Kids peeing in pools, Ferris Bueller when he’s old, and playing off of movies that are about to come out soon, yeah, it’s Super Bowl commercial time again: That mystical time of year when football fans and those who know nothing about the game (FD stands for first down, not field down, yes people make that mistake) can come together and watch the largest sporting event in North America (sorry fellow hockey fans, I feel your pain).
With such a large viewer base, estimated at 117 million viewers (in the U.S. alone, according to International Business Times), it’s no wonder that ad rates are so high. The average 30-second spot costs $3.5 million, which means those who get the spots put their best foot forward when showing off their brands.
Traditionally a good Super Bowl commercial is something that’s either funny, or just a spectacle to see. Unfortunately some companies haven’t grasped that concept, and their takes on humor flop, or their spectacles just look tacky.
Luckily though some like to step up their game, and bring out the best of the best commercials (all time favorite is still the cowboys trying to herd cats). So here are the hits and misses of this year’s 2012 Super Bowl Commercials.
Hit
For those who play any sport, you probably know about superstition. It’s always been a part of the game. There are your basic traditions, such as not speaking about a pitcher throwing a no hitter, to some really odd ones, like Tyler Kennedy of the Pittsburg Penguins licking his hockey stick during the game.
It’s no surprise that there was a commercial about it, and in Coca Cola’s commercial, it shows two trade mark polar bears watching a game, one is crossing his fingers, toes, and even legs while watching the game, yet unable to drink his Coca Cola, until his friend gives him a straw to enjoy it. Even in the arctic, superstitions live on. Maybe they should cross their fingers that their habitat won’t all melt away.
Miss
TaxACT’s commercial of a little boy peeing in a pool. Ad Age Mediaworks sums it up perfectly, “Before this spot, what did you think of when hearing the name TaxACT? (Answer: Nothing.) Now what do you think of? Pool urination!” While they may have thought it was amusing, all I can think of is this company will pee in your pool of savings. If I wanted to see someone peeing in a pool (which is creepy so I wouldn’t) I’d simply go to the community pool and pretend to not wonder why the pool temperature suddenly went up 10 degrees.
Soaring like a Flying Camel
This spot goes to Honda playing on the famous movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. If I have to tell you the premise of the movie, I suggest you just go watch it, as I can’t even begin to explain the amazingness of this movie.
By taking clips from the movie and applying it to the Honda CRV, we are taken back to the original movie, adding humor for the target audience, who can feel like Ferris Bueller, which let’s be honest, we’ve all wanted a day like that.
Embarrassing like Tom Brady’s Uggs
That’s right Tom Brady wears Ugg boots for men. Much like his fashion statement that screams, “I don’t care what you think”, apparently PepsiMax thought the same way. I know what you’re thinking, and no, this isn’t a Pepsi vs. Coca Cola battle, I actually love the taste of both, but this commercial was just bad.
The commercial shows the same thing they do in every commercial, CokeZero guy buys a PepsiMax instead of a CokeZero and everyone makes a huge deal out of it, leaving the CokeZero guy embarrassed. We get it… he likes the taste of PepsiMax better. At least they did a better job with their Doritos commercial, assuming you’re not a cat lover.
The Future is Upon Us
At least that is what it looks like and it's now within our reach. Not only are these things possible but also they will, in near future it seems, be available to the public. Even the size of this new device is mind-blowing: it's so skinny! I would mostly be scared of breaking it. This YouTube video, showing a sneak peek, has over 40 million views.
The iPhone 5 concepts are ridiculously awesome! I thought that hi-tech stuff could only happen in the Stars (Wars and Trek respectively). Laser keyboards and holograms! Next thing you know we will be carving the Thanksgiving turkey with a light saber.
Beat the Sick
This past week two of the camels had to head home because they were sick. So, we thought we could help you avoid similar circumstances. Here are some tips to help:
- Stay Warm: Wear scarves and longs sleeves. Keep your wrists, ankles, fingers, neck and toes warm (whenever possible).
- Eat Well: Eat lots of fruits, veggies, lean meat and fish, nuts and seeds. Yogurt and kefir are also good. All of these foods help increase your immune system. Also… avoid sugar and other junk food, including alcohol. Lisa in our office swears by ColdFX as well.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drink at least two litres of water a day… and herbal tea counts. (Even if you don’t feel thirsty)
- Exercise: It helps increase blood circulation and immunity. Do at least 10 minutes of activity a day.
- Vitamins! A high quality multivitamin will supply your body with essential nutrients it needs to prevent illness.
- Sleep: It makes sure your body is fully capable of fighting off illness. A bedtime routine helps. It’s actually been said that waking up every morning at the same time is the most important part – even if you go to bed at varying times.
- Fresh Air: Lots of oxygen and what sunshine you can get is a great way to boost your immune system… and reduce stress. We mentioned this in a previous blog, but a great way to get the benefits of sunshine in the winter is to take a Vitamin D supplement.
- Wash Your Hands: Use hot, soapy water to wash every time (for at least 60 seconds) after using the bathroom and before eating, especially after being in a crowded place.
- HAVE FUN! Relaxed and happy immune systems work better.
The funny thing is though; we have been following these rules. We wear scarves, eat so healthy it’s almost gross, count our water intake and exercise. Of course we have been sleeping well and washing our hands, Ziggy has also been helping us get our regimented amount of fresh air each day with her lunchtime walks. And… if we aren’t having fun I don’t know who is!
Moral of the story is: Sometimes, no matter what you do and how proactive you are, you might still get sick, but that’s no reason to live an unhealthy lifestyle. Happy healthy living!
Dieting camels… seems like a bit of an oxymoron; camels usually love their humps, don’t they?
Well, we are finally getting back into the swing of things, then again we should be, it has been two weeks since the first day back after holidays! They have not been an easy two weeks though: The whole office is on a diet. Or rather we are all implementing strategies & tactics towards positive lifestyle changes because we want the effects and benefits of doing so to last longer than a month. What’s that saying Lisa is always referencing? Freedom through discipline!
Considering there are six women in the office (and one male intern – ahhh poor Nolan) and nothing particularly chocolatey-looking or chip-like in the vicinity, we can get a little cranky when things get stressful. (Nothing too dramatic, don’t worry.) The snack brought to our last status meeting? Red peppers and raw almonds – yum!
Thank goodness Ziggy still comes to visit every day, her cuteness and love helps ease the stress. And for anyone who doubted an office dog – think again! We just love having her around here!
Holiday Hangover
Once all of the candy is gone and turkey fog has lifted it seems like there isn’t much left to look forward to, especially once the harsh winter cold has really settled in. One of the best things to look forward to is that the days are officially starting to get a longer after the 21st of December. To combat the winter blues we have compiled a list of things that may help to improve the dreary post-holiday winter months.
1. Incorporating bright colours in your life. Either dressing in bright, colourful clothing or decorating your living space with it can do the job. When you are immersed in colour your mood can directly be affected and help you feel happier. Some people suggest completely painting a room or adding in pops of colour with throw pillows or flowers.
2. Embrace winter! We know it is hard, but really try to go outside and do some kind of activity; even if it’s just going for a walk. By doing this you are breathing fresh air, which is rare in the winter, and getting what little natural light there is to offer at this time of year. The fresh air can clear your mind and the light helps you feel a little cheerier with what little vitamin D it provides.
3. Take a vitamin D supplement. You are probably not getting enough vitamin D from the little sun you get in the winter so taking a supplement is a good idea. Vitamin D actually helps improve your mood.
4. Give yourself something to look forward to. When there is something you want to do and you’re excited for it, your mood will reflect this. Making a date once a week with your husband or some friends will get you out of the house and can make a big difference.
5. Get out of bed sleepy head. We find it’s harder to get out of bed in the morning when it is still dark outside but the trick is to turn on the light when your alarm goes off. It will help you feel less sluggish while you are getting ready and encourage you to get moving…instead of pressing snooze.
6. Exercise is a key way to “keep your head up.” You may as well get working on your New Year’s resolution because exercise also relieves stress and gives you an energy boost long after the workout is done, from the chemicals your brain releases during physical activity.
7. Live your resolutions. Setting, and working on achieving, your resolutions are a great way to stay motivated during the winter months. Working towards our goals is healthy behaviour and healthy behaviours help combat depression, which occurs more frequently during the winter.
8. Relax! Don’t get too caught up in being everywhere at once. Take time to relax by taking a bath, reading a book, doing some yoga or sleeping in. These activities will also help alleviate stress and aid in holding on to a bright mood during dark times!
Well, we are finally getting back into the swing of things, then again we should be, it has been two weeks since the first day back after holidays! They have not been an easy two weeks though: The whole office is on a diet. Or rather we are all implementing strategies & tactics towards positive lifestyle changes because we want the effects and benefits of doing so to last longer than a month. What’s that saying Lisa is always referencing? Freedom through discipline!
ur last status meeting? Red peppers and raw almonds – yum!
1. Incorporating bright colours in your life. Either dressing in bright, colourful clothing or decorating your living space with it can do the job. When you are immersed in colour your mood can directly be affected and help you feel happier. Some people suggest completely painting a room or adding in pops of colour with throw pillows or flowers.