Overnight Open Thread

“May You Live in Surreal Times” edition. (ancient Chinese curse, updated for the modern day)

It’s Caturday. I suppose. Kitteh and kitteh-related items below the fold.

Concerning festivals:

Here’s a little something to piss you off (might as well start off the thread in the proper mood). Beaverton, Oregon, a largish suburb of Portland wishes you to know that the city will be celebrating Mexico’s Independence. From the Official Press Release. (PDF format):

“ BEAVERTON, Oregon (August 25, 2010) – Celebrate the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence with an evening of music, dancing and food in City Park (corner of 5th Street and Hall Boulevard) on Thursday, September 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come listen to Mariachi Viva Mexico, hear from guest speakers, including Mayor Denny Doyle, and enjoy a performance of a variety of native dances from regions across Mexico by Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca.

“The city of Beaverton is fortunate enough to have one of the most diverse populations in the area and we’re excited to be a part of this cultural celebration,” said Mayor Doyle. “It’s an honor to recognize events like these that are so special to many members of this community.”

Two historic milestones in Mexico’s history occur this year. September 16 marks the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence movement”

Well, I’m glad Hizzoner Mayor Doyle cleared that up for us. One little problem though: The City of Beaverton doesn’t sponsor any kind of American Independence Day festivities. Y’know, America? The nation in which the city is actually located?

Last Wednesday, Oregon-based talk show host Lars Larsen had The City of Beaverton’s “Event Coordinator,” Erin Hickey, on his show and pretty much devastated the city’s reasons for doing a Mexican celebration but not an American one. The bubbly Ms. Hickey, despite her best efforts, was clearly out of her league. Link to the interview here.

Concerning Hobbits:

After reading/listening to all that, you’ll need something to cheer you up. So why not travel to New Zealand and take a tour of Hobbiton? According to the website:

"The Hobbiton Movie Set has been returned to its natural state. However, 17 of the original 37 hobbit holes and some structures from the film set are still present. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm."

But wait, there's more!

"As the Hobbiton Movie Set is located on a real New Zealand farm, we also offer you an authentic and unforgettable Sheep Farm Experience. See how the shearer cleverly handles the sheep, plus take the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs."

Given the type of guys who frequent this place I somehow get the feeling that the sheep farm may be a bigger draw than Hobbiton.

Concerning cannibal-themed German restaurants:

After your sheep-dipping experience, no doubt you'll have worked up an appetite. So why not jet back to Germany for dinner? I know just the place. From the Guardian UK:

"Would you be prepared to sacrifice your testicles, stomach fat or ears for the sake of high-class cuisine? A soon-to-open Berlin restaurant is touting for diners willing to do just that: donate body parts that it says it will turn into gourmet meals according to the age-old cooking habits of an Amazonian tribe infamous for its cannibalism."

Yeah, it's fake of course...some kinda' weird marketing campain for who-knows-what. But the article does have a link to other bizarrely-themed eateries.

Now without further ado, here's your damned cats:

Kitteh-related educational video:

Kitteh-themed music:

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posted by Genghis at 10:00 PM

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