When penguins fly

lmiller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:52:26 GMT

That has got to be one the dumbest commercials I've ever seen. These birds were not meant to fly, so what the heck are they asking for? To spend our lottery winnings on something that goes against nature? And possibly could change the way the animal kingdom in general is supposed to act?

We all have our place on earth, whether humans down to the dung beetle. Geez, let it go. I just can't get over how utterly rediculous that idea is.

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dms, sierra vista, az — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:56:10 GMT

lmiller, you should read the article again. It very clearly states the reasoning behind the concept for the commercial. Get over yourself.

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CC in KC — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:02:40 GMT

I might spend some of my winnings so that "I" could fly. I might even take my dog!

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warren,spokane,wa — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:07:12 GMT

I love this commercial, it makes me smile everytime I see it.

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karen smith, Houston, Texas — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:52:19 GMT

LOL I am just wondering why they didn't also include pigs.

As most of the lotto winners waste their money and are broke two years later I guess this is just as good a way to waste your money as drinking and throwing parties for people who will forget where you live once you are broke again.

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Kathryn Harris, Fairbanks, AK — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:56:10 GMT

It's an emu not an ostrich

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Mr Tig — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:59:40 GMT

umm... humans weren't meant to fly either, but it is still a dream for many of us! I like this commercial. The little penguin sticking his flippers out is too cute. And I don't think the message is that you should strap flightless birds to hangliders - I think the message is that if you won the lottery, you could use the money to make someone else's life better (as well as your own.)

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AB, Texas — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:09:24 GMT

I live in Texas, so I can't claim to have seen the ad before now. I also do not claim to know how Washington spends its lottery funds. I do know in Texas that at least some of it goes to the schools, so couldn't this "Every bird deserves to fly" motto mean much more than man going "against nature" and changing the natural world? Couldn't the birds be a metaphor for the young students who have never been "taught to fly" by nature, i.e., parents, and have the opportunity because of education?

Even if education isn't the intended metaphor, I see this as a harmless "make you think" ad that encourages people to use their blessings to do something kind for another living creature. It seems to me that this ad is more a metaphor for the altruistic opportunity the newly rich would have than a literal spot about taking flightless birds hang gliding.

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Karen Raidel, Columbus, OH — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:19:04 GMT

the commercial is an artistic metaphor; nothing more, nothing less. it's meant to entertain, and it showcased an old consumer insight in a new, and refreshing new light. i think it's well done.

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Denise Jones, San Dimas, CA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:24:09 GMT

I agree with Mr. Tig, I also believe the commercial was geared to make you think of the joy of making someone's (besides yourself) life better. Really enjoyed the commercial, myself.

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Jo Lucas, Richland, Wash. — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:49:13 GMT

This is my favorite commercial EVER! I just love it. It has a happy hopeful feel to it. Great job to whoever thought it up. Love those birdies.

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Becky, Washougal WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:49:39 GMT

I am SO glad this is being recognized. I love this commercial so very much :) The first time I saw it, I couldn't believe how adorable it was. It's about time that a commercial actually shows a little heart. Whether the birds are meant to fly or not, it was still a once in a lifetime opportunity for them!

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Anne S. Stratford, CT — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:01:01 GMT

How do you know that the birds weren't scared to death? They're all strapped up so you can't see them squirm. They could have presented
the idea in a different way, without risking injury to animals.

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Stephen, San Diego — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:15:55 GMT

This commercial is obviously a sales tactic to sell more tickets. Appealing to emotion is one of the best ways to sell a product. The lotto people have already worn out the appeal to a need (need for more money), appeal to something wanted (buy new shoes, new cars, etc...), so by appealing to an emotion in a unique way is the reasoning behind this commercial. There is no metaphor, there is no altruistic undertone, there is just the hope that this commercial will capture others attention and have them buy more tickets (to generate mroe funds for the state). Maybe the commercails should appeal to fear..."Play lotto so you can afford to pay off that upside down house mortgage now that the market is going to CRAP!!!" Yeah, I think that's a good campaign too...

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k johnson seattle, wa — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:22:56 GMT

I LOVE this commercial! What a pause from the everyday crap we all have to face. Don't over-think it! Just enjoy it for what it is--entertainment!

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Matt, Brea, CA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:36:58 GMT

Those of you who complain must realize that IT'S A FREAKIN' COMMERCIAL!
It's not some subversive plan to change the nature of the birds. It is an ad agency's idea about how to get more people to buy lottery tickets and, perhaps, influence how they might spend the winnings.
P.S. Just so you know, your chances of winning the state lottry are the same whether you buy a ticket or not.

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matt, lincoln, NE — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:43:30 GMT

Don't throw out the penguin spite the bathwater. Let the penguins fly! Three cheers for Gordon Bombay!

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James, Seattle WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:48:20 GMT

Good lord, some of you people spend way too much time overanalyzing things. It's a cute commercial and I smile every time I see it. Take your community college psychiatry degrees somewhere else.

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Kate Clark, Bellingham, Washington — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:51:05 GMT

This is wonderful- very sweet. I love how gently the birds are held. What do you suppose they are thinking in thier tiny bird brains?

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Charma, Texas — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:56:17 GMT

What a wonderful commercial. I could see it every day and not get tired of it. The penguin was so cute and I loved how the chicken kept looking down towards terra firma. I can't say for sure I would donate any lottery winnings to them, but who knows, if I saw that commercial enough I just might.

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Lois, Wenatchee, WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:16:53 GMT

It's a great feel good commercial. Some of you people would find something to complain about even if you did win the lottery.

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Gwen Penn, East Scotia NY — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:19:30 GMT

Penguins flying.

These birds are expert swimmers and divers.

So what if I want to help non-swimming birds experience diving deep for fish?

Can I attach some mini-SCUBA gear to an Eagle and drag it deep into water to catch some fish?

LMAOBBQ

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Otis Boone II, Sacramento, Calif. — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:22:48 GMT

BBC did this for April Fools this year:

http://www.youtube.com/v/nrxmpihCjqw&hl=en

The BBC's was much better than this one

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cate, Everett WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:33:57 GMT

this is a GREAT commercial considering the state of the world. everyone needs to laugh. crying is just a waste of water!

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Jim Broke — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:37:04 GMT

To Karen From Houston:

The WA lottery would be illegal under the gambling laws of most states because the odds of winning are so horribly low. The reason Washington doesn't include flying pigs is because it is too close to the truth "Buy a Washington Lotto ticket and you'll win when pigs fly".

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EOS, Seattle, WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:50:40 GMT

Feed the starving of the world, save democracy, and stop global warming. We will feel a whole lot better doing these things than winning the lottery! Or even flying. Come on, let's go!

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TC, Seattle, WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:54:20 GMT

This ad captures my attention every time it plays. I think it grows on someone the more you watch it. I too am glad the WA Lottery is looking beyond material excess that most folks think of when they think of spending lottery winnings. If I ever win the lottery I will count my blessings and donate a large amount immediately, as an offering to the lotto gods! Good karma and all that!

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Tomm, Des Moines IA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:58:34 GMT

All you cynics out there need to go back under your rock - Good Lord already!!
This is a terrific commercial and one I wish more state agencies would see for better promotional ideas.
Besides that, did you see the looks on their faces?! The penguin appeared to be having a blast and the chicken seemed in awe. These are experiences that are just as amazing to the animals as they are to us as humans.

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Craig, Seattle, Washington — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:05:10 GMT

"This commercial is obviously a sales tactic to sell more tickets"....boy you really got the world figured out now!

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Kathy, Seattle WA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:10:18 GMT

This ad is still running in Washington state and is being enjoyed for what it's worth by most of us. It won't cause me to buy or not buy a lotto ticket but it is sure "entertaining" and thought provoking. LMiller - get a life - maybe you need to take flight.

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Kai Price — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:41:10 GMT

Thanks for this--my gf will love it.

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Redmond, Washington — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:57:08 GMT

I love this ad, it makes me smile every time I see it. It hasn't made me buy a lotto ticket, and I'm still well aware of all the problems of the world which I do what I can to improve when I can. Bottom line, try and relax and enjoy the cute things in life when you see them. If you always look for the dark cloud in everything, you will always find it.

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Christal, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:46:03 GMT

I loved this commercial and saw it for more than entertainment value, but truly as a way to finally enjoy life without worry about how the bills would be paid tomorrow. I believe that one of the pleasures of the rich is that they have the ability to positively affect another's life. We should all be so rich in this world -- that we not only would have the ability but the DESIRE to want to improve another's station in life!

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Margaret, Massachusetts — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:49:59 GMT

I think it's a GREAT ad - it makes you stop and smile.

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Katie, Forks, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:00:07 GMT

I love this ad!

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John W Owego, NY — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:14:06 GMT

My dog loves to ride in cars, trucks, boats and tractors, why wouldn't a penquin like a hang glider ride?

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TKennedy, Maine, USA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:15:18 GMT

It is adorable for us animal lovers, and those of us that still have a heart. Like seeing a commerical with good humor and imagination.

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Reality Bites — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:22:33 GMT

"The penguin appeared to be having a blast and the chicken seemed in awe."

Tomm, I'm guessing you work daily with not only penguins but chickens too, analyzing their thought processes and figuring out when they're most happy or distraut - based on how you could know what they were thinking by the looks on their faces. Those "experiences" most likely scared the living crap out of them - just as they would for most people who tried flying that way for the first time.

I've never seen a chicken "in awe" before. I don't think they have any expressions but one as it is. When you get educated come back and comment again.

As for the rest of you... "it was Sooooo cute!", "it made me Soooo happy!". Good Lord, it's naive people like you they make commercials for. I bet more than half of you have bought items from infomercials, then wonder why they don't work when you get them! These people basically forced these animals to fly against their intended natural ability. It's a shame PETA hasn't gotten involved. You may think it's a cute commercial, but it's animal cruelty as well.

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MC - Shoreline, Washington — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:53:56 GMT

Mr. Tig, You hit the nail on the head! This ad is about changing the lives of others if you are lucky enough to win. This has got to be the best ad on TV today - everytime I hear it come on, I stop (actually my entire family stops) what we're doing and sit in awe to watch this amazing ad! The more I see it, the more I love it! these animals are experiencing the time of their lives - you can see it in their eyes.

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Rick, Whidbey Island, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:31:56 GMT

Terrific and entertaining and oh so much fun.

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James, Yakima WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:45:59 GMT

Please correct your post. All of Washington does not have gray weather. Over half of the state has 300 days of sunshine a year and less than 10 inches of rain.

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Anna Martin, Spokane Valley WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:05:03 GMT

I enjoy watching this commercial, every time it's on. There's a sweetness to it that leaves the viewer with a soft smile. Kudos to the team who developed it.

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srsrsr — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:48:24 GMT

This is a good commercial. Whats not to like about flying birds?

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Tim Locke, Blackwood, N.J. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:41:36 GMT

Man has sought to fly from the moment we first settled down into neolithic settlements. Ancient man like the Mayan and Egyptians spent great time on astrological calculations and ruminated on the possibilities of manned flight. Money does not give wing to flight, it is the collective conscious and the dreams of all mankind that make flight possible.

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Eric Maloney, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:14:46 GMT

I wonder if Penguin tastes like Duck...Hmmmmm

Circular Logic...Ducks Fly, and you can hunt ducks...Penguins fly so they must taste like duck.

I vote PETA...People Eating Tasty Animals

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Mark G, Janesville, WI — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:46:58 GMT

You all have this commercial wrong. It has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with taking a bunch of flightless birds flying. It has a deeper message. It has to do with, IF you won the lottery, would you spend all the money on yourself? OR would you help others?

My fiance and I often talk about winning the lottery. We help our friends and family, and donate more to charities. Of course we would keep some for ourselves to have fun.

That is the message of this commercial. People have to get beyond the obvious sometimes.

But I also found it entertaining. That penguin was the best.

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Catsmeow, Marysville, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:48:14 GMT

Take from the commercial what you will, if it makes you smile - smile; if it makes you stop in the middle of the day to watch - enjoy; if it makes you a cynic - then spend your days figuring out why the ad was made showing flightless birds flying. And if BY CHANCE you win the lottery, make your life and perhaps someone's or something's better too. What a concept.[EOM]

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Katherine, Washington DC — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:31:48 GMT

LOL - that's cute.

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Robin, MA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:55:34 GMT

It's a cute commercial.

Yes, it touches the emotion of people, yes it was created to sell lotto tickets. Not everyone is as easily swayed by advertising as some suggest. Advertising takes on whatever ideas you interpret out of it.

For thoes who say it's cruelty to the animals, the article stated that they were trained animals, and who is to say they didn't practice or do multiple trips for the commercial, I wouldn't think most commercials come out in one camera shoot.

For thoes who say these birds were not intended to fly by nature... look to humanity. Nature didn't give us wings, we created them.

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The Truth, Kansas City — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:40:08 GMT

Wow, even commercials with animals in good situations are torn apart by the "PETA" people. Jesus, people, they are just flying around. They aren't being shot out of cannons or thrown out of a plane! Grow up a little and quit over thinking the animal rights thing. I understand that they have no voice, but why is the default logic that they hate everything we do? What if they can't say that this is ALL they want to do? I know I would!

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Brian Crossville, TN — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:03:32 GMT

I think chicken processing plants should strap all chickens to hanggliders before cutting them up. Or maybe they could throw them off a tall building, it would be cheaper and they might just die from the fall. Weeeeeeee! Bam! then all thats left to do is mechanically seperate your chicken.

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ariel, chandler, az — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:23:02 GMT

I think this commercial is so cute! that little pengiun is adorable!! :)

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James, Seattle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:30:33 GMT

Good Lord, this is why I don't read this stuff! I should get back to work and wish all of y'all would too!

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Sarah, Seattle, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:32:21 GMT

I love this commercial. It plays frequently on local channels... The music and the premise make me smile every time I see it. It's a sweet commercial, not a misdirected social commentary on penguin habitats. Lighten up! :)

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Kathy, Seattle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:55:04 GMT

From Penguin, Chicken & Emu:

We loved it and had a great time. Stop making it into something it's not. Mayge you're just jealous!

Kisses & Hugs,
P,C & E

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Katie, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:34:37 GMT

I find it funny that everyone from Washington loves this commercial, and the dissenters are from elsewhere. I live in Seattle and happen to like it.

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Heather, Seattle, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:47:29 GMT

Interesting that nearly everyone from Washington who has posted a response loves the ad. Maybe y'all from Texas are jealous that they don't have such creative advertising in your market. :)

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Eddy Joyce,- Armadale.-West Australia — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:09:52 GMT

I would have thought that any bird given wings by the almighty, was meant to fly. Just as if humans were meant to smoke should have chimnies on their heads.

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Bruce Williams, Pasadena, CA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:27:10 GMT

It used to be called "the numbers game" and was a major money maker for the Mafia, collecting big money in small amounts from poor people who became hooked on it.

Now our government has the moral standards of the Mafia, using everything from schools to Indians to whitewash preying on people by using gambling to take money from people who, statistical fact, can't afford it.

This feel good ad makes me sick with it's cynical misrepresentation of what is really going on. Yesterday I saw a really poor looking guy with an old car buy $3 worth of gas and $5 worth of lottery tickets. Now that would make a good ad!

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Cheryl, Parkersburg, WV — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:55:28 GMT

As a former Washingtonion, I think this commercial is very clever. I have a fondness for penguins, and this little guy is way to cute, flappin' his/her wings. I agree with the majority of the posters here that this commercial is not about taking birds for a short flight, but to get us to think about what we would do with our lottery winnings, if we did indeed win. Would we waste it as some have, or would we do good, as others have.

Makes ya think.

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Frances G, Ringoes, NJ — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:18:17 GMT

Did I miss something? There was no emu hang glider & human. That may have been a digital insertion of a bird in a harness As for the philosphy & animal rights stuff: get over yourself There is no deeper meaning - it's just a commercial. The animals didn't look traumatized nor was there a stream of bird guano falling from the sky. Animal curiosity we dismiss and humans idiocacy we excuse. Lighten up!

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Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:11:07 GMT

once again, the man is keeping the kiwi down.

and i've worked with penguins. trust me, you KNOW when they're not happy.

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Sherry, Seattle, WA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:28:24 GMT

It is one of the best ads I have ever seen and I sent the link to everyone I know. It is the only commercial where I actually tried to find a way to compliment the agency that created it but I couldn't find out who it was.

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Kurtiss Jacobs — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:41:30 GMT

>>>Perhaps the penguin would prefer that its habitat not be impacted by climate change.

Well, tough luck. Climate change has been here for 15 billion years, and we mere mortals are too insignificant to halt (or increase) it.

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Fred Latendresse Kennewick, Washington — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:53:29 GMT

Steady on Folks! The PETA folks were involved in this commercial prior to, and over the course of the filming. I have it on excellent authority that each and every animal used actually 'stepped forward' when volunteers were requested. (Except for the hen, who actually stepped backwards; because, as many of you know, females apparently have no sense of direction). This is a refreshing moment to spend with some of our animal friends. I even forget that the Washington State Lottery Commission has much to do with it. (There, that should put the death-blow to the effectiveness rating of this commercial!!) Sorry -

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DK WW, WA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:44:09 GMT

Actually my first thought when seeing this commercial was "Wouldn't my lottery winnings be better spent helping low income children receive dental or optical care? Or beefing up the budget of my local animal shelter? Or covering the cost of mammograms for uninsured women?" I can think of so many other ways to spend money that would be far more beneficial than giving a chicken a lesson in hang-gliding.
But that's just my opinion, maybe I'm a cynic.

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SurfinGirl — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:04:31 GMT

Hey, lmiller-- smile a little.

And learn how to spell ridiculous. ;)

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Bubba, Georgia — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:08:50 GMT

Penguins 'fly' underwater, so no problem for them, and chickens can fly if they aren't fat domestic chickens. The emu probably felt abused and confused.

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Kelly, Tacoma WA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:48:39 GMT

I LOVE this commercial!! I saw it yesterday, and it just made me giggle! If I am forced to watch commercials, at least they can be entertaining like this one!

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AP — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:16:55 GMT

I'm not sure if penguins taste like duck, but they do taste like chicken. Which means if Chickens taste like penguins, that would explain why they have difficulty flying.

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AP2 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:21:23 GMT

Just so you know, I spoke with the chicken and the penguin and they both liked the film. They are hoping it will be a launching pad into a fulltime Hollywood career. I told them that if I won the lottery, I would help them get to LA. With the rest of the money, I guess I would try to bring world peace.

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C., formerly of Seattle — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:29:27 GMT

To all the people who don't get this commercial (ahem, lmiller), here's another tip: stay away from Disneyland. It's chock full of enjoyably "ridiculous" things. Things that exist purely to bring a moment's pleasure. Don't overthink this commercial.

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Leo Romo, Tacoma,Wa. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:02:27 GMT

I have seen and endured quite a few ads in my life(75 yrs)but this has got to be one of the best,if not the best one. It may be for the state lottery,but it is refreshing and it doesn't annoy ne when veiwed.

Leo Tacoma,Wa.

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Donald, Belfair, Washington — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:52:19 GMT

I really like the commercial no matter what it is ment to be, to spend it on something else or other living thing is great then someone's own greed for themselves.

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Barbara, Boston Massachusetts — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:50:50 GMT

Nomrally, I'm not a bird lover but this commercial brought a huge smile to my face and I loved the fact that the birds were treated so kindly and lovingly. Relax everyone, it sure beats some of the junk we see on everyday TV. If I won the lottery, I'd be happy to donate money so that others can get a big smile on their face.

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Anne, Seattle WA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:56:08 GMT

Love this ad...makes me smile each time I see it and I see new things to enjoy about it each time it airs. They used trained birds....the birds weren't hurt or freaked out. This ad is still played alot here on our Seattle area stations. (I noticed in the article that they say the ad was short lived.) I saw it at least 4 times on tv last night alone, so it's still going.

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Jody, King Co Washington — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:47:30 GMT

Chickens can fly. It’s not pretty but it gets the job done. I have to get my chickens out of the trees and into the coop so the raccoons don’t eat then after it gets dark on a regular basis. Chickens are individuals, some like to be picked up and cuddled, some like to sit on your lap only when it’s their idea, and some like the ride from up on your shoulder. It is not that hard for me to believe that a pet chicken could enjoy the adventure of flight.

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Little Joe — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:53:23 GMT

I was a penguin in my past life. I married a chicken and we had a happy life together. It would have been nice had someone done a random act of kindness from their lottery winnings and let me experience flight. But instead, a polar bear ate me.

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Brynne, Seattle, WA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:05:42 GMT

I think the following fable applies to the two "extreme" opinions on this commercial:

**
A traveler nearing a great city, asked an elderly man seated by the wayside, “What are the people like in the city?”

“How were the people where you came from?”

“A terrible lot,” the traveler responded. “Mean, untrustworthy, detestable in all respects.”

“Ah,” said the man, “you will find them the same in the city ahead.”

Scarcely was the first traveler gone when another one stopped and also inquired about the people in the city before him.

Again the old man asked about the people in the place the traveler had left.

“They were fine people; honest, industrious, and generous to a fault. I was sorry to leave,” declared the second traveler.

The wise man responded: “So you will find them in the city ahead.”

**
People who are bitter and jaded in life are very efficient at finding terrible things to say about anything.

(I also live in Seattle and so naturally, I love this commercial! Does everything have to have a sinister undertone? Lighten up, people... enjoy life!)

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11fan, Seattle WA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:17:35 GMT

For all of you trashing this commercial:

You really must have small and unhappy lives to not see the simple good humor and fun in this 30 seconds of TV. If I ever get that jaded and nasty, I hope that I have the good graces to remove myself from the world so that others can continue to enjoy life.

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Jerry — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:56:10 GMT

I really enjoy this commercial too. Great job!

By the way, if you watch the camera angles, I am guessing that the flying animal shots were made in studio, in front of a green screen (ie; the weather map wall). They would be 3' or 4' off the floor which would explain why the animals were not frightened.

Yes, they are being strapped in but they look really calm.

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Jon, Post Falls, Idaho — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:16:30 GMT

Reminds me of when I took my blind buddy skydiving. I'd never heard a seeing eye dog scream before.

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Eric — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:58:14 GMT

Geesh guys, the commercial is just supposed to be funny, it's not like they are serious. People weave waaaay to much into a simple commercial. Relax.

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Mary Hart, Vienna, VA — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:58:15 GMT

Cute commercial, but rather awkward. Nice if the birds want to fly - but do they? Rather like a movie depicting a survivalist dropped (without his permission) into a penthouse flat with every luxury and the doors barred so he has to enjoy it. Would have been a better ad if they had shown people shipping vast quantities of ice to the north pole for the polar bears to counteract global warming or something (Just as pointless, but you would imagine the polar bears would appreciate it!). Not that I am against people training chickens to hang glide if the chickens are desperate to learn, but the message of the ad, if you go by all the posts here, is definitely not unmixed!

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Linda Johnson, Menominee, Michigan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:26:23 GMT

Hey, The Truth, don't blame the PETA people for the idiocy of those lambasting the use of animals. That's their enjoyment of their own cynicism - and resulting superiority to those who enjoyed the ad - not their concern for animals coming through. I'd put money on it everyone at PETA are smiling through the ad - 'cause they actually Like animals and think they're cute and get all warm and fuzzy feeling over things like this. The deep thinking cynics are simply people who are unable to enjoy life and like to think that somehow makes them better/smarter/deeper than the average joe.

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J Carter, Michigan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:22:31 GMT

Why all the controversy? They want to sell tickets! The way they do that is to get your attention. As everyone learns in Advertising 101, animals and babies sell things. Don't overthink it, just enjoy it! It made you remember the product, which is what it was intended to do!

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MWM, Former Washingtonian — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:03:49 GMT

Yakima James, thank you. I wondered if anyone was ever going to mention the vast, desert-like MAJORITY of Washington's terrain. As a native of Clarkston, it still sets my teeth on edge every time folks equate all of Washington with Seattle. Most of the state BURNS every summer -- it just doesn't make the news much, because there aren't too many expensive houses going up in the smoke! I challenge anyone who thinks Washington's weather is "usually gray" to spend some time EAST of the mountains...

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Ward, Redmond, WA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:21:30 GMT

Terrific ad. My wife and I enjoy it very much.

When penguins fly

Peggy, Kingwood, Texas — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:37:03 GMT

Aw! I love this commercial - they seem to be having so much fun! It made me smile and made me feel good!

When penguins fly

Conni, Bellingham, WA — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:12:55 GMT

I'm a travel nurse from Florida currently working in WA. I saw this commercial and thought it was great. I even told people back home about it.

When penguins fly

Awalls, Seattle WA — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:28:13 GMT

This is one of my favorite commercials of all time. It's inspiring. The message is so obvious. It's about doing something nice for someone else.

Reality Bites, you are a curmudgeon.

When penguins fly

Patricia Wilson — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:14:28 GMT

I would love to get a copy of this commercial. I have cancer and it is one of the few things that put a smile on my face these days.

When penguins fly

BOb Harley, Dallas Texa — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:46:43 GMT

Whats the name of the song thats being played?

When penguins fly

Leslie Bremerton,Wa. — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:33:12 GMT

I myself,really loved this commercial.Watch it everytime it comes on.The person that thought of this one,love the way you think,keep on writing those commercials.

When penguins fly

some ad chick in columbus, OH — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:26:58 GMT

reality bites -- wow. that name really fits. how can you be so sure that the animals were treated unfairly? ever hear of CGI, photoshop, anime? you'd be surprised at the restrictions placed on us ad folks to get things done. for the most part, reputable agencies will NOT participate in any productions where animals are at risk. it's just a dumb move -- not even considering the ethical implications.