Why They Made This Crazy Movie Released in 1989, The Wizard was a major motion picture that doubled as a promotional vehicle for Nintendo products. It's quite likely the only motion picture to require a "Power Glove Consultant" (for the record, this consultant is named only as "Novak" in the credits), and the movie is crammed full of product placement -- primarily for the Nintendo Entertainment System and its games, but also for a bevy of partner brands, including Hostess (a major plot point involves... READ ON

Though some of the greatest advertising slogans in history seem relatively simple ("Just Do It" is only three words, after all), most of the time, they're anything but. Here's how six of the most enduring taglines came to be. 1. “Just Do It.” The famous Nike slogan came from a rather unlikely source - spree killer Gary Gilmore, who received the death penalty for murdering two people in Utah in July, 1976. Just before a firing squad did their duty, Gilmore was asked if he had any last words.... READ ON

If you aren't a big name (or aren't a big name yet), the easiest way to generate cash for an actor or musician is to do ads. Commercials. Advertising. But we will forgive you later when you make the big time. One of your favorite stars may be in here! The Rolling Stones for Rice Krispies This 1964 ad was only shown in England. Brian Jones wrote the jingle for the J. Walter Thompson agency. * Robin Wiliams for Illinois Bell From 1977, before Mork from Orc.... READ ON

Ever wonder what would happen if you mixed a hot air balloon with the massive figures in the Macy's Day Parade? While I would have thought the balloons pictured in this WebEcoist round-up would be too poorly balanced to fly and land correctly, they apparently have no trouble soaring through the air. It does seem as though you'll need far more hot air to travel far with one of these fantastic flying structures, but isn't that a small price to pay to fly in a giant polar bear? I've never been in a hot... READ ON