Archive for December, 2007
British postal service puts hope in sensorily enhanced mail
Over the last three years, Britain’s quantity of direct mail has fallen by 12 percent. And while you might be saying “hooray” to less junk mail, Britain’s Royal Mail is not so happy about it. The internet has changed everything. When’s the last time you wrote a letter to a friend on paper?
Well, now the Royal Mail has teamed up with a marketing company in an effort to increase business. “What can’t be sent over the internet?” they’re asking themselves. What they’re looking at is ways to reinvent snail mail that involve appealing to the senses: taste, smell, even sound. Customers would be charged more for such mailings.
This marketing effort comes at a time when direct mail and the Royal Mail are both being threatened on several fronts. One being that recipients feel there is just too much junk mail, and regulation is on the horizon. Additionally, private companies are performing a lot of bulk mail services in Britain, which takes revenue from the Royal Mail.
Read more about it in the New York Times
Add comment December 10, 2007
Cambridge, MA Theatre presents Smell-o-Vision version of Willy Wonka
Boston-area scent lovers! Run, don’t walk to the Brattle Theatre this Thursday Dec. 13, where smelly movie genius Megan Dickerson is presenting a unique screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. There will be essential oils, oscillating fans, blowing bubbles, real live chewing gum, and even perhaps even freshly baked blueberry pies and hot, steamy roast beef — all there to enhance your sensory experience of the film.
The show is at 7:30. Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number of tickets will be available during the hour before the show.
The Brattle Theatre is looking at making an annual event out of presenting films that seem to call out for aromatic enhancement.
Read more in the Harvard Crimson or visit the Brattle Theatre
Add comment December 7, 2007
Burning rubber goes floral
Korean-based company Kumho Tires has developed the world’s first line of pleasantly scented tires. Dubbed the ECSTA DX “aroma tire,” the scented tires contain heat resistant scented oil embedded into the rubber. Available scents include lavender, orange, and jasmine. Kumho also produces specialty tires that emit colored smoke. Read more at Kumho Tire USA or in the National Post
1 comment December 4, 2007
Cosmetic group changes name to focus on safety
In response to growing consumer demand for regulation of cosmetics and fragrances, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association has renamed itself the Personal Care Products Council. Chaired by the president of global strategy at Proctor & Gamble, the newly named PCPC plans to provide safety information about the contents and formulation processes in personal care products such as cosmetics and fragrances. The PCPC’s main vehicle for disseminating information is a web site: www.cosmeticsinfo.org. More at cosmeticsdesign.com
Add comment December 3, 2007
Rachel Herz’ "Scent of Desire"
Olfactory scientist Rachel Herz’ “The Scent of Desire,” about the relationship between olfaction and emotion, is hot off the press. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m seeing some really interesting reviews around the net.
Add comment December 2, 2007
