Chicago 3rd Largest Twitter Location

It must be the "O" effect. A report issued on the State of the Twittersphere places Chicago as the 3rd most popular Twitter location ins the world (LA nad London rank higher).

Why would Chicago be placing so high? Well the report does say English speaking cities twitter more. But I think it must also be due to Obama and Oprah, as well as other local media figures like Richard Roeper and Jerry Taft (ABC local weatherman) who started using Twitter earlier this year. Interestingly, David Armano, formerly of Critical Mass here in Cgo, is one of the top 25 Twitterati in Chicago (he sure tweets a lot!).

The Color of the Year: Mimosa Yellow

Pantone’s color for 2009 is mimosa yellow, which showed up in various shades throughout the Kitchen and Bath show held in Atlanta over the weekend ."The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation" according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Mimosa showed up in various shades throughout the show. Sunbeam calls it “yellow pepper,” while Fiesta Dinnerware has “marigold," and added lemongrass, inspired by Michelle Obama’s inauguration dress. Others in the home industry note a new source of inspiration for color: HDTV and its vivid colors.“ Pantone chose the color because of these sobering times, believing yellow helps generate feelings of hope and optimism.

No wonder I've been seeing "yellow" on the covers of home mags and Pottery Barn. I thought it was a daring choice to go yellow for my boudoir last year. Guess that makes me "pre-trend."

More from Pantone:

"Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue."

Knowing the source...of your beer

Having lived and marketed through the "natural ingredient-nothing added-knowing the source of your food" trend since the mid-1990s, I was surprised to see a beer now taking this approach. The "green" plants in Michelob's spot, which turns out be be hops, fist caught my attention. (I had no idea what hops look like. "Man from Munich" showcases the guy who sources hops in Germany. I even remembered the tagline after just one exposure, no small feat(Crafting a Better Beer). It gets me interested in the brand again (even if I'm not the target...last time I saw a 6-pack of Mich was at grandpa's).

This macro trend about knowing the ingredients and the source of the food continues to be oh-so relevant, and continues to pick-up steam as Michelle Obama makes this even more topical. I saw how connecting a brand to this food movement grew Gerber share 10+ points. Smart move for a beer brand to occupy this territory.