The Hyundai Commute Commercial – Pardon My French Music, and More.

“Pardon my French!” That’s what people say to excuse the use of swear words. Swear words are what drivers say to excuse their tempers in heavy traffic. The latest Hyundai commercial has all of that along with a possible solution. Take a look then scroll down for more details!

The Music. It’s the perfect use of a French song when most of the drivers on those crowded roads and highways are cussing up a storm (conjecture on my part). How much French needs to be pardoned during rush hour traffic, anyway? The answer is a lot (more conjecture). Here’s the song in the commercial. It’s from 2015 and it’s called “La Fête Noire” by Flavien Berger.

Mother Trucker. I’m guessing that nothing makes drivers want to cuss more than being stuck in long lines of traffic. Well, either that or being stuck behind slow drivers. But for the first pet peeve, Hyundai’s commercial definitely reminds us all how annoying commutes can be. I’m not sure if the commercial leaves viewers in a ticked off mood (reminding us of annoying traffic and commuting) or generally happy (with a solution to the traffic problem) but most of the comments I found on YouTube are the former. Nobody likes sacrificing quality of life (time at home, with family, NOT in traffic) for wasted time driving into work, that is if they can be just as productive outside the office setting.

If you must commute, Hyundai has the solution. Of course, that solution will cost you dearly. If you have $25K laying around, buy one and let us all know if it makes you happy while you’re commuting to and from work. Thanks ahead of time!

-Out of the Wilderness

Has College Football Already Peaked in 2023?

We’re already into week 2 of college football, even though, technically, it’s the 3rd week. Whatever. Last weekend I was most looking forward to Colorado vs. TCU and boy, did it live up to the hype. Neon Deion might be the MVP of the whole college season. TCU was favored by 20 points (or somewhere around there?) but LOST to Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes. Television ratings were so high that it was the most watched sportscast of the day. Is anyone surprised?

Buffalo in Texas.

The next game was the only matchup that featured two top-25 ranked teams. Florida State wrassled with LSU but by the time the last whistle blew, the Seminoles had definitively dismantled the Tigers. This made my entire family happy, so I was happy about that. FSU jumped to #4 (from being ranked #8) and LSU dropped to #15 (from #5).

The last game that had an upset was actually kind of embarrassing for Clemson University. Not because Duke isn’t good. Duke IS good. But Clemson on the other hand… besides having Will Shipley, they literally have nothing going for them. In fact, Will Shipley is easily their best player (and one of the best in college football). But if you’re running back is your best player, you’re in trouble. Clemson is in trouble this year. The funny thing about this game is that Duke was winning 6-0, then Clemson scored on a fluke set of circumstances. Even before half time I said that as soon as Clemson scores again I’m going to bed (because it was late and I’m old and Clemson will probably score and keep scoring into a blowout). I ended up watching the whole game because CLEMSON NEVER SCORED AGAIN. Those goofballs. Now they’re just barely hanging on to a spot in the top 25 (dropping from #9). Is it safe to say Clemson’s college football dynasty is over?

I’m not sure if any college football weekend will match the excitement of last week but even as this post goes up, Colorado is on the field and later today could have an upset of Texas over Alabama. Fingers crossed. 😉

-Out of the Wilderness

The best versions of “Unchained Melody”

The first time I remember hearing “Unchained Melody” was in high school and the memory has been imprinted and linked to a girl I had a crush on at the time. In south Miami as a timid boy going to a private school, I was enamored with this girl who could burp on command. Be still my heart! I also think of her when I hear Elton John’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” But my high school crush isn’t the point of this post. Neither is my very first crush, Cyndi Lauper, although she has a stirring version of “Unchained Melody” that might actually be better than the Righteous Brothers. I know, that’s crazy to say. Which of the versions below is your favorite?

The Righteous Brothers…

Cyndi Lauper…

Elvis Presley…

U2…

Willie Nelson…

Heart…

LeAnn Rimes…

Sam Cooke…

Bing Crosby…

-Out of the Wilderness

iPhone’s Happy Three-Legged Dog Commercial – The Music, the Dog, and More!

Apple has an adorable commercial advertising the iPhone 14 but the real stars are the dogs running around for 30 seconds. Take a look at Trip (the main dog featured) and a few other pups in the commercial…

Here’s another video explaining more of Trip’s story.

The music in the 30-second ad is “All the World & You & Me” by Walter Martin. Here’s an extended version, or if you prefer Spotify, here’s the link for that, too.

Sometimes at the end of these kinds of posts I ask if you like the commercial, what you might do differently, etc. I can’t do that for this one because it’s just perfect. These dogs are amazing, strong, resilient, so it’s no surprise Apple titled the ad “The Invincibles.”

-Out of the Wilderness

Triathlon training update – a new bicycle!

It was about 5 years ago that I borrowed a bike to go on a leisurely ride with friends in Nashville. We pedaled around a few country roads before stopping for lunch at Arrington Vineyards. I had no idea way back then what that one bike ride would turn into. It’s like I was a kid again, loving every second of riding a bike. So not too long after, I bought a bike of my own to ride around the neighborhoods. Found this gem at a Nashville estate sale for $35!

My loyalty to the bike is so deep that I even used it for two sprint triathlons in north Florida(recaps here and here). Looking back at those two races, I am kind of baffled that I thought it was a good idea to ride it! But with that said, it did so well. Was I working twice as hard to go half as fast as everyone else? Absolutely. But having spectators and race officials compliment my bike made me really happy. The bike is Secretariat in my eyes. And it will always be a legend! It’s time, though.

Time for something new.

Today I picked up my brand new Trek Domane. To say I’m very excited and full of anticipation for taking this bike out for another sprint triathlon is the biggest understatement of the year. I can’t wait to use it in my next race (October) to see how much faster I can be and maybe, hopefully, I can finish in the top 3 of my age group.

Updates on the way as training continues!

-Out of the Wilderness