Herculodge: Current Affairs

Watches, Dishwashers, You Name It: Planned Obsolescence

Thanks, Paul:

This is called planned obsolescence.

Watch this series:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01zxm9b

Episode 1
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j885_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-1_creation

Episode 2
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j8as_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-2_creation

Episode 3
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j8ct_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-3_creation

Posted at 06:45 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lisa Ann Walter Leaves KFI Because of "Acting and Family" Obligations

My wife and I noticed that Lisa Ann Walter was gone from KFI a month ago with no announcement given but Los Angels Daily News indicates that, in the words of KFI assistant producer, that "acting and family" was too much. We wish her the best.

Posted at 05:43 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

LA Observed Reports Promising Upgrades on KPCC 89.3

LA Observed reports that KPCC should have a stronger lineup soon with John Horn of the LA Times doing an arts entertainment segment and KCRW producer moving to KPCC as well. The daily show should start in the fall and will have a podcast.

These changes are welcome. Two years ago, KPCC lost Madeleine Brand to KCRW in a debacle, they got rid of their Pat Morrison show and after the venerable Larry Mantle we now have two hours of bland programming, BBC and The World (the latter is repeated on KCRW at 3 P.M.).

With these changes at KPCC, I'll probably renew my membership.

Posted at 06:59 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Put in the B.S. Files: My Irish Spring Body Wash Is "Inspired by Celtic Rock Salt"

I thought I was buying exfoliating body wash with rock salt in it, but upon close inspection my Irish Spring Body Wash, as it says on the label, is "Inspired by Celtic Rock Salt," which we can file under B.S.

Making bubbles that look like rock salt is deceiving. It's like Mock Apple Pie made with Ritz crackers that are "inspired by apples."

Posted at 05:34 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (8)

Snobbish, Churlish Customer Service Can Make You Come Back for More Abuse

Ed has apprised us of this article about how pathetic, needy, and feeble we are as human beings because we are not drawn to sycophantic customer service but to the snobbish, supercilious elites who treat us as peasants.

Posted at 10:13 AM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)

Four Cases of Scabies Related to 24-Hour Fitness at Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance

Last Thursday I found out that one of my students, and his friend, contacted either flea bites or scabies from 24-Hour Fitness in Torrance. A nurse on my Facebook page said it's probably scabies.

Then today, I found out that an employee of the same 24-Fitness has scabies and so does his live-in girlfriend, my daughter's therapist.

So now the count is up to four.

The therapist, who came to our house today with a rash on her hand and wrist, is at Kaiser right now getting a diagnosis. She said her boyfriend has been coming home from work with scabies bites all over his feet. I'll update if she's positive for scabies.

Posted at 01:27 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (3)

Flea Or Scabies Infestation at Torrance 24-Hour Fitness on Crenshaw and PCH?

One of my students came to class covered in flea bites. They were all over his arms and face. He explained he got them at 24-Hour Fitness on Crenshaw and PCH.

I asked if he was sure the gym was the source of the bites and he said his friend, also an El Camino student, got covered by flea bites after returning from the same 24-Hour Fitness.

I talked to yet another student, a personal trainer, who said that particular gym has a notorious reputation for being filthy.

Word to the wise. Avoid that gym and don't go and leave your kids at the daycare.

Update:

A nurse told me the infestation may not be fleas, but scabies, which would account for my student's allergic reaction.