The tequila-making process is a lot more involved than some would think. Our friends at Suerte Tequila gave us the low-down on just how much work goes into producing their tasty tequila. Now that you know how it’s made, go put your knowledge to test with a nice tall glass of Tequila. Salud!
Ever wonder how tequila is made? Now you know.
Over the past few weeks, social media has been overrun by the #icebucketchallenge, the viral campaign meant to raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). As digital natives, marketers and social media-addicts, we’ve been enthralled and intrigued by the virality of this campaign. Now that it’s settling down and our newsfeeds are going back to cat videos and Buzzfeed articles with The Most Overdramatic Headline You Will Ever See In Your Whole Life Ever, we’ve spent some time looking at the numbers and created an infographic that makes it easier to understand the magnitude of the #icebucketchallenge but, more importantly, the devastating effects of the disease that it has shed light on.
Some say that it is narcissism masked as philanthropy, others say that even if that’s true, it shouldn’t matter because it raised millions of dollars. Did everyone who dumped water over their head donate? Probably not. Is it unethical to waste perfectly good water when countries all over the world have no access to clean water? Well, we wouldn’t be shipping that water to them anyways, so…probably not, but maybe the California drought could use some more. You could always do as one of our sales team did and go run underneath some regenerated water…or pull a Matt Damon and head straight to your toilet.
We say that whether you love the #icebucketchallenege phenomenon or you hate it, it’s worth talking about because it very may well change the course of charitable fundraising from here on out.
A couple of months ago, the Squeaky team found out that our co-founder, Mailet Lopez, was going to be honored as the “Trendsetter of the Year” in the 2014 Diversity Achievement Awards by the American Advertising Federation. Upon hearing the news, we were all excited about the opportunity but did not immediately recognize the immensity of this honor until we arrived at the ceremony in Boca Raton, Florida.
As part of a fabulous week-long ADMERICA conference we were surrounded by industry titans who recognized and appreciated the impact IHadCancer.com has had on the cancer community. We witnessed a number of ground-breaking campaigns, all of which highlighted the strides that our industry has made in regards to diversity. As we headed back to NYC, we were reminded of the ethos that Squeaky was founded on – solid work, strong culture and diversity.
It was amazing to see our philosophy reaffirmed by this prestigious award from the AAF. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and a big thanks to the AAF for all their hard work in making this year’s event a huge success.
New signage in the Squeaky Loft.
Living in a digital, connected world means we all have near-instant access to almost anything. Want to plan a trip? There’s a site for that. Want to order a pizza? There’s an app for that. All of this “connectedness” can sometimes make life feel as if it’s speeding by – causing us to forget to stop and admire the craft and perfection that goes into everything that surrounds us, especially art.
That’s why when we recently commissioned our friends at Manhattan Neon for a new neon sign for our office, we decided to take the time to find out more about their historic craft. These guys have been in the neon lighting business for 30 years and are known for iconic installations like the Coca-Cola sign in Times Square and the Macy’s ‘Believe’ sign.
For our sign, we chose the phrase, “Always Be Nice,” as it closely parallels our ethos and is at the core of our agency culture. We chose to hang it above the conference room so that it can act as a centerpiece of the office as well as a way to inform everyone when meetings and conference calls are in session.
When it was nearly complete, we went to check it out and sat down with the artist who crafted it (a strapping Irish fellow named Steve) to learn more about the history of neon lighting, the industry and his craft.
Neon signage is all done by hand
Q: When did neon lighting first come about?
A: Neon lighting was first created for the purpose of illumination. Europe was competing with the likes of Edison and others for a practical form of lighting and neon lighting was unveiled at the Paris Expo in 1910. In 1923, Georges Claude introduced neon signs to the U.S. with the sale of two signs to a Packard automobile dealership in LA. Upon displaying these new signs near the highway, drivers were intrigued and slowed down to check them out—causing a traffic jam for hours.
Q: How does Neon lighting work exactly? It’s basically running electricity through neon gas and because it’s in glass it allows the light to escape right?
A: Exactly. Primarily you use two gases to create neon signing: Neon (Ne) which produces red and Argon (Ar) which produces blue but variations of gases produce different colors.
Q: Being around for over 100 years now, neon signage is seemingly archaic in the digital age, but surprisingly there is still a demand for it. Why do you think that is?
A: With the rise of technology, modern signage became almost too accessible thus, inadvertently catapulting neon signage into more of an art form.
This sign was used in the film, “The Departed”
Q:What is the most popular or well-known sign you’ve created at Manhattan Neon?
A: Signs in Times Square such as the Coca-Cola bottle are probably amongst the most well-known signs we’ve produced.
Q: What is the strangest request for a sign you’ve had?
A: Neon signs became popular amongst peep shows and strip clubs and the old 42nd street used to be teeming with them. (Manahattan Neon actually has a bunch of vintage signs from this era)
Q: Is it dangerous if these gas-filled glass tubes drop and break?
A: No that wouldn’t be dangerous but like any job there are dangers in neon sign crafting. I’ve accidentally burned and electrocuted myself in the past. 
Q: What is your favorite part about the neon lighting business?
A: What’s not to like? I come in, wear what I want and get to do what I love.
We had a great time getting to know Steve and learning more about our talented neighbors at Manhattan Neon. Next time you stop by Squeaky, be sure to check out our new signage and let us know what you think.
Puffy jackets, beanies, gloves, and snow can only mean one thing – winter has officially hit NYC. Even with Winter Storm Hercules upon us, there is no reason we should feel crippled by the face-numbing chill. New York City boasts numerous activities that can be enjoyed inside and outside. So instead of hibernating at home until Easter, why not get out and embrace the winter and all that NYC has to offer?
NYC is home to some of the best music venues and artists in the world. Why not bowl a few frames, sip some whiskey, and catch a live show at Brooklyn’s very own Brooklyn Bowl?
Brooklyn Bowl
Feel like getting some exercise? Head over to Central Park’s Wollman Rink and show off those skills we all know you have.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Curl up by the fireplace, play Jenga with friends, and eat soft pretzels at Greenpoint’s Spritzenhaus.
Greenpoint’s Spritzenhaus
The hardest part about going to a museum in the city is picking which one to visit! With world famous museums like the MOMA, The Met, the New Museum, the Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History, it can be a challenge picking just one. So why not spend a day hitting them all?
Chris Burden’s Extreme Measures exhibit at the New Museum on the LES
These really only scratch the surface of what NYC has to offer. What are your favorite things to do in NYC during these cold winter months?
We are digital enthusiasts with an affinity for art, culture and everything in between. Occasionally we see things we like, work that is cutting-edge and ideas that wow us. This is where it all lives.
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