11/1/06
In Praise of the Good and Long Lasting

By Herb Kandel

Tri-O's Oddities, observations, and opinions


In these days of IM (instant messaging), instant phone photos, instant online streaming, instant coffee, and the sought after instant gratification, it seems that we should pull in the reins of the stop watch and savor a few of the everyday, taken-for-granted, quality products that we benefit from. These may not be world shaking item recognitions, but they have made life easier, safer, more productive, and palatable.
I don’t remember the last time I bought a styptic pencil. Perhaps 20 years ago, or I may be using the same one my father had. This is the handy dandy item that staunch the bleeding when you get a "gotcha‘" nick while shaving. This small white cylinder of aluminum sulfate that is so inexpensive and does what it was made to do is a product worthy of mention. How the manufacturers remain in business is a mystery, as they last so long. Their only detractor seems to be Dracula.
Think about the simplicity of the paper clip. Yes, that bent piece of wire that grips several sheets of paper together . Did you know that before the paper clip was invented by a Norwegian in 1899, straight pins were being sold by the half pound for the explicit purpose of temporarily fastening pages . Ouch!!
Speaking of wire.....the shaped wire coat hanger performs it’s intended purpose masterfully. Before the hanger was invented, in 1903, there was the wall hook or wooden peg, which eventually stretched and distorted the garment that was hung from it. And I wonder how many car doors that this device has opened, used as a TV antenna, to roast marshmallows, to reach anything unreachable, and the list goes on and on.
Sara Lee Pound Cake is still a treasure that never fails to please. A consistent quality product which you can count on plain, toasted, or as French toast.
Many years ago I bought a white nylon comb from the Fuller Brush man. The comb has served me well as it segued from brown thick locks to sparse gray on this head. Fuller products were known for being pricey but their quality more than made up for it in their dependability and longevity. Although I have not seen a door-to-door Fuller Brush person in decades I am glad to see that they are still available online.
I don’t know how many times have I dropped my Sony Walkman, but when it happened I was not concerned that it would shatter. It has withstood a lot of sudden floor and sidewalk contact. I wonder if the iPod can do that well? So play it again, Sam.
Ever own a Cross pen or pencil? They will repair or replace them for free as long as you own them. This policy was tested recently when a 20 year old pen was sent to them for repair and returned in tip-top shape. Write on!
When I was growing up there seemed to be a shoe repair shop every few blocks. Of late that trade has almost, but not quite, gone the way of buggy whips. One of the reasons is the Birkenstock line of foot wear. They seem to wear like iron and yet remain comfortable. Johann Adam Birkenstock cobbled his shoes in Germany in the late 1700's. His shoes were designed so that they would follow the shape of the persons feet, so he contoured them to do just that. Though they have industrialized the manufacturing they still maintain the quality of the product sculpted by the originator using his hand tools. To paraphrase the motto on the historic flag, "Please Tread On Me" should be their slogan.
The year was 1896 and Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield stirs his batch of chocolatey, chewy candy, which he names after his five-year-old daughter, Clara, whose nickname is "Tootsie". It was the first penny candy to be individually wrapped in paper. In 110 years it is reported that it still looks and tastes astoundingly like the first Tootsie Roll, and even more unbelievable it still sells for about the same price. The company produces more than sixty two million per day. How sweet it is!!
The next time you use a zipper or can opener, taste peanut butter or an ice cream cone, wear Levi’s jeans or L.L. Bean boots, think of what you might have missed had not someone of integrity sought a better way to accomplish that task which is now such a part of everyday living comfort. So here is a nod of thanks to those folks for the things we take for granted being well made, long lasting, and for contributing to our well being.
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