Who's Buying What in Super Bowl XLII - Advertising Age - News

It's the only reason I watch the game: for the ads. Here's a line-up of who's forking out the $2.7-$3 million for :30 of advertising time. (There had been rumors that some of the presidential candidates might consider it, as the Super Bowl is just two days before Super Tuesday, but it was apparently not cost-effective for them. And that's probably true.) You'll see the usual suspects: Budweiser, movie trailers, car commercials (cuz really, what's a football game without car and beer sponsors?), soft drinks, and GoDaddy's recent tradition of airing a sexist/tongue-in-cheek (depends who you ask) spot.
Read more here.

Teachers Ask. You Choose. Students Learn.

My sister teaches 2nd grade (and is a damn good teacher, I might add). I've watched her decorate her classroom and pay out of her own pocket (all teachers do) to purchase much-needed supplies and resources. Many years ago, I told her we should start something where businesses could adopt a school or classroom and donate some of our extra office supplies. Well, while I talked about it, some other folks actually did something about it. Teachers can go on this site and post details of a project they'd like to do with their class (but don't have the funds for) and donors like you and me can fund it. I think it's a kick-ass idea and another example of how the Internet enables folks to pool their resources and create more purchasing power.

Here's the article from Springwise Newsletter that tipped me off.

Here's the DonorsChoose site where you can go and donate. Spread the word to your teacher friends, too!

DeKalb County Brown Bag Links

A warm welcome to all the folks who braved the cold weather to hear me speak at today's Dekalb County Brown Bag Luncheon. I met many entrepreneurs -- from start-ups to seasoned pros -- and was impressed with the talent and commitment they exhibited. Best of luck to all of you with your business ventures. We hope to see you back here on the blog from time to time. As promised, here is a listing of the web sites we discussed today:

MARKETING TOOLS:
•E-mail management and marketing: http://www.ConstantContact.com
•Polls/customer surveys: http://www.surveymonkey.com/
•Cheap photos for marketing pieces (coupla’ bucks a piece): http://www.iStockPhoto.com
•Full-color printing: http://www.PrintingForLess.com (ask for the Red Team)
•Quick, cheap printing (quality not great): http://www.OvernightPrints.com
•Fun, quirky printing: http://www.Moo.com
•Custom, cultural, and theme invitations and event paperie: http://www.KembaCelebrations.com
•Shirts, tote bags with your logo (small quantity): http://http://ocs.landsend.com/corpsales
•Edible greeting cards: http://www.EdiblesInc.com
•Custom cookies: http://www.LadyFortunes.com
•Chocolate business cards: http://http://SchottChocolateImages.com/
•Cheap mugs: http://www.DiscountMugs.com
•Custom containers, notepads: http://www.TheMacBethCollection.com
•Last-minute gift ideas: http://www.RedEnvelope.com
•Business networking: http://www.LinkedIn.com
•Social networking (find relevant groups):
http://www.Facebook.com
http://www.Ning.com
http://http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/ga/atlanta/ (MeetUp Atlanta) (MeetUp Atlanta)
•Naming tools: http://http://www.wordlab.com/tools/t_index.cfm

OPERATIONS TOOLS:
•Simple project management tool: http://www.BasecampHQ.com
•Quicker surfing: Google Toolbar http://http://toolbar.google.com/T4/index_pack_xp.html
•Easier bookmarking: Google Bookmarks http://www.google.com/bookmarks/
•Directory assistance on the run (free): Google SMS (text message) http://http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/sms/
•Create PDF files (free): http://www.pdf995.com
•Conference calls (almost free): http://www.MrConference.com
•Legal advice and forms: http://www.LegalZoom.com
•Productivity advice: http://http://suiteminute.blogspot.com/
•Online continuous data backup (cheap): http://www.Carbonite.com
•Restaurant reservations (quick): http://www.OpenTable.com
•Discount furniture, supplies, office space: http://http://atlanta.craigslist.org/
•Web-based accounting: http://www.QBOE.com (QuickBooks Online Edition)
•Plan your route:
http://www.MapQuest.com
http://www.GeorgiaNavigator.com
•Best deal on cell phones: http://www.Sprint.com/SERO
(need an employee e-mail to access the site: email me and I'll send you one)
•Web site traffic reports and analysis (free): http://www.google.com/analytics/
•Free website (domain name, hosting, branded e-mail, design tools): http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officelive/default.aspx
(Microsoft Office Live)

It's like a GPS for your shopping cart!

Imagine a shopping cart that tells you where to find the peanut butter -- or better yet -- that one, rare ingredient in that new recipe that you've never heard of before. A shopping cart that lets you digitally pre-load your shopping list and guides you around the store. Of course, this cart is going to show you ads (and maybe even give you coupons)
based on your shopping preferences. All in all, not a bad way to get useful information and hey, I'll take those relevant coupons anytime.

The one thing I don't get? How Microsoft got into this game. Does this mean my shopping cart will "crash"? Let's hope not!

Read more: Microsoft Takes Digital Ads to Grocery Aisles