Abe Lincoln, Apostrophe Hunter

It's almost Independence Day, so it seems like a good time to post a patriotic apostrophe catastrophe. The makers of this Abe Lincoln boot write that Lincoln led this country "through one of it's darkest hours."

This is a dark hour for punctuation.

Thanks to Craig for sending in this apostrophe catastrophe.

Beer Comma Catastrophe

This poster was hanging up in a bar in Somerville last night, but I blame Budweiser for the errant comma, not the bar itself.

I love you, On the Hill Tavern!

Can Not Use Apostrophes

Zip found this catastrophe-laden sign in the media lounge at San Diego State University's sports arena.



Also, check out the custom-made stamp that Zip's friend's mother made. Maybe we could market them together. Sadly, it would get a lot of use.

Thanks, Zip!

Review of Michelob ULTRA Cider (not a catastrophe)

I was excited to have the opportunity to review this new, light alcoholic beverage. The main reason that it appealed to me was that I know that Michelob ULTRA has a reputation for making low-calorie beers. So, I figured that the cider would be about 90 calories for a 12-ounce bottle.

I went to a liquor store in Somerville that, unlike this one, which my cousin Joe sent me, had a properly punctuated sign.

When I picked up the six-pack, I was a little bit disappointed to discover that the cider is 120 calories for a 12-ounce bottle despite the fact that it contains artificial sugar. Michelob’s promotional materials say that this cider has 1/3 fewer calories than a traditional cider, but I still felt that 120 calories was rather high for a beverage with only 4 percent alcohol.

I brought a six-pack of Michelob ULTRA Light Cider to my book club so the girls could all try it. The product is marketed as being delicious straight or over ice, so we tried it both ways. Drinking it straight, the cider has a nice, sweet, but not overpowering taste that one of my friends said was like “a diet Jolly Rancher.” It is more refreshing than Magner’s or more traditional ciders that are even sweeter. I definitely preferred the cider over ice as it cut down on the sweetness and made the beverage more refreshing.

When we poured the cider, it created some foam, but as we drank it, we noticed that the fizziness disappeared almost immediately. I don’t mind flat beverages (the bubbles hurt my nose somehow), but one of my friends said she wished the cider was more carbonated.

Throughout the course of the night, I kept my Michelob ULTRA Light Cider on ice nearby and sipped it periodically, but even after several hours of eating and chatting, I wasn’t able to finish the whole glass. I don’t think any of my friends were either. It may appeal to people who want to drink something that looks like an alcoholic beverage but don’t want to get drunk. At 4% ABV, I did not feel the effects of the drink whatsoever.

Overall, I felt that this drink was more like a juice than an alcoholic beverage. I don’t mind unnaturally tasting beverages if they are truly low-calorie (e.g., Crystal Light), but personally, I thought that Michelob ULTRA Light Cider’s 120 calories per bottle is too high, and four percent alcohol is too low.

Which favorite summer meal or activity do you think would go best with Michelob ULTRA Cider?

Wallpaper Catastrophe

Well, this is a new one. I've posted apostrophe catastrophes spotted on cakes, tattoos, and Christmas tree skirts, but never before have I seen an apostrophe catastrophe on wallpaper.



This wallpaper is hideous from afar, but it's even worse up close!



Thanks to Brian for sending in this truly heinous catastrophe.

Every Day Is Silent and Grey

Joe, who sent me this apostrophe catastrophe from Saskatoon, acknowledges that there was only one senior citizen in the store when he took this photo.



It's a catastrophe nonetheless. In addition to the apostrophe error, every day should be two words.

Thanks, Joe!

Diamond Jubilee Catastrophe

This flag, spotted at the recent Diamond Jubilee, is a double-whammy.



This may be Britains greatest year [sic], but the nation may have reached its low point for punctuation. And unless this celebration is taking place in a borough in NYC, Queens is wrong too.

Thanks to Brenig for posting this through the Apostrophe Catastrophes Facebook page.

Toyota Ad Catastrophe

Brace yourselves, readers. This may be the worst apostrophe catastrophe we've had to date. While the errors are not posted on a huge billboard, the number of apostrophe catastrophes this Toyota dealership managed to squeeze on to one page is truly astounding.



Click on the image above to make it larger. I counted 10 errant apostrophes. Anyone find more?

Thanks to Dan for sending me this horrific ad.

McDonald's Sign Catastrophe

Travis was shocked to see this McDonald's sign in Seattle with the apostrophe in the wrong place.



The other side of the sign is correct, he notes.

I guess too much trans fat can destroy one's ability to properly punctuate.

Thanks, Travis!