-He left home without us. Legendary actor/pitchman Karl Malden, recognized in the ad world for his memorable tagline for American Express Travelers Cheques, has passed away at 97. link

—Hi-speed mobile internet brand Clear, via Secret Weapon Marketing, includes an outdoor component in a Portland stall as part of its integrated WiMax campaign...or at least we thought it was a stall. Regardless, mobile usage never felt so dirty. link

-Rob Horning from arts & entertainment blog Popmatters offers a thesis of sorts that equates advertising to placebos. Just skip a few paragraphs down if you must. link

-W+K, London has launched Platform, an "ideas incubator" that hopes to staff creatives outside the ad realm. Some folks just can't cut a break. link

-Joseph Jaffe calls time of death on the 30-second spot right after the closing night of Cannes. link

-The fashionistas at Chanel school editors, advertisers and creatives about the proper use of the brand name. link

More: "Tuesday Odds and Ends"