Grocery bag credits

I went to Shaws today and since I’m so proud of my cute little canvas grocery bags, I brought them to bag myself. I’ve done this before, so I was surprised when the cashier asked how many bags I was using. After a quick count, I told him I was using four. He then gave me my receipt that has a $0.12 credit on it – just for using my own bags, and not theirs. Brilliant! That’s a fantastic way to discourage the use of plastic bags and opt for a more environmentally friendly alternative. Kudos.

1234567890

For the geek in me, this is pretty cool: On February 13, 2009 at 23:31:30 UTC, the Unix time will reach 1234567890 seconds.

[Thanks Hector!]

Photoshop adbusting in Berlin

This is a very public way of proving that no matter how pretty a celebrity is, there was a lot of work that went into making sure they look perfect. It’s a pretty cool site – scroll down to see this picture and others.

“Yes Pecan!”

Some Vermont companies still know how to do it:

Vermont ice cream company, Ben & Jerry’s, is wasting no time ringing in the leadership changes in Washington, D.C., by renaming its butter pecan flavor “Yes Pecan” in its Scoop Shops for the month of January, honoring the uniting theme of “Yes, We Can” as a message celebrating America’s opportunity for positive change, the company announced in a news release.

The company is partnering with Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process. Their Education Fund conducts research, education, and outreach activities. Proceeds associated to the sale of “Yes Pecan” will go to Common Cause’s Education Fund.

“Common Cause is excited to work with Ben & Jerry’s to spread a spirit of activism and optimism that we believe can make our government work for the common good as it tackles the big issues of the day,” said Common Cause chief executive Bob Edgar. “An engaged citizenry is crucial for a healthy democracy.”

Common Cause and Ben & Jerry’s plan to activate consumers and fans through an online campaign to urge the general public to make its voice heard regarding critical policy decisions in the months ahead, the company said in the news release.

And according to their website, “In addition to the flavor in Scoop Shops, for every person who joins Common Cause or donates $1 to the Common Cause Education Fund, Ben & Jerry’s will also donate $1.” I don’t know that I ever go to Ben & Jerry’s during the winter, but I think I might this month!

Inventors who died in 2008

This is an interesting piece. Ever wonder who invented Pringles so you could shake his hand? Well, unfortunately you won’t get that chance because Mr. Frederic J. Baur died this year. And fittingly, he asked to have his ashes buried in a Pringles can (original flavor, of course). Read on about more modern inventors who have passed on in 2008.

Now I want an Egg McMuffin…

Brand New (no, not the band)

Dave showed me this, and I think it’s a really interesting website. It shows the progression (or degression, sometimes) companies make when they change their branding. It’s especially relevant now with the uproar over Pepsi products’ retro (and generic looking) brand change. Check it out, it’s a great read.

Tracking Santa’s sleigh

Want to see where Santa is? NORAD is keeping track to keep you and your kids in touch with Santa’s current location and where’s going next. You can even watch him on his route in 3D with Google Earth.

As I write this, he’s in Daru, Papua New Guinea…

Platypus: Venomous mammal that lays eggs? Amazing.

After a very strange conversation that spurred from whoknowswhat last night, Dave decided I should write a blog post and dedicate it to a little bit of education about the platypus. According to Wikipedia (where else?):

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record.

The bizarre appearance of this egg-laying, venomous, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals; the male Platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the Platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of the Australian 20 cent coin.

The more you know!
[ding]

How to escape an alligator

“You should listen – this could save your life someday.”
- Mr. Patrick Henning

Thanks to a random Facebook comment to my high school band instructor, I was reminded of the days that band class wasn’t just for music – we actually learned life lessons. And I’m not being sarcastic. I learned how to escape an alligator if it tries to attack me, and I’ve decided to pass this lesson on into the internet void: run in a straight line. An alligator can only follow you for so long before it gets tired and needs a break. Mr. Henning taught us that, and if I ever get back to Florida I’m always going to keep that in mind – you know, just in case. For a more complete list of ways to dodge an alligator attack, click here.