Well it’s got people talking about it, anyway.

Took this photo of this fish and chip shop in Clydebank in Glasgow last week. It is very proud of the fact that in 1994 and 2000 it was Fish and Chip Shop of the Year. Not making such a big deal about the fact that they were actually runner up (still not bad, you should be proud, not ashamed, McMonagles)

This ad for the new Schick Quattro for women features some fine topiary and a completely unconnected statue. Nice.

Like this one, which just makes me go ‘what the hell?’

Anyway, long story short, his friend punched me in the arm and I utilised by exemplary charm and sales skills and then got a taxi before they could focus enough unmitigated hate at me to pursue the matter any further. Overall the whole incident was completely and utterly unnecessary – check out the bruise on my arm:

However, it did remind me that I had taken a photo of this excellent ad for Break the Circle of Violence – an initiative started by Strathclyde Police. The ad features a wall covered in ‘menshies’, small pieces of graffiti written by ‘neds’ (reputedly violent criminal youths from the underclasses of Glasgow society – known as ‘chavs’ in other parts of the UK.) Menshies are used to denote the presence of members of a gang in an area, to announce relationships, deaths, crushes, or to write abuse or slander about people known to the writer. In the case of this ad, it’s deaths, and it shows the risks involved in taking part in gang violence.

So there, bus stop guys – carry on like that and you’ll be getting yourselves into big trouble.

Exotic Matter really like these ads and probably prefers them to the current ‘Love party/Hate party’ TV campaign they are running at the moment.

For those unfamiliar with the alternative advertising awards, the Chip Shop Awards is a competition geared towards rewarding creativity within the whole advertising industry, rather than just the most ubiquitous, high budget campaigns.

Categories for entrants include ‘best use of shocking copy’, ‘invent your own category’, ‘best use of plagiarism’ and ‘best work for a client you have but haven’t a hope of running.’

This year, the awards have grown and the lists of countries taking part has increased by 50% including entries from as far afield as Kuwait, Cambodia, South Africa, Hungary and Thailand, to name but a few.

The awards ceremony will take place on the 9th June in London and is a steal at £66+VAT. You’ll even get beer or wine, a big bag of chips and a performance by an as yet unconfirmed comedian.

To find out more, contact Kimberley Baran on +44 (0) 141 559 6078, or email her at Kimberley.baran at carnyx.com.

You can see the full list of finalists by going to the Chip Shop Awards website, or by following them on Twitter here.