More Things I learned from TV

Christmas Commercials Edition

LukeWilsonA good trusted spokesperson helps. I can’t decide who I want to buy a car from – Mike Rowe (from Dirty Jobs) selling Fords, or Howie Long (football celebrity) for Chevy. Somehow, though funny-guy Luke Wilson just doesn’t inspire me to switch to AT&T…

I’ve learned that the family that plays video games together, stays together, or so Wal-Mart seems to think. Several of their commercials feature families playing various brands of video games. Seems counter-intuitive to me… since when are video games a wholesome family activity? I guess it’s better than hanging out in the local bar, or tagging City Hall as a family. Continue Reading…

Things I learned watching TV

While watching TV, I’ve learned a few things. No, not from the programs I watch, but from the commercials that we’re hammered with every six-eight minutes. Here’s a few:

October is Ford Truck month. (So was September and so will November be…)

Today’s a great time to buy a new car. (Anytime is a great time, if you’re a car salesman.)

Mac Guy isn’t impressed with PC’s promises about Windows 7. (But forgets that people are having trouble with Snow Leopard.)

25-28mpg is a big deal to some car companies. (Didn’t we get 33mpg from a VW Beetle back in the 70’s?)

Erectile Dysfunction drugs can cause a “sudden drop in blood pressure.” (Yet, some blood pressure medicines cause ED. Maybe they should just give Cialis or Viagra for hypertension?)

If hurt, I should call Dewey, Cheatham and Howe* Attorneys. (I’d much rather call them ambulance-chasers or shysters.) * Not a real law firm. I changed the name because I don’t want to be sued. Of course, someone named Dewey, Cheatham, or Howe might sue me for calling them a lawyer…

YouTube to the rescue

While the Right-wing has been having a heyday objecting to President Obama talking to our kids in school, at least some people have been having a little fun with it. I hope the vast majority of people will understand it for what it is, a sincere address meant to inspire students.

Meanwhile, let’s enjoy the stupidity of those who see something sinister in it by turning to that bastion of citizen parody, You Tube:

To protect and serve

That used to be the motto of many police departments. Today it’s more like To prosecute and serve warrants.

Suppose you were talking on the phone to your Little Old Granny who lives across the country from you. Then she stops talking. You become worried about her and call the police. It happens all the time. It’s called a welfare check.

Now suppose that the police arrive and find Granny snoozing. She fell asleep while on the phone. Hey, that happens too. The police arrest Granny and charge her for “second-degree aggravated harassment and third-degree falsely reporting an incident.” Continue Reading…