Hawking the Scene: 15 Memorable Commercials

I've always had a fascination with advertising for as long as I can remember -- so much so that it became my choice of vocation (though it isn't proving to be such a wise choice at the moment). I was enamored by the fusion of art and business; information and persuasion. That is, as long as it wasn't interrupting my favorite show.

Following are some of my personal favorite commercials (that come to mind). They were chosen because they are memorable to me by either making me laugh, tugging on my heart strings, introduced me to a new saying or involving me in their message with great music. You'll notice that I'm a sucker for music, kids and funny old people.

In no particular order:

1.) Connect Four

I'm a child of the 80s. I remember after this commercial came out, my peers and I would often say, "Pretty sneaky sis." It was a short-lived saying, but one that remains with me today.

2.) Wendy's - Where's The Beef?

Yet another 80s commercial. Who doesn't know this one? "Where's the beef?" still remains a catch phrase today (though often with a different meaning). Wendy's has never been able to recreate such genius since.

3.) Mitsubishi Eclipse - Days Go By

We've all had moments in the car like this when a good song come on. This commercial turned me, and many others, into a Dirty Vegas fan. You can still find this song on my ipod.

4.) Pepsi - Just One Look

I was a HUGE fan of Cindy Crawford in high school, when this commercial was aired. Pepsi introduced a new can and they used the 90s "It" girl to showcase it. It's a very clever ad and I'm embarrassed to say that it turned me into a Pepsi fan (much to my father's dismay, who never wanted to see a Pepsi product in his home).

5.) Citibank - Thelma and Norma

Part of Citibank's Identity Theft series, Thelma and Norma brings out the giggles in me every time. I want to adopt them.

6.) Oscar Mayer - My Bologna

Teaching kids all over America how to spell Oscar Mayer. Genius.

7.) Coke - Buy The World A Coke

I can't even tell you how I know about this commercial, as it came out a few years before I was even born, but I love it (as did the hippies of the day). Peace, Love and Coke.

8.) Smart Beep - Blind Date

This remains one of the funniest commercials I've ever seen. Call me immature, but I love a good farting commercial. "Did you guys meet?" "We sure did!!!"

9.) My Buddy

This is used to come on during Saturday Morning Cartoons and the catchy little jingle made me want one, even though he looks EXACTLY LIKE CHUCKY. Apparently I was too old for a "doll" and come Christmas, my younger brother opened a My Buddy, instead of me. I don't hold any ill-will, but it's Shady Pines in Florida for my parents, come retirement!

10.) Target - Fly Me Away

I'm a fan of Target commercials, in general, but this Christmas ad always makes me happy. The colors, the fun, the music - it all comes together to make me want to shop at Target RIGHT NOW. This commercial also turned me on to Goldfrapp.

11.) Quiznos

Not a lot of people like this commercial, but it cracks me up! I'm still not sure what those little rat-like creatures are, but they can sure sing a jingle!

12.) Etrade - Singing Baby

Everyone loves a talking baby, but a singing baby? That's just gold, in my book. I still laugh when I see this. "So take, these broken wings...."

13.) Berlitz

Berlitz actually has quite a few good commercials. This reminds me of living in Ukraine when people would often mistake words I said in English (much like I often mistook words they said in Uke/Rus).

14.) Berlitz - Learn English

I didn't really want to include any foreign commercials (my list would be never-ending), but this has to be one of my all-time favorite commercials. Too bad we couldn't air it in the States.

15.) Corn Nuts - Bust A Nut (radio)

I had a really hard time believing that this even received approval in the States. How can you resist a commercials with these lyrics:

Go to your room and lock the door,
'Cause when you try it once you'll wanna try it some more!
Size doesn't matter and that's a fact,
It might be small, but it's a big impact!

Bust a nut! Bust a nut!
Grab a bag of Corn Nuts and bust a nut!
They're lightly toasted and hard as well,
Enjoy yourself, we won't tell...

Everybody does it, they like it a lot,
You can do it at school , just don't get caught!
It takes a few minutes, if you don't delay;
Take your time and make it last all day!

Bust a nut! Bust a nut!
Grab a bag of Corn Nuts and bust a nut!
They're lightly toasted and hard as well,
Enjoy yourself, we won't tell...

Corn Nuts: An intensely crunchy corn snack.
Comes in seven nut-busting flavors.
Bust a nut at a convenience store near you.

Bonus: When I Grow Up