Unnatural Habitat

“Learn the facts, figure out the implications.”

This is a great speech by philosopher Dan Dennet from 2002’s TED conference. From the parasite that drives ants to suicidal behavior, to the parasitical ideas that people die for, this is a great, succinct encapsulation of what has driven human beings through the ages. This speech is just as relevant today as it was 6 years ago.

The controversial sculpture of Hitler at Berlin’s new Madame Tussaud’s wax museum has lasted all of three days. This morning a man described as a “normal, unremarkable type” calmly approached the Führer, then cunningly blitzkrieged him and tore his head off with brute force. After a scuffle with security guards the man was brought to justice. He claimed he was protesting the exhibition.

The wax sculpture of Hitler has been the subject of some controversy. Some are afraid it could turn into a shrine of sorts, and others argue Germany’s history could not possibly be told without making reference to Hitler.

Rumor has it George W. Bush and Tom Cruise still have their heads intact, in case anybody felt like ripping more wax heads off.

Link to article in FAZ (in German)

Link to to article in BBC

Pic above is from the Associated Press

Why do ex-Stasi officers make the best Berlin taxi drivers?
Because you only need to tell them your name and they’ll already know where you live!

I know you’re thinking, That joke is so last century, but whateva, it made me laugh. I can’t afford taxis anyway, so what the hell do I know.

From the Top Ten Communist Jokes, on the Times Online’s Comment Central.