I always like when businesses choose to show some imagination and personality rather than opt for a stale uniform way of promoting their business. So I was happy to see this sign in a local business called Ike & Jane Cafe and Bakery.

It was only the 2nd time I had been there and so I asked if this sign was up all the time. The woman who was selling food behind the counter cheerfully told me that they change the sign every day. She said “I’m not sure if anyone has ordered like yoda today,  but it’s rare that people do it. When people do what the sign asks we are always really excited.”

Peter Pan's New "Earth-Friendly Jar" label is a classic case of greenwashing.

I recently bought some Peter Pan peanut butter. Being the environmental nerd that I am, I was quick to notice the brand’s new label. Rather than describing their new jar as something that didn’t sound quite as good like “eco-friendlier,” they just went ahead and described their new jars as “earth-friendly.”

The marketing executives at ConAgra Foods, the makers of Peter Pan, apparently thought that their jars merited this description because, as they say on their jar and website: “Our new jar uses 9 percent to 12 percent less plastic per ounce, which isn’t only great for the environment, but for your budget, too.”

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The White House's 2009 Gingerbread House

When someone recommended checking out the short video from www.whitehouse.gov I have added below about the White House’s ginger bread house, I was curious but also skeptical. The house looks pretty lame on first glance.

But after watching the video I think you’ll be just as impressed as I was by the details included in this 400 pound white chocolate beast. I also wonder if President Obama and his family will get to eat some of it on Christmas Day. Hopefully they send the leftover parts of the house to people in need so they can enjoy them. Although I bet Sasha and Malia are calling dibs on getting to eat Bo the White House dog.

If the video doesn’t satisfy all of your curiousity, for a photo of marzipan-made Bo as well as more detailed information about the gingerbread house check out the Obama Foodorama website by clicking here.

Photo of White House Gingerbread House via Obama Foodorama

These elephants move, folks. (Photo by Levi Novey)

About three weeks ago Kilimanjaro Restaurant Café opened in the Lima district of Surco. Decorated like a rainforest, Kilimanjaro Restaurant Café is a thrill for kids. Its large interior features numerous life-size animatronic animals that periodically come to life and put on a show.

My wife and I decided to take our 2 year old daughter this past weekend to check it out. After some early trepidation, our daughter became less nervous and fully embraced the experience (as did many other children). One of the best features of the experience from her point of view had to have been the specially designed animal seats. They aren’t your typical booster seats for children. They allow kids to sit up higher than usual to watch the action. During the show, our daughter got a little scared with the thunder of the simulated rainstorm, but otherwise really enjoyed watching the big animals move and roar. They include a crocodile, giraffe, butterfly, elephants, snake, tiger, gorillas, and monkeys.

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