Scientists Plan to Drill into the Earth's Mantle

Hmm... haven't I seen this in a movie somewhere?

What about here, here, and here.

Those all had happy endings, right?

Next thing we know someone's going to have invented a way to re-animate the dead with no brain-feeding side effects whatsoever. Or invented a humanoid robot that would never turn on us and "terminate" humanity forever.

[Article via Nat Geo]

Roger Ebert Predicted the Future of Film in 1987

Read the story over at /Film. It's pretty darn incredible.

Here's my question: Can he predict when Hollywood will stop turning old '80s-'90s toys into movies? Because I've got a great idea for coming-of-age story based on the Skip-It and I don't want to miss my chance.

Get It Together, America!

Seriously, we recently dropped from the top 2nd to the 3rd country in clean-energy investments.

I understand that we're in a recession, which is precisely why we should be investing more into clean energy than anyone else! What's the fastest growing market today? No, profits for the top 1% of Americans aren't a market. Clean energy is! It's the future, and I think Obama said he wants us to win it.

I know we're already doomed to lose some sort of superpower war to China eventually, but if we at least pretend we're still a superpower or a little longer we may be able to stave off the invasions long enough that they might think of us as adorable pets (you know, like we think of the British) instead of slaves (you like, like the British used to think of Africans, Indians, and pretty much anyone they came across).

I also know that the average American was dumb enough (or too busy working three jobs) to vote for a bunch of idiotic Republicans into office and it's hard enough to keep the government working much less actually doing something productive.

But seriously - Rich people, smart people, savvy people, whoever is left that can do this - invest in clean energy so we can get ourselves out of this mess. Because I hate living in a country where the government can vote against scientific fact and pretend that it isn't their responsibility to save this Earth and this economy for their children, but I REALLY like my apartment.

Just saying. Get it together, America.

(And Obama, if you want to use that as your 2012 slogan, I'm fine with it. But I kind of doubt it'll help you win, despite its accuracy.)

PS. We lost to Germany. For realz.

[News via Scientific American]

The Bronx Zoo Cobra has been Found!

While I'm happy that I only need to check my toilet for regular snakes now, I am a little sad that I'll lose out of the stylings of the delightful @BronxZooCobra twitter.

I'm not saying it can't tweet from the Bronx Zoo, but really, what would it tweet about in there?

"Swallowed a rat whole. Don't have to eat for a week! Time to nap."

"Nap's over. Wow that week went fast. Wonder when the keeper will be here to give me my rat..."

"Rat's here! Swallowing it now. Tried to bite the keeper, but I missed. Oh well, there's always next week..."

Not the funniest stuff.

[You can read the full snake-in-a-toilet article here]

10 Wacky Dinosaurs

Here's an article about ten dinosaurs that we used to think looked one way but really looked another!

Wacky!

Also, if you have something better to do on a Friday (and an April Fool's Friday at that) than read this awesome article, then you really have no business reading this blog.

Smack!

[Article via Listverse]

It's The (New) Muppet Movie!

Here's a fun interview with Jason Segal about his work on the new "Muppet Movie" - how exciting!

I'm super jealous that that man is living my dream of writing/being in a Muppet movie and also starring in a super adorable sitcom and getting to write/star in his own movies and really do I need to go on? Come on, Segal!

Although in my Muppet movie Kermit falls in love with me and we run away together, seeing as Miss Piggy is super jealous and trying to murder me. Eventually, I realize that Kermit really is meant for Miss Piggy, and I shack up with Roolf instead. He can play the piano, after all. Woof!

PS. Segal, if you need any super adorable background actors in the musical numbers, I can totally sing and dance, and am not about dancing with a Muppet. I'm pretty much their size, after all.

Monsters, Inc Prequel: Monsters University

So I'm sure you've all heard by now that the new Monsters, Inc. movie is called "Monsters University."

Now, I know, I know, Pixar hasn't done anything (yet) to lose my trust, but I'm getting pretty worried about this sequel trend. First "Cars 2," which still doesn't peak my interest at all (ugh, cars, ugh explosions, it has ten-year-old boy moneymaker all over it), and now the story about how Mike and Sully used to be enemies but then became friends? And Randall's in it? Blah!

I love "Monsters, Inc.", and I'm totally cool with exploring the wide world of Monstropolis, but let's follow some different characters, a different story, not that old "but what about before?" trick. When I heard this summary a few months ago when it was first leaked, I was hoping it was just a false rumor to lead us off track. I guess not.

Well, let me just say, "Brave" better one super kick ass and (actually) female-empowering movie (though who knows how it'll end up with all this director-switch-up business) for me to stay on the Pixar train of "no bad movies" and "eehh, it's ok they don't have a lot of female characters because I'm sure they will in the future!" because they're really dangling me here.

At least the first few images of "Brave" look pretty good, although I have to say I think the artists over at Pixar could make a rag look incredible.

Alright, alright, enough downtrodding - keep hope alive, people! Remember how good "Toy Story 3" was?

[News via The Pixar Blog]

Candy to Help Fight Cavities?

This Science Daily article (and accompanying video!) talk about a new candy that may help fight (fight!) and prevent cavities.

I hate getting fillings and I have the prettiest, but also worst teeth. It's genetic - blarg! So if I could do something besides just brushing and flossing to help fight cavities, I'd do it in a heartbeat (pending there weren't any weird side effects like nervous-compulsive tweeting or something) - but it being candy that's preventing me from getting cavities? Now that's what I'm talking about!

Here's my only qualm - they talk a pretty big game about efficacy, but not much about taste. And I ain't eaten some icky chalk, no matter who says it's candy.

A Simple Explanation of the Crisis in the Middle East

Just in case you needed one, here is a simple explanation of what's going on in the revolting (as in undergoing revolutions, not vomit-inducing) countries in the Middle East.

Naturally, since this is 2011, it is represented in "Angry Birds" form:

Understand it better? Me either, but that was fun! And now I have that "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" song stuck in my head - delightful! Although now I also feel guilty about never watching "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" even though it's been on my Netflix Instant Watch queue ever since Netflix got Instant Watch, so there's that.

25 Years of Pixar: Awwww

Here's a cute video to brighten your day: a fun montage of all of the Pixar movies from past to present.

And Happy 25th Pixar! I didn't realize it before but you're a year older than I am!

Enjoy!

First Look: Pixar's "Brave"

Entertainment Weekly online has a fun write-up (with concept art!) of Pixar's new movie, "Brave" (formerly, "The Bear and The Bow").

I'm still wondering what all the drama behind switching Brenda Chapman with Mark Andrews (I know I loved "The Prince of Egypt,") but I'm sure (hope?) they have their reasons.

Whatever happens, the concept art is intriguing and I can't wait to see it in 2012.

Neat!

Final Dose of Cuteness: Baby Numbats

Ok, ok, after this I promise I'm done with catching up on cuteness for at least a few days, but, seriously, you must look at these little baby numbats and you must say, "awwww!" (at least in your head).



I'm super jealous for all the caretakers at the Perth Zoo in Australia - I want to hold one so bad! Then again, I'd probably go all Lenny on it and squeeze its head off. No one wants that.

[via Neatorama]

Classical Chicken: The Muppets are Back!

Finally! I feel like I've been waiting forever for the next Muppet viral video, and it's here! A little diddy by the name of "Classical Chicken" starring our very own Gonzo the Great, Camilla, and crew.



Hilarious, classical, and full of poul(e)try in motion, what more could you want?

Max, Banjo and Inca: Three Very Cute Puppies

Here are Max, Banjo, and Inca, an adorable goldendoodle, a (possibly even cuter?) labradoodle, and an always precious poodle, courtesy, as always, of The Daily Puppy.

Enjoy!

(and if you feel like giving me a puppy any day, even not on National Puppy Day, I'll be super fine with it)

National Puppy Day!

Did you know that it was National Puppy Day on March 23rd? I had no idea either, mainly because I thought on National Puppy Day President Obama visits everyone's house to give them the puppy they had secretly always longed for (borzoi!?) - but no such luck. Instead, it's just a day to remember how much we love puppies.

Psh, I do that every day. Speaking of which - puppies up ahead!

Russian HIMYM

Just in case you were wondering, there is a Russian version (version - not dubbed reruns) of the delightful CBS sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother."

Here is a promo:



I love that their Barney is a super old dude (definitely makes the character 80x sleazier), and that their Ted is way cuter than our American one! Can we trade, please? I wonder what country is the Canada to HIMYM's Russia? The world (outside of Russia, of course), may never know.

[Found this gem via TV Squad]

A Whole New Kind of Disney Movie

Ok, this video will both impress and totally weird you out. Nick Pitera is the same guy as the one from the "Whole New World" duet a few years ago. He can sing like both a dude and a lady! Wacky!



Anyway, I think he's super fun and I love (LOVE!) the fact that he works at Pixar in modeling animation - only at Pixar, am I right?

I'm sure they helped provide him with some of those Disney toys (and certainly the studio).

Aurora Borealis Time-Lapse!

Here's a soothing way to end your weekend...

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Ahhh, now I can go to sleep.

Lying on the News is Illegal in Canada but not the US - Why?

If we had this law in the US, there would be no Fox News, and I could sleep easily at night.

If only.

[Read the full article from the Atlantic. It's really fascinating. I love that we Americans never really thought we needed a rule as blatantly explicit as the Canadian one, and that was our downfall.]

How Green is Your E-Reader?

Home Energy Audits by Wellhome.com

Ever thought to yourself if your e-reader (Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc) was really greener than buying books at the store? This (very detailed) infographic from Well Home will explain everything.

I don't think that takes into account borrowing a friend's book or buying used books, but it certainly makes sense for those who impulsively buy whatever looks nice at the airport book store (puppies with bows on the cover? I'm in!).

Simpsons' Song Medley Galore!

If you want a refreshing and/or nostalgic way to start your Sunday - just watch this medley of Simpsons' songs by the super sweet voice of Fredrik Larrson. I love the little TV clips that play behind him. Clearly I need to watch the monorail episode again.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss in "The Hunger Games"!

I'm super excited about this bit of casting news in the entertainment world: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss in "The Hunger Games" movie (due in summer 2012).

I really enjoyed the books (although the 2nd and 3rd books were kind of cop-outs plot-wise - "wait, it's like they're in ANOTHER Hunger Games! OMG!") because:

a) I am a sucker for young adult lit

b) Dystopian future story? I'm in!

c) Strong female lead with both serious strengths AND serious flaws? Awesome!

d) Super sexy romantic love triangle business without it getting really creepy (definitely no sparkly vampires here)?? A thousand times yes!

Why do I care about the casting? While I understand the naysayers here (she's so white and Katniss is totally of mixed descent! She's 20 and Katniss is supposed to be 16!), they must not have seen Lawrence in "Winter's Bone" because she played essentially the exact same character as Katniss, but set in a present world (and a super disturbing one, at that). Having seen "Winter's Bone," I know that "The Hunger Games" are going to be a cakewalk for her - she really can capture that bleak, bare-bones, will-do-anything-to-survive-and-take-care-of-my-family character.

And while she is older, I have to admit, the younger actresses they were looking at just seemed way too young. I know that media has made it so we don't really have an accurate grasp of age anymore (I still think I look younger than the people who play teenagers on WB (er-CW) shows), but Katniss doesn't act like a 16 year old, so I'd rather see her aged up and played well than aged appropriately but played poorly.

Now they just better get Peeta right.

[News via The Wrap]

Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act!

The Affordable Care Act turned one year old today! Congratulations!

You can read a quick write-up about it over at the Daily Beast. It turns out a lot of really great provisions have already been implemented, even as those jerkwad Republicans try to dismantle it.

Well, I say, hooray for the ACA! Hooray for the Big F***ing Deal!

On a Lighter Note: Corgi!

I haven't posted puppy pictures in a while, so prepare to get inundated! First off, Chewie the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, courtesy of The Daily Puppy. What a cutie!

Primary Care, Primary Pay?

This Washington Post article talks about how some primary care physicians are opting for a monthly subscription service instead of going through health insurers. It's an intriguing idea - like, pay $65 a month for (essentially) all the health services you need and that's it! That sounds pretty sweet.

The interesting part, though, is that you may still need real health insurance (for emergency care, specialists, etc), so you would have to pay two bills - one for your primary and one for your specialized care. That part doesn't make sense, especially since a lot of primary care services are supposed to be free under the new Health Care Law.

What do you all think? The idea of having a low monthly payment for most of the things you'd really need and all the doctor-access you want sounds great to me, but having to pay for regular health insurance on top of that seems like a bit of a rip off.

Fun Remix! Open Your Eyes

Some DJ (?) remixed the following videos into a new, and super fun/poppy song called "Open Your Eyes" (which, no offense, isn't a great title considering it's already the title of one of the songs in the remix, but anyway). Enjoy!

Samples:
1. Katy Perry – Firework
2. Flo Rida feat. Akon – Who Dat Girl
3. Black Eyed Peas – The Time
4. Snow Patrol – Open Your Eyes
5. Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
6. Mike Posner – Please Don’t Go
7. Jason Derulo – Whatcha Say
8. Usher feat. will.i.am – OMG
9. Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E. – The Way I Are
10. Jay Sean – Do You Remember
11. David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi – Memories

You can find more of his/her/its/their songs at their/its/her/his website.

Ask an Abortion Provider

Wow. This truly incredible article from The Hairpin about what it's like to be an abortion provider in the US is really eye-opening. I have always been pro-choice, but I feel like I understand the "why" part a lot better now. The article is funny, tragic, and enraging (at all the people who want to kill abortion providers and end women's rights) all at once.

I strongly urge you to read it.

[Article via The Hairpin, which is a funny/insightful magazine for ladies and also guys]

In Other News: Charlie Sheen Quotes as New Yorker Cartoons

Gotta love them. Also, that guy is a total jackwad and should be banned from all money and access to a tv camera. Just saying. I've heard enough from him for a lifetime and a half.

[Story via Buzzfeed]

Women's History Month: Awesome Ladies in TV

It's Women's History Month! The one month out the year that we remember that women were a part of history. Neat!

Let's kick it off with a fun list of TV Squad's "Most Memorable 100 Female Characters."

I don't know a lot of the older characters, but I definitely agree with some of their choices (Liz Lemon, Veronica Mars, Leslie Knope!) and some of the ones I don't recognize may just make me want to watch those shows I missed.

Any thoughts? Any ones they missed?

Toy Story Short!

Here's a fun clip from the upcoming Toy Story short about Barbie and Ken's "Hawaiian" vacation. You'll get why that's in quotes after you watch the clip!



This will be the short played before Cars 2. As my bf said, "Is that how they're going to get grown-ups to see Cars 2?" It must be, because I can't think of another reason. I have loved each and every Pixar film, but Cars was the least awesome and certainly the last one on my list (even after A Bug's Life) to have enough meat or enough interesting characters for a sequel. We'll see how it goes though - they did pull off Toy Story 3 masterfully, of course. Although, admittedly, they had some major nostalgia strings on their side to pull.

The Texas Two-Step Towards Poverty

Something to keep in mind, Texans, as you face your budget deficit.

I understand that we all (and by we I mean wealthy) Texans love our low taxes, but isn't it more important to give poor children healthcare, food, and a good education than to build yet another two-lot medieval village in Highland Park?

I really don't want Texas to the become the Lone Rich Man State or the Lone Star-tingly Drop in Productive Workforce 20 Years from Now State, but it looks like we're well on our way there.

I know the big cities in Texas are getting bluer, so can we all come together to fight this out on behalf of our children as well as the rural ones (who, while their parents did vote the babuffoon'iest babuffoon of all into office, do not deserve this)? Or will we sit back, pretend that it's fine because at least Austin is a liberal town, and just watch it happen?