Words About Things

You may have seen the Volkswagen viral video doing the rounds of a staircase in Sweden which was transformed into a giant piano to encourage people to use it rather than the escalator. Like me you may have wondered how the video related to VW vans and cars. A little digging brought up the site thefuntheory.com which explains:

“This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.”

There are several video so far all of which feature innovative ways to encourage people to do things which may benefit the environment. In one of the videos a bin is adapted so that it makes a sound like an object being dropped down a deep well:

The site will be accepting home made videos from next week with whoever creates the best set to win 2500 Euros. The campaign was created by DDB Stockholm to draw attention to some of the more ecologically friendly features of the latest Volkswagens.

A travel journalist for The Times was attacked by a lion whilst filming a report from inside the big cat’s cage. Charles Starmer-Smith entered the cage with the Lion’s handler who was unable to control the animal when he became aggressive. Starmer-Smith was bitten and scratched but managed to avoid any serious injuries.

Wildlife experts have expressed their shock at the video particularly at the fact that the handler alowed the journalist to stay in the cage after the lion showed signs of agression.

As for being asked to tickle its tummy, how crazy was that? Just try it at home with your own fireside moggy. More often than not you can end up with four paws and lots of sharp claws wrapped around your hand.