# Commercials may have finally hit rock bottom **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 13, 2022, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198 "2022-10-13T17:04:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2024, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/341 "2024-03-09T15:06:39Z")
😆 Gold! For some reason I suspect you were that unsung hero… ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/342 "2024-03-09T17:16:57Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > …smell-o-vision… As long as we’re not dealing with [Odorama.](https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/6605-a-whiff-of-polyester-inside-the-odorama-process) ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2024, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/343 "2024-03-10T19:36:31Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > As long as we’re not dealing with [Odorama.](https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/6605-a-whiff-of-polyester-inside-the-odorama-process) **Smell-o-Vision** was a Real Thing, long predating **Odorama**. It was a system for releasing scents into the theater, used only once for the 1960 film **Scent of Mystery** > **[Smell-O-Vision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smell-O-Vision)** > > Smell-O-Vision was a system that released odor during the projection of a film so that the viewer could "smell" what was happening in the movie. Created by Hans Laube, the technique made its only appearance in the 1960 film Scent of Mystery, produced by Mike Todd Jr., son of film producer Mike Todd. The process injected 30 odors into a movie theater's seats when triggered by the film's soundtrack. Roughly similar concepts integrating odor experiences into entertainment performances date back at ... **Odorama** was over twenty years later – the scratch and sniff cards used for John Waters’ _Polyester_ There’s actually a long history of people trying to link scents with movies, both before 1960 and after 1981. When I visited the _Journey into Imagination_ attraction at Disney World, they had the purple dragon Figment visit each sense in turn, including “Smell” > [@](#): > > - In Smell, Figment becomes a [skunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk), which blasts the riders with a foul odor (which is actually a burnt coffee smell). > **[Journey into Imagination with Figment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_into_Imagination_with_Figment)** > > Journey into Imagination with Figment is the third and latest incarnation of a dark ride attraction located within the Imagination! pavilion at World Celebration at Epcot, a theme park at the Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida. Originally opened on March 5, 1983, its original and current version feature the small purple dragon named Figment as well as a slightly altered version the song "One Little Spark", composed by the Sherman Brothers. The original version of the attraction opened on Marc... ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/344 "2024-03-10T19:44:12Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > Wasn’t Madge the Wicked Witch? Nope; as noted by @digs, that was Margaret Hamilton, who _did_ star in a series of ads for Maxwell House, as “Cora,” in the 1970s. Madge was played by [Jan Miner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Miner), who had a long career as an actress on radio, stage, and TV; she played Madge in TV and print ads from 1966 until 1992. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2024, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/345 "2024-03-10T21:58:38Z")
I don’t want anyone to forget Josephine the plumber. [https://www.google.com/search?gs\_ssp=eJzj4tTP1Tcwz0mrSDFg9BLNyi9OLcjIzEtVKMlIVSjIKc1NSi0CAL\_xC8E&q=josephine+the+plumber&rlz=1CAPPDO\_enUS1056&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.46i39i362j35i39i362l7.11671370j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:752e8849,vid:NEDB-4dEY5M,st:0](https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1Tcwz0mrSDFg9BLNyi9OLcjIzEtVKMlIVSjIKc1NSi0CAL_xC8E&q=josephine+the+plumber&rlz=1CAPPDO_enUS1056&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.46i39i362j35i39i362l7.11671370j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:752e8849,vid:NEDB-4dEY5M,st:0) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/346 "2024-03-11T16:48:37Z")
Is that Robbie Benson? ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2024, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/347 "2024-03-11T20:33:47Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > > [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > > > Haven’t followed thread, but surely this has been mentioned already, but if not: > > > > **Commercials may have finally hit rock bottom** > > > > _Finally?_ > > There’s always going to be a lower bottom to ads. > > At some point, a genius is going to come up with a universal system to bombard Internet users with smell-o-vision (excuse me, Olfactory Virtual Reality Technology), and the Stinky Lume Ladies will be even more dazzling. Sure, [implementation is voluntary](https://www.olorama.com/movies-and-videos-with-smells)…for now See Kornbluth and Pohl’s “The Space Merchants” for how low advertising can go (except it goes even lower in the sequel “The Merchants’ War”). ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2024, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/348 "2024-03-11T22:24:25Z")
For low advertising, it’s hard to beat _Infinite Jest_ by David Foster Wallace. A commercial for tongue scrapers was so disgusting that it prompted viewers to turn off their televisions, but also so compelling that people bought tongue scrapers in droves. That led to more companies making tongue scrapers, and ever more disgusting commercials, and destroyed television as we know it. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2024, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/349 "2024-03-12T14:56:56Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > and destroyed television as we know it. Sounds like a fine idea to me. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2024, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/350 "2024-03-12T21:09:49Z")
> [@digs](#): > > > [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > > > **Commercials may have finally hit rock bottom** > > > > _Finally?_ > > That’s how I felt as a kid when I read that two of the most recognizable Americans were Madge the Palmolive spokes-manicurist (“You’re soaking in it”), and Mr. Whipple… > > “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin!” At least Madge the Manicurist didn’t unzip her pants before saying “You’re soaking in it”. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2024, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/351 "2024-03-16T20:25:06Z")
> [@Sylvanz](#): > > I don’t want anyone to forget Josephine the plumber. Jane Withers was quite a talented child actor. Too bad she usually had to play the “bad guy” character. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2024, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/352 "2024-03-16T22:43:42Z")
I loved Cuckoo’s Nest and TVs Taxi, but those Jersey Mike’s commercials have me sick and fucking tired of Danny Devito. Get off my fucking TV. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2024, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/353 "2024-03-17T12:24:13Z")
I like DeVito … I hate him in those creepy commercials. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/354 "2024-03-21T13:02:34Z")
Saw an ad on the evening news last night for an electric razor to shave one’s crotch (or one’s “boys”, as the ad put it). Good grief. Can’t imagine having to explain that one to one’s young children. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/355 "2024-03-21T13:17:26Z")
No comment. > **[Mow The Lawn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9JZWpZS6-g%2F)** > > http://www.wilkinsonsword.co.uk/women/mowlawnUsually something you'd ask your other half to do at the weekend? Not anymore!Check out this kooky new film fro... ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/356 "2024-03-21T21:05:09Z")
Standard beard trimmers can shave several sorts of beards found on both men & women. They even have attachments to ensure an even and bloodless trim. Not news. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/357 "2024-03-21T21:37:55Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Not news. No shit. But seeing it in prime time with one’s kids around would not be my idea of fun, which is my point. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2024, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/358 "2024-03-21T22:16:01Z")
Have you seen the one were the “boys” are actually bearded little boys. Standing in front of the guy at a wedding. 2 for each man. Disgusting. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/359 "2024-03-22T00:35:03Z")
I couldn’t hear it because there seems to be something wrong with my speakers. I watched the video of that commercial and I laughed. I thought, visually anyway, it was hilarious. I know I shouldn’t but I did. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2024, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198/360 "2024-03-22T00:42:18Z")
It would have been funnier if they shaved the pussycat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-may-have-finally-hit-rock-bottom/973198.md?page=19)