That Time Chops Did A Long Awkward Pose

Funeral For A Friend

Around The World

Over the last few years, I've developed a list of places I'd like to someday visit. I had always assumed it would wind up being a 'one trip at a time' thing, and I'd knock destinations off my list one by one. As time went on, however, the list grew longer and longer, and it came to the point where I decided there was no way I would be able see everything on it. The solution? Do them all at once. Here's the list (so far):

Tikal, Guatemala (Mayan Ruins)
Machu Picchu, Peru
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Cairo, Egypt (Great Pyramids of Giza)
Petra, Jordan
Athens, Greece
Rome, Italy
Barcelona, Spain
Dublin, Ireland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Amsterdam, Netherlands
St. Petersburg, Russia
Moscow, Russia
Delhi/Taj Mahal, India
Beijing, China (Great Wall of China)
Tokyo, Japan
Hong Kong, China
Hanoi, Vietnam
Siem Reap, Cambodia (Angkor Wat)
Ko Libong/Ko Lipe, Thailand
Bali, Indonesia
Queensland, Australia (Great Barrier Reef)
Queenstown, New Zealand
Easter Island, Chile



Since this route doubles back on itself a few times and really skips a lot of Africa, I expect a few destinations to be added, or some replaced. Either way, this is the trip I've come up with. It's a work in progress (you can click on the map to enlarge it).

I've begun researching the financial implications of such a trip, and airfare alone looks like it'll start at around 14,000. If I'm to do everything on my list, I figure it would likely take six months. I'd probably wind up subletting my apartment, or just moving out and leaving my stuff in storage for the time I'll be gone, which would count out rent. I could defer my student loans for that same amount of time (or even a few months prior, to help save). Airfare/train fare/bus fare would be the bulk of the expense, since I plan on keeping food and housing on the modest side.

If anyone's interested in joining me, I'm accepting applications.

Another Letter to Huggies

Dear Huggies,

In one of your recent television advertisements, you show a man slip quietly into a bedroom at a party to change his son's diaper. Upon removing the lad's diaper, the poor dad is met with a powerful stream of pee. He finds that the only thing absorbant enough to stop the boy's firehose-like peeing is his Huggies diaper.

Gee, Huggies, where did you come up with such a great idea?

I think you know where I'm going with this. Several years ago, I wrote you folks at Huggies a letter suggesting that, instead of the traditional, boring ol' blue liquid, you should show real pee. Attached is the original text of that letter.

Now I'm not one to hold a grudge, Huggies. But I do believe in giving credit where credit is due. As such, it's clear that my idea has helped you sell diapers, which entitles me to part of the profits. I don't know what your exact financial status is, but for the life of me, I can't think of any other brand of diaper. And I know that the world population is always growing, which means more babies and more pee. This, coupled with your clever ad campaign, indicates record sales.

Let me get right to the point, Huggies - please reimburse me for the use of my idea. A check or money order will be fine.

Regards,
Nick Tully

PS - If Sue still works in Consumer Services, please let her know I said "told you so."


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Dear Nick,

Thanks for your e-mail to Kimberly-Clark.

To avoid misunderstandings as to the origin of an idea, Kimberly-Clark Corporation accepts for review only new product ideas that are the subject of a patent or patent application. We are not permitted to accept suggestions from the public for the marketing, advertising or promotion of our products. This would include any suggestions relating to the fields of artwork or product display, suggested slogans, product names or trademarks. Since we have our own advertising and marketing teams, and work with specific advertising agencies, we have this policy to prevent misunderstandings as to the origin of an idea. Over the years, it has proved to be in the best interest of all concerned.

It is a strict procedure within Kimberly-Clark to not review, inform, communicate, forward, or in any manner transfer any part of an unsolicited idea to anyone outside of the Consumer Services Department without the submitter first signing a non-confidentiality agreement form or obtaining a patent. Please be assured that we do not use any idea submitted to us from outside without compensating the inventor. Kimberly-Clark Corporation desires to be courteous and fair, and will make every effort to deal in good faith.

Nevertheless, we appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns and hope this information is helpful.


Lynn
Coordinator, Outside Suggestions
Consumer Services, Kimberly-Clark Corp.