Aeon Commercial--Japan

Aeon is an English Language school in Japan (one of the largest). I am a fan of the look of this commercial, but its humor is subtle (making fun of English pronunciation of Japanese words). Actually, the commercial incites a question over communication as in when one is asked to respond or utilize a specific language.
Source: Japan Probe HERE

Nissan commercials in Japan

These commercials for the Nissan "Note" vehicle feature Heidi. The Japanese is over my head, but what is more interesting is the animation itself. Take a look at some of the other commercials too--featuring cloud flight, green monsters, and lots of childish yelling.There is history behind the music used in the ad and you can read more about that on The Hopeless Romantic. Its seems as if 90's dance music made quite the impact on the Japanese psyche.
Source: The Hopeless Romantic HERE

Snickers Commercials: Betty White, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli

If you watched the Super Bowl, you may have seen the ad for Snickers featuring Betty White. Easily the best commercial during the broadcast (and now being played all over TV). It was actually funny, thoughtful, and looked like they actually spent time considering the concept unlike most of the other offerings during the game. Now, Snickers is also playing a commercial featuring Aretha Franklin and Liza Minnelli. Very funny stuff. The concept is that you "aren't yourself" when your hungry...so eat a Snickers. We live with commercials these days, TV, online, phone...It does make it a bit easier to cope with when they are as funny or thoughtful as these two by Snickers.

Obamitas Cookies: Based on President Obama

A Branding and Design firm in Spain have created a cookie inspired by President Barak Obama. Maybe you have seen this before. The firm, Neos Brand, gained some coverage on this chocolate treat in various publications, but I am just coming across it. My first thought is: Is this racist in any way? In all fairness, I am sure that the firm did not intentionally make the cookie as a racist gesture and to be mean spirited. On the contrary, it is probably a nod and a compliment to America's first Black President. But, the group must have known that there would be questions about RACE raised by their design. And maybe that is part of the project. Unfortunately, I do not speak nor read Spanish. If you do, however, Neos Brand have provided a case study for the "OBAMITAS COOKIE" (link below). 

I suppose my main concern is that, unless you count the addition of slightly large ears on the "face" of the cookie, there is truly no likeness to President Obama. And giving nods to the ears is pushing it, I think. And a chocolate cookie nonetheless... The cookie does give an example of the power of the "Obama Brand" and the president's apparent mass appeal. But where do we draw the line? Black gummy Obamas anyone?

Learn more about the "cookie" project HERE

Nous Brand site HERE

Obamitas dot Com

Three Olives Vodka AD

I like this ad. I've never really thought that much about Three Olives, but know that I have had it before. I'm not much of a liquor drinker, preferring beer or wine, but this ad definitely makes the brand stick in my head.

The set up is bizarre, and a bit racy maybe: Guy slapped in the face with fish and gets an "O" face... It's funny.

I think the suit is cool in a work-a-day way and I love the close-up of the socks.

There are actually several commercials featuring this guy in similar setups.

I'll have to check those out, too.

Good Job, Three Olives.