Beachcombing

Say it isn’t so: The Press-Telegram, our local daily newspaper, has been engaged in identity theft!

A few weeks ago, I noticed online advertisements for an orthodontist that I know, but the business name, logo and telephone number were wrong while the photo and address were correct. I mentioned this to the orthodontist at a luncheon meeting and learned that the activity was done without knowledge or consent, potentially damaging a very positive corporate identity.

So, this is a cautionary note to other local businesses that the P-T advertising folks may try to steal your identity and use false information as a means to get new business. It is open to litigation should the unauthorized ads contain errors – as it was in this case.

Last month I noticed that the P-T was accepting advertising from an electrician with a suspended license from the Contractors State License Board. I pointed it out in this column and noticed that the ad has since been removed.

On Sept. 1 the P-T reported on its editorial pages that “Tom Hanks is issuing a warning to his followers on social media to be weary of advertisements using his likeness that he says were created “fraudulently and through AI.”

“There are multiple ads over the internet falsely using my name, likeness and voice promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs,” Hanks wrote on his Instagram page.

Name, image and likeness (NIL) are a hot topic for college athletes and the NCAA these days. The athletes are now eligible compensation of their NIL and it’s about time. Apparently, the Press-Telegram folks are not reading their own stories on the NIL topic.

On the topic of advertising, we are pleased to report that our Sept. 20 edition is sold out of advertising space. This is due to numerous large ads running in the same issue and it is a good problem to have.

It also means that the announcement of the “Best of Long Beach” winners in our 23rd annual contest will be delayed until the following – Oct. 4 – edition.

Notification letters and certificates will be mailed next week.

Funny stuff (with a groan) from reader Donna:

• I didn’t think the chiropractor would improve my posture. But I stand corrected.
• I took my new girlfriend out on our first date to the ice rink and entry was half price. She called me a cheap skate.
• Studies show cows produce more milk when the farmer talks to them. It’s a case of in one ear and out the udder.
• I used to date a girl with one leg who worked at a brewery. She was in charge of the hops.
• My cross-eyed wife and I just got a divorce. I found out she was seeing someone on the side.
• My wife claims I’m the cheapest person she’s ever met. I’m not buying it.
• Did you know that a raven has 17 rigid feathers called pinions, while a crow only has 16. The difference between a raven and a crow is just a matter of a pinion.
• I told my carpenter I didn’t want carpeted steps. He gave me a blank stair.
• What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up his own incision? Suture self.

publisher@beachcomber.news