HowStuffWorks.com has teamed up with Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham, the first person to perform a back flip in a wheelchair and inventor of hardcore sitting, for the return of the highly acclaimed ‘Keep Asking’ campaign. This year’s campaign is designed to demonstrate the power of determination and curiosity, while encouraging people to get smarter.

Fotheringham, who was born with Spina Bifida, mastered the back flip on July 13, 2006 in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nev. While looking for compelling footage for this year’s campaign, the HowStuffWorks.com team found Fotheringham’s footage, felt it embodied the spirit of the site and was compelled to help tell Aaron’s story.

In addition to the commercial, Aaron also tells the world how the wheelchair back flip came to be on the site. For the summer campaign, HowStuffWorks.com has also partnered with the Spina Bifida Association to drive awareness and donations to the organization.

“Aaron’s achievements are an example of overcoming life’s challenges and soaring to amazing heights – literally,” said Cindy Brownstein, president and chief executive officer, SBA. “He is one of the over 180,000 individuals living with Spina Bifida in this country for whom the SBA actively provides programs and support services in hopes of a better tomorrow. We’re thrilled that the HowStuffWorks.com campaign captures Aaron’s tremendous spirit while bringing greater understanding to Spina Bifida.”

This year’s campaign builds upon the success of ‘Scuba Cat,’ which launched last year and quickly became a viral sensation. As with last year’s campaign, visitors to the site are encouraged to unleash and embrace their natural curiosity. The integrated on-air and online assets were developed to run across HowStuffWorks.com parent company, Discovery Communications’, portfolio of assets.

“More than just an advertising campaign, ‘Keep Asking’ is at the heart of what we do at HowStuffWorks.com, encouraging and enabling people to explore, understand and be inspired by the world around them,” said Dawn Whaley, executive vice president of marketing and strategic relations for HowStuffWorks.com.

In addition to the commercial featuring ‘Wheelz,’ the series includes a group of daredevils who opt to take the plunge in a convertible skydiving car and the original ‘Scuba Cat.’ The campaign was developed in partnership with Preston-Kelly, Inc. of Minneapolis.

Eighty percent of young women in the United States say they have little or no knowledge of lupus, according to a national online survey released today by the Ad Council.

In an effort to raise awareness of lupus among women who are at greatest risk for the disease, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health is joining the Ad Council to launch a national multimedia public service advertising (PSA) campaign to address the disease.

The campaign is being unveiled this morning by Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H and model Mercedes Yvette in the Great Hall at HHS and the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week.

Lupus is a serious national health problem, affecting as many as one of every 200 Americans, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Ninety percent of those with the disease are women and it is three times more common among minority women.

As a chronic auto-immune disease, lupus causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own healthy cells and tissue as though they were foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. It is one of the least recognized diseases and one of the most difficult to diagnose. It is an inflammatory disease that can attack many body systems.

The new PSA campaign primarily aims to reach minority women of childbearing age (18 to 44), who are at greatest risk for lupus. The objective is to help these women understand the disease and its effects and help them identify early warning signs so they can ask their doctor for a medical evaluation.

“Despite its prevalence in the United States, lupus is rarely discussed and often misunderstood among women in our country,” said Dr. Wanda K. Jones, deputy assistant secretary for women’s health at HHS. “Through this campaign with the Ad Council, we can significantly increase awareness and help women achieve early diagnosis, which will give them the greatest chance for improved health and long-term survival.”

Without intervention, lupus can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, disability, and in many cases, death. The disease can have a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, hair loss, painful or swollen joints, fever, skin rashes and kidney problems. However, in the majority of people who are living with lupus, early and effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation and pain, help maintain normal functions and prevent the development of serious complications.

“I took my symptoms seriously and was able to get diagnosed and start treatment early. As a result, I’ve been able to lead a healthy life,” explains Yvette, a Lupus Foundation of America spokesperson. “Taking care of myself is all about finding the right balance — the right doctors, the right meds, the right people and the right workout.”

“Our research found that lupus is not listed among the top health concerns for women and many have minimal knowledge of the disease,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “By increasing the level of awareness and understanding about lupus and its symptoms, we can encourage women to seek a medical evaluation early so they can take control of the disease and reduce their risk for serious complications. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for this critical campaign.”

The Ad Council’s survey found that only 18 percent of women are personally concerned about lupus. The majority of respondents expressed concern about other health-related conditions, including cancer (67 percent), depression (61 percent), high blood pressure (58 percent), diabetes (57 percent) and arthritis (52 percent). Furthermore, approximately 29 percent could not correctly define lupus as an autoimmune disease, and 31 percent were not aware that women of childbearing age are most at risk.

Created pro bono by Los Angeles-based ad agency Muse Communications, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and Web advertising, which will all be available in Spanish. The new ads feature real women in the target audience who have been diagnosed with lupus. They portray women who are experiencing symptoms of the disease but have not yet asked their doctors, “Could I have lupus?”

“The Diaries’ creative is a special body of work that starts and ends with the women that are affected by Lupus,” said Jo Muse, executive chairman and creative director “They spoke to us so deeply and we just wanted the messages to ring true and be impactful.”

Beginning this week, an integrated social media program will extend the reach of the PSA campaign on popular social networking sites and blogs frequented by women.

Also, the Ad Council and HHS’s Office on Women’s Health are engaging a series of campaign partners in the federal government and nonprofit sectors to further the reach of the messages to their groups and members. These include the Lupus Foundation of America (founding partner), Alliance for Lupus Research, American College of Rheumatology, The Black Women’s Health Imperative, Center for Lupus Care, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic Federation, Lupus Alliance of America, Lupus Support Group, National Institutes of Health, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and The Wright Group.

The new PSAs and Web sites have been researched extensively and tested with women in the target audiences. The ads are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media outlets nationwide. Per the Ad Council’s model, all of the ads will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

Campaign launch activities will continue throughout the next several months to coincide with Mother’s Day and Lupus Awareness Month, which is May.

The online survey was commissioned by the Ad Council and HHS and conducted in partnership with Greenfield Online from February 28 to March 8, 2009. The sample consisted of 430 women between the ages of 18 and 44 who have never been diagnosed or treated for lupus. Respondents were part of households that are members of a large national opt-in panel managed by Greenfield Online. The Greenfield panel is nationally representative of the U.S. online population. Preset sampling specifications were set to ensure a nationally representative sample of women, reflecting a range of demographic groups.

HomeFinder.com has announced the launch of their “Let Homes and People Find Each Other” national print advertising campaign, reflecting the company’s goal of being the most reliable local real estate listings search site. As a result of HomeFinder.com’s exclusive partnership with media leaders Gannett Co Inc. , the McClatchy Company  and Tribune Company, the ads are slated to run weekly in the real estate sections of more than 130 major publications across the country.

“We’re excited to deliver these ads to the local markets we serve as part of the HomeFinder.com Network and generate enhanced exposure to our advertiser’s listings,” said Tim Fagan, President and CEO of HomeFinder.com. “The ads not only communicate the breadth of our site, which offers more than three million home listings, but also allows us to connect home buyers and sellers at the most trusted source for local real estate – their neighborhood newspaper.”

The new campaign follows on the heels of HomeFinder.com’s name change announcement two months ago. At the beginning of January, HomeFinder.com announced a rebranding effort to more clearly and effectively communicate their value to consumers, which is simply – to help them find a home. Despite the new name, HomeFinder.com continues its decade-long commitment to utilize and support their powerful online Network of newspaper partners to bring increasing value to consumers and real estate professionals.

Developed and produced by Chicago-based agencies Rosen & Brichta and Rome & Company, respectively, the “Let Homes and People Find Each Other” campaign introduces consumers to the new HomeFinder.com brand, launched in early January, while reinforcing the site as the consumer resource and destination for finding one’s dream home.

The series of ads depicts strong visual symmetry between the house and owner. Two advertisements are being rolled out initially, with one side by side juxtaposition showing a man’s spiky hair mimicking the pitch of his home’s roof and the second depicting a woman’s red lipstick matching the red door of her home. Speaking directly to potential home buyers, the creative is a reminder to look for yourself in your home.

The campaign is scheduled to run throughout 2009 and is valued at more than $40 million dollars annually. It is relevant across all geographic regions and demographics to provide maximum benefits to HomeFinder.com’s growing base of agent, broker and builder advertisers.

With the support of their newspaper partners, HomeFinder.com is able to roll out a national campaign on a local scope. The campaign will be promoted weekly in each newspaper’s real estate section, targeted directly to home buyers in advertiser markets. HomeFinder.com also plans to bolster the exposure from the campaign by maintaining a strong brand presence at key industry tradeshows and events throughout 2009.

K&G Fashion Superstore has launched a humorous new advertising campaign that touts its selections and prices with a tagline — “Fashion without the victim” – that is aimed squarely at its high priced rivals.

The new campaign includes television, radio, out-of-home and guerilla tactics to help drive home the point that K&G offers the same styles and brands of clothes as department stores, but at everyday prices that are up to 60% less.

“We have a very compelling story to tell today’s shopper, as our brand selections, styles and pricing clearly set us apart,” said Mary Beth Blake, president of K&G Fashion Superstore. “We feel strongly that this campaign will dramatically increase our awareness by breaking through mundane media.”

The campaign began airing this week in major markets throughout the country. The cost of the media buy for the campaign was not revealed.

One television commercial, entitled “911,” resembles an actual call to the emergency phone number, but the “victim” is simply a shopper who overpaid for clothing at a department store. The caller claims to have been just robbed by a man who “took my money and all I got was this dress.”

A second television commercial takes place in a courtroom where a defendant is suing a department store salesman for selling him an overpriced suit. An unsympathetic judge tells the defendant that if he’s “stupid enough to pay that, you deserve what you get.”

A number of radio spots throw down the gauntlet with the opening line of “Department stores are robbing people every day; so we thought we’d teach them a lesson and rob them back.” In each commercial, an electronically altered voice demands payment from a department store operator for something it feels is valuable or incriminating to the store. Though each ill-conceived plot quickly falters, listeners are reminded that K&G offers the same designer brands as department stores, but at a much lower cost.

“We felt that ‘Fashion without the victim’ perfectly captured what goes on today when it comes to shopping for clothes,” said Andy Brief, director of client services at DeVito/Verdi, the ad agency that created the campaign. “Especially in this economy, there’s no reason not to consider K&G for today’s fashion, and I think these ads will serve to provide a gentle slap in the face to would-be fashion victims.”

In addition, the campaign will include creative guerilla tactics, including the message: “Don’t throw your money down the drain. Shop K&G.” The words will be seen circling around drains located in department store parking lots. Another execution has sidewalk chalk outlines of various clothing articles with copy that says “Don’t fall victim to department store prices.”

A handful of out-of-home ads take a different tack to communicate the value principle at K&G. Posters feature close-ups of well-made articles of clothing accompanied by such the lines: “Paying less is the new black,” “You shouldn’t need a second job to look good at your first” and “You’ve been getting dressed your whole life. Shouldn’t you be better at it?”

The Democratic National Committee has released a new television ad entitled “Playing Politics” that calls on South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford to stop playing politics with federal job creation and economic recovery funds. The ad, which will begin airing in Columbia on Monday, outlines the deepening economic challenges facing South Carolina’s working families. Despite record unemployment and soaring foreclosures, Governor Sanford is kowtowing to the Rush Limbaugh-led obstructionist wing of his political party by rejecting $700 million in money to create jobs, improve our health care system and improve our schools.

As the ad notes, a bipartisan group of South Carolina leaders – including Democratic Congressman James Clyburn, Republican Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, and Republican State House Speaker Bobby Harrell – have criticized Governor Sanford for putting political posturing ahead of job creation in South Carolina.

“Mark Sanford needs to stop playing politics with economic recovery and job creation in South Carolina,” said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Brad Woodhouse. “At a time when his state is suffering from crippling unemployment and more and more families are losing their homes, South Carolina’s working families cannot afford for their governor to be distracted by empty political posturing. If Mark Sanford is worried about his political future, all he needs to do is focus on working with leaders from both parties who want to use the economic recovery funds to help create jobs, fix our schools, reform our health care system, make America energy independent, and lay the foundation for long-term growth in the 21st Century.”

Democratic National Committee TV Ad:

“Playing Politics”

30 Seconds, 3/13/09

SCRIPT: An economy in crisis Record Unemployment

BACKUP: “A Record 227,986 People” in South Carolina are Jobless. “A record 227,986 people were jobless and all but 11 of the state’s 46 counties had double-digit unemployment, according to the state Employment Security Commission.” [Associated Press, 3/11/09]

SCRIPT: Skyrocketing Foreclosures

BACKUP: S.C. Foreclosure Filings “Skyrocketed 254%.” “In South Carolina, foreclosure filings, which include notices of default, notices of foreclosure sale and bank repossessions, skyrocketed 254% compared with last February. The state recorded a filing for every 818 households, the 20th highest rate among the states.” [CNNMoney, 3/12/09]

SCRIPT: South Carolina is facing tough times – but Governor Sanford is playing politics instead of doing what’s right. Turning down millions in recovery act funds

BACKUP: “S.C.’s Sanford Makes it Official, Rejects $700 Million Stimulus” [McClatchy News, 3/11/09]

SCRIPT: putting politics ahead of health care, jobs and schools. Leading Democrats and Republicans oppose Sanford’s move. Tell Mark Sanford to stop playing politics with South Carolina’s future. “The Democratic National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.”

BACKUP: Representative Clyburn Called Sanford’s Call to Cut Funding “Pure, Political Posturing.” House Majority Whip and South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn called Sanford’s attempt to use stimulus funs to pay down the state debt contrary to the needs of the state. According to Politico, Clyburn said, “‘this is just political posturing aimed toward the next national election,’ Clyburn told reporters on a conference call today. ‘If he were looking out for the state he would be looking out for the people of the state. He’s got a political agenda that runs contrary to the needs of his constituents,’ said Clyburn, noting the state’s more than 10 percent unemployment rate.” [Politico, 3/11/09]

Republican Lt. Governor Said State Will Take Money, and That Turning Down Money Will Only Create More Debt. According to CNN.com, “with South Carolina’s unemployment rate now the second-highest in the country, state lawmakers will attempt to override Sanford and take the $700 million if he turns it down, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said. ‘They will use the total economic stimulus to stimulate the economy, jump-start it, so we can get out of the ditch we are in as a state and as a nation,’ Bauer, a fellow Republican, said in a written statement Wednesday…Sanford told reporters that taking the money now would leave the state in the lurch in two years, ‘when those funds dry up…Fundamentally, if you boil down what the stimulus means for South Carolina, it means we would go through the process of spending a bunch of money we don’t have.’” Bauer responded “that if South Carolina turns down the money, ‘South Carolina taxpayers will be taking on the debt for economic stimulus money sent elsewhere.’” [CNN.com, 3/11/09]

Republican House Speaker Called Sanford’s Stimulus Interpretation “Wrong and Disingenuous.” Republican House Speaker Bobby Harrell stated that despite Sanford’s claim to only control some of the stimulus funds directed to South Carolina, he can reject all of it, but is choosing not to. According to the Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), “Sanford contends that he has say-so over only $700 million, and that the rest of the $2.9 billion by congressional edict automatically flows into the state. ‘Our administration is not able to redirect or otherwise impact those funds,” Sanford wrote. ‘As our hands are tied in that regard, and while I find the restrictions on these funds’ use highly regrettable, it is my hope that those funds are directed in the manner best able to promote job creation in our state.’ House Speaker Bobby Harrell, a Charleston Republican, said Sanford’s interpretation is wrong and disingenuous. Harrell said a provision in the federal stimulus bill gives the governor authority to influence the entire $8 billion that South Carolina stands to receive, specifically money flowing to his Cabinet agencies. ‘It’s as simple as him telling them, ‘Don’t take it.’ But he’s not doing that. He’s saying in his letter he does not have the authority to do that. That is not correct,’ Harrell said.” [The Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), 3/11/09]
Republican State Lawmakers Criticized Sanford for Hurting the Budget By Not Using Stimulus Funds. According to Upstate Today, South Carolina Republican State Sen. Larry Martin criticized Sanford for attempting to use stimulus money to pay down debt as opposed to investing in schools and jobs. He said “assuming we don’t expand any program and are talking about throwing a lifeboat to the state budget to keep the lights on, pay teachers and purchase gas for school buses, that’s what I’m talking about doing as opposed to digging a hole deeper. I’m for throwing the lifeboat in the water for this year’s budget to the extent that the funding is truly replacing revenue we’ve lost through the economic downturn and not growing government one penny… I don’t know what epiphany [Sanford] is on to make a request of those funds that is not permitted under federal law…The policy decision has been made by Congress — the money has been allocated to South Carolina and if we don’t use it the way it was designed, it will go to other states and our citizens not only won’t benefit from it. They will have to pay it back for others to enjoy.’” [Upstate Today, 3/11/09].

Playboy TV, a pioneer in premium television, today announced a new, integrated marketing campaign to support the channel’s upcoming slate of original programming. Introducing the theme “A Better Reality Awaits,” the witty campaign parodies the bland and often boring reality shows on other channels and offers viewers an exciting look at the uncensored world of reality television on Playboy TV.

The new campaign breaks in April and will reach consumers through cross-channel television ads, radio, print and online.
“Mainstream reality TV tries to be sexy but in the end, the best parts are either blurred, bleeped or blocked,” said Gary Rosenson, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Playboy TV. “This campaign has a little fun at their expense by juxtaposing Playboy TV’s sexy and uncensored reality series with the often frustrating experience of most reality TV.”

The first ad, “Eligible Women,” takes on a popular reality television show about a group of single women competing for the affection of one “bachelor.” The spot features one of the eligible women welcoming you to her reality that includes catty, shallow women and a bachelor that’s not really worth competing for. The viewer is whisked away to Playboy TV’s “69 Sexy Things To Do Before You Die,” demonstrating that a better reality awaits for couples who are open to living life to the fullest in exotic destinations around the world.

“Date,” the second ad in the campaign, skewers an early reality dating series. The spot shows a guy and girl whose thought bubbles do all the talking, welcoming you to the painfully boring reality date where the couple is guaranteed not to hook up. The ad quickly transitions to Playboy TV’s “Foursome” which features 2 guys, 2 girls, and all the action, conflict and uncensored fun you could possibly have on a first date.

The new campaign was created by zig, an ideas company within the MDC Partners network with offices in Chicago and Toronto. It will run nationally on select primetime and lifestyle shows that reach the Playboy TV audience. An accompanying print and online campaign will reinforce the “A Better Reality Awaits” message.

“With Playboy TV’s reality television, no one gets eliminated, no one seeks immunity and the cameras never shut off – which makes Playboy TV far more interesting than the competition,” said Stephen Leps, Creative Director, zig Chicago. “Viewers are looking for a more exciting take on traditional reality television, and this new campaign leverages the “guilty pleasure” appeal of reality shows with the freedom of Playboy TV programming.”

“Search for the Perfect Girlfriend” — Playboy TV scoured the country for girls who embody everything it takes to be the perfect partner and shares them with viewers. Comedian Rick Kunkler looks at the qualities that make these significant others the pinnacles of perfect partnership to see who deserves bragging rights as the “Perfect Girlfriend.” New episodes air Fridays at 9pm ET & PT.

“Foursome: Season 3″ — Playboy TV’s popular reality dating series is currently casting sexy singles looking to explore their wild side on a 24-hour blind date. In each episode of “Foursome,” Playboy TV brings together two gorgeous girls and two hot guys to live out the most unforgettable night of their lives. Unlike other dating shows the cameras never stop rolling on “Foursome” capturing everything from the hottest, most passionate moments to the drama of jealousy – and viewers get to see it all. Season three of “Foursome” is scheduled to premiere in August.

“King of Clubs: The Palomino” — Playboy TV has ordered this new series from executive producer Leslie Grief (“Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels” on A&E) to produce a reality series based on the legendary Las Vegas adult entertainment club, The Palomino. The series will be an uncensored look at the club manager Adam, his bookkeeping mom, Michelle, and her ex-husband, the club’s owner, Dominic Gentile. Joined by a colorful group of dancers and misfit employees, the family will strive to turn this former Rat Pack hangout into the hottest club in Vegas. The series is currently in production, and it is scheduled to premiere in August.

First launched in 1982, Playboy TV helped pioneer the premium channel TV market and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Playboy TV, available in more than 66 million homes nationwide and more than 70 countries throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia, has grown to be a powerhouse of subscription and on-demand programming, offering viewers a variety of genres including reality series, international travelogues and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of Playboy, all with the fun and sensual tone for which Playboy is known.

Ford has aunched television campaign for its F-150 Pickup truck . The new television ads began airing this week around the country touting the unparalleled safety features that make the 2009 Ford F-150 America’s Safest Truck. The new safety ads continue the straightforward, no-nonsense campaign launched last fall and narrated by actor Denis Leary.

In rapid-fire fashion, Leary narrates: “All right, so you’re driving down the freeway doing about 60 when you notice the guy next to you is steering with his knees, eating a cheeseburger and talking on the phone. And that is exactly why the Ford F-150 is the safest truck in America. It’s got a high-strength steel safety cage, side-impact air bags, safety canopy, five-star crash rating, and roll stability control. Because it’s not just crazy out there, it’s certifiably insane. It’s not just a pickup truck. It’s the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.”

The 2009 F-150 is the only pickup to earn the government’s top five-star crash-test ratings and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” award. The Ford F-150 also features more standard safety features – including standard Safety Canopy side curtain air bags, AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control and a patented “K-bag” seat-mounted air bag – than any other half-ton truck.

“The ads purposely are void of corny gimmicks and flashy stunts,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Marketing manager. “They are aimed squarely at core truck buyers who use their pickups for work and play and need to see what the new F-150 delivers that other trucks can’t.”

“Crazy Smart,” among the first Ford F-150 ads in the series that launched in November, was cited as one of the “Top 10 Most-Liked New TV Ads” by Nielsen IAG, which measures the effectiveness of advertising and product placement.

Getting customers to notice and remember an ad is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s day and age when the average American is exposed to more than 3,000 ads each day – from print and broadcast spots to billboard and Internet advertising.

Nielsen IAG research shows that the overall appeal of the new Ford F-150 ads is significantly above the norm. Steve Had, senior vice president of Nielsen IAG, says he believes the ads are hitting a sweet spot with customers because they stand out from traditional truck commercials.

“This is a completely different style, a completely different effect,” he said. “You’re talking about the capabilities of the truck in a unique and differentiated way that Ford owns at this point in the game.”

Dan O’Dell, creative marketing director of O’Dell Advertising in Winnipeg, Manitoba, agrees. He participated in an Internet blog about the new Ford F-150 ads, describing them as “notable, noticed, and communicative.”

“The ads grab you, and they make an impression,” said O’Dell. “Everything is done in an art style that locks you in.”

In addition to capturing attention, the ads are starting to drive purchase consideration.

According to the Brand Equity and Awareness Tracking (BEAT) study, the number of people who said they would consider buying the new Ford F-150 rose 7 percentage points from October to February, when the new ads debuted. And the number of people who said that they intended to buy a Ford F-150 rose from 30 percent to 36 percent. The study is conducted for Ford by Morpace, an international research firm based in Farmington Hills, Mich.

“These ads really are resonating with people who want the usage, the functionality and the capability that the Ford F-150 offers,” said David Myhrer, vice president, Brand Strategy Practice, for Morpace. “I think Ford has done an effective job of targeting these ads to people who really have a need for the truck.”

Virgin America, the new award-winning airline, has announced the launch of a national multi-media “Flydealism” ad campaign based on the real movement surrounding the airline’s fiercely loyal and growing frequent flier base. The Flydealism campaign issues a rallying cry for travelers to join the movement to reinvent the domestic airline experience and ban mediocrity from the skies. The campaign was created by Virgin America’s advertising agency-of-record, the San Francisco-based Eleven Inc.

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America has won a list of travel industry awards including “Best Domestic Airline” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards and in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

“Since our launch in August 2007, Virgin America has been committed to raising the bar on behalf of travelers and fighting mediocrity within the U.S. airline category, by offering award-winning service and low fares,” said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America. We believe travelers deserve a better deal, and our mission is to reinvent air travel with next generation entertainment, beautiful design and outstanding service – all offered as part of our standard service model.”

The Flydealism campaign has a rolling launch, starting with print ads and Web banners, followed in mid-March by bus shelters, out of home (OOH) and wild postings. In late April, the campaign will include image-driven print and OOH. The campaign is multilayered, with brand-oriented outdoor and direct online. The iconic Virgin America flag is a central element in the work, used both as a visual rallying cry and a creative signal to communicate special offers and deals to guests. The flag will be used in creative elements and in station marketing efforts.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the grassroots support for our airline – received in-flight via Red, through e-mail and our social media sites, and in person at airports. Everyday, we have fliers posting fan photos and videos filmed on our planes,” added Gale. “This is a real and fiercely loyal movement, with 88 percent of our fliers confirming that they would highly recommend us to a friend. This campaign puts a stake in the ground – it’s a thank you to our fans and a commitment that we’ll continue to fight for a better experience in the industry.”

The second phase of the campaign features image-heavy creative portraying the bold heroes and heroines of air travel as they lead travelers to bluer skies. They stand proudly, waving the Virgin America flag in the face of the status quo. Shot in a bold iconic style, the ads will appear in alternative weeklies, OOH, and bus shelters with campaign photography that mirrors the attention to design detail Virgin America brings to its planes and airport spaces.

Creative titles tell much of the story: “For the People”, “The Hero of Air Travel”, “The Heroine of Air Travel” and “We Mean Business.” Continuing the tongue-in-cheek humor of last year’s “Hairdryer” creative execution, the “For the People” execution features a swarm of potential guests following a heroic, wildly attractive flag carrier.

“In just over a year, Virgin America has redefined the entire flying experience. They’ve revolutionized the category,” said Courtney Buechert, President of Eleven Inc. “This campaign takes that spirit, commitment and passion and turns it into a fun cause that we all can get behind. The work has a style and wit expected from the Virgin America brand, yet still reveals core truths about what everyone who flies should not only expect, but also deserve.”

Virgin America offers low fare flights that appeal to today’s tech-savvy business and leisure travelers. The airline offers power outlets and touch-screen Red(TM) entertainment platforms at every seat. The Red system allows guests to control their own in-flight experience, with a touch-screen food menu, live TV, movies, seat-to-seat chat, a play-list of thousands of MP3s, videogames and more. Already launched on 13 aircraft, by the second quarter of 2009, the carrier will be the first U.S. airline to offer in-flight Internet on every flight.

Virgin America, the new award-winning airline, has announced the launch of a national multi-media “Flydealism” ad campaign based on the real movement surrounding the airline’s fiercely loyal and growing frequent flier base. The Flydealism campaign issues a rallying cry for travelers to join the movement to reinvent the domestic airline experience and ban mediocrity from the skies. The campaign was created by Virgin America’s advertising agency-of-record, the San Francisco-based Eleven Inc.

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America has won a list of travel industry awards including “Best Domestic Airline” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards and in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

“Since our launch in August 2007, Virgin America has been committed to raising the bar on behalf of travelers and fighting mediocrity within the U.S. airline category, by offering award-winning service and low fares,” said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America. We believe travelers deserve a better deal, and our mission is to reinvent air travel with next generation entertainment, beautiful design and outstanding service – all offered as part of our standard service model.”

The Flydealism campaign has a rolling launch, starting with print ads and Web banners, followed in mid-March by bus shelters, out of home (OOH) and wild postings. In late April, the campaign will include image-driven print and OOH. The campaign is multilayered, with brand-oriented outdoor and direct online. The iconic Virgin America flag is a central element in the work, used both as a visual rallying cry and a creative signal to communicate special offers and deals to guests. The flag will be used in creative elements and in station marketing efforts.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the grassroots support for our airline – received in-flight via Red, through e-mail and our social media sites, and in person at airports. Everyday, we have fliers posting fan photos and videos filmed on our planes,” added Gale. “This is a real and fiercely loyal movement, with 88 percent of our fliers confirming that they would highly recommend us to a friend. This campaign puts a stake in the ground – it’s a thank you to our fans and a commitment that we’ll continue to fight for a better experience in the industry.”

The second phase of the campaign features image-heavy creative portraying the bold heroes and heroines of air travel as they lead travelers to bluer skies. They stand proudly, waving the Virgin America flag in the face of the status quo. Shot in a bold iconic style, the ads will appear in alternative weeklies, OOH, and bus shelters with campaign photography that mirrors the attention to design detail Virgin America brings to its planes and airport spaces.

Creative titles tell much of the story: “For the People”, “The Hero of Air Travel”, “The Heroine of Air Travel” and “We Mean Business.” Continuing the tongue-in-cheek humor of last year’s “Hairdryer” creative execution, the “For the People” execution features a swarm of potential guests following a heroic, wildly attractive flag carrier.

“In just over a year, Virgin America has redefined the entire flying experience. They’ve revolutionized the category,” said Courtney Buechert, President of Eleven Inc. “This campaign takes that spirit, commitment and passion and turns it into a fun cause that we all can get behind. The work has a style and wit expected from the Virgin America brand, yet still reveals core truths about what everyone who flies should not only expect, but also deserve.”

Virgin America offers low fare flights that appeal to today’s tech-savvy business and leisure travelers. The airline offers power outlets and touch-screen Red entertainment platforms at every seat. The Red system allows guests to control their own in-flight experience, with a touch-screen food menu, live TV, movies, seat-to-seat chat, a play-list of thousands of MP3s, videogames and more. Already launched on 13 aircraft, by the second quarter of 2009, the carrier will be the first U.S. airline to offer in-flight Internet on every flight.

FairTax.org on Monday launched a  full page ad promoting the national retail sales tax that is proposed as a healthy alternative to the income tax system. The full page ad appeared in Investors Business Daily on Monday.

“We have seen the uncertainty, fear and anger in the investor community as stocks have been battered and credit markets frozen. The very foundations of our free market system have been shaken, both from the economic crisis and the proposed solutions,” said FairTax.org spokesman, Ken Hoagland. “This ad speaks to everyone who has seen such catastrophic declines in investments and who worries that massive government borrowing will only deepen our problems.”

“We believe that the FairTax can reverse our economic downward spiral almost immediately,” said Hoagland. “It offers a constructive and positive path out of this crisis and one that does not require even more government debt,” he said.

The text of the ad appears below:

Headline: We are Throwing Away Trillions When a Better Solution Exists. The FairTax Can Save the US Economy.

The income tax system makes politicians powerful and lobbyists rich but undermines the very things that make our economy strong. We’re hobbling the American economic strengths that can solve this crisis without destructive borrowing and spending.

Our American genius for commerce, invention, productivity and growth is unleashed when we tax what comes out of our economy — consumption — instead of what goes into our economy — work, savings and investment. FairTax stimulus effects are based on trillions in assets, not trillions of dollars of loans.

The FairTax is a national retail sales tax that stops the damage; jump-starts our recovery and begins a new period of American growth. It replaces every penny now raised, broadens the tax base and is simple, fair and transparent. Federal taxes are paid at the cash register only at the point of final retail sale.

Headline: Immediate Repair of the Economy

Every worker takes home their whole paycheck, without federal withholding or payroll taxes deducted. Bigger paychecks permanently stimulate consumer spending, and struggling homeowners can pay mortgage obligations — without massive taxpayer bailouts.

The FairTax ends corporate and capital gains taxes. Often a politically popular cry, but raising business taxes hurts America. Such costs both retard growth and investment and are passed along to consumers in higher prices. Experts predict trillions of dollars of private investment rushing into our economy when the FairTax ends US corporate and capital gains taxes. The positive effect on job growth, capital formation, stocks, savings and the overall economy is almost immediate.

Low-income and middle class Americans get permanent relief. The FairTax “prebate” eliminates all federal taxes on the poor and provides significant tax reductions to the middle class. Jobs are created when hidden income and payroll tax costs are eliminated from hiring decisions. The “Made in America” label roars back when foreign producers selling goods and services in our markets no longer compete against American companies saddled with these costs.

Consumers become “stakeholders” when taxes are visible and no longer hidden from wage earners. This means real consumer pressure on politicians to reduce spending. The FairTax ends seeing as “free money” that which is borrowed against our earnings and the future earnings of our children and grandchildren.

Headline: It Can Happen If We Make our Democracy Work

The political challenges of enactment are daunting. Congress and most of the uniquely Washington industry that has grown up around Congressional tax writing committees hate the FairTax. There are no tax gimmicks to be sold off, taxes become visible and tax lobbyists must find other work.

The American people will have to force this better solution on elected officials to save our economy. Legislation is now pending in Congress with 44 co-sponsors. A non-partisan bill, the FairTax was developed with $22 million of peer-reviewed research by respected economists. Can America trump the self-interests of Washington? Help us build the overwhelming citizen voice needed for positive change and the answer is “yes.”

The FairTax requires “advanced citizenship” and it’s needed right now. It’s time we take politics out of the tax code and the tax code out of every business decision. We’re recruiting. Come to FairTax.org. Learn it, join us and fight to make it come true.