Airline forcing passengers to pay up or stay behind if you cannot fit in one seat including the addition of a seat belt extender. For more about airline's new policy, click here.

Not blatantly racist, but perhaps culturally insensitive

Several blogs (see below) have commented on midwest supermarket chain Rainbow's Black History Month tribute circular. The ad features some African-American history facts, and also some foods that are commonly stereotypically linked to African-Americans, like pork hocks, frying chicken and bologna - for images of the ad, visit one of the blogs below. Apparently a spokesperson for the parent company commented that the ad was in no way intended to offend anyone but instead to celebrate Black history and Black's contributions to the grocery industry. No, not the food, the factoids were grocery-related. I would agree that the intention likely was not to offend. But, perception and intention are often different, and in terms of public opinion, it's more often the perception that wins out.

I think this highlights a larger issue, of the need for diversity in the workplace. And an open work environment. No doubt Rainbow serves a diverse customer base. So why not have your employees reflect your audience (and I don't just mean by race, race is simply highlighted in this particular case). One blog notes that the company rep who gave a statement is African-American. But my question is was there a Black person sitting at the table when the decision was made to approve this advertisement? And is the work environment open enough so that one would feel comfortable speaking up and raising a red flag to say, "hey, not sure this is the direction we want to go and here's why..."?

Again, I don't doubt what the company rep said was accurate, the intention was not to offend. But, that doesn't mean no one was offended. (Yes, I know some people are easily offended and I am not talking about that small percentage) But, Racist? No, I don't think so. Culturally insensitive, I think yes. What do you think?

Here is some of the blog coverage we found: Brand Freak, Gawker, Black Voices

Extremely low-tech credit card scam

This is really hard to believe, but folks say scammers are using scissors and glue to rig up fake credit cards, and actually using them in stores. Cashiers... please be on the look out. Read more here.

Divorce Talk Radio

Read this WCNC article about a web based radio show centered on divorce. Probably a good service, but also a sign of the (bad) times. My face scrunches up just thinking about the idea of this show (that promotes divorce). I haven't listened (yet - I might and then come back and comment), so I should give them the benefit of the doubt and believe the people listening have already chosen divorce and are listening for advice through the process. So, it's a public service then? Free legal advice? Read the article and tell me what you think... in fact, listen to the show too.

Unaffected by gas prices, bike couriers have a chance

At least somebody is doing ok. The smart guy will always find a way to make money in tough times.

The New York Times did a article on how bike couriers have adapted and are able to handle larger loads of documents. As a result they have picked up business and are saving companies money because vehicle couriers have raised prices or instituted fuel surcharges.

UK banking giant changes customer password

You've got to be kidding me! A bank is so petty that it won't let a customer choose a password that makes fun of the bank. Lloyds TSB, a United Kingdom based bank changed a customers password because the bank found it to be "not appropriate." It appears the customer was just having a good laugh. I think the password choice was more about the customer than putting down the bank. Passwords are hard enough to come up with and remember, why not let some stuff go!

After a little back and forth, Lloyds TSB did the right thing by letting the customer have the password he wanted.

A big bank is going to get upset about a customer's password? If it had been my bank, and they changed my password, I would have closed my account the first business day I could.

To read more click UK banking giant de-pants irate customer over password