While trying to write for this blog, I came across many familiar commercials from the past; whether they're from the Super Bowls or simply everyday television. Over the years, I feel as though companies have began to loose sight of what they are actually trying to sell. Some companies actually present and focus on their product, while others use their goods as little as possible in the advertisement. For example, the majority of the older Swiffer commercials simply show a mess being picked up of the floor by a Swiffer. In the most recent commercials, they follow a mop that was replaced by a Swiffer and thrown out of the household. The mop makes a different attempt in each of their new commercials to get back in use. They are showing that a Swiffer is better and through their examples, they give the Swiffer a large portion of the show time on the screen. Their quote is that "you will never have to go back to your old mop or broom again." One well-known Carl's Jr. commercial of the past, is Paris Hilton washing a Bently. After getting covered in soap and squirting herself with the hose, she finally takes a bite of a Carl's Jr. burger. Nearly two seconds of seeing the burger she is back to washing the car and herself off. This commercial fulfills the role of appealing to sex, mainly for men. I do not think that this commercial was intended to show girls that eating burgers will make you skinny or clean your car, but the sheer sex appeal of Paris Hilton is directed towards men. Carl’s Jr. has also made similar a similar commercial starring Jessica Simpson. She is dressed as Daisy Duke, from her role in the film Dukes of Hazard. She as well, washes her car, takes a bite of a hamburger, and just does a good job of looking good. This commercial, among the majority of others, helps prove that sex is among the top sellers in America. It makes me wonder whether or not Carl’s Jr. is still in business because of their seductive commercials.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
McFlurry Meltdown
People often decide on food by eating what they know they like. For example, if you went to the store most likely someone would purchase name brand cereals over store brand. If you have lived on your own, you will know that Ralph's brand fruity-o's are exactly the same as traditional Fruit Loops in taste, but at about half the cost per box. This is found all throughout the store, whether its cereal, bread, or even canned goods. Many of the times it is much more efficient to simply by through the store-brand items than to have to satisfy yourself with a silly name. It is a very easy way to help save money if you are on a frigid budget. Although the food is not too appetizing from McDonalds, they have a very delicious desert menu. A personal favorite is the seasonal Three Muskateers McFlurry. For those who don’t know, a McFlurry is a cup of ice cream whipped together with an optional candy topping of Snickers, Oreo, M&M’s, Butterfinger, and sometimes Three Muskateers. At just under three dollars it seems like the perfect treat, when in reality it is quite a scam.
For about a quarter less you can buy the same treat in a pint-size tub. The heavenly treat is called Medieval Madness, which is vanilla ice cream with wonderful chunks and swirls of Three Muskateers. With this pint-size tub at under three dollars a piece, you can have more of the same great taste for just about the same price. If you feel like having a home made McFlurry all you would need to do is add a scoop or two of Medieval Madness to a little splash of milk and whip it up in the blender. After a few seconds your treat is complete. Once your done making one or two of these, you can put the tub back in the freezer, where if you had McFlurrys you would have to eat them before you got home. Also, with making these treats at home, you do not have to worry about a bite or two not having candy in it. You can add as many or as few pieces of candy as you would like, without getting skimped like at McDonalds.