Come On Now, Even Wales Got Schooled in Existentialism

Here's an ad for Brecon Five vodka that got people's panties in a twist because it plays on the stereotype that Welsh people are stupid. (We never heard that, but we did hear they were cannibals.)

Brecon Five is a label under the Welsh Whisky Company. It's not the only vodka ever to poke fun at its heritage to make itself look better.

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Butternut Beer Takes Its Nice Cans to Times Square

Butternuts Beer & Ale has taken its farm-themed campaign to Times Square with two new pieces of creative which will appear through New Year's Eve on the CBS SuperScreen. You can view the creative here. Number nine and ten. It's amusing enough and appropriately crafted for outdoor style viewing.

MoveOn Calls Bush Legacy a Calling Card for WWIII

Since its debatable* big win over Facebook's Beacon, we've developed an almost unhealthy interests in other ad campaigns it's trying to drum up money for.

Here's the latest one. (If it's too big for your browser, just click on the image and scroll down with your arrows.) We like how it says "dramatization" in the corner. As if!

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The Harry Situation Gets Hairy

On Shake Well Before Use, Social Media Insights Consultant Ariel Waldman has written a detailed analysis and review of a campaign hair care company Garnier has launched which involves blog briber PayPerPost (now hiding behind the walls of social media company IZEA) and what is purported to be a new TV show called The Harry Situation. On the show's website, clips highlight the sexual innuendo and double entendre-laden theme of the show. It also covers what's being sold as dispute between the show's creators and Garnier who pulled their sponsorship because of the show's racy content.

Of course, the controversy isn't real. Either is the show. It's all part of an elaborate ad campaign complete with what appear to be paid blog posts and a YouTube video featuring Garnier SVP of Sales Steve Lutz who explains why the company pulled their sponsorship.

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Paris Goes Gold for Bubbly Blonde Beverage

We've spent 15 minutes digging through the filth and sludge of the 'net to try finding a copy of Paris' latest ad, where she crawls around naked and covered in gold as if she OD'ed on these. If you find it someplace, pass it over. (In the meantime, we found this glorious piece of work.)

The golden Paris ad is for a canned wine drink called Bubbly Blonde by Rich Prosecco -- which, as far as brands go, is pretty fond of the Hiltons' black sheep. (She even sings on their homepage!)

Packaging description: "The perfect 'starter drink' for your night or a special pleasure as a reward at the end of the day." We're guessing nobody read that out loud to check for "flow."

The "wine" comes in passionfruit, strawberry and original (uh, grape?) flavor. It launches in Berlin, Germany this week. Expect to see it Stateside in '08.

Nude Paris a la gold paint. We'd smack our lips and go "GRRR!", but that's Steve's thing.

Because Nothing Says 'Power Trading PRO' Like a Manly Manly Man

Learn the secrets to making seven million dollars in two years -- all for just $6.95 S&H! "How's this for a super trade?" the site gushes.

And while you're power trading, how about some PowerThirst? We're sure the Power Trading guy will appreciate the only energy drink augmented with TURBO PUNS.

Video Provides Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Twitter

If you're interested in Twitter, what it's all about and how it's effecting the way people interact online, a video called Phantom Limb explores the phenomenon and how it benefits people's lives.

It's definitely one Web 2.0 (damn, I hate using that buzz word) thing that seems to have stuck.

Election Encumbents Play Paintball for Presidency

Why strain the dancing girls for votes when the 2008 presidential candidates can play paintball instead?

On Miniclip, they can. And thank heavens. Nothing says POTUS like a paintball ass-kicker. (We'd say Hillary's got the competitive advantage there. We bet she's loaded with quiet rage!)

iStudio Do-Not-Want Ads Provide Chance to Unload Tasteless Holiday Offerings

There's a streak of sadism in this year's holiday efforts (observe 1 and 2). We blame it on the hell CGM has wreaked on our psyches.

To illustrate this devolution in goodwill, last year iStudio was all about helping people on their holiday consumer journeys. This year, loud and clear, they DO NOT WANT to deal with you. Or your crappy gifts!

The "greeting" lets voyeurs sift through a bunch of weird shit the agency's been sent. If you like something (we kind of dug the zodiac thong), highlight it in red and send the agency a note about why you deserve it.

Flippin' awesome.

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Microsoft's 'Hey Genius!' Tries Luring New Minds, Fresh Faces into Same Ol' Same

LOL. To help big, stodgy Microsoft reinvent itself for the creative kiddies, Wexley presents Hey Genius.

Hey Genius includes a jobcuzzi (for steamy interview de-stressing), a genius transporter, and brain massage stations for geniuses suffering from finals week.

If only these attempts to make Microsoft cool actually coincided with one another. (See Zune and Vista efforts.) And if only Apple didn't already have a Genius training program.

And how much do you want to bet that even if Microsoft did draw young, sexy (bedraggled?) talent away from Google or Facebook, those same kids would still feel a little jipped upon walking into Corporate? Uh, it ain't exactly Californication in the Pacific Northwest.