DRUM SOLO - well, not really, but it might as well be. SLYT, sorry.

The natural order of things. "Matt Ridley says that Darwinian selection explains the appearance of seemingly ‘designed’ complexity throughout the world — not just in biology but in the economy, technology and the arts." [Via]

Exclusive Exclusivity -- Non-American non-Royals need not apply. Apparently for people who think American Express' "Black Card" is not exclusive enough. more inside

The wonder of a Woolly Monkey.

Best and worst movies of 2008 ... more inside

Our world may be a giant hologram.

Curious Sideshow George I'm looking for information about old-fashioned circuses, carnivals and traveling shows. more inside

“There’s only three things I’ve ever been afraid of: electricity, heights, and women.” (video)

Patrick McGoohan's number has been retired. One of my favorite actors of all time has passed away at the age of 80.

Typewriter ribbon tins are now collectibles. via lovelypackage

Czech Traditional Puppets as presented (in Flash) by the National Museum of Taiwan.

Ricardo Montalban has died. As well as being Capt. Kirk's nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, in a classic Trek episode and the movie The Wrath of Khan, he was known for playing the tall guy who ordered Tattoo around on Fantasy Island. He will be swaddled in rich, Cordovan leather for his burial, provided by Chrysler.

One to keep an eye on opening in two days or so -- whatever it may be. Looks like a Flash-based "Decorate the Oval Office" game by Ikea.

Entropa is causing some commotion. The supposedly collaborative piece has been installed in the headquarters of the European Council of Ministers in Brussels. Bulgaria complained about its depiction as a toilet, prompting Czech artist David Cerny to admit that it's a big hoax. more inside

Book Is Rallying Resistance to the Antivaccine Crusade. "Paul A. Offit sees a fiery debate on autism as being hijacked by vaccine opponents peddling false hope."

Obama's Playlist It's been confirmed that President-Elect Obama's first foreign trip as President Obama will be to Canada, reinstating a long tradition. While visiting Presidents have often given speeches to the Canadian public (tv and radio clips), this time we're going to give the President a little musical education, and you can help by voting for the top 49 songs to showcase Canada. more inside

We have identified the man to blame for the current global financial crisis and apparently it's David Bowie.

Human Hunters Genetically Shrink Their Prey. Animals hunted by humans are evolving faster than any other animals of their kind in the wild, becoming progressively smaller.

NASA Detects Mystery Booming Sound In Deep Space, Origin Unknown.

The story of the NS11 , a record-breaking airship which met a disastrous end. more inside