Rants & Ramblings

random commentary about culture, media, politics, technology and whatnot.

jan
24
2008

don't shop when you're hungry, no no no

During my brief tenure in Okinawa (1988-89), the only English-language TV station was run by the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). The television shows were typically a season or two behind the U.S., and in lieu of ads, they aired public service announcements during the commercial breaks.

The only one I really remember is an animated jingle — “Don’t shop when you’re hungry! No, no, no!” — reminding folks not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, lest they buy more than they really need. A useful message, to be sure, but the ad was played probably every other commercial break.

Even now, almost twenty (yipes!) years later, I still hear that jingle when I go grocery shopping. (And most of the time, I’ve actually heeded it.)

And good to know that I’m not the only one this happens to: A Google search brought me to a military brats messageboard with an old “You might be a military brat if…” list. One of the entries:

If you refuse to go grocery shopping without eating first. That commercial that says, “Don’t shop when you’re hungry - no, no, no” still runs through your head. When you tell civilian friends about it, they look at you like you’re crazy.

I want — nay, NEED — to find a video of this somewhere.

Posted Jan. 24, 2008, 12:54 p.m. | Categories: personal, television

5 Comments So Far

ME Too! wrote on May 24, 2008, 9:25 a.m.: #

Me too! I actually found this page trying to google for a video of it. You know I’m an Army brat because my girlfriend knows the jingle and has never seen it in her life!

Garett wrote on Oct. 14, 2008, 1:30 p.m.: #

Trying to find it as well. I did find some other old greats… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYJsHmf5dv4

Jaffer wrote on Nov. 27, 2008, 5:36 p.m.: #

ME TOO!! We caught this commercial on the Far East Network (FEN) in the Philippines during the 80s and I have had it in my head ever since!

Erik Pakieser wrote on Dec. 4, 2009, 12:21 p.m.: #

THANK you for validating this! I remember this commercial from when I was in Panama 1989-1990. I still sing it when I go shopping.

Noelle wrote on Jan. 10, 2010, 8:39 p.m.: #

Glad to see this post. Me, my brother and I still remember and heed that saying when we go to the store. We all remember that, when my dad was stationed in Germany in the 80’s. I really wish this video was posted somewhere. That saying really is helpful, b/c I buy a lot more than I intended when I go on an empty stomach.

Add a Comment