Trust me... I watch Mad Men

Cases of marketing departments working too hard?

First, Kool-Aid launches a rebranding of the "big red mascot."  ABCNews reports that the mascot "will be computer-generated and take on the personality of a celebrity trying to show he's just a normal guy."

What could possibility make people thirstier for grape sugar water than a simulated celebrity trying to convince consumers that he's really not that big of a deal?

Also, according to the BusinessRecord:

Iowa Health System, the fifth-largest nondenominational health system in the nation, announced today that it has changed its name to UnityPoint Health. The change reflects the health system's shift from a hospital-centered care process to one that more effectively addresses the total care of all patients, officials said in a release.

So "UnityPoint" is supposed to conjure up images of total care and maybe even wellness?  Dropping "Iowa" from the name makes a modicum of sense, considering that the enterprise has operations in the state of Illinois and could be eyeing acquisitions in other states around the Midwest.  So why not just say it, if that's the reason?  Why do they have to get all touchy feely about it?

Full Disclosure:  I suppose it's not the newspeak name or the 'tired of fame' beverage pitcher that's bothersome, it's that I would have charged half the amount to come up with it. #Jealous

Responding to my State Senator

Senator Schneider:

I am a Northern Iowa Accounting graduate who passed the CPA Exam and am a member of the American Institute of CPA's.  I'm also one of your constituents and voted for you.  Because of this, I feel led to reply to a recent update you posted to your website  schneiderforiowasenate.com

Below is the text of the relevant portion of your post:

Are Actuaries Evil? No, Just Their Estimates.

In the murky waters of life lurks an evil that has haunted man for ages:  estimates.

Financially speaking, estimates are everywhere and affect the consumer and investor alike.  Estimates affect everything from the complexities of pricing insurance and revenue recognition on long-term contracts to the simplicity of a grocery store ordering enough milk or company on the verge of hiring another employee.

There are some popular quotes about opinions being foul smelling.  But what's the difference between an opinion and estimate?  Most likely, a sick Excel spreadsheet.