The challenge was to explain string theory in two minutes or less. Sandy Chase of New York produced this video and won the contest at Discover Magazine. Link -via Metafilter

Gothtober is a collaborative multimedia project featuring a different artist for each day in the month of October, with a nautical theme for this year. Move your mouse over the ship on the flash page to select a date, but you cannot see an art project until the date for it has arrived. There are videos, graphics, animations, and games. I spent way too much time on Pirate’s Hangman, which you’ll find on day three! This picture is from day six. Link -Thanks, Cristin!

This is the kind of prank that can start a riot, if they found out who was responsible. A guy armed with remote controls interferes with the big game at various bars. Push play or go to Break.com. -via Unique Daily

A dream gift for geeks, these watches feature both Legos and Star Wars characters! Choose from Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, R2D2, or a stormtrooper. http://www.realitywired.com/2007/10/19/geeks-unite-star-wars-lego-watches-are-here/ -via Dump Trumpet

This would be a real conversation-starter at a party. Literally.

Looks like this furry fiend is having your brain for lunch. Press the button on this Talking Rat Cap, and the rat joyfully bobs up and down with beady bright red eyes, saying one of four demented phrases. Hilariously hideous all by itself or as part of a costume.

http://www.halloweenonly.com/website/store/promotion.asp?source_code=ZH0098&item_no=81714&entry=findgift&WT.srch=1 (with video) -via Everlasting Blort

A pumpkin that carves itself! Push play or go to YouTube. -via I Am Bored

See more pumpkins and Jack-o-Lantern links today at Miss Cellania.

Steven is impressed that we are able to order pizzas online.

But what I've become obsessed with is that when you only want a particular topping on half of your pizza, they make you specify WHICH HALF. LEFT or RIGHT.

I had ordered from them a few times but never paid attention to see if they got the halves correct. I was curious to see if it really would arrive the way I ordered it.

So he performed a little test. Read the story and the results at The Sneeze. Link -via Reddit

Lorenzo Fonda directed this viral video for Alfa Romeo. I don’t see the connection, but I enjoyed the strange movie of a sloth on a date. Link -via Metafilter

If you are in an abusive relationship with a paranormal entity, such as zombies, Satan, Bigfoot, or aliens, just get a restraining order!

Since the dawn of time, mankind has sought the means of keeping away supernatural and paranormal entities. Now, for only $5 each, receive a printed document that bars them from approaching or contacting you.

Better order quickly if you want yours by Halloween. Link -via Ectoplasmosis

Have you ever seen a conjoined twin fish? This pike was caught in the Missouri River in North Dakota. It’s part of Ten of the Strangest Things Caught While Fishing. http://www.anglingmasters.com/10-strangest-things-caught-fishing.asp -via Dark Roasted Blend

You might remember the last one listed from a while back. It’s a Guitar Fish.

The Superest is a fairly new site by illustrators Kevin Cornell and Matthew Sutter, with occasional guests. The site is an ongoing game of My Team, Your Team. The rules:

Player 1 draws a character with a power. Player 2 then draws a character whose power cancels the power of that previous character. Repeat.

This results in some very, um, different superheroes. Like Albinis the eyeless albino tortoise, The Chlorinatrix, and Hot Shave Carl the Barber. The current leader is Brocco-Lee, but that won’t last long. Link -via Metafilter

Surely, the first time you saw a staple remover, you thought it looked like fangs. This dinosaur staple remover is part of a collection of strange office tools at Dark Roasted Blend. Link

Fogonazos has a video collection of professionals moving huge houses, including a 900-ton brick building! Link -via Dark Roasted Blend

The San Diego Union Tribune has posted a Google Map that shows in real time where the fires are burning, Estimated Advisory Evacuation Areas, and evacuation destinations. Link -via Metafilter

The Los Angeles Times also has a map of the fires around the Los Angeles area, updated every few hours. Link

Young children will get a kick out of seeing themselves in an ABC Adventure! Upload a photo, enter a name, and watch your video. Link -via the Presurfer