"commercials" news and stories

While its programming may be kid-friendly, a new report shows that a majority of the food advertisements on Nickelodeon are for unhealthy foods.

A study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) finds that "nearly 80 percent of food ads on the popular children's network Nickelodeon are for foods of poor nutritional quality," CBS News reports.

That's actually an improvement from 2005, when CSPI found 90 percent of the ads were for junk food. Between 2005 and 2009 the industry began a self-regulatory program through the Better Business Bureau's Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), but CSPI says that self-regulation isn't working.

Some celebrities are perfect for the food they promote -- Florence Henderson and Wesson Oil seemed made for each other like Popeye and spinach.

But not all stars are a natural match for the products they endorse. (Like that former Soviet premier who went on to do Pizza Hut ads?) Here are Slashfood's picks for the 10 Weirdest Celebrity Food Commercials of All Time.

Back before conglomerates ate up local TV, commercials for regional haunts had that charming produced-in-the-basement feel. Growing up in southeastern Michigan, I remember the "tricycles and red pop" of Faygo, having a Farrell's birthday party that looked a lot like this and wishing there was a Sign of the Beefcarver close by so I could take part in "the recipe for fun."

The Web has let the spirit of free enterprise return to anyone creative enough to harness it. That's why I like this commercial for Juan's Flying Burrito, a Mexican restaurant chain in New Orleans.

Dave Greengold -- who juggles a job as the chain's head of operations with performing in the city's only Latin soul band, Los Po-Boy-Citos, yes, little Po'Boys -- has transformed himself into a tortilla troubadour, singing of "burritos as big as your face."

If that doesn't make you hungry, a local commercial for Mr. Sprigg's BBQ in Oklahoma City certainly will. It caught the attention of Will Ferrell, who helped make Cam's jingle for "some of that mmm, mmm good, meat falls off the bone" barbecue become a viral hit.

"I want that S-P-R-I-G-G-S, when I'm dealing with Mr. Spriggs, I'm only dealing with the best." I wish they delivered.

Slashfoodies, do you have any local jingles -- past or present -- that demand a second look?

(Full Disclosure: I've known Dave since the mid-1990s when we DJ'd back-to-back at WTUL-FM).

*shudder*

Did you know there's like, an insane amount of weird commercials about Skittles? Like, really weird? Sleep-with-a-nightlight weird?

I watched them all for you. You can thank me later. For now, here are the top five. Find the videos for 2-5 after the jump!

1. Skittle Feet (above)
2. Pinata
3. Death by Skittles
4. Everything You Touch Turns Into Skittles
5. Skittles vs. Singing Bunny

After posting about food advertising versus food reality, I got curious about exactly how food stylists make stuff look so tasty for the cameras. Alanna's written about this before too - she notes that adding a tablespoon of soapy water to your coffee will make it appear extra hot and bubbly. Here are a few other tips I learned - hope you've got a spray gun and some motor oil!

- Half-cook barbecued ribs are painted with wood stain for a glossy, extra juicy look.

- Dyed, whipped shortening often subs for milkshakes because it looks so dense and creamy. Mmmm, Crisco.

- Motor oil makes great pancake syrup - super thick and glossy.

- "Roast" turkey and chicken sometimes comes by its caramel-colored skin via a blowtorch and several layers of food coloring.

- Sesame seeds are hand-glued on hamburger buns using tweezers for even spacing.

- Got milk? More like 'Got Elmer's Glue?'