Truth be told, television was never a medium I thoroughly enjoyed. Sure, there were periods within certain decades when I watched TV, but I was never one of those people who couldn't wait to get home from work and sit in front of the television set with the remote, watching show after show after show.
I no longer own a television. And it's not something I miss.
One of the reasons I no longer watch TV is because for the most part, nothing interests me. I can watch reality shows on the streets of Philadelphia every single day of my life. If I'm going to take the time to watch something, I want to escape reality, unless of course it's a documentary. Besides, reality shows are not really reality, they're just a combination of contrived dialogue and poor (re)acting made to look like reality.
The second reason I no longer watch TV is because unless you pay for cable, you can't get any stations. And there are so many other things I can do with $150.00 a month.
And the third reason I no longer watch TV is because television is a mass medium of advertising.
I no longer own a television. And it's not something I miss.
One of the reasons I no longer watch TV is because for the most part, nothing interests me. I can watch reality shows on the streets of Philadelphia every single day of my life. If I'm going to take the time to watch something, I want to escape reality, unless of course it's a documentary. Besides, reality shows are not really reality, they're just a combination of contrived dialogue and poor (re)acting made to look like reality.
The second reason I no longer watch TV is because unless you pay for cable, you can't get any stations. And there are so many other things I can do with $150.00 a month.
And the third reason I no longer watch TV is because television is a mass medium of advertising.
All of that being said, I discovered over the years that it's impossible to avoid ads because even if you watch movies or the news on various free websites, like I do, you're still required to watch commercials. I mean, that's why they're free. Even YouTube does that now. They have a ton commercials filtered through their channels. The other night I was watching the news on a free website, and when they broke for a commercial they literally showed FIVE commercials before resuming the news.
About three days ago, I was watching a documentary on a movie website, when I was suddenly obligated to view a sponsored commercial about an exercising device with a twist.
Literally, a twist.
Now to be honest, I can't give my personal feedback on the results from this product because I didn't try it. However, I did google it and read a handful of reviews and found them to be lukewarm to unfavorable, saying that the product did not live up to its claims and that the construction of the device was poor.
Therefore, this post is only my snarky critique of the ads and the way the product is presented.
-----------------------------------------------------
To start with, the print work advertising for this product looks like something you'd see on the last page of a National Inquire tabloid newspaper because of all the cheesy ads that say, "AS SEEN ON TV."
What I love about the advertising is the company wants people to believe without any consideration of diet or genetics, that using this device will give you the results of not only this woman's abs and legs, but her overall body. But what they fail to tell you is that she's probably 20-years old; works-out at a gym seven days a week; runs 15 miles every other day; and eats nothing but snow peas.
I also love the fancy verbiage and how it says the board "engages" your core. Ooooo, how engaging...
About three days ago, I was watching a documentary on a movie website, when I was suddenly obligated to view a sponsored commercial about an exercising device with a twist.
Literally, a twist.
Now to be honest, I can't give my personal feedback on the results from this product because I didn't try it. However, I did google it and read a handful of reviews and found them to be lukewarm to unfavorable, saying that the product did not live up to its claims and that the construction of the device was poor.
Therefore, this post is only my snarky critique of the ads and the way the product is presented.
-----------------------------------------------------
To start with, the print work advertising for this product looks like something you'd see on the last page of a National Inquire tabloid newspaper because of all the cheesy ads that say, "AS SEEN ON TV."
What I love about the advertising is the company wants people to believe without any consideration of diet or genetics, that using this device will give you the results of not only this woman's abs and legs, but her overall body. But what they fail to tell you is that she's probably 20-years old; works-out at a gym seven days a week; runs 15 miles every other day; and eats nothing but snow peas.
I also love the fancy verbiage and how it says the board "engages" your core. Ooooo, how engaging...
All you have to do is simply stand on the board and twist.
And you too will eventually have the body of this man and woman.
Yeah, right! And if you believe that, you also believe that Chrome "incognito" hides your browsing activity. NOT!
Here is a breathtaking before and after photo I found online.
Not only do I find the dramatic results of her flat (sucked in) abdomen AMAZING.
But I'm also blown away by how this device gave her better posture, a smiling face, and a whole new hair style...
Okay, so here's the commercial. But I'm warning you, it's sooooo cheesy...
See! Didn't I tell you it was cheesy?
Judging from the commercial, I came up with a MUCH better name for this product.
How 'bout we call it: Simply Sh*it Board?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Now, personally, the only way I would ever consider ordering this product would be if he came as the "free delivery."...
Wishing you a twisted week, everyone!
💗
If he came free I'd be interested! Trouble is, he wouldn't be interested in me....lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Ron! OK, I just stood up and did that motion while standing on the carpeting. I’m pretty sure I got the same amount of exercise doing it without the board! LOL, that really is a dumb product.
ReplyDeleteI know you don’t like TV, but I’ve been thinking about you while bingeing the 1992 first season of MTV’s The Real World because it was shot in New York City. The city did seem more gritty back then. It’s been interesting to see how the show has changed. It definitely had a documentary feel back then. There was a naivety to the house mates that is gone in today’s younger generation.
Good morning Ron! This was very funny. I love your snarky commentary. "Not only do I find the dramatic results of her flat (sucked in) abdomen AMAZING." And that's exactly what I was thinking too. You can tell she's sucking it in!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love these gimmicky exercising devices? And you're right, they want people to believe that they will have a perfect bod if they use it. I love your new name for the board. LOL!
Thank you for the laughs, Ron. I hope you had a great 4th of July.
Valerie, I ended up googling him and found out his name and his occupation. His name is Trevor LaPaglia and he's an actor, stunt man, bartender, and model. Isn't he a WOOF!?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you have a superb week!
X
"I just stood up and did that motion while standing on the carpeting. I’m pretty sure I got the same amount of exercise doing it without the board! LOL, that really is a dumb product."
ReplyDeleteOMG, I thought the EXACT same thing! You don't even need this device, you can just put on some music and twist on any flat surface. I agree...dumb product. And the commercial is sooooooooooo cheesy!
And THANK YOU SO MUCH for the recommendation because that sounds like something I would SO enjoy! And you know, I think I remember either seeing something about that show online, or perhaps someone told me about it. But I will definitely check it out!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week, and I hope you had a fabulous 4th of July weekend!
X
Good morning to you, Candice!
ReplyDeleteOMG...yes, it's so obvious that she's sucking in her stomach. You can actually see the tension in her posture.
Yup...that's exactly what this is....a gimmick! I think so many people are so desperate to have a perfect body that they believe anything and will try anything.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yes, I had a very nice, relaxing 4th of July. It was very quiet in the city. Hope yours was great as well!
X
HaHa, Ron, I've seen this thing advertised on TV! If all the things marketing tells us really worked, we'd all be svelte, healthy, sweet-smelling, clean, and perfect, wouldn't we??
ReplyDeleteThanks for starting my week off on a funny note. I suspect the only thing about this board that "works" is its claim to improve balance. Can you see senior citizens trying to hop on board and keep from toppling over? Hope the company has great insurance!
Enjoy your steamy week ahead, my friend! xo
FYI - If you use the Chrome browser there is an extension that will block ads on Youtube. That said - Because I am old and grumpy and retired and have nothing but time whenever I see ads on FB or Instagram such as the one you highlight I mark them 'scam or misleading' Just my little way of annoying them as much as they are annoying me!
ReplyDeleteHa...guess who owns one of those boards? Tara bought one years ago! Guess where it resides? In the basement gathering dust. Let's just say it isn't a very effective exercising tool (and obviously an impulse purchase on her part).
ReplyDeleteGood for you and your TV-free life. I've seen pics of your apartment and it's probably a good thing, because where would you even put a TV?!
"How 'bout we call it: Simply Sh*it Board?" Ron, that made me ROFLMAO! Perfect name! So much of this made me laugh because what you said is true. I understand the value in advertising, but stuff like this is just so off the charts of what's real and not real.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you about "incognito." It does not hide your browsing activity because I've seen proof of that. Don't kid yourself, Google knows everything!
Fun post, dude!
Ye gods, I'm having a Ronco flashback! Somebody get a Cap Snaffler--Stat!
ReplyDeleteHey, Ron, I love you observations about TV and how you get all the reality shows you want on the streets of Philly.
I've been threatening to bail from cable since January and it still hasn't happened. I've got a few months left...
I can't believe how ridiculous and, yes, cheesy, this sh*t board looks. People want to get fit without the work, but life doesn't work that way.
And where did they find these Olympic athletes to pose with this crap-ass product?!!?
Great post, buddy! How about you meet up with Trevor, I'll get the Before and After Lady and we'll double-date.
It could happen...
Have a great week, buddy!
The later seasons became foul mouthed, drinking orgies, but in the beginning, it really focused on and explored people from different backgrounds learning to live and work together.
ReplyDeleteI just this second found the show online. I can't wait to start watching it! Thanks again for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteX
Debbie, so you've seen this one? Isn't it cheesy? And now it follows me because whenever I'm online watching stuff, that damn commercial pops up!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you're right...if it does one thing, it probably does improve balance. And speaking of toppling over, I read somewhere that it comes with instructions that when you first stand on it, you should hold on to something like the edge of a table to stabilize you.
OMG...and speaking of steamy week ahead, it had been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO humid I thought I was going to die. Today, however, we got some rain which oddly enough, cooled things down a bit. I have a feeling that this summer is going to be extreme. Yikes!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay cool and have a great week!
Grace, thank you SO MUCH for telling me about the extension because I'm going to try it. I had no idea!? The ads on YouTube are becoming more and more frequent. It seems like every 3 mins., another ad comes on. OY VEY!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you also for the info on Instagram. Can't wait to try it there. And that's another thing, ads are becoming more and more frequent on Instagram as well. And I love how they try to trick you into thinking that the ad is actually someones feed.
Have a grrrrrrrreat week! And thanks for stopping by!
X
OH. MY. GOD, Mark....you're KIDDING ME?!?!?! She BOUGHT one?!?!
ReplyDelete"n the basement gathering dust. Let's just say it isn't a very effective exercising tool (and obviously an impulse purchase on her part)."
HA! And why am I not surprised about that? You know, my mother used do that as well. If she saw any kind of ad on television for weight loss, she would buy it! One time she even bought a liquid bath soak that you put in your bath tub and soak for 30 mins that claimed to melt the pounds off you. I kid you not!
Can you believe that when I did have a TV, I had 15 inch screen? Hell, that's why I now used my computer monitor for watching anything because it's over 30 inches. I just stream everything through my desktop.
Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!
Tell Tara I said welcome home!
X to you both
I just couldn't resist that, Matt! That's the first thing that came into my mind. And what's funny is that it rhymes perfect with FIT. HA!
ReplyDelete"I understand the value in advertising, but stuff like this is just so off the charts of what's real and not real."
Exactly! It's called bullshit. LOL!
I used to use incognito all the time because I really thought it kept my browsing activity private. That is until I started seeing ads for products that I was googling on various websites. You're right....Google knows everything!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!
X
"Ye gods, I'm having a Ronco flashback! Somebody get a Cap Snaffler--Stat!"
ReplyDeleteOMG Rob, I TOTALLY forgot about Ronco ads!!!! I just this second googled the commercial and found it on YouTube. What a hoot! The sound of his voice immediately gave me a flashback moment!
"I've been threatening to bail from cable since January and it still hasn't happened. I've got a few months left..."
For me, I just can't see spending that kind of money for cable. I know people who spend OVER $200. a month for Comcast. That's insane! No, I just stream stuff through my computer because it's free!
"And where did they find these Olympic athletes to pose with this crap-ass product?!!?"
I have no idea. I guess they offered them good money and exposure.
"How about you meet up with Trevor, I'll get the Before and After Lady and we'll double-date."
HA! Okay...it's a DEAL!!!! Love it!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantastic week!
X
On Instagram there are 3 dots in a line on the right, click that and a little box comes up at the bottom that says "Hide Ad", "Report Ad" If you click hide ad you get another little box that asks Why Don't you want to see this ad? Unfortunately "Because you are annoying me" is not one of your choices...Your choices are It's not relevant, I see it too often and It's inappropriate...Pick one!
ReplyDeleteGrace, I cannot THANK YOU enough for explaining that to me. I had no idea you could do that on Instagram. Yahoooooooooo! And I cannot WAIT to try it the next time I get one of those annoying ads.
ReplyDeleteThanks again! X
A fun post on only one of so many similar ads, Ron. I especially liked the “As seen on TV” tagline because I would NEVER see it there, like yourself, we don’t subscribe to any paid TV services. We have 2 TVs that are used for streaming and watching DVD movies. And, we have a digital antenna that allows us to get some non-cable channels and PBS is the only one we watch.
ReplyDeleteYes, people do spend a lot of $ for cable service and you know what I’ve heard many complains...”there’s nothing good to watch” and I can agree with that cause TV isn’t like when I was growing up in the 1950s and there were lots of shows, including variety ones and also movies and NOT as many commericals!
Yes, it does look too good to be true. I've always snicker at those before and after shots. You're correct that said weight-loss product does have a miraculous way of improving posture and creating a new hairstyle! But it does kinda look like fun. :-) Put on some Sam Cooke or Chubby Checker and twist the night away! Entrepreneur and I do have our favorite TV shows and my secret indulgence is Outlander on Starz. It's really not so secret as that's one of the the only reason we have satellite TV! As for commercials, we usually DVR everything and then watch the show, zipping through the commercials, at our convenience. Thanks for the giggle to begin the week. We need more giggles these days! X
ReplyDelete"... like yourself, we don’t subscribe to any paid TV services."
ReplyDeleteOMG, you and I must be the only people on the planet who don't subscribe to paid TV services!?! And can you believe the $ for cable service?!? My brother pays over $200.00 a month (Comcast). That's insane. And he always talks about how horrible the service is.
"TV isn’t like when I was growing up in the 1950s and there were lots of shows, including variety ones and also movies and NOT as many commericals!"
Yes!....Yes!....Yes! Back then there were so many good shows on TV that you couldn't decide which ones to watch. I remember Saturday afternoons with my mother, when we'd sit and watch all those great black and white classics with, Susan Hayward, Bette Davis, Lana Turner, etc. And they were all FREE!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fantastic week so far!
X
" I've always snicker at those before and after shots."
ReplyDeleteMe too, Lisa! Because you can always tell that the before's are made too look really bad, and the after's are all made to look really good; even touched-up.
"But it does kinda look like fun. :-) Put on some Sam Cooke or Chubby Checker and twist the night away! "
Exactly! And I actually do that. However, I do it without needing the board. I just dance around my apartment and twist. LOL!
"...my secret indulgence is Outlander on Starz. It's really not so secret as that's one of the the only reason we have satellite TV! "
I've not ever seen that show but heard from others that, like you, they really enjoy it!
And speaking of DVR, I remember years ago when I would tape TV shows using my VCR while I was away from home and then watch them later. And the best part was being able to FF through the commercials!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a faaaaabulous week so far!
X
The cheese picture you posted was kinda yummy looking. Mmm! The rest was just as you said, cheesy. Isn't it maddening to have all these ridiculous ads in our faces all the time. Grrr. On FB it's everything from drug ads to whatever you just mentioned in conversation to someone. Ron and I will be chatting about something or look something up, and within minutes the ads all start appearing for exactly what you were talking about. We can hide/report them, but then you just get other ones in their place. We do watch a lot of t.v. and pay for a monthly service. Sometimes we use commercial time to change stations and see what else is on, or take a bathroom break. LOL We were watching a really cool show on a free app recently but the commercials became very annoying because they were all the same ones on a loop. When the free episodes ended, we paid for a streaming service (I think it's $6 a month) to continue watching the series and it was worth it because NO commercials. We'll cancel it if nothing else looks interesting enough to pay for any additional months.
ReplyDeleteAll that said... we have been guilty of actually buying a few things on infomercials though....a few kitchen products come to mind like a blender, and a food dehydrator which I might have used twice and then it sat in the closet for 20 years. LOL
Yes, I agree, Mary! VERY yummy! And Swiss cheese is one of my all-time favorite cheeses. I especially love Swiss Lorraine.
ReplyDelete" and within minutes the ads all start appearing for exactly what you were talking about. We can hide/report them, but then you just get other ones in their place. "
OMG, I know. There is no point in trying to hide them because they immediately replace them with another ad. I have that happen a lot on a website where I watch the news. Ads EVERYWHERE!
You know, I've been thinking of doing that same thing on a movie site that I use. They have free movies and paid movies. And I'm getting to a point where I want to just pay for the movies because I'm so over the ads. And the movies are very reasonable: (2.99-5.99).
"a few kitchen products come to mind like a blender, and a food dehydrator which I might have used twice and then it sat in the closet for 20 years. LOL"
OMG...that is so funny!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're having a fantastic week!
X
Ron, sorry I'm late to comment but my hubby and I just got back from the Jersey shore. We were there for a week and had a great time. This post is HILARIOUS! My husband and I both read your posts and we laughed like crazy because it's so true about these kind of ads. The commercial was so cheesy! Loved the first part about "muffin top" LOL! Haven't heard that expression in awhile.
ReplyDeleteHope you 4th of July was a good one. This weekend it's supposed to rain, so stay try and cool! xo
Helloooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a faaaaaaaabulous time at the Jersey shore! OMG, that reminded me of when I was a kid and my family would go to Wildwood Crest every July for a week. We had the BEST time! I so looked forward to that every year.
"Loved the first part about "muffin top" LOL! Haven't heard that expression in awhile."
I know, me neither! I remember the first time I ever heard that expression and didn't know what the hell the person was referring too. I always thought a "muffin" was something you called someone when they were sexy or hot. HAHAHAHAAHA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great weekend. Yes, I saw on the news this morning about the rain. At least it's cooling things off.
X
LOL! says she spitting out her coffee! I stream TV without ads, but this one was hilarious!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Fiona!
ReplyDeleteWasn't this commercial hysterically twisted? LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your weekend so far has been beautiful!
X
So how is that any different from just doing the twist dance without a board under your feet? In fact, the other exercises they showed don't require a board either. What a joke! If the shark tank woman went for it, it's only because she knows the market for useless exercise gadgets has an endless supply of suckers waiting to buy them.
ReplyDeleteI know the as for things like YouTube are necessary to keep it free, but boy, I hate them! We do still have limited cable but it's because it allows us to get internet and super cheap cell phone service. There are weeks that go by that I don't turn on the tv at all. And when I do, it's generally for a show on Netflix.
"So how is that any different from just doing the twist dance without a board under your feet? In fact, the other exercises they showed don't require a board either. What a joke!"
ReplyDeleteYes, my sentiments exactly! You don't even need that silly board.
I understand that too, they have to run commercials in order for them to keep it free. But OMG...over the years it's gotten to the point where the commercials are like every 5 mins.
"There are weeks that go by that I don't turn on the tv at all. And when I do, it's generally for a show on Netflix."
You know, that's how I would be if I still had a TV. And yes, I know there is a way to just get internet and cell phone service and not be overly expensive. In my apartment building though, they have a deal with Comcast to ONLY use their cable service for the apartment units, therefore I would have to switch from Verizon to Comcast if I wanted cable. Right now I only pay $59.00 for unlimited phone and DSL internet.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend!
X