlaws. They were always on my turntable. And obviously, still in my heart.

8) Brown Sugar. Back to the British Invasion. I love Keith Richards. (I loved his book.) Nothing like a little Keith and Mick to get the heart pumping in the morning.

9) Hotel California. This was the biggest song of my college days. I still remember exactly what I was doing when I first heard this song on the college radio station. Of course, I can’t repeat it here.

10) The Man Who Sold The World. Great David Bowie song, but on my playlist, it’s the Nirvana unplugged version. What can you say. Pure passion. Great voice. Fantastic song.

11-25) I lot of repeat artist. In order, Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Beatles, The Youngbloods, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, David Bowie, The White Stripes, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin (I’m shocked that they came in at #24) and finally Amos Lee.

I’ve listened to these songs hundreds of times. I love them all. I listened to them this morning. I’ll probably listen to them again this evening. If I was stuck on an island with only these 25 songs, I’d be OK.

Oh, while I’m on the subject of music, farewell to Etta James. Love that voice. I danced to ‘At Last’ at my wedding. It will always have a special place in my heart.

I’d love to hear what’s the #1 song on your playlist. Please write a comment below.

1.24.12

I’m reading a book about changing the past. This book is haunting me. So, I’ve begun thinking, what would I do if I could change the past? Of course you think of terrible human tragedy – things that someone could have done to avoid the senseless deaths of thousands or millions of people. But everything has a cause and an effect. Would changing one thing, change other things. What would the world look like? Would I like the end result? Here are the top 3 things I would change if I could go back in time.

Hitler
This is a no brainer. Millions were murdered. Millions more killed during the war. Perhaps the Japanese don’t bomb Pearl Harbor without knowing the Americans were focused on Europe. If there were a way to stop Hitler in the early 1930’s, I would certainly try to do something. Would anyone listen? But of course, what does that mean to the country we currently live in? Would America have become a superpower without WWII? Would we have emerged from the Great Depression? Would my parents have ever met without their families fleeing Europe? I don’t know. But they are small in comparison to the suffering that was caused by Hitler. I’d take my chances.

9/11
Again, senseless tragedy. Thousands killed for no reason. What could I have done to insure that the event didn’t happen? If I knew on September 10th what would happen the next day, would anyone believe me? I just know that living and working in New York on 9/11 changed everything. The country is different. In some ways worse. In some ways better. But I think stopping 9/11 would be my second task.

11/22/63
I would love to know what our country would be like if JFK was never assassinated. Would Bobby Kennedy have run for President in 1968 if his brother just completed two terms? Probably not. Would Martin Luther King have been assassinated? How many things are interconnected? Would we have pursued Kennedy’s passion for landing on the moon before the decade was finished if he wasn’t killed? Would we have pulled out of Viet Nam sooner? Would we have invaded Cuba again? What would the country look like if Camelot continued? Unfortunately, we’ll never know.

Of course, there are millions of decisions I would make differently in my personal life. Should I have made the trip to UCLA versus going to Temple University? Should I have stayed in St. Louis longer? Should I have bought that 2 bedroom, 2-bath apartment in NYC for $175,000 in 1989? But those decisions are in the past, and I don’t regret any of them. (I love my house in Westchester, so while it would have been a great investment, I don’t regret it.)

So, now it’s your turn. Please tell me – what event would you like to alter in history? Please post your answer in the comment section of the Word Press blog versus FACEBOOK or other areas.

Oh, one other thing – I’d also like to go back in time to meet my 4th grade English teacher – and ask her why I still can’t spell? Excuse the typos. I’m writing quickly today.

1.23.12

Did you ever wonder who picks the holidays we get off from work? Not that I’m complaining, I love getting days off just like everyone else. But why these particular holidays? I was looking at the calendar, and I noticed that today, January 20th is Camcorder Day, National Disc Jockey Day and International Fetish Day. (And of course, in a Presidential election year it would be Inauguration Day.)

Why don’t we get these days off?

Who decided the Columbus Day was more important that National Disc Jockey Day. I know I listen to the radio every day. I really like the announcers – although I probably don’t call them Disc Jockeys any more. Why shouldn’t I get today off to celebrate Nick Cannon with my family?

And what about International Fetish Day. All over the world people are celebrating their fetishes. Why not the people in my office? I’m sure lots of people around here would like to celebrate with their fetish friends from around the globe.

But, of course, every day is some holiday. A simple search on the Internet will show you exactly what we’re missing. Here are some of my favorites:

January 22: Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. Did I miss something? Exactly when did cats learn to speak? Did we have a “Planet of the Apes” moment and I didn’t notice.

January 25: World Leprosy Day. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to a huge party for leprosy. Last time I heard about leprosy, a Roman was burning out a dungeon cell in “Ben Hur.”

March 10: International Fanny Pack Day. Unless the fanny pack is on Jennifer Lopez’s fanny, I’m not interested.

March 20: Kiss Your Fiancée´ Day. I’m sorry; you need a special day for this? Shouldn’t you want to kiss your fiancée´ every day?

June 2: Yell ‘fudge’ at the cobras in North America Day. What the hell is this one? First of all, are there cobras in North America? Secondly, why tease them by yelling ‘fudge.’ Why don’t we all just yell ‘fudge’ at each other, then go get a chocolate milk shake?

June 19: World Sauntering Day. Now this seems like fun. Let’s all walk the streets like John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever.” This one I like.

But of course, I think my favorite stupid holiday is:

November 17: National ‘Unfriend’ Day. The day to clean out all those FACEBOOK friends that are really not friends.

In case you want a day-by-day calendar of incredibly stupid holidays, go to brownielocks.com/month2.html.

And thank goodness tomorrow’s Saturday, I wouldn’t want to miss celebrating ‘Fancy Rat and Mouse’ Day. I’ll be in the subway. See you there.

I talk to a lot of people.

Sometimes it’s in an interview setting. Sometimes on a chairlift (yes, I ski a lot). Sometimes on the subway or train. Sometimes it’s just in the halls of the agency. And I guess, I’m just the type of person that other people feel comfortable saying things they probably shouldn’t. Here’s a sample.

Chairlift conversation
Woman #1: Do you have children?
Me: Yes, three.
Woman #1: How old?
Me: I have twin daughters who are 26 and a son who is 9.
Woman #1: 26 and 9?
Me: Yes.
Woman #2: No way it’s the same wife, no way. Right?
Woman #1: You know, that’s what I was thinking. No way. Can’t be.
(Now notice I haven’t answered yet – but they continued this conversation)
Woman #2: Can you imagine having children 15 years apart?
Woman #1: (To me) What were you thinking?
Me: At the exact moment of conception? I really don’t remember. (That kind of ended the conversation)

In the hallway of the agency
Man: You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you, is that a chicken pox scar on your cheek?
Me: No, it’s a burn I got when I was 2 years old.
Man: Man that must’ve really bummed out your parents.
Me: Actually, according to my family, they didn’t even notice for a few days. My father actually thought my mother accidentally burned me with a cigarette.
Man: Did it hurt?
Me: I was 2. I don’t remember.
Man: How come you never had plastic surgery?
Me: I guess I really don’t notice it. It doesn’t bother me.
Man: Is that why you grew a beard?
Me: No, I grew a beard because I hate shaving.

At an industry event
Woman: Don’t you miss being in consumer advertising?
Me: Not really, I love what I’m doing.
Woman: Come on, you got to miss doing real advertising.
Me: I think I’m doing real advertising. I produce TV, print, digital, you know, real stuff.
Woman: No, I mean real stuff. You know, consumer stuff. Not healthcare stuff.
Me: Come by the agency and I’ll show you the stuff we create.
Woman: Can’t you just send me a PDF?
Me: I can. But I won’t. Have a good night.

There are dozens of other really stupid things people have said to me. But I’ve decided to end with this thought: think first, talk second.

Otherwise, you may see a conversation we’ve had on this site at some point in the near future. And that would be bad.

1.19.12

I work in an industry where great ideas die every day. And it’s a pity because there are so few truly great ideas out there. When I judge award shows, I’m always surprised at how few really revolutionary ideas I see in the market place. And there are plenty of excuses and plenty of reasons and plenty thoughts. But here are the most frequent excuses I hear for why great ideas don’t get produced.

The client won’t buy great ideas
This is the worst excuse of all time. I always tell people, clients can only choose what you show them. If you only show great ideas, they can only choose great ideas. If after multiple meetings, you can’t come to an agreement on an idea, then either you have different measures on what makes a great idea; different agendas or you’re not listening to the real assignment.

Research waters down good ideas
People water down ideas. Not research. Research is a tool. A data point. But only one data point. It shouldn’t be the only data point. How you use the tool is up to you.

The strategy sucked
Bad excuse. If you disagree with the strategy, you shouldn’t start the assignment.

Not enough time
Time does not equal greatness. I’ve come up with ideas in a day, a week – heck – even a few minutes. It has never taken weeks to come up with an idea. Yes, time helps hone ideas. Time helps create multiple ideas. But sometimes the lack of time fuels energy, cuts out the BS, and helps everyone focus on the task. Time should never be an excuse.

Not enough money
I’ve produced terrible million dollar commercials. I’ve also created great one for $40,000. A guy can produce a great idea with a video camera in a dark room late at night. Production value does not equal greatness. How many terrible Super Bowl ads are we about to see? I can guarantee that each one was carefully researched and produced by professionals. Just the ideas are not good enough to be special. That’s why they suck.

Here’s the only real reason for not producing a great idea:

We weren’t good enough to create it, produce it, or work with our clients to help them understand why this idea was special.

It’s our fault. Perhaps we’re not as good as we think. Perhaps we’re not as smart as we think. Perhaps we underestimate our audience. Perhaps we get caught up in our own bullshit. Perhaps we just don’t want to admit that it’s our fault.

So the next time you’re passing out blame for why a big idea died. Begin by looking at yourself.

1.19.12

A lot of people have commented how much they enjoyed my post regarding my morning conversations with my 9-year-old. So here are a few more that happened in the last 72 hours.

Spring Break
Son: Dad, can we go to Morocco over Spring break?
Me: Wow, Morocco? You know, your sisters want to come with us; maybe you should ask them what they want to do.
Son: Kristen wants to go somewhere with castles.
Me: You mean like France or Germany?
Son: I have a good idea, Mali. You know, Mali is one of the oldest kingdoms in all of Africa.
Me: I don’t think that what Kristen means.
Son: Maybe Kristen didn’t learn about Mali when she was in school. You know, she was in school a long time ago.
Me: I wouldn’t mention that to her.

Internet Status
Son: Did you know that Gmail now has status like FACEBOOK?
Me: I didn’t know that.
Son: I’m going to write something.
Me: What are you writing?
Son: That Jimmy (name changed) threw up on the bus this morning on the way to school, and had to be taken home.
Me: Maybe that should be his status and not yours.
Son: I had to smell it. I think I should get something out of it.
Me: Good point.

Body Hair
Son: When did you start shaving?
Me: I don’t know, early, around 13 or 14. Why?
Son: I think I have to start shaving soon. I’m getting this mustache and my legs are getting all hairy.
Me: I see.
Son: Also, some of the girls in my class think I should pluck my eyebrows.
Me: Why do they think that?
Son: They’re just looking out for me, so I don’t get a uni-brow.
Me: Did they actually use the word uni-brow?
Son: Yea, but only when they were talking about one of the other girls.

Underwear
Son: Dad, why are boy underwear called underwear and girl underwear called panties?
Me: You know, that’s a good question. But there are all different names. Boys have boxers and briefs.
Son: And girls have panties and thongs.
Me: Thongs?
Son: Dad, I’ve been to the beach, I know what a thong is.
Me: Really.
Son: They seem really uncomfortable. Like a wedgie all the time.
Me: I wouldn’t know.
Son: How come boys don’t have thongs.
Me: (This is where I messed up) I don’t know, boys don’t have bras either.
Son: You know, Mr. Smith (name changed) should wear a bra. He’s got boobs.

So, in case you wondering what’s on the mind of a 9-year-old. Here it is. Most of the dialogue is as accurate as I can remember. And if you see Mr. Smith, please don’t stare at his man boobs.

1.18.12

I have an eye opening experience last week.

In an e-mail to my students I asked what I thought was a simple question, “do you consider yourself a writer or an art director?” I have an entire department of creative folks, all started as either writers or art directors (with a few stray designers mixed in.

Of my 14 students — 9 consider themselves ‘creatives’ – neither writer or art director. Most say something like ‘hybrid’ creative or ‘digital conceptual thinker.’ Which led me to think are our traditional titles in advertising relevant to today’s industry? As we expect everyone to have traditional print, tv, radio, outdoor knowledge and digital, social, web expertise.

Should be be looking for Tradigital creative thinker?

People who don’t attack problems from the printed page. People who only think multi-channel because they’ve only known multi-channel their entire lives. People who embrace technology not because it’s cool. But because it’s the best medium to reach a specific audience.

This effects everything. How we teach in school. How we recruit as an agency. How we post jobs. How we create out website. How we talk about ourselves. How we think.

I’m intrigued by the possibilities.

In fact, the only reason why people hang on to the old ‘titles’ at agencies – is so people at OTHER agencies know how to recruit them, steal them, pay them. I know what to pay an Associate Creative Director. I have no idea what to pay a tradigital design concept creator.

But perhaps we have to stop thinking in the past. Stop worrying about the old ways. And start worrying about the future.

Because the next generation of students won’t care about the old ways. Just like they don’t care to call themselves a writer or an art director.

1.16.12

Some people think that working in advertising is all great location shoots and award shows. It’s not. It’s hours and hours of work on project after project. Every now and then you get a really fun project that turns out to be crap. And there are times when you get assigned to a bad project that turns into the best project of your career.

And then there are times when you worked on these projects and you have really bad client presentation. And sometimes for really dumb reasons.

Here is one of these meetings. Probably the worst meeting I’ve ever had. Although it makes for a good story, at the time I wanted to quit the business.

Riunite on Ice, that’s nice – 20 years ago, my creative team was charged with coming up with a follow up campaign to this legendary (bad) campaign. There were many mandatories. You had to show 20-something people drinking the wine. You had to use the product “on ice” and the new tagline or campaign line had to use the words Riunite and ice in the line. After weeks of work, we had created a pretty good idea. (Oh, I forgot another mandatory – we had to shoot at the owner of the company’s house on Long Island). I went with the lead Account guy, Jim, to present the campaign. The lead idea centered on a line: “Breaking the ice with Riunite.” The basic premise is that we were making fun of bad pick-up lines. And that Riunite was a statement enough.

I finished presenting the idea. Everyone loves it. Junior Brand Director, Brand Director, Sales guy, Marketing guy, VP and SVP. Except the owner.

Account Guy: What’s wrong, I can tell you’re thinking about this one.
Owner: You know, with the old tagline line ‘Riunite on Ice, that’s nice,” people remembered Riunite, Ice and Nice – or Riunite is nice. But with “Breaking the Ice with Riunite,” people will remember Riunite and Breaking, and breaking is like cracking, and cracking is like crack, and crack is drugs, and drugs are death. So people will remember Riunite death (he repeated it), Riunite death.

Now, I’m not kidding. This is as close to word for word as I can get after 20 years. But my favorite part of the story was the agency response.

Agency: Do you think we may be over thinking this just a little bit?

We actually produced the spot. It sucked.

Yup, we concepted, sold, produced and spent months on a project. And at the end, it sucked. Just goes to show sometimes even a good idea should have died sooner. The end product really did equal Riunite death.

1.13.12