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Oct 25, 2007

Nahal on TV

Flipping through the cable TV last night and I stumbled on a campaign ad where Fabulous Invalid Theater's Nahal Navidar is in the commercial. I thought it was a government public service ad. Nahal was funny in this ad, of course obviously because she's an excellent actress.

She talks about CUC bills, power outages, telephone bills and so on. Then she says all these problems are currently beleaguering us all the reason why she's voting for the Republican Party.

The Reveler

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

There were many things that the last administration didn't do that should have been done, there are many things they did do that were very good. The one thing that they did do fairly well was manage the chaos. There seems to be no management lately.

On Saipan said...

i've always wondered which comes first, the egg or the chicken? I can't make good breakfast thinking about this. ;-)

Lil' Hammerhead said...

People should stand up and speak for their candidates. Nothing wrong with that.

Pragmatic Plato said...

The problem with this particular advertisment (as with many others) is they don't address any particular candidate. It is a Republican Party ad.

This party mentality has gotten us into a pretty big mess. What they are doing is pushing for voters to vote down party lines without considering the individual candidates.

I hope that people do not enter the polls on Nov 3rd and vote down the republican line or any party line for that matter.

Vote for individuals not party affiliations.

Bon said...

I was very disturbed by the chicken chase in that commercial. Where have our sensibilities gone?

Lil' Hammerhead said...

The point I was making is folks have the right to support whomever they wish. Maybe she supports every republican candidate? Who am I to question her? It's her opinion. I agree that supporting a party for party's sake is beyond stupid.. but I haven't spoken to Ms. Navidar directly, so I can't make a judgement as to whether she just feels every single republican candidate will do a great job, or she indeed is just vouching for the party.

Pragmatic Plato said...

I think there may be a bit of confusion. Nahal is just an actress used in the Vote Republican Party TV Commercial. I don't care who she individually supports. The TV Commercial itself was terrible. It just hammered further into our viewers the status quo concept of voting down the line mentality that has flourished out here for so long.

The sad thing is that since it was endorsed by the Republican Party (and I would assume all its candidates) it actually made me reconsider a few republicans I was going to give my vote to.

PP

P.S. Hop over to my blog and vote. I am weighing in once again in regards to the SCA.

Pragmatic Plato said...

I think there may be a bit of confusion. Nahal is just an actress used in the Vote Republican Party TV Commercial. I don't care who she individually supports. The TV Commercial itself was terrible. It just hammered further into our viewers the status quo concept of voting down the line mentality that has flourished out here for so long.

The sad thing is that since it was endorsed by the Republican Party (and I would assume all its candidates) it actually made me reconsider a few republicans I was going to give my vote to.

PP

P.S. Hop over to my blog and vote. I am weighing in once again in regards to the SCA.

Anonymous said...

i heard people telling some other people here that the Republicans here are not exactly the traditional Reps up there...

Lil' Hammerhead said...

With respect Plato.. the "voting along party lines" is not exclusive to the CNMI. In fact, it is patterned after mainland US style politics.

Bon said...

Still...the chicken thing was uncalled for.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I haven't seen the ad... I'll look out for it.

Brad Ruszala said...

they asked me to be in the commercial as well...

glend558 said...

As the chicken? Brad.

Anonymous said...

NAHAL WAS ONLY ASKED TO BE IN THE COMMERCIAL AS AN ACTRESS. SHE IS NOT ENDORSING ANY PARTY. SO YOU CAN TALK ABOUT THE PERSON OR PEOPLE WHO WROTE THE SCRIPT, OR WHO PAID FOR THE AD, BUT DO NOT BASH NAHAL FOR ACTING IN THE COMMERCIAL....I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT. SO LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS ISSUE OF THE COMMERCIAL. THIS IS PAUL GUERRERO!!!

Unknown said...

Ai adai... I've been anticipating this and here it is...Folks... I'm not saying I agree with the message of the commercial or that I'm voting repulican. I haven't been doing much acting since I moved to Saipan and I was looking to cushion my acting resume before I return to reality. If you want to know my real political beliefs you can ask me. I'm pretty verbal about them.

Unknown said...

PS The rooster thing was totally traumatizing to film as I am a vegetarian and also afraid of angry roosters flapping in my face. Again... it was acting. And no roosters were harmed in the filming of this commercial.

Unknown said...

PPS Brad we didn't ask you to be in this commercial. That was another commercial that we haven't shot yet. Call me if youre still interested.

Anonymous said...

Acting or not, associating yourself with Republicans Nahal. Cmon now.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

CNMI Republicans have generally been ever so slightly more liberal than CNMI Democrats.

Bon said...

OKEEE

On Saipan said...

i found the ad so funny and i've always been a fan of nahal. However, reality is, is nahal registered voter here? based on her plays and scripts i believe nahal is far more intelligent whose side she's into. This is a small island though. people would think when you do such ad, would associate you with such party. work is work folks.

didnt mean anything about this post. we found it hilarious. would've been better if it's an ad to call for change from a non-partisan organization.

Unknown said...

Exactly. Work is work. Beggars can't be choosers.

On Saipan said...

and great job Nahal. We love watching that ad. It's your expression, your acting, soooo funny and superb.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

The problem is this isn't Los Angeles. Someone who participates in an advertisement for a
candidate(s) is seen to support those candidates. It's not as easy as saying that "this was just a job".. then you're looked upon as someone who has few scruples. In such a small place, political advertising isn't the way to go, that is unless you really do stand by those candidates and don't care about the ramifications that come along with portraying yourself as an individual who supports a certain candidate or party.

Unknown said...

I have no morals obviously.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Morals? Or Scruples? Stating you have "no morals" would seemingly be a much more serious state than have few or no scruples.

Anonymous said...

So lil-hammerhead, if you were hanging out (under your shorts) at Godfathers one night and your balls started itching, would you just reach down there and scratch them in public?

Really now lighten up on Nahal...she said she did it for her curriculum vitae...people do things all the time without supporting agendas for many different reasons...you want to stand up and say you are always in alignment with your actions and beliefs? bah hum bug...no one is that righteous

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Number one: If you understood my post, I am telling Nahal, that I think she overstated things by saying "I have no morals". I don't believe that participating in something you don't believe in catapults you up to quite such a heinous level.

Number two: Realities are realities anonymous.

Number three: I've been to Godfathers twice and when I've been there I've worn underwear. And it would be very hard to scratch balls you don't have.

Number four: Yes, my actions are "always in alignment with my beliefs". I personally wouldn't do something just for money. (Well, unless it was an amazing amount of money) :)

On Saipan said...

I hate numbers. ugh. ;-)

Jeff said...

Don't worry Nahal, just get Jane Mack to destroy copies of the commercial after the election.

http://turbittj.blogspot.com/2007/10/new-rule-jane-mack.html

http://turbittj.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-play-on-island.html

Anonymous said...

welcome back jeff.

Anonymous said...

Ok Lil-H
#1- I did understand and was commenting on your "scruples" comments

#2- ??? you have a point, just explain it

#3- so your minus some balls, so dig your underwear out of your butt crack ;0)

#4- "always" is a strong word, don't yah think, are you saying you are righteous, hmmm

My point, again, is she did it for the CV baby, as she stated, and that many times is worth more than any money paid for the gig...as it directly is a marketing tool for future work, future work that is not on this rock, future perspective directors who don't care about an advertisement that may look as though the actor was politically bed-sharing, as after all they are looking at the talent of performance, to which I have gotta say Nahal rocks!

PS. sorry for more numbers Rev ;o)

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Nahal rocks? I don't know Nahal, so I can't speak ill about her. In the end "anonymous", if you are doing things like political ads for people you don't really support for the money.. you are questionable.

Now how about that?

Anonymous said...

Nahal, you are such a celebrity now...;-) great seeing ya at the tatu fest.

#1...oh craps...;-)

Unknown said...

I did't get paid for doing this commerical.

You too Rev! I got a sexy sexy tattoo! For shame... for shame... What will the public think?

Unknown said...

DIDN'T get paid for doing this commercial.

Anonymous said...

Ok I give up! LOL
I guess it isn't the listening skills, perhaps as the name implies, someone is hard-headed?

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I'm a "hammerhead".. what'd you expect?

Brad Ruszala said...

but why would you do the commercial and not get paid?



...just don't vote for crisostimo!!

Lil' Hammerhead said...

:) For the CV?

You know, as an actor, being able to say that you starred in a commercial for the GOP is really going to get you in some doors.

As a lay career advisor, I'd suggest these next steps be taken to really "hammer" that resume home:

1. Star in a "Jerry Falwell Memorial Fund" commercial.
2. Write a screenplay for a made for tv movie about the life of Dick Cheney.
3. Star in an anti-PETA commercial.

bigsoxfan said...

I'm not an actor, but I've watched them play doctors on TV. I would advise this; Just be yourself and if you are going to work for the enemy, at least try and get paid. Nothing wrong with being a whore, but at least make the same wages.

Anonymous said...

Your stuck and all I can point out is that this really got to you...it must be a mirror shinning in your face for something you did just as "scrupulous" as you pointed out

two choices here, either learn from the lesson or just keep repeating it

best wishes
Lil-H

Journaling helps

Anonymous said...

three-days away from election time. did the commercial help at all? of course! the ad appeals to the overt and covert gripes of the people here. So, most of the candidates from what the ad campaigns for, are mostly up for reelection.

Island Dyke said...

Hey writers, stirring it up again I see. Thanks for the "pick of the week"

I really enjoyed Harry's "food for thought today", it was all about which of the candidates up for re-election didn't take the austerity friday pay-cuts. Too bad full page ads in the newspapers weren't taken out with that information.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I got caught up in the discussion. If you read my very first post.. I took a stand for Nahal. It wasn't until it was stated that her participation was not representative of any support for the party. I then had an issue with this.. and yet I still stated that she was being too harsh with herself when she said "I have no morals". I suggested that it wasn't "morals" she lacked but only "scruples".

And yes, I do hope a little more thought is put into making decisions to participate in wooing voters towards something you don't yourself necessarily believe.

On Saipan said...

You're welcome Island Dyke.

Lil, u r indeed a hammerhead rn't u? ;-)

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I hammer those who need a hammerin' :) Not you guys though.. you deserve a Coke!

Anonymous said...

;-) will take a raincheck on that...

Anonymous said...

Wow, I never knew people got so caught up by a commercial! I want all to know that the rooster is a pet and he was never harmed during the shooting of the commercial. And please realize there is some irony here... as a local, why would you be upset about a chicken? What did you eat for dinner last night or last week people? Hmmm, 4 out of 5 of you ate chicken I bet, and I bet KFC sells more chicken than McDonald's sells burgers. Do you think the chicken you eat for dinner is made out of green beans? LOL!

Nahal Navidar is a wonderful actress who played a part in a commercial. The commercial was intended to be humorous and thought-provoking.

If you really want to be making a big stinky out of stuff, why don't you all write about the panhandling going on at Beach Road's Microl intersection every other day and how dangerous it is to put kids on those small islands? What if a driver were to accidentally drive up on the island and run them all over? I am more concerned about the safety issue than the fact that panhandling makes our island look third-world. Begging on streets? Hmmm, is this what our island has become? An island of beggars?

Everyone, there are greater issues to discuss than a 30 second commercial.

To all you critics, I would love to see you put together a 30 second commercial within a couple of days and write out the script and storyboard. Can you do better? If you can, please call me as I have a job awaiting you.

As a director, I am hired to do a job. What I am tired of is not voting down the line. I am tired of arm-chair quarterbacks who love to criticize everything under the sun. Thank you to those who gave Nahal props.

Nahal, thank you for being a true sport and for not feeling down about the critics. You are talented and kind.

Should you have any other comments, you can e-mail me at ed@titanmediagroup.com

Thanks and have a great day!

Ed Propst
P.S. The chicken never became chicken kelaguin. Please come and visit him and pet him if you like. FYI, "Aussie" was found up at our ranch as a little chick, alone and near death. My parents nursed him back to health and he is a beautiful, healthy rooster now.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Read the blogs Ed.. we've covered all of the panhandling topic you've mentioned on one blog or another.

The technical work that goes into the production of a commercial is admirable.. the problem I and others have is, it is a political advertisement.. why would you work on such, unless you are supporting those candidates? Especially in such a small place. If you are supporting the candidates.. no problem. If you don't believe in the candidates you're helping to promote, however, that is tantamount to producing a commercial for medicine you wouldn't give your children and aren't really sure works.. it is quite questionable at the very least.

Anonymous said...

perhaps Lil-H should add Lil-H with green eyes?

First there is support for Nahal...then assumptions she got paid to do the job followed by criticism....hmmmm....if it really was the issue Lil-H keeps on hammering, wouldn't it have been from the get-go?

Unknown said...

Excuse me... Now I'm a whore? Jesus fucking Christ. I wonder why I have to defend myself to a bunch of people I don't even know...

An actors works... always. In NY my friends are starving for work and they would do the same thing I did if they were here. Most actors get paid NOTHING... actors get paid if they're lucky. I didn't do this for exposure, obviously. I didn't do it for money, obviously. But since you guys are so dead set on knowing my personal business and judging me based on wild assumptions...

I did it for two reason. It's challenging for me to work on screen because I'm a stage actor and I wanted the practice. Two... I'm having personal problems and shooting the commercial was time consuming for a few days. I needed something to fill my time. There. Now will you guys lay off, stop judging me, and calling me a whore? Cuz I'm defitinely not. nows really not a good time to be adding more judgemental people to my life. Can you guys lay off for a few weeks please?

Unknown said...

Excuse me... Now I'm a whore? Jesus fucking Christ. I wonder why I have to defend myself to a bunch of people I don't even know...

An actors works... always. In NY my friends are starving for work and they would do the same thing I did if they were here. Most actors get paid NOTHING... actors get paid if they're lucky. I didn't do this for exposure, obviously. I didn't do it for money, obviously. But since you guys are so dead set on knowing my personal business and judging me based on wild assumptions...

I did it for two reason. It's challenging for me to work on screen because I'm a stage actor and I wanted the practice. Two... I'm having personal problems and shooting the commercial was time consuming for a few days. I needed something to fill my time. There. Now will you guys lay off, stop judging me, and calling me a whore? Cuz I'm defitinely not. nows really not a good time to be adding more judgemental people to my life. Can you guys lay off for a few weeks please?

Unknown said...

That last post was probably the least eloquent thing I've ever written. I don't mean to lash out at anyone... sorry... I'm upset about things that have nothing to do with this blog war and lashed out. Anyway... yeah...But I'm not a whore =(

Anonymous said...

Hi Lil Hammer head,

Sorry I haven't read all the blogs. I'm new to the whole middleroad blogspot and love what I see, but too much to take in over a couple of days. Now let me address your comments...by the way, I'm Ed Propst, and you are?

Look, if you come to my office and want me to shoot a commercial, I will do it, regardless of your party affiliation, religion, sexual preference, height, weight, etc.

Do you own a business? Do you have to pay employees? Do you have to pay your BGRT? I do, and it is hard. I'm a small business owner and work hard to provide for my family...who doesn't? Please don't be so naive as to think that in this small island, I can pick and choose my work.

FYI, I am a media specialist and this is my job. While I have traditionally been a Republican, if a Democrat or a Covenant candidate walked into my office and wanted to hire me, I would do the commercial if they had the money. The only person I wouldn't do the commercial for is Satan, because he is always late with his payments. Damn you Satan!

As for your comparison, I want you to know that I would never do a commercial that would endanger the lives of children or the lives of others.

You obviously don't know me, what I do, what I stand for. We don't see eye to eye, and that's cool. We have differences of opinion, and I'll respect that. It is what makes us human.

But I ask you and everyone else, don't judge me on a couple of commercials that I did. If that were the case, someone would have shot the director of the last Spiderman movie. Damn that movie blew!!!

In all seriousness, if you are truly bothered by my commercials, please call me at my office or drop by and let's talk about it. Give me ideas how to make it better. I'm open for constructive criticism...

Regards,

Ed Propst

Jeff said...

Instead of a chicken Ed, try Brad Ruszala in a chicken suit.

Anonymous said...

hmmm, Brad in a chicken suit? Sounds too kinky for our conservative audience.

We've decided to edit the commercial and in place of the chicken, Nahal will be chasing a head of cabbage. She will then finish off the commercial doing the cabbage patch...

At the end, we will put the following disclaimer, "No cabbages were hurt during the filming of this commercial."

Happy Tuesday!

Ed Propst

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I'm assuming you produced the commercial. I'm not questioning your business. I think you do work that not too many people know how to do. We need folks in media.

But in this small place, when you star in a commercial for a particular party, you have to understand that everyone will immediately associate you with that party. As a candidate, I would never want to use anyone in a commercial who wasn't a supporter of my candidacy because of this. In a large mainland city, you have the luxury of being somewhat anonymous.. here or in a small town.. you don't.

Why would you want to be associated with a candidate or party you aren't in support of? Why as a candidate would you want to utilize such a person?

You run a business, this is understandable.. you accept all work (I assume within reason), as an attorney might do, or as a newspaper might do. But why as a person, would you put yourself in the position of looking unscrupulous. Because in the end, when you use your face on the commercial, you are automatically associated with its message.

That is all I'm saying. The commercial was done well. I'm not debating that or debating the role of your company in it.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Alright.. I am going to concede (just a little bit) and say this has gone too far. Was only my intention to comment on the post and make the point that I personally don't think it's the wisest idea to star in a political commercial unless you support the message of the commercial.

I would never have wanted it to come to the point where anyone was compared to a "whore" or have a business concerned that they're unfairly being questioned. That's not what's happening here, and I'm not going to "encourage" anymore on my part. I said my peace.

bigsoxfan said...

Nahal, my apologies. I used whore in a lighthearted political sense (as in politicians are whores, in which they will sell themselves without any moral scruples. You are obviously a lady and not a politician. My context was poor.

Unknown said...

I have to say that I totally agree with everyone who is questioning my judgement. I would make the same argument if I was in your place. I had my own concerns about doing a commercial with this context and did a lot of thinking before I agreed. I agreed because it was challenging for me, and I was excited to be working as actor which is the love of my life. If I was in the states and in normal circumstances, I would never in a million years agree to doing a political add even if it paid large amounts of money. I had my own questions about who I was "supporting" anyway... but looked at it as, "I'm supporting my dream." That's it. So to clear the air, I am NOT a republican, I never hurt a rooster, and in moments of sadness and stress we make decisions that we normally wouldnt. JAH BLESS and LOVE to all.

Unknown said...

Brad in a chicken costume? That would be f-ing funny.

On Saipan said...

hmmm...i think Brad would chase Nahal instead if he was the chicken....

thanks Ed for pitching in. TV ads remain to be a big boost to political campaigns. great job with the ad.

Bree Reynolds said...

perhaps the prior 64 comments could have been avoided if ya'll caught on to the fact that nahal was being sarcastic when she said "i have no morals". jokes, nei!!! and as an observer, non registered to vote, temporary resident of this oh so small island, there's about nothing difference between the party platforms here anyway, so what's the big frickin deal! i'm amazed there was an ad talking about issues instead of an ad showing who the candidate is related to.

ps as as a media savvy person, i assume anyone in an ad is acting and i don't have to believe they support what they are saying. are we to assume that the people of the cnmi aren't savvy enough to figure that out too. seems insulting toward the collective intelligence if you ask me.

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