SAYONARA JANUARY

The good news is that January has come to an end. The bad news is that we live in Chicago so we have to endure at least 2 more months of severe winter weather. When the temperature drops people have a tendency to hibernate and while I admit I too fall into this category, I have been trying to brainstorm things to do that will motivate me to get me out of my apartment. So far I think I have a few good ideas…

· Eat up! Winter is the perfect time of year to eat hearty meals so I think I am going to check out Duchamp’s famous havarti cheeseburger with tomato remoulade – a burger that has been talked about for some time both in and outside of the culinary world. This burger creation by chef Michael Taus has received rave reviews so I will be sure to check it out!

· Indulge in some spa treatments. Sure it may not be pedicure season but get one anyways because you and your feet deserve it! Men can partake in the spa treatments too. From February 9th – 13th men can receive a massage or facial for $39 at HALO Salon and Spas for Men (Gold Coast location only).

· And the one remedy for winter blues that works time and time again – shopping! Look forward to spring by splurging on a new frock. Sometimes all a girl needs is a hot dress to pick up her spirits, so when winter has you down visit Le Dress boutique in Wicker Park to pick out a dress for a special occasion or just a great weekend out!

Deanne Daneck
Senior Publicist

POLITICAL ADS 2010

I worked on my first political campaign when I was 16. Twenty-plus years later, I’ve worked on more campaigns than I wish to name. Currently, I am consulting on a gubernatorial campaign in Illinois. With that said, I usually keep my personal politics away from Zapwater. I understand that our clients and staff have political beliefs as diverse as our client list itself. But no matter who you support, do your civic duty and get out and vote on Feb 2!

During most of my campaign career, I’ve served in a variety of media-related rolls. My list of job titles has included Press Secretary, Communications Director and Media Consultant. As you can imagine, this time of year is like the Super Bowl to me. I’ll take a political commercial over a talking baby any day.

Later this week, I’ll list Illinois’ five best political commercials this primary cycle. But for now, I had to post what I believe is the most bizarre political commercial of the year. This one comes from Louisiana.




David M. Zapata

CA23 GETS ICED

At Zapwater, we get the opportunity to partner with many unique businesses, whether through client events, fundraising opportunities or pro-bono work.

Last night, my officemate Holly and I attended an event by Meredith Marks, a local jewelry designer and recent partner of our client, The Brixton Group. Hosted in the fully furnished model unit at The Brixton Group’s luxury West Loop development, CA23, Meredith Marks’ jewelry trunk show brought out some of Chicago’s shopping elite to brave the snow and cold for this truly dazzling event.

Bangles encrusted with diamonds, sparkling necklaces and vintage cocktail rings were a few of the most popular pieces at the show. Check out Meredith’s website for more and keep and eye out for this Chicago designer!

Sarah Marseille
Senior Publicist

INTRODUCING…. THE iPAD! …… *ROARING LAUGHTER*

Today, CEO of Apple Steve Jobs introduced the iPad *ahem* …

The iPad; a one-piece tablet computer with a large touch screen *giggles* …

I’m sorry, but it’s hard to take this announcement seriously amid the raging Twitter conversation that has created a story within a story; is Apple really going to call its new device an “iPad”?

The first sarcastic remark I saw on Twitter was from a lifestyle freelance writer:
I’m sorry, but as much as I love #Apple, the name iPad blows. Sounds like a feminine hygiene product.

And then it happened: “iTampon” became a Trending Topic. Suddenly a war was waged between the jesters and the Jobs fans.

“Leave iPad alone! It’s going to totally revive the economy!” a senior White House reporter exclaimed just as another person joked, “The iTampon: now with 60% more absorbency for heavy data flow!”

Picking up on the irony of such a carefully massaged marketing message going awry, many people began to discuss how this epic oversight could have possibly happened. Was there a woman on the marketing team? They wondered. “I bet Steve Jobs has his head in his hands about the iTampon. I think one marketing guy is currently packing his cardboard box,” another Tweeter remarked.

Within minutes of the announcement, iTampon had become the #2 Trending Topic on Twitter, while iPad was still in line waiting to join the list.

Couldn’t Apple have just gone with the name iSlate?

Don’t get me wrong; Apple will undoubtedly experience significant growth in the weeks and months to come. And I’m sure from a technical standpoint the iPad will be a great success. But one can’t help but laugh at the irony of one of the most carefully crafted PR machines being splashed across Twitter news feeds in reference to a variety of unmentionable feminine products.

One person asked, “The iPad… Apple’s fatal mistake?”

I doubt it. But it will certainly keep us atwitter for a few days.

Susan Schreiber
Account Supervisor

FAITH IN THE MUSTARD SEED

Have you heard of the parable of "The Mustard Seed?" Jennifer Connor, aka "Mustard Girl" discusses why she has faith in the mustard seed on Twin Cities Live.