During the second Iraq War in 2003, it was reported that a pride of Lions from the Baghdad Zoo had escaped during the fierce bombings during the opening days of the conflict. “Pride of Baghdad”, a graphic novel by Brian K. Vaughan and art by Nico Hernrichon is a telling of this event, and is an overwhelmingly powerful and emotional read. And a quick one at that, perhaps a couple hours at the most, but its impact will last quite a while longer.

“The sky is falling” says the crow.

["Pride of Baghdad" on wikipedia]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn9p8p_oek

“The Zimbabwean newspaper, has been driven into exile for reporting on how the Mugabe regime has rigged elections, crushed the opposition, caused poverty, disease and the total collapse of the economy. And now, having been exiled, the regime has slapped a 55% luxury import duty on the paper (as if freedom of speech is a luxury) that makes it unaffordable for the average Zimbabwean. To get the paper into Zimbabwean hands, it needs to be subsidised, and our client can only do that by raising awareness, acquiring new customers and driving sales outside Zimbabwe.” -- KirstenEDDY

*Thanks to Karen King for sending this to me.

As a marketer, my greatest challenge is getting people to willingly participate with a brands message and have fun with it. I’ve never been a fan of marketing tactics that spoon feed mass audiences, rather, focusing on creating unique experiences that inspire individuals to realize the benefits within their own lives. I understand the pros of traditional shotgun advertising. It’s effective, that is, if you’re a corporation offering a core public service. For me, it’s more personal than that. We need to connect with people, with specific niche audiences. It’s increasingly much more effective to make a personal connection with a few, then trying to convince the many. Those few, with social marketing on the rise, are really connected! Create the brand champions, and the word will find it’s way to those most interested.

Here are some unique marketing ideas I’ve found over the past week for a variety of industries that have gotten people talking, and, most importantly to those in the charitable sector, are also beautifully simple.

[Direct Daily]

Human Rights, something that affects us all, if often misunderstood. To us fortunate to live in developed countries, it is generally considered a concept that doesn’t really apply to us. Moreover, why, if there is a universal Human Rights, are there worldwide abuses still occurring today?

United for Human Rights has created this excellent 10 minute video on the history, impact and importance the Declaration of Human Rights plays in our daily lives. Watch it below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot8YGiRtB7U

From the same team that produced the incredible “Planet Earth”, this nature documentary series focuses on the diversity of life on our planet, but more importantly, how life has evolved in the most unbelievable ways to survive. I found several videos on youtube, and the clip below features the Tufted Capuchins, a type of monkey indigenous to Brazil that over generations and generations, have learned to use an “anvil” and “hammer” to open nuts they’ve been curing for a week. Don’t believe me? Well, I wouldn’t have. Click play below and get ready for your world to be rocked.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G60UCeXFp0