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Previous: Dell laptop plug | Main | Next: United advertisement
July 8, 2004 12:29 AM
Broken: Balance ball
Matthew Baldwin bought a large "balance ball" for sitting calmly with his new baby. Unfortunately, while they sat on the ball, it exploded and flung both of them several feet away. Instead of buying this balance ball, read this amusing post.
-Mark Hurst
P.S. It's unfortunate that Matthew blames Taiwan, which makes zillions of high-quality products (I think most PC brands, including Apple, outsource their manufacturing there). Otherwise, a good post.
Perhaps one needs to be of a nationality other than American to realise how unfunny this is. I'm a very un-American non-American and I find the piece exemplifies the ignorant, insular American attitude that has landed you guys in some very hot political water right now.
The writer heads towards the implication that American products are unquestionably and unfailingly "great" and that all others are suspect. I refer him to the garage door story.
I'm also surprised that this story made it into the list... it certainly spoiled my "good experience" of your newsletter and site.
I'm going to have to say that I am an American, and I think that this country is being ruined by everyone trying to shirk responsibility for their actions..Completely frivolous lawsuits, lack of common sense, well, you get the idea. I love America, so all this makes me sad.
Jeremy & Capt. : You need hobbies, or something man,cos I laughed till I cried. Thanx for sharing, Matthew.
Jeremy,
Your logic fails me. The writer originally purchased the ball from a Taiwanese manufacturer with the implied faith in the quality of the product. When that one broke he then purchased one from China. Would you please explain to me how that constitues favoring American products?
I'm sure the author of the original article would have bought American... had he the choice. The fact is, most products we buy nowadays are primarily manufactured by people working for sweat-shop wages in third world nations that lack many of the human and civil rights we cherish. Personally, I prefer to buy products made in North America. It's not a stab at any countries outside of North America, I just like to know that I am supporting companies who employ my fellow citizens and neighbours. But hey, if you feel like you need to support multinational corporations who exploit the poorest members of our global society, then go right on ahead. Thats what 'free trade' is all about, baby.
Jeremy,
First, it is realiZe, not realiSe - and "un-American non-American" is as much your choice as anyones.
But stated as such does invite comparison to Osama.
So,,, if you don't LIKE it - don't go there - and clean up your own back yard first.
Broken products can come from any country. This balance ball that exploded is broken and a child could have been hurt. When I was a child I got clunked in the head a couple of times, luckily, no brain damage, and also When I was a child I got clunked in the head a couple of times, luckily, no brain damage. by the way When I was a child I got clunked in the head a couple of times, luckily, no brain dadadadadadamage.
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Previous: Dell laptop plug | Main | Next: United advertisement
_@_v - i'm wondering if that happy fun ball maker is part of the ever expanding baby smasher industrial complex
http://www.babysmasher.com/
Posted by: she-snailie_@_v at July 11, 2004 12:32 PM