Ben. While the ode has become something of a lost art in this era of perpetual rants, in which we have decided to no longer define ourselves by what we like but rather by what we can find fault with, like teenagers who think that disliking everything makes ne sophisticated, I offer this meager post to you and your 100.
You brought us the small orange bottle full of insect-repellent liquid, the only fluid that has ever successfully kept insects from sucking my blood and feeding it to their parasitic young. Brewed with care in my homeland of New Hampshire, I can find no fault with Ben’s 100. The very sight of your product brings to mind of painless and swat-free summer nights, and for those I thank you.
I have heard the reverent legends that state your elixir was discovered by accident as you tried to make a solvent for rubber, and I say “good show”. I have seen the rubber-melting abilities of your wonderful creation, having used it to improve the seal on bottles of fuel with success.
Your detractors ignore the tremendous debt society has towards you. They say it is a violation of Federal law to use your life’s great work in a manner inconsistent with its labelling. They say it is a hazard to humans and domestic animals. They tell us not to apply it to the hands of young children, and that they should not be allowed to handle your product at all. With one breath they say it can cause substantial eye injury, and in the next that the alleged injury is temporary. They tell to never place unused Ben’s 100 down any indoor or outdoor drain, as if anyone would throw this boon to humanity away!
To those who would say such things, I offer this warning: change your ways. See Ben’s 100 for the man-made miracle it is, and put aside your petty claims that it should be stored in a “cool, dry (preferably locked) storage area inaccessible to children and pets”, that one should call his local solid waste agency for disposal instructions. There is still time for you to cease your slander and offer Ben the praise he deserves.
