COMMERCIAL MANIAC

NANA WORKING IT!

2008-04-02T01:09:00.002-04:00

I know this blog is supposed to be on indefinite hiatus, but I could not help but put this commercial up. It is for Sobe and features Naomi campbell rocking with lizards to Michael jackson's legendary track, "Thriller".

WORSE COMMERCIAL, EVER!

2008-02-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

If you know of a better commercial for that honor, please, let me know.

Until then, watch this...

I am shocked that some Asian-interest group has not lashed out at this commercial. It is simply horrendous!

ALL BRAN CEREAL COMMERCIAL

2008-01-10T15:07:00.001-05:00

There are no words for this commercial. Check it out.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

VERIZON WIRELESS'S NEW XMAS COMMERCIAL

2007-12-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

The guy loses his mind in Xmas shopping madness. Check it out...

VERIZON WIRELESS LG CHOCOLATE COMMERCIAL - CHRISTINA AGUILERA

2007-12-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

Here is another LG Chocolate commercial featuring the music of Christina Aguilera. The song is 'Candy Man'. Did i say I like this one?

WENDY'S BACONATOR COMMERCIAL

2007-11-25T22:53:00.001-05:00

There are no words to express my love for the best commercial ever!

Enjoy a "banned" Wendy's commercial for an exploding burger. Hahaha!

tesco "spice girls" commercial

2007-11-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

tHE sPICE gIRLS MADE A COMMERCIAL FOR tesco, THE u.k.'S VERSION OF THE aMERICAN Walmart chain.

eNJOY.

old's spice "ahoy" commercial

2007-11-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

Old Spice has released a new series of commercials that use Duran Duran's "Hungry Like a Wolf".

Long version "Hungry Like a Wolf", features Bruce Campbell.

Here is one from the 1970s! It appears that not much has changed when it comes to advertising to young men.

VERIZON WIRELESS "JUKE" COMMERCIAL

2007-11-13T19:49:00.000-05:00

I typically enjoy Verizon Commercials. Maybe I am biased because I am a customer and have been since 2003, but they tend to be pretty good.

Here is the first version of ads for the "Juke". Pretty plain.

However, this new commercial for the Samsung "Juke" phone is a bit of a let down. The music is great, but the clip itself is boring, just a couple of people dancing. Anyway, enjoy the commercial.

The song, which I like, is "Watch Me Move" by HardNox. You can listen to them at www.myspace.com/hardnox or simply listen to a longer version of the song here -

There is a new series of Verizon commercials that involve a young teenager at the mall who receives a call from her mother. I love them! If only I can find the time to find them and put them up! Oh well...

LIBERTY MUTUAL COMMERCIAL

2007-11-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

This is the first in Liberty Mutual's new "Responsibility, What's Your Policy" Ad campaign.

I loved it the first time I saw it..

Here is a different version that lasts 30 seconds.

And, I couldn't help but include Jay Leno's parody of the Liberty Mutual Commercials. Enjoy!

NFL/REEBOK APPAREL FOR WOMEN COMMERCIAL

2007-09-23T21:10:00.000-04:00

This is funny. Enjoy!

IPOD NANO

2007-09-12T22:55:00.001-04:00

Another commercial featuring the music of Feist and part of her new video.

Enjoy!

VIVA VIAGRA...ELVIS IS ROLLLING IN HIS GRAVE

2007-08-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new Viagra commercials? Viagra commercials have come a long way since Bob Dole was the spokesman, haven't they. Unfortunately, I cannot give this commercial high marks. The characters look like a bunch of men with nothing to do singing Elvis songs in a garage. Who does that? And if there are people who do do that, do they sing about Viagra. How corny!

Oh, and here is a lyric from the song -

At the end of the day, I'm not a guy who strays
'Cos she's my heart's desire

Uh, yeah right! I have never liked this explanation for the importance of Viagra. I once had a boyfriend who told me that men take Viagra to make their wives happy. What? You would make your wife happy by letting her sleep, not taking a pill that will turn you into the energizer bunny! LOL! Okay, just kidding. But, really guys, please don't try to convince yourself, or anyone else, that taking Viagra has anything to do with women. It's all about the male ego.

Enjoy (sort of) the video.

CHIPS AHOY....

2007-07-20T19:18:00.000-04:00

Okay, I have been loving the chips ahoy commercials for a while now. Here are two of the newer ones. Enjoy....

"Don't You Want Me Baby?"

The First Day ..."

Here is a Spanish Chips Ahoy commercial that fails the test.

Reggeaton Chips Ahoy

And here are the Chips Ahoy commercials that started it all....

"Punky Chips Ahoy"

"We're Not Having Cake"

Squeezed,In the Middle" (I think this is the very first in this series.)

HSBC 'DREAM HOME' COMMERCIAL - FEIST'S MUSIC

2007-07-05T19:27:00.000-04:00

I love Feist. She is an Indie musician that just released her second album not too long ago. Anyway, her song 'Gatekeeper' is the track for the above-referenced commercial. I unfortunately cannot find the clip on Youtube, but found a site that has it. So, please click here and enjoy the commercial. Then, if you are really in the mood, listen to a few of Feist's songs below.

One Evening

Mushaboom

XM COMMERCIALS

2007-06-05T23:31:00.000-04:00

XM has whole host of commercials advertising their various radio channels. Here is my favorite.

Here is another one. I personally like the song. It is by Regina Spektor and called 'Better'. Enjoy.

THE NIGERIAN PROCLAMATION

2007-05-29T11:15:00.000-04:00

THE NIGERIAN PROCLAMATION IN RECENT HISTORY, NIGERIANS HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY BETRAYED BY THOSE CHARGED WITH ADDRESSING THEIR NEEDS. INSTEAD OF SERVING THE PEOPLE, PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE SERVED THEMSELVES TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE MASSES.

THE RESULT IS A NATION LACKING ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION AND SECURITY. THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIAN LEADERS INDICATES A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE CONSTITUENTS.

NIGERIANS ARE NO LONGER RELEVANT TO THE LEADERS, THUS, LEADERS DO NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE TO THEM. THE RECENT FAILURE TO CONDUCT A FREE AND FAIR ELECTORAL PROCESS WAS YET ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION THAT THE NEEDS OF THE MANY ARE SECONDARY TO THE WANTS OF THE IMPORTANT FEW.

FROM THIS DAY, ALL NIGERIANS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS GREAT & POWERFUL COUNTRY. CONSEQUENTLY, ALL NIGERIANS MUST COMMIT THEMSELVES TO THE FOLLOWING:

WE MUST DEMAND THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND IN-ACTIONS.
WE MUST EXPECT DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES TO BE HONORED, RESPECTED AND MAINTAINED.
WE MUST BELIEVE THAT ALL NIGERIANS ARE EQUAL UNDER THE LAW AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.
WE MUST APPLY OURSELVES TO IMPROVING THE LOT OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL NIGERIAN REGARDLESS OF GENDER, RELIGION, TRIBE OR SOCIAL STATUS.
WE MUST STRIVE TO MAINTAIN A UNITED REPUBLIC DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES.

ONLY UPON ACHIEVING THESE PRINCIPLES CAN WE AS A PEOPLE FULLY LIVE UP TO OUR POTENTIAL AS A LAND OF GREATNESS. FOR OURS IS A COUNTRY RENOWNED FOR ITS ILLUSTRIOUS PEOPLE, AMPLE RESOURCES AND SHEER PHYSICAL BEAUTY.

NEW BP COMMERCIALS "SAY HEY"

2007-05-26T09:51:00.000-04:00

BP Gas has a few new commercials on tv. I think they are just adorable. The combination of animated characters moving along to equally animated music gives these commercials just the right amount of sweetness to convey that BP gas is better for everyone.

Here are a few commercials, and outtakes...

My favorite version

First version I saw. Check out the rocker at 16 seconds. lol!

The outtakes. Don't ask....just trust that they are hilarious...

Say Hey...Make the world a little better!!!
Did you notice, they never once mentioned the product being advertised? Yet, I bet you will never forget who the commercial is for. Smart marketing ploy, using cute stuff to sell. I wonder if men like this commercial? I know this young boy does...

IPOD + ITUNES COMMERCIAL - MI SWING ES TROPICAL

2007-05-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

Ooooh, I love this commercial. When it comes on, I want to dance and I smile until it ends. Now, I want you to enjoy it.

AVIS "WHERE TO" COMMERCIAL FEATURING GARMIN

2007-05-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

Weird ...

BOOM CHICKA WAH WAH ....

2007-05-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

Axe has traditionally had silly commercials that adequately target their core consumer - young males between 13 and 30. The new set of Axe commercials have taken on an additional element - porn music!

It's hard to explain but watch the commercial. Do you get it?

AVIS "I WANNA ROCK" COMMERCIAL

2007-05-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

The first time I saw this silly commercial, I didn't know what to think. The more I saw it, however, the more it made me laugh.

How does it make you feel?

ORIGINAL QUIZNOS COMMERCIAL

2007-05-09T14:32:00.000-04:00

I just remembered this commercial. When it first came it out, I thought it was the most disgusting thing ever! I still do. I know people loved this commercial, but I am not one of them. It's creepy - those things with bug eyes! They even have a name for them if you can believe it - Sponge Monkeys. They're supposed to make me eat a Quiznos sandwich? Not!

Anyway, feast your eyes ...

K9 ADVANTIX COMMERCIAL - 2007

2007-05-06T19:16:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, the first K9 Advantix commercial came out and I thought it was just the cutest! Well, a new version has come out that is also very nice. It doesn't trump the original, though, but it does come close.

Here is the 2007 version followed by the original. Enjoy!

"There ain't no bugs on me ..."

Original K9 Advantix commercial - a doggie at summer camp singing his letter to his parents. Adorable!

"Hello mother, hello father"

UNO, DOS, TRES! LIFE CHOCOLATE CEREAL COMMERCIAL

2007-03-16T19:26:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this commercial for Life Chocolate Oat Crunch? The tune is soooo catchy. I just love it! Apparently, some people think the chocolate look like bugs. I don't think so. The chocolate look like yummy treats making their way to me to eat! Yum!

Here it is for your viewing pleasure. Please excuse the video quality, it is all I could find.

QUIZNO'S: "IT'S NOT LACKING ANY MEAT..."

2007-03-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

I cannot find the entire commercial but I did find the part that most disturbs me. The commercial peddles Quizno's Prime Rib on Garlic Bread Sub. It ends with an Asian lady proclaiming "It's not lacking any meat. And that's what a real woman needs." She then cackles like a hyena on crack. No joke.

Anyway, please watch the clip with the Asian lady expressing her love for 'meat'. I think the advertisers wanted to suggest a sexual innuendo. What do you think?

GEICO COMMERCIALS

2007-03-13T13:27:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love the Geico commercials featuring the cavemen? I know I do and I have been looking for them and found most of them. Here is a collection of some of the more recent ones. Enjoy!

Caveman at the airport.

Caveman at the Therapist's office.

Caveman apology at dinner.

"Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of the rock."

Cavemen at a party. (Not that funny).

SPITTING FAYAH! DQ'S FLAMETHROWER BURGER

2007-03-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

I have never eaten at Dairy Queen. Don't even think I ever saw one. However, I saw this commercial a few weeks ago and just found the 40 second version online. Here is it. It's funny and I hope you enjoy!

SNICKERS - HUNGER SATISFACTION

2007-02-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

I have always liked this commercial. It's quirky, silly and simply enjoyable to watch. I hope you enjoy it as well. This is the 30 second version of the Hunger Satisfaction ads.

SUPERBOWL XLI - SNICKERS: GAY BASHING?

2007-02-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

Are people too sensitive? I don't know. All I know is that this morning, I stumbled upon The View and heard a discussion about a backlash against the Snickers Superbowl commercial. Rosie O'Donnell mentioned that some people found the commercial to be offensive to homosexual males.

Well, I have to say I disagree. I watched the commercial and loved it. I thought, if anything, the commercial made fun of 'alpha males' and their ridiculous fear of anything that could put their manhood in question. Of course, the thought crossed my mind that people would misinterpret the commercial and I guess I was right. It is sad that we are all so easily offended but, of course, you really can't blame people when you think about it. There are many of us who in the interest of getting attention and making money will say things that are hateful and offensive. These people do not care about other people's feelings, just their quest for fame, infamy and riches.

Anyway, feel free to watch the commercial and make up your own mind.

SUPERBOWL XLI - LETTERMAN & OPRAH?

2007-02-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

If you know anything about the Letterman & Oprah feud, then like me, you would be surprised to see this commercial for Letterman's show. I hope Ms. Winfrey got paid major coin for this.

SUPERBOWL XLI - BUDWEISER COMMERCIALS

2007-02-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, as has been the case in the past, Budweiser presented a few commercials. Now, I discussed my liking of the Heineken commercial and feel that some of the Bud commercials were equally good. Maybe not as sleek, but most definitely funny and to the point - drink a Bud. Of course, one could argue that some were a waste of money, but like they say in showbiz, "any publicity is better than no publicity."

Well, take a look see. Enjoy!

Commercial 1: 'Wedding Reception'

Commercial 2: 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'

Commercial 3: Talking Parrots

Commercial 4: 'Classroom' with Carlos Mencia and the immigrants

Commercial 5: 'Fist Bump'

I really like this one but worry about it, given thefaact that so many young people are posting video of themselves fighting online. There's no fighting here, just some silly slapping.

Commercial 6: 'Spot'

Commercial 7: 'But He Has Bud Light' (Hitchhiker)

Commercial 8: Carlos Mencia

Commercial 9: 'Bud King Crab'

Commercial 10: 'Jay-Z Just a Game'

I unfortunately cannot find the full version but will add it as soon as I do.

Commercial 11: 'Great Apes'

SUPERBOWL XLI - GARMIN COMMERCIAL (LOOKS LIKE THE PEPTO MAX AD TO ME)

2007-02-05T10:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the Garmin Commercial featured during Superbowl Sunday. Now, I can say I do not like this commercial, but it really isn't that bad. It reminds me of a commercial that I really like - Pepto Bismol's monster commercial. I cannot believe that Garmin couldn't come up with something more original. Even the music used was similar to that used in the Pepto Bismol commercial. Please watch both commercials to see the similarities.

The Pepto Bismol commercial is just better done. Its funny as hell and the huge Godzilla, Jack (from Jack and the bean Stalk), Robot and the Greek goddess sell Pepto Max like the rent is due tomorrow.

Anyway, here is the Garmin ad followed by the Pepto Bismol commercial.

Pepto Bismol Pepto Max commercial

SLEEK & SEXY HEINEKEN

2007-02-05T09:25:00.000-05:00

Did you see the new Heineken commercial over this last weekend? It features glamor shots of a Heineken bottle accompanied with Pharell singing 'Beautiful'. I really liked this commercial which came on every 25 minutes while I watched the 'Footballer's Wives:Overtime' marathon on BBC America instead of the Superbowl.

The funniest thing I saw in this commercial was a short, and I mean very short, clip of the Heineken bottle in bed with a bottle opener. It cracks me up just thinking about it. It actually looks like a rap video for a beer bottle rap artist, if that makes any sense. Very sleek and sexy.

Thanks Heineken for a good commercial. I don't like or drink beer but this has definitely placed heineken in a category above other beers, in my opinion. See, advertising works! Even my kids liked it. Well, they liked the music. I hope they don't understand what a Heineken is.

SUPERBOWL XLI - ANOTHER USER-CREATED COMMERCIAL

2007-02-05T09:08:00.000-05:00

The CHEVY HHR commercial was part of the College Ad Challenge introduced to encourage end-users to create their own commercials for Superbowl Sunday. Now, I missed this on Superbowl Sunday but managed to watch it the next morning. It is hilarious!!!!!

The commercial features 3 young women in a Chevy HHR. The driver tips a gentleman who uses his coat to wipe clean her vehicle. He, in turn gratefully accepts the tip with his mouth. This surprises the driver, but what comes next has all the girls laughing in shock and amazement. Before they know it, a whole bunch of men, young and old, show up to wash the car in a move reminiscent of Paris Hilton's commercial for Carl's Jr. a few years ago (which I am including for your comparison at the bottom of the post).

What makes me laugh so hard is the irony of a whole bunch of men, half dressed, wriggling their bodies to clean a car, the way some women apparently wash their cars. (Think Jessica Simpson in "Boots are made for walking" music video. Half naked, with soap suds all over the place. Again, simply watch the Paris video, it gives you an idea, not the you don't have one already). Pay attention to the charming old man who's helping wash the Chevy. Again, this is a hilarious commercial. Congratulations to Katelyn Crabb who came up with the concept. Great job!!!!! Isn't interesting that Paris Hilton got paid $6 million for her commercial which elicited many complaints, and this young lady, Ms. Crabb, who is a college junior only got a car? No fair, but still great job, Katie!

Here is the Carl's Junior commercial featuring Ms. Hilton.

I am also including a parody of the Paris commercial that is very funny.

SUPERBOWL XLI - DORITOS COMMERCIALS

2007-02-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

Now, my children and I love Doritos and I can think of various Doritos commercials. Most notable, is the Ali Larter commercial were she does all kind of moves at a laundromat.

Anyway, I caught this Superbowl commercial and can confess it didn't get me excited. At first. Upon rewatching it, I actually chuckled a few times. I appreciate the commercial more, knowing that it was a finalist of the thousands submitted by nordinary people for the Doritos Commercial Challenge. Although this is not my favorite commercial, it does have some humor to it. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Here is the second Doritos commercial aired during the Superbowl.

SUPERBOWL XLI - THE COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE

2007-02-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

You don't have to like football to watch the Superbowl. If you are like me, you tune in every few minutes to catch as many of the hyped-up commercials as possible. Or, if you are smart, you simply TIVO the show. I however, was too lazy to go downstairs and press record (our TIVO is in the kids playroom) and I realized that I would never find the time to watch it later. Add to that, I didn't want Superbowl taking up much needed space from my favorite shows like Battlestar Gallactica, Heroes, Lost etc.

Anyway, of the few commercials I caught, some were very funny. The Blockbuster Commercial, for instance. It features the trusty rabbit and guinea pig. Both are trying to use a live mouse to connect to the Internet in an attempt to rent movies online. If you didn't see this, then you must. If you did see it and want to see it again, please view it below. I promise you will love it!

Another commercial that made me smile and kept me happy for a few moments afterwards was the GM Commercial featuring the sad yellow robot. Its very funny except for where the robot does "Bluntesque" jump off a bridge a la "Your Beautiful" by James Blunt. For additional discussion on this commercial visit Adrants. I've never heard of a sad, lonely and depressed robot committing suicide, but GM did a good job bringing it plight to life.

Well, those are my 2 favorite Superbowl commercials, only because I haven't reviewed the other funny ones. The only other commercials I saw were not funny. So, I will be back after I go watch more commercials online. Thank goodness for Superbowl Sunday! Manna for commercial maniacs everywhere.

MY KIDS LIKE COMMERCIALS????

2007-02-05T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I have come to realize that there are a few commercials that my 2 toddlers stop to watch each time they come on.

One of these is a KIA promotional ad. In it, the Kia employees are at a showroom helping customers buy their vehicle. They run all over the place like the Von Trapp family singing "So Long, Farewell." You remember that song, don't you? It is from 'The Sound of Music'. I am convinced that my children only like the commercial because of the song. That's good enough for any advertiser, I guess. Unfortunately for Kia, my children cannot buy their vehicles at this time and I am not in the market for a Kia, either.

Unlike my children, adults seem to dislike the commercial - sorry Kia! Try firing your ad department. In fact, I discovered a fellow blogger with an 'ode' to the commercial here and here. More grown people complain about the commercial here. There seems to be a consensus that people do not like this commercial (except for children, of course). Maybe that was the goal. To brainwash kids into recognizing the Kia symbol and create a positive memory, at an early age, which can then translate into higher sales in the future. Genius!!!! Just hope that by the time those 'future consumers' grow up, they won't want a flashy BMW, Mercedes Benz or whatever car is being paraded up and down in the latest rap video.

VOLKSWAGEN'S "UNPIMP YOUR AUTO" - RIDICULOUS

2007-01-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

I have seen this commercial several times and unfortunately, each time I see it, I dislike it a little bit more.

The first time I saw this ad, I simply regarded my dislike as a result of the fact that I do not fall under the targeted audience. But, I am growing to hate this and other commercials in the series. They are not cool, they are not funky, they are not funny. They are unequivocally just cheesy.

Anyway, watch for yourself.

I am attaching the remaining commercials from this horrible series of VW commercial. Enjoy.

I have never seen Commercial 2 but found it on Youtube. I don't plan on watching it but you can.

Commercial 3

SCARY ORVY!

2007-01-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

Good Lord. The new Orville Redenbacher commercial is creepy as hell! Please take a look. Comments follow.

So, now that you have seen the clip, what do you think? Well, I personally keep wondering who thought it was a good idea to bring the Orville ghost from popcorns past into our living rooms. I first saw this commercial when it came on during CSI on 01/18/2007. The episode was about, like always, dead girls and a creepy old dentist that killed for over 20 years. It was probably not a good idea not to pay for ad time during shows like CSI.

Then, here came 'Scary Orvy'. The actor playing Orvy was clearly wearing bad makeup and horrible prosthetics. He literally looked like an embalmed corpse hawking popcorn. Disgusting! I was tired after an extremely long day, but this commercial was so disturbing, I had to comment on it.

Here's a piece of advice to the ad company that was hired by Con Agra to produce that commercial - PULL IT. And please, remove that commercial from your website. It is nothing to be proud of. There have to be better ways to have a dead cultural snack icon participate in a commercial. 'Scary Orvy' was just not it!

SERIOUS PAN - GARDASIL COMMERCIAL #2

2007-01-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

Ah, Gardasil! Not sure what it is? It is a new vaccine that is now being marketed to help prevent the occurrence of certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus which can cause cervical cancer in women. As we all know, any kind of cancer is to be taken seriously. Considering the fact that most people know of at least one person with cancer, any steps toward the eradication of any form of this disease is significant and important for all of us.

Now that I have gotten my disclaimer out of the way, let's get into a discussion of the commercial. The Gardasil commercial hit television screens about 2 months ago and I must confess that although I got the message - be "One Less Statistic" by getting the vaccine, this commercial left me with a sour taste in my mouth.

The commercial, like most advertisements targeting women, starts out by showing various girls and women doing what girls and women do. Jogging, painting, riding in the car with their mothers and even skateboarding. In my view, the majority of the portrayals convey seriousness, strength and stability by showing seemingly healthy women doing, as I noted previously, what girls and women do. However, towards the end of the commercial, the viewer is introduced to a set of 4 women who are apparently steppers. (For more on the art form of Stepping, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Step_dance). Now, technically there is nothing wrong with showing a group of young women stepping, but, I found their portrayal confusing and even distasteful because upon seeing them I was reminded of the caricatures and stereotypical portrayals of certain groups in American society.

As mentioned before, the majority of the girls and women you see in the commercial are serious (after all cervical cancer is a serious issue, right?), but upon seeing these steppers I think that the advertisers ran out of ideas and threw in a caricature out of sheer laziness. Why mess up the flow of the commercial? Why not be consistent? I must note that there are other black women in the commercial and their portrayal is not only tasteful but consistent with the rest of the commercial. But, why did the inconsistency in this commercial have to occur while portraying a group of young black girls? There is no context for what these young ladies are doing and its placement in the commercial as mentioned does not flow with anything else. The imagery also reminded me of a little issue that pops up in my mind very often - that black people tend to only be 'seen' by the greater society when they are entertaining. The young girls are jumping around, clapping their hands and speaking in high pitched voices. This is reminiscent of old color and black and white cartoons of black people with big, pink lips, always willing to put a smile on some white master's face. Sorry to go there, but unfortunately, we live in a world where people use stereotypes, some more negative than others, as a reference point when dealing with those that are considered 'the other'. I, therefore, cannot ignore my reaction. I also cannot ignore the fact that negative stereotypes affect how we as a society interact with others everyday, even in commercials.

Now, to be fair, it's possible that the advertisers had absolutely no intention of conveying imagery that would seem to make a mockery of black girls or be insulting to any viewers. Remember, I already blamed this 'mistake' on laziness. Nonetheless, the portrayal of the young black girls does rely on stereotypes and does detract from the aesthetic value of this commercial.

I recently saw another version of the Gardasil commercial and I am happy to report that this commercial (Gardasil Commercial #1) was consistent in its portrayals. All the women shown, regardless of age or color, appeared serious and strong. No negative stereotypes here. I am glad that the company, for whatever reason, chose to re-edit their commercial. But, if you are interested in seeing both versions, please visit http://www.gardasil.com/tv-commercial2-for-gardasil.html for the version I pan (Commercial #2). For the re-edited version, please look below. Thanks for reading and please take the time to let me know what you think.

JOURNEY DIAMOND JEWELRY COMMERCIAL

2007-01-14T00:17:00.000-05:00

Just found out about the 30 and 60-second versions of the commercial on YouTube. Enjoy!

30-second version

60-second version

FAVORITE COMMERCIALS - "JOURNEY DIAMOND JEWELRY"

2007-01-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

Like many other people, I tend to notice commercials. In general, they drive most of us nuts. They cut into some of your favorite shows, peddling items you have no use for, foods you do not crave or weight loss programs that you can't trust. However, there are those moments when you come across a commercial that lingers in your memory. The reasons for such are infinite and random. For one, it may be the images - they can be reminiscent of things long gone or of happy memories you crave to remember. For another, it can be tacky or crude imagery one would rather not see, ever again.

In my case, the commercial that continues to play in my head is the JOURNEY DIAMOND JEWELRY commercial that we were introduced to late 2006 in preparation for the Christmas/end-of-the-year shopping period. It is one of many in the "A Diamond is Forever" series and was created by JWT Advertising Agency. What is it about this commercial that strikes me? The soothingly haunting and melodious voice of Dusty Springfield singing "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life." If you haven't seen this commercial or heard this song, I apologize because you have no idea why I would start a blog focusing on this incredible voice in a 30-second commercial. Nevertheless, be rest assured that the commercial in question achieves what all advertisers seek. A 'Holy Grail' of sorts. The use of the Dusty Springfield song creates an emotional connection with the listener/watcher. It knocks at the door of the romantic in all of us and awakens the desire of companionship and love in most. Dusty Springfield's voice accompanies visuals of a couple walking on the beach and there is a closeup on the advertised diamond necklace worn by the female character. Believe me, I don't want the diamonds, but I do want Dusty Springfield cooing me to sleep with that melody. I can only imagine that the song is a popular one at weddings. I can assure you that I will play it when I have my vow renewal ceremony (don't know when it will happen, but will keep you posted).

So, I therefore ordain this commercial one of my favorites. Not because it's such an astoundingly clever and unique commercial, but because the use of a beautiful and classic voice connected with me and made me take notice. Please listen to Shirley Bassey's rendition of the noted song. It's a lot more jazzy than Dusty Springfield's version, but she also has a spectacular voice.

Here is a short rendition by recording artist Fantasia Barrino.

Finally, feel free to visit http://www.nyu.edu/projects/sciabarra/notablog/archives/001229.html for additional discussion on the Journey Diamond commercial.

Anyway, feel free to comment, if you care and make sure you stop by again for more commentary and discussion on commercials, good and bad.