Ever since I can remember I’ve had problems with the mechanism within Chapsticks. It’s not something that I’m doing, and it’s not something that has affected each one I’ve bought. I’d rather suggest that maybe it’s one of every 4 that I buy.

What the problem? At some point the mechanism just stops working. When I twist it, the stick doesn’t move. It’s just… well… inside and there’s no method for getting at it. Other times - and this is my own doing - I would leave the stick up, and when I put the cap back on, it squishes the stick and it’s on the inside of the lid and around the rim part. Needless to say, a complete waste of a product that I love.

About 2 months ago I bought a new Chapstick - mmm… strawberry flavor. I’m usually pretty careful with them. I always make sure that the stick is inside the tube so that I don’t waste any on the cap. About 2 weeks ago, I went to use it, and nearly the entire cap was full of the stick, and the mechanism wasn’t working.

So, at this point, you’re probably wondering… “well… you’re messed up… who cares? They’re only a about $2… go buy a new one.”

I care! I care so much, that I called Wyeth (the makers of Chapstick) to let them know that there seems to be a pretty high rate of failure (about 20%) with the ones that I buy. They apologized, got my information, asked for the lot number (printed on the bottom of the tube) and said that they’re going to send me three or four replacements. I imagine that I’ll have them within a weeks time.
I wasn’t looking to get free replacements - although I’m pleased that they are. I just wanted them to know that there’s a problem with the technicals of the mechanism, and maybe they should look at modifying it. Perhaps a thicker thread might do the trick.

I’m certainly willing to buy a new one. I even let them know that. I like the product so I’ll continue to use it, despite the manufacturing flaw.

Anyways, thought you might want to know. If you have a problem with a product, it never hurts to let the company know.

Kudos Wyeth…

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Canada day!

Google launched their free 411 service Goog-411 in Canada with full Canadian listings.

How does it work?
You simply dial 1.800.GOOG.411 from any phone, and talk into the system. Using their voice recognition they’ll respond with several listings. Not only that, but they’ll connect you directly for free!

Well, we’ve put together a team of bicyclists from work to get together to ride a 30-person bike to raise money for the Heart & Stroke foundation. And yes, I will be biking!

When: June 17, 2008
Where: Oshawa North - starting at the Shoeless Joe’s
How far: We’re going to bike for 1km.

I’ve setup an online donation page so you can help the cause. You can donate securely online - tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.

After lots of contemplation, and growing old of my website design, I decided to launch an updated one.

Long live version 6!

Let me know what you think. Feedback is ALWAYS welcomed!