Notebook
October 21st, 2007 by Daniel J. Wilson

For even when they are otherwise identical, there are likely to be marked psychological differences between one product and another. Advertisers strive to stamp each product with its own distinct image. These images are functional: they fill a need on the part of the consumer. The need is psychological, however, rather than utilitarian in the [...]

October 2nd, 2007 by Daniel J. Wilson

I joined my parents and one of my sisters on the Washington coast at the end of August, where we stayed for a week in a rental house near the beach. The house was generally laid out logically and well appointed. Unfortunately, whoever handled shower faucet selection chose a design that, while sleek, obscures a [...]