Consumerist: Amusing

Starbucks New "Perfect Oatmeal" Loved By Cat

Ben Popken — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:28:13 EDT

Starbucks delivered their new "healthy choices" breakfast menu to The Consumerist this morning, and, falling blindly into their free breakfast trap, we all tried it out. A taste review will follow, but for now, just know that for some reason, my cat, Captain Duvel Moneycat, loves Starbucks new "Perfect Oatmeal." Seriously,he was freakin' on this bowl, it was disturbing. I took it away shortly after taking this exploitative photo.

For The Lumber Liquidators, Economic Woes Yield Advertising Gold

Ben Popken — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:53:52 EDT

While some people conflate "recession" with "depression," the enterprising gents at Lumber Liquidators are using it as a cheery marketing hook. An ad on their website shouts, "Take advantage of the weak dollar! We ship anywhere in the world." I guess when your brand is all about the color yellow, it's hard to be a mopeypants.

Lumber Liquidators [Official Site] (Thanks to Farhood!)

Fish Labeled As Steak

Ben Popken — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST

That is some lean beef right there. Reader Sam shares this picture of pieces of fish a Ralphs grocery store in Los Angeles mistakingly labeled as boneless chuck steak. This genetically modified food craze has gotten well out of hand. At least it's "farm raised."

419ers Scambaited Into Recreating Monty Pyton "Dead Parrot" Sketch

Ben Popken — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:43:18 EST

These Nigerian 419 scammers sent around an email begging for money because they were dying of cancer and got tricked into recreating the Monty Python "Dead Parrot" sketch. The "victim" on the other side was actually a scambaiter, a person who gets their rocks off by wasting email scammer's time and making them perform ridiculous and humiliating acts.

What's interesting is that the "dead parrot" they use is actually a metal duck. Once a scammer, always. — BEN POPKEN

[via BoingBoing]

My Cellphone Has An Echo... A Black Man Echo

Ben Popken — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 11:00:40 EST

Tom Mabe has a very very curious problem with his cellphone. Whenever he talks, he hears his voice in echo. Not just any echo, but his voice comes out like an African-American's. Listen to his recording as he ~~prank calls~~ "troubleshoots" the issue with his cellphone company.

Interesting how the customer service rep refuses to give out the company mailing address at the end. Prank call or, that's illegal. — BEN POPKEN

Other Music Through the Exploding Looking Glass

popkin — Tue, 23 May 2006 16:52:07 EDT

If you've never been to Other Music in New York you may not appreciate this as much but OM is an awesome lil music store at East 4th and Lafayette. Contrary to what this video might have you believe, the people are actually super friendly and helpful. There is a certain elitist air but that's because they know their shit and they know they know it.

After all, these guys are willing to give Stephen Malkmus a face transplant.

(Thanks to Karl Hungus!)