Truth in Advertising?

Companies seem to grow bolder by the day in the claims that are made in advertising.  This may be especially true in the difficult economic times in which we live.

Today’s example:  Sharp and their limited edition (I’m not even sure what that means for a tv) Aquos TV.  I tried to find the commercial I’ve seen a couple of times on my tv recently (ironic, I know), but couldn’t find it on youtube.  It plays when you got to the homepage of Sharp.

Everything seems perfectly reasonable in the description of what I am sure is an amazing thing to behold.  And I would imagine that it would “change the way I watch tv” (as claimed).  It is the tag line at the end that I have a little trouble with:

Change your TV |  Change your life

Then you are encouraged to visit the following website:  lifechangingbox.com

Can a TV really do that?  Can we get some customer testimonials?  What if it doesn’t change my life, can I sue Sharp for false advertising.  What if it changes my life for the worst?  Then I suppose it’s true that you get what you pay for.  I just find this a shocking statement to make in a commercial, but why should be surprised.

…the shower of advertising we soak in teaches us that we are what we own and that we can be what we buy.  Mere things are invested with meaning and hope out of all proportion to their real value…We are lost, not found, in our sea of purchases.”

That’s from David Henderson’s excellent book Culture Shift:  Communicating God’s Truth to Our Changing World

We would do well to remember during this season Jesus’ words in Luke 12:15 – ” Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

We’re doing a poll here for the fun of it – there’s a first time for everything.

NFL TV Distribution Maps

The link below may be of interest to a very small segment of my readership…NFL watching (possibly fantasy playing) fans without the benefit of DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket who are at the mercy of games being shown on a regional basis.  Go here to see the distribution maps for the network television games that will be shown in your area.  I can’t help you if you are out of the country.

A few early Olympics reflections

Like many of you, I have enjoyed watching some of the olympics, most especially the swimming competitions at this point.  Here are a few random thoughts/reflections

• Last night’s 4 x 100 relay had to be one of the most exciting 3+ minutes of sporting competition that I have seen in some time.  Incredible finish!
• Question:  Why is it necessary to have a group hug after every point scored in volleyball?
• I notice a trend back to the early olympics tradition of not wearing any clothes while competing.
• Early contender for best name:  Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon from Thailand who won a gold medal in women’s weightlifting, a “sport” I fail to understand.  Can you imagine filling out the scantron form with that name.

A few of my favorite things…

Battlestar Galactica

The 4th and final season begins tonight (Friday). It is not hyperbole when this show is described as the best show on TV right now.