The opposite of subtle

For those who don't live here in Chicago, you're missing out on a high-water mark of modern advertising.

I speak, of course, of the "Get Tested Chicago" campaign. Get tested for what? Genital-chomping STD's, silly!

At first, the ads were mildly shocking and kind of funny. Apparently, I've been missing the boat by not keeping a closer eye on the city's gay publications. I implore you to check out the full-sized version of the ad on the right.

It's only one ad campaign in a line of blunt force advertising here, which had expanded this week to include the automated voice on the city's bus and train lines telling riders that without help from the state, the bus they're on won't be operating at the end of January.

Right in between announcing stops and warning people about assaulting other riders or drivers is the announcement that the elderly should be prepared to start walking. I'm shocked that it's not coordinated to go off when the bus passes a shoe store or a bike shop.

It's something to think about as you're walking to the VD clinic.