“IKEA hosted a sleepover at its Essex store in the U.K., giving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for customers and fans to spend the night inside its signature furniture warehouse. The whole idea for this PR event was inspired by a Facebook group called ”I wanna have a sleepover in IKEA.” Nearly 100,000 people have joined the group and Ikea granted 100 lucky winners their wish. The late-November event had a minimum age of 25 and a strict pajamas-only dress code. Guests were given goodie bags containing eye mask, midnight snacks, towel and slippers, and more. The sleepover also featured entertainment ranging from massages and manicures to movies and even a bedtime story reading by a reality-TV celebrity. A sleep expert was on hand with tips for getting a good night’s rest, including how to test a mattress and choose the right bedding for different styles.”

Australian IKEA had a similar event geared to women. It granted access to “50 female flat-pack fans” on its Australian Facebook page for a night of chick flicks, pampering massages, waiter service from handsome men — along with the chance to assemble small pieces of furniture. Wooo! Assembling furniture!!!

Power Plays™ is a great wave to inspire “VIP” promotional ideas. Brand fans love to be acknowledged, and when you create a special experience geared towards the most loyal customers, they get the esteem boost that comes along with the Power Plays™ wave. The Human Truth™ is: “Not many people know what I know and do what I do.”™ When it comes to camping out in a store over night, that certainly rings true.

Well, believe it or not, this mesmerizing feat of engineering may actually become Taiwan’s version of the the Eiffel Tower.

“Tokyo-based architect Sou Fujimoto has been selected as the first prize winner for the Taiwan Tower International Competition. The winning proposal’s design reflects Sou Fujimoto’s philosophy of Primitive Future, as the “21st Century Oasis” aspires to be a model of green architecture for the future generations.”

It took me a while of studying these renderings to really comprehend what I was looking at.  It looks like a forest or garden has been pushed 1000 feet into the air to tower over the Taiwan skyline.  It’s impressive. This structure also wants to be a world class example of green architecture.

“Renewable energy systems and passive design techniques include a green roof, rainwater harvesting, solar hot water panels, wind turbine, photovoltaic cells, ground source heat pump, desiccant air-handling unit and natural ventilations by Solar Stack Effect. The Oasis will achieve LEED Gold.”

Power Plays™ is about seeking admiration as a source of power. Taiwan is ready to take it’s place on the world stage as a tourist destination, rather than just be known as a manufacturing hub. This structure seeks to make a statement.

The Human Truth™ of this wave is: “Not many people know what I know and do what I do.”™ It’s about setting yourself apart from the herd.  This design is cutting edge and the green angle embodies the top architecture of today.

When you do something that’s truly out of the box and yet “on trend” …it’s a pretty potent mix.

Yes, that’s the term Nielson has coined after reviewing the results of their latest Christmas “wish list” survey.  Apparently our kids and teens are more about tech gadgets than ever before.  Apple devices are dominating the letters to Santa.

44 percent of kids ages 6-12 want an iPad.  30 percent want an iPod touch, next comes the iPhone at 27 percent.  Teenagers are also so hoping for iPad (24 percent). You would think gaming consoles would be way up there, but the second most wished for item among teens is a new computer. Interestingly, (or perhaps reassuringly), teens are also showing a strong interest in eReaders this year (18 percent).

After studying the infograph, I couldn’t help but think how lucky some kids are, and it made me consider the Private Pampering™ wave. This wave’s Human Truth™ is: “I don’t need it but I’m worth it.”™ I mean, besides the new computer, these electronics are probably more of a “want” than a “need”.  I remember losing my mind when I woke up Christmas morning to find a bike.

Maybe owning something like a bike or skateboard is just a “given” these days?  Perhaps that’s also why Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Wii consoles are far down on the list this year… I mean do you know an American kid that doesn’t have at least one of those?  Jeeze, a bunch of kids these days grow up with at least one parent who’s a gamer.

We marvel at our iBabies that intuitively navigate iPads and operate the iPhone with an ease that makes their grandparents heads spin.  It seems this iHoliday Season will continue to arm our techy kids with the tools of the future.

“London-based Bodymetrics and 3D machine vision company PrimeSense have developed a full 3D body scanner that is designed to make finding the perfect pair of jeans a whole lot easier. Its “Body Mapping” platform uses eight PrimeSense 3D sensors to take all of a client’s necessary measurements and map their body shape. This data is then accessed by retailers, to find the clothes which best fit that client. Initially the scanner is going to be used by Bodymetrics “Fit Stylists” to suggest the best-fitting jeans for female customers.”

Right now there is only one being used at a store called New Look in London.

Apparently you stand in a pod like machine and it accurately calculates 100 measurements which are then analyzed to match you up with a garment that is the best sizing. The article goes on to predict it’s application to the online clothing industry, where apparently 20 to 40 percent of all clothes are returned because they do not fit. Which, I have to admit, is why I rarely buy clothes online.

The Human Truth™ of this wave is: “If I look good, I am good.”™ We all want that “perfect fit” to step out confidently in the world. Buff Culture is about that feeling.

I will however, alert you to the growing trend of Hacktivism and Pranktivism because it fits perfectly into the Corporate Hating™ wave. Take for example, this recent publication of Beautiful Trouble, A How-To Project for Activist Pranksters By EDW Lynch.

It ties together often disparate and underground movements and showcases them in one interesting and inspiring book that is looking for support on KickStarter.

“From prank websites to militant carnivals, flash mobs to virtual sit-ins, social activism has a creative new edge that is melding prank and PR, direct action protest and pop art. More and more, activists and artists find themselves together on the barricades. But in the heat of battle, the principles that make creative actions successful seldom get hashed out or written down — until now. Beautiful Trouble will arm our movements with their own best weapons.”

For many years these groups have been dismissed as unorganized “radical fringe” elements, trust me when I say, they are growing and even mainstreaming in ways even I couldn’t have imagined.

I mean it’s really not hard to understand. The Human Truth™ of the Corporate Hating™ wave is: “I hate being treated like I don’t matter.” Now, how many people do you think feel that way, in these times of widening economic gaps and unease about a myriad of issues? Perhaps you even know someone who’s attended a protest or “day of action” on an issue they feel strongly about… and it’s someone you didn’t think would do “that sort of thing”.

My advice to anyone bringing a product, service or new business innovation to market would be:

Be a solution. Be a point of difference to the objects of peoples anger. Most of all, don’t wait until people start screaming at you before you start listening.

I get it.

That is to say, I know A BUNCH of guys who are card carrying SNEAKERFREAKERS. When I saw this,qwq I immediately forwarded them the link because I know this would be something they would do.

“The intention of the Shrine Sneaker Rack is to highlight the very best details of your perfectly preserved footwear… All Shrine Racks are made in the US and include the mounting hardware for proudly creating your place of worship.

Seriously, I have friends that can’t bring themselves to wear some shoes because they don’t want to scuff them. There was one collector I knew who had so many kicks that he put them in neat rows hugging the walls, all around his apartment.

Power Plays™ is in the ESTEEM tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy for a good reason. People who embrace this wave seek admiration as a source of power. It’s about setting yourself apart from the pack. That’s why we see a lot of collections and “limited edition” rarities showing up as great Power Plays™ examples. The Shrine Racks design solution helps proud owners show off the spoils of their obsession.

However, this piece is all about appearances. It’s a lesson in how putting some effort into making something look it’s best pays off, big time.
Teresa Berg is a professional photographer that made herself available to a local shelter because she understood that bad pictures can turn people off.  Many dogs are put down because they don’t generate any interest on the shelters website.  Bad flash technique gives them glowing “demon eyes”, or miserable looking wretches in cages, you know what I mean.

“Berg’s pictures show animals in a portrait environment in her North Dallas studio. Their eyes sparkle with personality. Some of the female animals wear a pearl necklace which they seem to carry with a certain pride. Others appear to sport a smile or a even exude serenity.
“I think you have to make that dog look like a potential member of the family,” Berg said. Coleman was thrilled. “When I saw what she could do with their expression and spirit I thought, “Oh! My goodness!” What Berg’s work had done was elevate the animal to the being that connects with a human heart.”

The Human Truth™ of the Buff Culture™ wave is: “If I look good, I am good.”™
I must admit that bad photography is a pet peeve of mine (forgive the pun). Even if people aren’t cognizant of what makes a good pic and what doesn’t, they are drawn to pictures that reveal the true beauty of something.

Some may even argue 3d movies are Private Pampering™.  I mean, you CAN watch a “normal” film, but you want the sensory appeal of the 3d experience.  If that’s your “M.O” then you may just be the kind of person that wants to commit to investing in a pair of 3d glasses that are much slicker and fashionable than the generic (now practically defunct) red and  blue lenses.

“Moviegoers in California have the option of purchasing the 3D eyewear featuring Marchon3D’s patented, circular lens technology, which allows users to tilt their heads or look around without affecting the 3D perception. The vending machine sports an user-friendly touchscreen interface and stocks a number of EX3D glasses in various colors and styles. Prices run from $22 to $70 for limited selection varieties. The glasses are compatible with most 3D televisions, gaming systems and laptops as well, so users can take them home for future uses.”

I know quite a few people who indulge in Private Pampering™.  The Human Truth™ is “I don’t need it, but I’m worth it.”™ They make the point to me (their penny pinching friend) that it’s about an investment, a commitment to a lifestyle that makes them happy.  So I totally “get it”, it’s not always about extravagance, it’s about spending your money in a way that you see fit.  It doesn’t have to be about Cartier watches and Lambourgini’s, it’s sometimes about finding indulgence in the everyday.

Or this…

or even THIS.

Well now you can immortalize your beloved pet’s nose as a pendant, sterling silver keychain or even a belt buckle.  I like this as an example of Deity Complex™ because an animal’s nose is unique and special to them alone, kinda like a fingerprint.  For the besotted pet owner who has to be away from their little one while they work, or (god forbid) when they pass on to pet heaven, the loving owners will always have a solid keepsake.  It just won’t wake you up in the morning all wet and cold and slobbery.

That’s just what Noise Pop & graffEats did in San Francisco recently.

““Covers” takes the art of cover songs and applies it to a thematically inspired six-course gourmet meal (full menu below). The meal features “covers” of signature dishes from some of today’s most notable chefs, including Thomas Keller’s Grilled Octopus Tentacles with chorizo and green almonds. Noise Pop pairs each course with thematic cover songs; for example, Syd Barrett’s “Octopus” as covered by Giant Squid will accompany the Keller dish. All of this is in an underground style dining experience inside an intimate secret location (in San Francisco).”

Yes, an underground, secret location to boot!  This really is what the Power Plays™ wave is all about.  IN-CROWD PRESTIGE.  I’m sure there were conversations on whether the “cover” of the “Tengo” Raspberry, Red Pepper, Parmesan Reggiano Cream, Sesame Pate Sucree … actually lived up to Pierre Herme’s original in Paris.
Or whether Dylan songs can EVER really be covered successfully etc.

The  Human Truth™of Power Plays™ is:  “Not many people know what I know and do what I do.”™
This pop up restaurant understands the people of this wave and judging by how fast it sold out, I’d say it paid off for them.