Chrysler aims to dominate Super Bowl ad blitz

Paul A. Eisenstein, NBC News contributor ? ? ? 34 min.

Can Chrysler kick it through the uprights again?

The smallest of the US automakers is hoping to score big during Super Bowl XLVII after having tossed touchdowns in the previous two games with a pair of breakthrough ads that more than a few observers believe helped launch Chrysler?s unexpectedly strong, post-bankruptcy revival.

But while the maker?s top marketing executive has confirmed it will be a presence among the games many automotive advertisers he?s mum when asked whether Chrysler will tap another big name celebrity as it did with rapper Eminem in 2011 and actor Clint Eastwood last year.

?We?re debating? whether to repeat the unusual, long-form structure that worked so well in the previous years, Chrysler marketing chief Olivier Francois said when recently asked about the 2-minute format that stood out in a game full of 30-second commercials.? As with the prior ads, the maker was expecting to work until the last minute before the game to finalize its spot.

And unlike a growing list of game day advertisers, such as Audi, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler is notably providing no teaser of what it has in store.

While many Americans go out of their way to skip TV commercials these days, using digital recorders and other means, the Super Bowl has become a screening festival for the ad world?s best and brightest, studies showing that some folks otherwise uninterested in the game often tune in specifically to watch the ads.?

And while beer and snack food spots have traditionally dominated that blitz, automakers have steadily ramped up their presence, manufacturers such as Ford, Volkswagen and Hyundai accounting for about a third of the advertisers at Super Bowl XLVI.

It isn?t cheap, a single, 30-second spot reportedly going for as much as $4 million this year, but the potential payoff can be huge ? as Chrysler bet when it shocked American viewers two years ago with the ?Imported from Detroit? mini-movie.? The 120-second pitch featured the driving rhythm of an Eminem bass line, also using the rapper to drive home its message that the Motor City ? and Chrysler, in particular ? was back.

If there was a fault, said some critics, it was that the maker?s new Chrysler 200 model was virtually a backdrop, lost in the cinematic spot?s drama. Perhaps, but the sedan soon proved to be one of the maker?s fastest-growing nameplates and, after barely surviving its 2009 bankruptcy, Chrysler itself quickly began to outpace the recovery of the overall U.S. auto industry.

A one-time fluke? No, it turned out, as the maker returned in 2012 with Clint Eastwood taking the message of hope and revival on a national scale.? The ad kicked off some controversy early in the year?s presidential campaign, some Republican leaders asserting the ad was a payback for the Obama Administration?s Chrysler bailout.? Ironically, Eastwood also became one of the most controversial figures at the GOP convention later in the year.

Politics aside, the spot again pegged the meter with just about everyone measured by Ace Metrix which tracks the reaction to, and effectiveness of, Super Bowl ads.

?The Clint Eastwood ad proved highly inspirational, and in addition to scoring very high on likeability and attention. It also performed extremely well on relevance,? noted the firm?s CEO Peter Daboll.

The 2012 Chrysler spot outperformed both Honda?s ad for the CRV crossover ? another celebrity spot featuring Matthew Broderick in a nod to his role in ?Ferris Bueller?s Day Off? ? and the reprise of Volkswagen?s Star Wars ad theme.

There?s little doubt Chrysler wants another standout.? As the smallest of the Detroit Big Three, it also has the smallest budget to work with and can?t simply be content with me-too marketing.? The good news for the maker is that it has been able to amortize the cost of both ?Imported from Detroit,? and ?Halftime in America? by taking advantage of social media.

Both have now generated 10s of millions of repeat views on Youtube and elsewhere in the social media world. In fact, the Eastwood spot was named top auto and second-place winner overall in the Youtube Ad Blitz 2012 contest ? one of many awards Chrysler has run up for its Super Bowl campaigns.

Which again begs the question what does the maker have in store for Super Bowl XLVII? A celeb endorser would surprise no one, though marketing chief Francois has cautioned Chrysler will ?only? use a big name ?if it fits the message.??

And that?s another uncertainty: will Chrysler focus on a single product, as it did in 2012, or a mix of products, like last year?

?Each new launch is an opportunity for me to build the brand,? said Francois.? ?I really like that we spend our money conscientiously,? he said. ?We just spend what we need and that?s what we need to keep doing.?

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/chrysler-aims-dominate-super-bowl-ad-blitz-1B8181154

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Tinseltown Tales

Tinseltown Tales

Ryan Gosling Bleaches His Hair and Tattoos His Body?[The Frisky] Oprah Hurts Back Lifting Flower Arrangement?[HollyWire] Kara DioGuardi is Preggers?[Right Celebrity] Katie Holmes Clothing Line Pulled From Fashion Week?[The Celebrity Cafe] Alison Brie Agrees to a Foot Massage From a Weirdo?[The Blemish] Beloved Former NYC Major Ed Koch Dies at 88?[The Huffington Post] Larry King ...

Tinseltown Tales Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News

Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2013/02/tinseltown-tales-2/

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wise self improvement | self improvement made easy: Life Coaching ...

This article is to tell you what life coaching is all about and why it's so popular. Then, I'll mention how it can help you and how you can get access to life coaches.

Life coaching is basically a way to help an individual, or in the case of business coaching - a business, learn how to solve their problems. Sometimes you need a little help in figuring out solutions to your problems, whether they be related to health, relationships, money, self-esteem, or the like.

There are many different types of life coaches that specialize in the niche you need help. There are also many techniques and styles of coaches. Some coaches give advice based on a set formula, and some coaches ask questions to help you solve your own problems. Yet, others use a combination of both approaches.

This field is so popular, even in this current economy, because more and more people are realizing that they have to work harder to get what used to come so easy to them. Most people are now overqualified for the job they have, but that's what they can get right now. They realize they need more skills to keep afloat. They realize, now more than ever, that they need help attaining the goals that were at one time more reachable.

Life coaching can help you learn more who you are. In learning who you are, you can discover more of what jobs work best with both your passion and skillset. You can also learn how you learn, or how you can motivate yourself more. Self-motivation can help in your career, health, and your relationships. Also, knowing who you are can, at times, help your self-esteem improve.

Like most other things these days, you can get a hold of one of these coaches most easily by doing a Google, Bing, Yahoo or other search engine search. Many coaches offer a free initial consultation to see if you want to hire that coach. Since there are so many coaches around, you don't have to settle - you can keep trying until you find a coach that connects with you and the way you want to learn.

There are many life coaches that also post advertisements in the local newspapers, whether the physical or online form. Many may also have an office near you, or be willing to travel to where you are. Some actually prefer to travel to where you are, since they can understand more about you and how to help you better if they see your surroundings.

So, basically, life coaching is a way to allow another help you help yourself. It is very popular because people realize how many more skills they need to get the same jobs they were able to get a few years ago without any help. Life coaches specialize in different niches and have different techniques. Yet, the way you find life coaches are the same: internet, local newspaper, office in your area. Good luck!

Source: http://wiseselfimprovement.blogspot.com/2013/02/life-coaching-what-is-it-and-why-should.html

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Safety First: Avoid Virtual-Only Relationships | Catholic Match Blog

Safety precautions need to be taken in any dating situation, whether you were introduced by a friend, met at a church function, or met online. Here are some practical tips for safe online dating:

Always protect your personal information. Utilizing your profile?s email messaging system and exclusive chat option allows two people to get to know each other in a safe, guarded manner. These options serve as a buffer, allowing time after the initial greeting to determine compatibility without compromising security. Report any concerns about a user to the customer service staff.

Do your own check-ups. Many employers are now exploring social websites and searching a person?s name to learn more of their background. There is probably more personal information online than we care to know about?but this dynamic can assist us in making informed decisions about people we meet online.

Don?t move too quickly. Take your time, be cautious with all personal information, and enjoy the process. If they are truly the person from the profile, it will show over time. Respect should permeate the communication and conversation early and throughout any relationship. Solicitations for money or personal information before ever meeting should never happen.

Meet face to face.?If you?ve had regular communication with a person and things seem to be headed on the right track, then you may want to take it to the next step. Don?t let the phone calls and emails go on too long before meeting, however.

?Meeting online is a great tool, but it is not a tool for carrying on relationships long term,? said CEO and co-founder Brian Barcaro on Relevant Radio?s Morning Air show with Sean Herriott?(click here to hear the rest of the interview. The topic is covered in the second half of the show.) Be wary of a person who does not want to meet in person, even after you?ve had regular communication online.

A courtship period should ensue as you get to know each other better. If anything seems peculiar at any time, ask a friend for guidance or advice before responding.

Learn the best practices of using an online dating service by downloading our FREE Online Dating Guide For Catholics.?

Source: http://www.catholicmatch.com/blog/2013/02/safety-first-avoid-virtual-only-relationships/

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Detroit's Big Three off to fast sales start in 2013

Paul A. Eisenstein , The Detroit Bureau ? ? ? 16 hrs.

U.S. auto sales maintained the strong upward trend that delivered a solid send-off to 2012, with most major manufacturers reporting double-digit gains for January.

A number of manufacturers set new sales records during the first month of 2013, and Detroit makers, in particular, recovered some much-needed momentum. Two of the Detroit Big Three ended last year with market share declines.

Industry observers credit a variety of factors for driving strong demand last month, including an improving economy and a bump in the long-struggling housing market. Notably, January saw demand surge in a variety of different segments, from high-mileage small cars and hybrid vehicles to full-size pickups.

?We?re in a fundamentally sound trajectory,? said Mustafa Mohatarem, the chief economist for General Motors. While the industry is still operating well behind the record 17 million-plus rates experienced during the middle of the last decade, he suggested the modest but steady recovery the industry has been experiencing this cycle ?is much more sustainable? than some of the rapid rebounds of decades past.

Though General Motors did see a rise in sales last year, the maker couldn?t keep up with the overall increase in U.S. demand, watching its market share slip from 18.4 percent in 2011 to 16.9 percent. Senior company officials, including CEO Dan Akerson, have forecast a modest improvement for GM this year, and the maker?s 16 percent jump in January appears to put it on an upward trajectory.

Detroit makers, on the whole, appear to have fared well for the month, with Chrysler also gaining 16 percent and marking its 34th consecutive month-over-month sales gains. The maker scored gains at all of its various brands ? and also saw a jump in demand for the Dodge Dart, a critical new compact model that has lagged in showrooms in recent months, something Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has blamed on a lackluster powertrain lineup.

The Detroit Bureau: Handicapping the Super Bowl Auto Ads

Ford, meanwhile, saw January numbers increase by 22 percent. Ken Czubay, the maker?s chief of U.S. sales, suggested that the company's heavy investment in new products and powertrains ?continues to pay off.?

Ford?s results reveal that the January industry upturn was a broad one. Ford?s small car sales jumped 29 percent, while its various hybrid models were up approximately 350 percent. The midsize Ford Fusion had its best January ever. But the full-size F-Series pickup also gained ground.

Pickups have been especially strong in recent months, even as the overall share of small and alternative-powered vehicles has gained steady ground. That?s little surprise, according to analysts such as Joe Phillippi, of AutoTrends Consulting, who track a close, historic link between the housing market and truck sales. Demand for pickups has also gotten a lift as the East Coast continues to dig out from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

Detroit makers aren?t the only ones celebrating January?s sales results. Toyota reported a 27 percent year-over-year increase. "The sales pace we saw in the fourth quarter of last year rolled into January, exceeding our expectations for the industry,? said Bill Fay, general manager of the Japanese maker?s mainstream brand.

The other members of the Japanese Big Three didn?t fare quite so well. Nissan gained a modest 2 percent for the month, that increase largely driven by the latest incarnation of the Pathfinder ? which has migrated from a traditional, truck-based platform to a more nimble and fuel-efficient crossover design.

American Honda reported an overall 12.8 percent gain, though its Acura luxury brand did a wee bit better with the assistance of new products such as the entry luxury ILX.

Luxury makers, in general, did well ? but could have done better, some analysts said. Mercedes-Benz gained 11 percent over year-earlier levels, while Audi was up nearly 6 percent -- but both reported records for January.

The Detroit Bureau: Honda to Integrate Apple Siri Personal Assistant

BMW was up a modest 2.3 percent after finishing 2012 as the nation?s best-selling luxury brand. Some observers suggest the maker?s aggressive end-of-year marketing may have ?pulled forward? sales that might have otherwise been rung up in 2013.

But Jesse Toprak, auto analyst with data tracking firm TrueCar.com, also said that the new tax increases on wealthy buyers may be having a measurable impact on high-line brands going forward.

TrueCar data indicate that buyers actually paid a slight bit less for the average vehicle sold in January, at $30,812, compared with December. But the average transaction price was nonetheless up by $416, or more than 1percent year-over-year.

Meanwhile, with demand helping makers maintain steady production schedules on most key products, they?ve been able to continue a year-long reduction in rebates and other incentives. For the month, such givebacks slid to just $2,274 per vehicle, down from $2,591 in December and $2,481 in January 2012.

The Detroit Bureau: Chrysler Planning 47 New Models Over Next Four Years

Only a few automakers increased givebacks, notably Hyundai, which saw a weak 2 percent gain in sales in January. Like several other makers, however, the Korean brand has warned it could face production-driven limits to its sales if the market continues to heat up too quickly.

Earlier this week, AutoPacific, Inc. predicted the U.S. market would climb to 15.1 million this year following last year?s jump to 14.5 million. But the California-based consulting firm is among the more conservative. Chrysler officials indicated they see a 15.5 million total for 2013 if current trends hold.

Whether they can, of course, is far from certain. The U.S. economy is clearly gaining momentum but there are a variety of ?headwinds,? industry insiders caution. That includes the ongoing rise in petroleum prices ? which could climb even faster in the wake of the explosion at Mexico?s national oil company headquarters and the terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Turkey this week.

There?s also the ongoing drag from the European economy. Car sales there fell to their lowest level since 1995 last year and few expect any improvement in 2013. With China also slowing, officials with foreign manufacturers, such as Toyota?s Fay, have said they will be putting even more emphasis on the North American market in the months ahead.

After the sharp cutbacks of the recent recession, the auto industry could translate improved cost-efficiencies into record profits this year ? but should makers decide to battle it out by ramping up incentives, analysts warn, that could stall the ongoing recovery at the bottom line level.

The Detroit Bureau: The 10 Safest and Least-Safe Vehicles on the Road

Copyright 2013 The Detroit Bureau

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/chrysler-posts-highest-january-sales-five-years-1B8209091

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Video: Cardinal Mahony stripped of duties

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Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50672258/

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Life With a German Shepherd: Food and Drink, Foundation and Goal

The fact that Luke places the Our Father in the context of Jesus? own praying is significant. Jesus thereby involves us in his own prayer; he leads us into the interior dialogue of triune love; he draws our human hardships deep into God?s heart, as it were. This also means, however, that the words of the Our Father are signposts to interior prayer, they provide a basic direction for our being, and they aim to configure us to the image of the Son. The meaning of the Our Father goes much further than the mere provision of a prayer text. It aims to form our being, to train us in the inner attitude of Jesus.

This has two different implications for our interpretation of the Our Father. First of all, it is important to listen as accurately as possible to Jesus? words as transmitted to us in Scripture. We must strive to recognize the thoughts Jesus wished to pass on to us in these words. But we must also keep in mind that the Our Father originates from his own praying, from the Son?s dialogue with the Father. This means that it reaches down into depths far beyond the words. It embraces the whole compass of man?s being in all ages and can therefore never be fully fathomed by a purely historical exegesis, however important this may be.

Jesus of Nazareth 1, 132-3

Reflection ? Well, this is certainly a mouthful to ponder, perhaps not just for a day, but for a life. I don?t know about you, but I can certainly rattle off the Our Father, in Mass, in the Office, in the rosary, with hardly a thought about any of it. Ourfatherwhoartinheavenhallowedbethyname? Inattention, habit, spiritual shallowness can all make of it an exercise with seemingly little value. So it?s good to read things like this, that remind us of just how deep this prayer is, just what depths of God it contains, just how far into the mystery of God it takes us, if we consent to be taken.

Our Father?perhaps the first two words alone are enough to ponder on. That God is Father, that the ultimate reality is not some nebulous ?energy? or some unfathomable unreachable mystery. He is Father?there is a relationship, a possibility of intimacy. There is provision and protection, care and concern, a rushing out of the house to embrace the son in love (cf. Luke 15). Everything good that we can say about the word ?father?, all that we hope for and desire and perhaps experienced (or, sadly, maybe not) from our earthly fathers, all of this is who God tells us He is in a surpassing way.

But there?s more yet. God is Father in that our whole being comes from Him. He fashions us forth and shapes us into true sons and daughters, bearing his name and image. Our whole self and all it means is from Him and towards Him. God is Father? we can meditate on this one word for months without moving an inch further in the prayer.

He is also ?our? Father. And this too has great significance. I am not separated from you. We are not mere atoms bumping up against each other in the cosmic soup. I have a Father and you have a Father and He is the same Father of us both. So you are my brother, my sister. He is ours, and so this whole life of ?from the Father/towards the Father? is also a life of you with me and I with you. Called to communion with God, and in God, with one another. And this is the call of the Church.

And it is Jesus who ushers us into all these realities, not as mere words of some fool of a blog from some fool of a priest, but as a living reality, as food and drink for our souls, as a foundation we can live on, a height to which we can ascend. Jesus is the Son, and only in his Sonship and in our shared life with Him, can we know the Father in truth.

So that?s the first two words of the prayer. Perhaps the most important two words in the prayer; arguably the rest of the prayer is a commentary on how to live with God as our Father. But there is a call in all this, and a good call it is in this Year of Faith, to really slow down and look at these basic faith elements, these most common prayers and practices, and really delve into what they mean, why we do them, where they take us.

So? time for another series on the blog. I want to do something a little different for a few days. Since Pope Benedict here invites us to pay this close attention to the Our Father, I am going to let myself be ?German Shepherded? to do just that, and for the next days, rather than the usual blog format (quote the pope, discuss the quote), I will simply write meditations on each petition of the prayer. Hope you will enjoy it, and that it will be a spark to your own meditation and delving into the heart of Christ which is the doorway to the heart of the Trinity.

Source: http://frdenis.blogspot.com/2013/02/food-and-drink-foundation-and-goal.html

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