How To Save $ on Holiday Gifts
A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Puppet
Mannequin American views and guidelines on marketing/PR trends, news from the world of puppets and ventriloquism, bits of humor and other interesting but useless information. I post every Tuesday and Friday. For information on this puppet's background, go to http://www.dale-brown.com/.
Welcome to my 100th Blog Post
Yes, it's true. This is my 100th post since starting this blog last January. And what have I received in return for all of my work? A raise? Thousands of comments? Kudos from my readers? That's right ... none of the above. But we have grown to around 2,000 subscribers and lots of miscellaneous hits over the weekends. So I may continue the madness ... at least for the short-term.
But it would be nice to get a few more "comments" in the comments section and a few more links to other blogs. So while I'm holding up my end of the bargain, you free-loading readers are not holding up yours. That's okay though. We Mannequin Americans are used to being taken advantage of by ventriloquists, puppeteers and other forms of parasites.
But I would appreciate more "comments." Hint. Hint.
In 3's There is Strength and Boldness
In case Congress changes its mind, the Big Three are all ready to roll out a new ad campaign.
A Bank That is Refreshingly Funny
To prove how far it's willing to go to help you save, FirstBank encourages holiday spendthrifts to snap digital photos of its ads -- and repurpose them as presents.
The idea is a lot funnier than it sounds. Above is an outdoor ad with a generic piece of art. The ad instructs you to photograph the art, frame it and pass it on to unwitting (or undeserving) family members.
Other cheapskate gifts include a star adoption certificate above (which I'm probably going to give to Dale for Christmas) and a homemade jam label below.
Each ad ends with helpful steps for re-gifting, and the slogan imbued with a delectable tongue-in-cheek quality (so rare in banks!): "We're here to help you save."
Create and Use Your Very Own Muppet Whatnot
If you want to own a professional-like puppet, or you know of someone who does, here's a great new option.
FAO Schwarz's Muppet Whatnot Workshop which has been talked about for a long time is now a reality. "Whatnots" are the Muppet character extras that often make up the background in Muppet skits and movie scenes. Click here to see a short, entertaining video with Kermit explaining the exciting new Whatnot characters. It's funny, so take 30 seconds to watch it.
The real news is that now consumers can create and customize their very own show-grade Muppet Whatnots. These premium puppets are only available from FAO Schwarz. You can create and customize your very own Whatnot puppet by picking a puppet body and accessorizing it with a variety of Muppet features and accessories. You can also order the premium Muppet Whatnot Gift Kit, which allows the lucky recipient to embark on the unique, creative adventure of designing their very own performing puppet (a great holiday gift for any Muppet fan). FAO Schwarz puppet makers will then produce a puppet that exactly matches the buyer's design
The Muppet Whatnots are hand and rod puppets, just like the real Muppets. They're 16" tall and come in their own clear, drawstring backpack so your Muppet Whatnot can go with you wherever you go.
Visitors to FAO Schwarz's flagship store in New York can actually build their very own Whatnot Muppets. So check out the all-new Muppet Whatnot Workshop online at FAO.com.
