Tag Archive for: Water

Bad Bottle #18: Crayola Kocktails for Kids

Crayon flavored water, hmmmm. It appeals to something buried deep in my subconcious, the memory of gnawing on the colorful wax sticks and putting them into my mouth, despite being expressly forbidden by my mother to do so. Yes, in my mind I can imagine the taste of burnt sienna right at the moment…

Bonus fascinating crayon fact: The Crayola color “flesh” was voluntarily changed to “peach” in 1962 in the wake of the civil rights movement. Good thing, or I’d be tempted to make some lame cannibal jokes here.

Photo by robotech master 2000 on Flickr.

Bad Bottle #17: Somewhere faraway there breathes the soul of a copywriter

I don’t know where the site www.finewaters.com originates, but the enthusiastic writer/s certainly speak English as a second language. And how charming it is, their passion and enthusiam breaking the language barrier to reveal the essence of the sensual, passionate lifestyle-sell.

For Just Born Spring Drops (irresistable branding in name alone!), from the Chennai region of India, the product description reads:

Just Born Spring Drops is a great gift by Mother Nature. Crisp and clear it emerges at an altitude of 6,500 Sqft. cloud kissing peak of the Nilgiris Mountain.

The spring flows from the catchments area through the mountain layers naturally filtered and emerges in an unspoiled ecological protected environment, pure and intact where it is bottled at source at 10 C that maintains its purity and freshness.

To no one’s surprise, the company “have identified the benefit of this unique singular tasting crisp and clear water more suitable for babies and children. Ideal for the preparation of babies formula, cereals, juices, foods and soups.”

How do you spot ‘fake’ water?

This item is from BBC news on Wednesday, 3 September 2008:
Fake sacred water ‘poses danger’

Muslims observing Ramadan have been urged to avoid bottled water which may contain high levels of poison arsenic. Sacred Zam Zam water originates from Saudi Arabia and cannot be exported from the country for commercial sale. Zam Zam is traditionally drunk by pilgrims for its healing properties and during the holy period of Ramadan. Environmental health officers in Luton have warned that bottles for sale that are labelled as Zam Zam water are of unknown origin and pose a risk. Joan Bailey, of Luton Borough Council, said: “In previous years this product has been on sale in Luton and anyone who has bought the product is being advised to throw it away. “As we can’t trace the origin of this water, it poses a great risk to anyone who consumes it.”

This batch, photographed in Malaysia, is by thefunks on Flickr.

Bad Bottle #16: After the Pastry Water Comes Diet Water

So you splurged on that Pastry Water. Maybe even a case or two. Not to worry, get back in line with zero calorie Diet Water. Just like regular zero calorie water, but with an in-your-face label that announces your weakness to the world. From www.engrish.com

Bad Bottle #12-15: You are what you drink

You can just cut the complaining right now about your weight, and stop asking if you look fat. Because I saw you swigging down that Strawberry Shortcake Pastry Water when you could have chosen the more sensible Skinny Water.

Bad Bottle #11: A Transparent Marketing Ploy

When faced with a myriad of choices in bottled water, heaven knows we want the one that’s safe. Seen in India by Flickr-er Chinita Jill, who reports that SAFE is the brand that sustained them during a desert safari in Jaisalmer.

RNC: Protesters OK with bottled water in Minnesota

Denver might have been “green” but Minneapolis is greener, as protest organizers sell bottled water for $3.00 a pop. And where are those dandy recycling bins from last week–no room in the van? Thanks to Kevin D. Hendricks for sharing these fine photos on Flickr.

 

The ultimate in water container recycling

Low rates of recycling for water bottles? Time to think bigger. The Sugar City, Idaho water tower, out of service for nearly 60 years, is getting a $25,000 spiff-up for its second life as a parking place for cell antennas. According to KIDK.com,

A major project is about to get underway in Sugar City to restore an old water tower that’s not even being used anymore.

People can see the water tower from almost anywhere in the city and some are saying the peeling paint and rust are making it an eyesore.

Even though it hasn’t been in use since the 1950’s, the city plans to spend a lot money to fix it up.

“It’s gonna be about 25 thousand dollars and the painting is guaranteed for about 30 years,” said Lamont Merrill of the Sugar City Council.

The old water tower, built in 1915, will be completely cleaned off and repainted.

A few months ago, Sugar City’s beautification committee asked the mayor and city council to approve the restoration project.

The issue was debated because the water tower is no longer being used. Some in the city think it’s a waste of money. But, the city council gave the okay because cell phone companies are renting space on tower.

“We’re going to receive about 700 dollars a month from the cell companies to go towards painting and maintenance and restoration of the toward,” said Merrill.

That means in two and a half years, the 25,000 dollars will be paid off and the city will start to make a profit.

Water tower superlatives

No matter what the profession or endeavor, somewhere, someone is honoring “the best.” Even if they’re just doing it to create a promotional opportunity. Such is the case of the “2007 Tank of the Year,” an award bestowed by Tnemec Company, “a leading manufacturer of protective coatings for water tanks for more than 30 years.”

The winning Anderson, SC water tank (actually, a pair)  is designed to look like a hot air balloon complete with gondola and passengers. Lest anyone think this was not a notable achievement requiring grit and determination, here’s a photo of the painting in progress:

Of course, for every victorious winner there is a runner up. For the 2007 tank design derby, that was the Wahoo, Nebraska Water Tower, featuring a fluid, flowing American flag. Here are the Wahoo painters, laboring with the relative luxury of a crane assist:

Anderson photo #1 by xxxmean jennyxxx; Anderson painting photo by sisudave. Wahoo water tower photo by impala.1079. All from Flickr.

What you get when you cross architects with activists

At the Labor Day Slow Foods Festival in San Francisco, tap water is served under this unusual shelter constructed from water bottles and various other beverage containers. We can safely assume that they’ll be recycled at the festival’s conclusion.

Both photos are by djg2theworld on Flickr.