Mentos Ice gives men’s nipples a purpose

OK, this is STRANGE!

From AdFreak, AdWeek's Blog --

Yeah, that’s a guy catching a frisbee with his nipples, which are several inches long—a side effect, apparently, of Mentos Ice gum, which keeps you (and your nipples) “cool and icy fresh,” according to the brand’s advertising. That’s not all. The commercial suggests other benefits to having freakishly long nipples. You become more adroit with a turntable. You press elevator buttons more easily. You have a peg on which to hang your sunglasses when you go shirtless. And despite what common sense would tell you, the ladies actually dig dudes with long nipples. Not sure how we missed this spot when it broke in Australia last fall. It ended up being the country’s most complained-about ad of 2006, but despite the uproar, was never pulled off the air. See an outdoor execution from the same campaign here.

Now THAT'S some PR

From the BrandWeek newsletter ---

SOMETIMES, SIMPLER IS BETTER: Got word today that Crumpler, makers of messenger, laptop and photo bags, has scheduled its second annual Beer for Bags promotion in New York City. The idea is simple and genius at once: The company barters certain models of its bags in exchange for certain brands and quantities of beer. For example, one case of Coopers and four Fosters Oil Cans can be traded for a Barney Rustle Messenger bag (retail $95). Other similar offers can be found at the Crumpler Web site, but the best part is, when the promo’s all done, the store staff invites customers in for a party, and they drink the beer! We believe more companies should do this, in our humble opinion. (Homer Simpson voice: “Mmmmmm; Beer!”)

What's In a Name -- Part II

Guess there's something to be said for assuring that people know what business the company is in by the corporate name.

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Dikwear not accused of being overly subtle

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2007/06/dikwear_not_acc.html

Are you the sort of person who needs underwear yet hates nuance? Then you’ll love Dikwear. According to the Web site, Dikwear is a “high-end men’s undergarment that will make a statement about you—uncompromising, unrivaled, and the ultimate in sophistication.” That sophistication is evident both in the site’s photography and its choice of marketing copy (“Go ahead, show a little dik!”). With all that and an “ingenious name,” how can you go wrong? Via Short Takes.

There's No More Reassuring Voice In Retirement Planning Than Dennis Hopper

Assume everyone knows that The Onion is a fictional news source.

Personally thought this one was funny take on celebrity advertising.

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There's No More Reassuring Voice In Retirement Planning Than Dennis Hopper

By Diane Rohde
May 30, 2007 Issue 43•22

There's no denying it anymore: I'm getting to that point in my life where I should start thinking seriously about my retirement. I'll be living on a fixed income, so careful management of my assets will be crucial. That's why Dennis Hopper's television spots for Ameriprise Financial are so reassuring. Retirement planning means a lot of decision making, and thank God I have the soothing presence of that amyl nitrate–huffing, obscenity-screaming, psychosexual lunatic from Blue Velvet to guide me through it.

I don't think I'm alone in saying that when I first saw Frank Booth dry hump, humiliate, and otherwise violently sexually assault Isabella Rossellini while calling her Mommy, I couldn't help but think stability, tranquility, and, most of all, security. The authoritative, crazed wheeze of this boozing, womanizing, rage-driven actor is a guiding light in the unpredictable, confusing world of investing.

That's why I know I can trust Ameriprise. I'm sure that Dennis Hopper wouldn't represent a company that was anything other than a rock of respectability. When I hear him in those commercials, it's the familiar voice of a coke- dealing, LSD-fueled hippie cowboy biker putting me at ease.

full article --
http://www.theonion.com/content/opinion/theres_no_more_reassuring_voice