It all ends on July 15

I love taking in the outdoor advertising in Los Angeles. An amazing number of boards are for what we at smz have branded as part of the consumer's Escape Plan. iPad2, Las Vegas resorts, Universal Studios, Virgin Air, McDonald's, ... And of course the movies. Having spent the past few days in LA I witnessed the power of the Harry Potter franchise in the outdoor advertising space. They don't even have to show the logo or say the name of the film. Simply dramatic images from the film and the foreboding line, "It all ends 7.15"

Actually it all begins on 7.15. Or in my daughter's case at midnight on July 14.

A Community Service Model in our Community

I want to give my daughter grief for sleeping the summer away, but I can't. She's working this summer. And working on something that makes a difference. For those over 17, get to know Summer in the City - Detroit. This program was started by students, is run by students, and dispels all myths about the lack of initiative of the students in "generation next."

For the past two years I've been writing about consumer escapes. For those in the city with limited means, their escapes start at home, in the neighborhood, and in the parks. Places to escape to, not escape from. Thank you Summer in the City for your commitment to painting, planting and playing all around the City of Detroit.