Shaken Bottle Syndrome

I was opening up a bottle of my favorite drink and I noticed something surprising. The bottle cap had the words “shake me” printed into the design.

“Shake me.“

What am I supposed to think about that? Why didn’t it say “shake before drinking”? The other directions don’t indicate personage.

Advertising appears to have gotten out of control. In this world where we all struggle with being connected, is this a way for us to find connection with the products we use? Why refer to my drink that I will consume and dispose of when not needed, as a person?

I know it probably sounds like I have too much time on my hand.


The other day I bought a cup of coffee. They put the cream and sugar in it and handed it to me while securing the lid. Molded into the lid in spanish and english was the sentence “Caution I’m hot”. I know this sounds paranoid, but there is a face on the lid and coffee dispenses from the opening that looks like a mouth.

You may think I’m silly, but I think I’m on to something. Much of our advertising is created, both in the products market as well as the political market, as something that will complete us and fulfill us. That sounds like a relationship to me.

Maybe I can start this blog site with “Hey there. You look like such a thinker. You’d give me such pleasure if you would read me. I know the writer of this blog would be thrilled as well.”