Business Marketing

Real Estate ‘n’ Los Angeles – “We Love It!”

Published

11 years ago

February 12, 2010

Gwen Banta

mulholland poster color

For quite some time I have been collecting misspelled names of people and well-known places in our area. Sometimes the misspellings are even better than the actual names. Others, however, are just plain funny. Who could possibly argue that “Blurbank” Airport wouldn’t be a better name for that smog covered destination spot? And “Universaltile” Studios kind of says it all, doesn’t it? Please enjoy:

Selling in the Land of Oz

“Designed by Frank Lord Wright” (Yes, some thought he was a god…)

“New Thermaldoor Fridge” (This actually make sense…if you plan to wear the door to go skiing.)

“Pt. Doom in Malibu” (That’s Dune…unless you’re the Grim Reaper.)

“Studio in Sliverlake” (That’s Silverlake…although there is barely a sliver of water.)

“Near the beach in beautiful Belmont Sore” (Where the water obviously breeds contagions…)

“Views of Gotty Museum” (That’s Getty…unless you’re referring to a butcher shop in Jersey. )

“Lorna Ashley Prints” (Lorna Luft married Ashley Simpson and created this line of fabrics. They later created a cookie called Lorna Doone. “Lorna Doom” if you are in Malibu of course.)

“Beverlywould” (That’s Beverlywood. Or would Beverly? Bev? Bev? Wouldya Bev?)

History 101

“Grivith Park” (That’s Griffith Park – Purchased by Melanie, of course, right after she married Andy Griffith and gave birth to Opie, who changed his name to Ron Howard right after the Aunt Bea-Gomer scandal. No wonder Ron lost his hair.)

“Gazelle Park” (That’s Glassell Park, unless part of LA Zoo is for sale. Oh, wait a minute…which part of L.A. is NOT a zoo?)

“Marina DelRoy” (It used to be Marina Del Rey until actor Delroy Lindo won the marina in a floating crap game. The floating crap was in the harbor.)

“Whiter” (This was Whittier…until it turned a Whiter Shade of Pale.)

“Handcock Park” (Seriously??? That’s Hancock, you pervert!)

“Near LAXE” (Los Angeles Airport – renamed because flying out of this airport is sure to make you s__t your shorts.)

“Splanish Ranch in Asusa” (Gesundheit! That’s Azusa – as in “A to Z in the USA . Does that ‘splain things? )

A New Spin

“Big Bare Lake” (It’s BEAR, as in “Run like hell because your bare butt is about to be devoured by Yogi.”)

“Vikonins in the kitchen” (That’s Viking… or did you mean Vicodin? In which case, it’s highly doubtful the Vikings you see in the kitchen come with the property.)

“Near Copton” (That’s Compton…and I doubt that even the cops are willing to go there.)

“Go N on Beaverly Glan” (Is this Beverly Glen, the road; or Beaverly Glan, the porn star? )

“Lke Arhd” (Not the best abbreviation for Lake Arrowhead – unless that’s code for “Hooters Lake.”)

My Fave:

“Near Mullhaulin”: (That’s the best description I’ve ever seen for that hold-onto-your-skivvies, meet-your-maker E Ride we call the Mulholland Flyway!

It’s L.A. – ya’ gotta love it!

0 Shares

Up Next

R.I.P. M.L.S.

Don't Miss

Bank of America Achieves Surrealistic Central Status

Gwen Banta

I wear several hats: My mink fedora real estate hat belongs to Sotheby’s International Realty on the world famous Sunset Strip. I’M not world famous, but I've garnered a few Top Producer credits along the way. I also wear a coonskin writer's cap with an arrow through it, having written a few novels and screenplays and scored a few awards there, too. (The arrow was from a tasteless critic.) My sequined turban is my thespian hat for my roles on stage, and in film and television, Dahling. You can check me out in all my infamy at LinkedIn, LAhomesite.com, SherlockOfHomes, IMDB or you can shoot arrows at my head via email. I can take it.

25 Comments

Joe Loomer

February 12, 2010 at 8:59 am

Only in Californica!

I heard they’re renaming San Fransisco to San Pelocosico!

Navy Chief, Navy Prude!!

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 12, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Joe, it’s so nice to know you are up on all the latest CA news. So you probably have already heard that we are changing the name of L.A.’s Mandeville Canyon to Mandible Canyon, because you can’t drive through without having your tires chewed up? And famous Benedict Canyon is about to become Benediction Canyon, because you have to say a prayer before you merge into oncoming traffic. Laurel Canyon remains unchanged because many ot our residents are too laid back to shake things up, otherwise we would be Locoweed Canyon. Ah, yes, “Obladi oblada life goes on bra…”

Reply
Patrick

February 12, 2010 at 8:24 pm

Just can not get enough of your posts. I’ve a whole new desire to find the funny in this otherwise laughable profession. Keep it up…the posts, that is! (That’s the best I can do…sorry)

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 12, 2010 at 8:46 pm

Thanks, Patrick. I had another funny incident happen today that may make you smile a bit more. I locked myself into a parking garage in a small condo complex in Hollywood and couldn’t get out (it’s too complicated to explain). I called for help through the iron gate and a homeless person came up to help me. I told her I could give her the gate code so she could enter the outer door and then come around to the garage to open the garage gate from the condo side of the entrance. She told me she had an important meeting with “Darf Vader,” and then she gave ME a quarter and walked away. Luckily someone came home and the gate opened so I could dash out. But isn’t it nice to know I rate even lower than an imaginary person?

Reply
Julie Falen

February 13, 2010 at 12:36 am

WHat I love best about that story is that she was waiting for “Darf Vader” and gave YOU money! I think that’s hysterical.! As a resident of Hollywood (Hollywould) it wouldn’t have surprised me if she COULD have gotten into the condo complex to open the door. BUt I woujldn’t trade it – and I love someone who spells right and sees the giggles in the mis-spelled.
Nice to run into your post Gwen, instead of the plugging away I did at Open Houses.
Hope all is god in your world.

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 13, 2010 at 2:02 am

Thank YOU, Julie. I just want everyone to know that I really tried to insist that she keep her quarter, but she was too busy talking to some imaginary person to listen to me. She had on a hat made of aluminum foil, and it seemed to me that she MUST be a lightening magnet. That would certainly explain her relationship with Darf. Incidentally, I don’t know if you intended to misspell “good” in your last sentence, but the line certainly works both ways, doesn’t it? I love it!

Reply
Fred Glick

February 13, 2010 at 8:27 pm

Gwen,

I hear that Fred Lord Right dude has some cool pads!

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 13, 2010 at 8:39 pm

Yes, Lord Fred, you are right – and may you get a helluva commissio for all of them!

Reply
Fred Glick

February 13, 2010 at 8:42 pm

I have actually written a few posts about spelling, language and the reel s tate agent.

What amazes me is people that will use these agents to write and negotiate contracts for them for the largest and most important purchase of their lives.

Priceless stupidity.

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 13, 2010 at 8:53 pm

Some poor spellers have great minds, Fred. I will say, however, that when spell check is available (and it isn’t always), it does seem a neglect of detail not to use it. I am a terrible typist – I even have to look at the keys (a serious challenge because, in addition to a lack of manual dexterity, I am also half blind). Thus, it is easy for me to make typos. I always encourage proof reading because typos can make us look idiotic . Witness the guy who put an ad in our MLS Weekend Guide that said, “Live Near the Hollywood Bowel”!

Reply
Fred Glick

February 13, 2010 at 8:58 pm

How hard is it to read what you’ve written before hitting the “send” button.

I’ll bet we can make a fortune as real estate proof readers by charging $10 per listing and guarantee perfect spelling and language.

We can then write a Dumb and Dumber like real estate agent script.

Don’t get me started!! Oh, OK, get me started…we could have a lot fun doing it!

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 13, 2010 at 9:15 pm

Ha – I love your passion, Fred! In one of my earlier blogs I spoke about taking the MLS “Hoof in Mouth” show on the comedy circuit. I admit I am guilty of mentally filling in what I MEANT to type rather than seeing the written word. Hence, my recent error in referring to a Dr. Dunhill as Dr. Dunghill (probably only appropriate if he were a proctologist). When are we going to get spellcheck on AG? Of course, that never addresses the synonym problem, which is the source of so many errors…and the reason I drink.

Reply
Fred Glick

February 13, 2010 at 9:24 pm

Luckily, I have a mac that continually spellchecks. It’s a little secret thing that makes them so much better.

Next time I’m in LA, drinks are on me with a free spelling and typing lesson for your proctologist!

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 13, 2010 at 9:43 pm

I’ll take you up on that, Fred. “And maybe I should switch from a PC to Mac for the spell checker,” the girl with huge feat told herself while unconsciously stroking the hare on her chin just below her bulbous read knows.

Reply
Fred Glick

February 13, 2010 at 9:46 pm

….and their orchestra! I think we should take this off AG. Email me direct fred at fredglick.com he said as he feated the glove of his red-armed armadillo while running his Penguin for Governor of Alaska in 1947…….

Reply
James Malanowski

February 14, 2010 at 6:29 pm

“Pt. Doom in Malibu” (That’s Dune…unless you’re the Grim Reaper.)

Actually, it’s “Dume” but let’s not ruin the fun.

Reply
Gwen Banta

February 15, 2010 at 1:45 am

Ah hah – you caught the mouse catcher – that’s fantastic – thanks, James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply

Business Marketing

Use the ‘Blemish Effect’ to skyrocket your sales

(MARKETING) The Blemish Effect dictates that small, adjacent flaws in a product can make it that much more interesting—is perfection out?

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2020

Jack Lloyd, Staff Writer

Presenting a product or service in its most immaculate, polished state has been the strategy for virtually all organizations, and overselling items with known flaws is a practice as old as time. According to marketing researchers, however, this approach may not be the only way to achieve optimal results due to something known as the “Blemish Effect.”

The Blemish Effect isn’t quite the inverse of the perfectionist product pitch; rather, it builds on the theory that small problems with a product or service can actually throw into relief its good qualities. For example, a small scratch on the back of an otherwise pristine iPhone might draw one’s eye to the glossy finish, while an objectively perfect housing might not be appreciated in the same way.

The same goes for mildly bad press or a customer’s pros and cons list. If someone has absolutely no complaints or desires for whatever you’re marketing, the end result can look flat and lacking in nuance. Having the slightest bit of longing associated with an aspect (or lack thereof) of your business means that you have room to grow, which can be tantalizing for the eager consumer.

A Stanford study indicates that small doses of mildly negative information may actually strengthen a consumer’s positive impression of a product or service. Interesting.

Another beneficial aspect of the Blemish Effect is that it helps consumers focus their negativity. “Too good to be true” often means exactly that, and we’re eager to criticize where possible. If your product or service has a noticeable flaw which doesn’t harm the item’s use, your audience might settle for lamenting the minor flaw and favoring the rest of the product rather than looking for problems which don’t exist.

This concept also applies to expectation management. Absent an obvious blemish, it can be all to easy for consumers to envision your product or service on an unattainable level.

When they’re invariably disappointed that their unrealistic expectations weren’t fulfilled, your reputation might take a hit, or consumers might lose interest after the initial wave.

The takeaway is that consumers trust transparency, so in describing your offering, tossing in a negative boosts the perception that you’re being honest and transparent, so a graphic artist could note that while their skills are superior and their pricing reasonable, they take their time with intricate projects. The time expectation is a potentially negative aspect of their service, but expressing anything negative improves sales as it builds trust.

It should be noted that the Blemish Effect applies to minor impairments in cosmetic or adjacent qualities, not in the product or service itself. Delivering an item which is inherently flawed won’t make anyone happy.

In an age where less truly is more, the Blemish Effect stands to dictate a new wave of honesty in marketing.

Business Marketing

Google Chrome will no longer allow premium extensions

(MARKETING) In banning extension payments through their own platform, Google addresses a compelling, if self-created, issue on Chrome.

Published

5 days ago

September 25, 2020

Jack Lloyd, Staff Writer

Google Chrome open on a laptop on a organized desk.

Google has cracked down on various practices over the past couple of years, but their most recent target—the Google Chrome extensions store—has a few folks scratching their heads.
Over the span of the next few months, Google will phase out paid extensions completely, thus ending a bizarre and relatively negligible corner of internet economy.

This decision comes on the heels of a “temporary” ban on the publication of new premium extensions back in March. According to Engadget, all aspects of paid extension use—including free trials and in-app purchases—will be gone come February 2021.

To be clear, Google’s decision won’t prohibit extension developers from charging customers to use their products; instead, extension developers will be required to find alternative methods of requesting payment. We’ve seen this model work on a donation basis with extensions like AdBlock. But shifting to something similar on a comprehensive scale will be something else entirely.

Interestingly, Google’s angle appears to be in increasing user safety. The Verge reports that their initial suspension of paid extensions was put into place as a response to products that included “fraudulent transactions”, and Google’s subsequent responses since then have comprised more user-facing actions such as removing extensions published by different parties that accomplish replica tasks.

Review manipulation, use of hefty notifications as a part of an extension’s operation, and generally spammy techniques were also eyeballed by Google as problem points in their ongoing suspension leading up to the ban.

In banning extension payments through their own platform, Google addresses a compelling, if self-created, issue. The extension store was a relatively free market in a sense—something that, given the number of parameters being enforced as of now, is less true for the time being.

Similarly, one can only wonder about which avenues vendors will choose when seeking payment for their services in the future. It’s entirely possible that, after Google Chrome shuts down payments in February, the paid section of the extension market will crumble into oblivion, the side effects of which we can’t necessarily picture.

For now, it’s probably best to hold off on buying any premium extensions; after all, there’s at least a fighting chance that they’ll all be free come February—if we make it that far.

Business Marketing

Bite-sized retail: Macy’s plans to move out of malls

(BUSINESS MARKETING) While Macy’s shares have recently climbed, the department store chain is making a change in regards to big retail shopping malls.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2020

Taylor Leddin, Staff Writer

Macy's retail storefront, which may look different as they scale to smaller stores.

I was recently listening to a podcast on Barstool Sports, and was surprised to hear that their presenting sponsor was Macy’s. This struck me as odd considering the demographic for the show is women in their twenties to thirties, and Macy’s typically doesn’t cater to that crowd. Furthermore, department retail stores are becoming a bit antiquated as is.

The sponsorship made more sense once I learned that Macy’s is restructuring their operation, and now allowing their brand to go the way of the ghost. They feel that while malls will remain in operation, only the best (AKA the malls with the most foot traffic) will stand the test of changes in the shopping experience.

As we’ve seen a gigantic rise this year in online shopping, stores like Macy’s and JC Penney are working hard to keep themselves afloat. There is so much changing in brick and mortar retail that major shifts need to be made.

So, what is Macy’s proposing to do?

The upscale department store chain is going to be testing smaller stores in locations outside of major shopping malls. Bloomingdale’s stores will be doing the same. “We continue to believe that the best malls in the country will thrive,” CEO Jeff Gennette told CNBC analysts. “However, we also know that Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s have high potential [off]-mall and in smaller formats.”

While the pandemic assuredly plays a role in this, the need for change came even before the hit in March. Macy’s had announced in February their plans to close 125 stores in the next three years. This is in conjunction with Macy’s expansion of Macy’s Backstage, which offers more affordable options.

Gennette also stated that while those original plans are still in place, Macy’s has been closely monitoring the competition in the event that they need to adjust the store closure timeline. At the end of the second quarter, Macy’s had 771 stores, including Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.

Last week, Macy’s shares climbed 3 percent, after the retailer reported a more narrow loss than originally expected, along with stronger sales due to an uptick in their online business. So they’re already doing well in that regard. But will smaller stores be the change they need to survive?