Stan Lee's Cameo Appearances

Last Friday was Stan Lee's 90th birthday. Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) is an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, media producer, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Watch all Stan Lee's cameo appearances from the trial of the Incredible Hulk till the amazing Spider-Man.



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The Silver Fox: Vivacious Variant of Vulpes Vulpes

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Many people think the silver fox is a species related to the red fox. But they are the same species. The silver fox looks so different to the red because of something called melanism. Effectively, this is the opposite of albinism - it is the development of a dark pigment in the skin or fur of animals.

So, although a silver fox may look like a visiting relative it is still the Vulpes vulpes that we see more regularly in its red form. However, the rarity of this melanistic mutation has meant that throughout history the silver fox has been even more persecuted than its red counterpart.

New York - The Big City Time Lapse Video

A time lapse video by Pedro Simão, shot during 6 days in New York city.



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(thanks Pedro)

How To Photograph Fireworks Displays

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Fireworks Displays are something that evoke a lot of emotion in people as they are not only beautiful and spectacular to watch but they also are often used to celebrate momentous occasions. But how do you photograph fireworks displays?

Of course it's not just a matter of going out finding a fireworks display - there are, as usual, things you can do to improve your results. With New Years Eve just around the corner here are a few fireworks digital photography tips.

The 1,000-Year-Old Wooden Bridges That Keep Modern China Moving

Still standing and still in every-day use - the arched wooden bridges built in China nearly 1,000 years ago demonstrate the true skill of the master craftsmen who first constructed them. These stunning structures show how not every part of China has been altered by its remarkable rate of development.

The bridges, suspended between two banks of lush greenery and built from the wood of the trees surrounding them, are still a fully functional part of life in the Fuijan and Zhejiang provinces along China's south east coast.

The Squirrel And The Swallow

The squirrel makes friends with the swallow. When the swallow is in danger he tries everything to save her. Inspired on a story by Dutch author Toon Tellegen. Directed by Arjan Boeve.



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(thanks Cora)

How A Slot Machine Mechanic Flew 150,000 Miles Over 64 Days Without Landing

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Maybe you've never heard of the Hacienda Hotel, but you may have seen a Cessna 172 with 'Hacienda' plastered on the side in big, goofy letters hanging in the Las Vegas airport. They're connected. The plane's owner worked at the Hacienda, and, along with a co-pilot, set the record for the longest manned, refueled flight in 1959 by traveling 150,000 miles without landing.

Here's how (and why) they did it.

(via mental_floss)

Panda Cub Has A Ball

The San Diego Zoo's panda cub, Xiao Liwu, was eager to play with a plastic ball. Panda keepers gave the cub the ball to test his coordination and encourage him to play with new objects.



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(via Everlasting Blort)

The Father Of The Countdown

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10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1... Blast off! We've all seen the classic countdown, you know, in every film about astronauts, every TV documentary about astronauts, every cartoon about astronauts, and even on I Dream of Jeannie. And live from Kennedy Space Center, too!

Interestingly enough, the creator of the classic countdown didn't work at NASA or Cape Kennedy. The creator of the countdown was actually a motion picture director. His name was Fritz Lang.

Abandoned In Iceland

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It is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Iceland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, has a temperate climate and has been settled for more than a millennium.

Yet despite having a population of only just over three hundred thousand, the majestic countryside of Iceland is dotted with the ruins of houses and other buildings abandoned when they were no longer needed or their inhabitants were forced to move on. Take a look at some of the abandoned buildings of Iceland with some imposing views thrown in for good measure.

Helmet Oddity

A tribute to all space helmets in cinema.



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(thanks Cora)

12 Wonderful Winter Pools

Outdoor Winter Pools are usually found in luxury ski resorts, spas or hotels. In the winter months they are heated, and the temperature of their water exceeds 30°C (86°F) although are surrounded by snow and ice. These luxurious pools usually have amazing views of the mountains covered with snow, so bathing in them represents a special experience.

(thanks Bosko)

Hidden Chinese Emperors Tomb May Be Too Deadly To Explore

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After discovering a secret palace hidden in the massive burial complex of China's first emperor, Chinese technicians are nervous. Not because Qin Shi Huang's tomb is the most important archeological discovery since Tutankhamun, but because they believe his burial place is full of deadly traps that will kill any trespassers. Not to talk about deadly quantities of mercury.

Archeologists working at the excavation said that 'it's like having a present all wrapped at home, knowing that inside is what you always wanted, and not being able to open it.' But, at the same time, nobody wants to be the first to get inside because of the mausoleum's dangerous traps. But it's not clear if the traps are really there, even while many texts describe them.

The World's Hottest Burger

A super-spicy burger so hot it must be eaten wearing protective gloves has gone on sale - but only to over-18s who sign a disclaimer. The mega-hot Atomic Fallout burger, which contains two of the world's hottest chillies, contains a sauce registering a volcanic 1million on the Scoville scale.

Chefs at Atomic Burger, Bristol, used two of the world's hottest chillies to create it, the Naga Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Chilli, and the Scotch Bonnet. And the burger's size is almost as daunting as its spiciness, with the usual bun replaced by two deep fried pizza slices. The Atomic Fallout also contains 18oz of minced beef as well as 18oz of cheese and is served up with a triple portion of chilli fries.

(via Neatorama)

10 Spectacular Underground Homes Around The World

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Even though it's uncommon, some people prefer to live underground. It's an interesting alternative to regular homes and whether it's a decision based on style, personal preferences and the wish to recreate an image from a movie, living in any of these homes must be unique. You will be surprised to see how similar these homes are to those almost everyone has gotten used with.

Winter Solstice

Video by Ben with music from Gary B. about some nice winterdays in the Netherlands.



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(thanks Cora)

All You Need To Know About Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States (and, more recently, Canada) but also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.

Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba): Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67. All You Need To Know About Kwanzaa.

Don Aslett's Museum Of Clean

Tucked away in the town of Pocatello in Idaho is perhaps the most bizarre museum.
The Museum of Clean is the latest ambitious venture of America's undisputed Cleaning King: Don Aslett.

Don Aslett has been battling dirt and grime for over fifty years, after establishing a janitorial service called Varsity Contractors in 1957 to help finance his studies at Idaho State University. His business grew quickly and eventually became one of the country's biggest cleaning services, today boasting over 30 offices around the country.

(thanks Juergen)

What Makes A Halo Around The Sun Or Moon?

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A ring or circle of light around the sun or moon is called a halo. Solar and lunar haloes are pretty common, but they're so mysterious-looking that people often express amazement upon seeing them. They want to know: what causes a halo around the sun or moon?

Airbus A380-800 Landing At San Francisco Airport

Watch a Lufthansa Airbus A380-800 land on San Francisco Airport.



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(thanks Cora)

Question: Why Is My iPad Sending Me To A Presurfer Mobile Site

A couple of days ago I noticed that everytime I want to see The Presurfer on my iPad, it's sending me to a mobile site. Before that, the URL of the Presurfer took me to the regular site. Now the URL says: presurfer.blogspot.com/?m=1. Even when I type presurfer.blogspot.com, the iPad still adds the ?m=1 part. When I change the 1 into a 0, I can see the regular site.

I know that on Blogger (that's where The Presurfer is hosted) you can enable a mobile site. But I didn't do that. For a while I thought it had to be something on my side, but today I received an email from a Presurfer reader who experienced the same problem. Does anyone else have this problem? Maybe it's something Apple does. I have no clue. Does anyone know what's going on here?

Hunchback

(via Criggo)

Eating Asparagus May Prevent A Hangover

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Drinking to ring in the New Year may leave many suffering with the dreaded hangover. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists, the amino acids and minerals found in asparagus extract may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins.

Trüth, Beaüty, And Volapük

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Johann Schleyer was a German Roman Catholic priest whose irrational passion for umlauts may have been his undoing. During one sleepless night in 1879, he felt a Divine presence telling him to create a universal language. The result was Volapük.

In 1889, there were an estimated 283 clubs, 25 periodicals in or about Volapük, and 316 textbooks in 25 languages; at that time the language claimed nearly a million adherents. Volapük was largely displaced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specifically by Esperanto, Ido, and Interlingua.

Friday Cartoon By Mark Anderson

Mark Anderson is a professional cartoonist from the Chicago area. His cartoons have been published in Reader's Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Woman's World and the Saturday Evening Post, to mention just a few. Among his clients are GM, General Electric, FedEx, Microsoft, and IBM.

The 10 Most Expensive Cars Auctioned In 2012

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A list of the top 10 sales of cars at public auction from 2012.

Timeline Of Doctor Who

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme which depicts the adventures of a Time Lord - a time travelling, humanoid alien known as the Doctor. He explores the universe in his 'TARDIS', a sentient, telepathic time-and-space-travel machine that flies through the time vortex. Along with a succession of companions, the Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilisations, help ordinary people, and right wrongs.

Here's a complete timeline of Doctor Who from 1963 to present, including episodes, seasons, companions, villains, and more. Follow all the Doctor's adventures through time.

JibJab Year In Review 2012: The End Is Here!

Hurricanes! The fiscal cliff! Honey Boo Boo Child! The bizarre events of 2012 look a lot like omens of the apocalypse. JibJab takes inspiration from the Mayan calendar in an animated musical extravaganza looking back at possibly the last year we'll ever have to review. It's 2012, the end is here!



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What Do Astronauts Eat?

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In the early days of the U.S. space program, astronauts had to contend with freeze-dried powders and small cubes of food as well as gel-like liquids packaged in aluminum tubes. There wasn't a lot of flavour or choice either but eventually, when packaging improved, freeze-dried food had an expanded repertoire which came to include shrimp cocktail, butterscotch pudding and applesauce.

By the time NASA began its Apollo program in the early 1960s, hot water became available on missions and the hungry astronauts were able to rehydrate food easier and eat from a 'spoon bowl' - a plastic container which could be opened and eaten from. Food pouches came on board in the 1970s and those lucky astronauts had a menu of 72 different food items.

The Lost Wooden Churches Of Russia

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Crumbling and abandoned, the last remnants of Russia's wooden churches lay dotted in the woodlands of the country's north-western corner. Forgotten by many and in the process of being reclaimed by nature, the few remaining churches are exposed to the harsh elements without any hope of being salvaged.

The Armillary Sphere: The Marriage Of Science And Art

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You may have seen an armillary sphere before. At its heart there is something recognizable - the Earth. Around it is a bewildering array of rings, centered on our planet. All have distinct scientific functions yet the armillary sphere is also a profoundly beautiful object: art and science married in harmony.

Although the armillary sphere was superseded in the seventeenth century by the European telescope, surviving examples remain objects of fascination and wonder. The first question, of course, is what does it do? The second is invariably who invented it?

Snowboard Drag Lift Fail

How hard can it be to get on a snowboard drag lift? Not very hard, I guess. That's why I think this is fake. Nevertheless, it's kind of funny.



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Creator Of Thunderbirds Gerry Anderson Dies

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Gerry Anderson, the creator of classic TV series Thunderbirds and Stingray, died yesterday aged 83. Mr Anderson, who also created the Captain Scarlet and Joe 90 shows, had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for almost three years and died peacefully in his sleep.

Mr Anderson's most famous creation was the 1960s TV show Thunderbirds. The series - which used a form of marionette puppetry dubbed 'supermarionation' - became hugely popular around the world. His inspiration for Thunderbirds came from a mining disaster in West Germany in October 1963 that gave him the idea of forming a show about a rescue organisation.

The Eggheaded, Noggin-Filling Story Of Eggnog

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Eggnog is a sweetened dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk and/or cream, sugar, and whipped eggs. Brandy, rum, whisky, bourbon, vodka, or a combination of liquors are often added. The finished serving is often garnished with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

There's something deeply polarizing about eggnog. People either love it or hate it and of those that love it, even they are usually at opposing sides when it comes to homemade nog versus the commercial variety. Whether you love it and have drank gallons of it this year or hate it and gag at the very thought of it, here is a little trivia about the milky treat.

Nine Cutest Animals Of 2012

Cuddly animals are always popular on the Internet. Everyone likes funny or cute pictures and videos of animals. Enjoy this list of sweet little animals.

(thanks Bojan)

Outdoor Nativity Scene For Sale

Almost complete.

(via Criggo)

Things You Don't Know About Christmas Carols

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You've probably heard them over and over throughout the last month, and might even be dying for them to finally disappear again, but what do you actually know about Christmas songs other than the lyrics? Here are some fun facts about the carols you keep hearing.

What Is The Most Annoying Sound In The World?

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It's so universal that it's become a cliché: nails on a chalkboard! When it comes to noises that bother everyone's ears, it's seemingly a given that scraping fingernails across a slate board is the one that everyone hates most. But when a group of neuroscientists decided to test which sounds most upset the human brain, they discovered that fingernails on a chalkboard isn't number one.

It's not even number two. As part of their research, published last week in the Journal of Neuroscience, they put 16 participants in an MRI machine, played them a range of 74 different sounds and asked them to rate which were most annoying.

Rascal, The World's Ugliest Dog, Sings A Christmas Carol

Rascal is a Chinese Crested who won the title of World's Ugliest Dog in 2002. Since then he has been cast in four horror movies, seen on The View, Last Call with Carson Daly, and The Insider. He was featured in People magazine, Hello, Star, and has his own leash line, cartoon strip, and documentary.



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12 Of The World's Most Mysterious Monuments And Ruins

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Around the world, in places as diverse as Homestead, Florida and Yonaguni, Japan stand monuments and ruins whose origins are shrouded in mystery. Nobody knows exactly why Stonehenge was built, how a set of manmade ruins came to be submerged deep in the ocean or who commissioned a giant carved granite set of post-apocalyptic instructions for rebuilding society on a remote hill in Georgia.

What Does Randomness Look Like?

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In ancient history, the concepts of chance and randomness were intertwined with that of fate. Many ancient peoples threw dice to determine fate, and this later evolved into games of chance. Most ancient cultures used various methods of divination to attempt to circumvent randomness and fate.

Trying to work out whether a pattern of numbers is random may seem like an arcane mathematical game, but this couldn't be further from the truth. The study of random fluctuations has its roots in nineteenth century French criminal statistics. As France was rapidly urbanizing, population densities in cities began to shoot up, and crime and poverty became pressing social problems.

What Does Randomness Look Like?

The Strange Worlds Beyond Our Solar System

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Over the last two decades, astronomers have catalogued around 850 planets outside our Solar System. And the search for worlds orbiting other stars is turning up some weird and wonderful characters. From a scorched gas giant that's darker than coal, to a planet packed with diamond, here are some of the oddballs-in-chief.

Merry Christmas

Parrots Have Personal Musical Tastes

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They are known as great mimics, but now scientists have discovered that parrots also have varied musical tastes - and an intense dislike of dance tunes. Researchers monitored the listening preferences of a pair of African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and found that while one favoured soothing 'middle of the road' music, the other opted for more upbeat, modern pop.

Both birds also enjoyed rock and folk music and 'danced' along, by bobbing their heads and legs. They even 'sang along,' by squawking. But neither animal appreciated electronic dance music, which left them both distressed.

The Most Useless Machine Ever Created

The most useless machine ever created. Made of a broken printer.



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The Size Of The World Wide Web

How many web pages are there on the Internet? WorldWideWebSize estimates the numbers of pages indexed by Google, Bing, and Yahoo Search. From the sum of these estimations, an overlap between these search engines is subtracted. At the time of writing this, there are 8.31 billion pages.

Holiday Greeting Cards Through The Decades

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Families and friends have been sending each other holiday greetings for hundreds of years, but Christmas cards weren't a popular tradition until the late 1800s. However, it was the Valentine, already incredibly popular with Victorians, that laid the groundwork for the commercial success of its Christmas counterpart.

Many early Christmas cards were issued by Valentine publishers using similar designs and motifs, such as cupids and flowers. Consequently, they do not seem very seasonal to the modern eye.

Holland Vs The Netherlands

A lot of my regular vistors know that I'm from the Netherlands. The Netherlands are often referred to as 'Holland' although this is geographically incorrect. What's the difference between Holland and the Netherlands?



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(thanks Cora and Miss Rare)

Someone Familiar

It's an advertisement for a hair growth clinic and I'm sure I've seen that guy before.

(via Criggo)

Hierve El Agua - Mexico's Freeze Frame Falls

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As you approach Hierve el Agua you would be forgiven for thinking that you are about to witness close up one of nature's magnificent sites - that of a large, full flowing waterfall. However, closer inspection would reveal to you that what you thought was water cascading down the side of a hill is something else entirely.

Why Rudolph Has A Red Nose

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Scientific research into a herd of Arctic reindeer is showing evidence of the possibility of the animals actually having red noses, and not just from drinking too much eggnog. Researchers in the Netherlands and from the University of Rochester in New York examined and compared the noses of a couple of reindeer with those of five human volunteers with surprising results.

It turns out that the snouts of reindeer have an extra dense network of capillaries in them, about 25% denser than those of humans. The red blood cells being carried by these capillaries give a red hue to the reindeer noses. Some might even call it a glow - especially during thermographic imaging after a good stiff trot on the treadmill.

Xmas Time - A London Time Lapse Film

A short film focused on Xmas time in London. See the most beautiful decorations and events that this incredible city can offer in this time of the year.



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(thanks Cora)

Innovative Cat Transit System

Thanks to architecture firm Because We Can, our feline friends can have their very own Cat Transit System.

The studio, led by interior designer Jillian Northrup and her husband architect Jeffrey McGrew, has designed a transportation tube fit to line the interior walls of their office, stretching around the room, past desks, and over an armoire.

The aesthetically complementing tube even features its own tiny windows for traveling cats to take a break and look around.

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A Few Tolkien-Rific Facts About The Book Version Of The Hobbit

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The long-awaited Hobbit movie is finally in theaters and while plenty of people are talking about the movie, we're here to talk about its inspiration, the classic Tolkien novel, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. So grab your second breakfast and sit back and relax because there's plenty to talk about when it comes to this classic children's book.

The Chemistry Of Snowflakes

The video tracks formation of snowflakes from their origins in bits of dust in clouds that become droplets of water falling to Earth. When the droplets cool, six crystal faces form because water molecules bond in hexagonal networks when they freeze.

As snowflakes continue to develop, the branches can spread, grow long and pointy, or branch off into new arms. As each snowflake rises and falls through warmer and cooler air, it thus develops its own distinctive shape.



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(thanks Cora)

Pipe Dreams: The Art Of the Hookah

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A hookah, or water pipe, is typically made of glass. Water is used to cool tobacco smoke before inhalation. The hookah originated in India and Iran in the sixteenth century, where it was seen as a good way to purify the smoke before it entered a person's body. The hookah soon spread into Pakistan and the Middle East. It has since become popular in other parts of the world and hookahs can be found in North and South America, Europe, Australia and parts of Africa.

Pipe Dreams: The Art Of the Hookah.

Vegetarian Roots: The Extraordinary Tale Of William Cowherd

The Beefsteak chapel hardly sounds like a place where vegetarians would be welcome, but more than 200 years ago, this tiny chapel in Salford was the British birthplace of the meat-free diet. In an even greater twist, the cleric who preached the moral virtues of vegetarianism was the Reverend William Cowherd. His Beefsteak Chapel was the country's first vegetarian church.

Reverend William Cowherd was a Christian minister serving a congregation in the City of Salford, immediately west of Manchester, and one of the philosophical forerunners of the Vegetarian Society founded in 1847. Cowherd advocated and encouraged members of his then small group of followers, known as 'Cowherdites' to abstain from the eating of meat as a form of temperance.

The Healing Power Of Dogs

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Why does petting a dog make us feel better? It's not just because they're cute, they can also bring us comfort. The human-canine bond goes back thousands of years. Dogs descend from wolves and have been attracted to humans ever since we began living in settlements - a source of tasty garbage. That created an advantage for wolves to live near humans, and since it tended to be the less aggressive wolves that could do this more effectively, they essentially self-domesticated over time.

To some, the idea of sending a dog to a grieving person might seem too simplistic. But that very simplicity is part of what makes the connection between humans and canines so powerful. Dogs have excellent listening skills, and they demonstrate unconditional love. They don't judge you or talk back.

Fish

Short video made by Octavio Aburto at Cabo Pulmo National Park on the east coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula.



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(thanks Cora)

Why Does 'XOXO' Mean 'Kisses and Hugs'?

Kisses and hugs or XOXO is a term used for expressing love, affection or good friendship at the end of a written letter, email or SMS text message. But how did these two inconspicuous letters come to represent that well-known phrase?

Pinokio Lamp

The Pinokio Lamp is an exploration into the expressive and behavioural potentials of robotic computing. Customized computer code and electronic circuit design imbues Lamp with the ability to be aware of its environment, especially people, and to expresses a dynamic range of behaviour.



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The 5 Most Persuasive Words In The English Language

You, free, because, instantly and new are the most persuasive words in the English language. There are certain power words that hold more sway over our decision making process than others.

Simple language is crystal-clear language, and these words make it clear just what you want your reader to do. And you might be surprised just how effective these deceptively simple words can be.

Crapping Paper - Ruin The Surprise

Don't you hate giving people gifts? First, there's that apprehension as they fondle the paper. Then the forced grin as they give it a 'comedy' shake (not too hard, in case it's a diamond-encrusted tiara). And before long, the wrapping paper lies shredded on the carpet.

Introducing Crapping Paper - the wrapping paper that ruins the surprise! From books to socks to those really rubbish mini-deoderant sets you only buy people because they're a bit smelly. Say goodbye to awkward smiles and thankless platitudes forever. Plus, with the patent-pending Crapping Paper Generator you can make your own crapping paper.

(via b3ta)

The Perfect Christmas Tree

Members of the University of Sheffield's Maths society have put an end to bare branches by calculating the amount of baubles, tinsel and lights needed, as well as the size of the essential star on top. If you've found your ideal Christmas tree but want to ensure you use the appropriate amount of decorations then the Christmas Tree Calculator will have the answer.

She & Him - Baby, It's Cold Outside

From the album 'A Very She & Him Christmas' by She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Ward).



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(thanks Cora)

A History Of Wine Labels

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Wine labels are important sources of information for consumers since they tell the type and origin of the wine. The label is often the only resource a buyer has for evaluating the wine before purchasing it. Wine labels have been around for centuries. It is commonly believed that wine was introduced in Greece around 4000 BC and wine labels were found on bottles in Tutankhamun's tomb.

A History Of Wine Labels.

Gorgeous Models Of Rusted Antique Cars By Martin Heukeshoven

German artist Martin Heukeshoven makes miniatures of antique cars, but with a special touch. Instead of making shiny, new and all-chrome cars, Heukeshoven uses aged and rusty materials for his models creating incredibly detailed representatives of what you will find rotting in scrapyards and barns somewhere.

Heukeshoven started concerning himself with antique cars during the 1970's, when his brother restored those kinds of vehicles at his job. From there, Martin Heukeshoven started to collect unusable materials as a hobby, transforming them into unique objects.

(thanks Cora)

End Of The World - Live Blog

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Today the Maya Long Count calendar reads '13.0.0.0.0' ('thirteen b'aktun') for the first time in 5,125 years, believed by some to mark the end of civilisation. Preparations for the apocalypse are going on around the world. But although the world will not end today, it's only a matter of time.

End Of The World - Live Blog.

Baby Congress Tackles The Fiscal Cliff

Breaking News: Congressmen turned into babies, unable to solve fiscal cliff problem before naptime.



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(thanks Ben)

10 Spectacular Volcanic Plugs And Natural Monoliths

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A volcanic plug, also called a volcanic neck, is a volcanic landform created when magma hardens within a vent on an active volcano. A natural monolith is a mountain or large rock formation consisting of a single massive stone.

Both types of these geological structures are similar in that they are often steeply rising above the surrounding terrain. The unusual appearance and the buildings which are often located on these structures, amaze visitors and attract them to come back again.

(thanks Bosko)

How Google Makes $100 Million A Day

There's no doubt that Google is one of the world's most successful companies, and it has been for several years. Their many free services are fueled by revenue acquired from ads of different sorts. Getting an ad based service to work takes a lot of dedication, a lot of work and a whole lot of ingenuity.

It's a process that Google knows very well since we have seen plenty of their services come and go throughout the years. But just how is it that the Google economy is booming so much, and just how does Google rake in $100 million a day?

Toys That Were Made To Be Broken

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Remember the shoddy toys you begged your parents to buy while waiting in the supermarket checkout line, then promptly lost interest with before the day's end? Those cheap plastic knock-offs have mostly been ignored by collectors, too, consigned to the dustbins of history almost immediately after purchase.

Brian Heiler is obsessed with these so-called 'rack toys.' Check out the interview Collectors Weekly had with Heiler, who gives us the inside scoop on all these crappy, forgettable, off-brand toys.

(thanks Hunter)