Category Archives: advertising

Should Struggling Cities Be Renamed?

Posted on July 7, 2019 by

Everyone loves a good comeback story like is currently happening in Detroit. However,there are some cities that have languished in a depressed economic state for so long (some for 100 years), that their very name can evoke a negative impression. … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, business, cities, civics, civility, commerce, Communications, culture, economic development, economic gardening, Economy, futurism, geography, government, history, infrastructure, land use, marketing, place names, placemaking, planning, politics, spatial design, Statistics, sustainability, topography, tourism, Travel, urban planning, Welcome | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Town that was Born Through a Scam!

Posted on April 9, 2019 by

Frontier Towns, Chapter 3: Boise City, Oklahoma We’ve all probably heard the urban legends of people buying swamp land in Florida from a con artist, but it’s a rare occurrence to learn of an entire town being founded on a … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, cities, civics, commerce, Communications, geography, historic preservation, history, infrastructure, land use, marketing, place names, planning, politics, spatial design | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Regional Potato Chip Makers of the USA (past and present) 

Posted on January 9, 2019 by

Who doesn’t love potato chips? They are a staple of many lunches, dinners, and snacks. While there are some behemoth potato chip companies such as Frito-Lay and Pringles, fortunately there remain a number of local and regional producers. Here’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, Cities, commerce, consumerism, Cuisine, culture, Food, fun, geography, marketing, product design, shopping, Trade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Eons of neon in Tucson

Posted on February 27, 2018 by

If there is one type of signage this urban planner adores, it’s tastefully designed mid-century neon. And if there is one place to find such glorious signage, it’s Tucson, Arizona, where the city and local preservation groups have done a … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, architecture, art, Cities, Communications, consumerism, economic development, fun, historic preservation, history, land use, planning, shopping, signs, tourism, Transportation, Travel, Uncategorized, zoning | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Favorites of 2017

Posted on December 27, 2017 by

One of my New Years resolutions for 2017 was to read more classic literature and watch classic films I have missed in the past. As you can see form this list, I have accomplished that, partially in thanks to TCM … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, art, book reviews, books, branding, cartoons, Communications, culture, entertainment, film, fun, history, internet, libraries, literature, movies, music, music reviews, reading, Science, Science fiction, Television, theaters, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Time to say goodbye to large commercial signs?

Posted on November 22, 2017 by

With approximately 77 percent of all Americans now owning a smartphone, is there really a need for large commercial signs? One only needs to use the mapping software and GPS directions on their phones or built into their cars to … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, cities, Communications, Economy, entertainment, futurism, geography, infrastructure, internet, Maps, marketing, pictures, placemaking, planning, signs, spatial design, technology, tourism, transportation, Travel, zoning | Tagged | Leave a comment

Catchy and clever food truck names

Posted on June 16, 2017 by

Listed in alphabetical order with my favorite names shown in bold. Additional suggestions are welcome, as  long as they are (or were) real food trucks. While some of these food trucks no longer may be open, the names are still great. … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, Cuisine, culture, Food, fun, placemaking, planning, tourism, Travel, urban planning | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Birthplace geography of iconic pop/soda/cola brands

Posted on September 12, 2016 by

The following list identifies well-known soft drink brands (pops, sodas, and colas) from across much of North America. The criteria for inclusion in the list includes: Founded a minimum of 40 years ago – Vernor’s leading the way at 150 … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, Canada, commerce, consumerism, culture, economic development, economic gardening, Food, fun, geography, history, Maps, marketing, Mexico, North America, product design, States, Statistics | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Classic car nameplates/hood ornaments

Posted on July 5, 2016 by

Took these photos (and many others) of classic car nameplates and hood ornaments over the past holiday weekend during the National Cherry Festival Classic Car Show. Enjoy!

Posted in advertising, art, branding, Cars, commerce, consumerism, culture, historic preservation, history, marketing, pictures, product design, transportation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Monikers/nicknames for high-tech hubs – UPDATED

Posted on June 5, 2016 by

We’ve all heard of Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle, but what about lesser know high-tech hubs? Here are the monikers and nicknames found thus far – additions and corrections are always welcome. Aerospace Valley – Toulouse, France Automation Alley … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, branding, cities, Science, technology | 4 Comments