-BBH New York/Heat alum Mark Lawson joined San Francisco agency Mortar as creative director.

-Toronto agency john st. emphasizes protecting the kids in a new PSA for War Child (above).

-Red Door Interactive was named digital AOR for BSH Home Appliances, which includes brands such as Bosch and Thermador.

-Brand activation agency The Marketing Store moved its global HQ from Lombard, IL to to 55 W. Monroe in Chicago’s Loop.

-This is just dumb, but we’re goddamn suckers for dogs.*Sigh* if you’re so inclined, feel free to “Bark the Vote.” link

-After months of tipster speculation about the status of Translation’s Leeann Leahy, the exec has left the Big Apple for a job at The VIA Agency in Portland, ME, where she will serve as president/general manager.

-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talks Windows 8 and Surface tablet. link