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Advertising Age reports that the UK is going to allow product placement for the first time.

In the country’s most popular soap, “Coronation Street,” customers at the Rover’s Return pub drink a fictional beer, Newton & Ridley, served on beer mats bearing the mock brewer’s logo. Viewers are used to seeing actors and presenters picking up bottles in such a way as to disguise the brand name, and even to seeing logos covered up with tape. When “American Idol” is shown in Britain, the Coke logo on Mr. Cowell’s cup is pixillated in an attempt to disguise it.

(“Pixillated”? What, replaced with a pixie?)

(Upon further investigation I’ve discovered that “pixillated” is an acceptable spelling. I still contend, however, that digitally replacing the cup with a pixie or other small mythical beast would be an effective - and entertaining - way to avoid product placement issues.)

Here’s a new show with an unlikely cast that I suspect will prove amusing. Premieres September 30 or whatever.

Jason Schwartzman high-fived me once. He’s a stand-up guy.

A woman draws in sand to create a mesmerising animation. From Україна має талант - aka "Ukraine's Got Talent".

Via mUmBRELLA.

It’s a compelling story: guy walks across China, and becomes progressively more hirsute .

Via kottke.org.

It’s been 30 years since the world was introduced to the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster (in book form, at least). Here are some new book covers to commemorate the re-issue of the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy series - you get a bunch of stickers, and can create your own design. Hoopy!

This disgruntled musician and his mariachi pals will be causing many headaches at United Airlines. Ha!

At the time of writing, it’s received almost 2.5 million hits.

This is fantastic.

Via Jon.

Shades of Spike Jonze’s Da Funk in this promotional video for V Raw created by The Glue Society and pals.

Videogum nails what I’ve been saying all along … Entourage Season 6 in a Stupid, Boring, Lukewarm Nutshell.

Via Peach & Shag.

Oh man would this be a fun project. Two self-described Arrested Development superfans – Neil and Jeff – undertook to create a documentary about the show. It looks as though they’ve interviewed a lot of the key players, including Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard. From their description:

The overall goal of the documentary is to provide awareness and education of this brilliant, witty and original comedy. We are looking to interview viewers, cast, crew and any other industry figures that are fans or critics of the show.

You can watch the trailer, and there’s more information on their website.

Via kottke.org.