Commercially Speaking

Commercials. They're the bane of existence to folks watching television shows live as they air. Of course, that's probably fewer and fewer folks every year thanks to zapping them on DVR recorded shows. While some commercials can be entertaining, others just irk me to no end. I'm here today to share but a few observations.

An example of the irksome would be the FiberOne commercials. Fiber in foodstuffs is never a bad thing. There's no need to hide it (especially if your company has the word "fiber" in its title!). What the heck is this "fiber makes me sad" bit? Now, a lot of things in life make us sad. But fiber? Who's writing these things? Who's approving them?

The Dairy Queen ads, while I like the kittens in bubbles, seem to be a cheap takeoff on the Old Spice commercials. The Old Spice commercials were creative and different as the Old Spice dude went through a series of bizarre set transformations. DQ is trying to do the same sort of thing. Now, I like a good Brazier Burger, but get serious and be innovative ... Old Spice was! Plus, their man is so much more sexy!



The commercials for prescription drugs just frighten me. I know it's a government regulation that they have to list known possible side effects, but really ...! Oh, I have sinus congestion. Let me just ask my doctor to prescribe me this drug which might cause heart disease, strokes or thoughts of suicide! Feh. I think I'd rather keep the sinus congestion or go for the over the counter medicines instead.

I will admit that I do tend to fall for gimmicks like cute little urban hamsters selling cars ...



How about you? Are there some commercials you have to pause to watch each time you notice them? Are there others that make you wonder who's getting the big bucks for boring or annoying content?

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with any of the companies mentioned, good or bad. About the closest connection would be that my father always had Old Spice back in the '60s.

Survivor South Pacific 10/19 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show! And ... I hope everyone enjoys the new digs! 

Ozzy, in his own little pity party, told his tribe (ex-alliance) that he has the idol. Meanwhile Runt Hantz has found the idol at their camp.

Time for the duel! Christine wins her 4th duel!

Coach worked on his Edna minion while Ozzy apologized to his tribe.

Immunity -- wheelbarrows, slingshots, coconuts and targets. Reward is a water slide area and picnic lunch.

Savaii wins immunity after a horrible start! Mikayla really lost any edge Upolu had by using the slingshot one-handed. Why she did it that way, I haven't a clue. But now Coach wants her out.

The tally --
 Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla


Mikayla heads off to Redemption Island and lemmings follow Coach.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I've gone and done it. I've updated my Blogger platform to the latest. It seems all of my posts and all of their comments have made the move intact. I'm still playing a bit with the sidebar content. There definitely are benefits to the new style - my followers actually show, I can post spoiler posts with an actual jump page so they're not blatant on the main blog page, posts can be linked to Facebook or Twitter easily, the blog is easier to edit and move things around in the design and I don't have to worry about Blogger sunsetting the format for a while.

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/16/2011

The show is actually starting on time here in the NYC area. I might just faint! Once it starts here, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

The teams are off to Phuket, Thailand.

Detour - Helping rebuild Phuket by working with coral or set up the beach. Such a gorgeous and stunning country!

Roadblock is "Who wants to be king of the hill?" Racers have to climb a really tough rock wall. Andy and Tommy have gained a huge lead. I knew they, as snowboard champs, are of the fearless variety and would be great at almost any physical challenges.

Wow! Bill did great on the rock climbing! Meanwhile, Zac the world sailor, is having trouble navigating to the pit stop.

1. Tommy and Andy - won $5,000 each
2. Justin and Jennifer
3. Jeremy and Sandy
4. Laurence and Zac
5. Ernie and Cindy
6. Amani and Marcus
7. Bill and Cathi
8. Liz and Marie - non-Philimination leg. They're saved but will have a speed bump next week!

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - October 16, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by both in words and photographs I've taken. Unlike last week, I actually got out and about a bit this week. This week's weather was nice for the most part, but the pleasant autumn days will be turning cold soon enough.

I had yet another follow up visit with my orthopedic surgeon this past week. He took more x-rays ... still looking good. He's still concerned about the kneecap dislocation. I myself have noticed that my stability is increasing, so I don't think I'm as worried as he is about it. Yet I do think my gait goes wonky sometimes if I'm not being careful. Anyone walking in back of me might think I've imbibed. Uh-oh! I also still have some pain issues, usually after putting stress on the knee. But it's still better than pre-surgery!

Welp, I've not much more to say -- onto the photos for the week! Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window, then just hit back on your browser to return to the blog.

Ohh ... fancy-schmancy new city flags!

They might have been up for a while, but I just saw them this week. Corner of Watchung and East Front, Plainfield.


More photos after the jump