Mays Autopsy Shows No Drugs, No Trauma

Painkillers, Valium, Xanax also found

(NEWSER) - Cocaine figured into Billy Mays’ death, TMZ reports. An autopsy found traces of the drug in Mays' system, suggesting that the TV pitchman used it a few days before his death. The report lists “cocaine use” as a contributing cause of death, along with heart disease. The autopsy also found painkillers hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone, along with Valium, Xanax, and alcohol. More»

(NEWSER) - Many of the As Seen on TV goods hawked by the late Billy Mays were reviewed in the pages of Popular Mechanics; Harry Sawyers runs down the bellowing talent's top five infomercial products.

1. Hercules Hook: A heavy painting and a sack of books were no match for a hollow-wall anchor that Mays touted as "super strong."
2. Mighty Putty: Despite its innocent appearance as a two-part plumber’s epoxy, Mighty Putty managed to pull an 80,000-pound trailer, as demonstrated by Billy.

TV Pitchman wasn't wearing a seatbelt: FAA

(NEWSER) - Television pitchman Billy Mays was found dead in his Tampa, Fla., home today, the St. Petersburg Times reports. He was 50. The promoter of everything from baking soda to cleaning supplies said he felt unwell last night after landing in a 737 airplane that blew out a front tire. Mays told a reporter "things from the ceiling started dropping" and hitting him on the head. The FAA initially deflected blame, saying he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, TMZ reports. More»

Low airtime costs offer big audience to low-budget spots

(NEWSER) - The recession has pushed TV advertising rates to a relative pittance, and that’s great news for tools like the PedEgg—a callous remover—and the Snuggie—a blanket with sleeves. Though it may hurt shows’ profiles, “Act Now!” infomercial-style ads have recently broken into primetime, the Washington Post reports. Broadcasters are loath to show the spots on premium shows, says an ad tracker, “but what are they going to do? They need the money.” More»