The nation reported launching a satellite into orbit for the “soul” purpose of broadcasting patriotic songs from space. This, of course, to make North Korea’s rice grow faster and feed an increasingly angry population. All those who believe in the beneficial effect of revolutionary songs on rice growth hailed the launch as a great success and considered it money well spent. Those on the other side of the fence were hardly exhilarated and much less able to conceptualise its merits and expressed their dismay over the selection of songs that made it into orbit: they were looking for something rather more upbeat.

Dang–these be interesting times for sure…

They managed to print over 1 million fake copies of The New York Times and distributed them in NYC and LA.

Brilliant way to make the headlines and bring your message across.

The spoof New York Times edition, dated July 4, 2009

Further Reading

• The spoof website that accompanies the paper edition
• The BBC News‘ take on the prank
• The Gaurdian‘s take on the prank
• See how they did it on the Laughing Squid
• The Yes Men on Wikipedia

Among his songs my personal favourites are “Who Do You Love” (later covered very nicely by The Doors), “Diddy Wah Diddy” and “Pretty Thing“. But my absolute favourite would have to be “Say Man.” It reminds me of a late Hollywood night with two “bite your momma fellas” squaring off with me laughing until belly aches kept me from doing so.

Bo Diddley died aged 79 due to heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida. God speed Diddley—thanks for the music.

More Info

• Bo Diddley on Wikipedia
• Bo Diddley on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame