New York City launches haiku street safety signs Call it Curbside Haiku. The New York City Department of Transportation has posted 144 new street safety signs with haiku and artwork by artist John Morse. There are 12 designs in all. Sample: “Cyclist writes screenplay Plot features bike lane drama How pedestrian” Why haiku? Why use the traditional Japanese poetry … [Read more...] about Poetry in motion
Archives for February 2012
‘His severed head would suffice’
Extend ideas with etymology One of the most creative twists of phrase I’ve ever seen came straight from some good dictionary research. The story: “The Big No,” Steven Wright’s Esquire piece about the suicide of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Here’s the kicker: “In Buddhist thought, to be alive is to be immersed in flame — the burning of the senses, the burning of the mind, the … [Read more...] about ‘His severed head would suffice’
Letter perfect
Three tips for writing engaging e-zine copy The battle in the inbox is getting more antagonistic: The number of new or unread messages brawling for readers’ time has grown 300% since 2006, according to a study by usability expert Jakob Nielsen. How can you compete in the clash to get your e-zine read? 1. Make it relevant. The No. 1 reason people unsubscribe to e-zines: … [Read more...] about Letter perfect
See what I mean
Cartoons increase understanding by 633% Comics, cartoons and other techniques that combine words and pictures get more attention than text alone. That was the finding of two University of Michigan professors in a 1996 study. For the study, researchers C. Delp and J. Jones gave 234 patients who visited an emergency room with lacerations printed instructions for caring … [Read more...] about See what I mean
Headin’ West
Wylie Communications has moved Wylie Communications has relocated to Portland, Ore., to pursue our love of pinot noir, the Pearl district and the Pacific Northwest landscape. You can now reach us at Wylie Communications Inc., 949 NW Overton, Ste. 1102, Portland, OR 97209. After Feb. 10, our new phone number will be 503/954-2289. In the Portland area? Ask us about … [Read more...] about Headin’ West