An unusual running shoe commercial.

OK, this New Balance commercial takes a LONG time to make its point, but if you're a recreational runner you'll appreciate the gag at the end (wait for it...wait for it...).

Actually, I prefer Asics. And New Balance is the only pair of shoes I've owned that literally hurt my feet, but I suppose that just makes the point more salient for me.

Awesome music, by the way.

More Starbuckian rationale for Via.

Ya gotta wonder if they came up with these uses for Via before or after they created the product...

If we build it, will they come?

I've been riffing on Starbucks quite a bit lately (it seems like they're the only ones doing any kind of newspaper advertising these days).

Anyway, I'm not sure why people would want to buy an "instant" version of Starbucks coffee (and I still think it's a bad idea), but Starbucks is coming up with all sorts of reasons to justify their invention.

Here's the first in a series of ads. Perhaps they should do one for certain Northwest Airlines pilots...

But what about DIET Dr. Pepper?

Thought you might want to see the "controversial" ad posted in New York's subways.

Gross? Yes.

Effective? Questionable.

Now, who's thirsty out there?

Another TV spot you won't see on TV.

Like the previous Purity Organics TV spot reviewed back in July, there's no way you're gonna see this on TV. Commercials like this are meant to be spread virally, which I guess is exactly what I'm doing.

No bother. It's still a clever idea to make you remember a soft(core) drink in a very cluttered market.

Hate myself for laughing...

OK, I'm not sure what the strategy is. I'm not usually a fan of slapstick. And granted, these spots for Jack Links Beef Jerky are juvenile at best.

But they crack me up every time I see them.

Internet advertising so disgusting and obnoxious...

I can only assume it must be working.

Something new in a soda commercial: a concept!

For years, Dr. Pepper TV commercials have been notoriously lame. Vapid. Part of the clutter.

Not anymore. I love the new spots that feature various "doctors" touting the benefits of drinking Dr. Pepper SLOWLY to savor the unique blend of flavors.

Brilliant work in a category where it's very hard to come up with something new.

NY Lottery commercial a winner.

Most lottery commercials suck because they try to be funny. Humor is hard to do, especially on a low budget using local "talent."

This one from the New York Lottery avoids the usual pitfalls by using the ol' "cute animals" trick (think puppies and kittens and...pigs??) to their advantage. Sure, the music's annoying as hell, but otherwise this spot is a clever way to introduce the new "Sweet Millions" game.

Who knew pigs kicked their feet in their sleep?