Dry Humor

Some readers may think the following item is a clever example of market research on the part of the cartoon “South Park.” Others may think it's all wet.

A character named Towelie, a genetically engineered, habitually pot-smoking bath towel (yes, you read that right), made his debut recently on the Comedy Central animated series. About 10 minutes into the episode, viewers saw a short DRTV spot directing them to the network's Web site (www.comcentral.com), where “I Love Towelie” and “I Hate Towelie” T-shirts were available for purchase. (Although shown in the commercial, Towelie towels, sadly, were not being offered.)

Because of the satirical nature of the series, many viewers may not have taken the offer seriously. But sure enough, a visit to the site found the merchandise being sold, supposedly for one week only.

Although we couldn't get confirmation from Comedy Central at press time, our guess is the promotion was done to gauge the popularity of the new terrycloth 'toon. If posts on the SouthParkStudios.com bulletin boards are any indication, many fans are ready to wrap themselves in Towelie-mania.

What can be said about this innocent, helpful, courageous sweetheart? Towelie is what America should closer resemble… posted one fan.

A greater nation, where everyone is helpful and likes to get high…You do your thing and we'll love ya for who you are. I say to you, ‘Godspeed young warrior, Godspeed.’

Others weren't so quick to jump on the towel rack. I seriously can't decide if I like that towel or not. I am befuddled. Utterly and completely.

That makes two of us.