There is officially no point in making shit up anymore.

I once wrote about Crossing Over, i.e., actions on the Internet having an effect on the physical plane. This is a little different. On December 20th, 2006, a CNET interview with Anshe Chung conducted in a Second Life venue was completely derailed by an assault of flying penises. It was very funny at the time, yes, because of all the flying dicks, but also because it pointed out the perils of counting on a virtual press interview to behave like the real thing. In other words, it was funny because it could only happen on the Internet.

That is until yesterday, when a real world meeting of Kremlin opposition activists led by Gary Kasparov was disrupted by an enormous radio-controlled flying cock. It was knocked out of the air quickly by a straight-faced security guard, who now has a unique item for his résumé. Kasparov, quick on his feet, restored order gracefully, remarking that the prank was “below the belt” and stating, “I think we have to be thankful for the opposition’s demonstration of the level of discourse we need to anticipate.”

I am reminded of the (alleged) Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times.” So much classier than, “May you be attacked by a giant flying wang.”