You know how a lion roars, but what sounds do other large cats make? You might be surprised. (via Fark)
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Loud Cats
The Ingenious Design of the Screwdriver Handle
The most mundane things can have a way more interesting history than you know. Consider the lowly screwdriver. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the one you grab the most has a handle that comfortable and just plain works. And that's no accident. Its design has more features than you've ever considered, and its development goes back over a hundred years. Every part of it has a purpose. Along the way, fancier ideas have been proposed as improvements, but they've never really been able to beat the shape you've come to know.
Woodworker Rex Krueger knows tools. In this video, you'll learn about not only screwdrivers, but other tools that factor into the story, plus you'll learn how to use the features of a screwdriver to get tasks done more efficiently. (via kottke)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Simon's Cat in Double Trouble
Simon's Cat and the Kitten are at odds over... everything. I had to laugh at one point., maybe you'll laugh, too.
Cookie Loaf
Have you ever bought a roll of cookie dough and wondered what would happen if you just baked the whole thing at once? Casual Cooking tried it out so you don't have to. The YouTube page specified that this dough is safe to eat raw. The takeaway if that you need to cook it for much longer than sliced cookies. But if you are told to limit yoursself only one cookie, this is the way to do it.
How the Nuclear Football Works
The "nuclear football" is a nickname for a briefcase that enables to US president to destroy the world. It contains instructions for destroying the world and the nuclear codes. It goes everywhere the president goes. Supposedly, once the codes are sent to the Pentagon and are confirmed and authorized, no one can rescind the orders to destroy the world. Yet in the real world, any link along the chain of command can decide maybe to not destroy the world. At least we can hope. This video is shorter than it look because the last 90 seconds is an ad.
Hollywood LOLcats
Here's another collection of cat images that take us to the movies. Continue reading for eight of them. The movies should be obvious, but in case one stumps you, I'll have the titles in the comments.
Mating Rituals of Humans in Their Natural Habitat
The format of a nature documentary works pretty well with the wildest creature in the world -the human. In a video from Viva Dirt League, the goal is made perfectly clear with narration by a David Attenborough soundalike. However, not all mating rituals are successful, especially when the participants are inexperienced and awkward. The survival of the species depends on whether they learn from their mistakes. (via Laughing Squid)
The Contiguous 41 States
Randall Munroe posted this map at xkcd a few years ago, but this is the first time I've seen it. Alaska and Hawaii are missing, but there are seven other states missing, too! Can you identify them? I could, but it took a while. Once you give up, the answer key is here. (via kottke)
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Farewell
Two brothers play guitar while they pass the time watching their flock of sheep. The sheep appreciate the music. The older brother, Joseph, attributes his talent to his father's guitar instead of his years of practice. The younger brother, Isaac, is appalled to learn that Joseph is planning to leave home for a career in music. Is he upset at losing his best friend, or is he worried that he won't be able to step into his brother's shoes?
This sweet story is Luke Lee's final film as a student a Calarts before he graduates. You can see more of his work at YouTube or Instagram. (via Kuriositas)
Esmerelda
A Canadian couple living in Mexico bought a puppy that seemed to be on her last legs. Esmerelda had birth defects, plus she was sick and full of parasites. They just wanted to save her life, but also ended up adopting her. You can see more of Esmerelda at Instagram.
Why Kentucky is the Opposite of Every U.S. State
Kentucky is not just a state, but a region carved out from the edges of other regions. There are four very different cultures, but even within those geographic cultures, there is rarely agreement. I am a product of the Appalachian coalfield area. "The state that refuses to choose" doesn't tell the whole story. Everyone chooses, but none of them agree completely with the next person.
Right now, in the next county over, there is quite a fierce battle raging over local offices in the primary election. The primary matters more than the general election, because it is assumed that a Republican will win each office. Yes, there are plenty of Democrats, but never a majority, so it's hard to get anyone to run at all. The exception is the office of governor. Most of them have been from the Democratic party, and Democrats are more likely to be re-elected. Because we know what's good for us. But if any Democratic Kentucky governor would ever run for president (hint: Andy), the one state he would be guaranteed to lose is his own.
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