J Walter Thompson has been around since 1864. Founded in New York as Carlton and Smith, an advertising broker trading space in the religious journals. The firm was purchased and renamed by James Walter Thompson in 1878. That's a picture of J.W. up there. Under Thompson's leadership the Company expanded its operations to include the placing of advertisements in women's magazines, an innovation to which the young business owed much of its success. As early as the 1890s, the company had offices in Boston, Chicago, and London and was dabbling in the nascent industry of the development of trademarks and industrial design. So, what's happening at JWT, worldwide, in the past few days?

- JWT announced that it will volunteer its services to support the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of the devastation caused by the "hidden injuries of war", traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combat stress. Read more here.

- JWT, Detroit has created new ads for Ford, in which two guys in their 20s are driving and one shows off his new Microsoft Sync system by commanding the system to play Smashing Pumpkins. The automaker is expected to announce that its joint technology package with Microsoft has escalated sales of its Focus compact car by double digits this year. Read more here.

- For the first time in the 4As history, young creatives have a dream opportunity – to showcase their talents and a chance to represent Singapore at the Cannes Lions 2008 Young Lions Competition. Chaired by Tay Guan Hin, Regional Executive Creative Director of JWT. Read more here.

- JWT MENA network have sped away with 12 out of 20 advertising awards up for grabs at this year’s prestigious MENA Cristal Awards held in Faraya, Lebanon this month. Read more here.