Did you hear?… Russia deep-sixes Columbia Sportswear ads

Man, those folks over at Columbia Sportswear must be rough if the Russians say “nyet” to their ad campaign. Russian officials have banned Columbia’s new “Tested Tough” television ad campaign, deeming it too violent.

The Tested Tough campaign plays on the historical tension between Columbia CEO Tim Boyle and his mother and company Chair Gert Boyle, who has been the focal point of the company’s recent advertising campaigns.

The new commercials depict Gert pushing her son into a cement mixer in one scenario, and shooting him with a blow dart and dumping him on a glacier in another. Columbia said the spots aim to show that its apparel can take a beating. We guess Russian officials didn’t see the humor and said they’re concerned that people might try such antics at home. The Cold War may be over, but the Russians can still give the cold shoulder when they want.