7.12.2006

The H. Stand for Heineken

King of Jews and Beers

from Sploid

Drivers in Houston this week were treated to a sight that inspired reverence, awe and thirst.

Looming high above the intersection of La Branch and Winbern, on a billboard appeared a poster of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus H. Christ, raising a 12-ounce can of Budweiser. Surrounding the mouthwatering Messiah were the words "King of Jews" and "King of Beers."

"I thought that was just crazy," said commuter Jose Cazares. "It looks professional too."

Sadly, it appears the art is not the work of professionals - at least not professionals sanctioned by the firm that leases the billboard. They say they have no idea who is responsible, they only know that it isn't them.

Posters bearing the
same message were made famous by agit-prop maestro Ron English.

Curiously,
English has been in Houston for the past few months working on a giant mural inspired by Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" to go on display in the exhibit "PowerPathos" at the Station Museum.

In an article
last week in the Houston Chronicle, the artist claimed that he no longer hijacked billboards in Texas because the criminal penalties are too severe. And yet, just six weeks ago, another billboard typical of English's work - Jesus manning a UFO - appeared at the corner of Montrose and Fairview in downtown Houston.

Among his favorite targets for billboard attacks is
Ronald McDonald. He loathes the way the seemingly friendly clown preys on kids, trying to get them to eat crap food.

Folks in the area say the poster appeared - like a vision - about a week ago. Sadly, all the attention brought to the sign by
local news coverage has spurred the billboard's owners into action. As of Tuesday, the billboard showed a PSA for adoption.

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