Bigfoot in the Redwoods (in HQ)

Remember the film of the reunion of the lion and the two guys? This one is even more touching. Really. No, really.

Georgian journalist shot during live coverage

Great footage, great reporter. The show must go on.

Sincere vow

I hereby do solemnly promise and pledge that I will henceforth abjure, eschew and refrain from all news stories and opinion pieces which attack McCain and support Obama, and vice versa.

I live in Europe, fucksake. It doesn't matter. Intriguing as it may be, it doesn't matter. There are too many other things to think about. For example, does this Camembert have another day in it, or should it be eaten this evening? Now there's a choice where there's really something at stake.


The rest of you: knock yourselves out.

From the Institute of Duh

Image via Wikipedia

"Beer goggles" really do work, according to researchers who claim to have proved for the first time that people look more attractive after a drink.

Telegraph

Painting tips by Mark Rothko

Take the time to contemplate this:



and then whenever you're asked to paint something and you can't think of a damn thing to paint, remember this, and you'll realise it's not necessary to think. Sometimes all you have to do is paint.

Please note: The above does not apply to writing. The deployment of words in abstract shapes with no meaning will only result in the phenomenon known as "blogging".

From the Journal of the Royal Society of Duh

Image by madmonk via Flickr

Women around the world are being told they can now have an orgasm at the touch of a button.

BBC NEWS

All that’s needed now is for men to find out where the button is.

Wallpaper

Here's a nice wallpaper I designed at BGPatterns. I was thinking it would look good in the spare room, staring back at me.

Designs are free, sign up to show in their gallery.

What You've Got

Eddi Reader sings one of her own songs at TED of all places. Thomas Dolby on piano.

If you don't know Eddi, check her out. Another great Scottish talent.

Still Game

A very short clip from the great Glasgow sitcom Still Game, the sixth series of which is up on YouTube. This is just a great little scene I clipped out, no sooner started than it's over.

Spice of life

mitting -- applause; "Bob Dylan's surprise appearance at the benefit provoked heavy mitting from the crowd."

mogul -- the head of a major studio or communications company; from the title of the all-powerful emperors of India; "Media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner have engaged in some heated verbal sparring of late."

moppet -- child, especially child actor; "Elizabeth Taylor is one of the few moppets who made the transition to adult star."

Mouse (also Mouse House) -- the Walt Disney Co. or any division thereof, a reference to the company's most famous animated character, Mickey Mouse; "The Mouse's music division is reuniting with talent manager Alan Smithee on a joint-venture label.

Movie industry bible Variety has published a glossary of its vivid and unique internal slang. Makes great reading, like something out of Damon Runyon. I’m going to start talking like this.

Double tall skinny kerfuffle

Image via WikipediaSo this guy goes into a coffee-shop (not Starbucks), and orders a triple espresso over ice, and the barista says nuh-uh, against store policy, so the customer gets on his high horse, tries some kind of side-step, eventually leaves a defaced dollar-bill as a tip, and leaves.

But that's not the end of it.

The customer, who admits to being a bit of a dick, blogs his experience.
It gets picked up by Boing Boing.
A witness chimes in.
More witnesses speak up here and here.
The owner of the coffee-shop defends his staff.
Someone posts (a photo of) the notice by the cash register which makes the policy plain.
The Washington Post picks up the story.
Numerous commenters on various blogs make reference to Rashomon.

Want!

The owner describes it as a “nutty device”. It’s made entirely out of wood, and you can look at it from one side or from the other.

My birthday is in September. Don’t make me beg.

 

Running check

Is Obama president?

Rose, by any other name

A judge in New Zealand made a young girl a ward of court so that she could change the name she hated - Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. Judge Rob Murfitt said that the name embarrassed the nine-year-old and could expose her to teasing.

BBC NEWS

Ming vase

A rare 250-year-old Chinese vase worth £50,000 in mint condition has sold for £25,000 after a hole was drilled in its base so it could be used as a lamp. The porcelain, which dates from 1736 to 1796, was sold at a Dorset auctioneers to an anonymous private collector.

BBC NEWS