Neatorama

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• Pee Wee Themed Fun At Fafa's Playhouse
• The Most Beautiful College Dorms in the World
• And Here Are Some Bear Cubs Playing with Rope Swings
• Nice Bass Trophy Head
• Onion Soufflé Cooked Inside an Onion
• Diabolical Death Rays from the PopSci Archives
• IBM Scientists Distinguish Individual Molecular Bonds
• 10 Memorable Quotes from Video Game History
• Catnapped!
• Action Abstraction: Abstract Superheroes by David Leblanc
• Back Off!
• Pumpkin Poop
• Fantasmagorik Superhero by Nicolas Obery
• Fisherman Reels in Live Grenade
• Eyeball Light Up Bottle Stopper
• Face Genes Control Human Facial Shape
• The Manliness Rap Battle
• Let it Bean: The Beatles Abbey Road Recreated with Breakfast Food
• Enormous Puffball
• The Doomed Star Eta Carinae
• Hello Kitty Handgun
• 4 Kinds of Urine You Can Buy Right Now
• McDonalds in a Mansion
• Got Me a Beard
• The New Tablet
• Cat Sunglasses
• This Week at Neatorama
• The Kalamazoo Promise

Pee Wee Themed Fun At Fafa's Playhouse Posted: 16 Sep 2012 05:00 AM PDT (YouTube Link) FaFa's Playhouse is brought to you by Glove and Boots and the letters P-W, as in Pee Wee Herman! Watch a couple of puppets pay homage to the comedic genius in a suit and bow tie known as Mr. Herman, aka Paul Reubens-a guy who's worthy of puppet praise and accolades. And did we mention how cute Fa-Fa looks in his little Pee Wee inspired suit? *grin* --via Cheezburger

The Most Beautiful College Dorms in the World Posted: 16 Sep 2012 04:00 AM PDT So, you got stuck in a 1970s-built bunker with no air conditioning and a smelly roommate? Some college dorms are like that, even to the point of splitting rooms into more rooms to make room for all those incoming freshman. Then there are places like Willow Street Residence Hall at Tulane University, which you see here. See more of the nicest dorms in the world at Flavorwire. Link (Image credit: Mack Scogin/Merrill Elam Architects)

And Here Are Some Bear Cubs Playing with Rope Swings Posted: 16 Sep 2012 03:00 AM PDT They're so cute when they're too small to maul you to death. According to The FW, YouTube user pennywhelan took the footage in her backyard. It's not terribly uncommon — if you live in the right area — but it never hurts to add another video of baby animals doing something adorable to the internet. Link

Nice Bass Trophy Head Posted: 16 Sep 2012 02:00 AM PDT Nice Bass Trophy Head - $29.95 Do you have a really nice bass? Show it off this Halloween with the Nice Bass Trophy Head from the NeatoShop. This fabulous polyfoam costume is the story of legends. Warning: People may repeatedly request that you sing Take Me To The River. Can't figure out what to be this Halloween? Be sure to check out the Easy Halloween Costumes For Lazy People section at the NeatoShop.  Link

Onion Soufflé Cooked Inside an Onion Posted: 16 Sep 2012 02:00 AM PDT First, boil the onions to soften them. Then core them down to one or two layers. Don't go too thin, or you'll later suffer a containment breach. Fill them with the soufflé mix and bake for 30 minutes at about 400°F. Link (Translation) -via Tasteologie

Diabolical Death Rays from the PopSci Archives Posted: 16 Sep 2012 01:00 AM PDT Death rays and high tech weapons were popular fixtures in popular fiction of the 20s and 30s, but it turns out they were also on the minds of scientists at the time, too, who strove to recreate some of scifi's most devastating weapons right here on Earth. Thanks to the PopSci archives, we can look back and laugh at the silly death rays that almost were (especially since, in the end, they weren't). And, of course: "[I]t's not all doom and gloom. Sometimes the rays rained death upon germs, or cancer. And one brave soul realized that the horrible power of a death ray was too much to entrust a human to wield, so he vowed never to reveal its secret, for the good of mankind." Link | Photo

IBM Scientists Distinguish Individual Molecular Bonds Posted: 16 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT IBM scientists in Zurich, Switzerland, who captured the first close-up image of a single molecule (a pentacene back in 2009), and the charge distribution of a single molecule, has scored another scientific first: they were able to distinguish chemical bonds in individual molecules using noncontact atomic force microscopy. "We found two different contrast mechanisms to distinguish bonds. The first one is based on small differences in the force measured above the bonds. We expected this kind of contrast but it was a challenge to resolve," said IBM scientist Leo Gross. "The second contrast mechanism really came as a surprise: Bonds appeared with different lengths in AFM measurements. With the help of ab initio calculations we found that the tilting of the carbon monoxide molecule at the tip apex is the cause of this contrast." [...] The individual bonds between carbon atoms in such molecules differ subtly in their length and strength. All the important chemical, electronic, and optical properties of such molecules are related to the differences of bonds in the polyaromatic systems. Now, for the first time, these differences were detected for both individual molecules and bonds. This can increase basic understanding at the level of individual molecules, important for research on novel electronic devices, organic solar cells, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In particular, the relaxation of bonds around defects in graphene as well as the changing of bonds in chemical reactions and in excited states could potentially be studied. Link | Images from IBM Research's Bond-Order Discrimination by Atomic Force Microscopy Flickr photoset

10 Memorable Quotes from Video Game History Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:00 PM PDT Just like movie buffs and bookworms, avid gamers have favorite memorable quotes that only others with shared interests will recognize. And though I disagree that number one on this list is more memorable than number five ("You have died of dysentery," from Oregon Trail), it is a good cross-section of notable gaming quotables. (Bonus points for Bad Dudes appearance.) Link

Catnapped! Posted: 15 Sep 2012 10:00 PM PDT What happened to all the milkmen? People just don't disappear ... can they? Behold the diabolical scheme of Bertrum Thumbcat, the feline evil genius who wanted to steal all Cravendale milk on Earth. Hit play or go to Link [YouTube]

Action Abstraction: Abstract Superheroes by David Leblanc Posted: 15 Sep 2012 09:00 PM PDT David Leblanc, Action Abstraction No. 17: "...Unbound!" As a boy, like many others, artist David Leblanc was fascinated with comics. When he was older and studying art at UMass/Dartmouth, he began incorporating Action Comics covers into his large-scale abstract works. After struggling for many years with how to integrate this boyhood passion in to my paintings, I stumbled upon a book comprised of Action Comics covers featuring Superman from the 1930’s and 1940’s. The book became the inspiration for my signature Action series combining the elements of Abstract Expressionism and the Pop Art elements of comic books. Now he sells his awesome comics-inspired art through Action Abstraction Studio, home of works like the one shown above and manymore acrylic enamel works, mostof which are at least 4 feet tall. Galleries -via Facebook  (h/t Stephan Anstey)

Back Off! Posted: 15 Sep 2012 08:00 PM PDT Only at Walmart (where else?), as spotted by People of Walmart. Phew!

Pumpkin Poop Posted: 15 Sep 2012 07:00 PM PDT So that's what they call candy corn these days! Makes it less appetizing, and that means more for me! Link -via WTFPinterest

Fantasmagorik Superhero by Nicolas Obery Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:00 PM PDT Fantasmagorik Iron Man by Nicolas Obery French designer Nicolas Obery recreates your favorite superheroes and science fiction characters like you've never seen them before. His black and white Fantasmagorik style is a treat to behold! Take a look at more excellent examples of Nicolas' artwork over at Behance: Link

Fisherman Reels in Live Grenade Posted: 15 Sep 2012 05:00 PM PDT In proper grenade fishing, you're supposed to throw grenades, not catch them. Tell that to Matt Tucker, who was fishing in a lake near Springfield, Missouri: He noticed an old sock near his lure and pulled the odd bit of trash out of the lake. Inside the sock? A Vietnam-era pineapple hand grenade with the safety pin still intact. “I felt the weight to it and felt the ridges of the pineapple and knew what it was,” said Tucker, who formerly served in the Army. “I looked at it and found it wasn’t a dud — it wasn’t drilled out." Was it a live grenade? According to a US Army bomb disposal technician, yes: “The pin was still in it,” Herbert said. “Based on the X-rays we saw, I’m going to call it armed,” Herbert said. Let's just be glad he wasn't noodling. Link -via Brian J. Noggle | Photo: Springfield Fire Department

Eyeball Light Up Bottle Stopper Posted: 15 Sep 2012 04:00 PM PDT Eyeball Light Up Bottle Stopper - $12.95 (sold individually) Halloween is right around the corner. Are you worried that ghouls and goblins after your favorite bottle of liquid courage? Keep an eye on your precious bottle of wine with the Eyeball Light Up Bottle Stopper from the NeatoShop. The Eyeball lights with with a LED Light. This barware item is a real scream.  The Eyeball Light Up Bottle Stopper is available in green, orange, and purple. Buy one or buy all three.  Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Barware & Cocktail items! Link

Face Genes Control Human Facial Shape Posted: 15 Sep 2012 04:00 PM PDT What did the suspect look like? With the discovery of five genes involved in facial form, perhaps one day the police won't need eyewitnesses or surveillance cameras - all they'd need is a little bit of DNA: Lead author Manfred Kayser from the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said: "These are exciting first results that mark the beginning of the genetic understanding of human facial morphology. "Perhaps some time it will be possible to draw a phantom portrait of a person solely from his or her DNA left behind, which provides interesting applications such as in forensics." Link | The study over at PLoS Genetics

The Manliness Rap Battle Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:00 PM PDT (YouTube link) Even in modern-day Suburbia, a human male's instinct to assert dominance can pop up when you least expect it. Rhett and Link demonstrate an episode of one-upmanship in rap form. -via Irene's Internet

Let it Bean: The Beatles Abbey Road Recreated with Breakfast Food Posted: 15 Sep 2012 02:00 PM PDT Photo: Paul Baker/Frank PR Ah, a day in the life of a food sculptor. Paul Baker was commissioned by Beefeater Grill to recreate a famous photo using food from the restaurant's menu. So, after a hard day's night (actually four days), Paul came up with this rendition of Abbey Road, a masterpiece titled "Let It Bean": Link Ringo Starr made from bacon? That'll be the day!

Enormous Puffball Posted: 15 Sep 2012 01:00 PM PDT Judith Huf spotted this gigantic puffball fungus while photographing butterflies at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Wisconsin. She put her hat and glasses on it to give you a sense of its size. Link -via TYWKIWDBI | Photo: Judith Huf

The Doomed Star Eta Carinae Posted: 15 Sep 2012 12:00 PM PDT J. Hester/Arizona state University, NASA/ESA Boom! You're looking at the doomed binary star Eta Carinae which looks like it's exploding. The two lobes are actually hot gaseous matters and dust which are moving outwards at about 1,500,000 mph. Each of those lobes is about the size of our solar system (Eta Carinae itself is about 100 more massive than our own Sun). First catalogued by astronomer Edmond Halley (of the Halley's Comet fame), Eta Carinae is a very odd star. In the mid 1800s, the star brightened significantly like it was going supernova, but actually, it didn't really explode. Eta Carinae survived though probably not for long. Astronomers surmise that because of its mass and stage of life, Eta Carianae is expected to explode in a supernova or even hypernova sometime in the future. How soon? Nobody knows. It could be next year or a hundred thousand years from today. In the meantime, enjoy the photos! Via Neatorama Facebook Page, where we've got tons more neat stuff!

Hello Kitty Handgun Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:00 AM PDT It has hearts, inlaid Swarovski crystals and a cool camouflage pattern. In short, this customized Sig Sauer P226 by TJ's Custom Gunworks has everything a man would want to keep in his holster.  Maker's Website -via Gun Holsters News

4 Kinds of Urine You Can Buy Right Now Posted: 15 Sep 2012 10:00 AM PDT Most people have no shortage of urine, but others require a packaged alternative for... whatever reason. Science, probably. Conveniently, Holytaco has roundedup some useful sources for procuring urine that is not your own. Thanks? Link | Photo: pinprick

McDonalds in a Mansion Posted: 15 Sep 2012 09:00 AM PDT This is a McDonalds outlet in New Hyde Park, Long Island, New York. McDonalds didn't set out to make one of their restaurants this beautiful. The Georgian mansion called The Denton House is over 200 years old -or at least parts of it are. It's been passed around and used as everything from a restaurant to a funeral home.    By 1986, it was abandoned and on the verge of falling down. McDonalds purchased the property with the intention of tearing it down and replacing it with a standard McDonald’s restaurant. Thank God for the citizens of the New Hyde Park, who worked to secure landmark status for the building in 1987. McDonald’s had no choice but to restore the property and work within the parameters of the landmarks commission, which ultimately resulted in their most beautiful restaurant in America (if you know of a better example, please let me know). You can read more about the history of the Denton House, and see lots of pictures, both historical and the gorgeous interior of the present McDonalds at Scouting New York. Link -via Cynical-C

Got Me a Beard Posted: 15 Sep 2012 08:00 AM PDT (YouTube link) The Beards is an Australian band that produces songs about facial hair. Really. Here's their latest music video, "Got Me a Beard," which tells the story of a man who left a girlfriend because she wanted him to shave. -via the Presurfer

The New Tablet Posted: 15 Sep 2012 07:01 AM PDT The great thing about new gadgets and their popularity is that it makes replacement components for my dinosaur desktop all that much cheaper. Comic from The Doghouse Diaries. Link -via Geeks Are Sexy

Cat Sunglasses Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:00 AM PDT Cat Sunglasses - $7.95 Are you on the prowl for the purr-fect pair of sunglasses for the Fall season? Now is the time to get in touch with your feline side with the very sassy Cat Sunglasses from the NeatoShop. These glasses are the cat's meow! Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more unusual Eyewear!  Link

This Week at Neatorama Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:00 AM PDT One of the things we're trying to do with the new Neatorama is get your feedback on the kind of posts you like to see, so we can bring more of those type to you. There are several ways you can let us know your preferences. Of course, you can leave comments below any post. An even easier way to lodge your opinion is the little ♥ that appears at the top of each item. Click that, and we'll know that someone likes that post. We also keep track of how many Pins, Tweets, or Facebook likes each post gets -and you can find buttons for those things at the bottom of each post, as well as a way to email that item to your friends. And if you don't let us know which posts you like, other people will! Thanks to everyone who comments, Tweets, ♥, etc -because that's information we need to know to keep Neatorama on the ball! This week we introduced feature-length exclusive articles to our new Halloween blog. This week we had The Stories Behind Three Classic Halloween Movies and its sequel The Stories Behind Three More Horror Classics. As we get closer to the holiday, there will be more exclusive articles on Halloween lore, costumes, decorations, and fun stuff you'll want to read. Make sure you check out the Neatorama Halloween blog every day! Here at the main site, Jill Harness introduced us to 8 Animals Who Have Tried Their Paws & Hooves At Politics. Eddie Deezen told us all about Toto, The Wizard of Oz Dog (1932-1945) and The Beatles' Troublesome Butcher Album Cover. The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity Suggest a Better Way to Choose Politicians came from The Annals of Improbable Research. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader contributed The History of Glass. And How the French Revolution Gave Birth to the Restaurant Business was reprinted from mental_floss magazine. In the What Is It? game this week, the little thing you were asked to identify is a device to hold golf tees and ball markers. Berhard was first with the correct answer, and wins a t-shirt! As for the funniest answer, pismonque said, Well, it used to be a robot centipede, before some cruel little fiend pulled all its legs off and made it into a keychain. Some people shouldn't be allowed to have nice things. Yep, that's worth a t-shirt as well! Thanks to everyone who played this week. You'll find the answers to all this week's mystery items at the What Is It? blog. The Neatorama Caption Contest: Beon Sleeps is still open for your entries. There are t-shirts from the NeatoShop up for grabs! The post with the most comments this week was We Should Ban Life Jackets & Other Flotation Devices, followed by Is It Unprofessional for a College Professor to Breastfeed During Class? If you haven't put your two cents worth in yet, go see what all the fuss is about. And if that isn't enough Neatorama for you, we have extra content and fun at our Facebook page, Twitter, and Pinterest. And mobile users: Flipboard makes it easy to keep up with Neatorama!

The Kalamazoo Promise Posted: 15 Sep 2012 05:24 AM PDT In 2005, Kalamazoo, Michigan, went from a somewhat below-average place to live to a powerful magnet of a city in just one day. Seven years later, the New York Times magazine looks at how the hope of higher education has transformed the town. Back in November 2005, when this year’s graduates were in sixth grade, the superintendent of Kalamazoo’s public schools, Janice M. Brown, shocked the community by announcing that unnamed donors were pledging to pay the tuition at Michigan’s public colleges, universities and community colleges for every student who graduated from the district’s high schools. All of a sudden, students who had little hope of higher education saw college in their future. Called the Kalamazoo Promise, the program — blind to family income levels, to pupils’ grades and even to disciplinary and criminal records — would be the most inclusive, most generous scholarship program in America. It would also mark the start of an important social experiment. From the very beginning, Brown, the only person in town who communicates directly with the Promise donors, has suggested that the program is supposed to do more than just pay college bills. It’s primarily meant to boost Kalamazoo’s economy. The few restrictions — among them, children must reside in the Kalamazoo public-school district and graduate from one of its high schools — seem designed to encourage families to stay and work in the region for a long time. The program tests how place-based development might work when education is the first investment. Since The Promise was made, student test scores have gone up, the school district's enrollment increased by 2,000 students, $35 million has been granted in tuition money, and Kalamazoo is now a place to which families want to move. The program has also inspired other towns and school districts to compete by helping more students pay for college. Link -via Kottke

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