Random Acts of Annoyance:

For as celebrated as MASN recently was at this year's local ADDY Awards, I wouldn't have expected their newest commercial as being the source for my annoyance. Yet, here I am, wondering how in the world "Sayonara Homerama" made the cut as a "good line" in MASN's latest "Fantasy Camp" commercial.

I'm sure most of you have seen it by now. The backdrop is Buck Martinez hosting a broadcast fantasy camp where fans are trying out their own home run calls. When "Sayonara Homerama" is followed with praise, I asked myself how many people were actually laughing. I know I wasn't.  The truth is, I actually think the allusion to Homer's "The Illiad" was the most creative home run call of the three in the spot. Had it been delivered confidently, I think it could work. Yet, this call was the only one lambasted by Martinez.

Great campaigns are built, in my mind, around great copy (maybe just because I'm a writer at heart). Especially when an ad like this is multi-classed on both television and radio.  If you're trying to be funny, be funny, not cheesy.

The failure to humor got me thinking. Anyone must be able to come up with something better than "Sayonara Homerama". So go for it. Leave your own home run calls in the comments section.

Here are a few of mine...

"That was some hot bat-on-ball action"

"A little ball goes a long way"

"Say goodnight"

"This can only be solved one way...it's a walk off" (speaking in Zoolander reference)

"He's touchin more bags than your local grocer"

No more judging while intoxicated?

Did anyone else notice something missing last night from American Idol?

There were only two Coke glasses on the judges table last night. Randy had his. Simon had his. Paula? Not so much.

After her debacle last week forgetting the difference between one song and two songs, one has got to think that the Coke really was topped off with something (she looks like a Vodka Diet type as opposed to rum) this whole time.

So what's the big issue about Paula's pallet staying dry all night? Product placement. For all these years, Coke has had 3 strategically placed pieces of advertising. With the judges getting all that face time, so was the soda company's logo. But whose choice was the missing middle cup?

Maybe it was the producers of the show attempting to damage control. Maybe it was Paula herself (highly unlikely). My guess...it was Coca Cola. Put yourself in their shoes. With the internet buzzing more than usual about Paula remixing the celebrated soft drink, perhaps they felt it was time to step in. If this is indeed the case, it is about time. When the camera is rolling and those cups are on the table, whoever is drinking out of them represents the product. And last time I checked, Coke didn't sell a product where an ID check was necessary at the register.

On a related note, she did seem different last night. What Coke may be losing in product placement they can make up for in the sentimental value that leading Paula on a road to sobriety can bring.

Think about how empty our lives would be without it. Think of your morning drive without foolishly glancing over and wondering whether or not you should splurge and drop those extra few bones at About Faces for Mother's Day. Or how about when you're stuck watching Sex and the City reruns. I bet a lot of guys can't wait for that commercial break.

And quick question. Your favorite line from that movie you loved 6 months ago? Yea, didn't think so.

Here's another question.  Spit out a few lines from Orbit's 'Dirty Mouth' campaign. Yea. Cootie Queen. I thought so. And sorry, that wasn't actually a question.

Point is, good advertising stays with the target. Bad advertising? Well, that can stay with the target too.

Kind of like this...the famed San Diego Sockers indoor soccer team. This wildly successful promotional piece of advertising ultimately contributed to a FIVE YEAR EXISTENCE of some indoor soccer league no one remembers.