CleanTech Update

Breaking News: In a bid to offset thousands of tonnes of emissions each year, the EPA is considering shutting down all 5,800 Taco Bell locations in the U.S. and banning bean burritos from all restaurants. According to an EPA spokesman, this would result "...in the drastic reduction of CO2, NOx, Methane, and lost productivity due to loose bowels."

Rural Hip-Hop in India

A new musical trend has emerged in India recently- that of farmers using rap and hip-hop to put their frustrations into verse. One such rap artist from the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh is Somaraju. Personally discovered by gangster rap fanatic (and President of the World Bank) Robert Zoellick, Somaraju goes by the alias "LLBS", or "Ladies Love Brown Sugar". Check out the album cover of his latest release here. You have to right click and "Save As" to view the file, just clicking the link won't work.

Election 2009: India

Every five years, the world’s largest democratic exercise gets underway in India, in the form of a nationwide General Election. A multitude of national, regional, and communal parties are vying for votes this year; we examine the political parties competing in the western state of Rajasthan, and provide a brief summary of each party’s platform.

Main Contenders

* People’s Honesty Party (PHP)

The PHP is running with the promise of being honest with voters about their true intentions. On the campaign trail, PHP politicians are frequently seen stealing food from poor people, and using school textbooks as toilet paper, claiming that “...this is the type of behavior you can expect from us.” This brutal honesty seems to be appreciated by voters, who are used to being lied to by politicos.

Slogan: “Honestly, we hate you. Still vote for us, please.”


* Communist Party of India (CPI)

The Communist Party of India is focusing on targeting “green” minded voters during the election, with their heavily environment-friendly policies. CPI is promising that India’s greenhouse emissions will never increase, as it plans on implementing crappy economic policies to promote economic stagnation.

Slogan: “Let’s protect India’s wildlife...because you will be living like them soon.”


* Knowledge Party (KP)

This party is specifically targeting illiterate voters.

Slogan: “☀☁☂♥✈”


* National Alliance (NA)

The NA is running on a platform based on elimination of corruption in India’s government. NA has a storied history of being recognized as an uncorrupt organization. For the past five years, the party bribed Election Commission officials into naming it the “Least Corrupt Political Party in India”.

Slogan: “Together, we can get rid of corruption in India. lol jk”


* Chappal Party (CP)

The Chappal Party is unique in having a truly dynamic party platform. Based on the current political mood, the CP will totally alter their perspectives on life. For example, in April 2004, the party organized a riot against foreign investment in India. In May 2004, the party organized a protest demanding more foreign investment in India. In June 2004, the party simply organized a general riot, using extremely confused supporters who had no idea what they stood for anymore.

Slogan: “We are confused, and you are dumb. Let’s work something out.”

Snickers Ad Campaign: First Drafts

The recently launched Snickers ad campaign, featuring common words and phrases twisted to incorporate chocolate-related terms, has been a resounding success. However, it took several tries before the ad agency actually got it right. GMCTTC has acquired the first few ad samples of the campaign, which for obvious reasons did not make it to the final set.

International Etiquette

How to ask "Are you hungry?" in different countries:

* Are you willing to bribe the chef? (Philippines)

* You want a goat in your stomach? (Afghanistan)

* Do you believe in magic? (Bangladesh)

* Do you want to get drunk? (Russia)

* Would you like some borderline inedible s***? (England)

* Do you work at Citigroup? (United States)