Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

[Guest]

So, has anyone else noticed a sudden proliferation of tv ads and mall kiosks that offer to turn your spare gold into cash? Do people really use these? Does anyone who would use them really have enough gold just laying around to get money that would make it worth their while?

Also, a co-worker just bought a snuggie. Infomercials are taking over the world.

[Reed John]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Snuggies worry me. The people in the ads look like they're in some sort of human sacrificing cult. The ads also suggest that people should wear the snuggie to sporting events and look like a complete tool.

Put on a damn sweater, you pansies.

[Guest]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Having now seen the snuggie in real life, I can say that it looks even more like a suicide cult outfit than on the commerical.

The scary part was the co-worker that commented, non-jokingly, that the person wearing it looked like they were "one with God."

[Heliotrope]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

We were talking about those cash-for-gold places at work recently. Er, not that we need them just yet. Anyhow, some people wondered if they might lead to an increase in burglaries because it'd be so easy to get rid of the loot. Cynically, my only thought was that I'd never trust just sending the stuff off and getting the right amount back.

[Guest]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Yeah, I can't fathom sending something like that in the mail and expecting any sort of payment back. There are too many steps of that process that are open to the likelihood of you just sending your gold into the ether.

[Reed John]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

That's a great point Helio. I can't imagine a better fence.

[Cavalry Trouser Tips]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Woah there - I got pointed towards The Slanket by the good lady wife. You mean to tell me there's an alternative in the important blanket-with-sleeves market?

Which to buy? I am so fucking confused right now...

Edit: FOR HER by the way. As a present.

[Guest]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Well, if you order now, the snuggie comes with a crappy little plastic reading lamp that theoretically will clip onto the book you are reading in your blanket with sleeves.

My co-worker also just breathlessly announced that the snuggie will soon come in Maroun, in addition to the standard blue.

I hope this has helped make your decision easier.

[Cavalry Trouser Tips]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Hmm. She does like reading. Her current blanket is maroon as well.

What's the countdown clock on that offer? Are operators standing by to take my call? Will they have any left? I must know!

[WOM]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

I've been watching that Snuggie spot for weeks now, but haven't really been paying close attention.

I usually start railing on about what a rip off it is as soon as they begin demonstrating the faux-difficulties of whatever it is you're using now to keep warm. You know, blankets that 'constrain your arms' when you're trying to answer the phone or escape a fire or whatever.

Or I ask Mrs WOM how much it would cost her to buy the polar fleece and make it herself (about $3). But this thread has inspired me, and I can now comment authoritatively on one point: the free book light.

I bought one at the dollar store last month for exactly $1. And it works beautifully. You know how they show it opening in one smooth, hydraulically-assisted motion? That's just how it works. And you can read in bed without waking your partner. But a $15 value, free? Hardly.

And the ex-con looking old man in the spot? He's the same old coot from the "Can you turn down the TV?"/"Do you have to listen to the stereo so loud?" hearing aid ad. Thankfully he seems to have killed the old bitch he was living with before. Now his house is just a bit chilly.

[Max Payne]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

WornOldMotorbike wrote:

And the ex-con looking old man in the spot? He's the same old coot from the "Can you turn down the TV?"/"Do you have to listen to the stereo so loud?" hearing aid ad. Thankfully he seems to have killed the old bitch he was living with before. Now his house is just a bit chilly.

HA HA HA HA HA WOM you've got to get out more

[WOM]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Sad isn't it? And normally I'd agree with you. But I have a really weird talent for remembering actors from tv commercials. We were watching a spot for Swiss Chalet [rotisserie chicken restaurant] once and I said "that man's wife uses Canestin for her yeast infection".

[Guest]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

Seems to be fairly common in Spain - there's one particular street in Seville (between the Plaza de Alfalfa and the Plaza del Salvador) that specialises in buying gold, with several shops touting for your wares, and you can't avoid the 'Compro Oro' sandwich board people around Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Haven't noticed anything in Sabadell, mind you.

[Reed John]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

The "faux-difficulty" portion of those ads - and it's in all of them - is always entertaining. Like the one for the pasta strainer that implies that only a highly trained chef knows how to get the pasta out of the water without sending all of it down the drain.

Those reading lights are pretty cheap indeed. They're the sort of thing that companies put their logo on to give out at conferences.

[WOM]

Random Gold that Turned into a Purchase

They're the sort of thing that companies put their logo on to give out at conferences.

'Trinkets 'n Trash' is what we call it in the biz. And it's worth bupkes, which is what makes the 'A $15 value' so funny. But if you find one of those lights for a buck, it's worth it.

As for the current reigning king of DRTV, it's gotta be Shamwow. That greaseball Vince must be moving those things by the truckload if their media buy extensions are any indication. $19.99 for $3 worth of synthetic chamois. Brilliant. As an aside, I bought some non-Shamwow brand chamois at a car show once, and they really work quite well.