chocolate gorilla

That old marketing adage, 'you don't sell the sausage, you sell the sizzle', always seems applicable when looking at adverts that seem to capture the imagination without flaunting the product.

In the example below a feeling is created and as with most advertising I don't necessarily want to go out and buy the product but Cadbury's have captured some of my attention. The distinctive purple color is used on the background and I think the contemplative nature of the piece is meant to evoke satisfaction and indulgence offered by the product but chocolate is only illustrated at the start and end.

But a key question remains, do I feel like buying some chocolate or a Phil Collins album? Mmmm, ok! I think I fancy a dairy milk.

For more information ...
cadbury
cadbury on wikipedia
gorilla

let no one sleep

Ireland, a nation who had never previously qualified for the world cup, came alive in June of 1990. A nervous start resulting in 3 draws took us through to the second round of the competition. Our luck continued when we then beat Romania on penalties 5-4. Sheedy, Houghton, Townsend, Cascariono and O'Leary scored and then Packie Bonner saved from Timofte to put us through to the quarter finals. A moment branded into the memory of those who witnessed it.

The tournament ended for us when we lost to a goal from Salvatore Schillaci and Italy in the quarter final. Schillaci would go on to win the best player and golden boot award but our luck had run out.

The ups and downs were experienced to the backdrop of the Nessun Dorma, the song of that summer. Pavarotti brought it alive and even though none of us knew of Turandot or Calàf, we all connected with the song.

No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.

So the chorus sings as the night begins to die, a fitting paradox for that great Italian singer who died today, aged 71.


For more information ...
pavarotti
italia '90
nessun dorma
maria callas

labyrinth

A labyrinth is quite distinct from a maze, it does not confuse the walker it guides them. There is a single path through the labyrinth and a single path out. Whilst it does not promote confusion, it certainly promotes thought.

(Calgary labyrinth based on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth)

In the labyrinth you often seem near the centre when in fact you are far away and when you seem far away a few steps brings you quite close to the centre. The labyrinth is an unfolding journey, as you walk you get to know the labyrinth in a way beyond seeing it.

There is a well developed connection between the labyrinth and religion, many churches feature the labyrinth even though it predates Christianity and transcends western culture. The symbolism is evident and often exploited, 'there is but one path that leads to god', etc.

(Labyrinth at Ely Cathedral)

The practice of walking a labyrinth provides an occasion for reflection similar to that of kinhin, the walking meditation of Zen Buddhism or the stations of the cross in Catholicism. The Celts in Ireland used the word turas for a journey of a spiritual nature, they too depicted labyrinths.

Today I walked an unusual labyrinth at Ely Cathedral with my mother, a nice journey to share together.


For more information ...
labyrinth
kinhin
lough derg
ely cathedral