Clock Widget

Last week, I suggested that we would have a few surprises for our readers this year. Here is the first of them-a Coca-Cola clock widget.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a widget is a mini-web application that you can download and use on your personal applications. You can put widgets on your own website, your MySpace profile or even your own blog. To download, simply click the Share button below the clock. The menu that shows up will provide you with all the options you need. You can also click the All option for dozens more destinations.

Let me know what you think about this custom clock.

"Mean" Joe Greene's thoughts on the new Coke Zero ad

Last week, one of my staff members did an in-depth interview with Joe Greene concerning the new “Mean” Troy Coke Zero commercial and the making of his original commercial.  This is the first of two video posts developed from that interview.  Joe offers his thoughts on the new commercial, the casting of Troy Polamalu, and the Steelers chances in the big game.

Next week, we will post an extensive video history of the making of the original “Mean” Joe Greene ad.

"Mean Troy" Behind the scenes video

Just about a year ago, I posted about the “Mean” Joe Greene ad being voted one of the most popular Super Bowl ads of all time.  Today, we announced that another Pittsburgh Steeler defensive star, Troy Polamalu, takes on the starring role in “Mean” Troy, a new Coke Zero ad which echoes the earlier ad with an unexpected twist at the end.  This ad is one of three The Coca-Cola Company will air during the big game this weekend.

We have prepared a video which will give you a glimpse behind the scenes on the set of the new ad with some thoughts from Troy on living up to the original ad.

Later this week, we will air part of an interview we conducted several days ago with Joe Greene.  Joe talks about the new ad and his feeling about Troy.  Later we will use this space to air a detailed interview with Joe in which he walks us through the history of his famous ad.

Happy Birthday to Coke Conversations!

One year ago today, we launched our new blog, Coca-Cola Conversations.

At the time, I didn’t know much about doing a blog. I didn’t know if anyone would read it -- or like it. And I didn’t know if any of you would take the time to interact with me.

A year later, I’m happy to see how far we’ve come.

In the past year:

• I've added more than 200 posts to the blog.
• You and I have chatted more than 2,000 times in the comments section.

I’d said from my very first day that I wanted this blog to be a two-way dialogue. I knew without that, we wouldn’t succeed.

It’s been great to hear from you on everything ranging from Coca-Cola beach pants to your Coke collections at home to different ways to cook with our drinks. I’ve heard from loyal TaB drinkers about the lengths they’ll go to to find their favorite drink. You’ve written me about the different songs used in our ads and the special Coke cans and bottles made for the Beijing Olympics.

One thing I did not anticipate was the number of individuals who used the blog to ask questions about the value of their memorabilia. It took a lot of time to provide personal responses to all those inquiries -- including a number that took place through email.

Moving forward, I won’t be able to answer individual questions about collectibles. Instead, I’ll be able to spend the time focusing on other areas of the rich heritage of Coca-Cola.

Over the past year, I’ve done several posts on the value of collectibles in the Memorabilia area. Between those and the comments (on a very wide variety of posts -- many outside of the Memorabilia and Coke Collectors sections), you can find information on collectibles such as bottles, signs, clocks, syrup jugs, trays, glasses and far more. For example, you’ll find more than 250 comments and appraisals in the Welcome to My Blog post alone.

Just search the site for the item you have, and you’ll probably turn up a post or comment about it! Other useful references for memorabilia are Allan Petretti’s book Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide and the online auction house eBay.

I’ll still do posts relating to specific pieces of Coca-Cola advertising and marketing. And you’re certainly welcome to post comments regarding those specific items, but I won’t be able to give individual evaluations of collectibles.

I’m looking forward to 2009. In the coming months, you’ll see more video on the blog -- some of it taken from resources we have in the Coke archives, but much of it will be newly created content that will only be available on this blog.

Some favorites from 2008 will remain, too. I want to continue to involve you with Friday Fun contests that challenge your creativity and allow you (and me!) to have some fun as you experience this site.

And I have a few surprises in the works that I think you will enjoy! I hope you will continue to read the blog and to participate in the conversation.

We have a winner - Sprite Boy

We had great participation in last week’s caption contest. This Sprite Boy ad generated a lot of creative entries

Sure, Main Street gets all the Coke. But what about First Avenue?
Beam me down one, Scotty!
Good news, people of Main Street! Here comes the giant thirst quenchers.
The floating Coca-Cola caravan! Coming soon to the Main Street in your home town.
Before anyone could drink anything else, Sprite Boy invaded Main Street with the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola!
The 1950 Macy's Day Parade was dominated by The Coca-Cola Company. Shown here, are three of the massive inflatable balloons: Sprite Boy, a Coca-Cola Dispenser and a Coca-Cola glass."
Sprite Boy says: "Drink Coca-Cola and you'll have an out-of-body experience too!"
"Whaddya mean, 'no hands'? I made you a Coke, didn't I?"
Sprite Boy keeps a watchful eye over his realm lest a Pepsi minion dare invade.
Sprite Boy says... "Note to Self: Must cut back on caffeinated drinks... also, stop at Rexall drug store, need Brylcreem/Dippity-do for flyaway hair".
"Hey, Hot-lanta! Have a cold Coca-Cola on me!"
While walking down Main Street, I thought, "Boy, could I use a cold Coke."
Then the 'Boy' appeared, ready to serve!While walking down Main Street, I thought, "Boy, could I use a cold Coke."
Then the 'Boy' appeared, ready to serve!
Sprite Boy says: "Nobody Beats The Taste Of Coke. And I Mean No Body."
(i can see the building on the left pointing to the coke machine) so here goes:
even main street approves of sprite boy quenching your thirst with a coke, kinda gives a celebration to everything.
quenching your thirst is thumb's up on main street, when sprite boy is there to serve you a coca cola. peanuts optional,(i did that when i was a kid).
If I drink Coca-Cola too fast, the bubbles all go to my head!
I'm going through withdrawals now that they changed the secret recipe.
Coke rises above all the rest on Main St.
"No, I'm not related to the Keebler's and I don't have any cookies for you. However, I can get you a building size glass of Coke and maybe a smile."
In the 1940's, Sprite Boy was appointed (head) spokesperson for
The Coca-Cola Company. He (heads up) the fountain sales division; wearing both bottle cap and soda jerk hats. L b ets hope his new position doesn't go to his (head).
Did someone say, Boy, I could sure use a Coke?"
So Refreshing, I'm walking on air!
Heaven help us! Even the "Big One" is a Coke fan!
Heads ups, investors! Invest in Coca-Cola and go from Main Street to Wall Street!
The Coke effect: in a city that never sleeps, the Boy is Sprite awake.
UH on second thought I'll have a small.
I NeEd BiG Strew and ladder :-)
"Don't have a cow, man! I'm just bringin' you a Coke.!"
"OK... It's a staring contest. Winner gets the Coke"!
Sprite Boy Soda Jerk to customer: "Would you like me to put a head on that glass of Coke?"
After reading The Headless Horseman, Mr.Woodruff asked his advertising staff to start an ad campaign using a bodyless Sprite Boy.
And you thought the Statue of Liberty was impressive!

As usual, it was difficult selecting a winning entry, but the judges chose:

"No, I'm not related to the Keebler's and I don't have any cookies for you. However, I can get you a building size glass of Coke and maybe a smile” posted by MSU Cokeboi. A prize from our goodie closet is on its way.

There will not be a caption contest tomorrow as my team is working on a number of special posts for the blog next week, but it will return soon.

New Ad Campaign Launched for Coca-Cola

Today, in New York City, we announced a new advertising campaign for Coca-Cola. "Open Happiness" is an evolution of the "Coke Side of Life" campaign that launched in 2006.

 

The first televised spots will debut on “American Idol” tonight on the FOX Network. Ads from the new campaign will also air during the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards. Print and outdoor advertising will also be used in the campaign.

 

To get a look at the campaign, you can visit The Coca-Cola Company website.

Coca-Cola Chili Recipe

Today I have another recipe for you -- chili made with Coke. But this recipe is a bit different, because it was created for our Company by the Culinary Institute of America. They helped us a few years ago to use our drinks (Coke, our juices, lemonade, etc.) in new recipes. The Culinary Institute recipes are very different from the more traditional recipes we have (they involve more ingredients, for example), and they’re great.

Here’s the latest one I’ve tried. While this includes beef and pork, I think you could easily make this with ground chicken or turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.

Coca-Cola Chili
5 ancho chilies, rinsed, stems, seeds and ribs removed
1 1/2 cups water to cover chilies
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 1/2 cups diced white onion, diced small
3 garlic cloves, peeled, smashed
2 jalapeño peppers, medium, seeds and ribs removed, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground beef, lean
3/4 pound ground pork, lean
1 cup canned whole tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups Coca-Cola
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 teaspoons salt
1 cup (10.5 oz. can) red kidney beans, canned, drained
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream, low-fat (optional)
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion (optional)

1. Place ancho chilies in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Transfer chilies and cooking liquid to a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño peppers. Cook until onions soften and turn translucent, about 10 minutes. Add in the tomato paste and cook, stirring, another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the beef and pork, and cook until meat is no longer pink. Add Coke, tomatoes, cumin, tomatoes, and puréed chilies; stir well to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook 30 minutes.
3. Stir in beans and 1 tablespoon salt. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until mixture thickens, about 30 to 40 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste with remaining 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
4. Ladle chili into warmed bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired.
Makes 6-8 servings

Two things: First, please be careful with the chilies! They’ll be hot. The second: You can see the other Culinary Institute recipes here.

Write your own caption - Sprite Boy

For this week’s Friday Fun contest, I thought this 1950 “Host to Thirsty Main Street” ad would provide good inspiration.

The elfin character Sprite Boy was introduced in the 1940s and remains popular on collectibles. One thing you might be able to use in your caption: Sprite Boy has no body! He’s just a head and bow tie, and sometimes a set of hands.

The game: Send me your funny, clever or “punny” caption for this Sprite Boy ad. (Use the “comments” area below this post.) Submit your captions by 5 PM on Wednesday, Jan. 21 (EST)

The prize: I’ll announce the winning caption on Thursday, Jan. 22. The winner will receive a Coca-Cola prize from my “goodie closet.”

Good luck!

We have a winner - Snow delivery

For last week’s Friday Fun caption contest, I asked you to send me your clever captions for this 1949 photo from Switzerland.

You all sent me great captions. Thanks to everyone who sent these in!

• Through rain, sleet, or snow, you can always count on me to deliver the great taste of Coke...now served extra cold!
• I think I can! I think I can!
• Sure wish I hadn't lost the keys to the truck in the snow. Now I'll have to wait till it melts before I'll find them. Oh, it's going to be a long winter!
• The things I do for love!
• I sure could go for a hot Swiss Miss right now; hot cocoa I mean.
• Uphill, downhill, over the hill, Coca-Cola is for everyone!
• Where are those Polar Bears when you need them???
• Where's that Polar Bear when you need him?
• Ahh, but returning the empties is easy and quick!
• I ccccan't ffffffeel mmmmmmmmy tttttoes!
• On the plus side, Soren knew, once he delivered the cases of Coke, that he'd be riding that sled down the mountain.
• Over the Hills and thru the Woods to Grandma’s House I go delivering Ice Cold Coca-Cola along the way. I have the Greatest Job in the World and I get Paid for it!
• After Swen delivers all the cases of Coke, he loves the sleigh ride back to the Plant to pick up more and repeat the process again & again & again.
• At least the Cokes will be nice and cold when we arrive!
• When I signed up to be a driver for Coca-Cola, I didn't think I would be driving a sled.
• Look there’s 5 cents, now I can buy a Coca-Cola.
• Where did my dog team go?
• There’s got to be a better way to keep them cold
• That city plow should have been here by now!
• They promised me a dog sled. They didn't tell me I was the dog!
• Proof-positive that you don't need 'pull' to get a job delivering Coke.
• Huh... I delivered a Futon to this place once!
• Coke... always worth it
• I accept cash or check... And the occasional bribe of a cold bottle of Coke!
• Coke... Always an adventure
• Whew! I'm ready to pause for a Coke!
• I'm gonna with this Coke Box Derby this year!
• Better be gettin' a tip for this!

And the winner is: "Huh... I delivered a Futon to this place once!" sent in by theGreek. Congratulations! I’ll send you a Coca-Cola prize from my “goodie closet.”

Check back tomorrow for another Friday Fun contest!

Lessons Learned: Newer Coca-Cola collectibles

I get a lot of questions about relatively new Coca-Cola collectibles. People often wonder what they are worth.

In the world of Coke collectibles, something that is even 30 years old isn’t really an old piece. Because Coca-Cola began in 1886, and items such as Coke calendars and trays started appearing in the 1890s, there are decades’ worth of collectibles out there.

Generally speaking, a Coke item made in the 1970s or after is fairly new, and will not have a significant monetary value. Many serious collectors do not even include these pieces in their holdings.

Modern collectibles
The reason that pre-1970 materials hold their value is because they were not produced as collectibles, but as sales aids. The posters, trays, calendars and signs that fetch significant prices at auction sites and flea markets were never intended to be collected.

In the 1970s, there was a surge of interest in memorabilia produced by the Company. Reproductions of serving trays, bottles and fountain glasses were produced as consumer promotions, and a wide variety of “new” collectibles entered the market.

Beginning in the 1980s, the Company has licensed a large number of third-party manufacturers to produce goods bearing the Coca-Cola trademark. Many of these materials are highly decorative and colorful, but do not have much value as a collectible. Rarely do they achieve values much beyond the original purchase price.

How do you find the current prices?
If you want to get an idea of current value of newer items, look at recent auction results. The Coca-Cola Collectors Club has a site with results from auctions at its conventions. Checking an online auction site such as eBay also is a great way to see today’s prices for an item.

Whether you’re buying or selling a Coke piece, do your research and check today’s values.

Lessons Learned: How to sell a Coke piece
Lessons Learned: How much is this bottle worth?
Lessons Learned: Coca-Cola pub mirrors