It'll Rot Your Brain

We have reached the inevitable* point in which Jooj starts understanding commercials. When asked, this year, what she wants for Christmas, I am going to just respond "Anything that is on television."

I know all of the things I am supposed to think about commercials; they can be pandering, blatantly false, promote stereotypes, etc.

But, really, I still have some fond memories of commercials from when I was a kid. Please to observe:

Cal Worthington and his Dog Spot
This was a huge local ad in Southern California. He did a million commercials, and his "dog" was never a dog. It was always fun to see what he would do next. As I was searching for a clip, a bunch came up from Oklahoma, Sacramento, and Washington, leading me to believe that Cal Worthington is the richest man alive, and possibly a member of The Pentaverite.



Pete Ellis Dodge
If you ever want to see if someone is being truthful about hailing from Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s, just sing the words "Pete Ellis Dodge..." If they can't finish the jingle, they are lying about their roots.



Shasta
I wanna Pop pop pop pop pop pop...



Anti-Drug PSAs
Man, if W and I don't reference this one at least once a month, it is a fluke. Chime in.



C&R Clothiers
Oh, my great good gravy, this series was phenomenal. They took these "grubby" (read: "sweaty and delicious") men and then put them in suits. It took everyone by storm. And they were all gay. And it was a big deal.



What about you? What commercials shaped your childhood?

*Yes, I know that people who don't watch TV don't have kids watching commercials. They also don't go to heaven.