Free Republic

Dick Wilson, the character actor and pitchman who for 21 years played an uptight grocer begging customers "Please, don't squeeze the Charmin," died Monday. He was 91. Wilson died of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, said his daughter Melanie Wilson, who is known for her role as a flight attendant on the ABC sitcom "Perfect Strangers." "He is part of the culture. He was still funny to the very end. That's his legacy," his daughter said. Wilson made more than 500 commercials as Mr. George Whipple, a man consumed with keeping bubbly...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said North Korea should not be driven into a corner if the world wants to rein in its nuclear weapons programme. He said some negotiators "failed to find the right tone" with the country. He was speaking in a live TV phone-in with Russians nationwide, broadcast on TV and radio. He said he would not try to run for office again when his term ends in 2008, but said he would try to continue to influence political affairs. On North Korea, Mr Putin said a solution could be found "with goodwill". "You must never push...

'TOILET TOUR' MARKETING BOOSTS CHARMIN SALES 14% P&G Expands Its Traveling 'Pottypalooza' Event EffortsFebruary 17, 2003By Jack NeffCINCINNATI (AdAge.com) -- It may be the ultimate side-by-side comparison, brought to you by Procter & Gamble Co. On one side, a row of typically wretched public toilets at last year's Oktoberfest in Cincinnati. On the other, The Pottypalooza tour rolling into town. Lines quickly form at demo toilets. Inside are all the comforts of home. squeaky-clean, tractor-trailer-mounted bathrooms complete with running water, wallpaper, faux wood floors, and plenty of Charmin toilet paper, Safeguard hand soap, Pampers changing tables and Bounty paper towels....