Via the trademark blog, news that the name NZX is contested between the New Zealand Stock Exchange and a porn mag. The porn mag was first, but the exchange registered the name.
The NYT says PBR has cachet because it’s unmarketed, but I like it because it’s what the bad guy in Blue Velvet drinks. OK, also because it’s trendily bad, lightly marketed, drunk by hipsters, and cheap as all get-out. Can’t forget the price factor.
I saw the MoveOn Democratic Presidential Candidate Slate today. My analysis:
I’m developing something of a reputation for writing strongly worded letters. Which means, I suppose, that I’m becoming a crank. For example, I doubt that the Wall Street Journal will publish the letter I just sent their editors:
Dear Wall Street Journal:
Your article Thursday about the woes of brides and of the wedding industry leaves out an obvious application of neoliberal economic policy that could spur the wedding industry and the economy as a whole. Currently, the number of marriages in the US is relatively static, and the economy has given people reason to cut back on their celebrations, putting a damper on wedding-related enterprises. To allow the industry to expand, we must deregulate it by allowing homosexual couples to marry. An increase in the number of weddings also means an increase in gift-buying, new household formation, and general consumer spending, which can provide a powerful impetus to the general economy.
Marriage deregulation is especially urgent now that Canada is pondering the recognition of gay marriages. Should Canada invite them, many gays and lesbians will flock across the border to wed, taking their dollars with them. We cannot allow the US wedding industry to remain uncompetitive in the global marketplace, and therefore must deregulate marriage as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Aaron Weber
“Judging from the holy war being waged by proponents of Linux PCs, it’s clear that Linux is becoming the OS/2 of its time. “ Harsh words, man.
I have fallen in love with WordSpy. Wow. What a great site.
The word bridezilla is of relatively recent origins, and has gained widespread recognition reflected by its appearance in women’s magazine quizzes, and accessories and of course email forwards and a Fox TV special. Bridezilla syndrome is clucked over by bloggers and the mainstream news alike. Why? Because it’s fucking hilarious.
I’ve gotten to know Montserrat station and Beverley, MA pretty well over the past few days, going out to Motorcycle Riding School to take the state-approved safety class. I failed it, which means I have to schlep my ass out there again some time in the next 14 days, pay an extra fifty bucks, and pass it this time, dammit, or else. The station is near a liquor store called Beverley Package, which I think would make a good name for a transsexual porn star.
I’m buying a 1991 Kawasaki Zephyr, which is a standard bike they don’t make any more. Smaller and sportier than the Vulcans and not as absurd as the Ninjas. Still a little larger than I need, but I’ll grow into it or die trying.
Flash (or QT) video with rock soundtrack that suggests Bush and Blair are very close indeed.
Her!, a webcomic which rivals Cat and Girl for witty, non-furvert conversations between tough young women and bizarre anthropomorphic animals.
Here’s my current theory: gay marriage can save the economy.
The average wedding in the US is well into the $20k range, before you start counting the gifts. If spending is good for the economy, weddings are good for the economy, and we should have more of them. However, the wedding industry is in stasis: people are getting married later, and more reluctantly.
Some in the industry blame low-cost competition but that’s not the heart of the problem. The real blocker on demand for weddings is over-regulation.
Oh neoliberals, where are you now? There’s a whole class of citizenry with oceans of pent-up demand just waiting to spend spend spend, and here are unnecessary, intrusive laws blocking the unfettered commerce of the American wedding industry. The engine of economic growth is firmly in our grasp: we have only to open the throttle!
On the other hand, maybe we need to legalize gay sex before we get to recognizing unions.
If you have a pool care company, and you want to advertise the swimming pool lifestyle, Poo Life is not the best name for your company.
And if you are an Italian manufacturer of power generating equipment, don’t call it Power Genitalia.
Because I nearly threw up laughing.
Secretly Ironic 