iSpoof

Everyone loves to spoof a success story. And the iPod -- with several flavors and many, many accessories -- is as successful a commercial product as they come. So, of course, people are gonna take swipes at it. iSpoof I It's not literally the first spoof. I'm just presenting it first. The most recent one I saw is the work of video artist Scott Kelby, a Photoshop maven. Last month, at his Mac Design conference, he unveiled an Apple ad spoof for something called the iPod Flea. NY Times columnist (and technical writer) David Pogue is "pleased to offer in its Web debut." As it is hosted at the NY Times, you will have to watch an actual commercial before you can view Kelby's work. But at least you don't have to sign in! Here is the link:

iPod Flea: You'll be itching to use it.

[Note: Requires Windows Media Player]

iSpoof II Also last month, Sluggy Freelance cartoonist Pete Abrams spoofed the iPod in a few well-placed episodes of his ongoing web-comic. Coincidence? Who cares! His iPodling/iSophagus story is all good fun. Here is a little preview...

These three strips are the main iPodling/iSophagus story:

• iPodling part 1, June 21
• iPodling part 2, June 22
• iPodling part 3, June 23

These strips continue the saga to it's, um, bitter end:

• iPodling Retrieval Part 1, June 26
• iPodling Retrieval Part 2, June 29
• iPodling Retrieval Part 3, July 1
• iPodling Retrieval Part 4, July 5
• iPodling - The Bitter End, July 6

I hope you enjoy these little spoofs. If you know of any other good humored slams against the iPod, let me know!

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sick (Scientologist)

Hat tip to Watertiger of Dependable Renegade.

That Tom Cruise. He's really been a busy little Scientologist, eh? Jumping on couches, condemning psychiatry and medicine use, and killing Oprah Winfrey. Do not watch this little flick with a full mouth, otherwise you run the risk of spewing ... something ... all over your monitor.

I Know How He Feels

Poor Brutus Thornapple. I imagine this strip, which ran on Monday, July 11, reflects how most people feel about their jobs. I know it reflects how I often feel about mine.

Click for the full strip

Stuff On My Cat ...

... is way too funny. See for yourself:

www.stuffonmycat.com

"And This Is Why They Did It"

The Times Online had guest contributor Amir Taheri, an Iranian commentator on Middle Eastern affairs, write an opinion piece on the London Terror Attacks. I heard about the piece when Michael Smerconish interviewed Mr. Taheri on his program this morning. Mr. Taheri's essay indicates:

1. The ideology and goals of alQaeda have their roots in the philosophies of Abul-Ala al-Maudoodi, a Pakistani who taught that everyone has to become a Muslim ... or else. This "shock them into conversion for their own good" belief fuels the path that Bin Laden, a disciple of al-Maudoodi, has carved out for his group.
2. There is no way to talk or reason with the people who follow this ideology. None. Zip. Zero. Their ideology is completely alien to the Western and Democratic mindset.

For more background on Mr. Taheri, check this page. To read Taheri's essay, "And This Is Why They Did It," which I highly recommend, go to the Times Online.

Friday Pet Blogging | Regal Milo

Nothing more need be said about this pose. But we've seen it a lot less since Otis returned to the fold.

The Modulator has a compilation of today's pet posts from other bloggers. Previous Milo & Otis appearances on Prophet or Madman are indexed here ... just in case you missed one. And do keep your eyes peeled for the next installment of the Carnival of the Cats, served fresh every Sunday.

Friday Pet Blogging | Down Under Otis

Otis just needed a little "down under" time -- that is down time under the coffee table.

The Modulator has a compilation of today's pet posts from other bloggers. Previous Milo & Otis appearances on Prophet or Madman are indexed here ... just in case you missed one. And do keep your eyes peeled for the next installment of the Carnival of the Cats, served fresh every Sunday.

I Have Returned

People of the Blogosphere ... I have returned! Don't everyone jump up and down at once. Yeeesh. Quick Updates:

• Disney World was great, albeit hot and humid (with a few rounds of showers to boot). Mrs. Brainwise and I loved hanging with our six-year-old niece and watching her enjoy her first visit to Mickey's place.
• Otis is doing well. His stitches were removed on June 30. There is very little scarring from what I can see. And he is handling the adjustment to his new plumbing pretty well. His accuracy has returned (which means he gets everything in the litter box), but he is suffering a bit of a bout of the runs.
• Milo is not really happy with Otis' return. Oh, he was initially sad about Otis' absence. And Milo even tried to find him every now and then. But then Milo seemed to get comfortable with the situation and even enjoy his stint as an only child. So ... right after Otis returned on July 2, Milo initiated an attempt to assert his dominance over Otis, hissing and swatting at his brother whenever he could.
• Milo's bid for alpha status may, however, be rather short-lived. Otis had been backing down whenever Milo hissed at him. But this morning, Otis charged Milo and knocked him off his perch. Milo hissed, but did nothing to reclaim the spot. So ... I think Milo will eventually have to accept his previous position in the hierarchy. [The funny thing is ... Otis didn't even realize that he had been the alpha cat ... he was just more outgoing.]

More detailed updates and rants as I can afford the time.

Miscellaneous Lifeform Blogging

Well, I hesitate to call it food. And the only other thing I can say is ... "I'm Not Gonna Try It..."

Ready to Go

"I'm Ready to Go Home Now"

I used my Treo to snap Otis as he sat in his carrier, awaiting final checkout from the "spa."