The snow on the slopes may be melting, but this ostrich plans to ski until there’s nothing left:

(if you can’t see the video, click here)

I wonder how they train ostriches to ski? I’ve actually been told this is part of an advertisement for a Japanese railway system (which, of course, makes perfect sense).

Looking for a way to cool off at work, but don’t want a loud annoying fan blowing in your face? If so, there’s now a solution - the USB Powered Cooling Cushion:

This $50 Japanese device blows a constant stream of chilled air from down below, and is powered directly from any USB plug on your computer. Found via TechEBlog

This may sound crazy, but I’d actually consider buying one if I stumbled on it while shopping. I usually get warm from the waste down at work (mostly because I have 3 computers under my desk), so this may be the solution I need.

Would you use it, or am I the only one?

I think I saw a dog trying this in the Walmart parking lot the other day:

(if you can’t see the video, click here)

After reading of my desire to join the Japenese Air Force, an astute reader (Wolfe of Wolfe’s Musings) sent us the following REAL Japanese recruiting video:

(if you can’t see the video, click here)

Japan’s Maritime Self-defense Force (their navy) commissioned actors to create this recruiting video on a Hatsuyuki destroyer’s deck. I’m assuming that they’ve amassed a rather interesting crew with the video’s catchy “We have seaman ship, seaman ship, for love.”

Even the Japanese had mixed emotions. One commentator blamed the video on the british (who apparently taught the Japanese Navy how to be “fashionable.”), while a young lady mused that “at least they could have used good-looking guys”. (via Mainichi WaiWai)

Maybe the Japanese got the idea from the U.S. Navy, who supplied The Village People with a ship, several hundred men, and aircraft at the San Diego Naval base to perform the following video (with the intent of using it for recruiting):

(if you can’t see the video, click here)

I think I’ll stick to the Japanese Air Force, thank you!

Interested in joining the Japanese Air Force? I am, after seeing a picture of their recruits in action:

Apparently they take a very zen-like approach to flying: first learning to “be the plane” before flying it. Either that, or they have connected their 330 combat aircraft to Nintendo Wiimotes for remote control fun over the internet. Who needs real battle when you can decide your countries fate over a game of Wii Bowling?

Given Japan’s aversion to war, the Air Force has had trouble recruiting even for these plum positions. Their new marketing ploy? Lower the recruiting age:

(pics via Tigers and Cranes and BuyCostumes)

If you arrived here from somewhere else, check out the equally unbelievable Japanese Navy Recruiting Video.