Dear reader,

I generally watch the evening network news. And I've read how marketers choose to advertise their products during the news hour. Obviously, it depends on the audience. I hate to admit it, but I qualify as a senior citizen, and the products they advertise are geared toward my age group -- everything from Dulcolax to GERD relief.

There is, however, at least one commercial per evening, regardless of the network, that pitches male sexual dysfunction remedies. It is the Cialis commercial. It always begins with a simple touch or random exchange of eye contact between a heterosexual couple. And invariably and without exception, it ends with cautionary remarks about the dangers of priapism with the same two people sitting in separate bathtubs at the seashore or overlooking a grand vista or watching a sunset.

So here's my question. What the heck do the bathtubs represent here? I mean, these couples are never shown embracing or in a pose representing their sexuality or expectations for great sex. They invariably end up discussing the dangers of using Cialis and then hop into their separate bathtubs.

Is that crazy or what? I mean, the whole pitch ought to focus on enhancing the male sexual experience while emphasizing consensual carnal pleasures -- and instead they give us two fools soaking in separate bathtubs. How crazy is that?

I'm just saying that Madison Avenue and Big Pharma are very carefully avoiding what comes naturally. Well, actually, it isn't really natural at all. It's downright stupid.

Carry on,

Paul in Potsdam