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Microsoft ad shot in Ballard hits the airwaves

Posted by Geeky Swedes on September 11th, 2008

A few weeks ago, there was a rumor that Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld shot a Microsoft commercial in the Olympic Manor neighborhood. Now the ad has hit the airwaves, and My Ballard reader Mike — who grew up in Olympic Manor — said he recognizes the location as along 20th Ave. Here’s the commercial, and a couple screen shots follow below. Do you recognize it?

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  • David
    Looks like it was filmed at 9226 20th Ave NW. Here's a link to a screenshot from maps live. You'll need to close the 3d window, switch to bird's eye, zoom and then set the view compass so that the E is at top and the S is on the right.

    http://maps.live.com/#JndoZXJlMT05MjI2KzIwdGgrY...
  • angrignon
    The vehicle in the garage had Illinois tags. I guess that is accurate maybe for Ballard, given the amount of transplants.
  • Oh wait. They actually broke it up. I just saw another that includes the ending scene (not included in that first one I saw).
    I still think both the ones I just saw are shorter than the internet version, so I wonder if there are more?
  • I just saw the ad run on tv. TV version is waaaaay shorter.
  • Evan - Apple has the better ad agency. Microsoft has the better lawyers. ;-)
  • Rupert
    Currently running explorer and can't get the link to work. Now, that's ironic!
  • Nidwaldner
    I live in Olympic Manor and saw a lot of filming going on about a month ago, but didn't know what it was for. The whole street was blocked off. It's a dead end street which makes the last line funny if you know that because they are walking towards the dead end.
  • Realistic Yuppie
    These ads do not make me want to buy a crappy PC.

    Instead, they further secure my happiness with my sexy Macbook Pro.

    Mac snobs and yuppies unite!
  • Lindsarella
    Yeah. For how LONG this ad is- it seriously could have the same message in about 20 seconds. 10 MILLION dollars for these, eh? I've seen them both, and I'm still not laughing.
  • boardbrown
    Yeah, it's funny. But I liked "Bill's last day @ Microsoft" better.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr5w3X4R8b4

    On another note, it's nice to see that Jerry finally stopped tucking his shirts into his jeans with the coming of middle age.
  • if you follow the logic they are trying to start a discussion which based on this blog and others around the world is working. Just wait for the next ads that follow before you make up your minds. I think the dry humor is pretty funny if you've followed bill over the years...stay tuned!
  • NAG
    I think this is funny, too, but ungodly long. I don't watch TV -- is that what this is for? It's actually showing on TV? more like a miniseries.
  • dorian gray
    Yea they're funny. My humor is alot like the coen brothers -no laugh track to tell people when to laugh.
  • gooner
    i don't really get these ads, but that was entertaining to watch. i thought it was funny.

    "power down.... ok, power up"
  • jasmine
    I must be the only one who thinks these ads are funny -- in a dry sense of humor way. Watching Bill Gates shake his booty (in the other ad) cracks me up.
  • Evan
    Seriously - these ads are a waste of time. I am surprised at how much better and slicker the MAC ads have been over the past year. You would think the company with the most market share could hire a better ad agency.

    Oh well. Guess I'll be looking at macs next time I need a computer.
  • That one is better than the other one.
    Anyway, I currently live in Olympic Manor, and I would say that they did that here. I think I know which house that was. I'll have to try to get around to going up and taking a picture of it sometime soon.
  • Ben
    I think a firewall is mentioned somewhere...
  • Realistic Yuppie
    What the hell?

    These ads are HORRIBLE. They communicate nothing, go on forever... and Bill Gates is not funny.
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