Public Utter

Consumer Utter - H20 Steam Mop

2008-09-19T11:15:00.001-07:00

I'm here to tell you that the H2O Mop is great!

It's easy. It'll save you money. It's sanitary. It's great!

All you have to do is fill up the container with water, turn it on and push it around the floor. And because you're only using water, you save money not having to buy cleaning solutions. And my favorite thing about the H2O mop is that it sanitizes without harsh chemicals that can harm children and pets.

Buy this product! You can get from Target for $100 or from the TV ads by Thane. If you buy it online from Thane's website, you get extras: a carpet glider, and a portable steamer.

Product: H2O Mop
Rating: A+

Consumer Utter - Debbie Meyer's Green Bags

2008-08-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm uttering all my thoughts, I've started the Consumer Utter section of my blog which shares my experiences about merchandise and services I've tried as a consumer. Kind of like Consumer Reports, but no crash tests!

My first Consumer Utter is about Debbie Meyer's Green Bags. I buy veggies and fruits with the good intention of serving my family healthy food. But it never fails that some are not eaten and thrown away. So, I ordered Debbie Meyer's Green Bags. If you don't know what these are, these plastic bags - yes, they're green - are suppose to prolong the life of your produce. According to their website, the green bags absorb the ethelyne gas that is released by the food, which prevents the gas from staying in the fruit, and thus helping your food stay fresher longer.

It worked on some foods but not all. I found that my apples and bananas stayed fresh longer, but not strawberries or lettuce. I basically felt that it worked 50% of the time. So, for me, it was kind of a bust. Since it wasn't a lot of money (20 bags for $10), it wasn't a waste. But since it didn't work for key produce like lettuce, I wouldn't buy them again.

Product: Debbie Meyer's Green Bags
Rating: A bust.

To Utter

2008-08-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

The dictionary says "utter" means to to give audible expression to; speak or pronounce; to give forth (cries, notes, etc.) with the voice; to express (oneself or itself), esp. in words.

My public utter blog started out as a way to give a voice on things that I had a "strong opinion" about. But I am now expanding it to open expression of all my thoughts...so watch out! Watch out for interesting commentary, compelling narratives and funny jokes.

Here I go....

Utterly Shameful

2008-08-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm disgusted by what happened to my brother-in-law. Don't know if it was called laid off or early retirement. I call it utterly shameful.

My brother-in-law, who has been married to my sister for 35 years started with this company when they got married. That's right...he's been with the same company for 35 years! And after 35 faithful years, they decided to let him go. To be fair, I understand that companies are hurting in this economy and must make difficult decisions - like letting people go - to stay in operation. What is shameful is how they treated him before they let him go and the measly severance pay they gave him.

First they sent him to an out-of-country office to train the people who would ultimately replace him. Then they transferred him to a department that he knew nothing about (and they knew that) and expected him to learn it all. Most insulting was the mere 6-month severance pay they gave him.

I don't think it was necessary to belittle him like that. The right thing to do would have been to let him know what's going on and negotiate an early retirement package. And the LEAST amount of severance pay should have been one year...remember, he gave 35 years.

My brother-in-law is in his 50s and has had only one job all his life. I don't know if there are many options out there for him. To be given only 6 months pay under the circumstances is wrong, just wrong.

Shame on you APL. Shame on you!

A Must Utter - Using Turning Signals

2008-07-29T18:53:00.001-07:00

When did using your turn signals when you are driving become optional?

This has always been a pet peeve of mine. Why do people NOT use their turn signals? They come with the car...free!

When I was younger and drove my cute little black sportscar, MR2, I drove fast. And I always used my turn signals....always. Why wouldn't you use them? Why? It could save you from having an accident.

Use the damn things!

My First Public Utterance...Seats For Seniors & Disabled

2008-07-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

I take the N Judah streetcar to work every morning. It's not pleasant. It's crowded. It's smelly. It's never on time. It's just not pleasant.

But the most unpleasant thing about riding the streetcar is the ignorant, insensitive people who get on it. Posted on the windows and in multiple places are signs that say, "These seats are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities." And it clearly states that this is a Federal law. What more do you need to know!

And yet it never fails that a senior or person with a disability comes on the streetcar and the young, healthy person sitting in one of the front seats does not get up and offer their seat to the person who needs it. They don't even have a look of "should I get up?" In fact, they look right at the person who needs the seat, stares at her/him, and then doesn't do a thing! Just goes back to being ignorant and insensitive.

Boy that pisses me off. So, I tell the person to get up and give the seat to the person who needs it. And I think everyone should do the same when need be. Are you with me?!

Why Public Utter

2008-07-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

The simple answer to "Why Public Utter?" is because all the other blog names I wanted were taken.

The extended answer...I tried vent, venti vent, complain, let it out, outlet, flood gates, discharge, spout, put it in words, I'm annoyed and spit it out. All were taken.

So, I looked up "vent" in the dictionary and it said "to utter publicly."