The GEICO Gecko Is Left-Handed!?

It’s been revealed in a recent GEICO commercial that the gecko is left-handed. I’m not sure a good way to test this is by noting which hand he grabs a mic with (which is mentioned in the commercial). I’m left-handed but I hold a mic in my right hand. For a more accurate ruling, the investigators need to look back at the tapes and find out on which wrist he wears a watch. This, this is a better way to determine one’s strong side. More times than not, and I’d even suggest that it’s almost always true, right-handed folks wear watches on their left wrist and lefties wear them on the right.

What have you noticed about characteristics regarding dominant traits? I remember growing up trying to use scissors with my left hand was always disappointing. So my mom taught me to use scissors with my right hand for a much smoother experience. She’s left-handed, too, so she knew (and still knows) we live in a right-handed world and sometimes we lefties just have to abide.

Here’s the gecko commercial… and it’s a great campaign they have going contrasting everyone’s admiration for the gecko juxtaposed to indifference towards the GEICO caveman, who is making a resurgence in commercials.

-Out of the Wilderness

The Voice of the Hank the Buffalo in Buffalo Wild Wings Commercials

I have a tense relationship with Buffalo Wild Wings. Actually I have a tense relationship with buffalo, too, if I’m being honest. When I lived in Tennessee I had the most uncomfortable date at Buffalo Wild Wings. And that’s saying a lot because I’ve been on a dinner date with a woman and her newborn. Talk about awkward. It was also awkward when real buffalo got all up in my business on a camping trip in Texas. So much tension!

That’s the most wild thing that’s happened in or around my camper… but aside from my boring dating life here’s Hank the buffalo with a vicious box out maneuver in the latest Buffalo Wild Wings commercial, airing a lot during March Madness.

The Voice. Providing his voiceover talent is Saturday Night Live actor Beck Bennett. I suppose he’s another actor that deserves a spot on this list of famous people behind commercial voiceovers.

Laughable. This buffalo campaign is a great one from Buffalo Wild Wings. Hank’s comedic timing is great and even though I don’t eat meat anymore, the commercials *might* help erase the memory of the most laughable date I’ve ever had. I remember the woman was a North Carolina Tarheels fan so I wonder what she’ll be doing this weekend besides not watching UNC (who lost to Alabama) while sitting at a table in a Tennessee Buffalo Wild Wings? Maybe Hank will show up and box her out… of the window.

-Out of the Wilderness

Kate Hudson Does Music and It’s Not That Bad

Here we are again: another Hollywood celebrity dipping their toes in music. Actress Kate Hudson, who’s been in just about every blockbuster movie you can think of from the 90s and 2000s, is not only an accomplished actress anymore. She’s a singer, too. I didn’t wake up thinking I’d find out something new about her but a music video popped up on YouTube, Kate’s second single and it’s called “Live Forever.” Take a look…

I can be skeptical when actors try to become musicians because of the few that have ruined that whole idea. Jeremy Renner. Scarlett Johansson. Steven Seagal. Miley Cyrus (just kidding, calm down!). I rather like when musicians become actors, though. Have you seen Post Malone in the remake Road House yet? Or Harry Styles in Don’t Worry Darling? I think singers are better at crossing over than actors.

Jennifer Lopez as Kat Valdez in Marry Me (2022)

The newest celebrity to step up to the mic is Kate Hudson. You might be surprised, like I was, that she actually has a decent voice and two music videos under her belt. I’m not a fan of either of her songs, however they aren’t *that* bad.

If I had to offer one critique about “Live Forever” it’s this: I can’t think of a scenario where this song makes sense to listen to. It’s not being played at a party. There isn’t a beach playlist that’ll have this song on it. Teenagers aren’t choreographing dances for the song on TikTok. It’s not the type of song to play as background music. It won’t be part of any road trip mixes.

So in that regard, I’m chalking it up as a pet project from a talented A-List actress who might one day have a hit song that appeals to the masses. Working in Kate’s favor though, is that her video comes on the heels of one of the worst music videos, and songs, anyone has ever heard… Dylan Mulvaney’s horrendous single “Days of Girlhood.”

You know that feeling when you’re so hungry, you’ll eat almost anything? Even food you don’t like sounds appealing in the throws of starvation. After Dylan’s song debut last week, Kate’s sounds like a masterpiece… even if it actually isn’t. And for every exception, which Kate might be, there’s 10 others that sound as bad or worse than this… 👇

-Out of the Wilderness

Up High. Down Low. Too Slow.

Up High. Often when we talk about God or when I think about Him I see Him as up high. Like he’s in the sky looking down on us. This week I’ve appreciated having a more realistic thought– yes, He’s all around but as a Christian it’s important to believe that He’s not just up in the sky somewhere. We aren’t praying to a genie or a magician who floats around granting wishes. My prayers have mostly become a monologue for anyone or no one who’s listening. But that’s not how I want the prayers to be. So lately I’ve prayed knowing that God is near. In fact, He’s with me. He’s with you. He’s not far away sitting on a throne watching everything unfold, uninvolved. He can be right here. So now when I pray I try to picture His face… like a conversation. Not a ritual. Not a chore. Not a Zoom call. At Christmas the name Immanuel comes up a lot. It means “God With Us,” and it’s still true in March, too. In the summer. During the day or night. He wants to be part of my messy life. In fact, I believe He wants to help untangle it. I want to honor Him as the highest being but also be talking to Him daily, figuring out life together.

Down Low. The bridge collapse in Baltimore is kinda nuts! I remember the song “London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down,” but I can’t remember in my lifetime ever seeing a bridge actually fall down. As the story unfolds, it’s interesting to hear about heroic decisions, sad realizations, and suspicious activity, too. For instance, why is the government going to foot the bill for the entire rebuilding of the bridge? Shouldn’t that burden be on whoever is at fault? Insurance is a thing, right?

“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge. And I expect the Congress to support my effort.”

President Biden

Too Slow. I was playing a called “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” with family the other day and realized, yet again, that I stink! It’s kind of a game of speed and usually I was the slowest. That’s why I never win that game, I guess. Totally different reason than why I never win “Clue.” I’m just not built for quick decisions or murderous insight, dang it. I’ve also been swimming this week as I prepare for my first sprint triathlon of the year. Filling up most of the lanes at the public lap pool was a swim team and being in their presence reminded me how slow I am. But that’s exactly why I was there. I’m not the best swimmer and I never will be the best, but I can be better than last year’s version of myself. That’s the goal, at least!

-Out of the Wilderness

American Idol Platinum Ticket Bewilders Me

The judges on American Idol do a terrible job explaining what the platinum ticket is to the viewers at home. Actually, I take that back. The judges on American Idol don’t explain the platinum ticket at all! “Why should contestants be so excited about it?” is what I find myself asking each season.

The platinum ticket exempts the contestant from competing in the first Hollywood round which, if we’re being honest, may not be an advantage. I think of it in football terms. A team that does well in the season might get a first round bye in the playoffs. But this team which was in sync and firing on all cylinders might be thrown out of sync when they have a week off. In American Idol terms, these platinum ticket holders are dropped into the Hollywood round(s) fresh while the others have been in the swing of things already. This doesn’t seem like an advantage at all.

Also, the Hollywood rounds have been condensed into a two-night event (Sunday and Monday) for viewers at home so whatever happens, happens quickly. I think experiencing the first round really only helps you get stronger as a competitor and skipping that round might actually create a disadvantage. You’re less likely to gel with the other contestants, might have more nerves since round 2 is your first time performing since the audition.

In summary, the platinum ticket is an honor to receive but might restrict the contestant, not only setting up an unnecessary hurdle, but also making them have to get up to speed once they are officially back in the competition. Plus, the added pressure of being one of just three platinum ticket recipients eliminates any sort of underdog or black horse mentality.

-Out of the Wilderness