http://blog.benjaminfenster.com A Blog of Musings and Mockery Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:56:51 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I used my new JetBlue American Express card for the first time last weekend to get dinner delivered through Foodler — Cheesecake Factory dinner, to be specific. Here's how the charge appears on my statement online: FOODLER.COM AMBULANCE SERVICES $36.53 This man is dying!  Somebody bring him four-cheese pasta and a slice of Linda's ... http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/03/emergency-foodler/ Typically, when joining public Wi-Fi networks, whether free or paid, users are locked in "wireless jail" until they've agreed to the terms and conditions of the service and, when applicable, paid for the session. [caption id="attachment_1507" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Bing's Wireless Jail"][/caption] On most free networks, this just requires clicking an "I Agree" ... http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/03/backslash-circumflex-coerced-into-bing%e2%84%a2/ On Tuesday, February 23rd, gunman Bruco Eastwood shot and wounded two students at Deer Creek Middle School in Littleton, Colorado. Math teacher Dr. David Benke was outside patrolling the parking lot after school at the time. When he heard the first shot, he charged at the gunman and wrestled him ... http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/everyday-heroism/ When a shoe store in Longmont, Colorado closed, another neighborhood business took advantage of the opportunity with some hastily written signs taped to the door of the empty storefront: [caption id="attachment_1484" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Phelps Shoe Repair"][/caption] "Well, I did want new shoes, but I guess I can settle for a repair.  Ring ... http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/making-lemonade-shoe-style/ At the corner of Highway 119 and Main Street in Longmont, Colorado is this storefront, enticing passersby with some large signs (which appear here unedited).  One problem: I have absolutely no idea what they're selling. [caption id="attachment_1479" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Incentives Available! Will Subdivide!"][/caption] http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/incentives-available/ The JetBlue blog is a mixture of press releases, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, corporate culture, and occasional bragging. It won some major points on February 11th, when JetBlue canceled its flights in the Northeast in advance of the latest big storm to hit the region. With the forecast calling for icy conditions throughout ... http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/fear-of-ice/ This is my all-time favorite grocery store aisle identification sign: [caption id="attachment_1470" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ethnic Hair Care"][/caption] I was reluctant to find out what products, specifically, one might find in this aisle, but its mere existence is awesome. http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/ethnic-hair-care/ And now, a moment of terror brought to you by Sophie: Sophie: There's a butt on Mommy's head and Daddy's head!  Run for your lives!  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! (30 seconds of complete silence) Sophie: (deadpan) That was a close one. It was like War of the Worlds for the modern era. http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/four-year-old-humor/ This is perhaps the most awesome craft supply ever invented: [caption id="attachment_1459" align="aligncenter" width="273" caption="Magnetic Tape"][/caption] I want to start using it for all my taping needs. http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/magnetic-tape/ An advertisement in our local brake repair center offered this helpful bit of car repair wisdom today: [caption id="attachment_1456" align="aligncenter" width="423" caption="The Purpose of Brakes"][/caption] Other facts they might feature on future posters: "Engines help you go!" and "Steering wheels help you turn." http://blog.benjaminfenster.com/2010/02/obscure-uses-for-brakes/