Right on Target

I'm not much of a football fan, but I'm always game to watch the Super Bowl ads. This year, they were a disappointment. Maybe companies aren't putting as much creative juice into traditional media, I thought.

Then I saw the new commercials Target created just for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, on February 13. Under the umbrella of "Awards Show Meltdown," Target ran a series of six ads as part of its ongoing campaign called "Life's a Moving Target."

The ads were funny and on point. And if you missed them, you'll have to watch them on YouTube as they're not scheduled to be rebroadcast on TV.

Target is definitely working the magic of the medium, whichever medium it engages. Forget that Target was to be a new idea in discount stores. Today it has become more of a preferred shopping destination. Me? I walk in for one or two items and leave with bags and bags of stuff that's been on my mental shopping list for months. I've even heard corporate executives talk about their shopping trips to "Tar-shay."

Who said bricks-and-mortar stores were a dying breed?

Grasping at groundhogs

It's been a long, tough winter here in the Northeast...and throughout the nation. More than small talk, the weather has become big news. Especially as storm after storm after storm brings snow and ice.

And so today, on Feb. 2, many eyes turned to Punxsutawney Phil, the ceremonial groundhog who predicts spring's arrival. What was once folklore has become a Groundhog Day extravaganza in Punxsutawney. I guess there's nothing better to do on a winter's day in western Pennsylvania. Still, the pseudo-event brings hope that one day the sun will again shine, crocus will bloom, and grass will grow.

For those of you who haven't heard the news, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. This means he predicts an early spring.

If you don't believe me, you can watch the excitement for yourself on the Commonwealth Media Hub.

And if you keep planning to get out and play in the snow, but like me have yet to do so, you'd better get moving. Spring is just around the corner. Or so says Phil.