Walter Mitty with a Gun

Here is animated music video by the Japanese Punk Rock band Bloody Butchers. The song Jack Nicholson is the story of a Salariman and his cool new gun. I can't understand Japanese but this rocks.

"Inside all of us is a dirty, conniving little parasite"

The moral of this ad is don't listen to your inner Leisure Suit Larry. Actually it is ad for the British Tories, the web address given redirects to their site.

Robot Visiting a Museum of Technology

Report From the Dirty Tricks Brigade

Allen Raymond used to be a professional Republican political operative or sleaze artist, then he was convicted running a scheme to tie up a Democratic phone bank. Here is book, How to Rig an Election. Here is him on NPR talking about legal dirty tricks.

Suicidal Polar Bears

Here is a fake ad for Hummer from the same Norwegian show that brought us Party With Beer.

Ronnoc & Neb say "this is Really cool wow, I can't of think of any more superlatives. And hooray for this. Woohoo this is totally ice cool."

Toast Animation

For the Book of Spam

Revolution Against Normality

Normality frightens revolutionaries because it acts as a drag on their utopian dreams...

Mark Mazower in his book
The Dark Continent.

Stained Glass Artist

Sarah Hall is a stained glass artist who has been getting some big and important commissions. The above image is from a church she did in Toronto. Here is a gallery of more images.

Extreme Training and Recruiting Officers

The Swedes not have a gun culture. When classifying films they rate film violence more harshly than film sex. They are currently not at war. they haven't been at war for a long time. How then do the Swedish armed forces recruit troops and officers. These two ads highlight, which I doubt are part of their training highlight the need to solve difficult and mentally taxing problems or suffer injury or death. That sums up the role of the officers doesn't to solve questions quickly while under physical and emotional stress.

Charisma Not Postive in Leaders

A B-School prof, Igor Kotlyar at has done research to discover one the worst types of "leader" has a lot a charisma. They lead their teams, over a cliff as well. This should not be a complete surprise. We often read about how "leadership" is shown by convincing your followers to do something stupid, harmful, or both. One of the worst leaders in history, one of the most destructive, one of the most incompetent, one of the most rigid reveled in the title "leader", or in his language, Führer. The tyrant who did win WWII, Stalin, may got himself painted in heroic socialist realism paintings,however never seemed to believe his own propaganda. In the early 80's the Canadian Tories looking for "leadership" replaced Joe Clark with a "man" brimming over with charisma. Charisma gives the illusion of competence and other moral qualities.

Here is a precis for Falling Over Ourselves to Follow the Leader.
Here is a ROB article on the same study.

Most Pakistanis in Favor of Al Qaeda and Sharia Law

Here is the poll from World Public Opinion.

Here are some the highlights.

- between 60 and 76 percent of those polled seek the growth of Sharia throughout Pakistan;

- only 26 percent say Sharia should play the same role (15 percent) or a smaller role (11 percent) and 15 percent do not answer;

- only 44 percent favor the Pakistani Army pursuing Al Qaeda

- only 48 percent support the Pakistan Army acting against “Taliban insurgents who have crossed over from Afghanistan”;

- nearly 80 percent are against US pursuing Al Qaeda or Taliban in Pakistan;

Let us remember in our rush to eulogize Bhutto that Pakistan is mostly made up of our enemies.

Practicing Mendacity

"Lying is a skill like any other. And if you want to maintain a level of excellence, you have to practice constantly."

Garak

Its Not a Wonderful Bush

In the movie "its a Wonderful Life" George Bailey finds out that his absence would make the world a less pleasant place. This is not true with everyone.

Light Bulbs Spread Light

Oscar Peterson / Normwn McLaren Collaboration - Beyond Dull Care

This animation, Beyond Dull Care, is result of project between Oscar Peterson and Norman McLaren. I found this video at Cartoon Brew. Here and here are more articles about this film.

Living on Borrowed Time

In reaction to the murder of Benazir Bhutto there was this exchange on alternatehistory.com.

Musharraf is basically living on borrowed time.

Well--okay--he was already living on borrowed time but everyone's going to blame him for this now.

Damn--how likely will this tear the country apart?

Doctor what

Everyone to rule Pakistan since 1947 has been living on borrowed time, Doc...

Thande

But now there's nobody to lend the borrowed time.... Things are going to go south pretty soon.

AHF

No Football Truce

"We were thinking of challenging the Taliban to a game of football on Christmas Day, but I'm not sure they'd get the joke."

Sgt Walley of the Royal Military Police,
quote in Telegraph article,
UK troops prepare for Christmas in Afghanistan.
A reference to the Christmas truce of 1914.

From a link on Samizdata.net.

"Merry Christmas To all at least for tonight" - Batman

Twas was the night before Christmas as told with Batman.

Nice, the animation is not as smooth as on Robot Chicken but the (re)writing is amusing.

Death and Credit Card Repayments

It is an odd credit card ad that can include references to suicide, murder, vandalism, nudism and the need for personal financial self discipline.

Argentine Car Ad Also a dig at Brazil

A man buys a carnival float as his car. Very fun, not very practical.

Theme World

Theme Planet
Uploaded by firat

Who Did You Disarm Last Night (NSFW)

Nice morning after the night before nightmare.

Beer Commercial Includes Solitary Tipsy Individual

This is an usual ad. Most beer ads because of regulatory limits only focus on at the events leading up to getting beer. This ad has a person concentrating on walking in a straight line stopping and going with a drum beat.

Russian Novelist Optimistic View of American Politics

“It’s as if in the United States, for example, they said that everything has changed, that Roosevelt and Franklin are no longer the right political figures, everything they did was horrible and revolting, and we have a new ideology here now, let’s quickly get used to it,”

Sergei Minaev, Russian Yuppie Novelist, in profile
The Tortured Voice of Russia’s Lost Generation.

It is a nice analogy except that has always been members of the American Right who consider what FDR did in the New Deal was an unmitigated disaster. The New Deal may have saved American capitalism but it allowed in the eyes of its detractors too much share of the wealth for the non-rich. The current Bush era "prosperity" which concentrates the economic gains only in the top 1% is seen in some Republican circles as the rightful return to a pre-New Deal economy.

The ChiComs find better Investments Then US TBills

From an article in Saturday's NY Times come the alarming news that the ChiCom Regime has stopped buying US Bonds. They currently hold $400 billion. They let their portfolio shrink slightly. If the ChiComs ever divest themselves of their investment the US$ will fall.

Groo the Philosopher

I do not need anyone to tell me I am stupid. I already know it.

Groo the Wanderer in Groo the Wanderer
Marvel/Epic volume 2, number 66

Murder as a Hate Crime?

DI Sam Tyler: I think we need to explore that this attempted murder was a hate crime

DCI Gene Hunter: As opposed to one of those I really, really, really like you sort of murders.

Life On Mars S02E06

Full Metal Jacket - Santa Style

In the movie Full Metal Jacket a real USMC drill instructor (ret) was cast in the film as USMC drill instructor. He is turns out to be one the most scary pitiless monster in movie history. These ads from Sky play on the image of the DI and depict a boot camp for santas.

Execution Reporting

On The Media has a story, the Neverending Story, looking at death penalty on the wire service reporter who covers every execution in Texas. Listen to the story and then read Orwell reportage of A Hanging he was at as an Imperial policeman in Burma.

Political Truthiness

"Regardless of what the facts are we are telling the truth."

Blake Johnson, director of factcheck.org,
characterization of political campaigns spin when caught
with inaccurate statements. See "truthiness".

Dewey Cox Country Style Sausage

(from adfreak)

Funny and Dumb Jihadis

Liberation Army Against freedom has trouble making their fireworks work.

Forklift Driver Klaus

This begins as a training film and ends as blood soaked slapstick comedy.

(from adfreak)

New Level of Dreck = Mulroney

The word has not been coined to describe the new level of dreck that he has achieved. Thorough I'm leaning towards the word "Mulroney".

John Cleese putting down a talent show contestant,
Ben Mulroney and his corrupt father.
View it on Youtube.

Those Very Bad Bears

Teddy Bear Junction, the worst scum in the galaxy.

Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, Futurama S05E07

Love isn't Dignified

I also heard you walking the streets, moaning her name like something out of a Tennessee Williams play. It may be romantic, but it is not dignified.

Olive Snook, Pushing Daisies S01E09

Japanese Scientists Create Mice Unafraid of Cats

Japanese scientists have altered mice by taking away their sense of smell. Here is the odd video and the article from the Guardian. The article remarks that the cat used in video was the calmest of all the grad students' cats. Many cats when confronted by a mouse size moving object will bat at it.

My Robot Friend

Cool, very cool.

Here for more info on the band.

Robot Adventure Tourists

A bunch of robot tourists on a photo safari meet a local.

Amboy's List of Things that Offend Muslims

The List of Things That Offend Muslims is an ongoing list that includes such items as teddy bears and pool halls.

2 Too Rude Optician Ads (NSFW)

Hamster Dance

a different kind of Hamster Dance.

Philosophical Election Ad

One line not used, "what competence can you expect from a man named I Kant".

The Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One

You think this job's heroic, we clean out the gutters that what we do. It is thankless task.

DCI Gene Hunt

The Water of Life is Better Then Life

What kind of monster are you, that was single malt.

DCI Gene Hunt after seeing his captor pour out his flask.

Heroes, Who Needs the Bastards

Pity the country that needs heroes.

Bertolt Brecht

Do Movies Make Money

Well do they? Here is a discussion about how the movie industry doesn't really make money. For the record it is only the industry besides aerospace where the damnyanks have a positive balance of trade.

The Christmas Spirit as a Horrible Curse

This Cocaine ad is almost like the Monty Python skit where everyone starting turning into Scotsmen.

Cold Beer in a Cold Time

Removing Manmade Crap from the Seas

"Pork is the Meat of Kings"

This is a little bizarre. However this song is making hungry for bacon, "mmm...bacon".

Jesus Wants IPod or Wii or Some Other Cool Toy

The Idea Generator

I tried The Idea Generator and came up with Medieval destructive appliance.

mmm Sacreligious

Coffee Restores Reality

Horror Movie or Fetish Flick as Sneaker ad

I found this Converse Ad a little scary. But not as ominous as the disappearing skater.

Does Possessed Food Taste Better

Even Soulless Undead Killing Machines Cover Beatles Songs

And the publishing royalty goes to soulless undead Michael Jackson.

I am Hank Hill and I Approved this Ad

Here is an ad that Hank Hill, "propane and propane accessories", can support.

Magic Cancer Ad

Normally when bald kids are trotted out for a cancer ad things get maudlin. Speaking as a former bald sick kid I normally find such tactics insulting and embarrassing for all concerned. This ad however is set in the twilight reality of street corner magic and is able to give hope without sinking to pathos.

The Economy is Murder

Cost of treating wounded gunshot victim: $25,000
Cost of burying dead one: $18,750
Help the economy - shoot to kill.

Sig of The Sandman who says he is currently
"Locked in Combat with Zombie Castro".

There actually was a Mexican Bus Company that advised its drivers to backup over accident victims. Wrongful death being cheaper than lifetime maintenance of a cripple.

Homeopathic Medicine - an Opinion

This is a pie house not an herbal crack den.

Olive Snook give her opinion of homeopathic medicine
to homeopathic medicine salesman
in Pushing Daisies S01E03

"Until Light Shines out of Your Ass"

The Negative Example - The Past

The TV series Madmen depicts a world before seatbelts and other safety features and practices. Here is and ad for WWF that highlights a number of bad behaviors that is no longer practiced today.

Pieman in the Hole

It's my guess that an attractive man who man makes pies for a living shouldn't even spend a short amount of time in prison.

Emerson Cod in Pushing Daisies S01E08

Live for a good Death Notice

I realize that I am living the first sentence of my obituary.

C. J. Craig in the wanning days of the Barlett administation.

The Reason to Read Frank Magazine

I come to Frank for dirt and disrespect.

M. V., near nameless Frank Reader

19th Century Iron Casting for 21th Century

Here is a NY Times story and photo essay about how cast iron manhole covers are being made in India for New York City. I am trying to remember the name of a book I had about a Canadian who was hired to run a casting plant, much like the one describe, in China.

Is This Why Mercs are Used in Iraq

Will we still be paying for Iraq in 2100?

This is a blog post at Foreign Policy Magazine about the long term cost of mass mobilization wars. The biggest cost of having a war is the pension cost. The article points to a study looking at the true cost of the Iraq mess. the blog post has this interesting quote and and comment.

Suppose a drummer boy, age 14, became a soldier in 1861 and was disabled in that war. Suppose also that he married, had children, his wife died, and he remarried late in late, at say age 60 in 1907. Suppose further that his second wife was 25 years old at marriage and that at age 30 she bore him a child who was mentally or physically incapable of supporting himself. That child would be 57 years old today [that is, in 1969] and still drawing benefits — more than a century after the war ended.

Sounds unlikely, right? Yet Clayton nonetheless found that 1,353 dependents of Civil War veterans were still getting government benefits as late as 1967.

The problem with this economizing is the most mercs in Iraq, not the godforsaken Islamically motivated murderers, are actually American military veterans. There is little long term pension saving.

Why Grifting is Better than Fencing

I'm a con artist. It is what I do. I've tried fencing for a while but you fall in with a bad bunch of people.

Con Artist in Highlander S01E06

Expenience versus Expenience

Just because you trained a Peakness jockey doesn't mean you know how to sit on a horse.

New Term for ChiComs Fans

Panda Huggers

New and Improved - Oxygen

I found this cartoon following a link at Boingboing. It is from a archive of cartoon mentions of the elements.

Recycling Using Packrats

" what is the best way to recycle old tech in the US?""

Give it to a pack rat. They'll pile it up with their other...treasures. Soon you'll read about the guy who couldn't get out of his house because the doors and windows were blocked.

Anonymous Coward in a slashdot discussion about computer recycling. For the record when I last moved I had 2 computers besides my current one and 4 monitors. The theory was the other monitors and computers were "backups".

The Daily Show Writers from the Picket Line. Bonus Colbertian Material

In the comments to this piece someone mentioned that this version of NOT the Daily Show lacks only Jon Stewart and flashy production values.



Here also is a Colbert writer channeling his inner asshole, or entertainment executive. The biggest sob story is that his son had to settle for a "non-endangered birthday tiger".


Here is a blog from the writers, United Hollywood. There is also a video of the Simpson writers making pointed comparisons between Mr Burns and Mr Murdoch. There is a claim that Simpson profits paid for Rupert Murdoch's "throne of bones" and his "lake of blood".

Find the Books in this "Library"

A baronial library and family room with barrel-vaulted ceiling and stained glass has windows on three sides overlooking the grounds.

In a recent Globe and Mail Real Estate section there was a story about an Eaton estate that has been the subject of legal wrangling between architect and client. Photos are included in a slide show including the image above of the "library". What surprises me is that there is no books in this room or any of the other photos. I know these are rooms of set decorated but you think that the "library" would have at least some "books".

LA for the Miserable Writer

But are you truly happy, slouching around that sick-souled city of grimy palms and gridlock?

Charles Isherwood in an article about how live theatre
might pay less than Hollywood but is easier on the soul.

The Priorities of the Political Junkie Time Traveler

I love that you that you went to a wife swapping party and it was Nixon that turned you on.

Katie Vasser on Journeyman S01E08

Rude Description of Rednecks

...inherited a troubled nation with the lowest per capita teeth in North America.

Mathew White in an Alternative History description
of the Confederacy in the 1960's.

Cult OSes and Cults

Alby is showing some business stuff to Roman on a schmancy PowerBook. This actually raises a good question: what is the preferred OS of polygamist cultists? I realize that the Mac does inspire cult-like behavior, and open source is its own religion, but I think there's something about the oppressive and incomprehensible nature of Windows XP that would make polygamist cultists feel right at home.

Television Without Pity commentator on Big Love

Role Playing Items in Real Life

On a NPR show somebody mentioned "Dragonskin Armor" a new form of flak jacket. It is also listed as +5 Dragonskin Armor in some old D&D reference.

Harper Orders Mulroney Probe(d)

Harper orders Mulroney probe

I love this headline in today's Grab and Maul. It brings to all the "Mulroney probes" we as a nation suffered in the 80's as our "glorious leader" simultaneously screwed us over and sucked up to Anericans. It also says something about the ethical standards of newly renamed Deformed Party of Canada that they liked Mulroney and hated Clark.

Rude joke alert:
Q - What is long and red and hangs down between Ronald Reagan's legs?
A - Brian Mulroney's tie.

SciFi and the Law

There is a story out there that we are obstructing justice and another we are in a Ray Bradbury yarn.

Leo McGarry in West Wing S04E21

Hobo Slang

Side door Pullman = Boxcar

Mentioned in Krazy Kat book.

America's Bush League Economy

Whenever a has reaches and stays at a current account deficit of 5% its currency is devalued. According to latest figures and The Economist the US current account deficit is now 5.5.%. Dollar devaluation should eventually get the current account deficit below 5%.

I like this line in the cartoon:

"Please take us to Fifth Avenue so we can purchase some of your quaint native costumes."

Counter Strike in Lego

Warning: Graphic Lego Violence.

Another in the long series of Lego Mashups.

Cats as Trojans

New Flesh Merchants in LA have Problems

Feel like I'm trying to sell semen in a whorehouse.

Christian Troy on the problems of establishing
a plastic surgery practice in LA

Zombies Game

...satisfy your daytime zombie-killing needs.

In a review of the web game The Last Stand.

Howl Snippet # 9

I'm with you in Rockland where the faculties of the skull no longer admit the worms of the senses.

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 8

the whole boatload of sensitive bullshit!

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 7

Moloch whose mind is pure machinery! Moloch whose blood is running money!

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 6

Boys sobbing in armies! Old men weeping in the parks!

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 5

What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open their skulls and ate up their brains and imagination?

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 4

who were burned alive in their innocent flannel suits on Madison Avenue amid blasts of leaden verse & the tanked-up clatter of the iron regiments of fashion & the nitroglycerin shrieks of the fairies of advertising & the mustard gas of sinister intelligent editors, or were run down by the drunken taxicabs of Absolute Reality,

Allen Ginsberg

Howl Snippet # 3

...walked all night with their shoes full of blood

Allen Ginsberg

More Newspeak in the News

Islam is Peace

Polygamy is Equality

Jizya is Tolerance

Lapidation is Mercy

Burqa is Liberation

Freedom is Slavery

Ignorance is Strength

Mulroney not Popular with Canadians or Canadian Criminals. However the "Business" Community still likes him.

Nobody seems to like to the guy.

Karlheinz Schreiber talking about the low opinion that the inhabitants of the Toronto West Detention Centre have for Mulroney. Mulroney was a character witness at Lord Black's recent trial. Shouldn't the Chin have the same solicitous concern for all the other fellow cheats and thieves, for his people.

Listen here for the full interview with Karlheinz Schreiber.

Billionaires for Bush

According to this chart nearly all Americans pay more taxes so that can be tax cuts for the rich. The top 0.1% of Americans get about $10 mil on average. From a NY Times article based on the work of Saez.

Halloween Encourages Vagrancy - Colbert

Trick or treaters = Prehobos

Stephen Colbert