London Business School Professor Lynda Gratton reminds us that Recessions often present one of the most dynamic moments of business change, opening up opportunities for new ideas and business opportunities. Recessions are a time of destruction of the old order, a time when assumptions are questioned and nascent practices and ideas are given space to flourish. That is little cheer for now but, in the longer term, an enormous stimulus for change. Financial Times

As shoppers remain reluctant to open their wallets, stores are still scrambling to adjust advertising and marketing strategies to play up the value aspects of what they sell. Even as retail sales data for March suggested improving results at some chains, consumers are hesitating to buy much beyond groceries, gasoline, vitamins and candy. Much of the focus on value defines the term in a way that will resonate with choosy shoppers. Value can mean more than low prices, but with unemployment high and consumer confidence low many are fixating on cost. New York Times

Fun new ad from German Lingerie company Blush. The tagline says, You Can Have a Stimulation Package for 787 billion, or for 99. You Tube

Perhaps the project most closely associated with the architect is the spa he designed at the Hotel Therme in the Alpine village of Vals, Switzerland, which was completed in 1996. Using slabs of quartzite stone that evoke stacked Roman bricks, Mr. Zumthor created a contemporary take on a the baths of antiquity. The Pritzker jury praised Mr. Zumthors use of materials. In Zumthor’s skillful hands, like those of the consummate craftsman, materials from cedar shingles to sandblasted glass are used in a way that celebrates their own unique qualities, all in the service of an architecture of permanence, the citation said, adding, In paring down architecture to its barest yet most sumptuous essentials, he has reaffirmed architectures indispensable place in a fragile world. NY Times

Although consumers are increasingly comfortable with the idea of waiting for a flash website to load, the industry is becoming increasingly creative with this underutilized communications tool. Pretty Loaded.com

Funny, funny UK ad for the Wilkenson Sword razor. We hear they had to make a tamer version for the US market, but who wants to see that. YouTube

Without naming names, we can tell you that some ICON team members have an unnatural affinity for pop-ups, therefore our special appreciation for the fun new Vienna tourism commercials. Vienna Tourism

We are big Skype fans in general, and like the new TV spots now running on CNN International. Lighthearted, consumer application focussed, with graphics true to the brand personality. The mix of animation and video perfectly captures, and explains, the Skype video experience. Most of all, we like the idea of mass market targeted advertising, our sense is the true breakthrough moment for voip and video over internet has arrived. YouTube

Professor John Quelch of the Harvard Business School provides great perspective on the long term impact of the recession on corporate marketing strategies. Equally important are his reminders of fundamental business principals such as Focussing on true High Potential customers, who are cash-based, and long-term viable partners. Most importantly, he says, know your business. Most companies will not begin reinvesting until the Wall Street Journal or Ben Bernanke officially declare the recovery underway. Get ahead of the crowd. Craft your recovery plan now, and pull the trigger when your lead indicators say go. Harvard Business School