Wake Me Up When It's Spring, Please

MelBivDevoe

I bet many of you were hibernating during Winter Storm Nemo, though probably not by choice.  Storms like that are precisely why we moved south, although I do miss the joy of a good snow day every now and then.  Check out the snowfall totals and pics of the storm here.  (USA Today)

Pinky shared this link recently and I think it's worthy of passing on.  If you've ever wanted to volunteer your time but feel you don't have much to give, this site is perfect for you - it lists "microvolunteering" ideas that you can do from home.  (Help From Home)

I knew Lay's was holding a contest to create a new flavor of potato chip, but I didn't realize they'd started making the finalists already.  Here are three flavors that have already hit some shelves around the country.  I will just stick to the salt & vinegar chips, thanks.  (Laughing Squid)

Here's some macabre (and expensive) bling, just in time for Valentine's Day.  I dig it.  But do the joints move or do you have to hold your hand like that while you wear it?  (Geeks Are Sexy)

Super Sunday is Over, Here Comes Hangover Monday

MelBivDevoe

How about that major sporting event yesterday, huh?  Both, that one team had such an amazing play!  Ok, fine, I only watched the Super Bowl for the halftime show and the commercials.  I spent most of Sunday lying on the couch and watching a "Bring It On" marathon instead.  Try to contain your jealousy.

The biggest news of the night, according to Twitter, was the power outage that derailed the third quarter of the game.  Here are the best tweets of the night - my faves are from Neil deGrasse Tyson.  (BuzzFeed)

Lenny Kravitz was in New Orleans recently (for the big game, perhaps?) when he heard a choir performing one of his biggest hits.  What he did next definitely made their day.  (Entertainment.ie)

Forget flamingos and gnomes - dinosaurs are the cool new lawn ornaments.  Check out Dug the T-Rex - he even likes to dress up for the holidays.  (HuffPo)

Monday... What a Bastard!

MelBivDevoe

Sure, people can be bastards.  You know what else can be a real bastard?  Shelling out $5 bucks a day (or more) to feed your iced coffee habit.  I'm not gonna tell you to cut back on the caffeine - instead, why not try making your own iced coffee at home?  Don't worry, this blogger has even done the math for you!  (Hostess With The Motzes)

Well, this is sh*tty.  "Glee," that trainwreck of a Fox show that just keeps going and going, ripped off Jonathan Coulton's bluegrass cover of "Baby Got Back" - and then put it up for sale on iTunes.  (Wired)
But wait!  You can help Coulton stick it to them by buying his cover of their cover of his cover (whew!) on iTunes - and all of his proceeds will go to charity!  (Geekosystem)

TLC's "My Strange Addiction" has hit a weird new low.  Uh, slightly squicky footage ahead.  And yes, I realize this woman probably suffers from Pica.    (BuzzFeed)

Need a chaser?  Here you go.  (Cute Overload)

I'm Back on the Chain, Gang

MelBivDevoe

(Chain, links, get it?  I slay me!)

Good morning!  How about those Golden Globes last night?  Weren't they amazing/boring/so-so?  (Full disclosure:  I'm writing this at 7pm Sunday night because I don't want to blog and drink at the same time.  It won't end well.)

Another day, another fantastic tumblr to share.  This one mashes the gorgeous poetry of Pablo Neruda with images of adorable cats.  (Neruda Cats)

So the 2013 Miss America pageant took place on Saturday.  All I know is, they fed the losers doughnuts.  Yup.  Makes sense - sugary fried dough masks the salty taste of one's tears oh so well.  (The Gloss)

Put a Little Love in Your Heart

MelBivDevoe

It's been a bad couple of days, hasn't it?  Our hearts go out to the community of Newtown, CT.  

Every news website I opened today had nothing but news about the shooting and stories about gun control and arguments over mental health issues.  And I looked for uplifting stories - something, anything to show how there's still GOOD in the world, now, when we need it so much.  

I found nothing there but speculations and arguments and I just didn't want to contribute to the negativity.   So, I apologize, but today will be all fluffy, light links.  Because my heart just can't take the darkness right now.  I hope you'll enjoy what I offer instead.

Martha Would NOT Approve: Weird Holiday Decor

MelBivDevoe

I love elaborate holiday decor as much as the next person.  But sometimes, driven the desire to impress, people go a little overboard.  I'm not talking about excesses of Griswold proportions.  I'm talking about the ones who stray from the usual decor and end up with the weird stuff.  Like the deer hanging from the tree over there.  Such festive blood!

I scoured the internet for some of the strangest holiday decor out there.  These decorations are all a little odd, and unfortunately, they're all available right now via the links I've provided.  If, you know, you're into that kind of thing.

The 5 Best "Other" Christmas Movies

MelBivDevoe

I love Christmas movies. A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf and so on and so forth - all favorites of mine this time of year.  However, there comes a time when you just can't watch them again - usually around the 30th time TBS or TNT is airing them - without wishing you could shoot your eye out.  You're still in the mood for something festive, but you want something different.  

Well, fear not - I'm here to recommend the best of the other Christmas movies for you!  These are the ones that might not make the typical top ten lists, but they're Christmas films all the same.  Just pick one of the suggestions below, pour another glass of egg nog, and let the holiday cheer wash over you.  Before you know it, you'll be having the best Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye!

Are You Making Your Lists and Checking Them Twice?

MelBivDevoe

Is There a S.P.E.W. for North Pole Elves?

Today marks exactly two weeks until Christmas Eve!  Are you surviving the crowds and whittling down that list?  Here's an idea for your Lego-lovin', Whedon-worshipping friends.  (io9)

If you're trying to find the perfect presents for your foodie friends, Food & Wine has you covered.  Love the mason jar shaker!  (Food & Wine)

Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand is considering gifting the world with her plans to cast Lady Gaga in her  upcoming film production of "Gypsy."  I just want to know if Babs is going to play mama Rose.  That'd be a hell of a double bill!  (AV Club)  (h/t Case)

Cinnamon & Sugar and White Chocolate Peppermint Pringles: 'Tis the Season, I Guess

Mel Biv Devoe

It's an understatement to say that the holidays are a very lucrative time of year for most companies.  And everyone wants a piece of the pie... which sometimes leads those who aren't usually associated with Christmas to come up with wacky ideas in order to goose their profits.  Like Pringles, for example.  They make potato crisps, which are similar to potato chips in theory, at least.  Did you know Pringles are made from dried potatoes, which are combined with wheat and flour?  They're like a slurry of ingredients that are pressed and fried into potato crisp-shape.  I guess "crisps" is a more appealing name than "potato, wheat, rice, and corn slurry."

What was I talking about again?  Oh, right, Pringles is trying to cash in on all the holiday hubbub with several limited edition flavors.  I found two of these flavors, Cinnamon and Sugar and White Chocolate Peppermint, and decided to give them a try.  Because even if it's not the healthiest of snacks, I do love me some potato crisp slurry.

All Seems to Say, "Throw Cares Away!"

MelBivDevoe

The first openly-gay legislator of my home state of Pennsylvania came out this weekend (Yay!).   He's Mike Fleck, a Republican who apparently supports fracking and voter ID laws (Boo!).  (Gawker)

So now that the half-man from "Two and a Half Men" has bitten the hand that fed him and plans to leave at the end of the year, who will the producers bring in to replace him?  Oh, how about the future Mrs. Liam Hemsworth?  (Uproxx)

It's Just Another Cyber Monday

MelBivDevoe

I see nothing wrong with his ranking order.

Good morning!  Did you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, stuffing yourselves silly and then napping the day away?  I'm currently writing this from my cushy seat by the fireplace, hot cocoa in hand, and I hope you all had a great holiday.  But now, back to the grind, and back to the links!

Today is Cyber Monday.  Are you taking advantage of all the deals?  Go here for a round-up of what stores are offering today, or go here for a more comprehensive list AND info about who is offering free shipping! 

T-Minus 4 Days 'Til Turkey Day!

MelBivDevoe

I'm with Grumpy Cat on this one - let's put the Christmas decorating on hold until after Thanksgiving, shall we?  One holiday at a time, people!

I mean, even Black Friday is encroaching on Turkey Day, too.  Some stores are opening on Thanksgiving night as early as 8pm, so people can spend even less time with their families and more time fighting the crowds to save a 10-20% on things they don't need and will probably forget about a week after Christmas.  Retail workers, you have my sympathy!  (CNN)

Only Two More Days Left of Election Coverage, I Promise!

MelBivDevoe

Good morning!  Today's first link provided us with that funny sign to the left.  Here are 17 more smart-ass signs for your viewing pleasure.  (Pleated Jeans)

Dude.  Disney is planning a sequel to "Boy Meets World"!  I loved that show.  I hope this means we'll get to see whatever became of Eric.  (The Gloss)

Ellen DeGeneres called out undecided voters on a recent episode of her show.  Look, I understand being indecisive sometimes - I tend to waffle when it comes to choosing, say, what to have for dinner - but how on Earth can people STILL not know who they're voting for?!?  (Crushable)

Even if you're sick of election coverage (and who isn't?), you'll agree that this is great news.  (AV Club)

I Put a Spell on You, Because You're Mine!

MelBivDevoe

Halloween is almost here.  Are you preparing by watching your favorite horror movies?  I love classics like "The Thing," but if you're looking for something a little more recent, here's a list of the 10 best horror flicks from the last two years.  Can't argue with #1! (Forbes)

Speaking of horror movies, here are the celebs you didn't want to see die in their respective films.  Spoilers abound, obviously.  (Crushable)

If you're really looking for a good scare, though, forget the movies.  Head to your library or bookstore and look for one of these spooky novels!  I definitely recommend any of H.P. Lovecraft's work if you want something to give you some lingering heebie-jeebies.  (io9)

As far as real life horror goes, the whole eastern seaboard is preparing for Hurricane Sandy to hit this week.  Please, if you're in the storm's predicted path, take precautions and stay safe!  (Boing Boing)

I Am the Girl of 100 Lists... Er, 10, Actually

MelBivDevoe

Happy Monday!  I'm recovering from the second of two weddings two weekends in a row, so today's links will be a bit different - nothing but lists of good things to get your week off to a great start!

Still need some homemade costume suggestions?  How about 25 ideas?  (The Gloss)

Or why not dress up as one of these 10 badass women from history?  (The Mary Sue)

Nothing brightens my day like a good Photoplasty contest:  here's 19 ways to make great movies even better.  (Cracked)

I Like the Way You Work It, No Diggity

MelBivDevoe

Apologies if the links seem a little harried this morning, but I'm running on little sleep.  Hopefully none of the write-ups are nonsensical or purple monkey dishwasher.

If you like overpriced, creepy doll "art," then have I got the link for you!  (BuzzFeed)

Around our house, we have several homemade cat trees and beds to keep our kitties occupied.  I think this needs to be our next DIY project (ha, as if we could pull this off!).  (io9)

First, there was the Binders Full of Women tumblr.  Now, the internet has blessed us with amazing Amazon reviews for said binders.  Never change, internet.  (Pleated Jeans)

Looks like Elizabeth Bathory was on to something, after all - the secret to eternal youth may be in the blood of the young!  But, uh, I do not condone that you go out and bathe in the stuff or drink it or anything.  I'm just stating that for the official record.  (Gawker)

It's Hump Day, Time to Shake Your Rump!

MelBivDevoe

Good morning!  Had your morning coffee yet?  It wasn't civet coffee, was it?  If you've not heard of civet coffee, it's very expensive, somewhat rare, supposedly delicious, and, uh, made from cat excrement.  No thanks.  (NPR)

Hey you!  Do you like dancing, video games, and winning things?  Then click here!  (Crushable)

Last week, a man posted a super sarcastic review on the Facebook page of a maxi pad company.  Now, the company, Bodyform, responds with a snarky video that's an excellent example of how to capitalize on a viral moment. (Mashable)

I love the idea behind this article, "If TV Shows Were Relationships."  Like, The Vampire Diaries would be that crazy roller coaster ride of a relationship where you're happy, then you're at each other's throats, then you're crying and making up - all in the span of about five minutes.  (College Humor)

Don't Be Scared, It's Just Link Time

MelBivDevoe

If you're in need of a quick laugh this morning, check out these photos of terrified "bros" from the Nightmares Fear Factory haunted house in Niagara Falls.  Lots of hugging and hiding going on!  (BuzzFeed)

Huh.  I kinda dig Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's coordinating tattoos, both portions of a famous speech.  You'll never guess the source of that speech.  (The Gloss)

I don't care what the authors of this piece think, those zombie Martian Muppet costumes are pretty fantastic.  (Vulture)

Baby Got... Self-Respect

MelBivDevoe

Pretty sweet sign, right?  You've gotta check out the rest of the lyrics, though, to really appreciate it.  (So... That Happened)  (h/t Resa)

This list of foods to avoid at fast food restaurants might have you avoiding those restaurants altogether.  I suppose that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing... but who could give up the sweet, artery-clogging deliciousness of a place like Five Guys (for example)?  (Business Insider)

I can't believe it, but these might be the most unappealing cupcakes I've ever seen.  I didn't even know it was possible to make a cupcake I wouldn't want to eat!  (Who Killed Bambi)

Here's a recipe for Sriracha Ice Cream Sandwiches, if that's your kinda thing.  They do look pretty yummy, but I haven't the buds for such a spicy treat.  (Laughing Squid)

The Worst Men's Costumes for 2012

MelBivDevoe

Last year, I brought you the Top Ten Dumbest "Sexy" Costumes for women.  With Halloween rapidly approaching, I thought I'd take a look this year at the worst costumes for men.  

When it comes to men's costumes, it's clear that no one expects guys to be cute or sexy on Halloween night.  No, men either get to be heroes, villains, or clowns.  For every Batman or Loki you'll see, there will be a Green Man running around, making everyone laugh with his crazy antics. 

However, while browsing the so-called "funny costumes," it soon became apparent that costume manufacturers have a fairly lame sense of humor.  Here, then, are some of the worst costumes I found.