Oh no, you didn't!

This poor fellow shown in the picture is the owner of Ypsilanti Gold and Diamond Exchange. Why is he a poor fellow? Well, he hired someone to produce a commercial for him that has been running on cable TV for a while now. The problem is they aren't pronouncing the name of his business correctly. Ypsilanti is pronounced Ip-si-lanti, NOT Yip-si-lanti. And Ypsilanti is not his name, it is the name of the city his business is located in. 

Frankly, I'm surprised that he hasn't pulled the add or demand that the voice over be redone to pronounce the city name correctly. It can't bode well on his business in a city that takes enormous pride in it's heritage. What are they thinking?

Having Fun!

I am finishing a trip to Denver for a conference that I attend yearly. Fortunately, I did not encounter any of these signs or ones like it.

It was been a great trip visiting grade school friends, learning lots of new  information and visiting a select few sites.

Vacationing in Dollywood?

It's the first morning of my vacation on Lake Huron and I'm in search of a latte. Not a coffee shop to be found in strip mall land, which does not surprise me, so I make my way to the downtown. Alas, I find a cute place called Raven Cafe. It has a lovely small town charm feel to it. A quirky layout that feels like it has been put together over the years with a pub feel to it. Nice. I was right at home. 

That is until I walk out the front door and am bombarded by county music blaring from the speakers on the light poles (see lower left). Yes, we were all treated to Shania Twain signing her heart out at loud decibels. Oh, dear. What are they thinking?

I know there are places that play music at a decibel that teens can hear and not adults, as a means to keep the teens away. But playing music in downtown as a way to keep me there backfires. I had to leave and leave as soon as possible. It did not encourage me to keep walkin'/jammin'/groovin'/or any other thingin' on down the road. I got back in my car and headed for the beach!

Huh?

If I was the purchaser of this house I don't think that I would want to advertise that I paid cash for my new home. Think about it. 

How many people pay cash for a home? Not many. But for those that do, doesn't it imply that you probably have lots of disposable money? Enough that this might be a really good house to rob? 

Isn't it an advertisement to neh-er-do-wells that maybe the odds are in their favor to find good loot here? 

I don't see why this is something that needs to be disclosed. Sold seems good enough to me.

It's flip-flop season!

Yes. Now is the time we bare our toes in the invention known as the flip-flop. Which leads me to make two comments.

First, my friend who sells shoes for a living reminded me several years ago when I bought a pair, that the skin between your toes needs to be slowly broken in. Yea well, shoot, that makes sense. But did I remember  that good advice yesterday? No. I went for a two hour walk in the park in my flip-flops and I am regretting it today. I cut a bandaid in half, put germ ointment on each piece and placed them between my toes. They still hurt! Heed the good advice of not going for long walks when you first air your toes in flip flops. Your tootsies will thank you!

Second, I saw the advertisement for this shoe in Sahalie. In the description they state, 'why you can even wash them in the dishwasher!' Uh, really? And that's a selling point? Does it sound remotely appealing to put your shoes in the same machine you put what you eat off of in? Sometimes I wonder about marketing departments. Now a washing machine makes sense, but a dishwasher? Ick.

April Fool's Joke?

This is tragic and a sad example of how technology has not necessarily been a benefit to all people all of the time.

New York University officials mistakenly sent out emails to 489 applicants notifying them of their acceptance to the Graduate School of Public Service. The problem was they were actually denied. They were notified by a second email about an hour later. And yes, this all transpired on April 1, April Fools Day. The school blamed the mix up on a clerical error. 

Wow. Imagine having that happen to you? And on April Fools Day to boot. Instant information has it's pluses and minuses. You have to be able to filter what you see and not believe everything you read. But who thought that your email acceptance was a piece you had to scrutinize. How sad. How do you adequately apologize for this kind of mistake?

Good Grips misses mark

This timer is produced by a company called Good Grips. They originated as an alternative for folks who had trouble gripping items. They began with the potato peeler with a wide handle. It was so successful that they have expanded to areas such as timers. 

Frankly, I don't understand why this is different than other timers as the buttons are small and the stop/start button is annoying as heck. But that is not really the reason I posted this. No, the question that I had concerns the packaging. This timer came in a blister pack that was exceeding difficult to open. It was one of those thick packages that are hard to cut open. Then when you've cut it open it is near impossible to pull the pieces away from the timer. 

So, my question is, shouldn't someone be paying attention to the packaging as well as the product? Who cares if the product is easy to use, if you can't get it out of the package? Yet another example of good design ideas poorly executed through to the last step. I see this everywhere.

Think before you name your pet

It's good to know that people are looking out for one another. As sometimes this can be a very cruel world. However, if this situation continues, it has the potential of turning into a result of crying wolf if help is someday needed. Let's hope that never happens.

CRUD seeks new name

Yea. Ya think?

CRUD has come to it's senses and is seeking a new name as "the current one is too long, and the 'CRUD acronym is too negative" according to Amanda Naugle, a community organizer. 

Really? And how long did it take this organization to come to that realization?

CRUD, or the Dexter Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking services a group that you would think might have pointed this out from the beginning, but apparently not. Hence they are now asking for suggestions for new less negative names. 

To submit your suggestions, email them to nauglea@ewashtenaw.org by Friday January 16th. The cream of the crop will be compiled and submitted for your approval (vote) at their website.

Hmm. It will be interesting to see what comes forward. Could be worth checking back in.... 

Flame broiled body spray

Yes, this is what it says it is. Burger King is making a body spray for men that smells like a flame broiled whopper. You too can own it for a mere $3.99. But why would you want to smell like a hamburger? Now a french fry I understand. But how many women are going to go 'ooohh, hamburger, must have a bite'. And not to exclude the gay crowd, would men think the same about another man? Can't image that. Who does this appeal too other than the marketing department?

Hmm, think about it

I belong to a daily vocabulary list. Sometimes I find it useful, perhaps interesting, occasionally even just of no interest at all. But today is the first day I felt it was worthwhile posting. Read on...

asperse  (pronounced a-SPURS)

Meaning:  verb

1. To spread false and malicious charges against someone.

2. To sprinkle with holy water.

Hmm. Does anyone else see any irony here?

This is the description that accompanies the online listing for this asperse: "Remember what a problem traveling with your Holy Water used to be? Well no longer, this handy asperillum by Tiffany and Co. has a screw top that keeps is all in place until you reach your exorcism or sick call destination. We have Holy Water and can supply for you if needed upon purchase. "

Seriously? Where does holy water come from?

Alas, I hardly knew yee....

I guess I just didn't care too much about the Olympics this time around. I watched it sporadically, but never caught the things that I cared about. 

I love crew. Never saw an ore.

Tried watching beach volleyball, but couldn't stand the loud music that was constantly blaring in the background. I just don't get the current generations need for constant loud stimuli. It makes we worry for the future. But that's another story. Don't get me started. Oye vay!

Anyway, I just wasn't that into the Olympics, except for Michael Phelps. Eight gold medals. Now that is cool. But please, please, please don't ever talk to me about what he eats every day.... That is unless, you eat like below.

Librarian Fired for writing book about patrons

This book has caused a problem for the author, Sally Stern-Hamilton aka Ann Miketa. She lost her job when this book of fiction turned out to mirror real life in the public library that she worked at.

She wrote about the patrons who spent time in the Mason County district library in Michigan. Much of what was written was about folks who were identifiable in this small community. Hence was the reason given by the director when she was fired.

Having not read the book, I can't comment on it's contents or as to the reason behind her firing, but it does beg the question, 'what happened to freedom of speech?' The fact that this all occurred within the structure of the system that defends freedom of speech more vigilantly than any other organization is troubling. It makes me want to learn more to better understand what is really happening here. I might just read this book and see for myself what the hub-bub is really about. 

Lost In Translation

Now that the Olympics are starting there will be many, many examples of things that just didn't get translated properly. 

Imagine all of the giggles that will be heard in bathroom stalls upon encountering signs similar to this.

I'm keeping my eyes open for the best 'misses' during the next 17 days.

Is lettuce an animal, vegetable or mineral?

Now here is a conundrum for vegetarians. What will I eat now?