VIDEO: 2009 Emmy Nominations for "Outstanding Commercial"

Today, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday, September 20, 2009 with Neil Patrick Harris hosting. The show will air on CBS from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater.

I could try to give commentary about all the Comedy/Drama nominees, but I don't have the time or energy, so instead, I'll continue my short tradition of posting the contenders for the category of "Outstanding Commercial".

But first, here's last year's winner:

Swear Jar - Bud Light
Hungry Man, Production Company
DDB Chicago, Ad Agency


And now for this year's nominees...

...for Outstanding Commercial

Airport Lounge - Amex/Platinum Card
Hungry Man, Production Company
Ogilvy and Mather, Ad Agency


Alec In Huluwood - Hulu
Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Ad Agency


Even though I'm a big fan of 30 Rock, I just don't find either the Amex or Hulu commercials entertaining in the least bit. It's like watching Baby Mama... kinda painful.

Bottled Courage - Nike
@radical media, Production Company
Wieden & Kennedy, Ad Agency


I know that song! "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers. It really is inspirational.

Circus - Anheuser-Busch Budweiser
DDB Chicago, Ad Company
PYTKA, Production Agency


I find any of the beer commercials with the horses to be very hokey. Like watching America's Funniest Home Videos where they make up commentary for pets.

Heist - Coca-Cola
Wieden + Kennedy, Ad Company
Psyop, Production Company


This is a beautiful commercial -- reminded me of the fantasy land of Narnia or Pan's Labyrinth. Nice.

Magazine Buyer - Anheuser-Busch Bud Light
DDB Chicago, Ad Company
Tool of North America, Production Company


You know I love the inappropriate stuff. I found the Asian shop-owners... hilarious especially when she's waving that thing in the air. This commercial is this year's Swear Jar.

Tips - Career Builder
MJZ, Production Company


I also love these Career Builder commercials. They are some that many can empathize with... like those cute Dilbert comic strips.

Wedding - Sprint Nextel
O Positive, Production Company
Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Ad Company


Innocent enough, though I would've preferred a different stunt groom (this one's too smiley).

Anyways, my vote would go to Heist. It's very well-done, and it reminds me of A Bug's Life/It's Tough To Be A Bug. Which one would you choose? (Leave a comment. *wink wink*)

[For a complete list of nominees, let me refer you to their official nominees page: http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2009ptemmys/61stemmys_nomswin.php]

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"VIDEO: 2009 Emmy Nominations for "Outstanding Commercial""

GYM: High Volley (Endeavor Launch)

Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Today felt like a quick day at work. I sold off my PTR, did some more planning of Toastmasters stuff, and also sent out a link to my photos from yesterday's [reunion] lunch with [the now-retired] Marty. After work, I watched a shuttle launch, mowed the lawn, and then went to volleyball which was a bit eye-opening tonight.
...
Anyways, the space shuttle Endeavor took off at 6:03pm today after many scrubbed attempts. There were a few other people also waiting in the parking lot for the launch. The sky was a bit overcast, so when the shuttle did launch, we only saw it briefly before it was hidden behind the clouds again. Still, it was a reminder that "we're on the Space Coast" and that was cool.

Here's a couple of pics:


And here's two more pictures (which I "auto-contrasted" to accentuate the awesomeness):


When I got home, I quickly changed and worked on the yard -- my mower seriously needs an oil change. The whole thing (mow, trim, edge, blow) took about 45 minutes, after which I took a quick shower, got changed, and headed to the gym -- tonight, I took the car because I wanted to deliver some photos and because it had started to drizzle.

At the start, there were only about 8 of us. The number went up to 13 (a couple new people) before we settled on 11. Tonight, I was on and off with everything, but in good spirits.

Actually, there was someone there who was in/on a "higher level". Growing up innocent in South Carolina, I had been naive to the signs until someone pointed it out to me. If the cinema's a reflection of true experiences, then I was recognizing some Pineapple Express.

The person of concern actually got to the point of being ridiculous, with many of us just speechless (okay, not really... but in disbelief nonetheless). One of our favorite players just up-and-left because of the person's behavior.

Anyways, we just ended the night a few minutes early. I gave out half the photos since a number of the regulars weren't at the gym tonight. And CBJ wasn't there, but I did get some shameless face-time with my other +R.

Alright, I'm going to get a shower and get working on the running club's meeting minutes (no sweaty ceddy pics tonight -- I didn't run). A couple friends from college are coming down to Florida tomorrow night for a weekend visit. It should be a lot of fun, and I can't wait. I had skipped volleyball on Monday to clean up the house, and it is the cleanest it's been since... it's been a while.

:)

G'night.

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"GYM: High Volley (Endeavor Launch)"

RUN: 2.33 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->EoWM, Melbourne, FL

Okay, so I may not make my 15-mile goal after all, but that's okay. There's always next weekend or the next.
...
I needed 2.88 miles but this morning could only come up with 2.33. It was hot, I hadn't eaten yet, and I had stuffed mushrooms in the oven.

Pre-Oven:
Post-Oven:
I'm okay with it because with so many things to do, I have to assign priorities. Yesterday, I went on vacation early (will make up today's PM hours next week) -- I came home, wrote letters, took a nap, and put in a photo order.

During this, I had one big question: "Where are my monkeys?". Apparently, the monkey keychains I ordered from Woot.com were delivered last weekend, but I never saw them. They were either: 1) delivered to the wrong house, or 2) stolen by the neighborhood kids. This is disturbing. The US postal service is such a vulnerable and unprotected system. This is disturbing and disappointing.

I contacted FedEx (who then subcontracted the shipment to the USPS), and they're "investigating" their SmartPost information. In the meantime, I went to my credit card's website and put in a dispute (No Delivery) then went into the office to fax over my receipt and the tracking information.

I didn't get around to this mini-trip until late late last night, and I ended up talking a bit with someone working 2nd shift. Her friends in Mississippi were going through LOTS of drama involving babies, a runaway husband, a prostitute, and a lot of profanity. It was a fun talk that really puts my issue into perspective.

Anyways, it's a little past noon here. I have the PH BLT Preview at 7:00pm. I was thinking about leaving here at around 3:00pm -- to drop off some of the stuffed mushrooms before heading down to the parks -- a ways of a detour but s'alright.

Here's this morning's sweaty ceddy pic (dark):

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"RUN: 2.33 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->EoWM, Melbourne, FL"

RUN: 3.7 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM...& Gym, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, I had a late start to volleyball. There was about 20 people when I got there, so I played a quick game then went upstairs for some laps -- I did 15 (1.5 miles). I played the rest of the night then went for a some extra credit making a small loop in the WM parking lot before going home. My calves were showing signs of cramping so I took it easy. I didn't stop though, so my endurance is coming back.
...
At volleyball, my digs and ups are getting better (two arms). I tried jump-serving and did pretty well. I should toss it a little more ahead and keep on practicing to get the timing right. Overall, I was happy with my turns.

Again, I wasn't the newbie, so that was some pressure off of me. I liked my taking control and running some laps while the court was busy. I'm getting more positive reinforcement too, and I like giving some back too -- trying to keep things on the easy-going.

By the end of the night, we were down to a dozen happy souls (CBJ and blind Susan in the house). There was a pretty good balance.

Now, I have a lot to do before bed -- already did two loads of laundry -- one more to go. I would also like to turn in early, but I'm not seeing that happen.

Tomorrow, I would like to sell off my PTR then focus on getting another one through unit testing; I'm jjust ready for the next assignment. It's a busy time. And I need a day at home. Even though there's no real reason to, I'm going ahead and taking this Friday off. I'm considering another late start to the parks -- PH BLT DVC Preview in the evening.

Anyways, time for a shower then back here to get more stuff done. G'night. Here is tonight's SC pic:



8.42 + 3.70 = 12.12 miles so far

15.00 - 12.12 = 2.88 miles to go

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"RUN: 3.7 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM...& Gym, Melbourne, FL"

JOURNAL: Handicapped...

...
Seriously?

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"JOURNAL: Handicapped..."

RUN: 3.62 miles @~30:40, Home<-LL->Avenue, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, I went for a run even though I was really tired and probably should've just called it an early night. I ran because I wanted to get closer to my 15-mile goal and the all-the-more-idolized Picnic In The Park. And I'm actully glad that I got out there.
...
I really felt stronger, steadier, and more sure-footed. I had two short breaks -- one at halfway (mile 1.83), the other at the side of WM -- and could've done without the second. Still, 30:40 for 3.62 miles... that's 8:28 pace, and that's including the walk intervals. Not bad. I think that when I was in my prime, I was regularly running 7:20s, but I'd be happy to reach even 8s.

Anyways, It's going to be a busy next couple of months -- a lot of events to plan in addition to the many things to catch up on. Lots of correspondences and hard work. I've just gotta keep it up.

:)

And here are tonight's sweaty ceddy pics:


4.80 + 3.62 = 8.42 miles so far

15.00 - 8.42 = 6.58 miles to go

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"RUN: 3.62 miles @~30:40, Home<-LL->Avenue, Melbourne, FL"

RUN: 4.80 miles @??:??, Home <-LL->WM+gym, Melbourne, FL

Tonight was a fair night at the gym. I think that last Friday's outing helped out. Photos are fun. Also, there was a lot of the newbies, so a lot of slack was cut. It wasn't competitive, just a practice of patience. My serving wasn't too good but I managed to hustle. My digs and ups were so-so. CBJ wasn't there and blood donor made a brief appearance. There were 16 people at first, down to 10. I did get a good spike in.
...
After work, I came home and immediately got onto mowing the lawn. I'm happy that the mower's still keeping up. I really need to change its oil. I trimmed/edged/blew. I also trimmed the neighbor's house. They're really nice people, and hey, while I was out there, why not?

I took a quick shower then headed out for a 2.4-mile pre-gym run (WM+stores). I did take water and music. I attached the knee pads to the power belt. The run was good an I took a couple walk breaks.

The run home was about the same. I went the reverse route and had a couple walk breaks. I hadn't had dinner yet. I was really sweaty.

My goal for the week (MO-TH) is 15 miles. 15 miles in order to earn my Picnic In The Park. Actually, I may save this reward for another time, when I can share it with someone.

Anyways, that's about it for the day. It felt fast and productive. And I know that I'm in need of catching up on some sleep (and some blog posts!). Sleep first... wait, safety first! Health second. Blog a close third...

Here's tonight's sweaty ceddy pics:

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"RUN: 4.80 miles @??:??, Home <-LL->WM+gym, Melbourne, FL"

MUSIC: "In Step" by FrankMusik

[I first saw this video on the Bravehound website many months ago. And I've come back to it during my search for the "Glory Afternoon" tracks. I'm surprise I didn't post this before. It's a simple but cool, talented video, and it's eye candy for the straight guys who visit my blog. (are there any?)]

"In Step"
by FrankMusik
...(click on for the lyrics)

Lyrics:

Never took a scene check
Never were a reject
Honey lookin perfect
Now you aren't so in step
in step
in step
in step

You had your photograph, in a magazine
Such a pretty boy, only nineteen
But now your twenty-three and it's all gone now
you ain't all that, you wanna be somehow

Maybe it was only a dream!
You just thought you could be anything that you wanted to be
Sadly, it all went wrong so

Never took a scene check
Never were a reject
Honey lookin perfect
Now you aren't so in step
in step
in step
in step

Still just go to the same old clubs
But the new kids have got one above
Music tastes change like the wind
You're doin now what's already been

And you still think that you're so it
Cause you know so and so, and you made a hit
But you can't hear it being played
Cause you my friend have had your day

Never took a scene check
Never were a reject
Honey lookin perfect
Now you aren't so in step
in step
in step
in step

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"MUSIC: "In Step" by FrankMusik"

RUN: 5.68 miles @~46:00(?), Home<-LL->Stdm/VHS Loop (cw), Melbourne, FL

After schooling the road rager, I did stop by Wal-Mart before going home and getting changed. I was prompt in heading out for my planned run of the stadium/high-school loop.
...
This evening, I ran with music (finished up "Glory Afternoon") but wished I also carried water -- too much soda at the office today. The run was fine but had to pause at miles 1, 2, & 3, then take the rest in half-mile intervals. And I walked most of the last half-mile, which was fine. My feet, knees, and legs felt good -- the inside of my right knee does feel tender to the touch, but it wasn't anything from or aggravated by tonight's run -- we'll keep an eye on that. I'm still in the process of building back up.

Tonight's 5.68 miles brought my weekly mileage (since Monday) up to 10.18, which qualified me for Tonga Toast -- my reward for 10 miles. Next week, if I get 15 miles, I'll have a Picnic in the Park.

Anyways, that's about it for now. Here's tonight's sweaty ceddy pic (notice that I actually remembered to flip the calendar this time... more on that pic later in a separate post):

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"RUN: 5.68 miles @~46:00(?), Home<-LL->Stdm/VHS Loop (cw), Melbourne, FL"

MUSIC: "Glory Afternoon" by DJ Bravehound

Here is "Glory Afternoon", the latest mix from the gorgeous technophile DJ Bravehound:

bravehound – glory afternoon.mp3
(to download, right-click and choose save. Apple users control-click and choose download.)

The mix features:

Robyn / Frankmusik / La Roux / Röyksopp / M.I.A. / Sophie Ellis Bextor / Santogold / Basement Jaxx / Black Eyed Peas / Imogen Heap / Lykke Li / The Killers / U2

(song list after the bump)
...

[times are approximate]

(0:00 - 7:22) Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Heartbreak"
(7:22 - 11:23) Röyksopp - "The Girl and the Robot"
(11:23 - 15:34) Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
(15:34 - 18:39) N.A.S.A. ft. Spank Rock, M.I.A, Santigold, Nick Zinner - "Whachadoin"
(18:39 - 23:21) La Roux - "Bulletproof"
(23:21 - 28:18) Frankmusik - "3 Little Words"
(28:18 - 34:02) Robyn - "Dream On"
(34:02 - 37:29) Basement Jaxx - "Raindrops"
(37:29 - 42:13) Imogen Heap - "Hide & Seek"
(42:13 - 46:26) Lykke Li - "Little Bit"
(46:26 - 53:59) The Killers - "Spaceman"
(53:59 - 60:27) U2 - "With Or Without You"

It took a while to figure all of the songs -- especially "Whatchadoin" -- but I'm happy. It's a really good mix that really sets the scene. Give it a listen! :)

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"MUSIC: "Glory Afternoon" by DJ Bravehound"

JOURNAL: A Lesson for the Road Rager...

On my way home from work. There was a car ahead of me on the exit ramp, just sitting at green light, so I tapped my horn. Almost immediately, I see the driver-side door open and a man resembling Larry Craig turn around and flick me off (with both hands) while spouting raging profanities.

Seriously?

Here's a lesson for you: don't road rage someone who's behind you, especially when there's a lot of stop signs and the guy behind you has a camera phone. It could be made very awkward for you:

...
I wasn't angry -- I was quite relaxed, having just finished running a few errands and looking forward to an evening run after a quick WM stop for supplies for tomorrow's volleyball outing. I was listening to DJ Bravehound's latest -- "Glory Afternoon". So when this happened, I wasn't angry, just confused.

When he did proceed, I think it was car karma that had him turn into the WM parking lot -- where I was originally headed, and a bad coincidence for him -- another reason I advise people not to road-rage within a 2-mile perimeter of work... y'all might be headed to the same place.

Anyways, the guy didn't park his car -- he drove through the parking lot and towards the exit. I abandoned my plan and decided to follow him... just for a little bit. This was both in hopes that he thinks twice next time before raging, and also so he'd be far away enough for me to be able to go back to WM and shop in peace. I followed him for another mile then quickly took quiet side roads back to WM.

I found the entire thing energizing and humorous. Don't mess with an Asian.

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"JOURNAL: A Lesson for the Road Rager..."

RUN: 3.6 miles @??:??, Home<-LL-> WM+, Melbourne, FL

Volleyball was really good tonight. I only had one short serve, played a 2nd hit, and had a couple "enthusiastic" nets. Otherwise, I played pretty solid today with my serve getting more consistent. And tonight I was taught how to make the approach to spike -- which was basically to start from a few feet back and to take a couple steps forward, using my arms to help propel me up. I did one really good spike and a few pretty good ones. On some other occasions I chose timing over power. Anyways, it was quite a positive night!
...
There were 16 people there for about an hour, then it was down to 13, 12, then 11. CBJ was there, along with DB. Yeah, I was on the "experienced" team tonight, and I have to admit that it was more fun than Monday.

Anyways, I bought knee pads at WM last night (around 1:00am, when I put in my photo order -- it's been a while), and I used them tonight. I carried them in an over-the-shoulder net bag, which made the run over a little more cumbersome. I got to the gym 10 minutes early and put in 5 laps on top before we started. After volleyball, I went for extra credit and completed the WM+ loop. I wasn't really fast, but I ran most of the way, only stopping for a second a couple of times.

I skipped out on a program award fee/retirement celebration beachside tonight. I just wasn't feeling up to the self-imposed pressures of taking pictures had I'd gone. I love free [gourmet] food, but I really needed to up my mileage so I can earn my tonga toast (this weekend?). Plus, I wanted to go to volleyball, and I'm really glad that I did.

Here are tonight's sweaty ceddy kitchen pics (no jumping for a while... i hurt myself more with them than from volleyball and running):

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"RUN: 3.6 miles @??:??, Home<-LL-> WM+, Melbourne, FL"