7 TV Products to Stay Away from ...

Price: $16.32 at amazon.com
In theory, this seems like a really good idea, right? Like, the Better Half has two cats that I have to thus claim as well, and they aren't declawed. I would never, ever do that to a cat, because it has to be so painful – besides, then the poor darlings wouldn't be able to have any fun clawing at my furniture. So, perfect solution! Blunt their claws with an emery board just for them! Not so much. Half the reviews I've seen mention that the cat goes to step on this thing, and it flies up in the manner of a rake in a cartoon, nearly smacking kitty between the eyes. Our cats are vindictive enough without incurring their wrath over something like that.

Price: $6.97 at amazon.com
I love to cook and I love making pasta. You'd think Pasta Boat would be a great match, right? Not so much. From what I hear and read, you're lucky if you don't burn the heck out of yourself and/or dump all your pasta right on the ground. That horrifies me even more, because then my dogs would burn their tongues trying to lap up steaming pasta.

Price: $20.00 at amazon.com
Ah, Booty Pop. We all want a nice rear end, I know that. Wearing something that makes it look like you've stuffed chicken cutlets down the back of your pants isn't really the way to go, though. There are other ways to get a bubble butt. Heck, it would be cheaper to stuff some chicken cutlets down there anyway. Reviews are generally favorable, but I think the overall effect just looks unnatural.

Price: $5.94 at amazon.com
I loved the idea of this, because of the way it's supposed to fix your bra and lift up your bustline and make it look like you just got a boob job or something. In reality, though … not so much. Evidently it's really uncomfortable, the bra tends to look a little poochy, it doesn't work with most bras, and you can see it through your clothes.

Price: $18.29 at amazon.com
I just think this thing is funny. Who knows if it works or not? Probably it does work for some, but not for others. Either way, it's just funny. The exercise is funny, what you have to do with it is funny. Honestly, after I saw an episode of South Park showcasing this dubious piece of exercise equipment, I just can't look at it the same way.

Price: $7.48 at amazon.com
I've tried this one – but I didn't buy it. My mom borrowed it from a friend and loaned it to me. The dogs hate it. It scares the pee out of them – literally in the case of the poor little dachshund. It's too loud and seems too abrasive. With dogs or cats, it's a better bet to either file their nails yourself, trim them yourself, or take them to get trimmed.

Price: $3.80 at amazon.com
This one just seems so gruesome. I don't want to sit there and rub my hair away, do you? Depilatory products are generally so icky anyway, but this one looks like it takes the cake. Evidently it doesn't work either, because you'd be hard pressed to find a positive review.

That's what has helped me save a lot of money on junk TV items: reading reviews. If a huge amount of people haven't had luck with something, I have to figure the same will be true for me. Still, you can't help but want to try some of them anyway. Are you interested in any TV products?