JSS: Tired of Da Snoop Dogg-- Tired of Da Gambling Spots-- Not Tired of Da Tournament

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  TIRED OF DA SNOOP DOGG--

I think this guy is on TV pitching something every commercial break these days.  Kind of reminds me of the bad old days when you couldn't avoid Michael or Mike.  (Michael Jordan and Mike Ditka)

2.  TIRED OF DA GAMBLING SPOTS--

And man, are there commercials to get you into the clutches of gambling.

3.  NOT TIRED OF DA TOURNAMENT--

But, the NCAA Basketball Tournament has sure not failed to live up to its hype.  By my rough count e have had 26 games I consider great games.  I mean, real close.  Also, there have been 11 upsets.  Especially that win by St. Peter's over Kentucky.  

I don't know about you, but I sure had to look up and see where St. Peter's was (in New Jersey a few miles from New York City) much like I had to do Gonzaga in the early days of their dominance.

And, We Start the Sweet Sixteen Today!!!  

Please, Give Us A Break from the Dogg.  --RoadTourn

JSS: Missing Bob Rohrman-- Recreational Marijuana-- Firefighters' Steak Fry

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  MISSING BOB ROHRMAN

Bob Rohrman died Tuesday, September 1, 2020.  And, I miss his wacky TV commercials for his family-owned auto group were standard TV fodder and who put the ROAR in ROHRman.

2,  RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA COMMERCIALS--  And, on the subject of commercials, now I hear commercials telling people to save money on their recreational marijuana by getting a doctor's excuse.  I really never thought I'd be hearing these on the radio.

Of course, we have had legal marijuana sales here in Illinois for a year now and every month they set new sales records.  And a whole lot of the cost you pay for it is taxes.  Hey, our state is broke so nice to have the revenue.  As for us, we have yet to go buy any.  Personally I have enough problems with drinking and don't need another problem.

We also have never played any of the gambling slot machines that seem to be everywhere in the state these days.  I'm waiting for them to start putting them in bathrooms.

3.  FIREFIGHTERS' STEAK FRY--  Today, the Spring Grove Firefighters are having the annual Steak Fry, so we will be going over to that.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, THE BEHIND YOU LAW:  When you finally give up looking for that item in a store and ask an employee where something is, you know very well that it will be right behind you.

JSS About That Virus Thing: Commercials, Piano Dirges, Trying Times, Whole Milk

Just Some Stuff About These Days.

1.  COMMERCIALS--  Listening to the radio and watching TV, there seems to be a whole lot of commercials about how to get out of your time shares.  Sure glad we didn't buy one back in the days when we went to Myrtle Beach and were accosted often by these wonderful deals that were too good to pass up.

If it's not that, then it is lawsuits against nursing homes for elderly abuse.  You'd think these days the biggest worry about nursing homes would be the CV getting in.

2.  PIANO DIRGES--  I am getting to the point that I can't stand those slow, dirge pianos on commercials anymore.  Hope they don't destroy my love of piano.

3.  TRYING TIMES--  However, I have a new drinking game since I can't go into bars anymore right now.  Every time I hear a commercial with the words "Trying" Times or some variation of it, it is time to take a drink.  After awhile you forget about it all.

4.  WHOLE MILK--  Liz has been the one going to the store to buy stuff and she only gets whole milk (the Walgreens selection is limited), whereas I like 2% milk.  I remember the old days when my parents had milk delivered in those metal boxes which were handy places to store crickets, grass hoppers, frogs, toads and lizards we'd collect.

Now On Day 59 of Essentially Staying Home.

--RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  Well, at least the fear of missing out (FOMO) isn't a thing anymore.

Who's Tired of "Uncertain," "Trying" and "Challenging" Times?

Watching TV and listening to the radio, I am getting just a bit tired of hearing these "times."

"Uncertain Times"

"Trying Times"

"Challenging Times"

A drinking game for those of you stuck at home these days.  Every time a commercial comes on using one of these terms are a similar "times" word, take a shot.  You'll soon forget.

Also getting tired of the dirge piano plinking away in so many commercials.

Plink the Times.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER TO DEAL WITH THE "V":  To the tune of "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."

"This isn't Spring Beak, Jake
Stay home if you're sick, Dick
Just follow the rules, fools
And stay virus free!"

JSIS: Democrats Behaving Poorly-- Just Mercy-- Congrats Kansas City

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff

1.  DEMOCRATS BEHAVING POORLY--  I watched the Presidential State of the Union Address, or should we have called it, "Democrats Behaving Poorly."  They hit a new low.  A bunch of petulant children.  Had they been in my classroom, especially the one sitting behind the President, they or she would have been sent to the principal's office.  And, both Liz and I did not vote for Donald Trump in the last election.  Maybe not this year, and we'd really like to vote against him again.

2.  "JUST MERCY"--  I just saw this movie this week and in my opinion should have had Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nominations.  This movie really moved me and perhaps there is something to Blacks saying they don't get proper credit in the film industry.

3.  CONGRATS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS--  What a game!  One of the best Super Bowls ever.  What a comeback!!  Liz and I were pulling for the Chiefs since they are Midwest and win about as often as Chicago.  Loved the Bill Murray Jeep commercial.  We also were pulling for the 49ers with the local connection of quarterback Tony Garappalo from local Arlington heights and EIU, Jimmie Ward from NIU and Robbie Gould from Da Bears.

Well Have to See.  --RoadDog

JSS: Dumb Commercials-- Calvin & Hobbes-- Butterflies & Humming Birds

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  DUMB COMMERCIALS--

 How dumb is that Pepsi commercial with Nate and Kate as taste buds in your mouth?  Way too much flirting and stupid dialogue.  How much longer must we be subjected to it?

Plus, that weird little Prince-ish guy for Diet Dr. Pepper.

2.  CALVIN & HOBBES--  I sure wish the creator Bill Watterson would bring it back.  But, I go to Go Comics every day and see am old one.  On August 6, 2019, we see Calvin talking to his tiger, Hobbes, and saying:  "Dad might be a secret super hero but driving a car that isn't cool.  I know, ours doesn't even have a cassette deck."    Kind of dates the comic strip.

Today's kids wouldn't even know what a cassette deck is.  Shoot, in Chevrolets, you can't even get a CD deck anymore.  That will be a big problem when we buy our next Chevrolet.  I have to have at least a CD player.  Last year, we sold our '03 Malibu which had both a CD and a cassette player.  Now  that was a great sound system.  Our '11 Malibu at least still has a CD player.

3.  BUTTERFLIES & HUMMINGBIRDS--  Well, butterflies might be endangered now, but I sure have a lot out in the yard.  As a matter of fact, I usually have several fly into me whenever I'm outside.  I especially have a lot of monarch butterflies.  I also have several hummingbirds (even though I don't feed them) that scare me badly every time I see see them.  My first thought is, "Look at the size of that mosquito!!"

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog

STATE OF THE JOKE:  INDIANA--  What is the difference between Indiana sports fans and puppies?  Answer:  Eventually, the pups will grow up and stop whining.

JSIS: Chicago's Mayoral Election-- Grammys-- Tax Commercials--

JSIS--   Just Some Interesting Stuff

1.  CHICAGO'S MAYORAL ELECTION--  Many, many folks running for it after the Rahm "decided" not to run after the McDonald affair.  But, one thing I am enjoying about the commercials is that they are not attacking each other, but saying what they want to do.  I get so tired of all the mud-slinging in the other elections.  

Listening to the other commercials, it would appear that all of the candidates should be in jail or in one of the lower realms of hell.

2.  GRAMMYS--  Watched parts of the Grammy Awards on Sunday.  I was amazed at how many musicians I'd never heard of before.  Guess I am now officially out of the music loop.

3.  TAX COMMERCIALS--  I don't know about you, but I sure am tired of the near-constant barrage of do-your-tax commercials we are getting bombarded with until April 15.  Need a break.  And they will be happy to get you your refund immediately for a NOMINAL FEE.

Music?  What Music?  --RoadDog

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED  (From the Wassup Magazine):  2.  No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

JSIS: The Snake At Sears-- Flip This-- Car Commercials

JSIS:  Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1.  THE SNAKE AT SEARS--  The situation at Sears just keeps getting deeper.  Something is mighty wrong there.  That owner is worthy of a Trump.  Wonder how many billions he's going to walk away with?

2.  FLIP THIS--  Listening to the Drive's A to Z, I am constantly insulted with the commercials to flip those houses and how rich you can get.  Truly another Sears person here as well.  I could tell them what to flip.

3.  CAR COMMERCIALS--  And speaking of commercials, I don't remember ever seeing so many cars with big ribbons on them as I have seen this holiday season.  But the one with Santa and his puppy is a fun one to watch.

--RoadDog

JSS: The Lincoln Gag-- The House Flipping Gag-- What's With the Tubs?

JSS:  Just Some Stuff.

1.  THE LINCOLN GAG--  I don't know about you, but I almost gag whenever one of those disgusting Lincoln automobile commercials come on with the equally gagging Matthew McCaunaughy.  YUCK!!

2.  THE HOUSE FLIPPING GAG--  I also am tired of all those house-flipping commercials on the radio.  The ONLY guys making money "flipping houses" are those ones running the programs.

3.  WHAT'S WITH THE TUBS? --  And then, there are those confusing bathtubs on those ED commercials.  I still haven't figured out how they have sex sitting in two different bathtubs.

Inquiring Minds Would Like to Know.  Please Make Them Stop!!!   --RoadDog

STUPID UNITED STATES LAWS:  In Massachusetts an old ordinance declares goatees illegal unless you first pay a special license fee for the privilege of wearing one in public.  (Glad I shaved mine off, I guess.)

Living In Today's World: About Those Commercials

August 5, 2016,  Mr. Boffo.

More proof weird things are happening everywhere with no explanation.

Mr. Boffo is sitting in his easy chair watching TV and says to his wife, sitting next to him:   "I haven't seen my favorite commercial in over an hour."

Is it me, but there do seem to be a lot of really good commercials on TV (although way too many) these days.  Some of them are very funny while others are very touching.  I like the one  with the little horse being ignored by the big horses and the lady buys a pet door for him to come in and he gets rubbed to the tune of "Little Man."  Which by the way, was on the WLS charts 50 years ago today.

I also like the one where the little kids misses his dad who is deployed overseas and send the paper airplanes with messages across the fence into his neighbor's yard, who collects them. sends them in a package to the kid's dad who makes his own paper airplanes and sends them to the neighbor who throws them back over the fence.

Commercials like  this will always get me to watch them.

--RoadDog

SIGNS AND NOTICES:  Official sign near door:  "Door Alarmed."  There was a handprinted sign nearby which read:  "Window Frightened."

"But, Wait!! Things You Wish Those TV Deals Would Say

From the July 13, 2016, "Momma" comic strip.

1st Panel:  Momma is in her easy chair, staring at the TV and frowning as the announcer says,  "Yes, think of it...  This entire set of nifty gadgets ti make your life easier, for the low, low price of only #14.95!!  Imagine... only #14.95!!!"

2nd Panel:  TV announcer continues:  "But, Wait!!!  Call right now and we'll promise never to run this infomercial again!!"  Momma now has a smile.

I always enjoy trying to say "But Wait! at the appropriate time during these commercials.  I can think of some other commercials I would like to see far less of during viewing TV.

But Wait!  Have I Got a Deal for You and You Can Double Your Joy.  --RoadDog

Ain't It True: Cosmo Gets Sick

From the March 11, 2016, Shoe comic strip.

FIRST FRAME:  His nephew Skyler comes into the room and sees his Uncle Cosmo sitting in his easy chair and looking ill.
Skyler:  "Are you ok Uncle Cosmo?"
Cosmo:  "No, I'm feeling queasy."

2ND FRAME:
Skyler:  "Is it a side effect of your medication?"
Cosmo:  "No."

THIRD FRAME:
Cosmo:  The side effect of watching medication commercials."

It sure does seem like every other commercial is for a miracle drug.

Laughing Till I cry.  --RoadDog

I've Seen It All Now

Watching TV today, I actually saw a commercial for pet Halloween costumes.  Guess I've seen about everything now.

--RoadDog

YOGI-ISMS:  I don't know (if they were men or women running naked across the field).  They had bags over their heads.

Music Deaths: Stan Freberg

STAN FREBERG, 88.  Died April 7, 2015.

Provided the voices in many Warner brothers and Walt Disney cartoons.  "Time for Beany" children's YV show.

Noted for his catchy TV and radio commercials in the 1960s that included Jeno's Pizza Rolls, Contadina Tomato Paste "Who put 8 great tomatoes in that little bitty can?" and Sunsweet Prunes "Today the pits, tomorrow the wrinkles."

Also noted for his recording parodies of "Sh-Boom" (#14-1954), "The banana Boat Song" (#25-1957) and "Heartbreak Hotel."  Also "Dragnet on Radio" and "St. George and the Dragon" (#1-1953).

The "Mayhem Man"

From the August 17-23 American profile Magazine.

One of my favorite characters on TV these last several years...and he is on commercials!!!  And, I stop whatever I'm doing during commercial break and watch.  I can't wait for the next "Mayhem" this guy is going to get into.  They come up with some good things.

I know the face, but not the name.  Last year I was watching a Law and Order: SVU episode and I was pretty sure I recognized one of the characters.  Why, it was the "Mayhem Man."

In this article I found out his name, Dean Winters (sounds like an investment firm).  He is also part of the Season Two celebrity team on the Sundance TV reality series Dream School this year.  But, not likely I'm going to watch it as we don't get the Sundance Channel and I don't watch reality shows.

But, anyway, keep on making these highly enjoyable All State Insurance commercials, even if I use State Farm.

--"Like Me."  --RoadDog

JSIS: No Cell Phone Talking in Car-- Dominick's Commercials Still-- MAC 0-4-- Gas

JSIS-- Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1. NO CELL PHONE TALKING IN CAR--  As of tomorrow, you drive anywhere and talk on the cell phone, it's a ticket for you. Be forewarned. Still waiting for them to declare driving and texting just as bad as driving drunk. It is perhaps even worse.

2. DOMINICK'S COMMERCIALS STILL--Kind of strange, but WXRT-FM in Chicago was still running commercials for grocery store Dominick's on Sunday although they all closed down for good on Saturday

3. MAC 0-4-- It's been a bad bowl season for my Mid-American Conference which now stands at 0-4 after Buffalo, Ohio, Bowling Green and NIU lost. Last chance for a win is the Go-Daddy Bowl on Jan. 5th with Ball State.

4. GAS-- Dropped all the way to $3.40 here in northeastern Illinois. It had jumped from $3.16 to $3.47 in one minute.

Sure Drops Slow, Though. --RoadDog

No More "I Guarantee It"

From the June 25, 2013, Yahoo! Finance CNN Money "Men's Wearhouse: Why We Fired Zimmer" by Aaron Smith.

The board fired Executive Chairman George Zimmer last week, co-founder of the company back in 1973. He evidently wanted to sell it to an investment group.

Of course, George Zimmer is known for his commercials and that tagline I like so much, "I guarantee it." I used to use that with my students when I was teaching.

That, and whenever New York City came up, I used Pace salsa's "New York City." They seemed to enjoy it.

He Can Be Spokesman for My Company If I Had One. ---RoadDog

JSIS: Dempster's Parting-- Mayhem and Flo

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff


1.  DEMPSTER'S PARTING--  As we know, 2012 is to be yet another rebuilding year for the Cubs and they just traded pitcher Ryan Dempster to Texas (thanks a lot from us Sox fans), but Dempster was class as usual, and ran a full page ad in the August 3rd Chicago Tribune "Thank You Chicagoland."

His foundation will continue its work here in Chicago.  A real class act.


2.  MAYHEM AND FLO--  An article in the July 26th USA Today "The joke's in insurers" by Gary Strauss.  Even though insurance companies are spending more on advertising, it is not necessarily reflecting on profits.  I am a big fan of Flo for Progressive, the Geico gecko (expecially the new Road Runner one) and my favorite of all is Allstate's Mayhem.

I'd sure hate to see these companies take them off as I stop whatever I'm doing during commercials to watch.

Love That Mayhem.  --RoadDog


FUNNY HEADLINE:  Lawmen From Mexico Barbecue Guests.

Goodbye Creepy Burger King

Burger King has scrapped its creepy-looking plastic king. Good, he creeped me out. They could make a great horror show using his likeness.

he was the symbol of the hamburger fast-food restaurant since 2004.

According to Time Magazine, he joins some other dropped "mascots in that great greasy restaurant in the sky."

Do you remember these:

McDonald's Hamburglar

Arby's Oven Mitt (that was just plain dumb)

Quiznos Spongemonkey (I don't remember this one, but Quiznos is fairly new to our area.)

Domino's Noid (I liked this one.)

Taco Bell Chilhuahua (I'd really love to see come back. I really liked the one where he was going to catch Godzilla in a little box and after seeing the monster said, "I think I'm going to need a bigger box" with that great accent.

OK, so it wasn't for a restaurant, but I also liked the Frito Bandito.

Guess These Last Two Aren't Very PC These Days. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Between hay and grass...Not a child or an adult. Could it be a "Tween?

Don't That Just Burn Your Butt

Usually, things don't bother me. But, sometimes, things happen that do. When it does, I'll tell you what really Burns My Butt!!!

Don't you just love it when you're watching a good show and then comes commercial break, and as if by magic, the volume goes way up. What's that all about? I sure didn't turn it up. Perhaps the networks think louder will get us to buy what they're shilling. Do I REALLY need to hear the Menard's guy, Billy Mays, or the Empire guy telling what a great deal they have, that loud?

And besides, I don't Save big money at Menard's. I always Spend big money at Menard's. A trip there usually costs a minimum of 50 bucks. However, that Empire number is catchy-- 588-2300 Empire. There is NO excuse, however, for Billy Mays.

Come on networks, and especially cable ones. Give our ears a break!!! --RoadDog