Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing, has been making headlines recently as it tries to catch up to Google. They have been buying 2+ minutes worth of commercial time on various TV shows in order to run their 30 second commercial and ‘give you two more minutes of what you want.’

That sounded all well and good until I saw how this was implemented. Notice in this video clip example from the Daily Show, as they cut to break, the Snuggie commercial starts and then they have the audacity to fast forward through it (and several other classic As Seen on TV gems, such as the Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter) before showing the Bing logo and getting you back to the Daily Show.

Bottom line: There is nothing on TV better than the Snuggie commercial. Nothing. If you were smart, Microsoft, you would have started your Bing commercial with one of those Apple “I’m a Mac” commercials and fast-forwarded through that. As it is, you’ve missed the mark by messing with our friend, the Snuggie (and even the Snuggie Diva, Jane DeNoble, who is cuddling up in her Snuggie when you hit the FF on her…the outrage!)

If Bing had pulled this stunt a few months ago, I would have missed the Snuggie commercial, and there would be no SnuggieSightings.com. Shudder.

I’ve read that the High Five from the Snuggie Commercial was improvised by Snuggie actress Jane DeNoble. In honor of the Snuggie High Five, here’s a video of that historic moment, set to music…very bizarre music. (and also please note that I did not title the video below – the YouTube creator of the vid chose that title – you know you’re the Snuggie Diva to me, Jane).

I just ran across this commercial on YouTube and it appears to have been uploaded by a user in Romania, under the title “Time to Get a Snuggie”. I noticed that the commercial is different than the one airing in the States, as well as the phone number and pricing being different as well.

It also shows that the Snuggie is only available in Blue and Red currently in Romania, but at least the Blanket with Sleeves is getting into foreign markets. I look forward to more International Snuggie Sightings.