[Moderator's note: In the "give credit where credit is due" department: I
don't know who started it all, but I got essentially identical posts from
from the following people as well:
"Patricia A. Stauffer" <[log in to unmask]>
Gail Hummel <[log in to unmask]>
"Megan O'Shaughnessy, D.C." <[log in to unmask]>            BIG]
 
Everyone:
I am sending this to several people whom I think will be interested.  There
is a new Radio Shack and GTE Commercial, calling ferrets rodents and biters
Terrell Young informed me of this TRAVESTY!  In Sunday's Houston Chronicle
Business section, was an article about the most complaints filed with the
Independent Television Commission (ITC) against a TV commercial.  It was
the Levi jeans commercial that depicts the apparent death of a hamster.
The total complaints were 519.  If there is a similar commission for radio
I think we should beat that record.  If not lets at least let Radio Shack
know we ferret owners care and will not stand for this disinformation.  It
is going to do irreparable damage.  Feel free to forward this information
to anyone who can help.  We should also call the radio station we hear the
commercial on and ask for their assistance and remove the ad.
 
Radio Shack's Address:     Radio  Shack
                           One Tandy Center
                           100 Throck Morton St. Suite #30
                           Fort Worth, TX 76102
                           1-817-415-3011
or their paper ad lists 1 - 800 - THE - SHACK (843-7422)
A transcript of the commercial supplied by Terrell Young follows:
We also have a tape of the commercial if you would like to hear it.
 
[Moderator's note: I deleted the bulk of the commercial due to potential
copyright issues.  The relevant info is here, however.  BIG]
 
Conversation between 2 people: (1) Answer Guy (2) man at pet shop (3) there
is a third voice at the end.
 
(2) I'm at a pet store (he is yelling into the phone and you can hear
    dogs barking, etc., in the background)
(2) ... They have a deal on wireless phones but you have to buy a FERRET.
    (parrot sounds in the background).
(1) I'd bag the RODENT and go to RADIO SHACK. ("rat"- like sounds in the
    background).
(2) Well, can they beat this ferret deal? (more "rat"- like sounds).
(1) No doubt....
(2) Well, Uh, you know I -- I kind of like this -- the little FERRET,
    but -- OUCH!!!
(1) I HOPE YOU'VE HAD YOUR SHOTS!
(2) Uh, SHOTS? OOOOO -- OH -- GET HIM OFF ME!!!!
(3) [announcer gives the poop on cell phones BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2455]