I’m basically just biding away the hours until then. Here are some links that helped me kill time this week. Hopefully they will do the same for you, until February 15th finally gets here, and we can rot our teeth for pennies on the dollar.

—————

Funny. I always thought that people first went nuts, then got a bunch of cats. But according to this article in the Atlantic, it’s the cats that are actually making people crazy (sadly, it may officially be too late for my friend Kurtis.)

—————

I find this idea so darn delightful: put a yellow bench in every major city, where someone can sit and have a conversation with a stranger.

—————

It’s still quite early in the year, but the 52 Weeks of Star Wars project is already pretty darn sweet. The artist takes classic movie posters and album covers, and recreates them with your favorite characters from the series. For those of you who want more, check out last year’s project: 365 Days of Clones. (Special thanks to blog reader Mark for sending me this link!)

—————

This is quite possibly the coolest thing I have seen in ages: A man who, as a boy, saw Lincoln get assassinated, goes on TV to talk about the experience. A Civil War widow collects her husband’s pension well into the 21st century. Read about how the connections we make in our lives allow us to time travel (via NPR).

—————

I can’t even begin to describe Lori Nix‘s artwork. She creates beautiful, crumbling dystopias that seem like they’ve been pulled out a Tim Burton movie. They’re haunting and creepy – check them out for yourself.

—————

I love being reminded that Feminism isn’t just a cause that women fight for. Check out my friend Dan’s post on how we need to see less sexism in the start-up community.

—————

I had to look everywhere to find out more about the artist behind these amazing colorizations and restorations of old photos (turns out she’s a Swedish artist who goes by the handle MyGrapefruit). Her colorization of Abe Lincoln literally made me gasp.

—————

It’s always humbling to know that even T-Rexes have it rough.

—————

Within the Norwegian flag, you can find the flags of six other countries. That’s right … It’s FLAGCEPTION!

—————

If you have two minutes, check out this sketch from the BBC comedy That Mitchell and Webb Look. You’ll see the punchline coming from a mile away, but it’s still worth it.

—————

Phew. Okay, that’s it for me this week. See you Monday (and, I know I’ve been promising this for weeks, but this time it might actually be true) with a new blog design.

While I make a concerted effort to RELAX this weekend, and attempt to distract myself with the SuperBowl (though, really, it hurts my heart in ways I can’t really articulate that the Packers are not in it. At least the Aaron Rodgers photobomb is alive and well), you enjoy these links …

—————

What’s that? You didn’t get enough of my crazed ramblings on the blog this week? Then check out my interview on Ms. Morphosis (Warning: gratuitous photos of me and Rand kissing can be found therein. But that’s par for the course).

—————

A concept that’s so self-referential, it made my head spin: minimalist movie posters about popular internet memes. (via @hopandjaunt)

—————

Andrew Rae’s “Back to Earth” comic is bizarrely sweet. Or perhaps it’s sweetly bizarre. Either way, I dig it.

—————

I’ve already confessed to being an absolute dork, right? So there’s no shame in telling you that I giggled out loud at this collection of the top ten Star Trek moments featuring everyone’s favorite android, Data. Though I have a few objections … like how did Data’s Sherlock not make the cut?

—————

And speaking of Sherlock, this gif of Benedict Cumberbatch removing a scarf might be the best neck porn since Cary Grant went horseback riding in Notorious. I’ve watched it … A LOT. (via Deanna of Traveling Monkeys, to whom I am seriously indebted).

—————

My friend Pete describes what happened when there was a bomb threat on the Washington State Ferry he was about to board (or, as he cleverly puts it, “How a Possible Stoner Made My Daughter Late for School”).

—————

Ben Heine’s Pencil vs. Photograph series is simple, surreal, and nothing short of brilliant.

—————

For my fellow marketing geeks: The challenge of rethinking Oreos for Chinese consumers (Green tea cream filling? Tubular Oreo straws? HAS THE WORLD GONE DELICIOUSLY MAD?)

—————

Food On My Dog is – wait for it – photos of food, delicately balanced on a dog’s head. I bet you didn’t see that one coming! And yet, it still manages to be delightful. (via Jodi of Legal Nomads)

—————

An abandoned leper colony in New York, just a stone’s throw from the Bronx, is now a bird sanctuary. It’s as creepy and as fascinating as it sounds.

—————

The shocking $4 million price tag has Slate asking whether SuperBowl ads are really worth the money.

—————

That’s it for this week, folks. Have a great SuperBowl weekend and … sigh … Go Giants, I guess.

It is ridiculously quiet. I’m going to go have breakfast and see if my city – and my beloved – wake up in the next half hour. I’m guessing they won’t. While I do that, you enjoy these links:

—————

My friend Kurtis just started a blog. It’s called Kourteous. It’s absolutely insane … and therein may lie the brilliance.

—————

Ohio artist Amy Casey’s city scapes are delightfully odd. They’re what you’d expect if 9-year-olds were allowed to be civil engineers and gravity was no obstacle – which, for the record, would be AWESOME.

—————

An endless loop of drunk Ron Swanson dancing. It’s … endless (warning: clicking on the link automatically plays audio, which may not jive in your work environment).

—————

The Cosby Sweater project is an entire website full of art inspired by the sartorial genius of the Huxtable clan. Bonus: Sooooo many references to the time Denise got a D.

—————

“Bring me something to drink or I kill the dog,” and other useful French expressions that you won’t learn in class.

—————

A remarkably pointed and thoughtful analysis of the “Stuff People Say” Meme (according to the author, it allows us to air our cultural grievances, while opening up the field for debate and discussion).

—————

One year in 40 seconds. As my grandmother always said, gli anni passano per tutti.

—————

This post about fudge brownies has me thinking the blogatrix behind it might be my soul mate. Except for that nonsense about how all brownies require frosting. That’s just bonkers.

—————

This may be a little late for MLK day, but it’s still amazing: a mural of Martin Luther King, made from Rubix cubes.

—————

I’ll take The Coolest Thing I’ve Seen on The Internet All Week for $1000, Alex. Answer: This fan-created archive of Jeopardy! questions.

—————

Having spent the last few days in pajamas, I’m looking forward to the sartorial challenge of dressing for 100% humidity and 4o degrees. While I look online for rainboots I can’t afford, you enjoy these links (and stay warm and dry, will you?)

—————-

I am completely digging these Movie Posters from an Alternate Timeline. Bonus points to the artist for including the late, great Sal Mineo.

—————-

Dear, lord. Kids today. Tweets from 25 angry kids who couldn’t do their homework because Wikipedia was blacked out. Really? You’re allowed to use WIKIPEDIA for homework nowadays? I … I need a cookie. (via Nomadic Matt)

—————-

And speaking of … Rand and I have been eating these giant M&M cookies all week. I’d like to say that I made a small batch, but that would be a dirty lie.

—————-

The Economist explains how Kodak went from creating one of the first digital cameras (in 1975) to being on the verge of bankruptcy. It’s truly fascinating and heartbreaking.

—————-

About 1% of the population is asexual. The BBC takes a look at what it’s like for those who don’t fall into the (aroused) 99%.

—————-

Hee hee. Absolutely loving the geekery of the comics on See Mike Draw. He dabbles in Quantum Physics, gaming, Star Trek and Star Wars. I might be in love.

—————-

My pal Deanna talks about how she’s instilling a love of travel in her kids at an early age (and she’s got them to be adventurous eaters, to boot).

—————-

I am somewhat alarmed at how much this resonated with me: 10 Things 90s Kids Will Have to Explain to Their Children.

—————-

The truth is out: most of the “push to cross the street buttons” in NYC really don’t do a damn thing. And haven’t for years. (The New York Times)

—————-

In 1904, the Jersey Shore was a very different place that the one we now know and scorn.

—————-

I flippin’ LOVE this: A comic that explores things that may be sexier than we give them credit for.

—————-

Alrighty, folks. That’s it for me this week! Next week will be chock-full of brand new adventures, photos, and desserts, and (GASP) possibly A NEW SITE DESIGN. I know. Stay tuned.

—————

I think I may have fallen in love with this red-headed siren and her cover of “Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz.

—————

Like I needed another excuse to love Girl Scout cookies, a troop in Colorado recently let a transgendered 7-year-old join their organization. Pass the Samoas.

—————

Giggling over the whimsical and clever work of artist Brock Davis (plus, hello? He shares a first name with possibly the coolest cartoon bodyguard ever). My personal favorites: an exhibitionist coffee cup and Stonehenge (made from Rice Krispies).

—————

Photographer Mark Laita’s “Created Equal” series focuses on the differences and similarities that bind us all together. The result is haunting, beautiful, and a little shocking.

—————

A map of Europe, according to penis size (Before you totally freak out: the measurements are in centimeters. Also … well done, France.)

—————

Blog reader Lauren sent me this adorable infographic about the anatomy of a cupcake.

—————

The comics on Bird and Moon are nerdy, strange, and altogether delightful. From arrogant plants to birds anxious about climate change, it’s worth a gander.

—————

I’ve been to NYC tons of times, but I’ve yet to try the infamous frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3. Fortunately, I can now make my own.

—————

Presenting the 25 greatest unscripted scenes in movies. Bonus: a young Matt Damon makes several appearances.

—————

A look at the shame (and redemption) that ensues when you find out it was your cell phone that interrupted the show.

—————

Every now and then I like to visit my friend Pete’s website. His work is a humbling reminder that I know squat about photography. And it’s also quite beautiful, so there’s that.

—————

That’s it! Have an enjoyable weekend, folks. And should you encounter a Jason, may it be this one.

—————

What’s that? YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO SPEAK UP! (Also, I’m beginning to think that my secret crush on Neil deGrasse Tyson is not-so-secret anymore.)

—————

This gif of French comedian Remi Gaillard crashing a body-building tournament had me in stitches. For more of his not-so-subtle and occasionally reckless (and often litigious) antics, check this out.

—————

A stunning article in the New York Times about how yoga can wreck your body (if you want to keep doing it, just be mindful of your body and try to avoid inversions and shoulder-stands. Me? I’ll be eating and cupcake and hopping on an elliptical).

—————

Fact: Han Solo could teach us all a little something about religious tolerance.

—————

My friend Chrissy sent me this video of Matthew Wilder’s “Break My Stride” (in regards to yesterday’s Dick Move post). Between the green leotards with mirrored polka dots, the silver pants, and the bunny-hop inspired dancing, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything grander.

—————

I cannot stop laughing at this hilarious ode to Seattle: My Hometown is Better Than Yours

—————

I’m pretty sure I’ve featured Mike Stimpson’s work on my round-up before, but that’s not going to stop me from mentioning it again. In particular, his photos featuring Lego Star Wars characters are amazing.

—————

So much silver-haired wonderfulness: Steve Martin pretends that he has to leave due to other obligations on an episode of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (via @unicornrockstar)

—————

A recent ad for Target featured a little boy with Down Syndrome. A young father (whose son also has Down Syndrome) explains how the company spoke volumes by not saying anything at all. (Note: The site, Noah’s Dad, is also fast becoming the go-to resource for parents who are looking for more information about raising a child with Down Syndrome. It’s amazing and inspiring. Expect to lose a good chunk of your afternoon on it.)

—————

This clip of Neil Patrick Harris on The Price is Right put a ginormous smile on my face. Watch it – as though you need one more reason to love Doogie.

—————

That’s it for me this week! I’m off to do laundry. Or eat cookies. Whichever’s easier.

It’s been a shockingly eventful year here at the blog. Thanks to what I can only assume was a mixture of dumb luck and god getting drunk, my blog was mentioned on several sites far more prestigious than my own (including TIME, Forbes, and, most recently, Elliott.org). It’s all been delightfully unexpected and wholly undeserved, unless you ask my mother, who is convinced that my blog is the greatest one ever, even though she’s never read it.

And while I’m eternally grateful to her (on account of bringing me into the world), my husband (for helping me travel all around it), and those wonderful editors and journalists (who, for whatever reason, felt that my accounts of it were worth noting), the people I am most grateful to for making this year amazing are those dear folks who sit at their computers and choose to spend their precious time reading my drivel.

So, thank you. You’ve made my 2011 absolutely grand. I hope to see you all again in the new year, when we’ll complain about kids these days, the state of rock music, European showers, and how you can’t really get a good pretzel outside of Munich. I’ll be back with new posts on January 2, 2012 (2012? Holy crap). Have a safe and happy holiday – be it Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus, or nothing – and eat some extra cookies for me.

Now, on to the week …

—————

TIME magazine has gotten plenty of attention for naming the protester as their Person of the Year. But equally fascinating? Their list of People Who Mattered in 2011.

—————

Loving these artistic, wacky, and wondrous photos of Santas. From Manhattan to Berlin, the guy in red really does get around.

—————

Slate tackles the oft-asked question of why eggnog isn’t sold year-round (my theory – that nogs only lay eggs in the winter – was incorrect).

—————

Check out some of the truly amazing submissions to National Geographic‘s 2011 photo contest.

—————

OMG. OMG. OMG. BABY POLAR BEAR!

—————

An amazing tale of hoarding, love, and really old cans of tuna.

—————

I am dying- absolutely dying – over the 50 best celebrity tweets of 2011. If weren’t already a fan of George Takei (seriously, the man is a gem), you soon will be.

—————

The Atlantic‘s just released a list of 17 films to look forward to in 2012. While I’m not too keen on the next installment of the Dark Knight series (really? Anne Hathaway as Catwoman? I don’t see it), I will gladly watch anything with Jason Segal.

—————

In Holland, apparently Santa doesn’t have elves. He has slaves. The tradition of Zwarte Piet is as disturbing as it sounds.

—————

Somehow, I doubt the passenger sitting in the aisle seat is properly fit to handle the responsibilities of being in an exit row.

—————

Peace out, one and all.

—————

This article about a man being tossed off a Scotrail train for refusing to pay a fare isn’t all that remarkable in and of itself. But the comments section is positively KILLING me (e.g., “The wee ned deserved it!” and “He’s the greatest Scotsman since the guy who kicked the terrorist in the nads at Glasgow International.”)

—————

Reading through the top 10 public relations blunders of 2011 makes me feel a lot better about all the horrible things I say and do on my blog.

—————

Does bringing store bought treats to a bake sale or potluck amount to blasphemy? I personally think so.

—————

It’s official: I want positively everything Erica Weiner Jewelry has to offer (not sure whether to curse or thank my friend Kristy for introducing it to me. I may do both.)

—————

I’m not a fan of tooting my own horn (mostly because it sounds like a euphemism for something dirty). HOWEVER, I absolutely love it when someone else toots it for me (Nope, still sounds dirty). A huge thanks to Sky Scanner for making The Everywhereist their Blog of the Week! I feel truly tooted honored.

—————

And I know I shouldn’t be asking you to toot my horn, either (okay, seriously, this sounds wrong), but my site was nominated as one of the travel blogs to follow in 2012 on Elliott.org! I’m truly excited, and also getting my butt kicked in the voting. So (hint-hint) if you haven’t gotten me a present yet, please consider taking two seconds and voting for me. You don’t even have to register. It’s just that easy.

—————

Kids screaming and having a fit? Not funny. Kids screaming and having a fit because their parents gave them intentionally crappy Christmas gifts as a joke? Hilarious. And a powerful reminder to be grateful for what you have this holiday season.

—————

I just whiled away far too much time on Honestly, Now.  Someone requests help on a problem they’re having, and users vote on the best answer. Should I get my hair cut? Perhaps. Should I take my ex to the holiday party? No. Should I visit the site? Yes, yes, you should.

—————

Take two minutes (I don’t care how busy you are, you have two minutes) to watch this video of Neil deGrasse Tyson talking about Isaac Newton. It will satisfy your inner nerd and put a smile on your face. How often does that happen? (Okay, fine, for me, often.)

—————

HTTP Status messages, illustrated by cats. It’s as awesome as it sounds.

—————

Can I go a week without mentioning some sort of Princess Bride geekery on my site? No, no, I cannot.

—————

Dear Rand: I’m leaving my front door open in the event that a seal might pop in and hang out on our couch. It could TOO happen.

—————

Now I’m off to buy from a small, local retailer (a.k.a., Amazon.com). WOOT!

Now, if only there was some way of doing all three of those things at once. While I try to figure that out, you enjoy these links …

—————

NPR covers the changing face of Superman over the last 75 years (via everywhereist-reader and all around fabulous gal Holly).

—————

Michael Paulus creates skeletal sketches of some well-known and beloved cartoon characters. Tweety Bird is gonna give me nightmares.

—————

I haven’t seen the Twilight movies or read any of the books, but I kind of love Cracked’s take on Forever Dusk: The One Where She Has A Vampire Baby. Check out “If Twilight 4 Was 10 Times Shorter and 100 Times More Honest.”

—————

A huge congratulations to my brother, who wrote the story behind an absurdly fantastic new movie called – get this - 2 Headed Shark Attack. Check out the trailer, which features Carmen Electra, Brooke Hogan, and several other women in teeny bikinis (seriously, bro? Fine. Whatever. Congratulations, anyway.)

—————

I get a chill just looking at these photos from the windstorm that’s whipping across the U.K. right now.

—————

The breakdown of what, exactly, transpired during the ill-fated Air France flight #447 is equally sad and senseless (it was human error, and not a mechanical malfunction, that brought down the plane). The only plus side of the tragedy? We apparently did learn from it.

—————

Slate has the top five worst Christmas movies ever, featuring a cast of characters that include everyone from Santa to Satan. Why have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head when you can have really creepy demons in red pajamas?

—————

I am pleased to say that I’m not guilty of all of these … I mean, not recently: The 15 Things White Girls Love to Do on Facebook.

—————

Fact: Everyone needs a lucky stuffed bunny in their lives. Even T-Rexes.

—————

My friend Pete is constantly tackling life’s most difficult quandaries - like how to dry yourself off using only a hotel hand towel.

—————

My friends Mimi and Philip’s tale of how they reunited their daughter with her lost toy penguin made me laugh and cry, all at once. Share it with someone who needs a little more magic in their life.

—————

That’s it for me this week. Now, off to go tackle those cookies I was talking about …

—————

My husband recently sent me this photo essay of pictures from Bhutan. In the words of Liz Lemon, “I want to go to there.”

—————

As tough as it was to imagine, it looks like Daniel Day Lewis is going to make a great Abraham Lincoln – though he’ll probably not be wearing jeans in the movie.

—————

Absolutely digging the large-scale portraiture work of Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada. He’s like Chuck Close with a smidge of Banksy (and no, I’m NOT trying to be quaintly esoteric when I say that).

—————

Check out what this young man does while doing the dishes and listening to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. The children really are the future, and this gives me faith.

—————

Unused for more than 50 years, Nevada’s Goldfield High School is haunting and beautiful.

—————

Life Magazine takes a fascinating look at the “Shoes of the Very Famous”. From the Dalai Lama’s humble sandals to Elton John’s silver platform boots, it’s the most fun you can have looking at footwear without actually buying any.

—————

Can’t decide if these melted snowman cookies are morbid or hilarious. They’re probably a bit of both.

—————

A pregnant Florida teen is detained by the TSA for, well, having an ugly purse. I mean, it also had the design of a gun on it, but I’m pretty sure the agents were more upset about her crimes against fashion than her threat to national security. Right?

—————

Geeking out over this “Build Your Own Muppet” feature from F.A.O. Schwartz (you can also purchase your creation, but there’s no way I’m spending a hundred bucks on something that would inevitably give me nightmares if it were sitting in the corner of my room). Via the effervescent @emcgillivray.

—————

The grammatical geek in me is DELIGHTED to read that someone else was bothered by Starbucks’ nonsensical “Let’s Merry” slogan. Every time I pass one of those coffee shops, my brain begins to hurt.

—————

The New York Times list of the ten best books of the year has once again overlooked my fictional tale of a former Police Academy star and his love of the inventor of the movable type. Perhaps, in part, because I have yet to write it. But one day, believe me, Guttenberg and Gutenberg WILL BE ON THAT LIST.

—————

The Everywhereist was listed on Crazy Egg’s 10 Most Unique Blogs of 2011. I’m completely honored, humbled, and maybe a little confused as to what I’m doing alongside all those legitimate sites.

—————

Alright, kids -that’s it for me this week. I’ll catch you all on Monday, when I will still, rather miraculously, be at home. Weird.