

The Era of the Don Drapers
If you’ve seen AMC’s Mad Men, you’ve probably wondered how to get a job in advertising—STAT. All jokes aside, the series paints a picture of advertising on Madison Avenue in the 1960’s complete with groundbreaking creative pitches, luxurious client dinners, and never-ending happy hours (seriously, all day long). It was a time when creative executives reigned supreme and the copy machine was considered a breakthrough piece of technology.

How “Ted Lasso” is Changing Americans’ Relationship with Soccer
You may have grown up bickering with your sisters and brothers over who got to play the next FIFA match on the PlayStation. Maybe you spent your Saturday mornings kicking around a soccer ball at youth soccer games (without knowing what you were doing, of course). Admit it; you tried watching the World Cup… before switching the channel after a few minutes of sheer indifference.

Chickens Can Take Selfies Now?
Texas-based egg company, Vital Farms, takes a “no BS” approach in their new ad campaign from agency Preacher. It’s called “Hens Behind the Lens,” and it features a pressure-sensor camera in their farm’s pasture which allows the chickens to literally take selfies with every peck on the sensor.

How the Pandemic Impacted Consumer Behavior
The understatement of the year—the pandemic has changed the world as we know it. It’s no secret. You know it, I know it, and brands know it, too. In order to brave the storm of the pandemic, brands have had to change their tune in order to cater to the everchanging nature of consumer attitudes.

Holiday Season Ads: Upgraded
It’s that time of year again—holiday shopping ads flood our mailbox, pop up on our social media, and stream endlessly on commercial breaks. While some of those big brand advertisements can feel inauthentic, materialistic, and profit-focused, Etsy’s “Give More than a Gift” campaign does just the opposite.

Instagram Privacy Policy for Youth Users
With the rise of popularity among social media, more and more youth users are downloading apps such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. While one may hope these platforms will be teen-friendly, inappropriate content can still find its way onto the screens of younger users.

Kindergarten Enrollment Trend 2020
Some of the most fundamental lessons learned in pre-K or kindergarten reside in social interactions. However, with a pandemic causing social distancing and restrictions, allowing kindergarteners to learn how to share a toy or wait their turn in line virtually became a challenge. As a result, over the past year, parents may have questioned the value of sending their children to an online school.

Back To School Spending Increase
Whether it is the excitement of getting out of the house back to somewhat normalcy or whatever the explanation may be, the National Retail Federation estimates that the “total back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record of $37.1 billion.”

Pandemic Pets
To stay busy during quarantine, we saw a spike in trends such as TikTok dances, tie-dye kits and bread baking. However, the quarantine puppy (or pet) is one trend, in particular, that remains pertinent to this day.

Zoom Game Night
Hellooo, can you guys hear me?
Can you see my screen? (*queue wrong browser screen shared)
Nice to meet you virtually!
From meetings to office happy hours and family gatherings, as Zoom took off within the last year, many found themselves all too familiar with the platform.

IOC Campaign #Strongertogether For 2021 Olympics
With speculation over the safety and possibility of holding the 2021 Tokyo Olympics this summer, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needed to find a way to garner support for the highly anticipated games. In response, they released the #StrongerTogether campaign to remind the world of the inspiration that comes every four years at the Olympic games.

Looking to Watch the Olympic Games? NBC Has You Covered
After over a year of hardships, loss and most importantly, rebuilding, the Tokyo Olympics will be held this summer 2021. However, this year the games will look a little different as fans and spectators from other nations will not be attending in person. While the world is trying its best to return to a cross between the “old normal” and “new normal,” who can blame the Olympics for making this decision in hopes of continuing to move forward?

2021 Dry Olympic Games
As we’ve discussed the advertisements leading up to the games and how you can watch them from your home, it is only fitting to cover what the games will look like for those given the opportunity to attend.
Aside from setting the capacity limitations at 50% and permitting only domestic viewers in person, the IOC has updated a new restriction on the games surrounding alcohol sales.

Electric Motor Vehicle Market Is Expanding
More and more automotive manufacturers are adding electric vehicles to their inventory. A record number of pure electric vehicle models are expected to surface by the end of 2024. As technology, in several facets within society, is decreasing in price as it becomes more expected and therefore more accessible, electric vehicles are likewise becoming more affordable.

The Evolution of Jeans
As denim makes a roaring comeback following a year of loungewear and sweatpants, people are finally putting their skinny jeans to rest. As we begin a “new denim cycle,” as coined by Levi’s CEO, there is an increased want for bootcut, straight, and cigarette-legged jeans. Even low-rise fit, a look particularly triggering to the millennial generation, is overshadowing the high-waisted style, which has been popular for years.

Hot Spots to Travel This Year: CT Day Trips
Summer is here, but some people may be wary of hopping on a plane to go to their favorite beach destination just yet, following the pandemic. So, for all the beach-goers and hike-lovers, here are some of the best places for day trips in Connecticut.

Social Media’s Role in Helping Covid in India
According to The New York Times, social media has been a “godsend” in helping spread awareness of the alarmingly high coronavirus infection rates spreading throughout the country.

Teacher Appreciation Food Deals
After a year of adjusting to hybrid or fully remote classes, America’s teachers have proven themselves to be the underdogs of the pandemic. So, restaurants across the country are making this year’s Teachers Appreciation Week particularly special by offering free food and discounts.

College Graduation During a Pandemic
In the coming weeks, America’s Class of 2021 will be graduating in what has been the second year impacted by the pandemic. Although how to effectively and safely conduct a ceremony is considered differently per state, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) still recommends against large crowds and gatherings.

Gen Z’s Impact on the Fashion Industry
Fashion styles from the 1990s have heavily influenced the way Gen Z, or the “Zoomers,” are dressing. With the help of social media apps such as Tik Tok and Instagram, different ideas on how to style different pieces, and outfit inspiration, can be quickly disseminated and readapted per each new viewer.