My Blog Has Moved

Well folks, I've finally done it. I've switched to WordPress and my blog is now on my own domain. So say good-bye to Blogger and good-bye to the bling. But don't be sad. Life is full of change. Change is a good thing. It keeps us on our toes. It challanges us and makes us stronger. And as your next President... oops, I got a little speechy there, didn't I?

Anyway, check me out at:

http://www.meandtheblueskies.com/

I'll look for you there.


Monday, July 28, 2008

A Nation of Whiners or I'm Stupid and it's Your Fault!

Everyone’s heard the recent comment from former Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) that “we sort of become a nation of whiners.” Of course the press had a field day with this comment forcing poor ole Phil to do a two-step and clarify that he was referring to our leaders and not the general public. Yet I think Phil was half-correct. We have become a nation of whiners but not about the economy. Actually, we have become a nation of stupid whiners and the proof is in the pudding--or at least in the warning label on the pudding container.

That’s right. I think warning labels are a good reflection of Big Business’s concept of the consuming public’s intelligence. Here’s a few examples:

What a unique concept--food very hot after cooking it?

Do dogs drive? Well after they saw that commercial where the dog got the beer bottle out of the fridge and opened it...

What can I say!?

Cause it's human instinct to grab the moving sharp end.

Do not use for personal hygiene? But those bubbles feel soooo good!
Want to see more? Simply google "stupid warning labels" and you will find pages and pages of this stuff. Does Big Business really think we are that dumb? I don't think Big Business cares if we are dumb or not. In fact, I don't believe they think we are dumb at all. I think they are simply protecting their asses...er um assets.

So then why have we become a nation of people who need to be warned that food is hot after you cook it? or that products designed to clean your toilet should not be used to clean your body? What happened to common sense and accountability? I'll tell you what happened. It was drowned in the muck and mire of a legal system chock full of frivolous lawsuits by greedy lawyers and half-witted "victims" looking to make a buck from their own stupidity.

Case in point. Everyone has heard of the McDonald's coffee lawsuit. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's because she spilled their coffee all over her lap and wound up in the hospital with 3rd degree burns. Now McDonald's wasn't completely blameless because the coffee was way too hot but Stella made the decision to put a hot cup of coffee between her legs. It wasn't like the McDonald's employee screamed, "here's your coffee, you stupid beotch!" and then threw it in her face. (That happened the first time she went to McDonald's for coffee after the lawsuit.)

Here's another. A lady from Madison County sued Mazda for 150k for not providing instructions on the use of seatbelts. She had been passenger in a Mazda and suffered severe injuries when the Mazda got wrecked. She wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Of course, we all know how confusing those new-fangled seatbelts can be...

These are just two examples of the plethora of frivolous lawsuits since the early 80's. (Yes, Betty, I said "plethora") I believe that for every action there is a reaction and the silly warning labels are a direct reaction to the silly lawsuits. These lawsuits may sound silly, but they cost Big Business big bucks. And in the long run, the cost is passed on to the consumer.

So the next time you read the warning label on your hairdryer and it says, "Do not use while sleeping", don't think that some idiot put that there for fun. It probably was a reaction to a lawsuit by some Gerry-Springer-Guest-Wannabe who left the dryer blowing on her head while she took a nap, burned off all her hair, and sued the manufacturer for 32 million dollars because her hair never grew back the right color and she couldn't sell her trailer because nobody wanted to move into it with that "burnt hair" smell. Well you never, know. It could happen...

For more stupid lawsuits, check out legalzoom.

115 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi! Thanks for the encouragement. Sorry I have been MIA -it was go covert or kill openly while quitting smoking. When my hubby offered to LEAVE the state with our son for a week I knew that I needed to get my killer ciggy desires under control. Ok, enough said about that.

My favorite law case was a woman in LA who sued the maufacturers of slip 'n slide because the instructions did not state explicitly that she should not put the end against the brick wall of her home - uh, yeah, this is real. It was from the 70's, and I believe one of the first "I am an idiot, please give me money so I never have to work again" lawsuits. Uh-huh.

Hope you are doing well!

Laura said...

I agree we are a little embarrassing. How did we get to this point? Crazy!

Melissa Papaj Photography said...

Those are too fun! I really enjoyed reading them. Thanks for the entertainment!

Donnetta said...

Cracks me up every time I get emails with these types of pics. Because I know that at some point in time, some moron decided to do said stupid thing. And quite simply - they just deserve to be laughed at!

Congrats on being today's Featured Blog!

Tanielle said...

That is seriously unbelievable!!! Thanks for making me laugh while shaking my head!!

Michelle said...

Congratulations on Your SITS day!
My favorite case is the woman who sued Winnabago. She set the cruise control and went to make herself a sandwich. When the rv crashed she claimed that the manual didn't say that the rv couldn't drive itself. You guessed it, she won!

BloggessJ said...

Good morning! Dropping by from SITS to wish you a wonderful BITS day!

Simply AnonyMom said...

I agree with you. We as a nation are too lawsuit happy and has lead to many "WTF?" labels. WHile you did find a few good ones, they are still nonsense.

Rachael said...

Ugh! I am so sick of people being so lawsuit happy! The jumpy house place here doesn't let adults on their bouncies anymore because they're afraid of getting sued. Hasn't anyone ever heard of an ACCIDENT? They can be horrible, but there is not always someone to blame for everything. Sigh...

KatieSaysSo said...

Haha!! That is a great post. Hilarious. Congrats on being the SITS featured blogger =) I really like your blog. Off to check out a couple more posts!!!!

cat said...

Happy SITS day to you brother! In South Africa we do not have that many warning labels, but yes, the rot is also starting to st in and we are seeing more and more.

Mrs. Jelly Belly said...

I love to read the warnings on every product I buy just because they make me laugh. We have one of those automatic shower cleaners (you know the one that sprays your shower down at the push of a button - after you get out of the shower, natch) and it actually says on it "Not to be used as a body wash."

Happy SITS Day - enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on being the first BITS and for being featured today. This post was hilarious.

Anonymous said...

Seriously...I think the more "book smarts" ppl are, the less common sense they have....



Congrats on being featured blogger at SITS!

Unknown said...

These warning labels always make me laugh, but I know a few people who actually would do some of these things in their absentmindedness. Happy SITs day.

Serenityville said...

I love your blog - one of the funniest ones I've read. Great break down (taking apart) of silly lawsuits - not just ranting and raving but analysis. Like Michael Crichton - great plot and entertainment, but also with substance and truth. yes, I compared you to a world famous writer. good luck!

Anonymous said...

I love it - or rather I hate it, but I'm very entertained by it.

Happy SITS day BITS!

Tracey said...

Great Post! I love reading these! Makes me feel smart! (you have to read that last sentence with a super slow draaaawl...to get the full affect! sorta like Forrest Gump) Oh well, it was funny in my head!

Hugs!
Tracey

Anonymous said...

These things never fail to crack me up ... apparently, we've become a nation of idiots, as well.

mommytoalot said...

LOL..yup..we are a nation of whiners

Christy said...

I would definitely say we are a nation of whiners. As a high school teacher I can testify. I want to make all my students go to Africa for a month to work so they have a real appreciation for how much they truly have. And I used to show the John Stossel show on frivolous lawsuits, and they had the McDonalds lady on there. She's like 102! Have a good day!

Smoochiefrog said...

Yup, it's completely out of hand.

Congrats on being the blog of the day!

Jamiedidit said...

Happy BITS day! I'm with you on the labels. ALTHOUGH, I wish McDonald's had one on my cups that said "The drive-thru person did not attach the lid firmly. You will spill this on your pants before exiting the vehicle." This is why I don't drink fruit punch any more.

Bunny said...

Boy did you hit this nail on the head! Greed does terrible things to people doesn't it!

Denise Grover Swank said...

It's time people started taking responsibility for their own actions. Wow, that's a novel concept! Happy SITS day!

KK said...

Hello! I'm here from SITS. With the hair dryer....a mom back home got in big trouble because she sent her child to bed with one because he said he was cold.

People aren't too bright now-a-days.

Chelsie said...

Wow. Yes we definitely are a country of whiners! Happy "BITS" Day!

Unknown said...

But the bubbles feel so good! haha- too funny! Glad to see that your blog was featured today!

Estela said...

Oooohhh..let me tell you. I recently broke my wrist snowboarding. Wouldn't you know it...one of the first comments out of MANY people's mouths was "Oooohhh..you could SUE them!" SERIOUSLY!!
*sigh*
You hit this one on the head!

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

LOL Love it! I always get some laughs from labels wondering ... has somebody actually DONE this???

Happy SITS/BITS Day!!

The Peacock Pearl said...

goodness gracious! all i can do is roll my eyes and shake my head. i think we all just need to learn to laugh at ourselves when we're stupid and not find someone to point at and blame. {rolling eyes again} :)

said...

Preston, congrats on your SITS feature today! I am on board with this post. We live in a nation filled with a lot of whiners and victims. But thankfully they're not in the majority. {They just seem to make so much noise!}

Girl Tornado said...

Very funny read, but oh so sad and true. I'm so glad I live out in rural-land these days. I love it. I really, really do. I've stayed away from any societal or political posts, but I was thinking about an AIG post the other day, then I said, NAHHHHHH. But my opinion? Those guys better start wearing bullet-proof vests, same as Madoff.... hey, let me get back on track here, congrats for being a featured post at SITS!!!!!

Ronnica said...

I think the chainsaw one was my favorite. I'd like to see the person who's done that...

Heather said...

But why would there be directions on shampoo bottles on how to use the shampoo? Surely there could be no way someone could sue over shampoo misuse?

Ryan and Katie said...

so true so true....

koopermom said...

It never fails to amaze me...like Jay Leno's headlines.

But sadly some people really do NEED those kind of reminders!

Carrie said...

I love this post. I does really bother me that we have to put stupid warnings to defend against greedy people out to sue for any reason.
Happy SITS Day!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I recently bought a new iron. The warning in the instruction book (who needs instructions to iron) said "Do not iron clothes while wearing them!" Seriously, do they include this stupid warning because someone has actually done it?!

Anonymous said...

Hey brotha! Congrats on being the featured blogger today!

Isn't it amazing how stupid people can be? Loved this post!

Mimi said...

The people who need these warnings, should all be rounded up & put in a nice soft place where they can't hurt themselves!

Cammie said...

Happy BITS day Preston! Im so happy it is your turn!

Amy said...

Great signs. If the label is there and it says,"do not do this" you know it is there because someone did it.

Vickie said...

Great post! While shaking my head I was laughing. Some of the things out there are just crazy.

Happy SITS day, BITS!

Unknown said...

Love this! Congrats on your BITS day.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Willo said...

I am with you! Where is the personal responsibility? Happy BITS day!

Unknown said...

Coming over from SITS - congrats on being FB! :)

My 1st time here, and I love your blog already. Very real and insightful! I love it!

Libby said...

I completely agree with this. We need to stop babying adults. I work with college students and believe me, it's trickling down to them. They expect you to hold their hand through EVERYTHING. Until you burn your mouth on hot coffee, you'll never learn, no matter what label is on it!

Controlling My Chaos said...

You said it! Loved this post. Congrats on your SITS day.

Tiffany said...

Those warning labels are funny. Congrats on your SITS day.

Rachel Lundy said...

Very funny! And very sad too, actually. Whatever happened to common sense?!

What A Card said...

So funny! I have a picture from when I was at Stone Mountain in Georgia. There's a big sign that says "CAUTION! Mountain is slippery when wet!"

Of course I took the picture for the Bon Jovi connection, but I've always been amused at the fact that they needed to include a warning that completely smooth rock would become slippery in the rain. Perfect for all those people who have never existed before on the earth.

Happy SITS (or is it BITS) day!

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

Bahhaaha! That's hilarious. I love the lady you made up about the hair dryer. You know it's happened. :)

KBroome said...

Oh my wow you are funny. I never looked at the warning labels until now. I am going to google it!

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Those are so funny!!! People really are idiots though and those warnings are FOR the idiots!

Anonymous said...

So my sister worked for/with the Legal Department of a very big corporation. She would tell me stories all of the time about what people were calling in to sue for. Even with warnings and labels! And for the most part, the company would either offer a different product for free. Or in some cases, they would settle the claim before anything happened! I mean things that you should not be allowed to sue for because it should be common knowledge. Although the products were children related, so I'm sure that had something to do with it.

Decor To Adore said...

You want to laugh, shake your head, something.
Our country truly has left it's work hard and you'll get ahead attitude in the dust.

Anonymous said...

You have hit the nail right on the head with this one. Now I just don't know if I should laugh at the stupidity of people or cry because I'm paying for it!

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

OMG, the chain saw warning is too funny! It is amazing how people with zero common sense are rewarded at the expense of everyone else. It's like the exact opposite of survival of the fittest.

t said...

Even my 8 year old mentioned one day when we got hot chocolate "Mommy, why do they have to put the words 'hot' on it? Don't we know that????"

GREAT POST

Carma Sez said...

This is all so true. Personal responsibility has goon the way of the horse and buggy !
casrma

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

LOL. I LOVE this post! hehe.

Lida said...

Warning labels are stupid yet needed for some, I made a comment to a friend about an iron with label dont use on clothes u are wearing and she told me she has done this, with a skirt! So I don´t know maybe some people with lack of commun sense need them!

Rachel Ann said...

Hilarious, but sadly so true!! I agree that we are a nation of whiners...and we are grooming our kids to be even bigger whiners! UGH!

Congrats on being a SAUCY blog today!

Destiny said...

Congrats on being a FB and for the morning laugh.

Pam said...

Congrats on beings SITS FB! And on being the one and only BITS! Loved your post. Laugh out loud funny and too true!

Marrdy said...

Here! Here! And I love that you used Plethora. I use it every time I can. People think I'm using a dirty word! AND I have two sisters who sleep with their hair dryers. Both are over 40 and seem to be normal, but who knows.

Alicia @ Oh2122 said...

HA! But seriously. What are these people thinking? And after committing acts of outrageous stupidity, they expect to be paid for their lack of common sense?

WTF?

OT: Hey Jersey! I married a Jersey Boy, poor guy. I make him live in Red Sox Nation...

Amy said...

COngrats on your feature day!

Great post. Fun and so true :)

OneZenMom said...

I sometimes wonder if we are not just herding our species to the shallow end of the gene pool with these warnings. ;)

Happy SITS Day. :)

Courtney said...

ive always been fond of the guy who put his rv on auto-drive and then took a nap...

Kristen said...

Yes. We are either stupid or ignorant. I'm guessing both. I love that me coffee has l warning on ot. I know it's hot...that's the way I like it!

wendy said...

So very true...every last bit of it. We are a litigation-happy nation. *sigh*

Happy BITS day!

Anonymous said...

I love this post and I couldn't agree with you more! My personal favorite is the label on the iron that cautions against ironing clothes while wearing them. Damn... I've been doing it wrong all these years...

Anonymous said...

What a great post! Not only is it true but very funny! At least to me. Thanks!

Brandy said...

Most people think they are dumb warnings, but I just think they are pure comedy. Then again I have common sense.

I can't say that's true for everyone. [:

Moi said...

I completely feel ya on this issue - i always feel like the product is treating me like an idiot - yes, yes I know I shouldnt drink the bleach...but a bleachtini sounds so fab right now-
cute post and congrats on being featured!

www.AForestFrolic.typepad.com said...

Do not hold wrong end of chain saw...hehehe, idiots I tell ya! Happy SITS, er' I mean BITS day, tee hee!

StampinMom :-)

Anonymous said...

I love this post! We were just talking about this over the weekend. When we ordered pizza, I noticed the Caution: Pizza may be hot. It's ridiculous, but you know if it wasn't there someone would try to sue for being sent hot pizza! Please!

Judah said...

happy SITS day!! this is so true!! though you know those warnings are thre because someone decided to sue over it, meaning they actaully did it!!
no personal responsibility anymore

Anonymous said...

haha! love this- people are so freaking stupid!

Anonymous said...

Happy BITS Day! :)
Yes, people are actually that greedy and stupid. As a former paralegal for both sides (defense and plaintiff) I can say with authority that yes, people do need those directions. And probably more on top of that...(warning: This food product should only be ingested through the mouth)

Alex the Girl said...

I wish they would make the one that says, "Slow the hell down the white car that is following you way to closely is a policeman and he's trying to get you to pull over because you are going 60 in a school zone" sign.

tammy said...

Congratulations on being the featured blogger today! I so agree about our sue happy nation. It is a real shame the lengths that some companies have to go to just to cover their behinds. Where is common sense?? oh...and I love the word plethora! ;)

Amy said...

Happy BITS Day! :)

I recently noticed that my husband's electric razor has a little tag on the cord that has a picture of the plug in (placed in the wall) and pair of scissors cutting the cord (while it's plugged in) with a big red "DO NOT" symbol over the top. As if we really need to be told that we shouldn't cut the ELECTRICAL cord with scissors while it's plugged in! lol

Young Momma said...

LMAO Those were good! Happy BITs day!

Days of Whine & Noses said...

Great blog!

Happy SITS day!

AdriansCrazyLife said...

Yep, I think we should just do away with all the smart ass lawyers. I think they're the ones to blame for all of this. The manufacturers are just trying to cover their butts! It's a crazy world, ain't it?

Tara said...

BEST post i've read in all my life...dang it that is so spot on funny good!! love it~

Ali said...

We are totally a nation of stupid whiners..well except for me. And you:)

Live.Love.Eat said...

Great post and mostly true!!!! Congrats on being featured today!!!!

Anonymous said...

LMAO!! this is sooo funny and well written ... I've often laughed at those types of instructions on some of these products and your explanation never really came to mind ...

Great! Happy SITS day!

Maridith said...

Awesome post!! Thanks for making me laugh with your open honesty!!! I am going to send this one to my husband he will really appreciate it!! Maridith

Unknown said...

I'm with ya brother! Wow, I think that's the first time I've said that in a blogger comment!

Leslie said...

Congrats on your SITS day!

Sometimes those warnings really make me laugh!

Housewife Savant said...

It's funny 'til someone puts an eye out, or irons a garment while WEARING IT.
Thanks for a terrific post!

CaraBee said...

So funny. And so sad. Great post!

Sam_I_am said...

It makes me worried about the intelligence level of our society.

Debbie said...

And we wonder why our economy and country are in the toilet?

Michelle said...

First and only? My my, little faith I see.

But to the rest? Amen. I get so irritated by stupid people who want to use the system -- regardless of what that system may be. You don't want to get my started on my in-laws. :)

Cheryl said...

Amen Brother! God must have loved stupid people, He made so many of them :) Thanks for making me laugh!
Cheryl

angie said...

The warning labels were hilarious! Nice post!

Amy said...

That is so funny! I read a book by Douglas Adams once where a gentleman in the book said the whole world was crazy, and so he decided to never leave his house (he called it The Asylum i think). He came to that conclusion from reading directions on a toothpick box. Who needs directions for using a toothpick? It is sad really how moronic the world populous has become.

Shannon said...

Seriously.

Hope you've enjoyed your day in the SITS spotlight! Or should I say BITS spotlight :)

Aubrey said...

Lordy, lordy! You hit the nail on the head with this one!

I'm so excited that you finally have your day in the spotlight! Whoo-hoo!!

Bramblemoon Farm said...

I LOVE the dog pills one. BAHAHAHAHAHAHA and the chain saw. Ahhhh...so funny.

Dianna@KennedyAdventures said...

too funny! Have a great day!

The Farmers Wife said...

Love your style! Totally agree

Anonymous said...

This is too funny! I love it!

Happy SITS Day! I love your blog. :)

Xazmin said...

I am ALWAYS dying about these stupid labels. My favorite is those sun visors that you unfold across your whole windshield to block the sun whil you're parked...you know, the ones that say "do not use while driving"? Seriously?

Gamma Sharon said...

It is pretty sad, I wish people would appreciate what they have and relize none of us are perfect. All this sue happy crap is hurting us all!

Congrats on being featured blogger at SITS!

Patricia said...

great commentary. All too true.. sad but true.

Happy SITS Day. (I'm a little late, I know). :)

Anonymous said...

"here's your coffee, you stupid beotch!" and then threw it in her face."...

OMG! I'm too sick to be laughing this hard!

Plethora, do jou even know what a plethora ees? Becuss I do note think jou should use de word plethora unless jou know what eet ees...name that movie 80s lover!

Laura said...

It does seem like we must be a nation of dummies if you read the labels on some products.

Michelle said...

Right on sister! I mean brother!

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