Shrapnel — June-October 2005

<Shopdropping>

When I was younger, I worked the night shift in a grocery store. Some of my older, more bitter colleagues used to amuse themselves by switching the labels on cat food and tuna. Seems other people do the same thing in the name of art. Or whatever. See also the Barbie Liberation Organization.

<Eat consumers....>

It seems the zombie meme is spreading.

<I took the road less travelled>

What's your favourite entrance to hell?

<Dead class>

Ever wonder if there's a bomb in the cargo hold when you fly? Relax, odds are it's just dead people down there. (From the Obscure Store)

<Shock sites>

Have you been a victim of goatse.cx or tubgirl? Ever wonder about the story behind such shock sites? Thankfully, someone at wikipedia has all the answers for you. If you've somehow managed to avoid exposure to the horrors, then you should probably read this guide anyway. Or maybe just never click on another link again.

<We're a nation of addicts>

But apparently it's good for us.

The woman won't admit she's a coffee addict, but probably only because I am a stranger. Most coffee-drinkers who know me freely admit they are addicts. There's my ex-wife's boyfriend, for instance, an Oakland architect with a degree from Harvard University who nonetheless depends on three coffee- drinking sessions a day -- morning, afternoon and night -- and has never thought of stopping. And then there's a detective pal of mine, who is sluggish in the morning until his first cup, and has never considered kicking. "Why would I?" he asks. "There's no downside to it."

(From Starbucks Gossip)

<When zombies attack . . .>

. . . live D&D players.

<Mama said to rust you out>

Any consideration of pop art would be incomplete without robots. (From Things)

<If Leonardo DiCaprio likes it, it must be good>

I've posted about Pop Surrealism before, but it's worth mentioning again to point to the work of Todd Schorr. (From Boing Boing)

<Secret Wall Tattoos>

The next time you stay at a hotel, you'd better check under the paintings and bed. (From Metafilter)

<Urban toys>

By now, most people have run into the Gloomy Bear online. But who knew you could also get your very own Gloomy Bear toy for your home?