A Close Shave
After a long hectic day at the studio, Bev and I headed to the mall to get a few items we needed for the next day. Little did I know how much that shopping trip was going to change things. We had finished picking up the last of the items on the list, grabbed a couple pieces of Godiva’s chocolate and were on our way out when I noticed this shop. I must have passed it hundreds of times before, but tonight was different.
Small Business Week?
Small Business Week is May 16th through May 20th and you’re probably thinking, “So what, and why should I care about one of those silly weeks established by someone with nothing better to do than create No Pants Day?” I must admit, that’s what I thought when I first read about it. But I was surprised to learn that small businesses make up 99.7 percent of all U.S. employers these days, and over the last decade they’ve been busy creating around 60 to 80 percent of all the new jobs in the U.S.
Since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy first established National Small Business Week, it’s underscored the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and our communities. But beyond that, it’s also reminded people that keeping small business alive and successful serves us well both individually and as a society.
No wonder small business is the backbone of the economy: small business owners provide more personalized and higher quality services than do big box stores or large corporations. They often specialize, finding their niche in the needs of some underserved segment of the community. And because the owners are often read more…
Paper Dresses
Rami Kashou and his special couture dresses were at the launch of the new Papyrus store in South Coast Plaza on Saturday. Each dress was designed exclusively from Papyrus’s stationary and greeting cards.
Bubbles From Hell
What kid doesn’t like to blow bubbles, especially if they are really colorful? Crayola™– you know, the crayons people– have come up with Washable Color Bubbles™. Sounds like a great idea, especially since kids love bright colors. Well, it seems that those bubbles aren’t very washable. Parents have been complaining about stains that are left when the bubble bursts or the bubble solution drips. And the solution drips all over the place. What’s more, the solution is thick and gooey. That makes it difficult for younger children to blow bubbles.
Crayola™ has been trying to put a different spin on the product. If you go to their website www.crayola.com/products/splash/colored_bubbles you’ll see their take on it:
“Say ‘Yes’ to Colorful Mess!”
“Remember splashing through puddles and making mud pies? Crayola Washable Colored Bubbles remind us of a time when outdoor messy play was just part of being a kid. The bright, bold, vibrant bubble colors are so much fun, they will leave colorful marks. Here are some helpful hints to let kids have lots of colorful fun and for moms not to worry about the mess!”
“Super soak it! An extra-fun day may result in a few stubborn marks. Don’t sweat it if some colors are still visible after washing clothes. Just pre-soak in water and detergent for 20 minutes and rewash. The colors will wash out.”
“Catch some rays! Sunlight will help to fade colors on the ground that don’t immediately wash off with a hose!”
“Bubble play, the outdoor way! Mom always said, “Don’t blow bubbles in the house!” That goes double for Colored Bubbles which are designed for outdoor use only.”
“Saturday sweats, not Sunday bests! Wear play clothes when using Colored Bubbles. Never bring them to formal occasions like weddings or other events where folks are not dressed for the mess!”
“Go from blacktops to green fields. If you’d rather not colorize your driveway or sidewalk, Colored Bubbles work great in the backyard or in other grassy areas.”






