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Today’s Big Question: Who took the photo of the first man on the moon?
Why do we draw bankrupt people wearing barrels, or partiers putting lampshades on their heads? We might have answers.These are the possible origins of seven instantly recognizable visual cliches.
New research shows that spending too much time on Facebook could be making you sad.
The final two episodes in season one of Breaking Bad might have looked a lot different had there not been a writers strike taking place during production. With another strike potentially on the horizon, we’re looking back at eight television shows that were creatively altered by the absence of a writers room.
Photographer Captures the Fluorescence of Flowers Under Ultraviolet Light
Photographer Craig Burrows has managed to capture the invisible fluorescence of flowers by using ultraviolet light and long-exposure. The result comes as close as you can get to a natural black-light poster. Take a peek at the psychedelic images here.
Why buy the cow when you can get the termite hole for free? The insects known as termitophiles make themselves right at home in termites’ cozy nests. Now scientists say they may have found the first enterprising moocher to move in—99 million years ago. They published their findings in the journal Current Biology.
The amber mines of Myanmar have yielded some incredible discoveries. Last year, paleontologists reported finding both dinosaur wings and tail feathers in amber markets. The latest discovery, of minuscule, horseshoe-crab-like beetles, may be less flashy, but is no less important in the history of life on this planet.
With a body length of just 0.03 inches, the new specimens may look itsy-bitsy to us, but they’re actually pretty big compared to the rest of their family. Modern rove beetles in the Trichopseniini tribe are all tiny, and they all perform the insect equivalent of couch-surfing, setting up shop in termites’ nests and snacking on the fungi inside without bothering anybody.
Scientists previously believed that Trichopseniini and other moochers made their first foray into termite nests around 19 million years ago. Yet the newly discovered specimens (named Cretotrichopsenius burmiticus after the Burmese mine where they’d been hanging out) are at least 80 million years older than that.
“The fossil reveals a richer ecology within early insect societies during the Cretaceous,” the authors note, “and a lengthy period of co-evolution between termites, the first of all social insects, and their numerous arthropod associates.”
April 17, 2017 – 10:30am
Writers strikes have a major impact on TV and film production. Depending on the strike’s length, dozens of film and TV projects can be suspended, delayed, or even cancelled, and rebounding when a strike is over isn’t exactly easy, either.
Numerous TV series have had to return from strike to a kind of creative reboot, from rewriting single episodes to devising entirely new finales. With another strike potentially on the horizon, we’re looking back at eight shows that changed course due to a strike.
An enduring legend about Breaking Bad sprung up around the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike. According to that version of events, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) was originally set to be killed off by the show’s writers, but when the strike occurred and forced the show to cut its first season from nine to seven episodes, some hard thinking about the show’s structure led to the decision to keep Pinkman around. It turns out that’s only partially true, as creator Vince Gilligan has since noted that he’d decided not to let Paul go by the second episode of the show. The strike did fundamentally alter the show’s overall plot progression, though.
Those final two episodes in season one would have originally given us two fast-paced hours in which Walter White (Bryan Cranston) would have very quickly become the drug kingpin known as Heisenberg. With the strike standing in the way of that, Gilligan and company threw those episodes out and took a more careful approach to bringing out Heisenberg. That meant a slower pace, but an awesome three-episode arc to kick off the second season.
The 1988 Writers Guild of America strike was the longest in the organization’s history, and its long run cut into the production of a number of series, among them the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. As a result of the strike’s duration, the season order was shortened from 26 episodes to 22, and with a shorter production window, the show went looking for script sources beyond the standard writers room. As a result, the season premiere episode “The Child” was adapted from a script originally written for the aborted Star Trek: Phase II TV series in the late 1970s. Producers also began mining the “slush pile” of submitted spec scripts from outside writers and found “The Measure of a Man,” by attorney-turned-writer Melinda M. Snodgrass. The script became the ninth episode of the season, and Snodgrass was hired as the show’s story editor.
After starting off red hot with huge ratings and critical acclaim, the second season of the comic book-inspired NBC series Heroes suffered a ratings decline and attacks from fans due to new characters that took time away from the old ones, a time travel storyline that seemed to drag on too long, and romances that pulled attention way from the show’s super-powered action. It got so bad that creator Tim Kring admitted mistakes in an Entertainment Weekly interview. But the writers strike offered Kring and company a chance to rethink and restructure.
The strike limited the show’s second season to just 11 episodes, and sensing that a change needed to come, Kring reshot the ending of that season’s eventual finale, ”Powerless,” in order to scrap a planned plague storyline that would have made up season two’s second half. The planned fourth “volume” of the series, “Villains,” became the third, and the show carried on for two more seasons.
The hit sci-fi series only had one episode of its final “Season 4.5” run completed when the 2007-08 strike hit, and the situation felt so dire at the time that the cast was convinced during filming that said episode—“Sometimes A Great Notion”—would be the show’s last. The series did return to produce 10 more hours to end its run, and, like Heroes, the strike actually gave creator Ronald D. Moore a chance to rethink the planned ending of the show.
“There was a different ending that we had, it was all about Ellen aboard the Colony,” Moore told io9. “She was sort of turned by Cavil, because she found out that Tigh had impregnated Caprica Six, and that deeply embittered her. And she sort of became dedicated to the idea of destroying Galactica and the fleet out of revenge. And [she and Cavil] got Hera, and then the final confrontation became very personalized between Tigh versus Ellen, and should they forgive.”
“That was the story, generally speaking. We didn’t have a lot more than just what I spun out to you, when the writer’s strike hit. Over the course of the writer’s strike, I rethought about it and thought, ‘That’s not going to do it. It’s not epic enough. It’s not interesting enough.’ That’s when we decided to start over, and reinvent the last arc of the show.”
Moore and his writers ultimately devised a different series finale, featuring the daring rescue of Hera Agathon and the discovery of our prehistoric Earth.
When it premiered in the fall of 2007, Bryan Fuller’s inventive fantasy series was hailed as one of the most original new shows on TV, and developed a rabid fan base eager to learn more about the love story between the Pie Maker (Lee Pace) and the Dead Girl (Anna Friel). Initial enthusiasm for the series led to a full season order in October 2007, just weeks before a writers strike was declared. This meant that the series had to halt production with only nine of its 22 ordered episodes completed. Fuller rewrote episode nine to serve as a season finale, leaving lots of loose ends to entice viewers back. It worked. Pushing Daisies got a second season, but unfortunately didn’t get a third.
The 2007-08 strike interrupted production of the NBC medical sitcom, leaving it hanging in the midst of what was, at the time, expected to be its final season. Creator Bill Lawrence was offered the chance to film an alternate final episode to serve as a series finale should the strike limit the seventh season, but Lawrence declined, hoping he would eventually get to do things his way. When the strike ended, the future of Scrubs was still uncertain. Season seven ended at just 11 episodes, but the show continued to shoot episodes for season eight even as it no longer officially had a network. Ultimately, ABC picked up the series for an eighth season in the spring of 2008, and Scrubs finished its run on that network after a ninth season featuring new lead characters was also produced.
Tina Fey’s Emmy-winning comedy shut down production during the 2007-08 strike, but the biggest creative consequence of that break wasn’t felt until 2010. While the show was shut down in early 2008, the cast performed a live episode as a benefit at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. When the strike ended and production resumed, creator Tina Fey and co-showrunner Robert Carlock began having serious discussions with NBC about a live episode broadcast. Though it was originally planned for season four, the episode was rescheduled for season five. Titled “Live Show,” it was finally performed (twice, once for the east coast and once for the west) on October 14, 2010.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, the musical webseries from Joss Whedon, wasn’t so much altered by the 2007-08 strike as it was born out of it. Whedon conceived the series, which he calls his “midlife crisis,” during the strike, and actually first mentioned it to co-star Felicia Day on the WGA picket line.
“I asked if you’d seen The Guild. You didn’t have to say anything! But you said, ‘Oh yeah, I saw it and loved it,’” Day recalled in 2015. “You said ‘I’m actually working on a supervillain musical’ and I pooped myself. Later I got an email that was just, ‘Can you sing?’ Signed, ‘J.’ Then I pooped again.”
Whedon financed the series himself, and it was produced in just five months. Today, it remains an early example of the reach and profitability of web-distributed programming.
April 17, 2017 – 10:00am
Get ready to grab your wallet because Society6 is having one of their rare 20% off sales and throwing in free shipping. The online store is known for taking amazing art from designers all over the world and plastering it on everything from t-shirts to throw pillows. Now that the company has unveiled new clear phone cases, bathroom items, and even floor pillows, it’s going to be hard to pass on this excellent sale.
We know that navigating Society6 is a huge undertaking, so we took the time to pull a selection of our favorite items. You can thank us later.
World Domination For Cats Tote | $16
Renaissance Mutant Ninja Artists Shirt | $19.20
Mckenzie River Tapestry | $31.20
TROPICAL CREATION Clear Phone Case | $28
Iridescent Floor Pillow | $71.20
Let’s All Go And Have Breakfast Rug | $22.40
Watercolour cacti and succulent Pouch | $12
Home Sweet Home Throw Blanket | $39.20
Star Team – Legends of Lylat Print | $17.60
Piranha Plant Art Travel Mug | $19.20
Traditional Rick and Morty Mug | $12
April 17, 2017 – 9:59am
As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, April 17.
Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!
Watch Ya’ Mouth Adult Phrase Card Game Expansion Pack #1 for $9.99 (list price $12.99)
Cuisinart ICE-70 Electronic Ice Cream Maker, Brushed Chrome for $126.94 (list price $250.00)
Zoku Classic Pop Molds for $15.99 (list price $19.99)
Rubbermaid Antimicrobial Drain Board Large, White for $13.88 (list price $17.06)
4 Permanent Coffee Filters for Keurig Home Single Cup Brewing Systems for $7.99 (list price $10.95)
Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Travel Mug with Handle, Midnight Blue for $15.37 (list price $27.99)
Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife for $24.98 (list price $27.62)
Everest Cooler Lunch Bag, Black, One Size for $11.47 (list price $18.95)
LINKYO French Coffee Press – Stainless Steel Coffee Maker 34oz, 1L for $21.79 (list price $59.99)
Wilton Disposable 16-Inch Decorating Bags, 12 Pack for $4.89 (list price $6.95)
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set for $38.78 (list price $44.99)
ORBLUE Silicone Stretch Lids, 6-Pack of Various Sizes for $14.87 (list price $24.47)
Ornerx Cactus Candles for Home Decor Set of 6 for $13.99 (list price $19.99)
AmazonBasics Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Topper, 18″ Deep, Twin for $16.99 (list price $19.99)
Holmes Lil’ Blizzard 8-Inch Oscillating Table Fan for $13.59 (list price $19.03)
Holmes Oscillating Tower Fan with Remote Control, 32 – Inch for $34.36 (list price $42.95)
Hoover UH20040 Sprint QuickVac Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 1-Pack for $41.99 (list price $79.99)
Greenco 5 Tier Wall Mount Corner Shelves Espresso Finish for $20.39 (list price $29.99)
Greenco Rectangle Bamboo Butler Serving Tray With Handles for $11.47 (list price $14.99)
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream, 0.5 Ounce (Packaging May Vary) for $14.62 (list price $19.00)
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner, 8.4 Fluid Ounce for $9.00 (list price $15.00)
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, 6.5 Ounces for $10.39 (list price $11.55)
Burt’s Bees Daily Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, 1.8 Ounces for $11.39 (list price $14.99)
Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7100, BG2040 for $59.95 (list price $69.99)
Bed Head Deep Waver for $20.00 (list price $27.99)
Edge Shave Gel for Men Sensitive Skin – 7 Ounce (Pack of 6) for $16.02 (list price $26.99)
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser for $18.99 (list price $35.99)
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cream Cleanser, 5 Ounce for $5.99 (list price $6.99)
Cetaphil Men Daily Face Wash, 8 Ounce (Pack of 2) for $13.18 (list price $15.98)
Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil, Premium Quality, 4 fl. oz. for $12.95 (list price $29.50)
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, WP-660 for $59.99 (list price $79.99)
Waterpik Cordless Freedom Water Flosser, WF-03, White for $39.99 (list price $44.99)
DenTek Fresh Clean Floss Pick, 75 Count for $3.19 (list price $3.49)
Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrush, Full Head, Soft, 6 Count for $3.96 (list price $4.99)
Amazing Nutrition Biotin 10,000 Mcg Dietary Supplement, 200 Capsules for $11.99 (list price $22.99)
Neocell Super Collagen Type 1 and 3 plus Vitamin C Tablets, 120 Count for $9.22 (list price $10.85)
ViewSonic PJD5553LWS 3200 Lumens WXGA HDMI Short Throw Projector for $529.99 (list price $749.00)
Faber Castell Eraser Pencil – Perfection art eraser pencils for drawing, artist supplies, Dual function for erasing Ink and colored pencils – 3 Pack for $12.80 (list price $21.50)
Emoji Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard Eraser Set for $9.99
Pentel Long Lasting Eraser , White (ZEH02BP50) for $14.82 (list price $16.07)
Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine for $229.99 (list price $249.00)
Cricut Pen Set, Southwest for $10.30 (list price $13.45)
SINGER 2259 Tradition Easy-to-Use Free-Arm 19-Stitch Sewing Machine for $95.70 (list price $129.00)
Singer Transparent Plastic Class 15J Bobbins, 12-Pack for $4.24 (list price $6.29)
I Love To Create Scribbles 3D Fabric Paint 1oz 20/Pkg- for $15.39 (list price $21.99)
Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Panel for $109.99 (list price $140.02)
Moonrays 91515 Turtles on a Log Solar-Powered Outdoor LED Light for $12.14 (list price $14.99)
eBags Medium Packing Cubes – 3pc Set (Denim) for $21.99 (list price $38.00)
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack – Black for $59.99 (list price $130.00)
Zippo Pocket Lighter, Black Matte for $13.15 (list price $19.95)
Suncast Aquawinder 125-Foot Capacity Hose Reel for $80.99 (list price $189.56)
Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater for $118.80 (list price $162.52)
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Sprout with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit, Red for $50.62 (list price $69.95)
eBags Crew Cooler II (Pitch Black) for $37.99 (list price $49.99)
Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent Granules, 2-Pound (Not Sold in AK) for $8.48 (list price $10.99)
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair, Beige for $38.30 (list price $79.99)
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower for $61.75 (list price $87.90)
Sony DVPSR210P DVD Player (Progressive Scan) (Certified Refurbished) for $24.99 (list price $34.99)
Eton FRX5 – All Purpose Weather Alert Radio with Bluetooth for $79.99 (list price $99.99)
Loctite Liquid Professional Super Glue 20-Gram Bottle (1365882) for $5.97 (list price $7.99)
Gorilla Wood Glue, 18 oz. for $3.97 (list price $5.97)
Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC, 1 Pack for $19.98 (list price $42.99)
CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder for $9.99 (list price $12.99)
Makita XT324 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Pc. Combo Kit for $209.58 (list price $245.58)
Armor All 2.5 Gallon, 2 Peak HP, Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum, AA255 for $35.49 (list price $49.99)
DEWALT DWMT72163 118 Piece Mechanics Tool Set for $79.99 (list price $99.99)
AmazonBasics 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit for $23.79 (list price $33.99)
Rubbermaid Commercial Triple Trolley, Black, FG440100BLA for $99.19 (list price $123.99)
April 17, 2017 – 12:16pm