Short Takes

“BUY MY STUFF! ENTER MY CONTEST!”

Even though we wrote about this last year, we like the genius and simplicity of it so much, we’re visiting it again. It’s the third annual Translations in Tupperware Global Design Contest. The rules are simple: “Entrants are asked to use Tupperware products as their motivation and inspiration for constructing a piece of artwork or unique functional product.” Simply put, contestants have to build a unique piece of art, made out of Tupperware products. A look at past entries at Translations in Tupperware.com shows some beautiful pieces, but more than that, we applaud the Tupperware folks for coming up with a great way to move more product. They kind of had to; their product is made so well, it lasts for years. And their costs are low, too: “Participants will have the chance to win a trip for two to New York City, a $2,000 cash prize, and the opportunity to have their work included in a public exhibit.” Nicely done.

YOU WON; NOW DIE

It’s got to be a tough gig trying to sell death, but an online company called Irish Urns.com is giving it a shot. In order to drum up (Wake up? Liven up?) business, the outfit is sponsoring a contest, where entrants are encouraged to describe—in 500 words or less—their own wake. “The entrant who puts the most thought into describing his or her ideal Irish wake will win a Celtic cross stone obelisk. When the time comes, the stone can be placed in a yard or garden in order to reflect the recipient's proud Irish heritage,” the company said in a release. Having been to one or two of these “events” in the past, we can confidently say that any successful essay might be required to mention “beer.” (Be quiet! We’re Irish; We’re allowed to say that!) Sometimes the truth hurts.

BRAIN FREEZE

The Miller Brewing Co. recently wrapped up a contest for its Icehouse brand, the Icehouse Six-Pack Challenge, where sports fans could guess the winners of various contests over a 12-week period. The victor would then get to take three friends along on “a fantasy trip to the major sporting event of their choice—all expenses paid.” But winner David Alan Hays, of Johnson City, Tenn., had a most unusual request: he wanted to see Alaska’s Iditarod dogsled race. Still, a deal’s a deal, so Hays and pals leave March 2 for Anchorage, where they’ll watch the mushers kick off for the 1,150-mile race. It should last 10 to 17 days. No word on what Hays and his buds will do during that time, in the cold and dark of Alaska’s winter. Good call.