Bowlful of Crickets

reblogging rocketboom:

An extensive collection of packaging making use of good design.

TV: Packaging like this makes me want to buy stuff.

reblogging bullshit:

Good god! Bill Cosby is auctioning off some of his famous sweaters for charity on eBay! http://www.ebay.com/cosby

TV: It’s probably good that I didn’t win the lottery when I see stuff like this…

Recently I found myself at Super Target, picking up various groceries and household items. Among the things on my list was a new deodorant/antiperspirant for yours truly.

So I went to the men’s deodorant section and tried determining the best brand for me. I went nor only by the sent through the plastic container, but also by the cleverly calculated names for each sent- Heated Rush, Glacial Poke, Iambic Breeze, Cool Ranch and so forth.

So I ultimately decided on Degree for Men- I don’t remember the actual name of the scent or what made this scent stand out among the others. I think I chose it amongst the other Degrees for Men, and I chose that brand because I never tried it before.

It’s what happened when I got hope and openied the cap that leads me to write about the whole experience.

You know the little protective cap that’s on the deodorant in stores, under the main cap and protecting the pruct somehow? Well, when I lifted this one, I was in for quite a surprise…

There were words imbossed in my deodorant

GO FOR IT

You see, I was going to just take it easy that day, but once I read my deodorant, I was ready to conquer the world. And conquer the world I did! Meet your new Emperor!

O.K., so that part I may be exaggerating upon a bit. But this much is true- this deodorant goes the extra mile. While others are content making us smell good (or not smell at all), Degree for Men goes one step further- it gives us the strength to carry on!

I assume go for it is the only message- but could "Stop Smoking", "Dare to Dream", "Carpe Diem" and "My Wife’s Other Deodorant is a Broom" be far behind? I hope not.

I briefly considered keeping the cap and either A) putting it back on the deodorant after each use to reset the message, or B) washing it throroughly and using it as a press on various foodstuffs around the house. What goes better with Go For It bacon than Go For It pancakes? And what could be a better start to your day?

A full set of inspirational stamps could make this world a greater place. Want to use that idea for your own personal gain? I say go for it. Or maybe that’s just my deodorant talking.

Crest came out with their Whitening Expressions toothpaste a while back- perhaps a year our two ago. The concept was whitening toothpaste with exciting new flavors- Cinnamon Rush, Extreme Herbal Mint and Fresh Citrus Breeze- basically, Cinnamon, Spearmint and Orange. I tried the Orange when it first came out and it was fine, but it didn’t become my everyday toothpaste (that honor went to the foaming menthol goodness of AquaFresh Extreme Clean).

Recently the missus and I saw that Crest had added a new flavor to the fold in the form of Refreshing Vanilla Mint. To honor the occasion, Crest relased all four flavors in one box- a mini, travel-sized tube of each. The oppurtunity to try four flavors for the price of one? Needless to say, it was quickly in our cart.

Debbie and I tried a new flavor each time we brushed and were generally pleased by each flor. The ability to mix up toothpaste flavors was a welcome change for us both.

One day I was brushing when I noticed the orange and vanilla tubes next to each other and inspiration struck: the Creamsicle flavor I enjoy in ice cream and candy form can now be experienced while brushing!

I have also come up with three additional flavors, which each variety of the Whitening Expressions utilized at least once. Here’s the order in which I came up with them…

Creamsicle: Vanilla + Orange
This one is a bit of a challenge, as it’s difficult to get the perfect balance of orange and vanilla. The key is to use a lot more vanilla than orange, but it’s quite difficult to only squeese a tiny amount out of a tube. When I’ve gotten it right, it tastes great. It’s like brushing your teeth at a picnic. Or maybe not…

Cinnamon Bun: Cinnamon + Vanilla
Again, you need a lot more vanilla than cinnamon. When the combination is right, this gets close to the flavor of a cinnamon bun. Don’t skip breakfast, though- it’s the most important meal of the day.

Spice Drop: Cinnamon + Herbal Mint
Probably the easiest flavor combination to make, as both components are srtongly flavored. We had spice drops in the candy jar a lot when I was growing up, so this one really took me back.

Shamrock Shake: Vanilla + Herbal Mint
Why I thought of blending herbal mint with cinnamon before vanilla is beyond me, but I did. The same warning applies as with the other vanilla combos- use more vanilla than the other flavor. I wonder if Debbie has noticed the vanilla tube shrinking…Unlike the Shamrock Shake itself, this can be enjoyed year round.

If anyone can think of other combinations which would work, send ‘em on. I have two opportunities each day to test them out.

I wonder if you can use two air fresheners together to create an all new fragrance…