Back in the day, there was an all encompassing owl named Woodsy who interrupted Transformer cartoons to provide a serious message: “Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!” The short spots provided children with the important lesson that putting wrappers and soda cans in the trash bins were good for the world. And before it got too vomity, Optimus Prime would come back on the screen and fire his laser at a Decepticon. The 1980s were great time to grow up. But those advertisements made it seem like one should pick up everything they see. …
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2008.
Mr. Campbell, again you cease to amaze me with your wit and insight. But this time you have left me scratching my head. The answer is in your post. Transformers…hello…magnets…more than meets the eye?? Haven’t you thought to carry around a medium sized magnet in your European Handbag? Yes, yes keep it away from your phone, your iPod, digital watch and PSP2 that is for certain. But when I see a biohazard on the street I use “maggie” to safely pick up and dispose of the dangers to our community. Just a thought…
Dude, the magnet is a good idea, but what about the little extendo hands that people use for picking up trash when doing community service? That way you don’t have to bend down, and you don’t have to touch the dirty needle.
Or my favorite would be to take it up a notch and use a super high temp flame thrower to incinerate trash where it stands. Then we might get to see Woodsy Owl and Smoky The Bear fight which would be far more entertaining than transformers ever was.