Commercials from April 20, 1999

Commercials on MSNBC

Commercials from MSNBC Coverage (April 20, 1999)

• MSNBC - When you really want to know
• Nissan - Jerry Hirshberg Nissan's Chief Designer
• Kinko's - Police create a quick presentation to resolve a hostage crisis.
• 10-10-321 - Harry Anderson with his Accountant Brother
• American General Financial Group - Live the Life you imagine
• Searle - Sleep Solutions from Searle - A breakthrough approach to sleep therapy that can actually help you re-establish good sleep habits.
• ERA Real Estate - Always There for You.
• MSNBC - Way ahead of CNN
• AT&T - net.working
• National Business Employment Weekly - Help find you the next job.
• MSNBC - Prime Time Newscast Promo with Brian Williams
• Time & Again 2000
• Xerox - Today's Agenda the Information Age.
• Cadillac - Catera, think big
• AXA - Worry free income for life
• Ecco Domani - Wine to meet people
• Total Raisin Bran - Has all the essential ingredients guys need.
• Dannon - Fruit on the Bottom
• PureTouch - Don't carry water bottles up the stairs.
• Compaq - Better Answers
• Fidelity Investments - Featuring Peter Lynch, Telis Bertsekas and Christine Schaulat
• Nextel - Minutes are rounded to the nearest second.
• GoodYear - Remember that slogan??
• Lycos - Good Boy! Now fetch...

2000 Olympic Commercials

From my VHS Collection

Various commercials that were playing during the 2000 Olympics, found on a VHS tape in my collection.

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• Sprite Commercial - Featuring the dream team on the cans
• Ameritrade - No tricky pricing, just $8 a trade
• AT&T - The blue is removed from the logo with the tagline Boundless
• Home Depot - The Games bring us together. The joy unites us.
• PopSecret - Introducing PopSecret with Extra Butter - Land O? Lakes butter
• GMC Sierra - Featuring Smart Braking.
• Net Zero - Free Internet for everyone. Defender of the Free World.
• Lucent Technologies - How fast do you want to go on the Internet?

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Larry Anderson's JawDroppers: Relive the Magic of the Classic Infomercial

Learn about the iconic 2000s infomercial that taught easy magic tricks with everyday items.

Remember the late-night infomercials of the early 2000s? One that stands out is Larry Anderson's "JawDroppers." This series of instructional videos promised to teach anyone the secrets of performing mind-boggling magic tricks with everyday items.

In September 2000, these infomercials were in their prime, captivating viewers with the promise of mastering the art of illusion. Larry Anderson, a seasoned magician and Hollywood magic consultant, presented a friendly and accessible approach to learning magic. The appeal of "JawDroppers" lay in its focus on practical, easy-to-learn tricks that could be performed in any social setting.

Here's what made the "JawDroppers" infomercial memorable:

• Everyday Magic: The emphasis was on using ordinary objects, making the tricks relatable and achievable.
• Clear Instruction: Larry Anderson's teaching style was clear and concise, breaking down each trick into easy-to-follow steps.
• The Infomercial Vibe: The classic infomercial format, with its enthusiastic presentation and audience reactions, added to the entertainment value.

Essentially, it was a way for people to learn some really fun party tricks.

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September 22, 2000 Commericals

Lots of Commercial on a VHS Tape from the 2000s

Assorted commercials from September 22, 2000 from my VHS collection

• Will & Grace - promotion before the third season starts on October 12, 2000.
• COVAD - What would you do with faster Internet?
• Power Mac G4 Cube - Announced in July 2000. This is one of the early commercials on network TV.
• IBM Thinkpad - What can't you say about the IBM Thinkpad?
• Schick Xtreme III - Featuring Andre Agassi
• KTVU FOX 2 - The Original 10o'clock News Promotion with Dennis Richmond
• Nissan XTerra - Going off road is easy on the Nissan Xterra
• Ortega Skillet Fajitas - Easy way to make Fajitas.
• Toyota Tacoma - Featuring Steve Young going camping with pizza delivery guy.
• Levi's 569 - Loose Straight Jeans
• Verizon Wireless - Launching a new wireless company - started on April 4, 2000.
• Homedepot - featuring the Delta Faucets
• Gateway Computers - People have rights.

KRON-TV News on April 14, 1997

Sports and Circular File

Brief segment of the April 14, 1997 Sports and in the Circular File.

Sports Segment (April 14, 1997):

• Tim Wakefield and the Boston Red Sox defeated the Oakland A's at Fenway Park. Notably, there were no seats on the Green Monster at the time.
• Tiger Woods attended the opening of an All Star Cafe in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
• An interview with his Stanford golf coach revealed Woods practiced putting on the basketball court. (Donald Trump makes a brief appearence.)

Wildlife Segment:

• A brief feature on the rare blue lobster.

Circular File:

• Milo? Forman is considering directing a new film about Andy Kaufman.
• Introducing a new beer flavored with hemp seeds.
• New research involving monkeys.

More January 2001 Commercials

Last of the collection from a VHS tape

I was watching a VHS tape dated January 22, 2001, which contained six hours of recorded shows. While reviewing it, I discovered some great classic commercials worth sharing:

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• Hostess - Rino sees a Hostess Cupcake
• Heinz EZ Squirt - The mess on the guys car.
• The Jetta - Cool feature to open all the windows
• 1-800-Collect - Save a Buck or Two
• Suzanne Sommers - Ultra Track Workout machine.
• Ruffles - Bigger Ridges! Better for Dipping
• Michelob light - "That's why he put Michelob light in his resume."
• Today's Carnival - "We can shop"
• Jack in the Box - Liquid Sandwiches & You can't stop progress.

Rediscover Classic 2001 TV Commercials

A Nostalgic Look at Vintage Ads from a Lost VHS Tape

I recently watched a six-hour VHS tape from January 22, 2001, and discovered a treasure trove of classic commercials that bring back pure nostalgia. These vintage ads capture the essence of early 2000s television, from fast food favorites to tech innovations.

Here are some highlights from the tape:

• KRON News Morning Promo - A fun parody of Banana Boat (Day-O).
  
• KTVU 6 PM News Promo - KTVU's Best in the Nation TV promotion featuring Dennis Richmond.
  
• EarthLink Internet - "People used to think the world was flat? then came Magellan. Now it's your turn."
  
• AOL 6.0 - Featuring parental controls and legendary customer service. So easy to use, no wonder it's #1!
  
• Triscuit Commercial - "The perfect snack while waiting for pizza - 30 minutes or 3.5 hours in dog time!"
  
• Miller Time - Featuring the "In Your Dreams" Miller Time ad and the "Inappropriate Miller Time" commercial.
  
• XFL Promo on NBC - Real football, no limits. The XFL debuts on February 3rd!
  
• Jack in the Box - A hilarious fast food convention skit featuring Brad, the $25K per nugget consultant.
  
• Men's Wearhouse - Featuring the iconic George Zimmer: "You'll like the way you look. I guarantee it."

These commercials are a time capsule of early 2000s advertising, showcasing major brands and trends of the era. Do you remember seeing any of these on TV?

January 2001 KRON News Broadcast

Walk Down Memory Lane

Recently, I came across a VHS tape containing a fascinating glimpse into TV history: a KRON news broadcast from January 22, 2001. Watching these broadcast is like stepping into a time capsule, showcasing the culture, products, and concerns of the early 2000s.

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Highlights from the Broadcast

Before diving into the commercials, the news segment itself offers an interesting snapshot of what was happening in January 2001. Some of the key stories covered include:

• Sing-A-Long Sound of Music at the Castro Theatre - A promotion for an upcoming event on February 8th, celebrating the classic film with audience participation.
  
• Computer Learning Centers Closure - A sign of the shifting tech education landscape, as a major training institution was shutting down.
  
• Montgomery Ward Furniture Debacle - A "Contact 4" consumer segment highlighting a frustrating issue: customers were still being billed for furniture they hadn't received.
  
• California Power Crisis - The ongoing rolling blackouts were a major concern, a reminder of the state's energy struggles at the time.

A Nostalgic Look at Commercials from January 2001

Some Fun Internet Commercials

Recently, I came across a VHS tape dated January 2001 that contained a fascinating collection of commercials, offering a time capsule of early 21st-century marketing. Watching these ads is a reminder of how technology, business, and culture have evolved over the past two decades. From dial-up internet to dot-com era optimism, here's a look at some of the commercials found on the tape:

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AOL 6.0 - The Internet, Simplified

At the dawn of the 2000s, America Online (AOL) was still a dominant force in getting people connected to the internet. The AOL 6.0 commercial hyped up the latest version of its software, touting "faster, easier" browsing and new features that would make online life more convenient. Of course, that meant more CDs in the mail!

Disney's California Adventure - The Newest Theme Park

Disneyland was gearing up to open its highly anticipated second park in Anaheim: Disney's California Adventure. This commercial captured the excitement, showing off new attractions inspired by the Golden State. At the time, expectations were high - though the park's early years saw mixed reviews before major overhauls like Cars Land brought it to life.

3Com - "Simple Sets You Free"

Networking giant 3Com was trying to sell the idea that simplicity in technology leads to better productivity. The commercial pushed the company's vision of seamless networking, emphasizing the ease of setting up business communications - an idea that companies like Cisco and HP would later dominate.

Novell - A Name From the Past

Remember Novell? In the early 2000s, they were a significant player in network software and enterprise computing. This commercial pitched Novell's role in making businesses more efficient, though, in hindsight, the company struggled to maintain relevance as Microsoft and Linux gained ground.

Dell Dimension - $849 for a Complete Computer System

Dell was a powerhouse in the PC market, and this ad promoted an $849 complete computer package. This price included the tower, monitor, and printer - a deal that seemed affordable at the time. It's a stark contrast to today's tech landscape, where many people spend that much (or more) on just a smartphone!

Xerox Color Inkjet Printers

Xerox, traditionally known for photocopiers, was making a push into color inkjet printing. Their ad focused on vibrant, high-quality prints, though inkjet technology would soon be overshadowed by the rise of affordable laser printers.

Microsoft - "Software for the Agile Business"

Microsoft's early 2000s commercials leaned heavily into business solutions. This ad promoted Microsoft's enterprise software, showcasing how it could help companies adapt to fast-changing markets - something Microsoft continues to dominate with Office 365 and Azure today.

Miller Lite - "It's Miller Time" at a Medical Conference

One of the more amusing ads in the collection, this Miller Lite commercial featured a quirky setting - a medical conference where a doctor was talking about DNA and several people in the audience were cheering as if at a football game. The second part of the commercial was a chance to win a Miller Time inflatable chair, proving that beer marketing in the early 2000s still had a fun, playful angle.

CNBC - "Log On to Win an Audi GT"

Even business news networks were running major promotions! CNBC encouraged viewers to log on for a chance to win an Audi GT and other prizes. It's interesting to see how online contests were gaining traction as a marketing tool back then, something that would only grow in the years to come.

Final Thoughts

Watching this collection of commercials from January 2001 is a fun trip down memory lane. It captures an era when dial-up internet was still common, companies were optimistic about the tech boom, and TV ads still played a huge role in marketing.

Exposing a $15.5 Million Publishers Clearing House Scam Call

How Questioning a Supposed Prize Notification Unveiled a Fraudulent Scheme

In a recent phone call, I was contacted by an individual claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House (PCH), informing me that I had won $15.5 million. The conversation took an interesting turn when I questioned why they were communicating via phone instead of visiting me in person, as is customary for PCH prize awards. This challenge led to the abrupt end of the call, highlighting the fraudulent nature of the interaction.

This experience underscores a prevalent scam where fraudsters impersonate PCH representatives to deceive individuals. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, victims often receive unsolicited communications claiming they've won large sums of money from PCH. The scammers then request payments for "taxes" or "processing fees" to claim the prize. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office)

It's crucial to recognize that PCH does not notify major prize winners via phone calls, emails, or text messages. Instead, the famous PCH Prize Patrol delivers prizes in person, without prior notification. Additionally, PCH never requires winners to pay fees to claim their prizes. (PCH Info)

Note: Many of these calls are from Jamaca.

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Practical Tips

To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following tips:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: If you're informed of winning a prize without prior participation, it's likely a scam.

• Never Pay to Claim a Prize: Legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment for taxes, fees, or any other purpose to claim winnings.

• Verify the Source: Contact PCH directly at 1-800-392-4190 if you receive suspicious communications claiming to be from them. (USPS)

• Report Suspicious Activity: Inform local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies about potential scams to help prevent others from falling victim.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and others from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.