The Blend, June 2

People are sharing good stuff all the time. Things that make us smarter, think more creatively and encourage us to push ourselves just a little bit harder. When we find these things, we put them in The Blend and share them with you.

Here’s some good stuff from good thinkers to help us through the rest of the week…

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To start, here’s a fantastic guide to life and business.

 

Now, moving directly to brands, it seems trust is no longer enough. Here’s data that supports how meaningfulness is now the key brand driver in our world.

 

And when working on brands, don’t forget the distinction between the important and the easy.

 

Which is hard because even the smartest brand leaders can “see too many sides to every argument.” (Mr. Ogilvy said he had 12 shortcomings that may sound familiar to you, too.)

 

Speaking of smart brand leadership, California Milk just licensed Got Milk? to cookies, granola and more.

 

Not to be outdone, Chili’s will spend nearly $1 million a year on egg wash burger buns so they look good for Instagram photos.

 

And it turns out that, yes, it is possible to create an online banner ad that makes you like online banners. Thanks Post-it.

 

Meanwhile, Netflix is creating Green Eggs and Ham for TV and their press release is the most creative I’ve seen in a very long time.

 

Which is good because some news outlets are getting more creative with their stories. Here’s a great example: En route from London to Tokyo, a pilot’s-eye view of life in the sky.

 

Or you can get in your car and “just pass on through” places. (A smart insight about what qualifies as an American road trip.)

 

Unless Google drives you. Here’s the view from the front seat of the self-driving car.

 

And, finally, NASA released the largest picture ever taken. So that’s fun.

 

Here’s to a productive, creative and thought-filled rest of the week. If you find stuff that belongs in The Blend, please let @JohnDrake know.