Extra Evil - Hog.01

Omens

The stage wasn't quite big enough for goose-stepping.

The Emmys offered lighter flamebait.

The Supreme Court demanded quiet, discreet voter suppression.

Space Force uniforms look copyright unfriendly.

New stripe hogs let NYC newspapers print "stripe hogs."

Instagram offered users a slower, dumber assistant.

Mirage

From an olde favorite.

Announcements

In case you were busy/partying never forgetting: I put out this story last Friday, and I'm fond of it. You might be too, it's worth the experiment.

Also, still taking question for this month's birthday-type Q&A. Plop any questions below.

Stripe Hog really is a wonderful name. I hope they work and all that, but I'm mostly enthusiastic about the name. Those of you that spend more time outside probably already know this, but they're the big trucks power-washing old traffic lines away. I suspect the asphalt might struggle with that in some locales. Like mine. But those streets are a century or two overdue for a fix anyway, I suppose.

You can really see local values in how much longer and louder the Federal Reserve has pushed back. We allow God to have a small cameo on money. If greed turns out to be stronger than hate, does that count as uplifting? I'll take it.

Forget the "kids these days" whinging, including mine. Put new music in public spaces. Few things make me feel more like our culture's melted than hearing In the Club in a 2026 gym. 50 Cent's a good time, but the world should move. I take it all back. Mumble* over a K-Pop sample sped up Nightcore style. All is forgiven.

*New mumbling, not 50.

Mass surveillance needs friendlier faces. Stealth and brazenness are failed experiments--people get all moody about their rights and whatnot. But teddy bear cameras could be the first step in a design movement.

Many towns and schools have mascots, to say nothing of corporations. Let's try some cameras shaped like those. There's no comforting version of McDonald's surveillance, and no comforting version of Grimace. But together, they only disturb you once.

In fact, this is an immense opportunity for IP owners. Sanrio has more mascots than employees, and I'd put up a Aggretsuko ring light. I know the relatable joke is "Hello Kitty," but the mascot army has numbers. That specificity is this premise's whole strength.

At least put a sticker on. Try. People appreciate effort. Smiley-face flock cameras might be the difference between a riot and a slightly cuter riot. Give it some thought.

Entertainment

Jury Duty, Season 2: Golden. (5/5)

The Beggar Student (Osamu Dazai): Who does self-hate better? (4/5)

Simple Spells for Success: Pffffft. (1/5)

Mortal Sin: I love you, violence. (4/5)

Casino

Live your best, shrapnel-free life.

Going low on high education.

I finally get some ROI out of my useless soul.

Another year's birthday ritual.

Nonsponsor

Sindymania continues.

Guest starring Action Man. Kids won't buy candy outside their assigned colors, or something.

As for the actual idea: I'm halfway there. The point's that the mini-chupa's tiny, like the doll. But looking at ad two, it almost looks like a reaction to the sour flavor. Which would be, well, more interesting. And more likely to make me buy a given sour candy.

Granted, creative teams usually can't nudge the main point of a campaign. But lying to your client is a business tradition. Or is my local bias showing?

Creativity: C | Persuasion: C | Sanity: C

Gasleak

Contents may vary.

White House Page Quiz

Are you shameless?

Are you truly shameless?

Would you eat this paper if we asked you to?

Do you have a Plan B?

Would you ban Plan B?

What's a secret you're keeping right now?

Well done. Now seriously, tell us.

Ooh, you're good. What was it?

Does this paper look like your skin?

If not, do you hate yourself for it?

If so, do you love yourself for it?

Can you fix Claude? He keeps fucking up our speeches.

Why didn't you do this with Claude?

Postcard

Be Evil.