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26 Aug 2010 12:56

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Tech: Facebook thinks you shouldn’t use “-book” in your company’s name

  • We’ve been sitting here scratching our heads for the last couple of days. We’re trying to understand how Facebook, a multibillion-dollar company, feels this small enterprise in Chicago is any type of threat.
  • Teachbook managing director Greg Shrader • In disbelief that Facebook would bother to sue its company. Facebook, which is 84 percent owned by some guy who sells wood pellets, is suing the teaching management resource company because that’s what Facebook does. Any sympathy about the 84 percent lawsuit or the coke-stained movie just went out the window, kids. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

17 Mar 2010 10:41

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Tech: Oops. Someone forgot to register “Nexus One” as a trademark

  • The U.S. Patent and trademark Office denied Google’s mark. Seems Google was so busy selling its powerful cell phone online only (and hurting its bottom line) that they forgot to come up with a name that wasn’t registered by someone else. In the case of the Nexus One, Integra Telecom registered a similar name a year before Google released the phone. Google can appeal the decision, pay Integra Telecom money or (our favorite) change the name of the phone. All in all, a lot of fun, undesirable options. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Feb 2010 21:29

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Biz: Why is Toyota not called “Toyoda,” like its namesake?

  • ten the number of brush strokes to write “Toyoda” in Japanese
  • eight the number of brush strokes to write “Toyota” in comparison
  • Why does this matter? Well, the number ten in Japanese resembles the plus sign, which apparently was seen as a bad omen due to the fact it also resembles crossroads. Also, “Toyota” sounds better than “Toyoda,” according to the company, which seems reasonable to us, kinda. Akio Toyoda feels shame on his company. 🙁 source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

31 Dec 2009 16:05

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Offbeat: Marijuana Pepsi: It’s not a soft drink. It’s a poor woman’s name.

  • I want to know, what was it about me that made her go, ‘You just look like a Marijuana Pepsi.’
  • College counselor Marijuana Pepsi • On her mother choosing to name her perhaps the most bizarre name ever. This is worse than “Pilot Inspektor,” guys. She also noted that her mom wouldn’t let her teachers give her a nickname – she had to be called “Marijuana.” The best part of the story? It mentions that outside of her office, there’s a sign that says, “If You’re Waiting for Marijuana, Sit Here.” source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

16 Dec 2009 20:49

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Tech: This new Earth-like planet needs a name. We have one idea.

We want to name this planet “Elliott Smith,” because more planets should be named after indie rock stars who we adore. Got any other ideas? Vote here. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

06 Aug 2009 00:55

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Biz, Tech: Radio Shack wants you to forget that it sells radios sometimes

Just because you guys completely alienated the hobbyist segment of your customer base doesn’t mean a cute thumb is gonna make us forget it. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 May 2009 11:10

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Offbeat, U.S.: Obama can’t get Robert Gates’ name right, by the way

  • He introduced Gates as “William” during yesterday’s speech. Obama sees Robert Gates just about every day, but despite this, he still got the defense secretary’s name wrong during yesterday’s speech, which in our opinion is hilarious. It’s possible that he just had Will on his mind too much, seeing as that was his most-used word. Or he might’ve been talking about Bill Gates. Whatever. Just don’t do it again, dude. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

21 May 2009 08:36

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Culture: “Terminator Salvation” director McG really hates his clever name

  • Believe me, I know, people hear the name and they just think, ‘That guy must be a jerk.’ And having it hasn’t helped me, that’s for sure. But it’s what everybody has called me forever.
  • Director McG • Who has gotten a lot of mileage out of a career that started with co-writing songs for Sugar Ray, but says his name has become a huge impediment as a major action movie director. Along with his fear of flying – his inability to get on a plane a few years back cost him the chance to direct the last “Superman” movie. He’s better now, but it sounds like he has some issues. Like his name – which he’s been called since he was a kid. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

16 Apr 2009 10:25

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Biz: A group of people want to buy Saturn from G.M. Whoo.

If you were an investor, wouldn’t you be interested in taking these cars off the hands of a failed auto giant? source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 2 Comments • Permalink
 
 
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