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
I was doing some yard work yesterday and the darnedest thing happened. As I worked the weed eater near a bush in the front yard, a robin scurried away, but it let me get really close before it made a move. I thought, “Odd that a bird would let me get this close before flying away. Is there a nest!?” I carefully inspected the bush and sure enough, a nest! I know robins are fairly common birds, but their blue eggs always have me in awe. Such a beautiful color.
So naturally I finished the yard as fast as possible then ran inside to grab my camera. Here are the pictures I got before the rain came. I am 99.9% sure I’ll be checking this nest for the next few days and weeks, so be on the lookout for more pics!
Samuel Adams beer created an ad promoting their product (of course!) but also encouraging folks to get the COVID vaccine. Take a look…
This ad will make you laugh, which is a win for Samuel Adams. But just as mask-wearing and the vaccine have become political, the commercial includes a line that some viewers took issue with. After cousin gets the vaccine shot, the nurse says, “Continue to wear a mask.” Say whaaaa?
Just check the YouTube comments on this commercial and you’ll quickly see that many are asking why the mask is still necessary if you get the shot, some even vowing to give up Sam Adams altogether. Because of this slight misstep in their script and presentation, I’d say the ad misses the bullseye… but not by much.
Controversy aside, the cousin is played by actor Gregory Hoyt. He does a great Boston accent and looks similar to Mark Wahlberg, never a bad thing as an actor!
Location. The ad was shot at Boston’s Fenway Park, as seen on Google Maps– Van Ness Street. Bar scenes are from Bleacher Bar, also part of Fenway Park.
Side Notes. Everybody wearing a hat in this ad is wearing it backwards. Must all be dude bro’s! Each of the staff administering the vaccine and helping with the line of people are wearing a face shield and a mask. Also, the cousin and his friends have all been vaccinated, as indicated by their pins. It’s safe to say they all posted on Instagram about it, too, because that’s what we’re supposed to do once we get the shot.
The nurse is wearing a KN95 mask, which the CDC points out are commonly made in China.
Final Thoughts. Overall, this ad is great. It uses humor to promote its product while also spreading a message of safety. Gregory Hoyt was a great choice for this commercial, perfectly playing the role of a crazy, and also stereotypical, Boston resident.
The only part that seems to be getting pushback is the line about wearing a mask even after getting the shot. I guess it’s a CYA thing for Samuel Adams.
The Socials. Be sure to follow Sam Adams on Twitter. Also show Gregory Hoyt some love by following him on Twitter, as well– @hoytamania
I really LOVE how this project looks. What started out as an attempt to photograph coy in a pond transformed into an abstract, colorful, mashup of shapes and designs. Before revealing the final products, though, here is the original.
The vertical lines filling the bottom right area are railings of a staircase. This pond is in the middle of a townhome/apartment complex.
I’ll admit it’s kind of boring to look at but I really like the way the reflection is in focus and has nice curved lines and lots of potential. Then I sat down at my computer…
It was a rainy day in Nashville so I granted myself time to just sit at the computer and play around with effects, colors, and brush types. This is what came from that.
First round of editingFinal edit: original image in black & white, with colorful additions spread around the piece
Liking this post, or commenting below, is a treat in itself! But if you feel compelled you can check out both of these on FineArtAmerica to see how they would look on a variety of products like canvas, framed art, pillows, and more.
I have loved diving into this creative side, editing photos with no expectations or limits. It’s been so fun!
Episode 14 was the coming out party for Margaret Kleinsasser but no spoilers here. Great episode and a great tease for episode 15. Meanwhile, the only song in the episode not created specifically for the show came about 57 minutes in. It happens to be one of my favorites. Check it out…
“Crimson & Clover” – Tommy James and The Shondells
What do you think about Big Sky? Are you digging the music choices as much as I am? Chime in below and as always, thanks for stopping by!
I caught a couple of instances on my dash cam I thought were worth sharing. First up is a limousine from a brand I hadn’t seen before. It’s a real showstopper. In fact, when I saw it, I literally stopped my car. Well, I was at a red light, so there was that, too. But anyway, take a look at this Chevrolet Camaro limousine from Nashville Chauffeur.
The next dash cam clip isn’t quite as cool. In fact, it’s downright annoying! It’s one thing for a car to roll through a stop sign but take a look at this driver who clearly must’ve been on the way to the hospital with a life-threatening situation.
If you don’t have a dash cam yet, I urge you to get one! I’ve caught so many clips that have been almost invaluable, from crazy lightning to hail to drivers running stop signs and red lights, to cars fleeing scenes of car accidents they created. I got my Rexing dash cam on Amazon here and it’s been great.
Do you already have a dash cam? What are some things you’ve caught on video? Share below and as always, thanks for stopping by!
Out of the Wilderness 