I started out in my mind to do an old fashioned brain dump. It’s been a while since I went through the cobwebs up there and I have things that need to be said. Like, I didn’t think I’d ever say a remote control for a ceiling fan is necessary. Get up and pull the chain or wire it into a rheostat switch on the wall. But the fan I got has one and I’m not going to use the fan just because it has a piece of hardware of questionable use. But I gotta tell you this. I love it. And the best part about it…it has an indicator to indicate (what else) the fan speed. No more looking at the fan and carrying on this conversation with yourself. “Is it off? Hmm, Maybe? One more pull? Yeah, I think one more pull. Oh no! Not back to high! Ugh!”
And then there’s that little mini-rant that’s been waiting to blossom into a full post but just doesn’t have have the legs to pull it off. That is, the TSA has been setting records for passengers screened since Memorial Day. Who are all these people? Surely, they aren’t the same ones who are complaining that produce prices are just too high! “Screw inflation! We’re going to Disney!”
But actually, the one that could get me going for a full post is sort of related to that. It’s this new thing I’m reading about, upflation. Yep. Upflation. It’s the art of getting you to buy more of something you already buy so you have to buy more of it. The example most often cited is All Over Body Deodorant. Basically, the same stuff as in that stick or spray or roll-on you already have in your medicine cabinet, perhaps a little watered down or unscented, for all the places you don’t see when you raise your arms unless you happen to be naked.
The story goes that people finally figured out that 52 ounces isn’t a half-gallon. Even though they took those pesky ounces from your juice container an ounce at a time, eventually someone got around to ask, where did the other 12 ounces go and why am I still paying for them. “Shrinkflation isn’t working any more, we corporate management people need to come up with some other way of fleecing Americans. I got, let’s just convince them they need more of what we already have out there.” Thus, upflation.
It’s not just remarketing older products for new uses. Pepsi, the parent of Frito-Lay actively searches sites like TicToc for trends like uses Cheetos dust for chicken seasoning. People are already crushing perfectly good Cheetos into dust. Will that be on the shelf next? They have to do something with all the broken Cheetos that don’t make it to the bag. You say, it couldn’t happen? You know General Mills sells “Cinnadust” Cinnamon Toast Crunch (my personal favorite cereal) in the spice section. Can’t find it there? You can always order it online. And don’ tell me you haven’t thought about picking up some graham cracker crumbs at pie baking time
Personally, I don’t know why I’m making a big deal out of this now that it has a name. They’ve always been working to get you to use more of what’s already out there. Does anybody not lather, rinse, repeat?
Thank you. That felt good to get that off my chest. Now, if only there was a special razor to get all this hair off my chest.
The Fourth of July is over, but feeling good about America should be an all year thing. America works because our differences are what makes us unique as a country. Check out the latest Uplift and see why we say America is at its best when we play together. (Go on, take a look. It’s even free!
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Hilarious…and I love every bit. Especially the observations about “Cheeto dust”. I saw a recipe and did a double-take. Whaaa? I’ll start a campaign – ‘save the Cheetos’. They shouldn’t be senselessly rendered into dust! 🤣
When you write the Save the CHEETOS petition, I’ll sign that! Don’t let them make our Cheetos the next Cinnnadust!
I’m laughing about the fan. That is so true about turning it off. Add some kids to the mix and it’s an impossible situation!
I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to figure out if a fan is off and came to the conclusion the only way is stand there for however long it takes until it’s not moving. That’s the only way to be sure! So you see why I’m so happy with the new silly little remote. Simple minds = simple pleasures.
I love your rants! The whole fan thing is hysterical–we have the remote and have found that it doesn’t always work for us. It sometimes turns it off, often won’t turn it back on again. Right–a first-world problem. But the one that had me in stitches is buying more of what we already buy. The Cinnadust is funny–nobody ever thought to cut a little cinnamon with some sugar and get pretty much the same thing. The all-over body deodorant is a whole other issue. The brain dumps are a work of art, my friend. There’s so much good stuff up in your head!
Oh no! Don’t tell me my precious remote may turn unreliable! I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back to the pause and observe routine again!! No you know why I have to clean out the old noggin now and then. I don’t know ho much of it is good, but there certainly is so much of it!
All fun, my friend. All fun.
I’m happy to know you appreciate the unscheduled cleaning out moments. They will be more! 😄
I need a fan with remote control now! Like you, I hate the drama of pulling the chain to get to the speed needed. I usually give up!
It appears fans are universally approached with trepidation.
Also, I do hope Beryl wasn’t;t too unkind to you. Stay safe.
You rant well. I’m with you about: Surely, they aren’t the same ones who are complaining that produce prices are just too high! I find the whole “but we have to go on vacation” idea whilst complaining about high grocery prices to be, at the least, disingenuous. Makes me snarl.
I’ve always believed a good rant and occasional brain cleaning does wonders for my health – and the safety of those nearby!
our kitchen fan has a remote–but it isn’t hooked up and in order for me to reach the chain to turn it on, I need a step stool. It is also a bit of a reach to get to the chain to turn on the light! All over body deodorant is one of my rants. Honestly, the stuff is expensive and reviews have shown the most ‘famous’ one may cause you to smell like an expensive smelly cheese. Does wine come with the deodorant? I have purchased crushed graham crackers for desserts. Even with my grinder, mine are crushed right. Another thing I buy often is bread crumbs. Garlic flavored. Making my own takes a bit of time!! Although, I could by croutons and smash those. So much ease we take for granted. Fun posts you have here!
Thank you!! You have to hook up the fan remote. It will change your life. I buy graham cracker crumbs and bread crumbs also. Some conveniences are worth it. But I still refuse to lather rinse and repeat!