This past December, NBA superstar Kevin Durant (KD), with the help of MKTG INC and Nike Basketball, set out in his conversion van to give away pairs of his Nike Zoom kicks, known as the “KD IV Copper.”  The shoe’s unique copper colorway was developed for his Christmas Day matchup with the Orlando Magic.

KD gave away the highly anticipated shoes to fans at three different locations. The twist? No one knew where those locations were ahead of time.

To match KD’s humble demeanor, MKTG INC avoided in-store chaos with a grassroots approach that built a groundswell online. KD posted teasers about the activation via Twitter, giving fans a heads up that they’d need to keep their eyes open to score a free pair.

By featuring destinations from KD’s ‘Basketball Never Stops’ commercial, MKTG INC tied the programming to the brand, while giving fans an intimate experience with their local star.  KD tweeted the destinations in real-time, as fans flocked from all over Oklahoma City for a chance to win a pair of the KD IV Copper and meet the NBA’s quiet superstar.

The response on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive. Over 6000 related tweets were posted over the course of three days, all with one recurring theme: Kevin Durant is awesome (and generous). In fact, a Santa hat-wearing KD made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays on the night before Christmas, spreading Christmas cheer and wishing all a good night.

NIKE proves they too have a very green sole. The Women’s Premium Print pack shoe trio, currently found only in China and Europe, is made using shredded magazines.

The Flash Macro Preminum, the Blazer Mid Premium and the Air Rift Premium all have regular soles, strings and other components however the main material used in each is a laminated fabric of stitched mags.

Who knew recycling could get so hip? (via GOOD Magazine)

The BLG Friday Feature is the QCK3 (QUICK THREE). This is where BLG engages in a verbal romp with a friendly MKTG INC employee. Rules of engagement? The introduction is the back of your business card and the corresponding photo is randomly selected from your Facebook page. Ready? Aim… FIRE!

Today’s Hero: Jena

Jena has the energy of a tornado and the uncomplaining nature of a stoic. You can throw just about any task at her and she’ll find a solution and get it done before your unreasonable deadline. How does she do this? It just might be that rarest of character traits… a solid work ethic. She also is never far from having a good laugh. In fact, if there’s any truth to the laughter = better health connection, then she will probably live forever.

BLG: Thanks for hanging out with us on this lovely Friday.

JNA: You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. And of course the wine helps.

BLG: I would say multiple wines are being had here. But who’s counting? You know what goes well with this delicious, crisp Sauvignon Blanc? An interview. So let’s get down to it. What do you do here besides drink wine(s) and dress well?

JNA: I lead NIKE Running and other various NIKE programming. I worked a lot with NIKE Soccer during World Cup. I am also working on our FedEx program that is kicking off soon.

BLG: Running! Soccer! Office supplies! Oh my! Quite a diverse portfolio. What’s your favorite thing you have worked on?

JNA: NIKE 5K For Kids. It was a national race series focused on middle school and elementary school aged kids and their supporting communities. 100% of the race proceeds went back to PE, play and athletic programs designated by the participant – all in an effort to get kids moving and fight childhood obesity.

BLG: That sounds like a lot of fun. I think BLG would love that event – except when we were outrun by fourth graders.

JNA: They are closer to the ground, so it makes sense that they are faster.

BLG: You’re too sweet. Let’s see just how sweet. Final question: would you hamster-sit for me if i asked nicely?

JNA: Yes. But only for you – so don’t go spreading it around town.

The BLG Friday Feature is the QCK3 (QUICK THREE). This is where BLG engages in a verbal romp with a friendly MKTG INC employee. Rules of engagement? The introduction is the back of your business card and the corresponding photo is randomly selected from your Facebook page. Take a dip in this weeks’ hotness.

Today’s Victim: Fredo

Part Account, part Production, part Creative, part Style Icon: Alfredo, a.k.a, Fredo a.k.a Don Pablo Cantina a.k.a the Tight Roll Assassin will do whatever it takes to get the job done – and done in style.

BLG: That is the best business card we have read yet. Assuming the Tight Roll Assassin refers to your expertly rolled khaki pants, yes?

FRDO: Naturally. And I actually don’t have a card. But if I did it wouldn’t say any of that shit. It would just say “Stay sexy my friends!”

BLG: I like you. So what do you do around here anyway?

FRDO: I do a little bit of this and little bit of that and somehow an event takes place, people are happy and the photos look hot. Truthfully – I don’t like talking about myself.

BLG: Never would have guessed. Ok then let’s talk about something other than you. This being a blog – what’s your favorite Interweb video?

FRDO: The Man Who Walked Around The World by Johnnie Walker. Hands down one of the best things I have ever seen.

BLG: That is a good one. And JW is delicious scotch. In fact, I think BLG needs a scotch right about now. Last, most important question: zombies or vampires?

FRDO: Vampires, 100%,  cause those guys are always styling while doing dirty deeds. Play on players!

BLG: And there you have it. Vampires: 1, Zombies: 0. Play on players, indeed.

An all ’round great commercial (great concept, great images, great soundtrack, great script, great delivery…) is this Nike Air spot featuring William Burroughs as electronic UberShaman.  Striding past his avant-garde disciples — and still possessing the energy and insight of Kerouac’s Bull Lee — Burroughs ascends a video pulpit to address the world — and through the ether-amber of the Internet — for all time.

In a 1965 Paris Review Interview William Burroughs said, “And I see no reason why the artistic world can’t absolutely merge with Madison Avenue. Pop art is a move in that direction. Why can’t we have advertisements with beautiful words and beautiful images?”  Thirty years later, he self-fulfilled this prophesy.

The much-anticipated NBA season opened last night with the Celtics, the Heat and LeBron James eating a pink-frosted donut. Nike’s new LeBron James: Rise commercial shows a LeBron no one expects to see: introspective, self-deprecating, a soulful slam poet wearing a fedora. From the sound of it a lot of people don’t want to see this new LeBron, or any other LeBron for that matter, but it’s not like Nike doesn’t know that: LeBron repeatedly asks us “What should I do?” and then he says, “Maybe I should just disappear.” I myself loved it: it’s funny, it’s smart, it’s very well written, and it’s got a Don Johnson cameo. I ask for nothing more.

via highsnobiety

A new BLG Friday Feature is debuting today called the QCK3 (QUICK THREE). This is where BLG engages in a verbal romp with a friendly MKTG INC employee. Rules of engagement? The introduction is the back of your business card and the corresponding photo is randomly selected from your Facebook page. Oh yea!

First up: Nick

Nick is the guy you want in the lifeboat with you.  He does not fret, panic or run around like a chicken without its head. Of course, nick brings that same steady hand to account service, as well, whether he’s directing, planning, implementing, optimizing or just plain leading the way. If you want to rock the boat, however, try making fun of Notre Dame or the Yankees.

BLG: What’s with the Saints bling in this Facebook photo?

NCK: Tiffany – one of our clients – did the bling for the Superbowl rings. That’s my finger!

BLG: You have nice hands. And that ring is so sparkly. Like the glitter in your eye when you work on great projects. So what’s your fave thing you’ve ever worked on?

NCK: Pro Combat Rivalry Tour. Hands down. We unveiled the NIKE Pro Combat uniforms at colleges.

BLG: Wow, that must have been terrible hanging out on college campuses all the time. Could I bring my grandma to this Combat Rivalry or would nana have a freak out?

NCK: We spent a lot of time at southern schools. Coming from NYC things were a lot slower down there. Perfect speed for nana.

BLG: Bear v. Shark: who’s winning? It’s in outer space so don’t worry about breathing ability.

NCK: In that case, shark. Faster. Stronger. More agile. Miles of teeth. Have you seen JAWS? I don’t see them making a movie called BEARS.

BLG: Unless it’s the Chicago Bears. Ditka v. shark?

NCK: Trick question. Ditka IS shark!

If you are in the area, stop by Lyons Wier Gallery and check out their current exhibition featuring Hebru Brantley and Christophe Roberts. The above piece is one of Christophe’s; he turns empty Nike boxes into wild animals.

Show runs September 9th through October 4th. Opening is this Friday at 6-9pm.

With Dennis Hopper’s passing last weekend from prostrate cancer complications there’s been abundant reminiscing about his roles in classics like Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, and Super Mario Bros. But for a generation of football fans Hopper will always be Stanley, the half crazed ex-NFL referee stalking the best players of the mid-90’s.

Great commercials and they couldn’t have done a better job casting.

RIP DH.

Junior Seau
Troy Aikman
Barry Sanders
Bruce Smith
Sterling Sharpe
Michael Irvin
Hardy Nickerson
ESP

On May 14^th, Nike unveiled the Bowery Stadium—one of 6 installations in the world and the only one in the US. Designed by Rafael de Cardenas, the Stadium is art installation, retail space, sports community center—and all Nike.

The main space is a compelling expression of sports, design and desire. The first installation, “Order and Progress,” is a celebration of Brazilian soccer. Already premiered, was a short film with Spike Lee, “Everything is Practice,” directed by Jake Sumner (Sting’s talented kid). The basement space below serves as both a creative incubator and local sports programs hub and forum (the locker room will knock your jocks off).

We were thrilled to be a part of Nike’s mission and vision as we project-managed the build, installation, staffing and opening events. We’ll continue and manage the space—including retail, and produce main events throughout the year.

Bowery Stadium is open to the public Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm– 276 Bowery St. in Manhattan.