Brill's point is valid; you should respect the contribution advertisers make so you can enjoy stuff free or low-cost. That said, if it's OK to get up and take a whizz while the commercial's running, or mute the Sham-WoW Guy, then it's OK to use any of the ad-blocker add-ons available for the various browsers so you don't have to explain the rumpy-pumpy at the top of the window to your SO, who couldn't miss it from the hallway even if she tried.
Note to advertisers: It's not a billboard on the QEW; your potential customer's just a foot and a half away. Entice him; don't embarrass him.
Note to Fred: Since we quickly scroll down past the masthead (sometimes just to put the embarrassing stuff outta the way) consider that the high-priced ad space should maybe be at the bottom centre of the screen. Where only us guys in the know see it.