Saturday, August 19, 2006

obese?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention does no’t call overweight children obese. Some feel that terms such as 'fat' or 'obese' lead to poor self esteem. The PC phrase they prefer for overfed children? "At risk of overweight."

Some doctors are seeking better, more politically correct terms to use to tell parents their kids are porkers, rather than to call them obese.

How about "longevity-challenged"?

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

nationwide insurance

A Mississippi couple lost a claim against Nationwide Insurance for damages due to Hurricane Katrina recently. Damages to the couple's home topped $130,000 from wind and water. Nationwide paid $1661, stating they pay for wind damage, but not for water entering one's home after the roof blows off.

I guess Nationwide will have to change the slogan they advertise.

Monday, August 14, 2006

shopper loyalty cards

What's up with those shopper "loyalty" cards? Supposedly, these cards, often given free by grocery stores, can give a shopper discounts when scanned at the register. I guess the assumption is that you will be "loyal" to the store who gives you such a discount if you possess one of these cards.

But people I know who use such cards have a boatload of them on their keychains. I've seen people with cards from Kroger, Food Lion, Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, etc. So much for loyalty.

Privacy

Disregarding loyalty for a moment, some have concerns over the privacy of the information that using such cards may expose. Some believe that information about what you purchase using these loyalty cards is sold to marketing companies in order to help them sell you similar products and services.

The other day, while standing in line at my local supermarket, the checkout lady asked the person in front of me if he had his loyalty card. The man said he left it at home. The checkout then asked me if I minded if she were to scan MY card in order for him to save on his purchases. After all, isn't that the polite thing to do? Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you, had you forgotten your loyalty card?

I took a look at what he was buying: Cigarettes, beer, Guns & Ammo magazine, and a box of condoms. I told her I, too, left my card at home.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

hot enough for ya?

The heat all across the country has been unbelievable. Just heard this on the radio:

"Tomorrow we will not merely be flirting with 100 degree temperatures, we will be downright getting busy..."