Debbie Schlussel: Detroit's Phony USA Today Superbowl Ad


By Debbie Schlussel

An ad, touting the Superbowl, in yesterday's USA Today NFL section featured false "Fun Facts About Detroit."

Among the phony claims, taken from the apparently-lying Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, are statements that Detroit:

* "Features the nation's oldest freshwater aquarium, located on Belle Isle Park."

Reality Check: The Belle Isle Aquarium closed permanently (as in FOREVER) early this year.

* "Is home to Vernors ginger ale, Sanders hot fudge, Better Made Potato Chips and Faygo soda pop."

Reality Check: This is about half true. Vernors was long ago (1987) bought out by A&W/Dr. Pepper/Cadbury/7-UP, and, while available in Detroit, is not produced there. Sanders (of the hot fudge fame) went out of business a long time ago, but is being reborn in the form of a few stores.

Not that anyone would come to Detroit to see a stupid aquarium anywya, but it just goes to show, you cannot believe the hype about the Superbowl in Detroit. The only thing you can believe: It will be cold and miserable. The Detroit tundra is not a place for the Superbowl. Stay away.


Posted by Debbie on September 9, 2005 12:40 PM to Debbie Schlussel