The Cranky Media Guy

Turns out I’m not the only one to notice the infestation of Swarovsky (it’s always Swarovsky) crystal-covered electro-crap.

Engadget

I’ve been on the Swarovsky (it’s always Swarovsky) Crystal-covered Crap Watch for some time now.  For some reason, manufacturers think that taking a mediocre piece of electro-crap and dipping it in crystals magically transmutes into into something worthwhile.  Bzzzzt!  Wrong.

This time around, it’s actual diamonds, not Swarovsky (it’s always Swarovsky) crystals, but same concept.  an iPod Shuffle is barely worth owning no matter what it looks like.  At least the normal, bare model is cheap.  This horror show, however, costs $20,000.

As always, I’ll point out that, while you see crap like this advertised all the time, you never read about anyone actually buying one.

Blinged out iPod Shuffle doesn’t come cheap - Engadget
Idiot Lure: Diamond-Encrusted iPod shuffle Takes ‘Fool and His Money’ Prize - Gizmodo

As things stand now, all porn producers, whether online or offline, have to keep on file affidavits that attest that all performers are over the age of 18.  That should suffice to prove that everyone is of age, right?

Not according to the Feds; now they’re saying that porn purveyors have to have personal information about the “stars” of their “films” on file.  It’s to protect the children, don’t you know?

Bullshit, says me.  I don’t care what you think about porn; if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.  My point is that this is NOT to protect anybody’s kid.  If the producers can demonstrate that the participants are of age, then there are no children involved and it’s none of the government’s concern beyond that point.  Period.  (We’re assuming here, of course, that everything is consensual.)

This is just more of the religion-driven anti-sex shit the GOP is famous for.  Over the last three decades or so, there have been at least two federal government-funded studies on the effects of porn.  Both of them concluded that porn has NO deleterious effect on a normal adult human.  Facts.  Who needs ‘em when we have perfectly good superstition to follow?

Any time someone gives you that, “It’s to protect the children” line, take a good, close look at what their agenda really is.  Most of the time they’re just out to fuck with you and your right to choose what entertainment you purchase.

FEDS’ PORN ULTIMATUM | By JANON FISHER | National News | US News | Current National News

CRUISIN’ HARLEM | By KAILI McDONNOUGH and LEONARD GREENE | New York News | New York City News | NY News

OK, this has gone beyond the joke level!  Just make it stop, electronic gadget-making people.  Do you all have some kind of bet among yourselves about who can cover the most mediocre piece of electro-crap with Swarovsky (it’s always Swarovsky) crystals?

Take the pieces of over-priced glass off these things and they’re run-of-the-mill thumb drives you can buy for $10-$40.  Glue some shiny stuff on ‘em, however, and they sell for $134-$210.  Who buys this shit????

Sony offering up Swarovski crystal-clad E010 DAPs