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”.