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
If you’ve come across the new Coca-Cola Christmas commercial, you’re most likely keenly aware of the misuse of AI. One might say the greedy (saving money) or lazy (path of least resistance) production of the ad isn’t sitting well with a lot of viewers. And then you have the car manufacturer Genesis. This, Coca-Cola, is HOW. IT. IS. DONE. Very cute, let’s go ahead and call it Christmas Cozy. Check it out…
Where Genesis shines is in the presentation of a cute commercial, not trying to trick us that something is real when it’s not. Clearly animation but done in a fun way. Kudos.
Not that color really means anything but it would be foolish to NOT acknowledge someone’s color in certain circumstances, right? The rap music genre is generally dominated by black men and women and that’s because when they’re good at rapping, the can be VERY good at it. I’m thinking of Busta Rhymes, who is one of the best, in my opinion. The speed at which he delivers lines is breath-taking. There are different styles and all that so someone else’s favorite might be a more methodical rapper or one has better beats. All kinds. And then there are the white rappers. Some are good and some try real hard. Bless their hearts! The few that come to mind in modern culture… Eminem, Tom MacDonald, and NF. Three different styles, different subject matters generally, but all very talented. From those three, who would you say is the #1 rapper? For a long time, I’d say it’s Eminem. “Headlights” with Nate Ruess is one of the best I’ve ever heard.
When Tom MacDonald came on to the scene, I was blown away.
And NF. What is there to say about this young man? At first I thought he sounded like Eminem but the more I’ve listened, the more he separated himself and if I were to vote, I’d pick him as the best white rapper in 2025. His new song “Fear” had me in all sorts of fits with emotions and wide eyes. So honest and parts I can relate with in ways I don’t talk about out loud.
Did anyone have “Touching Commercial from the UPS Store” on their 2025 bingo card? Didn’t think so! But here we are. With Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman splitting, I guess anything is possible and I mean that in the worst way. But this ad *is* a sparkle of joy for the holiday season. A man is struggling to find the perfect gift for his mother, and I bet a lot of us struggle with that same thing– a gift for a parent or a loved one that is hard to buy for. Check out the ad then scroll down for more…
The Music. The soundtrack for the commercial is a song called “Iris” by Wim Mertens. Here’s the full 10-minute version…
A slap in the face of online retailers and I absolutely love that we never see what the son bought (in person) for his mother. It leaves it open ended and YOUR gift is what fills in that blank. The gift you get for your mom or loved one… preferably in an actual store. Good work UPS!
As I’m sure you know, former First Lady Michelle Obama has authored a book called, “The Look.” Evidently it’s gives the reader (or viewer?) an inside look at her fashion over the period of her time as the First Lady. Cool idea! People love fashion. And in today’s image driven culture (Instagram, TikTok, etc), a book of photography is probably a smart move. Well guess what Michelle?? Someone else in this conversation has two books under his belt and one is even a picture book for newborns and toddlers. Yes, it’s me. I’m talking about me. I’m a little shook that Michelle didn’t reach out for advice. What gives?
I’m not going to go as far as to say my books are better than hers or that the pictures in my books are better but…. OK, yes I WILL go there. Just wait till you see the adorable artwork in these two books. I worked with such talented artists to create both. I’m still in awe. I’m still enamored with the illustrations in “Big and Small, God Made Them All,” and the pups in “The Brave Bamboo” have me wrapped around their paws. Delightful stuff that a young person you know will love, I just feel sure of it. Check out the books below and order a copy or two. Let’s outsell Michelle, OK? 🙂
A few days ago I did something completely normal but then felt a tweak in my lower back. I wish I could say I was doing something super athletic but… nope. It sucks because any move I make I can feel the tightness in my back. Y’all, I can barely sit up to yell at people on Twitter.
Oh, who am I kidding? I can tweet snarky remarks in bed, no problem. That reminds me, I haven’t heard from my stalker in awhile. I wonder what they’re up to? I could use more insightful life advice so if you’re reading this, let’s get back together. We’re good together. I write posts about different topics and you respond with constructive criticism. I need you back!
Out of the Wilderness 