Crossing a Threshold: Where the Internet Ends

in consume, cuteroo, etc., favorites by faryl on June 21st, 20102 Comments


(watch at your own risk!)

Might as well close up the internet and go home -- there couldn’t possibly be anything left to share that is cuter than this.

Now, it’s no secret that I love ice cream. Or that I love cats.  And yes, I am incredibly fond of cats wearing hats.  Imagine, if you will, if one were to somehow combine ice cream and cats and hats.

Don’t worry if you can’t. Prior to 10 minutes ago, the idea of such a medley was far beyond my realm of possibilities.

So, we’re in complete agreement: It would be too much.

It would be like the cuteness equivalent of “The Light” in Lost -- a threshold so very tempting, but one I’d dare not cross.

Of course in L.A., the concept of “too much” just doesn’t exist.

In fact, a cat in a hat with ice cream is just barely “enough” in L.A.   L.A. takes it to the next level.

L.A. gives us a kitten wearing a tiny hat eating a miniature ice cream cone. As a commercial! I couldn’t even pick which words to italicize because it’s all just too friggin’ cute!

Gotta love L.A.!

A kitten’s tiny hat tip to: Kitten In Tiny Hat Eats Ice Cream | Comedy.com.

Not Gonna Phone it in Tonight

in consume, humor, Inspiration, musings, pop culture by faryl on June 21st, 20102 Comments

I found this clip when I was looking for the Chris Farley videos for last next week’s post.

This is dedicated to anyone who may have been feeling – or maybe just realized – they’ve been “phoning it in” lately.

Hopefully it will inspire you to remember what it’s like to want to give 100% and maybe find your way back to that.

At the very least, it starts your week out with a solid dose of Steve Martin and a smile.

Just remember: If Rob Schneider can do it, so can you!

Oceanic 815 Costume: Free to Lost-Loving Couple!

in consume, free stuff, pop culture by faryl on May 31st, 2010No Comments

Lost logo

If you believe in Flashbacks, or don’t mind being quasi-retro this Halloween, this is the costume for you!

Of course, you’ll either need a sweetheart to join you or a good friend – this Oceanic Flight 815 costume is designed for two.

(Please note: The Fearless Blogger is currently patting herself on the back for resisting urges to make any “cockpit”, “rear”,  ”tail end”, or “Sawyer coming onboard” innuendos)

I just saw this ad on Craigslist and thought it was too good not to share (although not quite good enough for me to get off my lazy butt and make my way to National City!):

This costume is made out of paper mache, chicken wire, and paint. I spent a reasonable amount of time on it for a series finale party and don’t want to just throw it away. I will if no one takes it, though. It comes in two pieces, the front and tail section. The wings detach for travel. There is a hole for your face in the front section. Take a look.

Lost Oceanic 815 Costume for Two - Keeping it Together

Look at me! I'm flying!

Lost Oceanic 815 Costume for Two - After the Crash

Oh noes! We're gonna crash!

If you end up grabbing it, PLEASE send me a picture of  you (and yours) in costume for me to share here!

(If the original ad is no longer available, you can view a copy here)

The White Stripes Take on the Air Force (and win)

in consume, pop culture by faryl on February 10th, 20101 Comment

The White Stripes by Sick Sad M!kE

image credit: Sick Sad M!kE

Aside from the controversial “Focus On the Family: Tim Tebow” (aka, “So glad that, given the choice between ‘no abortion’ and ‘no abortion’, I chose ‘no abortion’.”) the Air Force recruitment ad was probably my least favorite of this year’s Super Bowl ads.

Politics aside, it just kinda sucked.

The one thing it had going for it was the catchy (albeit incongruous) tune in the background.

Wouldn’t have pegged the Air Force to be a White Stripes fan?  You’re probably right -- considering the Air Force neglected to get the band’s permission to use “Fell In Love With A Girl” (video below) in their recruiting efforts.

The aesthetically-and-musically-gifted duo posted their objection to the song’s use on their homepage, beneath a side-by-side comparison of their song vs. the allegedly infringing ad, stating:

The White Stripes take strong insult and objection to the Air Force Reserve presenting this advertisement with the implication that we licensed one of our songs to encourage recruitment during a war that we do not support.

Lest their protest be interpreted as a lack of support for our troops, the band clarified that they

support this nation’s military  . . . [but] simply don’t want to become a cog in the wheel of the current conflict, and hope for a safe and speedy return home for our troops.

screenshot from white stripes home page

White Stripes' statement as it appeared on whitestripes.com

The Air Force responded to the allegations with the following statement:

. . . the Air Force Reserve, through its advertising agency, hired Fast Forward Music of Salt Lake City to score original music for its commercial. There was never any intention to utilize any existing music or to sound like any music by the band White Stripes or any other musical performer. Any similarity or likeness to any other music is completely unintentional.

Mike Speciale, a spokesman for ad agency responsible for the ad, had this to offer in their defense:

It was specifically produced for airing regionally during the Super Bowl in some local markets.  It was scheduled to be pulled right after the Super Bowl. It was only a one-time shot.

Perhaps not quite confident in Mr. Speciale’s plans to use the “one-time shot” defense approach, the Air Force has since removed the spot from their website.  The ad is also not included among Hulu’s “Adzone” collection of Super Bowl ads, although I’m not sure if  it was removed, or it wasn’t there to begin with).

For those who may have missed the ad when it aired (or for a second look), it can still be viewed here (on the Huffington Post ).

white stripes stick figures

image credit: Paradasos

What do you think?

Blatant rip-off?

or

Coldplay-esque “coincidence”?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Cuter than a baby panda!

in cuteroo, pop culture by faryl on February 3rd, 2010No Comments

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

What’s cuter than a baby panda? SIXTEEN baby pandas!

I never thought I’d utter these words but . . . “I want to be a nursery school teacher!!”

But only for pandas.

I wonder if they’re hiring?