Happy Mondays!

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Whilst on the trek into work yesterday, I discovered probably the most wondrous little section of journalism (that is hard to find these days).
Within the pages of Metro (Ireland) there is a one page mash-up of all things positive called 'Happy Monday'. All of the snippets of news on 'Happy Monday' has a positive spin, is this the way forward or just a whimsical way take the edge off the pain and turmoil being felt the country and world over?

Italian Inspiration

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Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world, opened its flagship New York City location on August 31, 2010. The New York City culinary haven will have plenty for visitors to shop, taste and savor including seven full-service eateries, a café, wine shop, bakery and patisserie, and a culinary educational centre. The marketplace also offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces, olive oils and more. Eataly will also give way to an open-air rooftop beer garden to New yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy!

On discovering the existence of such a place, I ponder on the opportunity this little gem could hold for brand Italy. From the awareness and purchase of many Italian brands to in-store booking of flights to the homeland , I can't help but wonder, why on earth haven't we thought of this yet?
With so much to offer (and many Irish occupying New York as well as all corners of the globe), could brand Ireland not jump onboard this soaring venture and take a piece of the action?


http://www.newyork.eataly.it/

Showing us your true colours Mary?

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Tempers flared at a recent launch in West Dublin with Minister Mary Harney being doused in red paint.
Was this angry retaliation against impending health cuts justified or was it a step too far?
Health cuts of up to one billion euro are expected in the next budget only weeks away, is our current government destroying brand Ireland and all that it once was ? Is it time to start to rebuild, starting with these failing droons in Dáil Éireann?

ESB set for 40 million re-brand

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Are we shocked, honestly?

With the news of an ESB re-brand doing the rounds I wasn't at all surprised, just in time for the toughest budget yet - sure they might as well, right?

Ireland strapped for cash? Surely not.....

Government will spend €40 million on the ESB and Bord Gáis for putting up new nameplates, letterheads and for new advertising.Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said “whatever arrangements have been made by the ESB and by Bord Gáis the Commission for Energy Regulation can be taken up with them”. Sounds about right!