C.I.A DESTROYS TAPES

The Central Intelligence Agency destroyed at least two video tapes documenting the interrogation of two Al Queda operatives and that the decision to destroy the tapes was made "within the C.I.A itself." This of course was to protect the safety of their undercover officers...

While I am surprised that this is making national headlines (someone didn't cap this leak), I am more amused that people are actually gobbling this up. With everything that is going on in Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, hell even Mindanao, I would have thought we would expect and desensitize ourselves from such events. I do not encourage such methods but I do think that they have an important role to play, whether in our war for the betterment of the human race or for some crazy revolutionary's quest for freedom. Just don't get caught.

ONLINE GAMING AD SPACE SOLD AS CPM

An estimated $30 CPM to advertise on in-game advertising is being offered by Sony. This means that you can find company brands on the digital buildings, taxis, t-shirts and billboards of the new PS3 games. Just how effective and up to date will this advertising be? I would say that it has the potential of being very up to date. Most of the newer game consoles are designed to access the web for games, updates, and uploads. Nielsen is being contracted to track the data on advertisements and estimated (hits). The world of gaming is being treated much like television, through an easily administered, CPM basis. There is no escape from the world’s brands. From the growth in online advertising, mobile advertising, game advertising… expect to see companies like Mc Donalds, Toyota and Diesel Jeans plastered on everything you see, play and hear.

Interesting side news:

Nokia just released an interesting study that predicts that peer groups not just traditional media, will be creating and editing 25% of all entertainment by 2012.

The Zenith Optimedia report on Ad spending predicts that internet advertising will overtake radio advertising in 2008 and magazine advertising by 2010, amounting to 11.5% of total ad spend—putting it right behind television and newspapers.

This makes for an interesting playing field for the mobile advertising contenders.

A WOLF IN SHEPHERDS CLOTHING

Rupert Murdoch’s news Corp will acquire Beliefnet the largest (so they claim) spiritual website. It seems that big American business— one of the few top wolves of big American Business— has decided to develop a whole new demographic for media and advertising, the “multi-faith” communities. Murdoch has not exactly been praised for his objective journalism, as seen through his acquisition in London and the chaffing that has occurred in New York with the WSJ. Just think of the wonderful opportunity he has to skew information in the world of religious faith! Perhaps I am being cynical. Maybe he intends to help bridge the religious/cultural differences in our world. To put an end to the wars that are ravaging countries like Iraq and Lebanon. I wonder if he will bring his four horsemen?

CHAMPAGNE, MODELS AND SHANGHAI

More accurately: Shanghai, White wine, Champagne, Red Wine, Whiskey more Champagne and Models, in that order. I must say that I was rather impressed with the two Chinese models that were on the calendar this year, absolutely gorgeous. They more then held their own with their foreign counterparts. Aside from beautiful women, powerful socialites and strong government connections, Pirelli claims to have over 90% of the Chinese passenger car market. I find it dubious, but ill buy their statement just to be polite. The way these Chinese drive, I doubt they can tell the difference between a Pirelli tire and your run of the mill, Double Coin. I swear these drivers are more at home behind a tractor then they are their Audi A8’s—it just goes to show how quickly the wealth and prosperity spreads in the main cities.

QUICK MOTORING NEWS 12/01/07

Cometh the Challenger
Come December 3, orders for Chrysler 2008 “Dodge Challenger” can be made—the new rendition paying adequate homage to Kowalski’s 1970 Challenger. From the high beltline and muscular haunches, to the aggressively serene snout—this new challenger is a beauty. I think this sits a notch above the new Camaro on my “to buy” list, unless of course I come across a 70’s Challenger R/T somewhere in the Philippines…. One can only hope.



















Evil Kneivel dies. All of us adrenaline junkies have lost a hero. Instead of moping around, let me just show you a few of the things he did (Note that these crash scenes may bring grown men to tears):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYGGCVE2lKY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsq3dWTrRWA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg9Hrp0CVms&feature=related

Dubai purchases hybrids (http://www.autointell.com/News-2007/November-2007/nov-4/november-28-07-p1.htm): Probably a massive marketing gimmick but one with good intentions nonetheless. Despite my passion for large, gas guzzling engines, I am actually quite concerned and active about the preservation of our environment. Hybrid technology has gotten to the point where it is a realistic alternative to the common, gas combustion engine. Toyota and GM have made tremendous advances in this field and while the costs are still slightly subsidized by the automotive companies, they are starting to be come affordable for most mid to high income consumers. Unfortunately I doubt these hybrids will be commonplace in the Philippines anytime in the next 5 to 10 years, but it would be nice to see a trickling of them on the streets. For the time being, let us focus on getting rid of the jeeps and tricycles, and replacing them with the slightly less polluting and more efficient—bus.