While You Were Working SmartBrief
Avril Lavigne's wine collaboration had the perfect name
Created for np3kckdy@niepodam.pl | Web Version
 
September 16, 2025
CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF XFacebookLinkedIn
 
 
News, Not NoiseSIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
This Happened
 
Nike switched its Swoosh script
(Nike / Future)
Nike switched its Swoosh script
Why it matters: Nike is changing its iconic 'Just Do It' slogan to 'Why Do It?' as part of a campaign to better connect with Gen Z. The campaign aims to resonate with younger audiences by addressing their unique challenges and motivations, showcasing athletes at pivotal moments of risk. This initiative is part of Nike's broader strategy to regain cultural relevance and creative leadership in the market.
Full Story: Adweek (9/16)
 
Las Vegas hotel shops gambled on dynamic pricing
Why it matters: Shops at Las Vegas hotels such as Mandalay Bay and Bellagio are reportedly adopting dynamic pricing, a strategy long used by airlines and hotels, where the cost of items like bottled water and sunscreen fluctuates based on demand. Economists say the practice is likely to grow as physical stores increasingly use digital price tags. Hmm ... wanna bet hotel shops will start jacking up the prices of luxury items at right around 2 in the morning?
Full Story: InsideHook (9/14)
 
Theme parks evolved in physics-defying ways
Why it matters: This seems like the perfect follow-up to Friday's story in WYWW about the throwback nature of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania ... except at the other end of the cost spectrum.

Theme parks are evolving with increasingly extreme rides and detailed environments to maintain their appeal in a digital age. Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando exemplifies this trend, featuring rides that challenge physical limits and themed worlds that replicate movie settings. Despite rising ticket prices, these parks remain popular, driven by their ability to offer a controlled escape from reality and a sense of adventure.
Full Story: The Atlantic (tiered subscription model) (9/14)
 
Sales Reimagined: Delivering Real Impact
AI is changing sales. Join leaders from BCG, Slack, Salesforce, and Workday on Oct. 7 at 3PM EST for a fireside chat on how to navigate the agentic era and reshape your sales teams for the future. Discover how to embed AI across the sales experience and lead hybrid teams of human talent augmented by digital agents. Register now to learn how to drive tangible impact and prepare your sales organization for what's next.
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
 
For Your Listening Pleasure
 
My daughter Sabina released her first song!
My daughter Sabina released her first song!
Why it matters: Last Friday was a big day in my household as my daughter Sabina released her first original song for global distribution. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple, YouTube ... everywhere!

I am so tremendously proud of Sabina -- excuse me -- Sabina Clare. Despite everything she has going on in her fight against cancer, she worked her tail off in the studio throughout the summer to get "Cinematic" ready for release. I'm totally biased, but I think it's rad!

But wait, there's more: This is Sabina Clare's first single, but she's already laid down the lyrics for an EP. And yes, she's planning to put out a full album at some point. Of course, you can always check out some of her other acoustic stuff on her official YouTube page.
Full Story: YouTube (9/13), Spotify (9/13), Apple (9/13)
 
 
 
 
To Your Health
 
Eradicating mold in homes could save millions in health costs
Why it matters: Experts say improving housing conditions by eliminating mold and dampness could lead to substantial health and economic gains. The research suggests potential savings in health care costs and increased income, alongside improved respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Full Story: The Conversation (9/14)
 
 
 
 
Free eBooks and Resources
 
Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors
 
 
 
 
 
Here and There
 
This airport ranking revealed an accurate mistake
Why it matters: Rather than rank airports by volume of passengers or number of flights, this story claims to rank US airports by passenger experience.

Oops: I think the folks at Visual Capitalist made a mistake ... but it's one I completely support. You see, the chart says Portland is the top-ranked airport, but the text of the story says that ranking belongs to Indianapolis. I strongly suspect they accidentally used graphics from a previous year. As a Portland local, I can tell you the new layout of PDX that was unveiled last year is NOT popular. Signage is poor. They screwed up the Ride Share hub. And worst of all, the journey to some gates is so far that the common joke is that the airport was designed by Nike, which is headquartered in nearby Beaverton, to inspire/force travelers to wear running shoes to make it to their gate.
Full Story: Visual Capitalist (9/14)
 
 
 
 
The Most Popular Story From Yesterday's WYWW Was...
 
 
Who's the biggest bruin? Fat Bear Week is here!
Backpacker (9/14)
 
 
 
 
Happy Hour Fun
 
Avril Lavigne's wine collaboration had the perfect name
Why it matters: Hey vintners ... why'd you have to go and make your wine so 'complicated'?

Wait a second. I know a brand new pop song that would also be a perfect name for a wine. Hmm...
Full Story: People (9/16)
 
 
 
 
WYWW Playlist
 
"Cinematic" by Sabina Clare
Did you think today's song would be anything else?!?! There is a WYWW Playlist on Spotify to keep track of all the songs listed in this space.
Full Story: YouTube (9/13)
 
 
 
 
Enjoy the View
 
Sunset just before Friday Night Lights, Portland, Oregon
Sunset just before Friday Night Lights, Portland, Oregon
Sean McMahon
Full Story: Flickr (12/19)
 
 
 
 
About the Editors
 
Sean McMahon
 
Sean McMahon
This will come as no surprise to WYWWers, but when Sabina's oncologist asked her last week which genre of music her song was, she replied, "Taylor Swift." I hope you like the song. It's a banger!

If you like WYWW, hate WYWW or want to submit a story, shoot me an email. Yes, I actually read them. The kindest compliment you can pay to WYWW is to send this link to your friends, family and colleagues so they can subscribe. Thanks!
 
 
“

It's important to hear those words: 'You're doing great. It's all going to be OK.'
Lola Tung,
actor

“
 
 
Got this from a friend? Subscribe now and stay in the loop!
Sign Up