I think she's trying to sell me something

I've always enjoyed watching TV commercials, even though I know so many are trying to separate me from some of my money. There's some skill in cramming a sales message in a few fleeting seconds, attempting to grab our attention among a sea of old yellers.

So, imagine that it's not hard to have a platonic crush on some of the women who virtually enter my home and, sort of, speak directly to me. One woman in particular has been in a variety of ads lately, ranging from Pizza Hut (she says, "Five bucks?") to a secret shopper at Shoe Pavilion. She's also pitched 3-Day Blinds and KY Warming Liquid and Personal Lubricant.

A search uncovered her name - Erica Shaffer – and one site suggests she has also been in a Miracle Gro plant food ad. Her resumé is much more impressive, from guest appearances on TV shows to hosting others. She is obviously talented, and beautiful (a requirement for selling most things these days), with the skills, training and ambition to back it up.

She has her own Web site, and seems destined for even more success. We at Texas T-bone (that would be "me" at Texas T-bone) wish her the best, in a noncreepy, nonstalking, nonthreatening way.