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FLUSH WITH SUCCESS: Just when we thought we?d seen enough odd pet products to last a lifetime, something else showed up in our in-box today. (With
thanks to regular reader Lucy F.) The good folks at Cat Genie.com
are marketing a self-cleaning, self-flushing toilet for cats, and it?s got to be seen to be believed. The device needs to be near a water
source (for the flushing part) and electricity (for the cleaning part), and the real-life demo (Ew.) on the Web site shows just how the device
works. But while cleaning out the litter box in our house is a most disagreeable job, we?d rather do that than part with the $299.99 they?re
asking for the Cat Genie. Besides, that?s what we have teenagers
for.
DOG-GONE GOOD IDEA: The fallout from Hurricane Katrina continues in Louisiana even to this day, but one group is trying to help the smallest victims,
displaced dogs. Doggie's Angel, a charitable organization committed to the rescue of homeless animals, has created a unique pin-up/dog calendar,
featuring some rescued pups along with, ummm, rather exotic models. ?Gifted photographers, working with a gorgeous model and some adorable rescued
puppies, have created images that define the very ideal of beauty,? a rep for the group said in a release. Promising 60% of the calendar sale
proceeds will go to the Louisiana SPCA, the calendar can be seen at
Doggie?s Angel.com. (And be sure to notice how most of the dogs have a look on their face that says, ?Could my life BE any weirder??) It?s
borderline safe for work, so be careful. But after having yourself a good look, pull out your credit card and order one. At 20 bucks, you can
afford it.
BECAUSE I?M THE PARENT, THAT?S WHY! If that previous statement rings a bell, you might want to know about the ?Appreciation Station,? a new item
being pushed by a Minnesota mom apparently at her wit?s end with her kids. ?Diana Low created The Appreciation Station as a way to reward her kids
for what they were doing right, rather than focusing on negative behaviors and consequences,? according to a release. (And the cynic in us right
now is wildly rolling his eyes?) It?s a treasure chest that holds prizes kids can redeem by cashing in tokens that parents give them to reinforce
good behavior. "The Appreciation Station is a constant, visual
reminder that we should appreciate and celebrate a job well done in our home," Low said. (There they go again.) But at $99.95, we have a
better idea. Take that 100 bucks, and keep it around as a pile of singles. Throw the kid a buck or two when they do something right. They?re happy,
you?re happy, everybody wins.
AND IT'S GOOOOOD! Recall the Miller Lite TV ad where the Men of the Square Table scoff at Burt Reynolds' suggestion for a new sign to wave at
football games? Turns out, no idea is too stupid for a sports stadium. Last Sunday, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lined up to kick a second quarter
field goal at Soldier Field, two Chicago Bears fans sitting behind the goal posts hoisted a big letter "B" and a cardboard padlock. Although it's no
John 3:18, ?B-lock? signage sightings have popped up in ESPN highlights of at least one other NFL game last weekend. Miller Brewing spokesman and Dig
Communications president Pete Marino swears that the beer company isn't planting B-lock duos in NFL stadiums, nor has it recruited end zone ticket
holders as free-lancers. Hmmmm. --Mike Beirne
So yesterday, we mocked made mention of a company called ?Snoozester,? which will give your employees a morning wakeup call if
you sign on with them. We?re happy to report that Snoozester chimed in on the report at our new Short Takes Blog site to set things straight. Read what they have to say, or add
your own comments to that or any other Short Take. It's democracy in action!
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Tony Sinclair's favorite color? Olive with a touch of pimento. His favorite vegetable? Does the cocktail onion count? Well, what kind of answers
would you expect from Tanqueray gin's sarcastic spokescharacter? Sinclair will be the first of many advertising icons that USA Network will integrate
into its "Characters welcome" ad campaign.
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Consumers are dreaming of a Red Christmas this year, according to the Holiday Trend Tracker from agency Cone in Boston, which says companies'
charitable choices will play a stronger role in purchase decisions.
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