Mood: Upbeat
Listening to: My kids being monkeys
So. Burger King has a new ad campaign out. In case you have your head in a hole in the sand (like New Orleans does about having a serious gang problem), Burger king is going around to the few uncharted, pristine places on earth and giving the natives Burger King burgers in a farcical attempt at a taste test as a marketing campaign.
I know that there are some (hello Pointlessbanter.com!) who are saying that the BK execs are laughing all the way to the bank hearing the moral outrage of people that brings more publicity to them, but hear me out. Pointless banter, I love ya, but I disagree. Not about them bankrolling, they are, but about how it’s unsavory even if not true. It’s like making a commercial about using a certain brand of condom because your sister prefers it. Eww. I’m not usually one to get up on my soapbox and preach over a moral cause involving fine dining of the fast food variety, but I deem this cause worthy. Now I’m pretty sure BK isn’t actually going out and finding indigenous people to run marketing exercises on. They’re pretty hard to find because they’re so isolated. That and the fact that they’d probably catch you and eat you, but I digress.
What I find so completely offensive about this ad is the fact that BK is presenting the point of view that they aren’t happy ruining the health of the connected world. They have to ruin the health of absolutely everyone. I’d say BK is getting a bit hegemonous for my taste. I mean seriously. Apparently Burger King isn’t satisfied with making the known world fat. They are out to make the entire planet fat. Because introducing burgers loaded with saturated fat would really be the best thing for people who subsist on a healthy diet of fruit and insects. All for the cause of marketing.
Another thing that gets me is that BK seems to be telling us that we can’t trust the taste buds of the everyday man. We could not possibly choose a Whopper over a Big Mac. Are we all really on board for eating burgers chosen by people thing who have never had a burger before? I’d say that if you really gave a person a burger who’s never had one before (especially a fast food nightmare like a Whopper), they wouldn’t eat it. They aren’t programmed to crave fat like the western world is. People who have never eaten bread and may eat fire cooked meat once a month most likely aren’t going to go for ground grey meat on a squishy roll. As I said, it’s a nice marketing idea to raise discussion, but it’s a little morally corrupt. I’m not a major burger queen anyhow, but it did make me want to go to BK less, rather than more. I can pick my own burger thanks, I don’t need a Maori tribesman to do it for me.
Becky
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
The "F" Word
Listening to: Random Hindi on the Ipod.
Mood: Ready to get back into a schedule
Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close at our house. It’s Sunday and the kids are already in bed. Hubby will stay home for 1 more day just to use up some vacation. I am SO ready to get back into our daily schedule. For some reason or other, it’s impossibly hard for me to get into my schedule when my husband or eldest daughter are home. They just seem to move at a different rate and direction than yours truly. Fine for a few days, but then I need to have some space to do the usual things required to run a 4 person household.
For some reason (besides having always sworn like a sailor) I have had the “f” word on my mind a lot lately, and I don’t mean fuchsia. I am a huge fan. I love love love it. It just carries a poignancy that you can’t replace with milder words without losing the passion or looking retarded. I think George Carlin is my hero when it comes to the word. He just lays it all out there and wonders what in the heck is the big deal? I agree. How did we manage to capture such an offensive sentiment into one word, and why f? I can think of plenty of words that are far more offensive than the “f” word. Words, for all my propensity for swearing, never ever use. Perhaps it’s just the lure of the forbidden. Perhaps if everybody walked around yelling “Fark!!” every time they ran into a telephone pole, it wouldn’t be so attractive. Whatever. I’m still going to be using every time I mentally rip someone a new one for pulling in front of me in traffic. After all, can’t have my 5 year old developing this propensity so young.
Becky
Mood: Ready to get back into a schedule
Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close at our house. It’s Sunday and the kids are already in bed. Hubby will stay home for 1 more day just to use up some vacation. I am SO ready to get back into our daily schedule. For some reason or other, it’s impossibly hard for me to get into my schedule when my husband or eldest daughter are home. They just seem to move at a different rate and direction than yours truly. Fine for a few days, but then I need to have some space to do the usual things required to run a 4 person household.
For some reason (besides having always sworn like a sailor) I have had the “f” word on my mind a lot lately, and I don’t mean fuchsia. I am a huge fan. I love love love it. It just carries a poignancy that you can’t replace with milder words without losing the passion or looking retarded. I think George Carlin is my hero when it comes to the word. He just lays it all out there and wonders what in the heck is the big deal? I agree. How did we manage to capture such an offensive sentiment into one word, and why f? I can think of plenty of words that are far more offensive than the “f” word. Words, for all my propensity for swearing, never ever use. Perhaps it’s just the lure of the forbidden. Perhaps if everybody walked around yelling “Fark!!” every time they ran into a telephone pole, it wouldn’t be so attractive. Whatever. I’m still going to be using every time I mentally rip someone a new one for pulling in front of me in traffic. After all, can’t have my 5 year old developing this propensity so young.
Becky
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Assless Chaps, Mom Jeans, Mullets, and Mustaches
Listening to: Chinese Democracy (yes, again)
Mood: Strung Tight (I took a very late nap today)
As usual, VH1 classic is providing me with some entertainment. I always find it great fun to look back on different times and styles and have a good laugh. I’m sure I’ll be laughing about 2008 in 20 years too. As a kid growing up in the 80’s, I saw lots of questionable fashion choices. Let’s take a look at 2 of them.
So. Gloria Estephan. I can’t remember which music video this was, but it was a pretty well known 80’s tune. Gloria’s not a bad singer. Hot face to boot. But Gloria, honey, who told you that mom jeans and ass-less chaps would be a good idea? Who? You had a great stage presence and a decent song, but I just couldn’t stop staring at your bottom half trying to figure out what you had going on down there. I’m going to go out on a limb here and declare ass-less chaps a bad thing for 95% of people. Seriously Howard Stern, you are included in that 95%. Mom jeans are just wrong for everyone. Absolutely everyone.
On to the Man Mullet Stache. I don’t know who came up with this look, but they need to never go near men’s fashion again. The easiest way I can describe this look is to say Lionel Ritchey. Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to Lionel Ritchey just as long as I don’t have to look at him. The mullet, the mustache. *Shudder* By themselves they’re just bad, but together, they’re so bad they’re almost good, in a comedic way. That look just doesn’t work for anyone, but it was so ubiquitous. Gloria’s fashion camp also decided one of these gems of a man should be in her video too. I’m sure Gloria is slapping her head and saying “Doh!” when she sees the music video just like the rest of us do when we see 80’s pictures of ourselves with huge, permed hair, acid washed jeans and neon leg warmers.
In conclusion, I’m SO glad the 80’s are done. I hope most of the fashions never see the light of day again. I’ll laugh from here. I don’t want to see it up close again.
Becky
Mood: Strung Tight (I took a very late nap today)
As usual, VH1 classic is providing me with some entertainment. I always find it great fun to look back on different times and styles and have a good laugh. I’m sure I’ll be laughing about 2008 in 20 years too. As a kid growing up in the 80’s, I saw lots of questionable fashion choices. Let’s take a look at 2 of them.
So. Gloria Estephan. I can’t remember which music video this was, but it was a pretty well known 80’s tune. Gloria’s not a bad singer. Hot face to boot. But Gloria, honey, who told you that mom jeans and ass-less chaps would be a good idea? Who? You had a great stage presence and a decent song, but I just couldn’t stop staring at your bottom half trying to figure out what you had going on down there. I’m going to go out on a limb here and declare ass-less chaps a bad thing for 95% of people. Seriously Howard Stern, you are included in that 95%. Mom jeans are just wrong for everyone. Absolutely everyone.
On to the Man Mullet Stache. I don’t know who came up with this look, but they need to never go near men’s fashion again. The easiest way I can describe this look is to say Lionel Ritchey. Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to Lionel Ritchey just as long as I don’t have to look at him. The mullet, the mustache. *Shudder* By themselves they’re just bad, but together, they’re so bad they’re almost good, in a comedic way. That look just doesn’t work for anyone, but it was so ubiquitous. Gloria’s fashion camp also decided one of these gems of a man should be in her video too. I’m sure Gloria is slapping her head and saying “Doh!” when she sees the music video just like the rest of us do when we see 80’s pictures of ourselves with huge, permed hair, acid washed jeans and neon leg warmers.
In conclusion, I’m SO glad the 80’s are done. I hope most of the fashions never see the light of day again. I’ll laugh from here. I don’t want to see it up close again.
Becky
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ted Nugent is Freakin Nuts
Listening to: Ghost Adventures – Creepy Shit!
Mood: TGIF, baby!
So this probably doesn’t come to a surprise to anyone unlike me who was totally ignorant about who Ted Nugent was, but that dude is absolutely frickin nuts. I saw him on an old MTV cribs episode. Wow. He gets a hard-on over a hunting stand.
I watched the video from Wango Tango too. He was one sweaty dude. He was almost swimming in his own sweat while singing about sex. I know they say that sweat and pheromones attract those of the opposite sex, but please. I can safely say that I would NOT want to do the wango tango with him.
They ask this dude his opinion on political things too. I still haven’t figured that out. I know he comes off as a right wing nut who is all about gun rights for individuals, but why ask Ted Nugent? Because he was a singer, or has a famous name? Ah well. I guess if we can make a big deal of Joe the plumber (who wasn’t actually a plumber) then we can listen to Ted Nugent for a few minutes.
Becky
Mood: TGIF, baby!
So this probably doesn’t come to a surprise to anyone unlike me who was totally ignorant about who Ted Nugent was, but that dude is absolutely frickin nuts. I saw him on an old MTV cribs episode. Wow. He gets a hard-on over a hunting stand.
I watched the video from Wango Tango too. He was one sweaty dude. He was almost swimming in his own sweat while singing about sex. I know they say that sweat and pheromones attract those of the opposite sex, but please. I can safely say that I would NOT want to do the wango tango with him.
They ask this dude his opinion on political things too. I still haven’t figured that out. I know he comes off as a right wing nut who is all about gun rights for individuals, but why ask Ted Nugent? Because he was a singer, or has a famous name? Ah well. I guess if we can make a big deal of Joe the plumber (who wasn’t actually a plumber) then we can listen to Ted Nugent for a few minutes.
Becky
Pet Pedicures and You
Listening to: An Adoption show on Siberian Adoption
Mood: Unanchored.
Wow. It’s been quite a bit of time since I emerged from the time warp black hole that is being a mother of an almost 5 year old and an almost 1 year old. Whew is it good to get some grown up expression out.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the commercials on animal planet about pedicures, but it really cracks me up. We had dogs when I was growing up. I worked at an animal hospital also, so I’m pretty comfortable with cutting animals nails.
The premise of this ad is that if you cut your pet’s nails with a traditional pet nail clipper, you are hurting them and are a terrible pet parent. They even have a vet saying that they always try to eliminate pain in pets (read: and why aren’t you, you jerk?). The schtick is that you should buy a pet “pet-icure” system that slowly files the nail away painlessly. They have lots of cut dogs in the commercial that sit quietly and patiently while their nails are being filed. I haven’t seen too many dogs that will sit still while their nails are slowly filed.
The best part of this advertisement is how they imply that if you don’t use the Pedicure system, you are a horrible person who will cause your pet tons of pain and mental anguish. Really? I think it’s a good concept, but this commercial is too ridiculous.
Becky
Mood: Unanchored.
Wow. It’s been quite a bit of time since I emerged from the time warp black hole that is being a mother of an almost 5 year old and an almost 1 year old. Whew is it good to get some grown up expression out.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the commercials on animal planet about pedicures, but it really cracks me up. We had dogs when I was growing up. I worked at an animal hospital also, so I’m pretty comfortable with cutting animals nails.
The premise of this ad is that if you cut your pet’s nails with a traditional pet nail clipper, you are hurting them and are a terrible pet parent. They even have a vet saying that they always try to eliminate pain in pets (read: and why aren’t you, you jerk?). The schtick is that you should buy a pet “pet-icure” system that slowly files the nail away painlessly. They have lots of cut dogs in the commercial that sit quietly and patiently while their nails are being filed. I haven’t seen too many dogs that will sit still while their nails are slowly filed.
The best part of this advertisement is how they imply that if you don’t use the Pedicure system, you are a horrible person who will cause your pet tons of pain and mental anguish. Really? I think it’s a good concept, but this commercial is too ridiculous.
Becky
Friday, October 10, 2008
Bounty Girls
Listening to: Akhila chatter – like usual.
Mood: Excited for the Weekend
Anyone noticed that there seem to be a lot of bounty hunter shows popping up? It started out with Dog the Bounty hunter – the fruity red neck dude who really cares about the scuzz balls he catches. I’m not really a huge fan if you couldn’t tell. Then, these shows started popping up all over the place. Or perhaps it’s just all the different channels available now.
One of the shows that really irks me (and all bounty hunter shows do) was Bounty Girls. The premise of the show is a bail man and a team of chick bounty hunters hunting down people who don’t go to their day in court. It’s really a ridiculous show. Lots of bitchiness, cattiness, and the bond man coming off looking like a pimp. Literally. The way those women kiss his ass is totally ridiculous. Look ladies, not only are you doing yourself a disservice by behaving like spoiled teenaged girls, you are doing a disservice to others also by promoting the reality tv trend that has people encouraging others to act petty, selfish, and generally like assholes.
Becky
Mood: Excited for the Weekend
Anyone noticed that there seem to be a lot of bounty hunter shows popping up? It started out with Dog the Bounty hunter – the fruity red neck dude who really cares about the scuzz balls he catches. I’m not really a huge fan if you couldn’t tell. Then, these shows started popping up all over the place. Or perhaps it’s just all the different channels available now.
One of the shows that really irks me (and all bounty hunter shows do) was Bounty Girls. The premise of the show is a bail man and a team of chick bounty hunters hunting down people who don’t go to their day in court. It’s really a ridiculous show. Lots of bitchiness, cattiness, and the bond man coming off looking like a pimp. Literally. The way those women kiss his ass is totally ridiculous. Look ladies, not only are you doing yourself a disservice by behaving like spoiled teenaged girls, you are doing a disservice to others also by promoting the reality tv trend that has people encouraging others to act petty, selfish, and generally like assholes.
Becky
Teddy Bears and Laser Hair Removal
Listening to: Peter Pan
Mood: Excited for the Weekend
I know, I know. Not usually something you hear in the same sentence. We get advertisement envelopes in the mail for local businesses. I’m sure most of you do. I got an ad about laser hair removal that featured a totally naked chick wrapping her arms around a huge teddy bear. Em, what? Why in the world would you sit buck nekked for an advertisement with a child’s stuffed animal? And why is that at all relevant to hair removal? Because the bear is hairy? I don’t think I want to see a totally nekked bear. I really didn’t need to see her naked with the bear either! Just another example of a marketing team that needs to be fired.....
Mood: Excited for the Weekend
I know, I know. Not usually something you hear in the same sentence. We get advertisement envelopes in the mail for local businesses. I’m sure most of you do. I got an ad about laser hair removal that featured a totally naked chick wrapping her arms around a huge teddy bear. Em, what? Why in the world would you sit buck nekked for an advertisement with a child’s stuffed animal? And why is that at all relevant to hair removal? Because the bear is hairy? I don’t think I want to see a totally nekked bear. I really didn’t need to see her naked with the bear either! Just another example of a marketing team that needs to be fired.....
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