Xylocopa addresses a serious deficiency in mad science education today:

Like many of you, we are concerned about the state of science education in the public school system, especially in the lower grades. Specifically, we have noticed that there is absolutely no training in the K-6 grades that prepares students to become mad scientists. In this competitive 21st-century world, the need for mad scientists will only increase, but the lack of basic education in primary school leaves us concerned that there will be no future students capable of leading in this illustrious field.

Fortunately, we have a solution - a first step, if you will, along the path to mad science proficiency. We are pleased to announce the release of our Young Mad Scientist's First Alphabet Blocks. These lovely blocks contain many carefully engraved illustrations of the equipment, training, and activities that a budding mad scientist will require, combined with a clever alphabetic introduction to the concept depicted.

T is for Tentacles, O is for Organs, H is for Henchmen.

http://www.xylocopa.com/product/mad-science-alphabet-blocks via Popped Culture

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The pilot of this radio controlled helicopter is a good shot.

I can immediately think of several ways that I could use this toy, none of which are legal.

Via Geekologie

The above chart shows Japan in a commanding lead with 295 industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers. However, given that robots tend to regard human flesh as bacon, skyrocketing robot insurance premiums, and the risk of interplanetary exile by the Robot Council, I'd say that Japan is only setting itself up for future problems.

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At least, that is the way that I would describe this hilarious 1954 clip from Sid Caesar's variety show, in which Caesar and an actress silently argue to the rhythm of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Run time: 6 minutes.

Via TigerHawk

The Covini Six Wheeler, its designers argue, has superior steering and braking capability due to its extra set of wheels. It will be available to buyers starting in 2009.

Follow the link for more pictures and a video of the Covini driving around a racetrack.

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No, this is not a political post. It's just a cool video graphically showing streams of immigration from different parts of the world to the U.S. Nice swirly colors.

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Via Glenn Reynolds

Fosfor Gadgets has a list of the ten weirdest USB-powered accessories available for your computer, including a functional George Foreman grill and heated slippers. My personal favorite, though, is the self-destruct device depicted on the left. I'd love to re-enact the self-destruct scene from the classic Star Trek episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield."

Link via Double Plus Undead

I'm not a fan of chainsaws as anti-zombie weapons, despite their use by the great Ash. But this variant of the chainsaw intrigues me. It's a small chainsaw mounted on a semi-automatic rifle as a bayonet. It would make the rifle absurdly heavy, but it would also provide some safety in the event that a zombie gets within four or five feet -- when the rifle would become ineffective.

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I'm rethinking the Max Brooks-endorsed M1 carbine as my anti-zombie weapon of choice. .30 carbine ammo is rather unusual, and in the event of a Stage 4 zombie apocalypse, I wouldn't want to be scrounging around for it in vain.

Neatorama readers, what is your preferred anti-zombie weapon?

Via Confederate Yankee

Will Braden, the writer behind the short film Henri, recently featured on Neatorama, is also a composer of cat-themed haiku. Here are a few samples:

oh, I scratched the couch

does that upset you? you mad?

you had me neutered

I love to eat grass

though it makes me sick each time

like you and vodka

I lounge in the sun

savoring the morning scents

have fun at your job

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Howcast shows you how to bake a meal on your car engine while driving. At the end of a long workday, you can wrap a few ingredients in tin foil, toss it on your radiator, and have a hot meal waiting you when you arrive home. Run time: 2.5 minutes.

Via Bits & Pieces

With the approval of the city council, Soap Lake, Washington is planning to build a giant lava lamp in the center of town in order to draw tourists. The lava lamp, proponents argue, stands for Soap Lake's unique geologic history. Also, it would be totally cool.

Link via Urlesque

(Video Link)A black-and-white French art film about the existential angst experienced by a house cat. By Will Braden. Run time: 2.5 minutes.

Via Popped Culture

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Yes, we've all been subjected to Star Wars vs. Star Trek videos before, but this one is really, really good. Run time: 5 minutes, 36 seconds.

Via Topless Robot

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Josh Jackson of Paste Magazine has assembled what he considers to be the best TV theme songs ever. Unfortunately, Exosquad and Robotech were not on the list, but I've got to agree with his selection of the theme to The A-Team at #28.

Link via Ace of Spades

College Humor presents the Book of Genesis, if it had originally been written as a Facebook page. The image above is the first page.

http://www.collegehumor.com/article:1764710 via Geekologie