Are you living? These people do.

Clutchslip has pointed out to me this ad for Admiral MultiCar:


Question: present continuous. Answer: present simple. Hmm.


(If you can't see the image, the text reads: "Are you living in a house with two or more cars? These people do and they all made big savings on their car insurance!")

Grasping the female market with both hands

A while back, my former colleague Dylan brought to my attention a particular press release by "female-friendly insurer Sheilas' Wheels" (natty pink logo pictured on the right).

In the press release, spokesperson Jacky Brown (sex not specified) is quoted as saying:

Our research shows that Britain's car industry is not meeting the needs of the modern-day female driver. It's stuck in the dark ages and is missing out by not grasping the female market with both hands.

Dylan comments:

This press release is referring to sexist car salesmen - but the way it is written, most men will only think of one thing. The woman who wrote this has probably been at the end of quite a few sexist remarks for a reason.

So is Jacky Brown's use of language deliberate or accidental? Appropriate or unfortunate? What do you think?


Original press release

Western Mail: dead easy

Following on from Norwich Union telling us in a rather sinister manner that 'accidents happen', Colin has emailed in the following cutting from Welsh newspaper the Western Mail. (If it's too small to read, click on it to see a bigger version.)


For those of you who don't do pictures, it says: "Arranging the death of a loved one isn't easy. But there are companies and services here to help you every step of the way... if you can offer your services and wish to advertise with us please call Claire or Emma."

Don't be surprised to see Norwich Union advertising in the Western Mail any day now...

Mafia insurance: an offer I can't refuse

I've had a letter from UK insurer Norwich Union Direct that reads more like a threat from the Mafia. Alongside a picture of an 'In Loving Memory' bouquet it says:

Accidents happen

Each year in the UK, hundreds of people fall on the stairs. Some are lucky and walk away. Others, however, aren't so lucky...

For peace of mind and to ensure "my loved ones will be properly looked after", I should pay Norwich union £2 a month. Sounds like protection money to me.