Every day we see another example that causes us to wonder what people were thinking at the time they made certain decisions or choices. In fact, some of the things I read I honestly have trouble believing. Let me share a few examples:
- A Green Card (U.S. permanent resident I.D.) is yellow. What were they thinking?
- The infamous Blue Book, used to check car prices, is yellow. What were they thinking?
- Hawaii has 3 Interstate Highways. The term “interstate” means travel between states. Think about it.
- The Pledge of Allegiance has only 31 words. The U.S. Government regulation on the sale of cabbage contains 26,911 words. What were they thinking?
- In 1999, Coca-Cola introduced thermometer-loaded vending machines that charged more on hot days and less on cold days. It was trying to optimize demand. However, consumers were outraged, and major newspapers called the effort “cynical” and “evidence that the world going to h— in a handbasket.” Shortly thereafter, Coke pulled the machines!
- In 1994 Salton Inc. contacted professional wrestler Hulk Hogan to attach his name to an indoor grill. Hulk felt the offer beneath him, so Salton signed another athlete instead. Too bad for Hogan: George Foreman has earned $240 million from the George Foreman Grill!
- Speaking of George … the two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur and ordained minister has 10 children, and each of his five sons are named George.
- In 1983 Billboard magazine declared Madonna a “flash in the pan.”
- Colorado is the only state in history to have turned down hosting the Olympics, in 1976.
- The following examples don’t even deserve a description:
- Flagpole Sitting
- The Pet Rock
- Swallowing Goldfish
- Stuffing Phone Booths
- Leisure Suits
- Spray-On Hair
- Psychic Hot Lines
- Flowbee
- Prohibition
- Mood Rings
- TV Shows:
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette
- Tool Academy
- Brooke Knows Best
- Flavor of Love
- I Love New York
- Rock of Love
- The Cougar
- Parental Control
- Cheaters
- Scare Tactics and
- Fear Factor to name just a few.
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.