Tampon USB

A lot of the blogs and articles I've found online for the Tampon USB are pretty much filled with disgust and horror. Hmm. Hands up if you think it was a guy who wrote them?! I'm betting that if it was a giant penis or fake poo they'd be chortling like maniacal gnomes.

What I like is that whoever came up with this has a great sense of humour; they come in 3 different data 'flows' - light, regular and super. I'm also tempted to get one and take it to a client meeting. Imagine whipping that baby out in front of the suits!

I'm still trying to find out where to get one from - if anyone knows, please get in touch!

Vinnie: The Tampon King

At last, a man who's not afraid of the Big Red!

Vinnie Angel, an artist and designer, saw the plight of many of his female friends - just in their moment of menstrual need they'd reach into their bags and realise that their tampons had broken free of their packaging and were mingling with the sweet wrappers, make up and various other paraphernalia let loose in the depth of womens' bags. Fed up of these complaints and being a generally nice guy, he designed a pouch to keep them in. Decorated in bold, brash colours with his cartoon face on, he also hoped to encourage conversation from men especially about periods, in order to de-mystify and educate them about periods. 

The tampon cases even come with a useful chart for women, or even boyfriends, to work out when their next period is. 

As well as tampon cases (which are also the right size and very handy for pads too) Vinnie has expanded his kingdom to include other merchandise; a Period Chart and Journal which includes advice for dealing with menstrual cramps, reminders for boyfriends and family to offer massages and chocolate when that time of the month is due, stickers, menstrual cramp bubble bath, caps and other items. 

Check out his website, I especially love the 'Music for Menstruaters!'

Look after your beaver. You've only got one.

I know it's a year old already at the time of writing but this still makes me laugh. Crass and unsubtle, I bet many other creatives are wildly jealous that they didn't have the guts to pitch this to the client in the hope that it'd somehow knock them off their precious 'Delicate issue, must tread carefully' perch and they'd ok it. 

The infamous ozzie Kotex ad features an attractive woman who goes about her daily business with her pet beaver. They have lunch together, sit on the beach together and have their nails done together. 

The voice-over completes the ad with 'You've only got one. So for the ultimate care down there, make it U.'

It received much criticism. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to air it the day after International Women's Day.

Personally, I think it's great. It's funny, controversial and would appeal to their target audience of 18-24  year olds. Shame they didn't use a pussycat.