Weird Things People Send Us

The Little Mermaid to be Replaced by Giant Skull

2009-03-19T14:19:18Z

NEWS FLASH! Radiant Copenhagen reports a major shift in its waterfront attractions!

"Soon the famous Little Mermaid will be taken down from the Copenhagen Waterfront, to be restored and prepared for its participation at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai. The Little Mermaid will be replaced by a big Skull replica of the early Homo sapiens in China know as Jing Shan."

Read the full press release on the break!

]]> The Little Mermaid to be replaced by Giant Skull

Soon the famous Little Mermaid will be taken down from the Copenhagen Waterfront, to be restored and prepared for its participation at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai. The Little Mermaid will be replaced by a big Skull replica of the early Homo sapiens in China know as Jing Shan.

At the Shanghai EXPO 2010 the architects Bjarke Engels Group - BIG proposed to bring The Little Mermaid to the event as an icon of Denmark. There has been discussion about taking a national treasure abroad, but now everything is settled.

As a result of this discussed an alternative sculpture was sought to replace The Little Mermaid says Rune Graulund PhD in litterature and a member of Wonderful Copenhagens new board Radiant Copenhagen.

As a follow up on the year of Charles Darwin and the generel interest in the the origin of man A Giant Skull will replace The Little Mermaid while she seeks interest in Shanghai. The Little Mermaid is a welknown character of the Tales of H. C. Andersen. H. C. Andersen was very inspired by the news from the emerging chinese culture. Radiant Copenhagen is proud to announce this solution. Also in this project we will have an exchange of cultures and an interrelation between two different places in the world.

Our interest in the first signs of mankind and the little mermaids wishes to be human has also common interest in the idea of becoming human.

The replica of the Jing Shan Scull is now under construction in China.

Dying Artform: The Zany Press Kit

2009-01-16T20:16:17Z

Long ago in the pre-Internet Age of Mail, publicity agencies would send bizarre objects to the editorial offices of publications in hopes of catching the attention of gullible editors. Most of them were completely useless and would be immediately dropped into the wastebasket (until one of them actually sent us a wastebasket, which I've kept to this day -- who doesn't need a wastebasket?). With the dominance of e-mail (and the decline of marketing budgets), this practice has all but died out.

But then this came in the mail!

See what's inside after the jump!

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Let's investigate further...

What's this all about? Dental insurance? A national health plan? What??!

Ohhh.... huh?

Teeth-cleaning products for dogs!!!

By Greenies.

Free financial advice.... from the wise planners at Citigroup

2009-01-02T20:34:26Z

For some reason, publicists still think it's a great idea to submit "articles" for publication that are "written" by their clients. Perhaps they envision a world of small-town, weekly papers run by simple folk who just don't know how to fill their empty pages: "The square dance report is running short this week, Ma. What're we gonna put on page 6?" "Well, by gum, let's run that free article on dog-grooming tips from Hartz Mountain!" PR agents seem to believe that readers will see these important articles and then think more fondly of their clients.

Maybe not so much with this article, submitted to us by TMGpr on Madison Avenue: "Top 5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Finances" from Personal Finance Expert Dara Duguay. Ms. Duguay works in Citi's Office of Financial Education. That would be Citigroup, which according to the New York Times, is "one of the biggest recipients of taxpayer money," having taken in $45 billion in government bailout funds in the current financial crisis. The government is also covering 90 percent of the losses on $306 billion in toxic securities after Citigroup absorbed the first $29 billion of losses.

So, do you really want to take Citi's financial advice regarding your money? Yeahhhh.... well, if you do, it's available after the jump.

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Top 5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Finances

Each year, the most popular New Year's Resolutions usually alternate between losing weight and getting one's finances under control. With all the attention on the dire state of the economy, getting fiscally fit will most likely not only top next year's resolutions, but also create a bigger challenge than ever to accomplish.

Ring in the New Year on the right financial foot with these 5 essential tips from Dara Duguay, Director of Citi's Office of Financial Education, to help get your finances in shape:

1.    Don't treat money as a taboo subject. Whether managing finances yourself or with a spouse/partner, avoiding money issues in the hopes that they will just go away or until you have a financial crisis only guarantees stress and arguments.   Set aside time every month - or schedule regular monthly "money meetings" with your partner - to review the bills, progress towards your money goals, investment portfolio, college savings and any other money topic that is relevant.   This monthly review could coincide with bill paying or when your bank statement arrives.

2.    Create an emergency fund. Emergency savings are, in effect, a form of insurance. It will protect you from life's curveballs catapulting you into a financial crisis. So open a savings account and don't stop contributing until you have saved enough to cover at least three months of monthly expenses. If you can save six months worth, even better. This will prevent you from having to take cash advances, which while helpful in emergencies, come with fees and interest rate charges that are usually higher than your credit card purchases. Use cash advances with discretion, and don't use them to fill gaps in your income or savings. Having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind.

3.      Pay more than the minimum on your credit cards whenever you can. Even a small amount more than the minimum can make a big difference in the time it takes to pay off your balance and the total cost of interest. Also, be sure to make your monthly payments on time, every time. Even one late or missed payment can be recorded in your credit report and affect your credit history.

4.    Contribute the maximum to a retirement savings plan. Approximately 50% of Americans who have the opportunity to contribute to a company retirement plan, choose not to. In many cases, contributions are matched by the company. This is free money that is being thrown away by opting out. Remember that your contributions will reduce your taxable income and will only be taxed when you start to withdraw them at retirement age.

5.    Make sure you have adequate insurance protection. There is nothing like an emergency to wipe out your savings or add to your debt level. Protect yourself financially from as many emergencies as possible by ensuring adequate insurance for health, life, auto and home. Confronting these issues can be difficult since no one likes to think about possible illness or death, but to assume you are invincible from "life events" or tragedy is to not be realistic about life.

Personal finance expert, Dara Duguay, is a dynamic interview. Author of three popular books, The Citi Commonsense Money Guide for Real People, Please Send Money and Don't Spend Your Raise, and currently director of Citi's Office of Financial Education, Dara also served as executive director of the non-profit Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. Her extensive media experience includes: The NY Times, Associated Press, LA Times, USA Today, Money, Redbook, CNN, Fox News Channel, Bloomberg, MSNBC, NPR, among others.

CHANGING HOW PEOPLE USE THE BATHROOM

2008-11-28T18:07:42Z

Nothing pleases me more than to hear that Yankee innovation is not a thing of the past. Thus, I can't tell you how excited I was when I received this press release declaring that--at long last--a new invention is revolutionizing the way we defend against bathroom odors:

"'Just a Drop®,' the personal bathroom odor eliminator that is revolutionizing America's regular bathroom routine, is now in use in more than one million homes in North America."

Now, some skeptics may say that this is pure PR hyperbole, but don't let the nay-sayers stop you from thinking this is the greatest personal odor product ever. Read the full press release after the jump to hear the full "Just a Drop®" story.

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"JUST A DROP®" PERSONAL BATHROOM ODOR ELIMINATOR
REACHES ONE MILLIONTH CUSTOMER MILESTONE

INNOVATIVE PRODUCT IS CHANGING HOW PEOPLE USE THE BATHROOM

WHITE PLAINS, NY..."Just a Drop®," the personal bathroom odor eliminator that is revolutionizing America's regular bathroom routine, is now in use in more than one million homes in North America. That is a remarkable number for a product that was introduced in the United States in the fall of 2005 and until just recently has been sold exclusively via direct marketing and the Internet.

According to Randy Hecht, President of RC Productions of White Plains, NY, whose company is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Just a Drop, the unique selling point is that it works unlike any other odor eliminator on the market. "Typical bathroom sprays cover up odors that are already in the air," Hecht explains. "With Just a Drop, one or (sometimes) two drops in the toilet before you go to the bathroom create an immediate seal on the water's surface blocking 98% of odors from escaping into the air. Just a Drop is formulated to stop odors on contact; all that remains is a clean, fresh scent," he adds.

The product's benefits, efficacy and customer loyalty are key reasons for the success of "Just A Drop." Hecht notes that testimonials on the company's web site reflect that customers feel more confident going to the bathroom, either at home, a friend's house, the office or at public restrooms.

"Just a Drop" is made from a natural eucalyptus extract and mild fragrance oil. It is environmentally friendly, biodegradable and safe for all toilets and septic systems. It comes packaged in 15ml spray bottles that deliver up to 400 individual applications. The cost is $14.99 for two bottles and may be purchased directly at www.justadrop.net <http://www.justadrop.net/> .

"Just a Drop" was introduced in Canada in 2004 and today is one of the leading bathroom deodorizers in the country, sold in Wal-Mart stores and numerous retail outlets. Hecht notes that Just a Drop will soon be carried in select retail outlets in the U.S. on a test marketing basis, but expects that growth for the product will escalate much more rapidly in the next year. "We have several new product innovations and marketing programs that we're prepared to roll out over the next 8-12 months that will enable us to build on the momentum we have." Hecht concludes.

Demonology Classes

2008-10-29T13:32:47Z

In the spirit of Halloween, I'll share with you our invitation to attend "Demonology Classes with Exorcist Bishop Long." Even more intriguingly, it arrives courtesy of the Paranormal YellowPages, "a site dedicated to helping people find assistance with their paranormal problems."

Intriguing.... mysterious... spam? The invitation is pasted into the jump for your perusal. Click at your own risk. You apparently have to register before you can enter the Paranormal YellowPages site.

But if you have any paranormal problems, this could be your only hope!

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Paranormal YellowPages

Where Paranormal Help Is Only A Click Away

Frances Etienne has invited you to the event 'Demonology Classes with Exorcist Bishop Long' on Paranormal YellowPages!

Demonology classes with Exorcist/Bishop James Long, Louisville,ky

Time: November 22, 2008 from 2pm to 4pm

Location: St. Christophers Old Catholic Church

Organized By: Frances Etienne and Bishop James Long

Event Description:

Join AfterDark and Bishop James Long for a 2 hour class on demonology. Every team and person who is involved with the paranormal really needs to have this class. The class also includes a copy of Bishop Longs new book "Through the Eyes of an Exorcist. Seating is limited so contact us ASAP at afterdarkinvgs@aol.com

See more details and RSVP on Paranormal YellowPages:

http://parapages.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2143495%3AEvent%3A5709&xgi=7EiOosM

About Paranormal YellowPages

Paranormal YellowPages is a site dedicated to helping people find assistance with their paranormal problems.

148 members

78 discussions

15 events

23 blog posts

Give Me Your Money For No Particular Reason

2008-10-22T13:34:23Z

Getting spam with requests for monetary investment in ridiculous schemes is a long-cherished tradition on the Internet. Who can forget receiving their first e-mail from Ethiopia with its tall tales of millions of dollars seeking a home in somebody's U.S. bank account? Ah, the memories. I do hope someone has been cataloging these creative efforts so they are not lost to history. (Here's one spam blog that has a collection going back to 2007, at least.)

We get voluminous amounts of spam here, but I thought this request for money from last August was particularly brazen in its directness. Max Stephenson wants cash for his pricey NYU tuition. So cough it up:

"I really thought the only well-to-do member of my family would come through. She talks about two things: how proud she is of me and the worth of her stocks and bonds. Last week she came to the table: $500 towards my $50,000 a year college education. What can I say? A victim of the depression."

Read the rest of his sad tale after the jump.

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I guess I could tap into my mom's stash. Last year a doctor (well, the doctor's insurance company) finally bellied up with a pittance for slicing her sciatic nerve in half (yes, in two separate pieces ) during rather ordinary surgery. Her "holdings" are just about enough to take care of her meds, braces, mobility devices and stuff. Plus, she was the one who taught me not to take advantage of the handicapped. As one might imagine, she can't work, drive, cook, clean or anything else most of us humans skip happily through life taking for granted. Dad takes care of her and even though he juggles three jobs, his income doesn't bring any spare greenbacks to the family treasury.

Well it's the 8th of August today and tuition is due really soon. Even with some pretty good grants and loans, I have to come up with big-time cash.

So, I've developed a plan. Actually I sort of stole the idea from someone, but I tweaked it to fit my circumstances so I think you could say it's my plan now.

I need $25,000. Yes, as they say, higher education is expensive. So I did the math. I scored pretty darn high on that part of the SATs and figured my old teachers wouldn't mind if I use all those equations and algorithms for a bit of self interest. I deducted (deduced? Not sure, but I have no doubt they'll teach me the correct word if I ever get to college.) that if 10,000 of my friends and family gave me $2.50 I would be COLLEGE-BOUND! I implemented my plan this past week and the strategy has been 100% successful: every one of my family and friends gave me $2.50. The part that is not working is I don't have 10,000 friends and family. Strange. It seems like there's always been a lot people hanging around my life.

Are you still with me? Hold on. I'm almost finished.

So here's my proposal: if you will send me $2.50 in the next week or so, I will send you a piece of my graduation gown. (I have a very sharp razor and steady hands.) For $3.50, you get a piece of my cap, as in cap and gown. You're going to have to wait four years, but I don't know how to help you out on that front. Maybe I'll go to summer school and graduate early, but don't count on it as I plan to work my backside off the next three summers (and during the school year) to get a handle on this tuition conundrum. (I threw that big word in to let you know I am worthy of a good college education.)

What do you say? If you're worried I am one of those internet rip-off artists, call NYU's admissions office at 212.xxx.xxxx and ask for someone in international admissions - they handled my admissions as I was recruited to play ice hockey for Russia and spent last year there. Another story and that one is completely free and includes a splinter of a broken hockey stick if you want to hear it.

Here's my address: P.O. Box 149, Pottersville, NJ 07979. (My dad won't let me give out my street address.) You can send a check or pay via PayPal by simply using my email address, mstephenson@AccessHybrid.org. Don't forget - to receive your "gown" include your return address. Have questions? Need references? Want photos of the formerly happy me? Email or call me at 908.xxx.xxxx.

In case you're interested, I have plans to use my college education to improve our environment. During high school I set up an organization, www.AccessHybrid.org, to help college and vocational students buy hybrid cars. I found the work incrediably satisfying. (As an aside, I don't need a car as I plan to be in New York during college and after college.)

I really think you are great just for reading this. If you decide to part with $2.50 I'll promote you to knighthood and be eternally grateful. Just think, in four years you'll be wearing (a piece of) a NYU graduation gown and I'll wear a huge smile.

Max Stephenson

Yes, it's apparently a legit plea for money that no one in their right mind would ever respond to, according to MarketWatch. I wonder how he made out?

Re: lingerie

2008-10-14T21:38:50Z

Today we have short, simple, and mystifying e-mail. What did Tim see on our website, exactly, that made him think, "At last! I have found the right company that can supply my clients with exotic dancer clothing and lingerie. I must contact them immediately!"

Or, if Tim has some sort of elaborate con planned here, how did he expect to make money off of our non-existent lingerie supplies? Spam can be so puzzling.

Hello,

I represent a large network of clients, some of whom are searching online for exotic dancer clothing and lingerie. My job is to find a reputable company to direct these people to. Based on what I see on your site, I'd like to talk with you.

Please have the owner contact me at their earliest convenience if you can help us. If not, can you please refer me to reputable company who you might recommend? I can be reached at (574) xxx-xxxx all day today.

Thanks,

-Tim

new excited unnormal flask item

2008-10-10T18:24:43Z

In a continuation of our last entry on e-mails from foreign lands, I give you this: the Surf Flask. This product of the YONGKANG JINJIAYI METALWORK&PLASTIC FACTORY (located in New Developing Industry Area, YongKang City, ZheJiang Province, China) popped into the MP inbox this morning with the promising subject line of "new excited unnormal flask item." I am a big fan of unnormal items, so you can imagine my excitement upon seeing the actual product itself:

I would most certainly buy it if I saw it on the shelves at Target. Read a full description of this joyful flask after the jump.

]]> we are excited to send this email to you for promoting our newest mirror finish surf vacuum flask , this flask not only has magic attractive nice design ,but also made by best quality material ,highest grade teconology , It was original developed for korea market and you can find its retail price which in the korea legou supermarket is about 43.8 usd /pcs ,now we promote it to all worldwide
we have three capacity , details as follow :

product size is

300ml 72.5×190 mm
350 ml 72.5×212 mm
500 ml 72.5×260 mm

24 pcs in a carton

carton size :

300 ml 46×29.5×21 cm
350 ml 46×29.5×23.2 cm
500 ml 46×29.5×28 cm

nw /gw :

300 ml : 7/8 kgs
350 ml : 8/9 kgs
500 ml : 10/11 kgs

our factory promotional nice price as follow :
300 ML fobningbo 4.85 usd /pcs
350 ML fobningbo 5.15 usd /pcs
500 ML fobningbo 5.58 usd /pcs

MOQ 3000 PCS /CAPACITY

we also can print small logo on some location , if you are interested in placing order with us , please contact us

Best Regards.

Beyond

market department

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YONGKANG JINJIAYI METALWORK&PLASTIC FACTORY
Add: New Developing Industry Area, YongKang City ,ZheJiang Province ,China

It's a car! An old, crappy one!

2008-10-08T13:27:05Z

We often receive e-mails from people overseas--and a large percentage of them, coincidentally enough, are representatives of wealthy estates seeking to deposit large sums of money in banks here in Knoxville. And while we've certainly profited from a number of those transactions, we find certain other foreign e-mails to be even more intriguing. For instance, there's this one:

Why did �?�日�?? send this to us? Did he or she expect us to be so enticed by the image of this aged Toyota that we'd write back with an offer?

Perhaps there is a hint in the subject line: 3.5万�?��?人皇冠轿车

Someone please tell us! See more views (and clues?) of this fine vehicle after the jump.

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Welcome to Our World

2008-10-02T19:17:12Z

As a free weekly paper in a small southeastern city, Metro Pulse wields an uncommon amount of power over the hearts and minds of Knoxville's citizens.

Or, at least that's what the world's PR people seem to think based on the mind-boggling amount of promotional crap they send our way. We get it all, from every corner of the Earth: press releases, manifestos, "free articles," alcoholic bribes, press kits, and in-office visits from milk maids. (Yes, the Blue Bell ice cream company sent a live milk maid to our office bearing cartons of free ice cream. She was not harmed. But it raised the question: Who makes milk-maid costumes these days, and why?)

Amid this constant stream of propaganda that we shield you from, there are certain items that float to the top. And this is what we'd like to share with you here at Weird Things People Send Us: the most bizarre things that come across our desks. Just so you know what we're dealing with.

To inaugurate this blog, we have this:

That's right: It's a postcard advertising a company that specializes in photos and DVDs of Amazon women riding horses. No, it's not pornographic, it's just plenty weird. Some of them have swords.

Out of all the publications in the world, why did they pick us? We've not requested a review copy. Yet.