Short Takes

A Cuffs Link

Oh, the things you find in the Valentine’s Day section of the local Rite Aid while waiting for a prescription refill... Burning questions:
* When did Rite-Aid break into the “naughty” novelties business?

* And when, exactly, did bondage become all the rage among the preschooler set?

IF YOU CAN'T BE WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE . . .

This is a new twist on an old holiday, but it’ll probably earn them a bundle. Online jewelry store Wandering Star Designs is pushing a line of necklaces and bracelets for Valentine’s Day, but they also encourage those who don’t have a “special someone” in their life, to buy their own V-Day present. They claim their jewelry line “…will help single gals find Mr. Right, or at least avoid Mr. Wrong. This handcrafted jewelry combines crystal lore and astrology to create talismans to bring womens’ love life back on track.” (Ohhh-kayyy.) Sounds a mite self-serving to us, but if it works, who are we to argue with success? Check it out for yourself at W Star Designs.com.

APPARENTLY, TIMING ISN'T EVERYTHING

We get a lot (a LOT!) of pitches here at “The Daily Insider” and wonder if folks really think before hitting “Send.” Case in point today comes from a U.K. site, which is either REALLY early for Christmas 2008, or kinda missed the boat for the just-passed holiday season. Here’s the opening graf: “Digital communications agency Glass talks the talk, walks the walk, and sells the T-shirt, by re-launching its re-vamped Glass Boutique, an online luxury purveyor of men’s fashion, in time for the Christmas gifting season.” (Visual: Double-checking calendar date.) Yeah, this thing was datelined “Jan. 9.” We’re gonna be generous and give them kudos for being “First” in promoing themselves for the upcoming (11 months and counting) holiday season. See it for yourself at Glass Boutique.

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA

For those of you STILL not done with Christmas shopping, here’s one. It comes from a company called SuperMandolini, but the gift might not be fully appreciated. Ever see one of those little cardboard pine trees you hang in the car for a fresh scent? Well, this is an acrylic version of the same thing (sans scent) that hangs from a silver-finished metal chain. Not exactly sure what kind of message you’re giving the recipient, but if they have a sense of humor, they’ll laugh. If not, well, YOU’RE the one who dawdled.

AND IF YOU'RE REALLY STRAPPED . . .

We can’t figure out is this one is real or some giant hoax; you decide. Got a pitch from “the all New Genpets from Bio.Genica!” [Exclamation theirs] They claim in their release, “Genpets are not toys or robots. They are living, breathing genetic animals.” (Umm, Ew!) Apparently the company is pushing these “pets” as a substitute for the real thing. “We use a process called ‘Zygote Micro Injection’ which is quickly becoming a favorable method to combine DNA, or to insert certain proteins from different species,” they say. Now, sufficiently weirded out, we’re stopping Right Here. See for yourself if this is something you’d give to someone, and resolve Right Now to start your holiday shopping MUCH earlier next year. Full details are at GenPets.com

TWO DEFINITIONS OF HAPPINESS

We’re big fans of aromatherapy candles. They look nice and smell good when lit, so what’s not to like? Now a company called Aromatherapy Interventions has come out with two new scents, with a purpose: the All Nighter, described as offering “a mood for those who can’t quit and don’t want to. The upbeat scent stimulates and energizes the spirit;” and Extro-Version, which creates “a mood for those who like people almost more than anything.” The company, no surprise here, is based in California. Complete details and ordering information is at Aromatherapy Interventions.

WISH WE'D THOUGHT OF THIS

We here at Short Takes are known for our predilection for finding offbeat animal marketing reports, so this one shouldn’t have surprised us, but it did anyway. Pawsible Marketing is now up and running in Carmel, Ind., consulting with, and implementing, “marketing plans and projects for any type of business related to pets.” Considering that Americans spent upwards of $40 billion on their pets in 2007, this may well be one of the breakout agencies of 2008. See how they do it at Marketing My Pet Business.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, DIAMOND JIM

Having trouble stretching your holiday budget? Then ignore the advice from Jim Trippon, who lists himself as “…CPA and one of America's foremost authorities on the money habits of self-made millionaires.” Apoparently, Trippon issues a list every year of some of the most expensive gifts you (OK, maybe NOT you; or we) can buy. Topping the list this year is fancy-pants car the Bugatti Veyron at $1.7 million. If that’s not your taste, how about Neil Lane 15 Carat Diamond Earrings for “just” $750,000. No? All the way down at No. 10 is a “Friends of Cashmere Classic Pet Bed for “only” $399. If you’re curious, the complete list is available Here.

MORE CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION

Sure, you can get your sweetie an iPod or iPhone, but if it comes in its regular metal body, won’t they feel shunned? A company called “Gilty” thinks so. They’re pushing “a collection of upscale gold, silver and Swarovski crystal accessories for the complete line of Apple iPod and iPhone products.” Because nothing says “Have a Blessed Christmas” more than some bling on your thing. See for yourself and make your own judgment at Gilty Couture.com.

NOW HEAR THIS

Being a bit of a Luddite and not even owning an iPod, we can’t relate to someone who leaves the house with theirs yet forgets their earbuds. But a company called Extended Access, which makes accessories for the iPod and iPhone, can. So they’re now marketing the BudCase, which is a keychain case that slides open to hold your earbuds. Not a bad little idea. Until, of course, you’re done with ‘em and have to coil them up just so to fit inside the case. Could be an exercise in frustration, but it beats not being able to listen to your tunes. At only $14.95 they’re available at BudCase.com.