#entertainment

When I turned 18, I received a package in the mail.  It was from Gillette.  It was a Mach3 razor.  It's now more than 8 years later, and I still use this razor when I shave (which admittedly isn't very often).  This razor uses replaceable blades, which I've purchased several times throughout the lifetime of the product.  This might be the product I've owned for the longest amount of time, aside from my guitar (and my toothbrush [kidding]).  In my opinion, this was the best marketing ploy ever. #entertainment

That "Saved by Zero" commercial for Toyota is probably the most painfully annoying piece of advertising ever created.  I assume some advertising jerk achieved his goal of getting an idea stuck in the heads of millions of people, but it begs the question:  Will I buy something because a song is stuck in my head, or will I purposefully never buy anything from Toyota ever again because they ruined my entire fall 2008 football season with the most annoying commercial ever?  Thankfully, as Consumerist points out, the ad has failed, seeing that Toyota's sales numbers continue to drop. 

Also, on the subject of automobile advertising, who exactly responds by purchasing a new vehicle?  I mean, it's one thing if you're ready to buy a new car and you're just waiting around for a good deal.  But what about the rest of us who don't have $20k sitting around just asking to be wasted on a new car?  I for one can't see myself ever deciding to buy a new car simply because I see a commercial for 0% financing.  That's just me. 

The other annoying ad I wanted to point out was that "Five Dollar Foot-Long" one for Subway.  I have to give them credit:  (1) I know exactly how much a foot-long sandwich costs, (2) I know exactly how long of a sandwich $5 can get me, and (3) I have an easy-to-remember song that will never cease to remind me of the facts stated in (1) and (2). #entertainment

Super Mario Brothers 2, the black sheep of the Super Mario Brothers series for Nintendo, was actually a remake of an unrelated Japanese game, but with SMB characters edited in to appeal to American audiences.  The real sequel to SMB1 was released in Japan but deemed too difficult for Americans.  It was later released as "The Lost Levels" and included in the game Super Mario All-Stars for Super Nintendo. #entertainment

People are more than willing to offer unwanted help with crossword puzzles.  It seems like whenever I have a crossword in front of me in a relatively public place (say my desk at work or a table at lunch), people like to lean over and tell me their thoughts on answers.  The thing about crossword puzzles is that I don't do them to complete them.  I mean that's the overall goal, but it's not the primary task at hand.  I'd rather sit around and think about it, struggle with some clues, then feel like Superman (a nerdier version of the hero) when I complete the whole thing.  It's not like a homework assignment or some other menial task that I just want to get done so it's done.  I think I offended a girl at work when I told her, "I don't want your help."  I thought about it for a while and decided I couldn't have said it another way. #entertainment

Great little writeup of Koji Kondo, the Japanese dude who wrote the music for all the Super Mario games (except SMB2).  It was an interesting challenge to write music for "a strange game featuring a plumber trapped in a fungus kingdom ruled by an evil dragon".  I think he did pretty well.  You're probably humming the song right now. #entertainment

Going to the movie theater is too expensive.  That's a given.  I'm not old, yet I remember when it cost $3.  What's changed in the past 10-15 years?  Bigger screens?  More comfortable seats?  Sure, but there's no way the overall experience is worth 300% what it used to be.  Because of this, I feel like it's an investment to go to the movies.  Since I'm part of a couple, it's a guaranteed $20 investment.  I always have to think, "Will this movie really be worth my $20?  Couldn't I just wait six months until it comes out on video, then borrow it from the library for free?  Is there something I'm actually gaining from my investment of time and money?"  Oftentimes, the movie will be so-so, and I'll feel shortchanged on my investment.  The solution is to only go to the movies (if at all) once or twice a year.  That way it's more of an entertainment expense than an investment. #entertainment

An election happened last night.  That's fine and all, but as with any major newsworthy event (presidential addresses, debates, etc.), there was an overabundance of coverage.  Of course the news-centric networks covered it (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), but the major entertainment networks covered it too (CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC).  Yes, it was important.  And I actually agree that it's a good idea to have at least two networks cover it just in case one in overly biased.  But to have the same exact thing on no less than seven different channels is a bit much.  Thankfully, channels like TBS are still around to play reruns of funny shows, so I watched Family Guy all night. #entertainment

This little fella was perched on the flowers out in front of our house.  It was kind of cold outside, so he wasn't moving much.  I like how you can see the fuzz on his head and legs. #entertainment

When people want information, they tend to have a source.  In the year 2008, it's interesting that some young people* still have the following information-gathering practices: 

1. Checking the radio for traffic.  The radio rarely ever has traffic information, especially when you want it, and especially the area you're driving in.  Alternative:  Cell phone.
2. Checking the TV for weather.  If you can actually find the weather channel, and if it's not playing commercials, and if you happen to have 30 minutes to waste as you wait for them to get to your area of the country.  Alternative:  Cell phone or internet.
3. Checking the newspaper for news.  Will it be under National?  Or Local?  Or Lifestyle?  Who knows?  Who cares.  Alternative:  Internet.

*It's not too surprising that old people don't use cell phones for everything, and I'll let that slide. #entertainment