Gerald Ford, dead at 93. Former president Gerald R. Ford, who told an uneasy nation that "our long national nightmare is over" after assuming the presidency from Richard Nixon in 1974, was the only politician who served as vice president and president but was never elected to either office. He will be missed as a source of both laughs and a bit of an inspiration for integrity. (Even if he did let Tricky Dick off the hook.) And on a totally crass note, Ford is number two in the celebrity trifecta, who will be the third?

Engineering on ze German tip! Productfilter? Why yes! But I had to throw this out. These new VW ads are funny as hell. The added bonus of random character actor Peter Stormare throwing out bon mots like "drop it like it's hot" in his random, not quite German, not quite Swedish accent just makes them that much funnier. I think these ads are great for extracting the Michael out of all those people that add dumb stuff to their autos.

Don't dream it's over. Former Crowded House and Split Enz drummer and radio personality Paul Hester dead. Hester was apparently a victim of severe depression and took his own life in a Melbourne park. He is survived by his girlfriend and two daughters. more inside

The fix may be in, yet again... Bob Herbert of that liberal rag, the New York Times (reg required, blah blah...) writes a little Op-Ed on what looks like it could be more shady goings-on in the Sunshine State's voting situation. Are we just being paranoid, or not paranoid enough?

Lego Spider-Man Ok, this is just really cool. And honestly, how can you go wrong? Spider-Man? Good. Doctor Octopus? Kinda good. The two of them duking it out in a Lego New York? Goooood.

Homeland security recommends IE alternatives. Ripped pretty much whole cloth from /. The department of homeland security has decided (way too late, IMO) that using IE is a security hazard and has started recommending the use of other browsers. Microsoft, in its typical, "don't-do-anything-about-your-misdeeds-until-someone-is-suing-you" fashion has announced they'll be releasing a much more secure version by the end of the summer. I know blog's corporate overlords are forcing him to do it, but how many of you monkeys are still using IE voluntarily?

How long 'til the FBI's knocking on this guy's door? Who needs heavy military gear when you can make your own flamethrower out of a little PVC tubing and some plumbing bits? more inside

<b>Curious George:</b> It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel... Ok, this is a rather odd, "get to know the monkeys" premise, but I'm intrigued by the concept... What would you do in the last six hours before the end of the world? more inside

Hasselhoff Arrested. Hot on the heels of announcing his fledgling rap career. David Hasselhoff has decided to kick things off right by aquiring a little street cred.

House of Ugoff! Ok, this could fall under the "monkeyproductfilter" category, but hell, I think the whole Ugoff (Flash, SFW unless you work at McDonalds or Wendy's)campaign for Burger King's salads is brilliant. I particularly like the pouch set up against the fashionable purses and bags in the style section.

What size did you want that coffee? (Flash, NSFW - language) I've got a 6-espresso-shot-a-day habit, so I may find this funnier than most. Though prices may soon be going up, leaving me crying in my cup...

Kaneda model power bike! Ok yes, I'm a big geek and I was in Japan for the opening of Akira way back in '88 so this has a special place in my heart, but even if it didn't, this motorcycle is damn cool. For the Japanese impaired, it breaks down like this: Twin-steering system and 249-998cc water-cooled 4-cycle engine, onboard DVD navigation system and full LED readouts (tach, spedometer, etc...) No price yet, but hey I figure the line won't be as long as the one for the Tokyo Apple store was =) (originally seen at /.)