We understand that it’s not unusual for passionate people to argue. However, a recent fight between Dan Gulley Jr. and David James Brooks Jr. reminds us of Henry Kissenger’s oft-quoted dictum “University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.” The men, who were friends, were at another friend’s house recently when they…
We recently decided here at Giving up The Ship to add to the focus of this blog with stories of consumers fighting against corporate illogic and insanity. In that vein, we refer you to this post from the Consumerist…their guide to fighting companies and winning. Get Screwed by a Company – It happens all the…
The title just says it all. Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, offers how-to articles on their website. Clicking through one day in search of an article on replacing a rusty fixture…there it was. Feng Shui in the Bathroom, a handy guide to those who want to increase their chi while sitting on the toilet. A few…
A Customer Service Representative at Best Buy suggested to Charles Yu that he change his name in order to join the Best Buy Reward Zone program. Reward Zone is one of those free programs that allows people to accumulate points through purchases towards rewards. However, the online sign up form would not allow him to…
The Kavalaris family gathered round the table on Christmas Day to celebrate a double-birthday…Jim, age 37, and his grandmother, age 96. The cake, purchased by Jim’s mother, was was decorated with the words, “Happy Birthday, Mom and Jim.” After the candles were blown out, Jim tried to chisel out a piece, finding it strangely hard…
In Mentor, Ohio, firefighters were surprised to discover shoppers in a Dillards South store kept buying even as thick smoke filled the store from an electrical fire. They had to block the door to prevent customers from entering. We know that Christmas sales can be cutthroat…but are people really dying for a good deal? “Daddy…
Recently, we were shopping at our local market and discovered that Barilla pasta sauce had redesigned its jar. While the new jar is rather nice, it is two ounces smaller and costs the same price. We decided to email them to see why… To: Consumer Relations Subject: Re: Barilla Pasta Sauce in Jars I am…
Mariesa Weber, a 38 year old Winn-Dixie cashier lived with her parents and her sister. Late in October, she came home, greeted her mother, went to her room, and disappeared. For 2 weeks, the family searched for her, believing she had been abducted. They distributed fliers and appealed for her return on television. All the…
A recent rash of articles crossing our desk has inspired us to create an award to recognize those involved in youth sports who do the most to promote, how do we put this, differently-valued sportsmanship. We’re big tent people, and certainly wouldn’t deign to impose our outdated definitions of sportsmanship on today’s youth. Clearly these…
A Bangkok radio station’s attempt to entertain military troops by hiring a contingent of go-go dancers has been rebuffed by the leaders of Thailand’s coup. Said a military spokesman “We have to maintain the seriousness of the coup.” The Thai Ministry of Silly Walks was unavailable for comment.