Posting daily at 1pm central about all kinds of things. One day it's dating, the next it's TV commercials. I hope you're entertained. Professional photos on SmugMug – https://benwilder.smugmug.com
We all know “Blue Christmas” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” but there are plenty more where those came from. Of course, I’m talking about sad songs. The song that inspired this list, well, I’ll just say I’m pretty obsessed with it… in a play-it-7-times-in-a-row kind of way. The harmony between Brandon Flowers and Taylor Goldsmith makes this song my favorite of Christmas 2023. Here are six songs filling out the rest of the Sad Christmas song list.
“Christmas Time Is Here (But You’re Not)” Jon McLaughlin…
“It Won’t Seem Like Christmas (Without You)” Elvis Presley…
“Christmas Wrapping” The Waitresses, but with a happy ending…
To be famous is to be a little full of yourself and when it comes to fragrance commercials, that type of self-importance is always part of the equation. The commercials are often artsy, bizarre, and every once in a while, memorable. Oh, who are we kidding. They suck! Except for this one from Bleu de Chanel (not the Tmothée Chalamet one, the other one). One of Dolce & Gabbana’s latest spokesmen spokeswomen spokesx is none other than the American Idol judge herself, Katy Perry! I won’t get into her faux outrage from last season on AI but her acting in this ad is something her fans will adore, I’m sure. Even though it’s terrible, just be honest with yourself all of you rabid KatyCats. She’s a 6 that thinks she’s a 10, but who am I to judge. I’m a 5 that thinks he’s a 6. But the Italian love interest in this D&G ad? Whoa bubba! (is what the ladies are thinking, I’m sure). Check out the ad then scroll down for more info on the actor…
The Man. Katy’s love interest towards the end of the ad is actor/model Michele Morrone. He’s Italian which makes me think of pizza and now I want pizza. I also discovered Michele is a singer/performer. Check out a music video of his below and be sure to follow him on Instagram, too: @MicheleMorroneOfficial
The Music. D&G is using “‘O surdato ‘nnammurato (Live)” by Massimo Ranieri as the soundtrack for the commercial. Here’s the full length song…
What are your thoughts on the commercial? Does it make you want to run out and get some perfume for your lovely partner? KatyCats, feel free to blast me for how annoying I am in the comment below.
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s a lot more socially acceptable to put up your Christmas decorations. I’m looking at you, neighbor who has the hanging Christmas balls up before Halloween. Get a grip, huh! Wow, sorry about that. I’m not a Scrooge, I’m not!! Plus, I want to make sure I’m on Santa’s nice list. Speaking of which, there are at least three groups of people excited every year when Christmas rolls around.
The people on Santa’s nice list
Students who have a long break from school
People who love Publix holiday commercials
Publix is known for their heartwarming holiday commercials whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. And their pub subs. And their sweet tea. They’re known for those, too. But for commercials, 99 times out of 100 they knock it out of the park. That’s why this comment has been fact-checked true.
Here’s the Publix Christmas commercial we’ve all been waiting for this season.
Little Ruckus keeps getting the short end of the stick and the sassy cat just rubs it in his face! Of course, with a name like Ruckus, there might be a good reason he’s outside while the rest of the family prepares for the big meal. If any of you out there have a beagle like mine, nabbing food is always just a sniff away can I get an amen? One second everything’s fine. Turn your head to sneeze and boom, she’s on the outdoor counter. Or your book is shredded. Or her head is stuck in the treat jar.
But even with their mischief, pups are always family and we wouldn’t be the same without them keeping us on our toes.
How do you feel about this Christmas commercial from Publix? Where does it stack up against other holiday ads like the following:
I can’t watch this new Mercedes commercial without thinking about my favorite romantic movie. The song in the ad comes at a turning point in the final moments of the movie. Do you think you know which film I’m talking about? Watch the ad, make your guess, then scroll down for the big reveal!
The Song. Setting the mood for the commercial is a song called “I’ll Be Seeing You” performed by The Five Satins. Here’s the full song from 1965…
Lights, Camera, Action. Ok, the big question! What fantastic movie weaves this song (sung by Billie Holiday) throughout the movie? Here’s a scene as a hint…
It’s one of my three favorite movies… The Notebook. But I bet you already knew that, didn’t you? You’re such a good detective! I’ve watched a lot of the movies (maybe all of them?) based on Nicholas Sparks books and this one outshines them by a country mile. Of course, that doesn’t include this book which I predict will become a movie.
I won’t remember Mercedes (or ever be able to afford one) from this commercial but they used a song I’ll never forget. For that fact alone, they made a good choice in song selection. Do you like the commercial? Better yet, do you love The Notebook as much as I do?
It’s the holiday season so Santa must be doing his stretches, waxing his sleigh, and ironing his suit because he’s about to be a busy man. But you know, he might be able to get around easier (and without as much reindeer poo) with a Toyota Tacoma. It sure worked well for the granddaughter in the latest Toyota commercial. Inspired by her grandmother, she takes her Tacoma on a road trip to recreate some of grandma’s photos. Turns out grandma has a Toyota pickup truck, too. Here’s the ad, then scroll down to find out more about the young actress and the old truck.
The Actress. The star of the ad is a young actress named Annie Thurman and she’s based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has a growing resume of acting work. Find out what shows and movies she’s been in on her IMDb page. Of course, there’s also Instagram @AnnieThurman …where she posted a few pics from the shoot, looks like a fun day.
The Truck. The granddaughter has a new Tacoma but what yellow truck is grandma driving?
photo courtesy of Toyota Pressroom
From what I can find, this is a 1977 Toyota Hilux. Any car folks out there can feel free to correct me if the year is off a bit. Cool truck!
This is a great commercial. But don’t worry, you don’t have to buy a brand new truck to have sweet moments with family. Even a used Toyota would be special. 😉
Out of the Wilderness 