Sad news about Dave Thomas. Watch closely how the company’s marketers handle the loss. KFC has struggled with how to depict the colonel (cartoon? look-alike?) What will Wendy’s do with the loss of their core branding icon? I suggest a commercial set in Heaven celebrating the reunion of Dave and Clara Pella.

From the “wait until next year” department. A January without the playoffs? Just think how much I can get done this year.

Quote:

The Titans are one of six teams in last year’s playoffs that failed to make it back this year. The group includes the Colts and Broncos from the AFC and the Giants, Vikings and Saints from the NFC.

It’s going to be tough. Salary cap issues. But still, returning offense is exceptional (with a lineman or two exception). Special teams strong. But oh so pathetic secondary.

As for next year. With a schedule like this, what can the Titans expect? 10-6?

Are you having a hard time cracking the Internet sales puzzle? Just when you thought it was impossible to sell stuff on the Web, you read about a 17-year-old from Mission Viejo, Calif., who concocted a scheme that defrauded investors of more than $1 million.

In the second such case ever filed against a youth, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused Cole A. Bartiromo of operating a Web site and Internet message board that promised “risk-free” returns of up to 2,500% within a few days or weeks of initial investments.

No spam or banner ads. He just promised 2,500% returns. So that’s the secret? But still, where does one find so many suckers willing to believe such promises? I guess he’s lucky that one is born every minute. Interesting side note in some of the coverage: the kid, Cole Bartiromo, is quite a talented baseball player and sports memorabilia trader.

Is online customer service an oxymoron? I will give this company a day or two before revealing names, but my first brush with their service is challenging. A computer perephiral device I recently ordered does not work. I confirmed it in the office with some people more talented than myself at determining what are real problems and what are my imagined ones. The manufacturer offers online chat customer service, but when I went on the site, the message encouraged me to wait the 216 minutes until the next rep was available. The phone service, on which I was held for 90 minutes (while doing something else) cut me off at 9 p.m. sharp. I’m not surprised that while online sales were up during the holidays, customer service headed downward.

I won’t join with the universe of others pointing with awe at the new iMac. Okay, I will. I won’t be an early adopter, but I’m sure there will be one in my future. As for new Mac products, here’s a story on some more interesting ones.