When All Is Said and Dunn

      Many, many, years ago I went shopping for new accessories for my bathroom. In particular a new toilet paper holder. On this particular day I stumbled on what you might call a find. It was a holder that was different than any one that I had ever seen before or since.

      What made this one special was that it did not have that annoying center post that you have to take off and on every time you want to change the roll. Instead, it has molded spring-loaded retractable spindles on each side. So when it is time to change the roll you just pop one on.

      It is such a simple design and so easy to use that I was surprised when instead of seeing them in every household that they seemed to vanish like the dinosaurs. I always thought it was just cool, but when guests come out of the bathroom and compliment you on your toilet paper holder, you know you are on to something. I, of course, accepted their compliments as though I had designed it myself.

      Through the years it has worked flawlessly regardless of what brand of TP I used. Then something changed. Spotting a couple of deals on TP recently, I varied from our regular brand and got a shock. Sometime over those years the TP manufacturers, in particular Charmin and Cottenelle, changed the length of their rolls. What the…?

      I’m sure that the ¼” that they shaved off the rolls is saving them a ton of money, but it renders one of my favorite things useless. Save it safe to say that I won’t be purchasing their products again. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t, especially if you have the standard holder, as it won’t affect you in the least. For me, it is just another one of those unwanted changes that I hate.

      Sometimes changes are necessary, whether we want them or not. A few months back when Bob Barker decided to put down his microphone as the host of “The Price is Right” it was sad, but needed. With Bob getting up in years, his memory wasn’t what it used to be, nor was his physical stability. Every time a rowdy group of college students won the showcase I feared for his safety, thinking he was going to break a hip.

      When his replacement, Drew Carey, was named, I had my reservations. As much as I like Drew, I was having a hard time picturing him. While Bob was so suave, Drew is more of an everyman. Bob was a martini, while Drew is a beer. How could this ex Marine with a wicked sense of humor ever hope to replace daytime TV’s silver haired James Bond?

      At first it appeared like my hunch was right, but as Drew started to hit his stride, I began to see what the producers and Bob saw in him. He might still be a little stiff in his stance, but he is way more relatable to the average Joe in his demeanor.

      He says the things that we at home have been saying to the screen for years about some of the products and prizes. I mean who really wants or needs a humidifier in the shape of a pink bear or a phone in the shape of an artichoke?

      While Bob would never dream of saying anything negative about the prizes, for fear of ruffling the feathers of advertisers, Drew, on the other hand, takes glee in pointing out just how stupid some of them are. He has turned out to be one of those changes that were a good thing. Not just for us, but for Bob’s health and safe being as well.

      The writers strike, for any of us who like to be entertained, is a change that on the surface is certainly unwanted, but in reality is kind of a double edged sword. While those who like fresh drama and comedy are going to be cut off at the knees in about six weeks or so, those who prefer the “reality” type of viewing are about to get a windfall of new replacement programs.

      This will make some people bummed out and others just giddy with anticipation. Less “Law and Order” and “CSI” and more “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race”. When viewed in those terms, I wonder if the writer’s guild is doing themselves any long-term favors by striking and courting this change.

      The aforementioned changes are nothing when compared to the ones we are going to be faced with when it comes to our political leaders. And with the exception of a few hard line holdouts, everyone agrees we need it. Change has become the key word on every politico’s topic list, Republican and Democrat alike. They have not only been using the word every time they speak, they have been surrounding themselves with signs with the word on it larger than their own names. I guess just like change itself, we are voting for it like it or not.

      Hopefully, whoever makes it to the big office doesn’t forget it as soon as they take the oath.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS