Saving is in
From Australia: ING Bank uses droll humour to promote the launch of its ‘Savings Booster’ savings account.
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Power cable diverted to avoid ‘Dobby’s grave’
As explained by The Guardian:
Harry Potter fans have forced a new multimillion-pound power cable between the UK and Ireland to be relocated after complaining it would desecrate the “grave” of Dobby, a fictional elf.
The character was laid to rest on Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Fans of the wizard series come to leave stones reading “Here Lies Dobby” despite being asked not to by the land owner, the National Trust, because the beach is an ecologically sensitive site.
The £430m Greenlink interconnector, which links the National Grid to Ireland, was initially going to pass through the site of the “grave”, the project manager Simon Ludlam told the Energy Revolution podcast.
Ludlam said he did not know who Dobby was, and became confused by the calls the company received, saying a colleague told him: “Apparently we’re going to go straight through Dobby’s grave”.
“I said: ‘Dobby, who’s Dobby? I don’t know Dobby?’ I said: ‘He’s a fictitious character in a fictitious book, the whole thing is fictitious, what are you talking about?’”
He said the colleague told him: “No it’s very, very serious.”
The firm then enlisted planners to find a new route that avoided the supposed grave. “A lot of people were very happy about that, and the project is now going [ahead] and Dobby’s happy.”
Chicken-flavoured cookies
As reported by Dexerto:
Oreo China has partnered with KFC to transform the fast-food chain’s signature fried chicken flavor into a sandwich cookie.
The cookies retain Oreo’s classic chocolate wafers but replace the familiar sweet creme with a filling designed to recreate the salty, seasoned taste of KFC’s Original Recipe fried chicken.
One side of each cookie is also stamped with KFC’s logo in place of the traditional Oreo branding. The boxes use KFC’s recognizable red-and-white color scheme and feature fried chicken alongside a stack of cookies.
Kids, clarified
Pizza Hut UK adds a dash of humour to its ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotion.
There’s also this:
THE PIZZA HUT OFFICIAL GOAT POLICY
To ensure the comfort, safety, and dining experience of all guests, the following Goat Policy applies at all times.
The management welcomes customers from all walks of life. However, goats, whether domestic, wild, mountain, miniature, pygmy, dairy, cashmere, angora, boer, alpine, saanen, nubian, toggenburg, fainting or otherwise caprine in nature, are not permitted to participate in promotions intended for human customers unless expressly stated.
For the avoidance of doubt, a goat remains a goat regardless of size, age, hairstyle, confidence level or choice of accessories. The addition of a lead, collar, jumper, raincoat, school uniform, bow tie, spectacles, trainers, backpack, birthday hat or novelty moustache does not alter its taxonomic classification.
Customers must not:
- Register a goat as a child.
- Present a goat as a qualifying guest.
- Attempt to order from the children’s menu on behalf of a goat.
- Argue that a goat is ‘basically one of the family’.
- Claim that a goat has ‘excellent table manners’ as grounds for an exception.
- Introduce a goat through the main entrance, side entrance, emergency exit, kitchen window or ventilation system, or disguised inside an oversized coat. Goats found browsing decorative plants, sampling menus, investigating table legs, standing on furniture, attempting to negotiate with staff, chewing promotional materials or expressing unusually strong opinions regarding pizza toppings may be politely escorted from the premises.
Management accepts no responsibility for:
- Missing napkins subsequently discovered to have been eaten.
- Shoelaces that become unexpectedly shorter.
- Flower displays that become significantly less floral.
- Customers who insist they ‘only looked away for a second’.
- Any philosophical debate concerning whether goats would enjoy stuffed crust.
Exceptions to this policy may only be granted where required by applicable law. Such exceptions do not extend to emotional support goats, motivational goats, office goats, celebrity goats, influencer goats, pirate goats, detective goats, goats wearing fake glasses or goats that can allegedly ‘understand English’.
Any disputes concerning the species of an individual shall be determined solely by management.
Pizza Hut UK x
Normal F***ing Sunglasses
DuckDuckGo takes a savage jab at AI-powered sunglasses with one that do just what they are supposed to do.
A philosophical take on marriage… by a court
Excerpts from a judgement by a court in India:
Marriage is the unification of minds and hearts of two individuals. Every marriage begins with the hope of leading a peaceful and harmonious matrimonial life. Marriage is a relationship that thrives on trust, respect, understanding, and the willingness of two individuals to place the welfare of the family above their individual egos and its sustainability and solemnity lies in the countless acts of patience, forgiveness, tolerance and companionship.
Every matrimonial relationship is tested by differences. Such differences are natural because no two individuals think alike or react alike. It is often said that a happy marriage is not one where differences never arise, but one where differences never become more important than the relationship itself. The true strength of a marriage lies in the ability of the spouses to bridge those differences with empathy rather than allowing them to widen into irreconcilable distances. Misunderstandings are but passing clouds; if approached with patience and compassion, they soon disperse.
However, in the present age, the relentless and unnecessary tendency to multiply one’s wants has often transformed homes into arenas of competing egos. Mahatma Gandhiji’s timeless reminder that “it is sinful to multiply one’s wants unnecessarily” is not merely an economic ethic but a marital philosophy. Unbridled and unchecked desire breeds possessiveness; possessiveness nourishes ego; and ego, like an invisible termite, silently consumes the very foundations of conjugal happiness by eroding mutual trust, affection, and understanding, ultimately giving way to discord, matrimonial litigation, and the painful disintegration of the marital bond. Here again, it is relevant to note the Mahatma’s further reflection, that “When the ego dies, the soul awakens. When the soul awakens, all sorrow vanishes.” carries profound relevance to matrimonial jurisprudence. Ego is the silent adversary of matrimony. Ego is the unseen adversary of every happy home. When ego is allowed to eclipse reason, even the brightest relationship is plunged into darkness. Marriage is sustained not by the infallibility of the spouses but by their readiness to forgive, to understand, and to conquer the ego that silently destroys the sanctity of the marital bond. It enters unnoticed, speaks in the language of self-righteousness, and departs only after leaving behind the ruins of mutual confidence. Unfortunately, many spouses fail to set aside their egos and embrace the spirit of mutual accommodation that is indispensable for a successful marriage. As a result, serenity of mind and peace of heart disappear, and the matrimonial relationship gradually deteriorates.
Matrimonial litigation is seldom about one decisive incident; more often, it is the cumulative effect of unresolved grievances and wounded egos that gradually erodes the foundation of the relationship. The Court is, therefore, reminded that matrimonial adjudication is not an exercise in measuring the faults of one spouse against the virtues of the other. The law does not compel love, nor can a decree manufacture affection. Therefore, the court can adjudicate rights and obligations, but it cannot restore the warmth and affection that only the parties themselves can nurture. When they do not possess the alchemy to rekindle hearts estranged by distrust, this court has no power even to hold the relationship has suffered an irretrievable erosion of trust and companionship, making the continuance of the legal tie a mere shell without its living substance.
The real architect of marital peace is the willingness of each spouse to subordinate the “I” in favour of the “We”. “Ego and love cannot exist together” At this juncture, it is apposite to recall the golden words of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: ”When nails grow long, we cut the nails, not the fingers”. Likewise, when misunderstandings grow, cut the ego, not the relationship. Matrimonial litigation is a battlefield where egos seek conquest. A spouse who insists on victory in every disagreement may eventually discover that the triumph has come at the cost of the marriage itself. In domestic life, the noblest victories are those in which both parties willingly surrender a part of themselves to preserve the whole. Unfortunately, when ego takes the place of empathy, every disagreement becomes a battle to be won rather than a problem to be resolved, and spouses become prisoners of their own pride. Communication ceases, misunderstandings multiply, and affection slowly gives way to bitterness. Where ego enthrones itself, love abdicates; where sacrifice enters, serenity follows. In those few words lies the enduring philosophy of matrimonial harmony. Regrettably, the parties before this Court failed to imbibe this elementary truth. Their relationship, instead of being rescued by understanding, became a casualty of unyielding egos. The inevitable consequence is that this litigation has reached its judicial terminus, leaving behind a solemn reminder that, where understanding departs, even the law stands powerless to preserve the marriage.
Bodycare… inspired by Pepsi
To quote from a news report:
Pepsi is leaving the drinks aisle and heading for the bathroom. The brand has teamed up with US cosmetics company Glamlite on its first-ever body care collection, translating two familiar soda-inspired flavors into products designed for the shower rather than the fridge.
The launch includes just two products: a Vanilla Slushie Body Scrub and a Wild Cherry Body Wash, both priced at $12.
The Vanilla Slushie scrub combines mineral exfoliants with glycerin, while the Wild Cherry wash includes niacinamide, shea butter and a fruit-acid complex.
Butt-spanking apology for ghost-spanking delay
Sort of. As reported on one games review website:
The solo Japanese developer behind the delayed Steam horror-comedy title Spanking Exorcist has released a free “apology game” that lets players spank his digital backside as compensation for missing the game’s original launch window. The developer, credited only as Actor, confirmed the stunt after Spanking Exorcist failed to clear Steam’s content review in time for its planned July 24 release, with Valve reportedly still weighing whether parts of the game are too sexual for the platform.
Get Even With Corners
A new spot for BMW that can be enjoyed as a delightful 90 second short without wondering about its value as an ad.
Cop dresses as shrub to catch distracted drivers
To quote from a post by Dunellen Borough Police Department in New Jersey:
Did you spot our "shrub" today? If you had your head buried in your phone, probably not!
Today, the Dunellen Police Department conducted a Distracted Driving Enforcement Detail on the 100 block of North Washington Ave. We specifically chose this highly-trafficked, pedestrian-heavy downtown area to enforce New Jersey's Handheld Cell Phone Law and protect our community.
The results? Our "shrub" was busy. We issued 74 citations to drivers distracted by their devices in a six-hour window.
Let this be a reminder: That text or notification can wait. Keep your eyes on the road, not your screen!
Snickers wants a ‘Chief Online Chill Officer’
To quote from the press release:
Designed for the ultimate SNICKERS Ice Cream fan, the "Chief Online Chill Officer" title comes with plenty of opportunities to sample the brand's five Minis flavors, which debuted earlier this year. Throughout their experience, the "Chief Online Chill Officer" will create social content and vlogs, capture behind-the-scenes moments, and give followers an inside look at the chillest experience of the summer—all while enjoying one of the sweetest perks of the gig: eating SNICKERS Ice Cream Minis.
True to the spirit of SNICKERS Ice Cream Minis, this experience is perfectly snackable. The hybrid gig, based in the Chicago area, runs for just 9 business days—from August 24 through September 3. The selected "Chief Online Chill Officer" will be compensated, earn an unofficial C-sweet-level title and the ultimate bragging rights for landing the chillest gig of the summer from SNICKERS Ice Cream.
Restaurant owner faces jail over ant dessert
It isn’t because he sprinkled the dessert with ants—it’s because he didn’t seek approval for that.
As reported by The Guardian:
Prosecutors in South Korea have asked a court to sentence the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant to one year in prison for serving a dessert topped with ants, an insect not approved for consumption under local food safety law.
The restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars and is located in Seoul’s upmarket district of Gangnam, is reported to have served a sorbet dessert sprinkled with ants for customers who wanted the flavour.
Under South Korean law, only 10 insect species, including grasshoppers, mealworms and silkworm pupae, are approved for use as food ingredients. Ants are not among them.
Businesses wishing to use an unapproved insect must first obtain temporary approval, a process the restaurant did not follow, the ministry said. Violating the law carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a 50m won fine.
Missing underscore led to being jailed
As reported by Ars Technica:
One missing underscore in a Skyrim-themed username put an innocent Nova Scotia man in prison for 18 months.
A 2018 child-luring investigation, which began in Madison, Wisconsin, and eventually extended to Halifax, Canada, was based on a false premise.
Police were looking for a man using the Kik messaging service under the name “fus__ro_dah” (two underscores after “fus”), but they accidentally requested records for the username “fus_ro_dah” (one underscore after “fus”). This one-character difference led them not to the perpetrator but to a Canadian man named Brandon Klayme.
Despite finding no evidence of the crime on his digital devices, Canadian police arrested Klayme in 2020 on child sex abuse charges. He was convicted after a trial in 2023 and sentenced in 2024 to 18 months in prison. He served the full term.
Even after release, Klayme continued to fight his conviction. In the process of preparing his appeal, the username mistake that led to all these years of disruption was finally discovered. On Thursday, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned Klayme’s conviction, writing: “Mr. Klayme is factually innocent of the offences. He should never have been charged, let alone convicted.”
Better In Real Life
From Australia: awkwardness abounds in this film for Melbourne-based Hector’s Deli centred on a first date that gets off to a shaky start.
Israel clears way for crocodiles to stop prison breaks
To quote from a DW news report:
Israel’s environment minister has reclassified crocodiles so that they can now be used for security purposes. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly wants them to surround a jail holding Hamas militants.
The new classification puts the crocodiles in the category of “cultivated wild animal” instead of wild animals. It could allow an approved security organization to keep Nile crocodiles for security purposes, subject to government approval and conditions set by environmental authorities.
One such body is the Israel Prison Service, which answers to Ben-Gvir.
Israeli media reported that Ben-Gvir intends to use crocodiles to guard Ketziot prison in southern Israel, which primarily holds Palestinian security prisoners.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Ben-Gvir wrote: “Are you thinking of attempting to escape? Think again.” He accompanied the post with an AI-generated image of himself with a crocodile on a leash.
Prison agency receives enquiry about room booking
To quote from a news report out of the Philippines:
A local tourist planning a weekend stay here mistakenly inquired about room availability at the female dormitory of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Sharing the exchange in a social media post on Friday, the BJMP said it received a message from a female netizen asking if it had “available units” for rent for her upcoming trip to the country’s summer capital.
The administrator of the jail’s official Facebook page had to explain to the tourist that “Ma’am, this is a jail for women,” punctuating the reply with a smiley.
“Ay, sori po,” came the room seeker’s apology, with a crying emoji for stress.
The BJMP did not name the tourist who made the inquiry but said it obtained permission to post a screenshot of the exchange.
It capped the post with a reminder to all that “BJMP’s jail facilities are not hotels.”
Get Real World Useful
No students. No campus sights. A new campaign for the University of Lincoln in England steers clear of familiar tropes and makes its point with a real-world dose of dry humour.
Man arrested for ‘rubbing genitals’ on a car
Well, that’s probably the most striking among the list of reasons for which the arrest was made. To quote from a post by the Rochelle Park Police Department in New Jersey:
Tyler Lee, 27, was arrested & now faces numerous criminal charges. Lee had jumped behind the counter of our local Wingstop, stole food, rubbed his genitals on a vehicle parked outside & attempted to get into another occupied vehicle before attempting to flee from our officers. After a brief foot pursuit, he was taken into custody & taken to the hospital for his injuries prior to processing. He also attempted to bite our officers & EMT personnel.