"Hero for Our Time" - John Smeaton popped in to the studio this afternoon while practising for his upcoming Christmas Number One, a cover of "Hit Me Baby, One More Time".

Clearly overcome with emotion at visiting the best integrated and digital agency in Scotland, he offered to 'set aboot' Alex.

Alex politely declined.

I added it to our links log but such an awesome T deserves a little more credit.  Over at Wire & Twine they've got this cracking wee Tee, perfect for type fiends like us.

It's $25 dollars which at these crazy exchange rates is a complete bargain.

Well we don't like to blow our own trumpet but in this case we think it's justified. In this years Recommended Agency Register (RAR) independant impartial research we triumphed in 5 out of the 7 categories. Check us out on the dedicated RAR site.

• advertising
• design
• digital
• direct marketing
• sales promotion

Commenting on oceanseventy and the research findings RAR Managing Director Steve Antoniewicz said, "During our research, your clients paid testimony to the high standards of services provided by your agency and we'll now be promoting the results of our research to marketing spenders across the UK to help them make more informed choice of agencies".

I know, I know, everyone is doing it.

I just want to say good luck to the Scots today when they play Italy. How good is to see the whole nation behind the football team rather than doing the 'English Press' thing and destroying every last morsel of  belief the England camp had.

The score: 1 - 0

The scorer: Lee McCulloch

Time: 12 mins

We told you on the 24th that they were getting back together!!

We thought that one of our creative team, Eddy, deserved some extra PR for his gallery that opened this month in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh. What was once the site of an old lacemakers shop the OWL & LION gallery showcases established artists' work alongside the best in student material. As well as the artwork on show you'll find fantastic hand - bound books and some gorgeous contemporary jewellery.

So if you are in Edinburgh Christmas shopping, we're sure that Eddy would be delighted to see you and give you the grand tour - just don't ask for a cup of tea, he's never made a decent cup since we've known him!

The Art of Looking Sideways
Alan Fletcher

This is a big book, full of facts, quotations, anecdotes, sketches and useless information.

The author explores the world of imagination and the creativity the brain, hand and eye has to offer. It is full of fun and interesting layouts and shows great use of space, colour and typographic treatment.

It is not designed to read cover to cover. Each time you pick it up you will take something else from it. Two of my favourite examples are:

‘If you don’t know where your going, all roads lead there”

“Typography is a beautiful group of letters, not a group of beautiful letters”  Steve Byers

On initial viewing the book does seem a little weird, but it is worth taking the time to have a look, albeit sideways!