Last Mile

Words We should Ban

• A pre-emptive entry: "Whuffie," from writer Cory Doctorow's recent book Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, denoting work for nothing more than respect, karma and mad props. Must we remind you of the already popular word "whiffy"? --Brad Shimmin

• "Integration," which is like trying to merge into the Chicago loop during rush hour. --Lori MacVittie

• "Ducks in a row." Everyone knows ducks walk in a row without any assistance. --Amy Lipton

• "Pre-" as in prebriefing, preinstallation. Does preboarding the plane mean that I get on the plane before I get on the plane? --Robert Kohlepp

• "All words with caps in the middle." I have a hard enough time spelling as it is without having to worry about extra caps in vendor product names. EnOugh AlReaDy! --Peter Morrisey• Titles that begin with the letter "C," as in chief marketing officer and chief hacking officer. Why not replace "chief" with "supreme" and get it over with? --Greg Shipley

• "At the end of the day." This is nothing more than six words to replace "Ummm ..." --Mike Fratto

• Anything with "e-" in front of it. For that matter, let's kill anything beginning with "i-" or "m-." --Kevin Cooke

• "Value add." If it needs more value, does that mean it stunk to begin with? --James Hutchinson

• "Mission critical." Does the word "important" not sound important enough? --David Joachim

Our Favorite DIY: The Bar Monkey

Designed and created by Steven Avery, Dustin Cooper and Brad Greer, the Bar Monkey is far more than an automated mixed-drink dispenser. It is a strong reminder that curiosity coupled with creative energy, no matter how misplaced, can only better the human condition.And in answer to the most obvious question, yes we're investigating any opportunities to hire out the Bar Monkey for this spring's Well-Connected Awards party in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Bar Monkey, go to www.barmonkey.net.

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