Another reader has written in to say that after they canceled their Time Warner service, the cable company turned around and offered them much better rates if they would stay. In both this one and the one earlier this week, Time Warner Cable said that because of “special circumstances,” they were able to offer a sweet retention deal. In this case, $67/month for two years, down from $150. [More]
interesting
The Secret History Of The Oreo Emboss
By 6.15.11
Have you ever looked at an Oreo? I mean, really, looked at an Oreo? Have you examined the raised curves and triangles on the cookie’s face and wondered why they’re there and why there are those holes in it? Turns out they serve purposes in both utility and design, and some of those design elements might even be traceable back to the Knights Templar during the Crusades! That’s right, the next DaVinci Code installment is going to start in a biscuit factory… [More]
Rejoice Penguins, Wells Fargo Has An ATM In Antarctica
By 7.24.10
Wells Fargo is the undisputed leader in Antarctic banking thanks to a pair of ATMs at McMurdo station. Despite the monopoly, the bank acts as a benevolent despot by allowing non-customers to draw cash without a surcharge. But who replenishes the stock of $20s? What happens when the ATMs break? Wells Fargo VP David Parker explained it all in a recent interview. [More]
Well Hello There, New Bar Codes
By 6.8.09
Snazzy new bar codes are starting to adorn our fruit and vegetables to stop blurry-eyed cashiers from ringing up organic produce as the cheaper-priced regular stuff. They’re called GS1 DataBars, and they’re already appearing in select supermarkets to help consumers move faster through checkout lines.
Consumers Don't Read Contracts, Even Ones That Scream "Danger: Do Not Sign!"
By 3.7.09
Almost nobody reads consumer contracts before signing, according to two separate academic studies. One study from NYU included a sample contract that bound the signer to stay until dismissed, do push-ups on command, and shock other participants, even if they “screamed, cried, and asked for medical assistance.” 95.6% considered the contract for an average of two seconds and then gladly signed.
Someone Is Listening To You Swear At The Customer Service Robot
By 5.30.08
The New York Times recently published an article about those interactive voice response systems that we all hate so much, and in it we were introduced to Walter Rolandi. He designs these systems and it’s his great privilege to be able to listen to you swearing at them.
Need $50? Call Crime Stoppers!
By 5.18.08
As those delicious morsels behind grocery store windows grow increasingly unaffordable, citizens become more willing to report their law-breaking neighbors to Crime Stoppers in exchange for rewards ranging from $50-$1,000. “Two or three arrests per week, you could make $700, $750 per week,” Sergeant Selfsaid. “You could make better than a minimum-wage job.”
How To: Hijack Fast Food Drive Thru Frequencies
By 3.19.08
“Hi welcome to McDonald’s! Don’t buy the such-and-such it’s a waste of money. Just order the cheaper burger with lettuce and sauce.”
By 1.25.08
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The Boston Globe profiles the last remaining shoe and boot maker in New England, Alden Shoes. The company’s classic footwear has been worn by the likes of John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Indiana Jones… and the Massachusetts state troopers. The shoes will set you back about $350-$500 a pair, but they seem like awfully nice people. “Our shoes don’t wear out,” says Robert Clark, Alden’s vice president. [Boston Globe]
What Is The Most Expensive Drink At Starbucks?
By 12.23.07
Site Of Most Infamous Mob Murder In NY History Is Now A Starbucks
By 10.29.07
The site of the most infamous mob murder in New York City history is now a Starbucks, but does anyone care? Nah. We certainly don’t care… but it’s a chance to learn about a mob murder:
Best Buy Says You Don't Know What You're Doing With HD
By 9.25.07
Best Buy hired a firm to take a survey of the state of the American public’s knowledge of HDTV, and sad results are in. You don’t know what the hell is going on with your television.
