Cool. I’ll probably come by and check it out.
Featured Short: Astonish Me, the WWF-UK Film Featuring Newly Discovered Species
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hO5FFRykOA
A magical tale of adventure and discovery showcasing some of the extraordinary species recently found around the world. ‘Astonish Me’ has been created by acclaimed writer Stephen Poliakoff and director Charles Sturridge to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Watch the film here now, then enter the WWF “Odd One Out” competition! Winners will receive a trip to Monterey, where they will find out how new species discoveries are made, see fantastic wildlife and go behind the scenes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. The pictures and stories from your trip will be used to inspire others about the natural world.*
But here’s the best part: All of those new species presented in the film can be found on the site with some interesting info for each. The huge insect under the magnifying glass? Here:
The longest insect in the world, the Chan’s Megastick, found in the forests of Borneo, was only described by science in 2008. Over half a metre long and living high in the forest canopy, only three specimens of this elusive creature have ever been found, one of which can now be seen at the Natural History Museum, London.
The list includes the Colossal Squid, Goodman’s mouse lemur, rainbow-colored Apistogramma baenschi and lots of others, like the ridiculously beautiful Sunda clouded leopard. Find them all here.
Big thanks to the WWF-UK for sharing!
*Find out more. There are also loads of great runner-up prizes, all worth the few minutes of playing a game. Closing date is 21 August 2011. See full terms and conditions.
15 Things You Didn’t Know About Outer Space [Infographic]
Well, kind of. You probably know some of these (thanks, Alien!), but there’s interesting info between the points that are pretty obvious.
(Clicking the image will take you to a slightly larger version.)
[reddit]
Where’s WALL-E? [Pic]
(Click image to embiggen.)
Things you’ll look for right away: WALL-E, Bender Bending Rodriguez, Daleks, c3PO.
Things you’ll see before all of those: R2D2, Rosie, Sonny.
If you need an even larger version, check it out here at 1450×987.
[Hopewell Studios via G.TDW]
Perks of Being an English Major [Comic]
It’s pretty much exactly like this.
[source]
Awesome: LEGO 3D Milling Machine [Video]
Arthur Sacek built this kick-ass three axis milling machine using only LEGO and a drill bit. The reveal is especially great, since the machine leaves most of the floral foam shavings intact and the sculpture is only uncovered after clearing away the debris. According to Sacek’s YouTube channel, this model was developed for ZOOM Education for Life.
Thanks, Dan!
[brothers-brick]
Flashback: The Internet in 1995 on MTV News [Video]
This video is so old that Billy Corgan, Dave Matthews and Moby still had hair. Also, people knew who they were. Coolio shows up, which seems as though it bears mentioning.
Watch as the world discovers email, chat, and Twinkie haiku. The video also warns that the World Wide Web is filled with naughty material, and “the hypersensitive, the humor impaired and Puritans of every stripe” need not apply. If only 1995 had any idea. (Lookin’ at you, Nyan Cat.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmboEjwJwFU&feature=player_embedded
“Where can I hook up my modem?” – Sandra Bullock, because she was super-techy.
Conan O’Brien Confronts Harrison Ford About the Star Wars Holiday Special [Video]
It was an embarrassing time for all Star Wars fans, to be sure, but the stars of George Lucas’ Star Wars Holiday Special may never live it down. In the following clip, Conan O’Brien asks Han Solo himself, “What’s that about?”
[reddit]