Prisoner sues for ‘human right’ to Vegemite

To quote from an AP News report out of Australia:

A prisoner is challenging an Australian state’s ban on inmates eating Vegemite, claiming in a lawsuit that withholding the polarizing yeast-based spread breaches his human right to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.”

Andre McKechnie, 54, serving a life sentence for murder, took his battle for the salty, sticky, brown byproduct of brewing beer to the Supreme Court of Victoria, according to documents released to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Most Australians revere Vegemite as an unfairly maligned culinary icon, and more than 80% of Australian households are estimated to have a jar in their pantries. But inmates in all 12 prisons in Victoria are going without.

Vegemite has been banned from Victorian prisons since 2006, with Corrections Victoria saying it “interferes with narcotic detection dogs.”

Inmates used to smear packages of illicit drugs with Vegemite in the hope that the odor would distract the dogs from the contraband.

Benedict Cumberbatch voices Amazon customer reviews

Last year, Amazon had Adam Driver do a dramatic rendition of a handful of quirky product reviews.  The idea of “a real serious actor” reading out customer reviews is now looking to be a annual feature what with the retailer roping in Benedict Cumberbatch this year.  What’s more, he’s scaled up the drama in his rendition.

   -Boyfriend Pillow
   -Bidet
   -Green Machine
   -Penguin Pajamas

Iceland: Unreal as AI

A new spot for Icelandair.

Link to video

Starbucks Japan introduces ‘Soupuccino’

To quote from a news report:

Starbucks Coffee Japan is set to delight customers this winter with an exciting new beverage: the ‘Truffle Soupuccino.’ Starting November 14, 2025, this innovative twist on a classic cappuccino takes our love for coffee into the world of soup—perfect for warming up during the chilly months ahead.

The ‘Soupuccino’ is the first of its kind at Starbucks, crafted carefully by baristas using finely steamed foam milk, reminiscent of the beloved cappuccino. This soup delivers an unexpectedly smooth and light texture that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re feeling a bit peckish, need a little comfort, or simply want to start your day right, the ‘Soupuccino’ is designed to elevate your Starbucks experience.

The ‘Truffle Soupuccino’ boasts a rich blend of flavors. It features the fragrant essence of black truffles, alongside the earthy notes of mushrooms and porcini. Enhanced by crispy bacon and vegetable broth, this creamy delight is layered with depth and richness, ensuring each sip warms not just the body but also the soul. The delicate balance of these flavors means even a short size offers ample satisfaction, making it perfect for a light meal or snack.

‘Sexiest Meat Alive’

It’s a new campaign from Kraft Heinz for its A.1 sauce.  To quote from a post by a spokesperson:

Move over Hollywood - there’s a new beefcake in town!

A.1. has partnered with People Magazine to declare meatloaf as this year’s "Sexiest Meat Alive” - because with A.1., it’s not just meatloaf - it’s “beefcake".

As a part of this year’s People “Sexiest Man Alive” issue, A.1. will unveil a saucy new centerfold spread that puts a tongue-in-cheek spotlight on one of America’s most nostalgic dishes, giving meatloaf the glow up it truly deserves!

Sleep showdown: human vs sloth

To quote from a report about a one-of-a-kind campaign by New Zealand-based sleep supplement brand, Healtheries:

Healtheries and TBWA\New Zealand flipped bedtime on its head with Sleep vs Sloth, a world-first showdown that pitted New Zealand’s best sleeper against one of nature’s most famous nappers, a real Costa Rican sloth.

Created to spark conversation about sleep, the campaign leaned into Healtheries’ position as Aotearoa’s number one sleep supplement brand. It kicked off with a nationwide callout, challenging Kiwis to show off their snoozing skills for a dream trip to Costa Rica.

That title went to Nelson-born lawyer Andy Franklet, who proved he could nap with the best of them. Andy flew to Costa Rica for a live-streamed “sleep-off” on Healtheries’ Instagram, facing his furry rival in front of thousands of entertained viewers.

And this is some of what one of the people behind the campaign was quoted as saying about it:

Sleep vs Sloth was about entertainment first, but it’s been amazing to see how many people have joined the conversation. And yes, we’re stoked Andy out-snoozed the sloth.

Pure News

A new campaign for Reuters spotlights the murkiness of misinformation amidst the surge of AI… using AI.

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Japan deploys military to counter bear attacks

To quote from an AP News report:

Japan deployed troops Wednesday to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in a mountainous region in the northern prefecture of Akita.

Reports of sometimes deadly encounters with brown bears and Asiatic black bears are being reported almost daily ahead of hibernation season as the bears forage for food. They have been seen near schools, train stations, supermarkets and at a hot springs resort.

Since April, more than 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan, according to Environment Ministry statistics at the end of October.

The growing bear population’s encroachment into residential areas is happening in a region with a rapidly aging and declining human population, with few people trained to hunt the animals.

The government has estimated the overall bear population at more than 54,000.

The Defense Ministry and Akita prefecture signed an agreement Wednesday to deploy soldiers who will set box traps with food, transport local hunters and help dispose of dead bears. Officials say the soldiers will not use firearms to cull the bears.

Catch Me If You Cannes

From Canada: creative agency Zulu Alpha Kilo takes yet another dig at the advertising industry with a sequel to its ‘Left-Handed Mango Chutney’ short.

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RIP Tchéky Karyo

Fan edit from Episode 1 of Boat Story (2023) (Note: features bloody violence and gore)

Dolmio gets saucy

A new campaign for Dolmio sauces uses real pasta to create naked bodies “to  remind people how pasta is naked without sauce”.

IKEA’s Halloween Essentials

IKEA UAE pitches its soft furnishings as indispensable while watching scary movies at home.

Man funds wedding with ads on his tuxedo

From France: an entrepreneur turned salesperson is making news after he successfully sold spots on his wedding tuxedo to fund the event.  To quote from one report:

Salesman Dagobert Renouf turned his wedding suit into a showcase for startups.

Back in July he announced he was going to cover the cost of his wedding with sponsored ad slots to be sewn onto his tuxedo.

The Frenchman, from Lille, sold ad space on his suit, working with a tailor to transform his jacket into a patchwork of startup logos.

Twenty-six companies, spanning AI, SaaS, and tech tooling, and the company he works for (CompAi) bought into the bizarre opportunity.

It’s not the first time entrepreneurs have gamified personal milestones for brand exposure, but Renouf’s stunt stood out for its absurd commitment and execution.

Each patch was a nod to the companies that backed the couple, creating a wearable sponsor wall at the altar.

Doritos bag triggers AI gun alert, student handcuffed

To quote one news report:

An artificial intelligence detector led police to believe a person was armed with a weapon at a Baltimore County school — when it turns out, they had a bag of chips.

Taki Allen was sitting with friends Monday night outside Kenwood High School, eating a bag of chips after football practice. About 20 minutes later, police officers showed up with guns, walking toward Allen.

“It was like eight cop cars that came pulling up for us. At first, I didn’t know where they were going until they started walking toward me with guns, talking about, ‘Get on the ground,’ and I was like, ‘What?’” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Allen said police told him an AI detector thought his bag of chips — which he crumpled and placed in his pocket when he was finished — was a weapon.

Boogie Bites candy

I’ll let this report explain:

After breaking the internet with its viral breast milk-flavored ice cream, parenting company Frida is back with another head-turning snack, just in time for trick-or-treating. However, this one leans more trick than treat. Frida is launching Booger Bites, a booger-inspired candy. Seriously. 

While Frida may not be the expert on candy, the baby-focused company is an expert on boogers, with one of its most popular products being the NoseFrida, a snot-sucking tool that helps parents do exactly that—remove boogers. It does not, however, encourage consuming said baby boogers.

Instead, grab a pack of Boogie Bites Candy, a completely real booger-inspired gummy candy that is described by the company as "slightly sweet, a little salty, and packed with Vitamin C." Frida even says it consulted real-life booger eaters to get the flavor right.

And this, from the product description on the Gopuff website:

Ever try a booger? Be honest.

Boogers are gross, but Frida knows the grossest moments are the most universal. So the brand that brought you the SnotSucker is giving parents permission to feed their inner child, and providing their proud-picking kids with a germ-free alternative.

Meet Boogie Bites: slightly sweet, very salty, and with Vitamin C for snot season.

Rethinking the idea of a ‘family’ SUV

Every SUV has room for family. The new Jeep Grand Wagoneer has room to make a family.

That’s the central idea behind a new campaign for the 2026 edition of the Jeep SUV that stars Iliza Shlesinger, pitching that very idea to the Jeep marketing team.

Link to video

Wild bear pays ‘polite’ visit to zoo bears

To quote from a social media post put out by Sequoia Park Zoo in California, on October 18:

It was an eventful morning at Sequoia Park Zoo!

Staff conducting the Redwood Sky Walk daily inspection spotted a wild American black bear within the Zoo facility. Emergency procedures were implemented immediately, and the facility deployed a rapid response to assess and resolve the situation.

The wild bear did not appear aggressive and was observed interacting with [resident bears] Tule, Ishŭng, and Kunabulilh through their habitat fencing. At no point did the wild bear enter any animal habitats and, after a brief exploration of the enrichment items around the night house, the bear was safely coaxed back into the woods through a service gate.

Overall, he was a very polite visitor. He stayed on the boardwalk path, kept two feet on the ground and didn’t try to climb over the railings! (But seriously. When we say "wildlife welcome", this isn't exactly what we have in mind. )

Columbia’s Death Wishes jacket

Columbia Sportswear has come up with a limited-edition jacket that carries a cheekily worded ‘Last Will and Outerwear Testament’ stitched into the lining.  Some excerpts:

This jacket, fleece-lined and suspiciously indestructible, has weathered more storms than I have made bad decisions. It's kept me warm through blizzards, sideways sleet, and one very poor choice involving night skiing. It's been my shield, my second skin, and once, my pillow in a poorly planned camping situation.

Now it's time for it to carry on without me.

To the new owner: may you wear it well, and continue to repel storms, carry your trail mix, and survive your bad decisions as it once did mine.

Please remember: the jacket is waterproof, but it's not idiot-proof. If you end up in a snowbank, that's on you.

As part of this solemn transfer, you must speak of my ski skills only in vague, heroic terms - "they had style" will suffice. This is not just outerwear. It's a legacy. It's weathered storms, witnessed wipeouts, and survived après-ski decisions that should've been fatal. Treat it with the reverence it absolutely demands.

Do not dry clean. Do not dishonor me.

Link to video

Heineken’s friend-ly assertion

Heineken has added its voice to the protests against the Friend AI pendant.

Parkinson’s patient plays clarinet during brain surgery

As explained in this BBC report:

A woman with Parkinson's disease who played a clarinet while undergoing brain stimulation said she was "delighted" with how it went.

Denise Bacon, 65, from Crowborough in East Sussex, experienced instant improvement in her finger movements as the electrical current was delivered to her brain, doctors at King's College Hospital said.

The retired speech and language therapist underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) after suffering symptoms of Parkinson's.

She was diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and it has affected her ability to walk, swim, dance and play her clarinet.

During a four-hour operation at King's College Hospital, Keyoumars Ashkan, a professor of neurosurgery, performed DBS to help relieve symptoms while Ms Bacon stayed awake.

DBS is a surgical procedure using electrodes implanted in the brain and is suitable for some patients with disorders such as Parkinson's.

Ms Bacon was given a local anaesthetic to numb her scalp and skull and had immediate improvement in her fingers on the operating table, allowing her to play the clarinet easily.