Mourning the Passing of the Twinkie

All over the internet  Americans are mourning the passage of a cultural icon.... the Twinkie... that  quintessentially  American piece of psuedo- food that tasted like plastic and sugar mixed together and nourished nothing but the pocketbooks of its makers is gone forever. 

 The Twinkie, which  sated the sweet tooths of at least three generations of American children, is now history. The company that made it is now out of business-- a victim of progress, hedge funds, labor unions or the crunchy granola crowd, depending on who you talk to

 Hostess Brands, the company that made Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Wonder Bread and several other products of questionable nutritive value,  announced plans to liquidate on Friday, after struggling with flagging sales for decades and  bankruptcy since 2004.

The outpouring of  online pain and grief has begun. Here's a small sample. Get out your hankies and prepare to weep.

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 Rest in Peace Twinkies. Your kind will not come again.

 

Funny Signs on the Road of Life

 Oh damn--and I was just thinking about going skinny dipping

Flickr Creative Commons

Oh great-- I guess -- er what road was that again?

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 Wouldn't you love to live at the end of " Unexpected Road"?

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Just in case you needed a reminder......

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 It took me a minute to realize the car was parked right next to a no parking sign.  Love the irony.

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Well, forewarned is forearmed I always say

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Wham,Bam, Thank-you ma'am

The Ivy League Hustle or Some Things Never Change

Nikki Muller,Princeton '05  is the unlikely queen of Rap these days.  Her video, The Ivy League Hustle (I Went to Princeton, Bitch), has gone  waaaay over the top on You Tube  for good reason.  It not only nails douchy Wharton grads, but more importantly, it also gets to the heart of an age old dilemma for smart girls looking for love, or at least a Saturday night date. I'm old enough to be Nikki's grandmother and I identify.

 If you think that The Ivy League Hustle is something new, think again..  My mother told me forty years ago to "never let the boys know how smart you are."  Other nuggets of the day included  " if you want a boy to ask you out, smile, be pretty and let him do the talking. If he likes cars, talk about cars. Don't bore him with your interests."  Every female who ever lived knows the rules of this game.  The amazing thing to me is that it is still going on and men continue to fall into the trap

But then, we women are no better. We'll walk through fire for a man who tells us we are beautiful,  and we'll walk away from a guy who treats us well and respects us--so go, figure.

Oh yes, and one other thing hasn't changed either.  While the Wharton douchebag gets the cushy career path, the brainy girl gets fourteen dollars an hour. At least girls can go to law school these days and don't get asked on job interviews how fast they can type.

Never mind-- I won't bother my pretty little head about that.  I'll just enjoy Nikki's video and the next generational version of  the ages old  dance of the sexes.  If you haven't seen it yet, watch it and let me know what you think.

Monday Thoughts

“If only one of the presidential candidates would make it part of his platform to do something about making Monday part of the weekend. I think he would get a lot of votes”

- Thomas Wayne

He, that's better than most ideas politicians have!!

An iPad Has Many Uses

It seems there is no end to the things you can do with an iPad, especially if you are unencumbered by any previous ideas about technology. Not sure if this is an ad or a clip from a sit com, but it sure is a funny moment. The sound track for this video is in German, but you don't need a translation to get the point.

Go ahead-- have a look-- and a laugh.

Down on The Content Farm

One picture is worth a million " content farm" words, which is why Google needed  Panda update in the first place.   It seems to be doing the trick.  Is there a bit less drivel online these days, or is it just my imagination?

The iPhone4 Case That Literally " Gives You A Hand"

Here's something for all of you who have always wanted to hold hands with your  iPhone. Haven't you all just been dreaming of the day?..... no????? oh, well.

It's pretty creepy, I know, but then so are some iPhone users-- and there are practical advantages..... Just think how much less likely you'll be to drop your phone if you are holding it by a lifelike silicone replica of a child's hand..... and talk about getting attention-- wow.  Hey it can hold your pen and glasses too. Talk about a phone that "comes in handy" ( sorry, couldn't resist)

Not convinced?  Think of it as the perfect birthday gift for your ex, or a great Christmas present for the office Secret Santa thing this year.   Or how about for that special someone at Halloween? Who could resist a lifelike, severed, silicone hand hmmmmmmmm?  Those folks at Dokkiri are pure genius.  What will they think of next?  Ewwwwwwwww.

Now, I know you want to know where to get yours ( yeah you do).  Well, the bad news is they won't be available till mid-September, but, the good news is  you can pre-order now.   The cost?  about $US65.00.  The attention getting, ick factor? Priceless!!!

H/T   Dangerous Minds

The People of Walmart

Attention Walmart shoppers.  Here's your video AND your theme song. You are gonna love it, but a word to the wise-- the fashion-sensative may find themselves overcome by some of the outfits ( don't say I didn't warn you). But on the other hand, check out Jessica Frech  who is the brains, and more importantly, the fabulous voice behind the music.  She is very cool and very talented.

Oh yes, I am a fan of the Walmart meme.  You will be too. Go on over and check out the People of Walmart website.  You will never be the same again.

Sometimes One Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words

 This is definitely one of those time..... Oh yes, and  a tip of the old hat goes to to Twisted Sifter where I found this one, and where you can find more of the hilarious visual wit of GlennZ.

  For Teeshirts, mousepads, and other paraphanalia you really don't need, check out  GlennZ's online store. You'll definitely get a laugh or two and maybe a new tee shirt.

Borders Laughs Last, But Not Necessarily Best

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Things may not be so great for Borders, what with bankruptcy and store closings and all that competition online, but at least they still have a sense of humor.  A Chicago Borders posted this sign in its window along with the store closing announcement.

Borders, it seems , is going the way of the buggy whip.

H/T to E-Reads

In the Doghouse?

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We all know what one picture is worth, and this one  brings new meaning to the phrase " in the doghouse". doesn't it?

Wonder who this guy is anyway and what the deal is with the outfit? Is this a costume party a PETA fundraiser or a fraternity prank or just a very odd piece of street art?

Whatever  he's free to a good home.  Any takers?

Thierry Poncelet and the Art of the Dog

Belgian painter, Thierry Poncelet,  has turned his considerable talents to painting dog portraits. Don't laugh- these are not just any doggie images. They are beautiful, formally executed, technically perfect, ancestral portraits with a verve, humor, and tongue-in-cheek,  traditional elegance all their own.

Poncelet has dubbed them " aristochiens" and the classically trained, former art restoration expert and gallery owner has made a name for himself painting them.  You can think of this as a profound social statement, or as a loving tribute to the bond between man and beast, or as a talented painter's cerebral joke. Any way you choose to look at Poncelet's art of the dog, it is a winning concept and his paintings will touch you and make you smile.

Here are a few of my favorites from the artist's website where you can go to view the entire gallery. I have included the original French titles with my rough English translations Check the website for sizes and other details.

Oh yes, and if you want to order " Sit", a delightful book of Poncelet's dog portraits for the dog lovers, history buffs, and just plain folks on your Christmas list, scroll down to the bottom of this post where I have rather crassly included a link to Amazon. com. The book includes seventy portraits with accompanying witty historical comments by author, Bruce McCall.

La Mère et L'enfant-- Mother and Child

La Baronne - The Baroness.

En uniforme de gala--In Dress Uniform

La bonne fée-- The Good Fairy

Madame Molière

 Jeune Homme de Bonne Famille-A Young Man of Good Family

L'Archevêque - The Archbishop

 Order the Book Here

" A magnificent display of heroes, scoundrels, statesmen and moguls from times past. Utterly hilarious and even credible, it draws you back again and again for another look. Where is the next edition!!" --customer review from Amazon.com

 





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Say That After Three Beers

When you finish singing 99 Bottles of Beer on the wall, try watching this  video of an old cartoon and  brushing up on your English tongue twisters.

Back in the day, I remember sitting around, strumming a guitar and trying to sing "Sarah Sarah Sitting in a Sheath Slitting Shop" after a few beers. There was always a group of us and  the sheath slitting tongue twister was one of our tamer drinking songs.   The more we drank the more hilarious we thought we were (duh).

Oh yeah-- this is a golden oldie and it brought back a few memories-- some of them a bit embarrassing, but never mind.  Thanks @uncajoe for sharing it. Hope it gives you a chuckle-- just try and follow along. -- makes a nice change from all those woodchucks chucking wood  dontchathink?

Friday Funny

Don't worry. Be happy and have a great week-end.

Shadow Puppets

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I just had to reblog this one. The picture says it all.   I wuv this wabbit-- he's gettting even for centuries of humans making shadow puppet bunnies and I can't stop laughing.  

Is this cool or what?.   H/T  Acting Like Animals

A Final Comment on Paul The Octopus

This and other wonders can be found on the blog of the talented  Alberto Montt. Check for new marvelous morsels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Daily Doses 

Good Bye to Paul the Psychic Octopus

Paul, the psychic octopus is quitting while he is ahead.  It was announced today that, having correctly predicted the outcome of the 2010 World Cup, the intuative invertebrate will now pack it all in and rest on his laurels. Yes, folks, Paul the psychic octopus is retiring today.

According to an AP release, workers at the German Aquarium where Paul lives  presented  the octo-oracle with a "golden" cup which resembled the World Cup Trophy.  Although the cup was garnished with mussels (Paul's favorite snack) Paul proceeded to ignore  the glittering  trophy as it  was lowered into  his tank, proving once again that he is a mollusk with style as well as substance, and not just some shallow cephalopod.

Stay classy, Paul, and don't go to work for Wall Street or start reading Tarot cards.

The Dying Art of Proofreading

My friend Beverly forwarded this to me in an email. I don't know who wrote it or where the headlines came from. I just know I loved it and it made me laugh. I googled the phrase " proofreading is a dying art" and found that this bit of prose has been circulating around the net from blog to blog and forum to forum for some time. It's like that commencement speech about sunscreen from the '90's.

But what the heck-- here it is one more time. 

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.

I just couldn't help but send this along. Too funny.
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
Really? Ya think?
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Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!

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Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
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Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
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Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
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War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
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If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
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Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
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Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
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Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?
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Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge!
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New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
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Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
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Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?
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Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
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Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
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And the winner is....
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?
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Google Before You Tweet

source: The Next Web

Dancing Cockatoo Loves Ray Charles

OK, so I'm on a roll. I'm going from dancing babies to dancing birds with Frostie the Dancing Cockatoo. But Frostie is a hoot and has he ever got rhythm. He's also got quite a following. Check out his Facebook page . Find out more than you ever wanted to know about Frostie and more importantly, see all his videos. You are gonna want to fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter for sure.

Once you've seen him dance I promise you'll be hooked. Watch the video below. Frostie really digs Ray Charles.

Go Frostie:-)






But Wait--There's More.....

It turns out Frostie isn't the only dancing cockatoo in town. A reader directed me to Snowball, a Medium Sulphur Crested Eleanora Cockatoo who dances to the Back Street Boys-- and I decided to add him to this post because he is soooooo cool. Check him out-- he's got his own video.