So we're up on-property for this gigantic photo-shoot, a 3-day affair at the Sagamore. Mid-afternoon on day one, the shot is in Trillium, the resort's flagship restaurant. A while back, Trampoline worked with the executive committee up at the hotel to reposition Trillium, in order to make the spectacular dining room feel a little more inviting.

Between shots, while the photographer's assistants were repositioning and light-metering, I sidled up to the head waiter, who was looking on with interest. I asked what time they opened, nervous that the afternoon was slipping away. 

"Six" he replied. Plenty of time.

Always curious about the effect of design on business, I asked if they'd been busy this summer.

"Yes" he replied. Apparently not a man of many words.

"So," I pressed, "I mean, busier than in the past? See, our company designed the new mark and message for Trillium, and I'm curious if the image and the ads are working."

"Eric Cartman?" He asked. 

Now I'm lost. "Um, huh?"

"Eric Cartman!" he blurted. "Y'know, from South Park. Hey Bill," he elbows the barkeep, "this guy here did Cartman."

The bartender guffaws and keeps wiping glasses. Obviously there's an inside joke, and I'm pretty sure I'm the butt of it. As the photo shoot resumes, the headwaiter grabs a menu and explains himself. 

"The logo looks just like Cartman when you turn it like this." he said, animated. "I even drew little arms and legs on him once."

A minute ago I couldn't get this man to string two words together and now he won't shut up.