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At the risk of sounding like a gullible lad, I want to share with all my Canadian readers a recent identity theft story.

Last week I received a phone message from “Revenue Canada”. The man on the phone, said that I needed to call them back urgently at 1-800-959-2250 (all RC numbers start with 1-800-959). He added that they are open till 11pm and that I should have my SIN number ready for verification.

I know, I know…but I was tired.

When I dialed the number, I was instantly put on hold. The entire process was very professional. Their on-hold message even said they they might record this for quality assurance.

In the end, I gave them some of my personal information. For some reason after they asked me for my birth date, I got suspecious and told them that I’d call them back. At that point the guy even gave me some sites I should visit to verify the legitimacy of this number! After Googling the number, I found these two sites.

If something similar happens to you, Transunion.ca has some excellent information on how to protect yourself after identity theft. You should also visit consumerinformation.ca and phonebusters.com.

Is it just me or has the British accent jumped the shark when it comes to commercials? The Geico Gecko and the annoying AT&T guy who’s looking for an internet connection are fine examples of the gratuities use of the British accent.

Personally I’m done with the accent.

This is a little off topic; however, it’s just too interesting not to share.

In downtown Vancouver certain establishments are installing devices that emit an annoying high frequency sound that only teenagers can hear. This noise is used to discourage teens from loitering around shopping malls and street corners.

Although this is interesting, it’s not the coolest part of this story. What’s blog worthy is how the young folks have adopted this high pitch sound for their own use. Teens are actually recording this sound and using it as a secret ringer, which their parents and teachers can’t hear! You have to respect their ingenuity.

Apparently, this is also happening in other cities.

Photo credit: avantard

To help promote the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Disney has produced a number of products designed around the movie’s theme. I have no problem with this approach. What I found laughable is the packaging on the sunscreen bottle.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such badly thought out designs. They’ve managed to make it about as attractive as a cigarette carton! The picture on the left truly doesn’t do it justice. I saw it in a store a few days ago and it’s just plain creepy. I think the label does more to “help prevent premature aging and skin cancer from the sun” than the actual sunscreen. Since a large majority of us associate sunbathing with the potential risk of cancer and even death, perhaps Disney should have used something more gentle. Maybe a jolly parrot?

The current label is more suited for rat poison than sunscreen. Aarrrrr, do you have rats on your ship? Well then mate, you need Jack Sparrow’s special brew. Aarrrr, you need to buy Pirates of the Caribbean rat poison - now with SPF 30. Aarrrr!

Apex Corp is set to launch a vending machine project called “MediCafe”. Adapting a very popular web business model, Apex will soon start providing the Japanese public free drinks for simply watching a 30-second commercial.

In roughly the time that it takes to pour a hot cup of coffee, the thirsty individual will be “entertained” with a commercial. If they don’t want to waste 30 seconds of their life on yet another ad, there will be an option to purchase the drink for $0.60 to $1.

It’ll be interesting to see how many people actually pay attention to the commercials. Let’s face it, most ads aren’t worth watching even if there’s nothing else to look at. Perhaps this would be a great vehicle to showcase viral videos. Just because you’re providing something free doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned with crafting an engaging commercial.

Via Japan Probe

This doesn’t have anything to do with viral marketing, but I think it’s just too interesting not to post. I found this political birthday card (click image to enlarge) at a local drug store. I was actually surprised that it’s produced by a major greeting card company like Carlton Cards.

Monday, something viral…promise.

Why do we put up with commercials in movie theaters? Shouldn’t the price of a ticket relieve us of this constant onslaught?

The reason television is free is because we play for it by watching commercials. The reason my softball team got free jerseys is because they had ads on them. The reason I get free e-mail is because they put commercials on the web pages I use. And that’s okay. That’s the price I’m willing to pay. Nothing in life is free. But I already paid for the movie and I shouldn’t be expected to sit through a lineup of commercials before the movie starts. Especially the same lame commercials that I see on TV - for free. Read the rest of this entry »