MICROSOFT'S NEW AD CAMPAIGN

The long awaited Microsoft campaign from Crispin Porter + Bogusky launched with a 90-second spot featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates shopping for shoes. I thought the spot was a little disappointing, especially considering how much I used to love Seinfeld's American Express spots.



Maybe they should have shot it at Zapwater client GRACE?

I'm curious if you think the spots are DELICIOUS?

David Zapata

TRADITION WITH A TWIST

If you haven’t heard that I am getting married on October 18th, yes next month, then you must not live in the Chicago DMA. After months of preparation filled with dresses, place-cards, unity candles, cakes, any and all wedding appointments, family interrogations and getting my fiancé into gear, the thing I was looking most forward to was the infamous bachelorette celebration! I wanted something simple, a day by the pool, drinks, sushi and a CRAZY late night out, my goal was to be out until at least 5:30 am, even though a little bird told me nothing good happens after 2 am.

With best friends in from out of town, my closest city friends and the best co-workers (let’s be honest, some of the most genuine and fun people I have ever met), I was ready to make a mark on the Windy City. I found one of the pinkest, tightest and shortest dresses I could wear without being mistaken for the circus, or far worse, and indulged in all things bachelorette. Note: I refused to sport any kind of “traditional” bachelorette wear, no veils, necklaces, beads, headbands, buttons, weird t-shirts or anything of the sort while out in public.

Eighteen lovely ladies joined me as we kicked the night off with sushi, wine and yes, the rumor is true, perfectly prepared Jell-O shots at the restaurant! With sushi bellies a plenty, we headed to the first stop of the night, Bon V, Chicago’s two-floor ultra lounge in the west loop, you can’t help but live the good life when you’re there. We were greeted with champagne bottles and sparklers, bottle service, amazing music and a private space for us to bust our moves and people watch. Around 1 am we headed to stop number two on the Holly train, The Underground. Always a go-to spot for a crowd, we danced, drank and enjoyed delicious desserts tableside, what better way to celebrate then with pop tarts, chocolate and champagne!

By 3 am many had dropped out of the bachelorette race, but there were still five of us ready to go, so naturally, we headed to le Passage for 5 am fun. I will admit it, by that time we were sipping an elegant concoction I like to call water.

We made one last stop at the gyro shop and rolled through the door at 5:15 am, hey it was close to 5:30 am!

Holly Ramsey (soon-to-be Winter)
Publicist

BIGGS BLOG

Lately I have been working a lot with Zapwater client Andy Biggs. Andy is a notable wildlife photographer who specializes in African safari photographs. Each day as I complete tasks for the account, I am exposed to his breathtaking photography of desert landscapes or herds of Zebra and for a minute it feels sort of like I’m not actually sitting behind a desk.

Several times a year, Andy takes groups of avid photographers with him to Africa to hone their photography skills while learning about the continent he is so passionate about. These photographic safari workshops are around 11 days long and take adventurers on a whirlwind tour of some of Africa’s most beautiful natural scenery. Although the schedule for each workshop depends on the location, all workshops include causal lectures and an environment conducive to learning-no matter what your experience level is. After a day in the desert heat, luxury accommodations are provided for travelers (and their camera batteries) to recharge. A vacation that is both educational and relaxing? Sign me up!

Much to the envy of the Zapwater office, our own David Zapata will be traveling to Churchhill, Canada with Andy in November for a photography workshop to photograph polar bears in their native tundra habitat. Stay tuned to the Zapwater blog for more about David’s photo excursion!

Emma Richards
Intern