Show and Tell: Collections

I used to love to collect clowns, and really like extravagant ones. While I no longer collect them, I like to buy unique items with jester or clown-like attributes. The photo of the three clowns are among those I have collected over the years, or were given to me by my mother.

The clown with the purple beads around his neck is sitting on my bedroom dresser. One of my favorite pieces is the clown with the three bells hanging down. This is actually a jewelry box and stands close to 2 feet tall.

Show and Tell: Unnecessary Instructions

This was another example of a product I came across in my home with Unnecessary Instructions. These are Mickey and Minnie Mouse salt and pepper shakers.

The instructions say:

Not recommended for microwave or conventional ovens.

Show and Tell: Unnecessary Instructions

I shared this unnecessary instructions example in class. These instructions were on a bottle of shampoo. I thought that the section which says "A timer may be used" was unnecessary. I would think that the user would know to use a timer, watch, or other device if they decided to do so to keep track of the three minutes.

Show and Tell: Unnecessary Instructions

I found several examples of unnecessary instructions that I shared in class on a website called jardMail. Examples included:

On a blanket from Taiwan:
Not to be used as protection from a Tornado

On a package of airline nuts:
Open package, eat nuts

On Sainsbury peanuts:
Warning - Contains nuts

On a Swedish chainsaw:
Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals

On packaging on an iron:
Do not iron clothes on body

On a Sears hairdryer:
Do not use while sleeping

To read more examples of Uneccessary Instructions on jardMail's website, go to
http://www.jardmail.co.uk/factslists/instruc.shtml

Which Morton Salt Umbrella Girl is Your Favorite?

New (1968- )
Old (1933-1941)

Show and Tell: Products with Interesting Stories

Zatarain's makes a variety of New Orleans cuisine-style products which includes Jambalaya. The packaging immediately makes you think about The Big Easy and the delicious food that they are known for. The side of the Zatarain's box has a short story about the product, which goes like this:
This easy-to-prepare dinner mix has just the right blend of ingredients for a great tasting, authentic New Orleans style meal. Zatarains has been the leader in authentic New Orleans sytle food since 1889.
So when you want great flavor, Jazz It Up with Zatarain's!

Show and Tell: Products with Interesting Stories

There's an interesting story behind the Morton's Umbrella Salt Girl. The Morton Umbrella Girl first appeared on the table salt packaging in 1914. In 1911, Morton’s first advertising campaign for a series of ads in Good Housekeeping created the idea for the girl and her slogan, "When it Rains it Pours." The slogan is still used today.

Since 1914, there have been a total of six Morton Salt Umbrella girls. The package that I brought in for Show and Tell is a commemorative package and pays tribute to the 1933 Morton Salt Girl.

The package read: "The third Morton Salt Umbrella Girl was on our package from 1933 until 1941. In the post depression years, jazz was king. And as it reigned, our little girl poured. "

The newest Morton Salt Umbrella Girl, which is the second image above, was introduced in 1968, and has been used on the packaging every since.