Foto Friday: JoePa

After the announcement everyone was dreading came Sunday morning, Penn State University illuminated Beaver Stadium to honor the life and legacy of Coach Joseph V. Paterno

I was there.

His death saddened many, his life inspired all.

YouTube-sday: Your Cute for the Day

Marketing Monday: The Bark Side

Apparently, Volkswagen is feeling pressure as we head toward Super Bowl XLVI to improve upon its top rated ad from last year. Its The Force ad was ranked first by AdWeek.

Volkswagen has revealed in the cryptic ad above that its Super Bowl ad for this year will continue with the Star Wars theme, AND will add another layer of cuteness - dogs.

The teaser ad aired Wednesday on ABC, in which a canine chorus—including pooch versions of Chewbacca, an Ewok, and an AT-AT vehicle—bark out the Imperial March.

Effective advertising at its best.

This ad made me literally stop in my tracks (as I was about to do something productive during The Middle's commercial break), turn back, and watch the entire commercial wondering what was the product being marketed.

VW reported to AdWeek, "this video is not part of the actual 60-second spot that will be aired during the game. The Bark Side teaser was created to hint toward some of the exciting elements and characters that will be in the Super Bowl spot."

As a dog lover, I can't wait! I'm hopeful for another great commercial by ad agency: Deutsch based in Los Angeles.

To refresh your memory before the big game, here are some of my favorite ads from last year's Super Bowl.

Foto Friday: Photo Journalist

In yesterday's post, I mentioned my mom's art exhibit, Lake Effect Lace, at the Erie Art Museum being featured in the Erie Times-News Showcase. I provided a link to the online story, but what I didn't say - and what wasn't included online - was my photograph of her was used in the article. (I didn't want to make that story about me, but HOLLA! It's pretty cool. And doesn't she look pretty?)

I digress. Don't forget her Gallery Talk is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Erie Art Museum. And here's one more snowflake...

You can check out more flakes at the Erie Art Museum until Feb. 25 and/or visit Goods of the Spirit.

Erie's Beauty Captured

The Washington Post's Impulsive Traveler came to Erie this month to explore ice dunes and art. Read the entire article, written by Robin Soslow.

The author writes about exploring our beautiful Presque Isle State Park to spot ice dunes (which I'm not sure there are too many in existence currently) and warming up at the Erie Art Museum.

For those of us who are not fans of the cold weather, the art museum has two exhibits that let us encounter nature without needing to brave the frigid temperatures.

One of those exhibits, Carol Posch Comstock - Lake Effect Lace, is my mom's, where after four years of photographing snowflakes, the entire Ronald E. Holstein Gallery has been turned into a snow globe of her work.

How does she do it? Carol Posch Comstock will present a free Gallery Talk this Friday, January 20, at 7 p.m. in the Erie Art Museum's Multipurpose Room. Visitors will view her exhibit and learn about the photographic process using a digital camera and microscope to capture fleeting visions of the delicate natural wonders.

Of course, if you're from Erie, this may not be the first you are hearing about her show. She was featured in Lake Erie Lifestyles' December issue and her show was reviewed in the Erie Times-News Showcase today.

If you can't make the Gallery Talk, the show will remain up until February 25. (And, don't forget, the Erie Art Museum is free on Wednesdays.)

Brrrr. I get chilly just looking at these photographs.

Five in Five: Songs

Here are five songs that I am loving right now... you know that loving:
blast-the-radio-and-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs love and
stop-whatever-you're-doing-and-run-to-the-dance-floor love and
I'm-even-smiling-while-washing-dishes-cuz-this-song-is-playing love.

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5
(I'm obsessed with Maroon 5. Seriously.)


Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
(Viewer discretion advised for the video... no seriously, you might not be able to dance to this after you see the video)


Not Over You - Gavin Degraw
(Where did he go?)


Paradise - Coldplay
(Yea. I'm on that bandwagon too.)



The Sound of Winter - BUSH
(And speaking... where has BUSH been? taking a hiatus until we elected a new president, maybe?)



I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
(Kind of has a country sound to it.)


...you may or may not have noticed, I posted six videos of songs. Oops.

YouTube-sday: Yellow