Write Your Own Caption - Thirst Knows No Season

As you saw in last week’s contest, sometimes the advertising images for Coke were a little strange. Perhaps it was the times or some realty creative people, but this week’s contest also takes a poster produced in the fifties that was a little odd. Your challenge is to create a witty caption for the poster that will bring a smile to our judges’ faces.

All entries should be submitted by 5pm on March 4. A winner will be announced on March 5. Good Luck!

We Have a Winner-Teen Party

The entries are in from last week’s caption contest. Thanks to everyone who participated. Here are the submissions:

"Drink up, boys. Coolidge won!"

"No matter what hat you wear, Coca-Cola tops off every party."

"Nine out of ten balloons float on the Coke side of life."

Even "airheads" love Coca-Cola!

"Coca-Cola: The Life of the Party!"

"What you want is a Coke. What you get is a party."

Some of these hats must have come from the clown that posed for last weeks Friday Fun caption with the small umbrella.

Hey, Irene! I lost the coaster that demonstrates how to drink Coca-Cola from a bottle, so I'll use this balloon to show you.

I know COKE adds life to the party but I wish he'd pay more attention to me than to that airhead!

"Who needs a cake when you've got Coca-Cola!"

"Hey, who invited the character with the inflated ego?"

Drinking Ice Cold Coca-Cola is like having a Party for your Tonsils.

Drinking Coca-Cola is a Party for your Mouth.

"Ha! They have no idea that I put Pepsi in these bottles!"

It's Pepsi for you from now on. That was my best lipstick!

"I'd rather suck Helium than share my Coca-Cola with any of you guys."

"My hat's off to the pause that refreshes."

The judges deliberated long and hard (at least five minutes) before rendering their decision.

And the winner is: raggedyann for her caption:

“I know COKE adds life to the party but I wish he'd pay more attention to me than to that airhead”!

A wonderful gift from our prize vault will be on its way to this worthy recipient.

We will have another caption contest on Friday. Be sure to check back then.

Mary Alexander, in her Own Words

Last February, I told you about Mary Alexander, one of Coke’s first African American models. I just came across a video from an event we had at the World of Coke in her honor where she told the entire story of how she came from Ball Play, Alabama to Clark College in Atlanta where she modeled for Coke ads in 1955.

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to share this video clip of Mrs. Alexander in her own words telling her story of how nervous she was at the modeling audition, and how difficult it was to convince her father to allow her, his youngest daughter, to model! Enjoy:

Write Your Own Caption-Teen Party

I guess that parties in the 1950s were a bit different than they are today. This poster, distributed in 1952, depicts a costume party where Coca-Cola was front and center. But check out the background interaction. There is a boy apparently trying to provide a balloon with some refreshment, and the young lady behind the central figure looks none too happy.

Your challenge is to create a witty caption for this poster by 5pm on February 25. A winner will be selected on February 26. Good luck to all.

Artist Kadir Nelson’s Black History Month Coke Illustrations

Acclaimed artist Kadir Nelson has created a special set of Coca-Cola artwork in celebration of Black History Month. The art combines original illustrations by Nelson, with original poetry by R&B artist Musiq Soulchild. Some of the art is on display this month at our headquarters in Atlanta, and some was made into wall murals around town in Atlanta. While Kadir was here this week, we sat down to ask him what it was like working with Coke, and what inspired him. He even tells us about his memories growing up with Coke in his grandmother’s store. See the interview below:

You’ll see a few of these pieces in magazines such as Ebony, Essence and O, The Oprah Magazine, and I’m told that a limited-edition piece illustrated by Nelson featuring NBA All Star LeBron James will be available in SUPERVALU grocery stores across the country. Get them while you can!

Want to see more on Kadir Nelson? Go to www.kadirnelson.com.

We Have a Winner: Clown on Tightrope

Thanks for your participation in the Friday Fun contest. Here are the entries received:

Doggonit - I'll wear polka dots, too, if this clown will give me a Coke.

Is it really supposed to rain Coca-Cola today?

Get ready for 'high-flying' good times under the Big Top with Coca-Cola!

 Stop Clowning Around...Drink Coke...Pause...Refresh....Ahhh

Hey, stop clowning around! I've "paw-sed" long enough. I'm ready to be "refreshed" with an ice cold Coca-Cola.

circus? what circus? we always dress like this.

My reward for wearing this Clown Suit, is all the Ice Cold Coca-Cola I can drink.

 After a long day under the Big Tent, we refresh with ice cold Coca-Cola!

“Ladies and gentlemen...boys and girls of all ages...please direct your attention to the center ring. Coca the clown and his dog TAB will be tightrope walking while balancing a 25 pound, 48 inch porcelain Coke button sign between them.”

Even though Coca The Clown had huge shoes on, it was no small (feet) feat to balance on the high wire, carrying a Coke button sign with a tiny whimpering dog in (toe) tow.

No clowning around-- A 'Hot-Dog' and a Coke can't be beat!"

"I'd walk a tightrope for a Coca-Cola"

"Don't be a BoZo... keep your balance with Coke!"

As usual, it was a very tough decision, but the judges have spoken and have declared “Even though Coca The Clown had huge shoes on, it was no small (feet) feat to balance on the high wire, carrying a Coke button sign with a tiny whimpering dog in (toe) tow,” submitted by ray, to be the winner. A beautiful prize from the goodie closet will reward the winning entry.

Check back tomorrow for a new contest.

Write your own caption - a clown and a dog in a tutu

 

After a brief absence, our ever popular caption contest is back.For this week’s Friday Fun contest, I’ve found an “interesting” 1960 plastic 3-D sign.

Yes, that is a clown in a pink polka dot suit (and tutu) – and a dog in a matching skirt! And, yes, the clown does have a tiny umbrella and big shoes. I thought you all could have fun with this one!

The game:Write a funny, clever or “punny” caption for this image. (Submit it to me through the “comments” section below.) Send me your captions by 5 PM on Wednesday, Feb.18(EST).

The winner: I’ll pick my favorite caption and announce the winner on Thursday, Feb 19. The winner will receive a Coca-Cola prize from my “goodie closet.”

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

The Making of the "Mean" Joe Greene Ad - Part Two

Can you believe that this year is the 30th Anniversary of the “Mean” Joe Greene commercial? Last week, we posted the first of a two-part interview with Joe Greene about the making of his famous commercial. Here is part two of the video where Joe tells us about when he first saw the commercial, and you’ll get a kick out of hearing about the other athletes who were considered for the role in the classic commercial!

Look What I Found

Advertising posters for Coca-Cola occasionally had a secondary use. Because these posters were made of heavy cardboard, they made excellent insulating material for homes. Over the years, I have heard numerous stories of great collectible finds as homeowners were renovating their property. Just recently, I received an email that described one of these discoveries. In the walls and ceilings of a pre-World War II home were a number of large posters from the 1930s.

Shown below is a poster produced in 1939 that measures 29”x50.” If it had been in better shape, it might bring upwards of $2000. Unfortunately, this one had some significant exposure to the elements. The owner would probably be fortunate to sell it for $50 in its current condition.

Still, this story is a reminder that there are still vintage materials out there in attics, basements, and as insulation between walls. This story also points out that condition is the primary driver of value. Items that score big valuations are items that are in good condition.

The Making of the "Mean" Joe Greene Ad - Part One

In 1979, The Coca-Cola Company released the Mean Joe Greene commercial.  Titled “Early Showers,” the ad has consistently been voted one of the greatest television and Super Bowl commercials of all time.  Someone from my staff recently interviewed Joe Greene to record his memories of both the making of the commercial and its impact on his life.  This is the first of two videos based on those interviews. 

Click here to see Part two of this interview.