A good designer can make something sing. If this doesn't give you respect for them, we don't know what will.

Via Denver.

We are sad to hear that Jason La Cava is no longer with Measured Intentions, the agency he co-founded. Specifics are a little light right now but this is a real shame for our creative community, since Jason is so highly regarded. We think he's one of the most capable and creative people in Des Moines.

Does anyone else have any details to clarify what happened while we search for our own? If you don't want to air it out in the comments you can always email us.

This kid is only 14 years old. We see big things in his future.

We didn't want to laugh. Nice promo for Social Media Week.

CDS Global and Lava Row are putting on a free screening of Page One: Inside The New York Times. It's going down at Fleur Cinemas on Feb 23rd. Drinks/socializing starts at 6pm, the movie starts at 7. We've seen the film and know this is going to be a great event. There's 199 tickets left at the time this article is going out.

Hop over to the Eventbrite page and register.

Des Mob recently got a major overhaul. The design is better. The features are better. It's just better all around. If you're looking for some great local talent this has to be your go-to resource.

You can see the tremendous documentary "Urbanized" tomorrow night (Feb 9th, 2012) at 7:00 for FREE. Just show up to the Des Moines Art Center to take part in this AIGA Iowa event. Here's the event page for more info.

Robert Haus sent over this thought provoking piece on Chrysler's Super Bowl opus. While we might not agree with everything he says this is definitely worth reading through and commenting on.

Read it here.

Our intrepid little city is making waves across the internet. It appears a social media strategy class at Drake has succeeded in getting Des Moines our very own Foursquare badge.

Only five cities were bestowed with this honor and we think it's pretty cool. Start checking in everywhere so you can show off your shiny new DSM badge to all of your friends.

via @jonmcdo

Full Metal Jousting on History. Nothing could be better than this.
"I'm going to knock one of those guys' tattoos off their arms and put it on their faces."

Do you like taking and sharing photos using apps from your camera phone?

That's what the Orlando camera phone show Depixtions is asking camera phone enthusiasts. Participants can use whatever apps on their phones they want, as long as the photo was originally taken with a cell phone.

All of the approved submissions will be printed and displayed at the gallery show to be held on March 10, 2012 at the Orange Studio. Each print will be for sale and with all proceeds going to New Hope for Kids.

Submission deadline is February 17th.

Because we're not team players (and got our comments in too late) here's what we thought of the 2012 Super Bowl ads. We mirror the sentiments of many that this simply wasn't a good year. Nothing stood out tremendously but there were those that elevated themselves above the bad. Watch, read, comment.

Toyota "Camry: Reinvented"
The only ad of the night that got real laughter. Toyota (and Saatchi) did a great job of taking a not so interesting fact and making it interesting. Did exactly what a Super Bowl ad is supposed to do: entertain and inform.

FirstBank "Pee Break"
Didn't air near us but this took guts on behalf of the advertiser. Really drove home the point that service is what they do. That's a fact that they were willing to drive home to the tune of however-million dollars.

H&M "Beckham"
While we rolled our eyes the ladies in the room swooned. This spot took balls to make because it instantly alienated half the audience. It's not like we wouldn't wear 'em if someone slipped these in our drawers.

Chevy "Sonic Firsts"
Made the point that this is a fun little car for young people to drive. This one stuck out because we can't think of a single Super Bowl ad like it. The song is also pretty rad and free to download on their site.

BelVita "Breakfast Police"
Reminds us of "Hot Fuzz." Like the Camry ad this took a boring product and made it interesting. Proper Super Bowl advertising even if it aired before the game.

A few notes

Dannon Oikos was just short of being a good ad. Too many cuts and too overacted for our tastes. The gag was unexpected and elicited WTFery from the room.

Bud Light Platinum did itself no favors with the ads tonight. Their "big announcement" was more of a meow than a roar. People aren't looking for a 6% abv beer (that doesn't taste very good) to be sophisticated with, they want to replace their malt liquor with it.