Cactus is a multi-disciplinary creative agency. Our mantra is that ideas grow brands. We believe that cacti hold magical juices that inspire Pulitzer-worthy ideas (and super hero muscles). So if you see us in the desert, take a knee and join us in worshipping the prickly beasts. Ommmm. To view our portfolio of inspired advertising and marketing ideas, visit www.sharpideas.com
02.04.10:
New app lets Granny connect
A new app for Facebook is helping people share their digital world with the tortoises who haven't yet connected. News from YOUs still gives users the control to personalize everything, even for
mediums that have historically not been user-driven -- think print and
newsletters.
So, if you have the urge to share your virtual world with those in
the real world, hop to it. Just sensor the awkward status updates. None
of your virtual friends want to hear those either.
02.04.10:
State of the Internet Address– in pictures.
Did you know that Norway has the most Internet penetration of any country? Or that 28% of bloggers are ages 35-44, more than any other age group? This infographic displays Internet trends in a new way - it can be easily digested at first glance. Thank you Focus.com for making this so clear.
Thanks to Matt for the find.
There are some awesome things going on over at Breathe, a small studio built on the three pillars of "yoga, spin,
and art." I can't say enough good things about their Metal Monday and
Thrashin' Thursday indoor cycling (think spinning) classes. These
aren't your mom's spin classes; no aerobics instructor barking at you
through a Britney Spears headset, no Britney Spears or equally annoying
music messing with your flow. Instead, just small classes, fueled by
metal and thrash punk soundtracks that will help you ride your personal
edge. Come ride with us!
In an attempt to eliminate eating disorders and improve the
mental health of young women, Spain is contemplating a law that would
ban diet and beauty ads from airing before 10 p.m. According to Ad Age, the law would
prevent broadcasters from carrying "advertisements for things that
encourage the
cult of the body and have a negative impact on self-image -- such as
slimming products, surgical procedures and beauty treatments -- which
are based on ideas of social rejection as a result of one's physical
image or that success is dependent on factors such as weight or looks."
It's
great to see people being cognizant of the messages that children are
receiving. However, I have to wonder if this ban on beauty ads will
have any substantial effect. Even if young women don't see ads for
beauty products, they still see pop-stars, movie-stars and other
compelling supporters of the "cult of the body" mentality.
I don't know about you, but personally I reject invites to join virtual
games like FarmVille faster than they land in my inbox. But, this article makes me think twice about my hasty rejections.
Zynga, the social gaming company responsible for many of the Web's
top games, is conducting a Haiti relief campaign in three of its top
games, including Farmville, Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker. Players can
purchase in-game social goods that will 100 percent benefit emergency
aid in Haiti.
This campaign doesn't just give me warm fuzzies - it is a smart use
of existing resources to affect change. Companies don't need to
reinvent the wheel when developing social media efforts. As exemplified
by Zynga, reaching people where they are already grazing can be more
effective than encouraging them to engage in new communities.
A new 
There are some awesome things going on over at 
