What makes Infomercials efficient?

What is the common denominator of OxiClean, the ThighMaster, Sweating to the Oldies, and the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer? They are all not well-known and over-priced products. They are all marketed in infomercials. And there is a good chance that you have at least one of them stored safely in your basement at the moment.
Infomercials [...]

Can I check-in my e-bike when I’m flying as a passenger on commercial airlines?

I asked the question previously about e-bike batteries:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080730123938AAWnZke
I’ve resolved that by getting a NiMH battery for my bike, but now I’m worried about the bike itself. I keep seeing this on airline sites:
One item of bicycle equipment is defined as 1 non-motorized touring or racing bicycle with a single seat.
is checking in the bike itself [...]