Another crazy week has come to an end, and that means we are armed and ready with a chunky list of the best in online management, social media marketing and digital engagement news. Sit back and enjoy our 5 things you might have missed.

1.) Ferris is Saved: That long-awaited and much-discussed Matthew Broderick/Ferris Bueller Honda ad finally saw the light of day online just days ahead of its Super Bowl debut. The result? Ferris and the humor from the ’80s may not have aged all that well, but those of us from the John Hughes generation are sure to make this clip a viral hit.

2.) Let the iPad 3 Rumors Begin: As the Super Bowl passes and a predictable awards season slumps towards the finish line, America needs something to look forward to. Thankfully, the hubbub around the spring iPad 3 should do the trick. The usual fever pitch of crazy is happening, proving even without Steve Jobs, new Apple products can still stir up a PR frenzy.

3.) Komen Foundation Flails on Facebook: Oh goodness. We’re doubt you missed this story if you own a computer and have logged on Facebook at all this week. Nevertheless, it is listworthy for proving how fast bad news travels in the age of social media. The Susan G. Komen Foundation announced it would sever its ties with Planned Parenthood this week and within hours the story exploded on Facebook and was trending topic on Twitter. Komen thus far isn’t backing down and Planned Parenthood supporters are already on the defensive. Look to Facebook to continue serving as the battleground for this hotly-debated topic.

4.) A New Kind of Bear Tale: A new interactive documentary, Bear 71 makes the list for showing how technology, Internet marketing and viral content can be used to make provocative points while drawing attention to important issues. Bear 71 hopefully is the wave of the future for online marketing of documentaries that normally get lost in the blockbuster shuffle.

5.) Back in the Groove: Another ’80s favorite is back for the Super Bowl — Madonna! The original Queen of Pop returned with a full-court media blitz this week and was everywhere from Leno to Google+ and beyond. Madonna at 53 is still an innovator when it comes to pushing her brand in new ways and we’re happy to have her back.

It’s that special time of year when social media marketers, advertisers and online marketing gurus come together to celebrate one special thing: viral Super Bowl ads! Continuing the tradition of year’s past, 2012 has already seen a slew of Super Bowl ads… and the game is still a couple of weeks away. Here’s a few of the trends and news stories you can expect to see more of as the Super Bowl gets closer.

Tons of Teasers: Advertisers are hoping to use movie-like previews online to get viewers and consumers excited about their Super Bowl ads. And as silly as an ad for an ad sounds, they seem to be working. Many, like a recent spot for VW, have already roped in millions of views and gone very viral.

Embracing the Bark Side: That VW preview ad with the millions of views is none other than “The Bark Side,” a commercial which features dogs in Star Wars costumes barking the movie’s iconic “Imperial March.” The clip is a follow-up to last year’s smash, The Force. And if the preview is any indication, Volkswagen has another hit on its hands.

More Controversy: Only time will tell if Madonna will stir up controversy during her 12 minute halftime set, but there are several ads already set to grab headlines and tick people off. At the top of the list has to be the dead fetus-filled commercials from presidential wannabe and general nutjob, Randall Terry. Look for Terry’s ads to be the talk of Monday morning newscasts.

Brands Take to the Tiny Screen: This year ads won’t just be living on the plasma flatscreen or online but also in apps for smartphones. Chevy Game Time is one such app that offers prizes and real-time gaming while the Super Bowl is on. Food Network, EA Sports and ESPN Sports Center are some of the other brands launching apps to enhance game day.

Super Social Media: We’ve seen brands like Doritos and Chevy use social media to cross-promote ads in years past but this year social media has gone legit. For the first time ever, the Super Bowl has its own social media hub that will cover all the action on Twitter and Facebook surrounding the game as well as keep tabs on the latest social media news stories developing in the days before the big day.

What a week! Between awards show cattiness, brand breakdowns and Internet shutdowns, there is no shortage of things to dish about. So let’s get right into all the latest online marketing news in a list we all know and love as our “Five Things You Might Have Missed.”

1.) Timeline App-valanche: In its short life, Facebook’s Timeline has been known for garnering a lot of resistance and headlines. We can now add apps to that list. Tons of blogs reported on the addition of Timeline apps this week because, love it or loathe it, Timeline is Facebook’s latest product and apps could be the next big thing in Facebook marketing.

2.) Lionel Richie, Free Speech Protector? This video from slick ad director Matthijs Volt may not have set out to say a lot about piracy and SOPA but by using dialogue from hit films (without permission) to recreate Lionel Richie’s hit “Hello” the video is the kind of thumbing of the nose the movement needs right now. Funny, brilliantly edited and released at a time of year when we celebrate film, this viral hit laughs at piracy laws and makes us smile, too.

3.) MINI is Red Hot and Social: The itty bitty car MINI has launched a giant Facebook campaign in which one of its cars is suspended on a hill by a rope with a Bunsen burner underneath, burning away at the rope. This crazy science experiment relies on Facebook page likes to release the car into the wild. Users who like the brand also get to check in on the car’s status.

4.) From Tart to Sour: This week, Pinkberry was the latest brand to hop onto to Twitter to put out a bad PR fire. Co-founder of the yogurt empire Young Lee was arrested after chasing down a transient and beating him with a tire iron. Company heads swiftly took to Twitter to state that Young has not been an active part of Pinkberry since 2010 and now serves solely as a stockholder. The company is desperately (and understandably) trying to distance itself from Lee, but given the amount of negative posts online, it might take more than a few tweets and a press release to make its image sweet again.

5.) Going Wiki-less: During the SOPA protests blackouts of Wednesday, many big websites shutdown services, and the most missed site had to be Wikipedia. Wiki withdraw proved how much we would miss uncensored unregulated information and the message was received loud and clear.

An online video creation is a carefully-crafted stew that has to have all of the ingredients to make it a delicious success. On this here blog, we frequently talk about why we love a certain viral hit and what we can take away from it. But what about your video? You know, the one which was supposed to go viral, grab viewers/customers and put your brand on the map? Why didn’t it ever take off?

We’re glad you asked. Here are four reasons no one likes your video:

1.) Your Video Doesn’t Load — Sounds obvious, but it’s true. Videos that take too long to load or that just don’t work are the No. 1 reason folks tune out. There is a teensy weensy window in which we have to connect to viewers, so if our tech is junk, nobody will watch.

2.) Your Video is Too Damn Long — One minute and thirty seconds is said to be the magic length for viral videos, and we agree. In fact, go shorter if you can. Why? Because coming up with quick ways to get your brand’s message across shows both style and smarts.

3.) Your Video Makes No Sense — Abstract, absurd and bizarre are good things in the world of viral video. But rambling, non-sensical, poorly-edited hot video messes are another altogether. No one wants to sit through a shakey-filmed version of your company’s last get together, so don’t even bother uploading it.

4.) Your Video Hasn’t Even Been Seen — We say this all the time but it bears repeating: What good is having great content if you do not promote it? It isn’t enough to have an expensive, well-made, clever video. The real work begins after the video is finished. Social media pages, your company blog (which we assume you have but if you don’t, we can help) and your website should all work overtime pushing your video genius.

Another week has come to a close, which means another firestorm of social media marketing, digital branding and viral content headlines have probably passed you by. But before you get all Mister Pouty Pants on us, read our Five Things You Might Have Missed List and instantly feel better!

1.) Facebook Flavor: Lots of restaurants are using Facebook to show off menu items by enlisting the help of followers, and Subway’s Flavorizer is a fun one you might have missed. With 9 million-plus likes, Subway has called on its massive fan following to show off the ways they accessorize Subway breakfast sandwiches. The Flavorizer has a gallery of custom-made sandwiches with specialized ingredients, user-created menu names and photos of the Facebook fan who came up with the culinary creation. Yummy and innovative.

2.) Relationships? There’s an App for That: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, TheIceBreaker is a social media app for those couples who can’t stop texting or talking to each other. This “appdorable” tool works like a private Facebook wall with prompts and questions for couples to answer and comment on. While cute and buzzworthy, TheIceBreaker is also the first in many popular relationship- and friendship-based apps that are on the verge of becoming the next hottest trend in the genre.

3.) OMG D&G: The Italian-based fashion retailer Dolce & Gabbana faced a Facebook firing squad when news of discrimination came from the brand’s store in Hong Kong. Apparently security guards were instructed to forbid Hong Kongers from taking pictures while inside the store, but mainland Chinese tourists were give the okay to snap away. While this mainly sounds like the old turf war between Hong Kong and China, D&G didn’t make matters any better by ignoring the criticism and turning up its nose to the allegations.

4.) Google+ Games are on the Map: This February, Google+ throws its hat into the social gaming ring with Play Your World. The game smartly capitalizes on Google’s deeply-popular Goggle Maps and turns it into a fun globe-hopping game. It’s another cool product developed for Google+ that uses the company’s branding and, we’ll admit it… we can’t wait to play it.

5.) Boomerang Pizza: Finally, every so often we like to close out this list we a “so wrong, it’s right” type of viral ad and this Boomerang Pizza commercial from Spain certainly fits the bill. Just be warned: This beyond bizarre spot is NSFW/maybe anywhere else. Watch and discuss.

Many people get paid many millions to analyze, deconstruct and inspect viral ads and videos all in the name of online marketing. We, sadly, are not those people — but having produced video content and campaigns of our own, we’d like to think of ourselves as amateur authorities in viral video analysis. So when a vacuum cleaner video raked in 1.6 million YouTube views in under a month, we were dying to pick it apart and understand why.

Australia’s LG vacuums may not be the go-to brand here in the States, but there’s no questioning the popularity of its latest online ad. Cleverly entitled “Fashion industry EXPOSED!”, the video starts with a photographer shooting a gorgeous blonde model in a bikini while what looks like an assistant swiftly moves a vacuum hose from behind the model. As the director yells cut, the vacuum handler pulls away the hose to reveal a lovely but plus-sized model.

So why do so many people like this ad? First the obvious: chick in a bikini. Never underestimate the T and A factor in advertising — and with viral this is doubly true. Hot chick-centric videos are always heat-seeking missiles that never fail to hit YouTube’s massive young male audience. The second reason folks seems to be responding to this ad is the funny surprise ending. The twist at the end is a trick even older than girls in bikinis and works just as well. Third, it’s short — just 30 seconds — meaning viewers can watch it multiple times. Although 30 seconds is standard for television spots, the average smash viral clip is over 1:30. So short clips that hit their mark in less time are bound to watched and re-watched. Lastly, the spot has gone viral thanks to good digital PR. Within less than a month, LG’s ad has been featured on dozens and dozens of blogs, meaning more interest and, you guessed it, more views.

So let’s turn the analysis over to you: Why is this goofy vacuum ad such a hit? Give us the what for in the comments section below!

On today’s five-item menu: The White House serves up a meaty Twitter marketing topic, IKEA hosts a hot sleepover jam, a juicy burger from the dark side and so much more. Bon Appetit!

1.) Turning the Tide: Here in the U.S., many states have taken drastic measures to get rid of plastic grocery bags. Yet worldwide, the pesky polluters continue to be a problem. So in a wise effort to get shoppers to switch to reusable grocery bags, Tide came up with one you can write your shopping list on. This planet-friendly maneuver is also brand-friendly, as Tide’s logo is prominently displayed.

2.) Take a Bite of the Dark Side: This crazy-ass Darth Vader hamburger from France’s Quick fast food chain was on every blog this week. But in case you missed it, the restaurant came up with a “Dark Vador” burger to celebrate the release of the Phantom Menace in 3D. Notable for its black hamburger buns and strange-looking sauces, this burger might cause a travel frenzy to Paris from geeks hoping to get a taste before the promotional item goes away on March 1st.

3.) Facebook Fan Slumber Party: IKEA once again took the Facebook page to another level when it held a sleepover in one of its stores in the U.K. 100 lucky followers on Facebook got to spend the night in Swedish retail slumber with massages, bedtime stories and goody bags. And IKEA took the opportunity to promote its line of mattresses and bedding.

4.) That Bag Can Talk: Tostitos debuted an unlikely but very likable spokesperson this week: a talking bag. In a series of ads that are getting a lot of play online, the bag talks about being dip worthy and entertains a group of football fans. It’s funny advertising for the snack crowd and it signals the arrival of the upcoming Super Bowl advertising-pollooza.

5.) The White House Pours a #40: This week, the White House took to Twitter to ask followers, “What can you buy with #40dollars?” The topic, which was launched in response to Congress’ rejection of a tax cut that would have put an extra $40 on American’s paychecks, became a hashtag which developed into a lively conversation between Washington and Twitter users. While detractors say the administration is out of touch with Americans, it can’t be argued how well they keep in touch with voters using social media.

Look out Kardashians and Ashton, there’s a new Twitter sensation in town. Rupert Murdoch joined Twitter recently. The 80-year-old mogul who once poo-pooed the Internet as a place solely for predators and porn, has joined the ranks of celebrities, politicians and big brands in trying to use Twitter marketing to help re-invent his image. See, 2011 wasn’t so kind to Murdoch, and Twitter is a great way to have a friendly chat with tweeps to say “Hey, I’m just like you — just richer!”

The billionaire scooped up more than 40,000 followers in less than 48 hours and looked like he was taking to Twitter like a Jersey Shore star takes to spray tanning. Yet it wasn’t long until Murdoch got a taste for how quickly the Twitter tides can turn.

Yesterday Murdoch tweeted “Maybe Brits have too many holidays for a broke country!” in reference to England’s many winter holidays. As it usually rolls in TwitterLand, it only took a few minutes for Murdoch to get flooded with angry replies. Even his wife tweeted, “RUPERT!! delete tweet!!” Punsters, critics and tweeps filled with UK pride all lined up to smack Murdoch for his comment. Later, his wife defended him saying, “”EVERY1 @rupertmurdoch was only having a joke PROMSIE!!!” While Murdoch himself lamented “I’m getting killed for fooling around here and friends frightened what I may really say!”

Still, it wasn’t a total loss: The media mogul again apologized and quickly turned the tables by answering questions from followers and sharing his New Year’s resolutions. Good for you, Rupert! While we can’t commend all of Murdoch’s business practices, we have to give the old dude props for being himself on social media.

Twitter marketing specialists often see this kind of thing happen to business owners. We help clients smooth over these kinds of Twitstorms on a fairly regular basis, and can tell you this: The smart move isn’t to hop off of Twitter but to keep tweeting and keep communicating.

Not a whole heck of a lot happening in online marketing land this week as most of us struggled to get back into the groove after the holidays. But we still managed to scoop up a quintet of interesting, funny and innovative stories from the world of online and social media marketing. Here now is our weekly list of five things you might have missed!

1.) Say it with a frog: One little French restaurant in Moscow cooked up a tasty idea to get Russians to change their minds about French food. No press releases were sent out and there wasn’t a big social media launch — all they needed were some frogs. Vatel was looking to smash stereotypes about French cuisine, so it wisely sent tiny, live frogs with invitations to members of the media and local food bloggers. Vatel says 100 percent of the frog recipents responded and now the joint is, ahem, hopping.

2.) Written in cheese: Domino’s relased a funny app to celebrate the cheesy goodness of its New Stuffed Cheesy Bread with a font made entirely out of cheese. Fromage fanatics can compose a message with the gooey font and send it to their friends. Cheesetacular!

3.) Apple is thinking about your face: iPhone announced plans to dump the annoying number passcode system in favor of facial recognition software. According to a recently-filed patent, iPhone users soon will be able to simply look at their phone to unlock it. The feature is already available on “jailbroken” phones as well as on some Androids with Ice Cream Sandwich but we’re sure it’ll be Apple that takes facial recognition tech to the next level.

4.) A slippery social media slope (literally): Vail Resort has bought back its incredibly popular EpicMix app for the 2011/2012 ski season. The new version for IOS/Android allows skiers to use their smartphones as lift tickets, chat with friends on the slopes and see live stats from the mountain as well as photos taken by the resorts photographers.

5.) Amazon gets social, too: Social isn’t just for ski bunnies; top online retailer Amazon is looking to be the premier social shopping destination. New regime changes that brought in staffers from Quora signals a push forward on the social shopping frontier and, as always with Amazon, we can’t wait to see what the company does next.

As you hop head first into the holidays, let us fill your stocking with the latest in online marketing oddities, social media gems and video content delights. Our gift to you is our weekly list of Five Things You Might Have Missed! So enjoy — and whatever it is you’re celebrating, we here at Brandsplat hope it’s merry!

1.) Santa Puts Siri in His Sleigh: Here’s a rare Christmas-themed ad from Apple that has been the subject of oodles and oodles of blogs this week. Why? Because depending on how you feel about Apple products, the commercial is either a warm, holiday message or the perpetuation of the iPhone cult. Still, no matter how you slice it, showing Santa using Siri to find houses and keep track of his Christmas list is clever and perfect for the season.

2.) Unhappy Tweets: Despite its chipper demeanor, researchers at the University of Vermont have found that Twitter is not a happy place. The study reports that based on frequently used words, folks on Twitter are less happy than they used to be. Researchers note that a newsworthy event like a death or a natural disaster can affect the general mood of Twitter and the sour content of the tweets. This makes the list for reminding us to tweet positive or educational messages that make Twitter a happier place.

3.) Watch This Top Ten: Here’s a year-end list you’ll wanna watch — the ten most watched ads on YouTube. You might have seen all of them already, but the list deserves a gander to get a glimpse into the trends and viral content from the year that was.

4.) But the Google is So Delightful: Of the online holiday-themed time killers from last week, Google’s “Let it Snow” Easter egg was certainly one of the most entertaining. The snow-globe effect dusted upon the search engine when the words “let it snow” were entered brought smiles to even the crustiest tech and marketing snobs.

5.) Slip Sliding Away: Finally, this helpful and kind of hilarious video from TomTom rounds out our list for having a great song, a timeless message and priceless footage of drivers acting the fool in the snow.