Retail Roundup

So get this. Betty Crocker’s Hamburger Helper has been around for 30

years. Yep, and the helping hand so associated with the quick last-minute

dinner choice came to fruition in 1977. Oddly, however, the hand began

making commercials at that point, but hasn’t been seen on TV since 1991.

Guess the hand went on to feature films or made those straight-to-video

movies with Emilio Estevez.

Well, whatever the case, the four-fingered lefty is back -- and no,

Estevez isn’t in tow. Come Sept. 3 and running through November, the hand

will again pop up on the boob tube to inspire yet another generation to

wonder what the heck’s up with that big red nose of his. And why does he

only have four fingers? Is that considered more adorable? Too bad the

hand doesn’t come in different colors. And too bad he can’t cook for us.

Hands down, it’s an interesting grip

There’s something new making some racket in the worlds of tennis and

racquet ball. Dubbed the Power Grip Tennis Racquet, it features a

horizontal grip rather than the typical vertical grip. According to its

maker, James Kishek of Irvine, it allows players a more natural grip, a

more powerful swing and, most importantly, reduces the possibility of

strain and injury.

Wonder if a four-fingered lefty can use it?

Anyway, when shown a picture of the racquet, one huge tennis fan at

the Pilot said it’ll never catch on. You just never know, though. While

she probably won’t see one at the U.S. Open when she drops by it next

week, they may just pop in someday in the future. Thinking back, someone

probably should have told her to “get a grip.”