I’m losing my faith in people.

The more people I meet, the more I love my dogs. I’ve heard this phrase over the years, and Carrie Underwood even has a song about it…

My most recent experience that makes me love my dogs more was at a bank. I was second in line to deposit some cash and there was only one teller. She began helping the gentleman in front of me so I checked my phone while I waited for them to finish. Little did I know the teller working the drive-through stepped over to a window to help me. All I heard as I became aware was the gentleman who was ahead of me say, “He’s on his phone…” followed by a snarky chuckle. 

OK, that’s fine. We can let that slide. But as I’m talking to the woman about my deposit, I overhear him say to his teller, something like, “I know there’s a sign that says no cell phones in the lobby.” Really, guy? That’s how you’re going to be? 

You will not even believe what happened next. As he and I are both waiting for our transactions to wrap up, his phone rings. He shows it to the tellers and myself as if he’s about to make an exception to his rule, “It’s my dad!” he says, and begins talking to his dad on the phone. 

All I could do was laugh. Well, that’s not true, I definitely said something. 

But really? Are most people a-holes, nowadays? 

I’m going to hug my dogs now. Have a good one, folks! 

-Out of the Wilderness

Two Invisalign Commercials – One I Like, One I Don’t

An ad come on TV the other day and while I was being a busybody around my house, I could hear and recognize the voice. First, here’s the ad…

I really like this ad because it flashes back to a life I can relate to. Braces. Dial up internet. All such fun times, right? The woman in this ad is none other than Molly Lloyd! She is also in a current Zillow ad, as “Susan.” Check out that ad here. Invisalign gets a high grade for this one… presenting a problem and a solution in a fun and funny way.

As I was researching the Invisalign commercial, it brought up feelings of anxiety and annoyance because of an earlier advertisement for their product. This one, called “Hey Brandon,” has annoyed me since the first time I saw it.

What bothers me about this is…

1) If part of your company name is half of the word “invisible,” then how do Brandon’s friends even know he’s wearing teeth hardware at all?

2) I guess I’m turning into a grumpy man but I don’t like when kids act like they’re the s%#t. Know what I mean? This kid is a little too cocky.

3) Broadly speaking, can you imagine the germs and the overall grossness of the clear aligners? Yuck, yuck, yuck.

How do you feel about these two Invisalign ads? Am I overthinking the “Hey Brandon” commercial? Do you enjoy one more than the other? Chime in below and thanks for stopping by!

-Out of the Wilderness

The Wonder Years – Back in Black!

The popular show from the late 1980s is making a comeback, this remake featuring a cast of mostly black characters, including Dulé Hill (who played a favorite character from one of my favorite shows – Psych)! In this reboot, he plays the role of father to the main character. In the 80s sitcom, the protagonist, if you will, was played by Fred Savage. Fred’s character, Kevin, had a dad that really scared me! I remember that, even though I was only about 10 yrs old when the show debuted.

Here’s a teaser for the 2021 season…

I can only be honest here on this blog, so I have serious doubts about this show’s success. It may be great, but it will always be compared to the original – which must be considered by most, a classic. I tend to lean towards the idea of leaving those alone… however, I understand Hollywood takes no such stance. This will also take place in the 1960s, as did the original, so that in itself might polarize viewers in 2021. I can say this with almost 100% certainty: if there is a political vibe to the show, it will come crashing down. And let’s be honest- it’s Hollywood, so you KNOW they’ll try sneaking some BS in there somewhere.

I wish all the best to the cast and crew, though. We all gotta work, ya know? I’m interested if I can separate Dulé Hill from his awesome character in Psych – a hard task for him, since that’s an iconic role in the show beloved by many.

How do you feel about this show being recreated for a new audience in 2021? Do you think it will soar as a runaway hit? Comment below with your thoughts…

Thanks for stopping by!

-Out of the Wilderness

Football is back and better than ever?

Football is back and better than… 2020, for sure! Remember last year when there were no fans at any games and they had to create fake crowd noise? Besides the obvious devastation of lives lost and businesses closing, the manufactured crowd noise will go down in history as being the worst idea anyone had in 2020, and that includes the idea some genius had of wearing 7 COVID masks while you’re driving in your car alone.

But the fake crowd noise, whoever had that idea, they needed to be fired then, and they need to be fired now! Even if they’ve already moved on and now they’re managing a Publix somewhere, fire them. Because you know when they started working at Publix, they probably fabricated fake scents of flowers, or teased us with the aroma of fresh baked bread but it was all fake! What an imposter.

Gosh, sorry about that. I get all worked up about that fake crowd noise. But just watching a few college and NFL games already in the past week or so, it’s so clear to see how much better it is with fans in the stadium. There was a moment in the Ohio State game Thursday night when the home crowd (Minnesota) was in a frenzy because their boys were hanging with the #4 Buckeyes and I thought to myself how great it is to hear the roar of the crowd and see a full stadium. So satisfying and in a way, a relief. 

This weekend features some big matchups in both college and professional football and as the kids say, I’m here for it.

In fact, I was talking with a friend yesterday asking about plans on Sunday and I just said, “Football. From noon to about 10pm… football.” I’m not sure how well that response was received and I’m also not sure I care. Sorry, I’m not perfect. 

Speaking of perfect, do you think any college team in Division I football or the NFL will have a perfect season? I would say Alabama might have a chance, Ohio State didn’t look so hot Thursday so I predict they will have a loss this season. NFL… very doubtful because it’s so difficult to win for the entire season, especially with a 17-game season (previous years have been 16 games). 

Are you excited about football? Do you know someone who you won’t be able to speak with on Sundays? Chime in below with your thoughts, I’ll chat with you… probably not on Sundays though 😉

-Out of the Wilderness