Finally, a JibJab-esque (”This Land is Your Land”) video on the credit crunch. As a thesis project, the practicality and enjoyment factor created by Jonathan Jarvis’ innovative little short is well worth publication (outside of academia). Boing Boing does a pretty fair job, via its comments, in analysis how correct the video is. As far as PSAs - public service announcements - there has to be some model in original programming online and off that will support artists reinterpreting modern society. Last year’s great example was GirlEffect.org, funded within the $100M that Nike Foundation and Warren Buffett put together. Who are the Sinclair Lewis’ of modern video exploration+creative visualization today?

From Google.org to Gucci, TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design.) boasted 39 corporate sponsors  - 17 with noted initiatives - for it’s recent 2009 conference, TEDTalks line-up on Feb 2-7, 2009.  This appears part of a growing trend for brands to bring more meaning to their advertising.  Other than outpricing or simple descriptive / comparison branding initiatives, the focus has shifted into“What are you doing to make a difference?”, tell me about it and I’ll be more likely to listen.