Realistic Oil Painting

“It looks like the work of a few seconds. But while this striking image may appear to be a photograph at first glance, it has actually taken weeks of painstaking work. Right down to the creases in his forehead and the highlights in his hair, it would take a very sharp eye to spot that this head shot of a man is in fact an oil painting. Artist Jan Mikulka painted the amazingly realistic portrait in a bid to mimic the effects of a photography in canvas form. Visitors to the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait Award have been so stunned by its life-like qualities that it was voted the best in the exhibition.” w/ photo

Self-Destructing Bike Lock

“No matter the gauge of the U-lock or the metallurgy of the chain looped around your frame, the lock securing that vintage Miyata to the parking meter will not stop a determined thief with the right tools. Enter the StayLocked Bicycle. The StayLocked secures the bike by making the lock part of the bike. If it’s broken, the bike is unridable and, parts aside, valueless. Andrew Leinonen, a Toronto-based industrial designer and cyclist, created the prototype bike after years of the security anxiety that comes with being an urban rider. “A few weeks ago, my girlfriend’s bike was stolen,” he says. “Out of our own alleyway.” The locking mechanism comprises a section of the seatstays — the two tubes that extend up to the seat from the rear wheel. Leinonen installed a universal joint at the junction of the tube and latches in the stays to secure it to the frame. The locking section of the frame swings to secure your bike to a meter, post. Should an ignorant criminal break the lock, the chain stays — those tubes extending from the rear wheel to the crank — won’t support a rider’s weight. The bike will collapse as the thief tries to ride off with the plunder. Unfortunately, whether the culprit realizes the destruction before or after breaking the lock, all parties are left without a bike.” w/ photos

How It’s Made: Playing Cards

“It’s in the cards for you to watch this clip from The Science Channel’s ‘How It’s Made.”

How It’s Made: Oreos

“I like how we all need a demonstration of how to dunk a cookie into milk. Thank you! I’ve been doing it all wrong!” — RedHeadVicky

Darth Chef

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The Worst National Anthems Ever!

“Watch at your own peril — you may never be able to rise for our National Anthem without chuckling uncontrollably again.” — PopDust

Surprise Town?

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Scintillation – Xavier Chassaing

“This is an experimental film made up of over 35,000 photographs. It combines an innovative mix of stop motion and live projection mapping techniques.” — Xavier

Bacon Gravy

Bacon Gravy is delicious on just about everything that tastes good with bacon. Or gravy. It’s the nectar of the gods and if you want to drink it straight from the bowl, you should. Since Bacon Gravy comes in powdered form, you can store it in your Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Kit. Simply mix one packet of Bacon Gravy with one cup of water for instant smoky, salty, creamy gravy. Each order of Bacon Gravy comes with eight packets, enough for eight cups of gravy.” w/ photos

Top 10 Fanatical Fanbases

“A fan, sometimes also called aficionado or supporter, is a person with a liking and enthusiasm for something, such as a band or a sports team. Fans of a particular thing or person constitute its fanbase or fandom… Everybody is a fan of something but some just take it further than others. Here are the top ten fans who are simply crazy for their idols.” w/ videos