WaPo's Gene Weingarten received a rather...passionate letter from a reader in response to his piece on Dick Cheney's new biography. The letter was so amazing that Weingarten republished the original in it's entirety, and then offered hilarious advice to future angry letter-writers.
Including such gems as:
"letters that are written entirely in capitals impress us with their emotional intensity," and "an e-mail can never have enough exclamation points [...] Henry Kissinger always uses at least 250.
The Angry Letter (in all its heavily-expurgated glory) is here:
DEAR DOUCHEBAG [expletive] [expletive] [insensitive reference to an alternative lifestyle] [expletive] [expletive] [ethnic epithet] BASTARD:
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TWO QUESTIONS TO YOUR LIST. FIRST I'D LIKE YOU TO ASK V.P. CHENEY HOW HE WAS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SMELLY, FAT, JEW [expletive] FROM TERRORIST ATTACK THOSE LAST 7 YEARS? SECOND, HOW CAN HE PREVENT YOUR [expletive] [expletive] MOTHER FROM INFECTING [uncharitable racial reference] WITH AIDS, FROM [expletiving] and [expletiving] THEIR HUGE [expletives]? YOU ARE A LIBERAL, DUMBOCRAP, GUTLESS, WEASEL, UNAMERICAN [expletive] PIECE OF DOG [expletive] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(signed)
AN AMERICAN PATRIOT
New Scientist published an interesting article on ten possible ways to traverse deep space. Unfortunately, the most promising technologies won't have us going nearly fast enough the reach another solar system in our lifetimes, and the coolest ones probably break the laws of physics.
And yes, the "warp drive" of Star Trek is pretty damned impossible to build, as it requires undiscovered "exotic matter", and requires more energy than what exists in the universe to sustain. I guess for now we'll just have to find other ways to satisfy our space exploration fantasies.
And yes, the "warp drive" of Star Trek is pretty damned impossible to build, as it requires undiscovered "exotic matter", and requires more energy than what exists in the universe to sustain. I guess for now we'll just have to find other ways to satisfy our space exploration fantasies.
This beautifully animated short is the directorial debut of Rodrigo Blaas. It is also the reason I will never feel comfortable in Stephanie's Grandmother's house.
Nerds, meet "Alma".
This site offers the very niche, but very awesome service of giving you the weather report in reference to various climates from Star Wars. For example, today Houston is enjoying some lovely Naboo-esque weather, while Londoners are shivering in their Hoth-like climate.
Simply type in your city, and in seconds you'll know weather you'll be spending the night inside a Tauntaun or a slimy mudhole.
Need to steal a kiss from that special nerd in your life?
Find the step-by-step instructions on how to make your own incredibly nerdy mistletoe here.
The Chevrolet Citation. The Cadillac V-8-6-4. The Oldsmobile diesel. The Pontiac Aztek. And this.
Hervé This is the biggest name in molecular gastronomy, which is definitely the biggest food trend of the aughties.
For those of you that don't know, MG incorporates the awesomest parts of chemistry and food science in order to cook food on a molecular level. Its the reason so many restaurants keep sodium alginate and liquid nitrogen as standard stock in the kitchen these days. The movement has revolutionized the way chefs consider food, traditional cooking methods and the sensory experience of a meal.
ANYWAY, in this video, monsieur This gives a lecture/demonstration on gastrochemistry that will blow your mind. Its brain candy for foodies and scientists alike, fed to us by the cutest crazy old Frenchman ever. I know its long, but turn in on during your lunch break for a little side of knowledge with your sandwich!
"We transformed liquid, yellow, transparent product into a solid white one. This is a miracle better than Jesus Christ was transforming water into wine."
For those of you that don't know, MG incorporates the awesomest parts of chemistry and food science in order to cook food on a molecular level. Its the reason so many restaurants keep sodium alginate and liquid nitrogen as standard stock in the kitchen these days. The movement has revolutionized the way chefs consider food, traditional cooking methods and the sensory experience of a meal.
ANYWAY, in this video, monsieur This gives a lecture/demonstration on gastrochemistry that will blow your mind. Its brain candy for foodies and scientists alike, fed to us by the cutest crazy old Frenchman ever. I know its long, but turn in on during your lunch break for a little side of knowledge with your sandwich!
"We transformed liquid, yellow, transparent product into a solid white one. This is a miracle better than Jesus Christ was transforming water into wine."
Check out this Star Trek Menorah. Too bad we're not Jewish, am I right?
Found here.Oh and congrats Joanna Childsface. He SeesYou You're Sleeping... was our 100th post!
Sketchy Santas is a website totally devoted to creepy-looking Santas and/or terrified children. It's hilarious and will satisfy the Grinch in everybody.
Who knew you could do such cool things with a bagel?
A bagel is a geometric marvel all on its own—leave it to an MIT Ph.D. and mathematically minded sculptor to up the ante.
Professor and artist George Hart figures out how to cut a bagel into two congruent halves—they "pass through each other's holes, like two links of a chain." One bagel. Two halves. Unbroken. Interlocking.
Impossible, you say? Not when "the motion of the knife follows the surface of a two-twist Möbius strip." Yes, in a single long knife cut, you can transform an everyday bagel into two linked halves. And the best part?
It is much more fun to put cream cheese on these bagels than on an ordinary bagel. In additional to the intellectual stimulation, you get more cream cheese, because there is slightly more surface area.
This is a revelation. We're running out to pick up a few bagels and follow his step-by-step instructions. Until then, just take his word for it.
30 Rock. A major transition for the writers--GE is mentioned in every show. Alec Baldwin chimes in on how Jack Donaghy might take it:"I wanted my character to barricade himself in his office, and he would not take orders from anyone at Comcast,” he said. “And I would only take orders from Jack Welch — that guy doesn’t even work at G.E. anymore."
Oh yeah, and Comcast, please don't kill Hulu.
As viral emails go, this is a good one. I found this in my mailbox this morning. Pretty funny.
"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever.Great stories. But two things made me take it down. First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as people almost wrecked when they drove by.
Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder and almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."
This list is declared null and void due to the absence of a single character from The Big Bang Theory, and the addition of characters I have never heard of. If anybody still reads this blog, I propose we create our own.
Ill start. Top 5 Dorks That Should Have Made The List.
Topher Brink (Dollhouse)- Techie dork. Whiz Kid in charge of programming all the actives in the Dollhouse. While we usually see Topher too full of his own genius to consider the moral ramifications of what he does, but he has been known to suffer sudden attacks of conscience.
Quote: The human mind is like Van Halen. If you just pull out one piece and keep replacing it, it just degenerates.
Kenneth Parcell (30 Rock)- Down home dork. Super dedicated NBC pageboy for TGS, Kenneth somehow manages to be sweet, awkward, creepy and hilarious all at the same time.
Quote: Mr. Donaghy, I wasn't sure if you were going to participate in this year's pumpkin carving contest or, like last year, I should go jump up my own ass.
Temperance Brennan (Bones)- Emotionally Stunted Dork. While every member of the Squint Squad is a dork in their own special way, they all have SOME grasp on what constitutes "normalcy". Except for Bones, which is why she will always been Queen of the Lab.
Quote: I've known for some time how stupid you are. What I just said is... true. And yet it... really sounded wrong. What I should say is that I don't care how stupid you are... It's not any better?
Landry Clarke (Friday Night Lights)- Dorky Best Friend. The best sidekick anyone could ask for, ever-loyal Landry offers up some of the most honest, hilarious moments in Panther football.
Quote: "Here's to Tyra. I'm in your house... with strippers... and God bless all who enter here!"
Leonard Hoftstadter & Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)- Dork Bromance. Because neither one could be bearable without the other, I put Sheldon and Leonard together, as they should be. The greatest TV dorks of the decade.
Quote: Sheldon: Are you upset about something?
Leonard : What was your first clue?
Sheldon : Well there was a number of things. First the late hour, then you demeanors seems very low energy plus your irritability...
Leonard : Yes I'm upset!
Sheldon : Oh... I don't usually pick up on those things. Good for me.
Leonard : Yeah good for you.
Sheldon : (walks away and then turns back) Oh, wait. Did you want to talk about what's bothering you?
Leonard : I don't know... maybe.
Sheldon : Wow! I'm on fire tonight.
Quote: The human mind is like Van Halen. If you just pull out one piece and keep replacing it, it just degenerates.
Kenneth Parcell (30 Rock)- Down home dork. Super dedicated NBC pageboy for TGS, Kenneth somehow manages to be sweet, awkward, creepy and hilarious all at the same time.
Quote: Mr. Donaghy, I wasn't sure if you were going to participate in this year's pumpkin carving contest or, like last year, I should go jump up my own ass.
Temperance Brennan (Bones)- Emotionally Stunted Dork. While every member of the Squint Squad is a dork in their own special way, they all have SOME grasp on what constitutes "normalcy". Except for Bones, which is why she will always been Queen of the Lab.
Quote: I've known for some time how stupid you are. What I just said is... true. And yet it... really sounded wrong. What I should say is that I don't care how stupid you are... It's not any better?
Landry Clarke (Friday Night Lights)- Dorky Best Friend. The best sidekick anyone could ask for, ever-loyal Landry offers up some of the most honest, hilarious moments in Panther football.
Quote: "Here's to Tyra. I'm in your house... with strippers... and God bless all who enter here!"
Leonard Hoftstadter & Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)- Dork Bromance. Because neither one could be bearable without the other, I put Sheldon and Leonard together, as they should be. The greatest TV dorks of the decade.
Quote: Sheldon: Are you upset about something?
Leonard : What was your first clue?
Sheldon : Well there was a number of things. First the late hour, then you demeanors seems very low energy plus your irritability...
Leonard : Yes I'm upset!
Sheldon : Oh... I don't usually pick up on those things. Good for me.
Leonard : Yeah good for you.
Sheldon : (walks away and then turns back) Oh, wait. Did you want to talk about what's bothering you?
Leonard : I don't know... maybe.
Sheldon : Wow! I'm on fire tonight.
In what is probably the best-titled article to ever be published in the Botanical Journal of he Linnean Society, British scientists have announced that there are approximately 50% more meat-eating plants in the world than we originally thought. In the article, "Murderous plants: Victorian Gothic, Darwin and modern insights into vegetable carnivory", it is explained that there are TWO types of carnivorous behavior in the plant kingdom.
The first, "active carnivory" is what we traditionally think of when we consider meat-eating plants. A plant that traps, kills, and eats its prey (like a Venus Flytrap) is an active carnivore. Flies are attracted to the leaves of the plant, which then snap open and closed to trap it before it releases digestive enzymes to kill the fly and use the nutrients to grow.
The second type, a "passive carnivory", still contains the three elements (attract, trap, eat) but does not produce digestive enzymes. A passively carnivorous plant will attract an insect in the usual ways, then trap it using any number of means (from tiny, sticky hairs to a pitcher trap), the bug will die of natural causes (starvation, drowning, respectively) and outside forces like bacteria, fungi, etc. will break down the carcass into nutrients for the plant to absorb through its roots. Essentially, these guys are making their own fertilizer.These newly crowned carnivores aren't the exotic, remote freaks of nature you're used to, either. They live and eat in YOUR OWN BACKYARD. The article reveals that tomatoes, bromeliads, potatoes, tobacco and even the seemingly innocent petunia are actually slow, methodical killers.
In a classic example of British understatement, the researchers say that "We are accustomed to think of plants as being immobile and harmless, and there is something deeply unnerving about the thought of carnivorous plants".
In honor of Glacier National Park being open for 100 years, photographer Chris Peterson spent 100 straight days schlepping around the trails taking incredible photos. They will be part of a traveling show next year, but you can see at least one amazing shot from each day at the project's blog here. This actually makes me miss the outdoors. Well done, Chris.
David Bukszpan, an NY based designer, started a company called Novel-T, which designs baseball shirts with literary themes!
And despite owning a start-up business in a struggling economy, it seems like he's holding his own. Says Bukszpan:
"The shirts are selling very well. Not 'Going Rogue' well, but more like 'a popular literary novel translated from the French' well."
Bonus: Novel-T donates $1 per shirt to 826NYC. They've raised $700 already, and have a goal to donate $1000 by the new year.
"The shirts are selling very well. Not 'Going Rogue' well, but more like 'a popular literary novel translated from the French' well."
Bonus: Novel-T donates $1 per shirt to 826NYC. They've raised $700 already, and have a goal to donate $1000 by the new year.
It's hard not to "awww" at the adorableness of this picture. It's from a Flickr pool called Cats Love Macs, and is definitely one of the coolest uses I've seen for an old iMac. And before you ask, yes, I'm totally going to do it. Screw fishbowls. The Flickr pool is pretty cool, and you can expect lots of face-melting cuteness like this:
Yes, I know, I have a problem. I can't help it, I love macs and love cats. And one day I will have BOTH! Mwahahaha. Next idea: Windows PC litter box. All that crap's gotta go somewhere, eh?
via CultofMac
Memories of the Future is Wil Wheaton's newest book, in which we re-watched the first season of STTNG and wrote down his geeky perspective on each episode, including behind-the-scenes commentary and "snarky" dialog. As a preview to his book, Wil created Memories of the Futurecast, a podcast where he reads excerpts from each chapter, covering the first 13 episodes.
It's funny, interesting, and each episode is only about eight minutes long. Something to listen to while wasting time on Facebook. Oh, and he has a mug, which may or may not be awesome. (And his voice is surprisingly deep, but as with any good geek, gets way more high pitched when excited.)
While you're at it, you can check out his blog here.
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