At first glance at least, there are few things as cute and inoffensive as a Smurf. The little blue guys were created back in the 50’s by Belgian cartoonist, Pierre Culliford aka “Peyo.”Rather like the Seven Dwarves, individual Smurfs personify human tr…
Continue readingAuthor: Jay Cables
Drive-by Times: Palin’s ‘One Nation’ tour hits a bump
Sarah Palin is traveling across the US on something called a ‘One Nation’ tour – by any other name a publicity-seeking stunt. The historical sites she is taking in during the tour reflect what she describes as “our foundation” – even if she remains cha…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Carbon tax debate ignites controversy in Australia
A pro-climate change ad campaign that calls for a tax on carbon has sparked a row in Australia. The ad campaign was funded by environmental groups including Greenpeace, WWF and the Climate Change Institute.A TV ad features the actor Cate Blanchett who …
Continue readingDrive-by Times: ‘Jobless Paddy’ resists emigration trend
With the Irish Republic in tough economic straits these days, large numbers of Irish graduates have been going abroad to seek employment opportunities.Féilim Mac An Iomaire decided to go the extra mile to avoid becoming another emigration statistic. H…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: ‘Big Bro’ Sarkozy calls for internet regulation
French President Sarkozy has referred to the need to “civilize” the internet as a central issue of France’s G-8 agenda. This week Sarkozy opened an ‘historic’ conference on the internet and the future of the “digital ecosystem.” The Paris forum brought…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Dove Body Wash ad sends mixed message
A Dove ad for VisibleCare Creme Body Wash sends a mixed message. The models in the ad feature a curvy black woman, a Latina and a slim white woman. The weight/skin color transition is inferred – intentionally or not – with “before” and “after” referen…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: The apocalypse that wasn’t
If you buy the prophetic ramblings of 89 year-old engineer-turned-preacher Harold Camping the world is scheduled to end today – Saturday, May 21, 2011. Surprising that Camping is so keen to usher in end-times. His enterprises have been doing pretty wel…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Viagra downside: hard… of hearing
The use of Viagra and related drugs might make pillow talk more of a challenge. Researchers have linked some cases of hearing loss to the use of so-called impotence drugs.”Want to go again?” might be misheard as “want a goat at ten?”. Passionate outbu…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Nadia Plesner win: EU court rules against Louis Vuitton
In a win for art, an EU court has ruled in favor of Nadia Plesner in the case brought against her by Louis Vuitton for including a look-a-alike Audra style handbag in her painting Darfurnika. The ruling includes the following: “the importance of Plesne…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Facebook: ‘planking’ pics drawing big audience
A new internet craze called “planking” involves lying in a horizontal posture in, on or across various objects in some situation guaranteed to attract attention. Being able to simulate rigor mortis is a definite plus, along with powers of endurance whe…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Lisa Blue ‘goddess’ swimsuit makes waves
A swimsuit that features an image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi has been making waves. The use of Lakshmi’s image, emblazoned on the front and back of the cutaway design, has sparked outrage on the part of offended Hindus. The swimsuit was created by th…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Slut Walks take back the power
When police officer Michael Sanguinetti was giving York University law students tips on personal safety, he said the following:”You know, I think we’re beating around the bush here… I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this – however, women shoul…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: NDP looking strong on eve of Canadian election
In an EKOS-iPolitics poll for May 1 the gap between the NDP and front-running Conservatives has narrowed to just 3 points. The poll has the Conservatives with 34.6% of support of decided and leaning voters – the NDP is at 31.4%. The Liberals are back a…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Superman questions the American way
Some Superman fans want the Man-of-Steel to remain resolutely American in an uncomplicated defender-of-the-American-way fashion. The same caped patriot defending the same set of values more or less – even though we live in a world that is more complex,…
Continue readingDrive-by Times: Police arrest three anti-royal wedding protesters
Before the royal wedding at Westminster Abbey, British police arrested three anti-capitalist activists who were planning a street theater event.Guardian:Three anti-capitalist activists who were planning a mock execution of Prince Andrew with a guilloti…
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