Mar 26, 2010

Tin Cans

Remember the game, "kick the can?" Here are some can facts for you. 200 years ago in 1810, Peter Durand invented the tin can.  Back then, the best craftsmen could only produce up to 60 cans a day.

In 1858, Ezra Warner of Waterbury, Connecticut patented the first can opener. The U.S. military used it during the Civil War.

In 1866, J. Osterhoudt patented the tin can with a key opener like you can find on old sardine cans.

An electric version of the can opener was first sold in December of 1931.

The first canned beer, "Krueger Cream Ale," was sold  in 1935 by the Kruger Brewing Company of Richmond, VA.

Ermal Fraze invented the pop-top can in 1959. OK, I'll can it with the can facts.

Wow, Two Feet of Snow


Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Big Brother Tracks Trash

It could happen here. In England, More than 2.5million homes now have wheelie bins fitted with microchips to weigh their contents. This is an increase of nearly two-thirds in just a year. The bins, which can be electronically identified and weighed, are designed for 'pay-as-you-throw' rubbish tax schemes. Families that put out more waste will pay higher taxes to their local council.

The spread of chipped bins marks the revival of a tax idea that the Government appeared to have abandoned last year, but the latest check showed 20% of all those that collect household rubbish. According to the responses from town halls, 2,629,052 homes have now been given bins with chips.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: 'There are no Government plans to introduce microchips in bins. Any use of microchips is a local authority decision - some councils use them to monitor levels of waste. This is not about spying on people or fining them.'

However, in 2008 nearly 100 councils ran investigations into the contents of their residents' bins, in some cases to check on what rubbish they dump and in others to try to obtain information on their incomes and lifestyles. Sounds like taxing is coming to both ends of the consumption cycle.

Census Jobs

I just read about a friend of a friend who just started her job with the Census Bureau. She will have two days of training for her job, which will consist of opening envelopes, removing the documents, and straightening the papers as needed to be scanned by someone else. Another person will check the envelopes to make sure they are empty.

They are paid $17 an hour, but no benefits. Hmmm, sounds like easy money!

PS - just filled out my 2010 Census form and it took about two minutes total.

Mar 25, 2010

Take Me Out to the Ballpark

Those Michiganders really know how to eat at the ballpark. The West Michigan Whitecaps minor league baseball club is running a contest to determine what new food item will be available at the Fifth Third Ballpark, where they play home games this season. Let the votes begin.

Here’s the entire list of items in the running:

1. Chicken and Waffles – Juicy chicken on a bed of waffles, smothered in gravy.

2. Chili Mac Tacos – Creamy mac and cheese smothered in chili then loaded into a hard taco shell to create a unique taste experience.

3. Chocolate Covered Bacon – This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home and this little piggy dunked itself in chocolate to become a delicious treat.

4. Corn Dog o’ Plenty – The Corn Dog o’ Plenty is a half-pound, footlong frank that is battered and deep fried.

5. Cudighi Yooper Sandwich – If you don’t know what this one is then you haven’t been to the Upper Peninsula. Cudighi is a spicy sausage found throughout the U.P. It is a sausage patty, smothered in cheese, pizza sauce, peppers and, onions.

6. Declaration of Indigestion – This is another half-pound, footlong hot dog covered in a philly cheese steak with cheese, peppers, and onions and served on a gigantic sub roll.

7. Idaho Christmas Tree – This is a batter-dipped hot dog, rolled in french fries, and deep fried to create the perfect dog on stick.

8. Poutin – A real treat from North of the border. The French Canadians created this one with fries, fried cheese curds and gravy for a super side dish.

9. The Pink Panther – A hot dog bun, slathered in icing, filled it with pink cotton candy, then drizzled with root beer syrup over the top.

10. Twinkie Cheese Dog – Another dog laid in a Twinkie covered in cheese.

One of the above will complement the current 'fifth third burger', weighing in at five thirds of a pound.

Any of these items are sure to warm the hearts of the macho Michiganders. Of course my vote is for number three.

Unreliable

TRUE - From the UK Telegraph paper, Nicole Mamo, 48, wanted to post an advert for a £5.80-an-hour domestic cleaner on her local Jobcentre Plus website.

The text of the advert ended by stating that any applicants for the post "must be very reliable and hard-working".

But when Ms Mamo called the Jobcentre Plus in Thetford, Norfolk, the following day she was told that her advert would not be displayed instore.

A Jobcentre Plus worker claimed that the word ”reliable” meant they could be sued for discriminating against unreliable workers. Makes me want to go ARRRGH! What hath politics wrought?

Homer Simpson Clock

Now you can add a new Homer clock to your collection of Simpsons products. Homer’s eyes move back and forth while he gazes at the donut in one hand and a can of Duff beer in the other. Homer’s arms move up and down, raising the item in each hand while he contemplates which one he’ll consume next.

The Homer Simpson Beer Vs. Donut Clock measures 12(H) x 7(W) x 3(D) inches and requires 2 x AA batteries. The product is available from Perpetual Kid for $29.99.

Funny Videos

Here is a LINK to the top funny videos on YouTube. Some have had over ten million hits. Great when you have some time to waste and need a chuckle.

More Toilet Paper

Crumpler Bags does many wacky advertisings, but the below is a bit far out. Notice the numbers and colors: 1 - brown, 2 - brown, etc.

They always find the most unique way to reach their customers and further their brand.

Their latest endeavor is distributing customized toiler paper in an array of areas in USA, Australia, Asia, Canada, and New Zealand. They plan to distribute 100,000 rolls of Paint By Numbers Toilet Paper.

Crumpler is an Aussie designer of trendy, colorful, and stylish bags that are perfect for ever day use, whether it be commuting to work, going to the gym, an outdoor trip, and more. Bags are available online, through selected specialty retailers nationwide, and at their two Crumpler NYC retail stores. LINK to the unique website.