Beer Ad Emphasizes Dignity of Human Life

I normally wouldn't call attention to a commercial (certainly not a beer commercial) but this is not an ordinary ad. It is, in fact, most extraordinary because it is so totally unlike any other commercial I have seen. Take one minute to watch this and be astounded at the power of its simple message:

LifeNews explains the power behind the ad:

The one-minute commercial features a group of guy friends –all in wheelchairs– gathered for a competitive and adrenaline-charged game of basketball. The game is aggressive, and no one seems deterred by the precarious possibilities of collisions or falling over (both of which happen during the game). The purpose of the commercial at first seems to convey the message that this kind of dedication is what true athleticism is all about. But that’s not all the advertisement portrays.

It’s clear towards the end that these guys are champs. They’re dedicated and fearless. The last few seconds reveal an unexpected twist. As all of the men except one rise up out of their wheelchairs and effortlessly walk away together, the viewer learns that these are also some of the most committed friends a man could ask for: only one of them is really wheelchair-bound, but that’s no impediment to his team. The commercial closes with a scene of the men enjoying Guinness at a bar after the game as a narrative voice concludes: The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character. Nothing could be truer.

Indeed.

Daily Links 9-3-13

Discounts, grammar, literature, beer and Nutella all in today's links. Enjoy.

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From Lifehacker, Top 10 Tricks to Get Discounts on Almost Anything. Just as an aside, last week I canceled my cable television and satellite radio services (mostly to save money). In both cases the customer service reps tried to offer me substantial discounts to stay with them. If I could have afforded it they might have been deals to consider. If you think you're paying too much for a service it's worth seeing if the provider will offer you a discount to stay with them. Chances are they probably will.

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One girl took her love for Nutella and turn it into, well this:

Hat tip: Neatorama

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17 famous literary characters that were originally called something else.

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Sorting out the thorny affect vs. effect problem.

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Who says a little alcohol doesn't help get the creative juices flowing? Ten things that were created over a couple of beers.

Quick Takes 7-31-09

Thanks to the miracle of advanced publishing, here are some links for your weekend enjoyment. Meanwhile I'm away from the computer for the next few days tending to some family matters.

Here's a great video: time-lapse footage of the construction of Disneyland. (Hat tip: Glenn)

One of the curious aspects of the health care reform debate is how little attention has been paid to TennCare. This article explains why universal health insurance advocates would be wise to give it a closer look.

Just another lousy photo-op. I wouldn't have accepted the invitation. I agree with Rich. At least this beer lives up to its advertising.

I'm not sure whether this is true but I'd be willing to try it out.

An argument for limited government.

Hypocrisy, lots and lots of it.

A Farewell Address worth reading again.

Good point: able to inspire but unable to lead.

More on Obamacare and end-of-life decisions.

Bookmark this site: the Joe Biden gaffe aggregator. Priceless. (Thanks to Jonah.)

How to pass the time waiting for Chuck to return. Meanwhile, Bryce (Matthew Bomer) has a promising new series premiering in October.

Today marks baseball's trading deadline. Why July 31st doesn't matter as much as you might think.

Video of the week: life-sized Mouse Trap.

Three new books worth reading on Apollo 11. Plus, how to build the guidance computer.

How to run for office.

Don't tell Shepard Smith about this story.

Founder's Quote of the Week:

"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute." --Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

Have a great weekend.