2015/10/04

Things I learned from American TV

A departure from the song references after all this time, but, television over here is so idiosyncratic it moves from like watching TV in Dubbo, to being back in Sydney, and then there are all the ads for professional services, lawyers, doctors and so.  It's, um, interesting.

1. It's OK to use expressions like 'stool softener' or 'suppository' in prime time.

2. Dominos allows you to order a pizza by texting an emoji - no doubt coming our way.

3. Erectile dysfunction is a prime time advertising subject, complete with side-effects warning of             possible death if you use the product.

4. Define 'accident forgiveness' ... anyone? No claim bonus in Australia.

5. Every drug (prescription) ad comes with a voice-over of all possible side effects.  Not comfortable     viewing.

6. Lifelock.com for just $1 per day will restore your life after your identitiy has been stolen.

7. They do not advertise either cigarettes or alcohol.  However a packet of name 25s is $12.

8. Um, vaginal cream, for those women who find intercourse painful after menopause.  Just wrong.         After dinner and all. Not that it would be better before dinner.

9. Despite all the above, no 'feminine hygiene' ads.

10. After a tragedy flags are flown at 'half-staff' not 'half-mast'.

11. They advertise a variety of 'personal' catheters. WTF?

As a postscript, I'm trying to put together some thoughts from today, but the Wallabies just beat England in the RWC. I also have CNN on in the background and the discussion around gun control, post the latest mass shooting is disgusting. It makes me sick listening to the spurious excuses being spewed forth for the availability of guns.  Both Obama and Bush nailed it, Obama was angry that it happened again and Bush acknowledged that this is 'who we are'.

Every second commentator is presenting a loophole in current legislation, blah blah.  Leadership sometimes means standing up aganst the 'power' group. It's almost like American College life is a micro example of the culture, the jocks talk fast and bully and get their way through noise and movement.


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