The Football (note: I say ‘football’ and not ’soccer’) World Cup is upon us. I love it. Best game in the world. Jumpers for goalposts and all that. But I love the national flavours the most. You can spot the countries by how they play the game. South American’s have flair and panache, German’s have efficiency, African’s have physical prowess and Asian’s have pace and energy. It’s as if all the years in-between World Cups, of breaking down national stereotypes, go out of the window. The World Cup comes along and we fall into character, even my own England; all pluck, no matter the talent (or lack of it). Character over result.

But what about design? Can we spot a designer’s home country by their work? They say the English prefer minimal design with space and subtlety. Ozzies apparently are brasher and louder (no way). The Americans are often accused of over designing. But are these truths or stereotypes? What do you think? Do designers carry a national, cultural style and if so, what is NZ’s? We think Salt Interactive is pretty eclectic in its views and design, but is this representative of our country?

Purchase one bottle of Invivo (at the current special $19.90) in Glengarry and go into the draw to win two tickets to the Zambesi runway show at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney – prize includes flights and accommodation. 

“Online” will lead NZ advertising and media in the global economic recovery according to Dave Gapes, editor of Ad Media, and we think he’s right! Online advertising and marketing is affordable, measurable and highly effective. To achieve results your brand’s online and mobile web strategy needs to be the centre of all marketing activity. Salt_Design delivers creative, design and production services that enable businesses to effectively engage with their audience in this new digital era.

Long-finned eels breed only once, at the end of their life. When they are ready to breed, they leave New Zealand and swim five thousand kilometres up into the tropical Pacific to spawn, probably in deep ocean trenches somewhere near Tonga. Read More >>

I was just talking to Bill on the phone about technologies that would change the world and money and stuff and then another call came through and it was Steve. So I was, like, “Dude, Ive got someone on the other line. Can I call you back later, man?” and he was like “Who? Bill Gates? I bet your talking to Gates!” and I was like “Umm, yeah. Bill. not that its any of your business, man –” and he was like “Can’t you tell him you’ll call him back?” all whiney, you know? and I was like “No way, Jobs. Thats totally rude, you know, man.” and then he started going on about being cool and iPods and stuff so I just went back to Bill. Then B is all questioning me “Who was that? You were ages, time is money, etc.” and I told him and then he totally spewed. (That dudes got a temper!) Then its all market share this, philanthropy that, blah, blah, blah.. So to you know shut him up and stuff I told him Stevo was speaking at STS 08 and that if he’s got such a problem with that whole Apple thing he should, like, totally come too and, you know, talk about technology and stuff too. I mean, it was kind of weird that he wasn’t coming anyway. Its a summit about technology… I mean, duh. And he says yeah but that he is scared of crazy old Jobs who “doesn’t even wear a collared shirt. Not even to give a presentation!” so I totally had to reassure him that the Salt boardroom was, like, totally massive and that they probably wouldn’t even bump into each other and that everything would be sweet.

Welcome to the annual Salt News and Weather Round-up! The best of 2007 as voted by us. Simply select the “comments” button below and paste the following list into the “reply” field along with your nominations. Submit your BEST today!

BEST GIG:
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BEST GADGET:
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BEST FASHION REVIVAL:
BEST ONE LINER:
BEST LUNCH BAR:
BEST WEB SITE:
BEST NEW BEST:
BEST IN SHOW:

After 5 years to the day, G Money filled a cardboard box with stapler, calculator, certificates and mementos and clocked out one last and final time. He leaves a poignant signature on the Salt cork board and will be missed by one and all. We love you G.

p.s. Can you remove your 70’s rock from itunes … it’s f*%*ing killing us!!!