Second Annual PH4H Empanada Bowl Results

The results of the Second Annual PH4H Empanada Bowl are in. (Actually, they've been in since late Thursday night, but I've been lazy.)

(names partially redacted to protect the mostly-innocent)

Congrats, Bo. You should be proud.

Bitter Over Bridge Closings

Apparently Northerners have not forgotten the Civil War and they are subversively taking it out on the South through the Presidential Inauguration. I think I overheard the Secret Service saying "They tried to split off of our country in order to continue slavery, causing some 600,000 casualities...how can we exact our revenge? I got it! Close four bridges for a day! That'll do it."

Alright Confederacy, we're even now.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/08/AR2009010803900.html?hpid=topnews

We're so proud. Now board up your windows.

So I get this e-mail from the "Arlington Alert" system:

Subject: Inauguration Alert from Arlington County
To: "Arlington Alert Subscribers"
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 3:21 PM

Arlington is proud to be an important part of the Presidential Inauguration and celebrations. Arlington is expecting record crowds during the entire inaugural weekend January 17-20. Crowds and events during this weekend will affect all residents.

To prepare for this event, pretend a hurricane is coming during that weekend and expect large crowds, congestion, traffic and many delays. Getting around will be difficult at best so a common sense approach will be important. Be informed, make a plan, be prepared.

For tips on preparing for this historic event, road closures, and other information about the inauguration activities, visit www.arlingtonva.us search for 'inauguration."

My sister's comment: "Large crowds turn out for hurricanes where you live? That seems like questionable risk management."

Snuggie vs. Slanket: An Investigation

Sunday night, I was watching football with Andy and it was very very cold. I told him that I wanted one of those blanket things with sleeves -- a Slanket -- which had been recommended to me by a friend. But then we saw a commercial for another version of it -- a Snuggie -- for less than half the price, plus a free book light.

So, being me, I decided to investigate. Before I went to bed, I sent an email to the Slanket people:

I am trying to decide between buying a Snuggie and a Slanket. I have a friend that recommended your product, but yours costs $44.95 -- whereas I can get two Snuggies and a book light for $19.95, plus shipping. So why should I buy yours instead of the other one? What makes yours worth the extra money?

Thanks.

The creator of the Slanket wrote back, less than 7 hours later:

Jan 5, 2009 06:31:25 AM, gary@theslanket.com wrote:

Hello!

Thank you so much for reaching out to us and The Slanket. We appreciate your interest and you for taking the time out to drop us a note.

The facts are: We are the original for this type of product and have been making a quality Slanket backed with attentive customer service and appreciation for a few years now. This knock off is an extremely poor quality product. It is smaller, the material is half the weight, and is overall not something you would want laying around your living room.

The Slanket is much larger, and is 310gsm, which refers to the weight. This knock off is 170gsm. Besides the blatant product differences, I can assure you that the other company could care less about their customers and you will see this through the service you get, if you get any. We will always take care of you, from today on to the future. Having contacted us now, we now consider you part of the Slanket family and will always be available for anything you might need.

I hope I have answered your questions.

We wish a happy and healthy new year to you and your family,

Gary H. Clegg
SlanketLounginLLC
www.theslanket.com

This kind of customer service should be rewarded -- or, at least, noted.