Wall Street Journal's Best and Worst ads of 2008

The Wall Street Journal online has put together a list of best and worst ads of 2008. No surprise the worst list included the Bill Gates Jerry Seinfeld microsoft ads that talked about did not talk of product features or create a strong brand image. One of the best ads was the E*Trade baby ad, that showed Superbowl fans that the stock trading service was easy.

Stuff I like

I enjoy satire that points out the predictability of people like: people who think themselves to be unique, quirky and individualist.

One website that really captures the tastes of left-leaning university educated middle to upper class North Americans is Stuff White People Like. The site, which I've been reading for some time since learning about it on a local forum, is written as a guidebook for those trying to befriend people in "white" culture. One can gather from the blog that "white" culture, which is defined as the "unique tastes of millions," can be a little shallow as it pursues hip lifestyle.

My favorite posts are: #107 Self Aware Hip Hop References, #102 Children’s Games as Adults and #73 Gentrification.

I imagine blogging posts to Stuff White People Like might show up on the list soon.

Change update

So I wasn't a very good citizen last night. I laid down for a nap after work and neglected to move my car to the alternate side of the street as south end Saint Johners must to celebrate the coming of the 16th of any month.

Now I have a $15 dollar parking ticket to pay.

I plan on paying with some rolled change.

Should be fun.

Deep Thoughts

If you like humorous pop-philosophy check out Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey. The thoughts used to appear on Saturday Night Live. The pieces of quasi-wisdom are online at http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/.

Here's a recent Deep Thought:

The greatest medicine in the world is human laughter and the
worst medicine is zombie laughter.

Coin Bank Machine deposits

I have a problem. It's not a big problem. More of an issue.

I have a lot of coins (about $64 dollars of rolled coin) and a PC Financial Bank account. The problem is that while PC Financial offers free bank accounts, they do not offer teller service.

I wish a local bank or store had a Coinstar, or similar machine, that would allow me to convert coin into paper money for a small fee.

Better yet, I wish there was a bank machines in town that was equipped with coin counters, for ease of deposit.

Being that it is Christmas time, I was thinking I could donate some of the cash, but I will feel a little foolish bringing a first full of rolled coins to a charity's administration desk.

When I was in university I enjoyed using our Canon Rebel DSLR when volunteering for the student paper. That was in the early 2000's. I want to have a DSLR to play with again. I'm considering the following:

• Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS
• Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi
• Nikon D60
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A350

Price is a factor as are reviews. I'm partial to the reviews at dpreview.com but am willing to take anonymous advice from commenters.

I was impressed with what could be done with the 2003 generation Canon Rebel, and surely would be pleased with any of the above.

As much as I hate to admit, my desire to get a new camera was reignited in part by the recent Avril Lavigne ads for the Rebel XSi.