A Look at the Commercials of 1998

Trip Down Memory Lane

This YouTube video, titled "1998 Commercial," takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the advertising landscape of 1998. From Saturn's heartwarming tales of Midwestern values to Mike Proctor's hilarious isolation experiment for Mentos, the video is a treasure trove of pop culture references and forgotten marketing gems.

One of the most striking aspects of the commercials is their focus on family and community. The Saturn Farm ad, for example, features the folksy Ray Woods extolling the virtues of neighborliness and shared values. This emphasis on togetherness is a stark contrast to the more individualistic tone of advertising today.

Another interesting trend is the use of humor to sell products. The Jack in the Box commercial, with its talking jail cell and color-coded meals, is a prime example of this. The ad's absurdity is sure to get a chuckle out of viewers, even if it doesn't make them rush out to buy a burger.

Of course, no trip down memory lane would be complete without a look at the latest technological advancements of the time. The Sprint ad touting its "Speak Freely on Monday Nights" promotion reminds us of a time when long-distance calling was still a luxury. And the Reebok commercial, featuring NFL star Reggie White, highlights the cutting-edge athletic gear of the era.

Overall, the commercials in this video offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural zeitgeist of 1998. They are a testament to the power of advertising to shape our perceptions and reflect the values of the times. So next time you're feeling nostalgic, take a few minutes to watch this video and relive the glory days of late-90s advertising.

Watch the 1998 Commercials

1985 Commercials

Some Commercials I found in my collection

This video is a compilation of commercials from 1985. It features a variety of products, from toys and food to clothing and cars. The commercials are all catchy and reflect the culture of the time.

The video begins with a commercial for Giggles cookies. The commercial features two children who are excited about the new cookies because they have two kinds of cream inside. The next commercial is for Barbie's Magic Moves Barbie doll. The commercial shows the doll moving and posing in different ways.

The video then cuts to a commercial for Levi's jeans and cords. The commercial features a group of teenagers who are dancing and having fun. The next commercial is for McDonald's. The commercial features Ronald McDonald and his friends singing the McDonald's Land song.

The video then cuts to an NBC Education Series for Public Service. The message here is that kids should wear deodorants.

The video then cuts to a commercial for Wedding Bears. The commercial features two bears getting married. The commercial ends with the couple having a baby bear.

The video is a great way to take a trip down memory lane and see what commercials were like in 1985. It is also a fun way to learn about the culture of the time.

Watch the Video

0:00 Introduction
0:14 Giggles Cookies
0:39 Barbie - Magic Moves Barbie
1:09 Levi's
1:39 The McDonaldland Song
2:09 One to Grow On - NBC Educational Public Sevice
3:24 Wedding Bears

IBM and Philips Commercials

Classic Commercials from 2000s

This week's Media Monday features three classic commercials from the 2000s:

Ruffles Potato Chips: This commercial features a neighbor borrowing a cup of sugar from another neighbor, and then asking for a toothbrush and hair dryer as well. The punchline is that the neighbor is only asking for these things because the chips are flavored with the new Ruffles barbecue and cheddar flavor, which is so good that you can't help but want more.

IBM: This commercial features two business executives discussing how their companies have both made huge strides in e-commerce. They talk about web-based order tracking, customer data analysis, and ERP integration. The commercial ends with the tagline "Confused about e-business? Don't be. Get the software, services, and partners that make it easier."

Philips CD Recorder: This commercial features a pet lover quickly burning his own CDs with a Philips CD recorder for the pet parrot. The commercial emphasizes the ease of use of the recorder, and the fact that it allows you to create your own custom CDs with your favorite music.

Watch the Video

The 12 Days of Christmas

A QA Perspective

Merry Christmas! On this special day, the world of Quality Assurance (QA) gets a festive twist. Inspired by the classic carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas," let's take a humorous look at how QA professionals might celebrate the holidays in their unique way. Alongside this post, we've included a video that whimsically encapsulates the daily challenges and triumphs faced by QA teams.

Day 1: A Bug in the Main UI Tree

On the first day, QA encountered a bug in the main UI tree. Like finding the first ornament for the Christmas tree, this bug sets the tone for the festive debugging season.

Day 2: Two Failing Tests

By the second day, two tests are failing. In QA, every failing test is an opportunity to improve, much like every challenge during the holidays is a chance to grow.

Day 3: Three Broken Links

Three broken links are discovered on the third day. These are like the tangled lights of a Christmas tree - a bit frustrating, but ultimately fixable with patience and care.

Day 4: Four Crash Reports

The fourth day brings four crash reports. While not as delightful as four calling birds, each report is a call to action for the QA team.

Day 5: Five Regression Bugs

The fifth day unveils five regression bugs - the "golden rings" of testing. They remind us of the importance of thorough testing after every change.

Day 6: Six Scripts A-Running

Six scripts running smoothly is a QA version of six geese a-laying. These automated tests are vital for efficient and effective QA processes.

Day 7: Seven Servers Crashing

On the seventh day, seven servers crash, akin to seven swans swimming in uncharted waters. It's a challenge, but one that QA navigates with expertise.

Day 8: Eight Testers Testing

Eight testers testing on the eighth day represent the collaborative spirit of the season. Their teamwork is key to ensuring quality and reliability.

Day 9: Nine Issues Logging

The ninth day is busy with nine issues logging. Like nine ladies dancing, each issue leads to a rhythm of problem-solving and resolution.

Day 10: Ten Builds Deploying

Ten builds deploying on the tenth day are like ten lords a-leaping forward. It's a sign of progress and development.

Day 11: Eleven Browsers Checking

On the eleventh day, eleven browsers are checked for compatibility. This task ensures that everyone, regardless of their browser choice, gets the same quality experience.

Day 12: Twelve Devs Debugging

Finally, twelve devs debugging on the twelfth day represent the culmination of teamwork and skill. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.

In conclusion, while QA's version of the "12 Days of Christmas" might be more about bugs than drummers drumming, it's a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills that define this essential field. Happy holidays to all, and to all a bug-free new year!

Watch the Video

KRON 2000: A Celebration of Change and Miracles in the Bay Area

KRON-TV was to lose their NBC affiliate

The Bay Area is a place where the ground beneath your feet is restless, and where so much changes in a day that it's hard to keep up with it all. It's also a place where miracles happen, every single day. That's the message of KRON Summer 2000, a promotional video that captures the essence of this vibrant and ever-changing region.

The video opens with stunning visuals of the Bay Area, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the rolling hills of wine country. We see people from all walks of life living, working, and playing in this diverse and dynamic community. The narrator tells us that the Bay Area is a place where anything is possible, and that KRON Summer 2000 is a time to celebrate all that the region has to offer.

Throughout the video, the message is clear: the Bay Area is a special place, and KRON Summer 2000 is a time to savor it all. The video ends with a call to action, urging viewers to tune in to KRON to see more of the Bay Area and all that it has to offer.

What makes this video special?

KRON Summer 2000 is more than just a promotional video; it's a love letter to the Bay Area. The video captures the region's unique spirit of innovation, diversity, and community. It's a reminder that even in the midst of change, there are always moments of wonder and beauty to be found.

If you're looking for a dose of Bay Area inspiration, KRON Summer 2000 is a must-watch. It's a video that will leave you feeling hopeful, excited, and proud to call the Bay Area home.

Watch the Promotion

QWest: A Glimpse into the Future of Technology

Classic Commercials from 2000s

I recently uploaded a couple of classic QWest commercials from 2000s. While the video length is only 1 minute and 5 seconds, it packs a punch with its futuristic vision of technology and the possibilities it holds.

The commercial opens with a simple question: "Got any books I might like?" This seemingly mundane query sets the stage for a mind-blowing display of QWest's capabilities. The customer requests Homer's Odyssey in the original fifth-century Greek, specifying either the Doric or Ionic dialect. QWest's response is astonishing: "I have every edition of every book ever published in every language."

This statement alone speaks volumes about QWest's vast data storage and retrieval capabilities. Imagine having access to the entirety of human knowledge at your fingertips, instantly accessible in any language or format. The possibilities for education, research, and personal exploration are truly limitless.

Music

The commercial then moves beyond books, showcasing QWest's ability to provide access to every performance of every piece of music ever recorded. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or a die-hard fan of a specific artist, QWest has you covered. This level of access to cultural treasures could revolutionize the way we experience and appreciate art.

But QWest's ambitions extend far beyond entertainment and information. The commercial concludes with a powerful message: "Could your business use the bandwidth to change everything? Ride the light. QWest." This call to action suggests that QWest's technology has the potential to transform entire industries and reshape the way we live and work.

While the video itself is brief, it leaves a lasting impression. It paints a picture of a future where information is readily available, cultural experiences are enriched, and businesses have the tools to achieve unimaginable feats. QWest's vision is bold and inspiring, and it leaves us wondering what the future holds with such powerful technology at our disposal.

Watch the video

February 1998 Commercials

From San Jose, California

In February 1998, a younger version of myself was immersed in the world of cable TV, diligently recording a myriad of shows. At the time, my intentions were unclear, perhaps driven by a simple desire to capture a slice of television history. Fast forward twenty-six years, and curiosity led me back to these old recordings. To my delight, I uncovered a treasure trove of classic 1990s commercials, a nostalgic journey through a bygone era of advertising. These commercials, once mere intervals in my viewing experience, now stand as captivating time capsules, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and trends of the 90s.

Check out:

• In Living Color Season 2 Introduction
• 1998 Pontiac Trans Am Commercial
• Cadillac Catera Commercial - Introduced just two years earlier.
• Fremont Ford - Wow check out those 1998 prices.
• US Army Reserve - Be all you can be
• TCI Cable - Why would you want Satellite service?
• Crest Toothpaste - How about the basic Toothpaste tube design?
• Adidas - Featuring Antoine Walker just 2 years into his NBA career.
• The Grand Central Sauna & Hot Tub Co. - This popular San Francisco spot closed because of the pandemic.

Watch the Video

The Classic Overstock.com Christmas Commercial

A Nostalgic Journey Through Holiday Marketing

As the holiday season approaches, it's a perfect time to take a nostalgic journey through one of the most memorable aspects of holiday marketing - the classic Overstock.com Christmas commercial. This commercial, which first graced our television screens years ago, left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, largely thanks to its catchy, jingle-like song.

The Magic of the Overstock Jingle

The centerpiece of the Overstock.com Christmas commercial was its song. Catchy and upbeat, the jingle was a masterstroke in advertising, encapsulating the joy and excitement of the holiday season. Its simple, yet infectious melody was something viewers found themselves humming long after the commercial ended. The effectiveness of this jingle was not just in its tune, but also in its ability to convey the brand's message - making Overstock.com synonymous with holiday shopping.

Watch the Commercial

A Nostalgic Reflection

Today, the Overstock.com Christmas commercial stands as a nostalgic piece, reminding us of a different era in advertising and consumer behavior. It represents a time when commercials were not just about hard selling but were crafted to create an emotional connection with the audience. The jingle and visuals from the commercial continue to evoke fond memories for many, symbolizing the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Conclusion

The classic Overstock.com Christmas commercial, with its catchy song and festive visuals, remains a significant part of our collective holiday memories. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted advertisement - one that goes beyond selling a product and becomes a cherished part of our holiday experience. As we move forward in the digital age, where marketing strategies are ever-evolving, this commercial reminds us of the timeless impact of a simple, yet memorable melody coupled with heartwarming visuals.

Hollywood Henderson's Lottery Miracle

Gary Radnich Coverage in 2000

Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson was a star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys in the late 1970s, but his career and life spiraled out of control due to his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He was arrested several times, spent time in prison, and lost most of his fortune. He hit rock bottom in 1983, when he attempted suicide by overdosing on crack cocaine.

But Henderson did not give up. He sought help and entered a rehabilitation program, where he learned to overcome his addiction and embrace a new way of living. He became a motivational speaker, a philanthropist, and a role model for others struggling with substance abuse. He also became a lottery player, buying tickets every week with the same numbers: 1, 10, 18, 19, 20, and 29.

On April 1, 2000, Henderson's persistence paid off. He matched all six numbers in the Texas Lotto, winning a whopping $28 million jackpot. He was one of three winners that day, and he opted for the lump sum payment of $10 million. He said he felt like he had been given a second chance at life, and he vowed to use his money wisely and generously.

Henderson donated millions of dollars to various causes, including drug treatment programs, scholarships, youth sports, and AIDS research. He also invested in real estate, bought a ranch, and traveled the world. He said he was grateful for his fortune, but he did not let it change his values or his humility. He continued to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and to share his story of recovery and redemption.

Henderson's lottery win was a remarkable twist of fate for a man who had once lost everything to addiction. He proved that it is never too late to turn your life around, and that miracles can happen to anyone. He is an inspiration to millions of people who have faced similar challenges, and a testament to the power of hope and faith.

Watch Gary Radnich Coverage in 2000

Great Harvest Bread Co

Microsoft Commercial

The Microsoft commercial featuring the small business named "Great Harvest Bread Co." was a classic ad that aired in the late 1990s. The commercial was part of Microsoft's "Where do you want to go today?" campaign, which aimed to showcase the company's vision of how technology could help people achieve their goals and dreams.

In the commercial, we see the owners of Great Harvest Bread Co. using Microsoft technology to manage their business operations. The ad highlights how Microsoft's software can help small businesses like Great Harvest Bread Co. to streamline their operations, improve their productivity, and grow their business.

The commercial was a huge success and is still remembered fondly by many people today. It is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to innovation and its belief in the power of technology to transform people's lives.

Great Harvest Bread Co.