Categories
Best Of Puzzled Over

The Zen Of SkyMall

Finding myself stuck in a non-JetBlue plane for a quick up-and-down flight, I attacked my gratis copy of SkyMall and discovered a wonderful world full of fact, wit, and astonishment. I have collected every useful nugget of “factual” information used to sell products, and extend them to you as a sort of bizarro-Coupland reading exercise. Alternately, you can just imagine them on fortune cookies. Enjoy.

A single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, including those that carry colds and flu.

A tip from Europe – vertically designed briefcases are easier to carry.

According to the Department of Energy, a home loses costly heat and cooling through leaks in the attic access door.

An angel with just a few basic mini-lights wouldn’t be very exciting décor.

Animal instinct calls for a den-like space.

As wine breathes, it opens up and releases its intended flavors and aroma.

Bernard P. Fife served as loyal sidekick and comic relief for 249 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.

Bob Newhart’s stand-up style was a stark contrast to the brash, loud delivery of other 1960’s comedians.

Don’t bother a neighbor to get your mail, and don’t tell the post office you’ll be away.

Don’t let weather or debris shorten the life of your air conditioner.

Dreams do come true for your dedicated sports fans.

During a period of personal grief, jewelry designer Kathy Bernu found herself sketching the shape of a tear, over and over.

Few things are sure in this life, but something that is certain is that tomorrow you will be older than you are today.

Food tastes so much better fresh from the oven than the microwave.

For instant cool, wear a shady visor with a built-in ‘do.

Get your kid off the computer and from in front of the TV and outside for some quality time with Dad or Grandpa.

Good wine and good friends go so well together.

Gravity pulls on the body constantly as we walk, stand and run.

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts don’t live by the same clock regular folks do.

Home is the preparation for our journey through the world.

If you must sleep sitting up, good head and neck support is vital.

If you’ve got noisy neighbors, or just an unsightly view out a window, don’t use dust-gathering curtains or blinds to block it.

It never hurts a gal to accessorize in case of an emergency.

It’s not surprising that family photographs are American’s (sic) most prized possessions.

It’s the little thing that keep romance going strong – like never forgetting that all-important goodnight kiss.

Joint or muscle pain can make sitting and standing a challenge.

Keeping a close eye on your home doesn’t have to involve an expensive security system.

Leadership is at the heart of any championship level organization.

Low level laser light is the most exciting new treatment available for thinning hair.

Memories are made every day with a simple popping of a cork.

Nail fungus can be embarrassing, especially during warmer weather when bare feet and open-toed shoes are the norm.

One unassailable college-era truth remains: beer is best cold from a keg.

Our vision is limited to what we can see in the moment.

Oxygen in the blood stream acts as a cleanser to rid your body of waste and toxins from, processed food, impure air and over-treated water.

Ralphie’s father never had a name in the classic movie A Christmas Story.

Recycling is easier when the Bins are kept nearby and take up minimal space.

Research show that written words on containers of water can influence the water’s structure for better or worse depending on the nature or intent of the word.

Scientific studies have shown that prenatal music establishes a reassuring and comforting family routine, and nurtures a child’s later love for music and language.

Sometimes one car horn just isn’t enough.

Stationary bikes offer excellent health benefits, but the seats are often uncomfortable.

The folded crane symbolizes peace and long life.

The French know great wines and how to enjoy them.

The only thing better than lounging on or playing in the water is having your iPod™ music right there with you.

The V sign (first and second fingers raised and parted, palm out) once meant “Victory” but now means “Peace” as well.

There are rules of engagement for marshmallow gun confrontations.

There’s no more welcome sight in a home than a contented cat, curled up and purring.

There’s nothing like neon to enliven a room.

Today’s computers are so powerful that they use only a fraction of their capacity.

Twin beds can become a king bed…forever or just for a night.

Unrestrained dogs in vehicles are a danger to themselves and others.

Until now, “Footed Pajamas” have been typically hard to find in adult sizes.

Warm light reflects off the natural tones of Appalachian stone.

When a club is left on the green or in the clubhouse, there’s a better chance you’ll get it back if it’s marked with your name and phone number.

When shoes don’t fit as they should, your body feels it.

Whether your goal is performance, safety or fuel efficiency, maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial.

Why is it no two people can agree on the right temperature in a car?

Work, stress, drinking and environmental factors deplete our oxygen and affect our health.

You know the old saying: The mirror doesn’t lie.

You needn’t be held captive by a headphone cord to listen to your TV, radio, stereo system, or CD player.

Your garden is a national treasure.