Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Ad Nauseam

The Netroots, Brought to You By the Auto Lobby

By Brad Aaron | Jan 20, 2010 | 4 Comments

We’ve wrung hands before over the seeming disinterest of the "progressive" left in reducing automobile dependence. But it was still a shock to see Daily Kos enshrouded in advertising for Auto Innovation, a project of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. A self-described "leading advocacy group for the automobile industry on a range of public policy […]

Cellular Industry Gives Big Tobacco a Run for Its Money

By Brad Aaron | Dec 8, 2009 | 1 Comment

Western Union cellphone ad from 1984. Image via NYT Concerns arose not long after it hit the market. External studies seemed to confirm what industry insiders feared: The product could pose a public health risk. But as sales soared, whistleblowers who didn’t leave their jobs were forced to keep quiet. Companies maintained a posture of […]

Garmin: Chat, Navigate and Steer — But Don’t Drive Distracted

By Brad Aaron | Nov 5, 2009 | 9 Comments

The first time I saw this ad I thought my eyes and ears were deceiving me. But no, there it is: a young woman holding a cellphone toward the camera as "nüvifone" maker Garmin beckons viewers to "communicate while navigating." "With my nüvifone, I can take calls from my friends while I’m driving to them," […]

Ad Nauseam: Toyota’s (Passive-Aggressive) Ransom Note to America

By Brad Aaron | Oct 14, 2009 | 13 Comments

Toyota wants you to know that it’s here for you. And not just as a car maker, as the company explains in this spot, ironically entitled "Community." Like GM before them, Toyota wants to make sure you realize just how much their company means to you. Here’s our voice-over: "We acknowledge you are coming to […]

Do Your Part: Buy an Audi, Drive Fast

By Brad Aaron | Oct 7, 2009 | 31 Comments

Today was International Walk to School Day, and according to this Audi commercial, if you participated you’re a big loser. In all seriousness, this has to be one of the most obnoxious spots we’ve featured on Streetsblog. Basically, per Audi: If you take transit, you’re a glutton for punishment; if you ride a bike, you’re […]

Jay Leno Plays Vehicular Manslaughter for Laughs

By Brad Aaron | Aug 20, 2009 | 11 Comments

According to Movieline (via New York Mag), Jay Leno’s new prime time show, set to debut on NBC in September, hasn’t exactly been generating a lot of buzz. But since nothing says funny like a grisly hit-and-run, this promo, co-starring Fred Armisen of "Saturday Night Live," should turn things around. Though I’m pretty sure Leno […]

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