Lindsey’s Daily Deal: Mike, Mike, Mike Weinstein, I’ve Got Syphilis and Hogging Energy

By Lindsey Campbell, Captains of Industry

Hey Captains’ readers,

Here’s your Friday Deal:

1. Mike, Mike, Mike Weinstein

Typically, I’m not a fan of political advertising. To be perfectly honest, I think it’s a crock. Some of the better candidates for government will never get a shot because they don’t have enough cash to back their campaigns, and those that do, waste their 30 seconds of air time trash talking their opponents. Not to mention, the commercials are almost always boring and predictable. Smiling candidate. Crisp white shirt and red power tie. Shaking hands with “the working man.” “I approve this message!” and you’re done.

Bah.

If a candidate really wants votes, they need show that they’re human and possess the ability to laugh a little—like Mike Weinstein. Good ol’ Mike, as I like to now call him, has been in the Florida House since 2008, and represents District 19. And rather than connecting with his constituents via TV Land, he created a two and a half minute web music video simply called, Mike Weinstein (Representing District 19). And besides getting the media right, the tune in the web video isn’t just catchy, it’s a head-bobbing, foot-tapping good time! At the very least, I wanted to find out more about Mike. And I’m over 1,000 miles away from District 19.

2. I’ve got Syphilis

With almost a million words in the English language to work with, Ogilvy Asia managed to pick the three that would sell a game that’s been around since the 1930’s. Check out Scrabble’s new commercial. It’s genius.

3. DOE hogs energy

The Department of Energy is gung-ho about getting businesses and homeowners to start being more mindful of their energy use. But, there are some things that people just aren’t willing to sacrifice (yet) for the sake of energy—mainly money. For instance, installing airtight windows, putting in proper insulation, or buying energy efficient appliances like washers and dryers can be pricey. But small changes, like unplugging electrical cords, turning off the lights, and changing over to energy efficient light bulbs, are slowly catching on—mostly because they’re so easy and inexpensive. However, according to a recent audit, the Department of Energy has yet to get on their own bandwagon. Apparently, the DOE’s offices have been leaking $2.2 million in electricity just because they haven’t been willing to change over their incandescent light bulbs. With the DOE’s new “Energy Hog” campaign telling both kids and adults to save energy, it seems a little contradictory that they can’t manage to replace a few bulbs. And adding insult to injury, their latest Energy Hog commercial features energy efficient light bulbs as the superhero of the spot. Yikes. Just goes to show, we all need to practice what we preach.

If you’re digging the videos in the Deal, and you think they’d work for your company, check out the Captains’ Video Portfolio.

Until Monday,

Captain Lindsey