October 28, 2020

THESE LINKS AREN'T GONNA CLICK THEMSELVES.

Happy National Chocolate Day! As if guided by a premonition that this day was almost upon us, Meredith ordered a bunch of sweet treats from our favorite purveyor of dairy-free chocolate confections that arrived at the office yesterday, and working our way through these delectable delights is one of the few sources of joy to be found around here as we plod inexorably on toward Election Day this coming Tuesday.

Election Day is a paid holiday here at Boredwalk, but we know that isn't the case everywhere — even though it should be — so if you haven't done so yet be sure to make a plan for how you'll let your voice be heard!

Today is ALSO National First Responders Day! If you are a first responder yourself, please pat yourself on the back for keeping the rest of us safe! If you know someone who is a first responder, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their hard, stressful work.

Finally, today is also National Immigrants Day! If you or someone you know are immigrants, thanks for your courage in uprooting your life in pursuit of the American Dream...and for bringing snacks that make everyone's existence here in the US a bit more delicious!

Alright, cake time!

 First up, happy birthday to acclaimed virologist Jonas Edward Salk, born this day in 1914! Dr. Salk was the big brain behind one of the first successful vaccines against the scourge of polio, first announced in 1955. He was such a firm proponent of using science for the betterment of humankind that he declined to patent his discovery or derive any profit from it in order to maximize its global distribution. Less than 25 years later domestic transmission of the illness within the US had been completely eradicated. He spent his later years working on a vaccine for HIV. Thanks, doc! 

• Next up, 01101000 01100001 01110000 01110000 01111001 00100000 01100010 01101001 01110010 01110100 01101000 01100100 01100001 01111001 to software developer, tech magnate, and philanthropist William Henry "Bill" Gates III, born this day in 1955! I'm a Mac person myself, but I fully concede that home computing would not be what it is today without the trail that Microsoft helped blaze. Plus he and his wife Melinda are giving away over 95% of their wealth upon their eventual deaths, which is pretty cool.

• Moving on, sling a slice over to Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, born this day in 1974! In addition to being an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning actor, Mr. Phoenix is also a long-time vegan and noted environmentalist and animal rights activist. Way to walk the line for the critters, Joaquin!

• Finally, cut a big piece for songwriter, performer, producer, and visual artist Frank Ocean, born this day in 1987! From his debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra to 2016's critically acclaimed Blond, Ocean has carved out an impressive musical career that defies easy categorization. I can't wait to see what he comes out with next!

OK, link time!

1. Just in time for Halloween, let's all enjoy this mash-up of Ray Parker, Jr.'s Ghostbusters theme song with the Beastie Boys' 'Intergalactic'!

Bonus points to the YouTube commenter who posted "this is what happens when you cross the streams."

2. Designer/illustrator Irina Blok isn't just the award-winning designer behind the Google Android logo.

She's also a very entertaining cartoonist on Instagram!

3. Do you ever get tired of watching baby bats eat fruit?

I sure as heck don't!

4. While we're on the subject of Halloween-themed mash-ups, artist Jason Beck has done wonders combining classic horror movie characters with muppets!

These are all worthy masterpieces, but I will always have a soft spot for Statler & Waldorf...even if they are dressed up as the creepy AF Grady twins from The Shining.

5. That rude AF sea turtle that's been floating around the ocean and the internet finally got his comeuppance.

Remember last month when I linked to the finalists for this year's Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? Well, they've announced the winners, and Terry the bird-flipping turtle is the overall champ. Hopefully this improves his mood. Click the link to see him and all the other winners!