umbrella conspiracy
I don’t care how much I’ve paid for an umbrella, I cannot find one that lasts longer than a few uses. Now I understand that if they were made so that the wind just really couldn’t destroy them, we probably wouldn’t be able to carry them for heaviness or something like that. But you can’t tell me that we can put people in space, trace folks back to Africa using mitochondrial DNA, and take pictures of a fetus’ face while he’s still in his mama, but we can’t get somebody to engineer a decent and affordable umbrella with hinges that don’t rust, canopies that don’t leak through the seams, prongs that stay in the joint that connects the frame to the canopy, and some decent wind resistance. That’s not asking too much.
It’s all just ridiculous.
I think it’s possible. I am even tempted to think that most umbrellas are crap because the manufacturers know that way, you’ll have to buy another one, at the worst possible time - a rainy, windy, gloomy, messy day when you’re on your way somewhere and you can’t get there wet, and you don’t happen to have a spare on you, so you just buy another one on an unplanned, impromptu purchase. I hate impromptu shopping. There’s no time and often not enough selection to make decent comparisons, AND it’s not budgeted for or anticipated.
If I could boycott umbrellas, I would. I’d lead a movement.
But um, it’s raining outside. And what I’m really doing is hoping that this worthless excuse for an umbrella holds up on my way home tonight, with its broken hinge and floppy canopy. ‘Cause I really don’t feel like having to buy another one. Yet…
I know the umbrella manufacturers are just having their way with me.
Hey! I got a great Jones New York one from Filene’s about six months ago and so far, so GREAT! I paid about $12 for it and ithas a nice wooden handle, is sturdy, big enough and has been really reliable. It’s too big for me to travel with…I prefer the little ones that can fit in my luggage, but for around town use, it’s great. Check those out and see if you can’t win the war on umbrellas afterall. lol
Comment by Sugar — November 15, 2007 @ 10:52 am
I think I end up more wet with an umbrella, especially when I’m trying to get myself in the car. I wear a rain hat and a waterproof jacket. I do like the look of people carrying umbrellas and walking around town. It looks fun.
Comment by c2a — November 15, 2007 @ 11:26 am
Ohhh I’ve been hating on umbrellas lately, too. I tried a poncho recently and even if it’s awkward, you have most of your body covered, most of the time!
Comment by msminiducky — November 15, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
All I can say is that it is time to grow up and face reality: Umbrella have a mind of their own, love to travel and WILL RUNAWAY from you! Spending serious money on an umbrella is akin to flushing it down the toilet. Once you have faced reality, check out your local dollar store. They have lots of umbrellas in lots of colors, most of them the small, folding kind. You use it a few times, lose it, pick up another one. Simple and cost-effective.
Comment by Grace — November 15, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
There are umbrellas, i believe golf umbrellas that will stand up to the wind. They have a double canopy. Maybe look here; http://www.bestpromotions.com/products/view/865/
they are supposed to be hurricane proof. The only downside is that they don’t come in that handy purse size.
Comment by dakanise — November 15, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
I hear ya! I’ve been through so many umbrellas in the past year it’s just not right. There are a lot of people who share our pain. This is a slate article from last year that gives umbrella reviews. The best umbrella is $225!!
http://www.slate.com/id/2116557/
Comment by ms. m&p — November 15, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Seriously, this was JUST my complaint today. My biggest, sturdiest, most long wearing umbrella died today, in the rain, being blown inside out and with some of the prong things snapping in half coming out of the metro. It was really depressing - I freaking LOVED that umbrella - not to mention, now I don’t have one! Ugh.
I wish there were a way to, say, make umbrellas at home.
Comment by southerngirl — November 15, 2007 @ 9:00 pm