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Showers use roughly 1.2 trillion gallons of water every year in the United States alone, while three times the country’s population around the world lacks access to any clean water at all. Swedish industrial designer Mehrdad Mahdjoubi has created a device that can both reduce the amount of water used in the first world and make the most of available water in the third. The OrbSys shower is a high-tech purification system that takes its inspiration from showers in space stations. It uses 90 percent less water and 80 percent less energy than standard showers, which can result in an annual savings of $1,000.

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Post tags: astronaut showers on Earth, close-loop shower, closed loop shower saves water and energy, limited water supplies, Mehrdad Mahdjoubi, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Orbital Systems Shower, OrbSys Space Shower, purification system, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, safe drinking water, showers that save water and energy, water issues

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A new report from the International Energy Agency has found that China is on track to build more renewable power plants through 2035 than the US, the European Union and Japan combined. While the fact that China is heavily funding renewable development isn’t exactly news, the reality that it stands to outstrip other countries by such a wide margin should serve as a wake-up call to the rest of the developed world that we can, and should, be doing more.

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Post tags: "clean energy", china clean energy, china energy policy, china renewable energy, global renewable energy, global warming, International Energy Agency, international energy policy, renewable energy, world energy outlook 2013, world energy outlook report

Who said bankers are heartless and only care about money? Washington State banker Joel Armstrong helped a family of tiny ducklings reach the local river in a wonderful act of kindness. As the baby ducks bravely jumped from his second-story office window ledge, he gracefully caught them one by one and helped the mother duck and ducklings reach the river. Sometimes nature needs a little bit of help. Check out the full duck tale above in this Hump Day special from the archives.

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Post tags: Animals, archive video of Washington State Banker, Banker Saves Ducklings, Banker saves ducklings jumping of a ledge, duck tale, Ducklings Jumping Off a Ledge, Happy Hump Day, Joel Armstrong, News, us banker, video of banker saving ducklings, video of ducklings jumping off a ledge, video of man saving ducklings, Washington state banker

In 2013 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources conducted a survey on 70,294 species of animals around the world – and they found that over 30% of them fall into a threatened category. SuperScholar just launched a new infographic that shows the results of this alarming study and explores the factors threatening to wipe out three species in particular – rhinos, elephants, and lions. Check out the full infographic after the jump!

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Post tags: Africa, at risk animals, Biodiversity, boneyard, conservation, endangered animals, Environment, infographic, international union for the conservation of nature and natural resources, IUCN, threatened species, vulnerable species

Lick is an adorable photoseries by Ty Foster. It features doggies licking. What are they licking? I don’t know, probably some invisible bone that only dogs can see. BRB, let me ask my pup Einstein if he sees it. Okay, I’m back. The verdict is still out. I wasn’t able to tear him away from [...]
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Because showing up for a praise and worship sesh the morning after a wild Saturday night is hard, some churches are starting to offer beer-friendly services. Nice! Hair of the dog it at the Lord’s House. In fact, some of the services are even held at the bar. OMG, I think I’m having a come [...]
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Because the world is chock-full of nerdy perverts, the folks over at Wood Rocket (of Spongebob Squarepants p0rn parody fame) have created a series of Game of Thrones p0rnos called Game of Bones (what else?). You can actually watch the scenes (there's five so far) for free at their website, which I don't encourage because some things are best left to the imagination. In this case that thing is 'people who barely resemble characters from a popular HBO series talking in piss-poor accents and banging each other'. There weren't even any dragons. Hit the jump for the safe-for-work trailer, or go burn your eyes out at the entirely NSFW woodrocket.com to see the actual videos, which you undoubtedly will because Daenerys Targaryen.

If you want to find who has the really good drugs, just look for Los Angeles based director and animation artist David Lewandowski. I’m pretty sure he’s got them. This video called “Late for Meeting” features a crazy weird floppy man who flails down the street in a disturbing (yet kind of hilarious) manner. The [...]
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This is Redditor CarlyPaigeMakeup's Jack Skellington face makeup job. It took me a minute to realize what I was even looking at. Thankfully, there's a composite shot of the makeup application process so you can understand just what's happening here. Then, since you haven't come up with your own costume yet, you can try to do this yourself last minute, completely and utterly fail, and decide to stay at home tonight with the lights off. "That party was probably going to suck anyways," you'll tell yourself over a bowl of candy corn. Keep going for the application process. "What application process?" YOU'RE HIRED.

These are the Mobile Beds created by Espace Loggia. The name is kind of misleading though, they're only mobile vertically. They're not made to support your weight when they're in the air though, which sucks because I like sleeping as close to the ceiling as possible. Also, a sexy lady. I'm joking, I don't like anybody touching or breathing on me when I'm trying to sleep. If your foot touches my leg I'm taking a blanket and sleeping the couch. The Mobile Bed was designed to be pushed to the ceiling during the day so you can have more room underneath when the bed isn't in use. Plus if you're an evil villain you can lure somebody under the bed then drop it on them. MWAHAHAHAHA -- the perfect crime?! "Nowhere near it." You'd be in jail within the hour. Thanks to Lydia, who agrees it should be totally acceptable for an adult to sleep in a loft bed with their desk and gaming computer set up underneath. Right?!

This is the Tweeting Bra, a bra that sends a Tweet each time it’s unclasped. It’s designed by OgilvyOne Athens who created it for a campaign by Netsle Fitness. The hope for the Tweeting Bra is that it will promote breast cancer awareness. However, I imagine it’s really only successful in promoting pervy dudes to [...]
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Oh yeah? Well my baby's name is going to have numbers AND special characters in it, so there. These are two animated GIFs (one boy's and one girl's) created by Jezebel showing the most popular names to give a little bundle of mistake joy born in the United States in the past 52 years. They were interesting to watch. My name didn't make a single state for a single year though. My dad had a dream that he was supposed to name my older brother Visa or Moonbeam if he was a girl. He was a boy though, so they went with Frank. They tried to name me the act of shaking your head and sighing but the nurse at the hospital wouldn't accept it so they went with Copernicus. Apparently he was King Arthur's favorite wizard. "Copernicus was a scientist, you're thinking of Merlin." YES -- Merlin. My parents named me Merlin. Keep going for the boy's version (ladies first -- those are the rules).

Native New Yorker and author, Marc Grossman, gives us the inside scoop on his just-released book, New York Cult Recipes, an ode to the city’s restaurants and food culture. Here he reveals five of his must-visit diners, delis, cafés and an old school luncheonette (and what to order) in five distinct neighbourhoods. And, we’ve paired each spot with something to see and a  New York hotel stay, too…

UPPER EAST SIDE
Eat The Lexington Candy Shop is a third-generation family-operated luncheonette on the Upper East Side, marked by a landmark neon sign out front. On the menu you’ll find straightforward diner fare such as blueberry pancakes, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and malt milkshakes made on vintage Hamilton Beach mixers with Bassett’s ice cream, as they’ve always been. MG
See Sadly, there’s no sock-hop to pop by, but you’ll be fuelled up for a trip to the nearby Whitney Museum of American Art or Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Stay Feel right at home in this well-heeled neighbourhood at The Surrey Hotel a glam Beaux Arts beauty.

FLATIRON DISTRICT
Eat It’s not much from the outside, but step inside Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop and you’ll be struck by the cinematic appeal of the lunch counter packed with customers. The fourth owner since it opened in the late 1920s and longtime customer, Josh Konecky, has great respect for this institution and prides himself on not messing with the formula. Classic Eisenberg dishes – matzo ball soup, the tuna melt and meatloaf with mashed potatoes – are favourites of everyone from Mick Jagger to Spike Lee. Don’t be scared off by the lunchtime crowds: getting caught up in a sea of bustling locals is part of the fun. MG 
See Walk off that that corn beef sandwich in nearby Madison Square Park and pose by the latest public art installation.
Stay Wondering where the cool kids hang out? Look no further than the lobby of the Ace Hotel on the way up to your room.

EAST VILLAGE
Eat Duck into the Stage Restaurant, a Ukrainian hole-in-the-wall off of Saint Mark’s Place for Eastern European delicacies such as sauerkraut pierogis smothered in caramelized onions, rich borscht soup, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and puffy blintzes. French toast, eggs with corned-beef hash and other greasy-spoon fare hold their own too at this cool neighborhood spot with a friendly, yet unobtrusive, staff. MG
See Continue with the theme and visit at the under-the-radar Ukrainian Museum, just a few blocks away.
Stay Elegant, but with an edge, The Bowery Hotel, perfectly reflects this changing neighbourhood.

TRIBECA
Eat The rail-car style Square Diner with its grey tiled roof and blue-collar vibes is something of an anomaly in this now-upscale enclave, harking back to Tribeca’s pre-artsy industrial roots.  Popular with local residents and police officers, the Square Diner has stood fast in a changing world by sticking with their low prices, friendly service, and, most importantly, tasty, honest no-frills food such as corned beef hash, fluffy buckwheat pancakes, Greek salad, root beer floats and apple pie à la mode. Not entirely stuck in another era though, their excellent veggie burger and sweet potato fries mean you can take your health-conscious friends, too.
See Stroll a few blocks west for a game of mini-golf or to watch boats bob on the Hudson River at Pier 25.
Stay Japanese-style spa, rustic-Italian restaurant and Parisian-inspired bar all play very nicely together at The Greenwich Hotel.

CHATHAM SQUARE/CHINATOWN
Eat An old-world coffee shop/Chinese tea parlour, Hop Shing is a favourite spot for the great American pastime of anonymously enjoying a cup of hot filtered coffee on a stool at a diner counter.  The fact that almost everyone else is Chinese or NYPD certainly adds to Hop Shing’s otherworldly appeal, but what really clinches the deal is the classic selection of dim sum and pastries kept in the steam cases behind the counter. Pick and choose from roast pork buns, coconut buns, stuffed green peppers, bean curd rolls, fried shrimp balls, beef noodles and custard tarts. MG
See  Learn more about the immigrant stories that shaped this city by signing up for one of the fascinating walking tours at the Tenement Museum.
Stay Climbing high above the squat LES walk-ups,the Hotel on Rivington is a buzzy tower of contemporary cool.

Hungry for more? We’re giving away five copies of New York Cult Recipes – enter by 31 October for your chance to win. And, take a look at our full list of boutique hotels in New York when planning your next NYC tour.

At age 9 Paralympian Josh Sundquist lost his left leg to cancer. But has that stopped him from putting together super amazing Halloween costumes? No. Exhibit A: Josh’s last year’s Christmas Story leg lamp costume from last year. Exhibit B: this years pink flamingo get up. Exhibit C: your Halloween costume, ever. That last one is just [...]
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Number one at number two. Inspired by the 'Modern Toilet' restaurant in Taipei, the 'Magic Restroom Cafe' has just opened in Los Angeles county, and offers westerners the same shit-themed experience. Hands down the worst place to take a first date. Wow, you're even more beautiful than your pictures -- let's talk about doodoo.

patrons...sit on (non-functioning) toilets to eat a variety of Taiwanese-style dishes named after poopy things. Eater LA also reports that a lot of the food (which has gross names like "'black poop' (chocolate sundae), 'smells-like-poop' (braised pork over rice), 'constipation' (zha jiang mian)," and "'bloody number two' (vanilla-strawberry sundae)") is served in little ceramic toilet bowls.

Listen -- I'll be the first person to admit I won't hesitate to eat a snack on the toilet. But only if it's my own toilet, I'm not eating anything in a public restroom. Also, it's only a matter of time before some kid or drunk actually uses one of those toilets like sometimes happens at Home Depot. Relevant fact: my roommate and I actually nicknamed the pizza place closest to our apartment Diarrhea Pizza. It's delicious going down, but after it's all the way down and nearing the exit you just want to keel over and cry for two hours. Dammit now I want one. Learn to love the pain -- that's the secret. Hit the jump for a couple more shots of the 'Our service is the Shit', 'Come Hungry, Leave Crappy,' etc. etc.

Photo via Shutterstock

Natural disasters tend to strike when we’re least prepared. Horrified by the long-term damage caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey have been trying to figure out what a similar disaster would do to America’s West Coast. Using a “hypothetical yet plausible” 9.1 earthquake centered off Alaska’s Pacific Coast as the basis for their scenario, researchers say such an event would trigger a monster tsunami. Results show that a tsunami of these proportions would devastate California’s coastline, causing as much as $700 million in losses and disrupting international shipping schedules.

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Post tags: alaska, boats, California, California Geological Survey, coastline, earthquakes, natural disasters, nuclear power plants, property damage, tourism, tsunamis, usgs

Both Raffles and travelling have had a facelift since the likes of Hemingway propped up the Long Bar, but a fascinating literati-sprinkled history and an unequalled level of service  make the hotel an irresistible stop off after a jaunt through Asia. Definitely a place to see once in your lifetime – we’ll see you there!’

Why this week? Book a stay now for December 2013 or January 2014 and you can take advantage of Raffles Singapore’s exclusive offer: three nights for the price of two. You’ll also get the Smith extra: a Singapore Sling each and some chocolates.

See more Smith hotels in Singapore or browse all our hotel offers…

Copy compiled by Keith Oswin

Czech car manufacturer ŠKODA surveyed 1,000 dads to find out what men want out of a baby stroller. Apparently they said TALL AS HELL, SERIOUS HYDRAULICS, and ROLLING ON 20′S. Were they all under the impression that they live in a rap video? The result of all this mess is the vRS Mega Man-Pram. It’s [...]
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This is a video of two humpback whales off the coast of central California coming up to feed when they almost swallow two divers. Could you imagine being swallowed by a whale? Man, that would certainly be a story to tell IN THE BIBLE. Back me up, Jonah! "I spent three days and nights in the belly of the beast." And then? "And then on the third night I prayed to God for forgiveness." Cool, but you should have prayed for forgiveness AND A WATERPROOF CHAINSAW. Hit the jump, then sell all your bathing suits in your next yard sale, the ocean is OVER.

Nothing is more exciting in summer than cold chocolate on a stick, but store-bought fudgesicles are usually so full of nasty ingredients that shouldn’t pass anybody’s lips. Luckily, there is hardly anything easier than making homemade alternatives with organic chocolate milk and nutella. Check out our recipe for this delicious creamy treat. We can almost guarantee that you will be the most popular person in the house.

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Post tags: desert, food, Health, homemade fudgesicles, Inhabitots, nutella, organic milk, recipe, summer fudgesicles, summer treats

According to a recent study conducted in China, Sprite may help reduce the effects of a hangover and have you back to feeling 65% and good enough to go puke at work by noon. You know, I don't mind puking at work because most people will sympathize with you thinking you're actually sick-sick and not just a boozehound who went too hard the night before.

After drinking, the body goes through two stages of a metabolic process to break down ethanol. First the liver metabolizes it into acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and then into acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Unlike acetaldehyde, acetate is considered harmless and may even be responsible for some of the positive health benefits of alcohol consumption. But exposing the body to acetaldehyde actually causes the symptoms of a hangover, including nausea and a pounding headache. To see what beverages could help the body better metabolize alcohol, researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou analyzed 57 different drinks, including herbal infusions, teas, and carbonated beverages. The team measured their effects on ADH and ALDH, finding that each drink had a different effect. Interestingly, some herbal teas actually slowed down the process, prolonging a hangover. But the best beverages were Xue bi, the Chinese version of Sprite, as well as soda water, which were found to speed the enzyme's process, shortening the body's exposure to ALDH.

That's very sciencey and all, but it sounds like these researchers failed to test the best hangover cure there is -- more booze. You just have to hair of the dog it, that's your answer. You know how many times I've had to take a cab to work in the morning because I took shots when I woke up to feel better? Most of them. But you know what? Screw it, it's Friday. "It's Thursday." I can't go on like this. Thanks to Ryan, who agrees the best hangover cure is a handful of Advil, a big glass of water, and calling into work and talking like your nose is all stuffed up.

Remember photographer Jordan Matter’s series showing dancers doing real life stuff? Of course you do — you loved it. Well, now Jordan’s back with another series of athletes doing real life stuff. It’s equally impressive. There’s a football player tackling his lady friend, a strong man carrying his grocery cart above his head like it [...]
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Milky Pin-Ups is a photoseries by Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz. It features naked ladies dressed in splashes of milk. How did they do it? I know what you’re thinking, but no, Jaroslav Wieczorkiewicz is not a milk whisperer. It’s a lot more complicated than that — the milk dresses are actually hundreds of layers of individual high-speed [...]
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This is a two and a half minute highlight reel of motivational speaker Joe Satler setting a new world word record for running a full 26.2-mile marathon backwards while juggling three balls. Joe complete the course in five hours, 51 minutes and 5 seconds. "I DREAMED AND I ACHIEVED!" I imagine him jumping on stage and yelling at a crowd of red-faced runners.

In setting the record, Salter made two drops out of 62,460 total throws, but following RecordSetter rules, made no forward motion until picking up the dropped balls and continuing to juggle.

Listen -- you want to be the best at something? Here's what you do: train hard. Still not the best? Add another aspect to the challenge (i.e. doing it backwards). Still finishing last? Add something else (i.e. juggling). By now you should at least be finishing in the top ten. Add ONE MORE THING (i.e. an additional ball, balancing a book on your head). At this point if you're not doing it better than anybody else it's time to learn to love purple participation ribbons. Continue for the video.

If it’s possible to be too romantic, too seductive and just too beautiful, then Viceroy Maldives is guilty as charged. Coax yourself away from languidly lying upon the pure white sand to submerge yourself in a realm of underwater thrills – the only thing you need worry about is what colour best shows off your tan.

Style Pristine perfection
Setting Paradise found

Why this week? Serene all year-round with a deliciously tropical climate, there’s never really a ‘bad’ time to escape to the Maldives. Then again, there’s never been a better time to go, as we’ve sweet-talked our friends at the hotel into offering Smith members an amazing Viceroy Maldives hotel offer: a whopping 45 per cent off, plus 25 per cent off in the spa. Start planning your spa treatments immediately…

Our favourite bits… Proudly boasting one of the world’s premier diving destinations, Viceroy has its own diving center with lessons for timid beginners and experienced old-hands. The ocean is brimming with marine life and many of the dive sites remain untouched and untainted by tourists. Or, if something closer to home is more your pace, each villa has a private plunge pool and Viceroy’s infinity pool is conveniently nestled close to the resort’s gourmet restaurants. For a view plucked right off a postcard, nestle yourself in the cushions of the Treehouse and sip some pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Mr & Mrs Smith say… ‘If you’re a normal human being craving the best things the earth has to offer – the bluest waters, the whitest sands, the freshest, most delicious seafood and the most gluggable wine – you’ll fit right in here. Making you feel even more at home are the excellent staff, who do all the normal hospitable things and then some: crave a sorbet or a fruity drink? One will appear. Want a private sunset dinner on the beach, with music and candlelight? Whisper in their ear. We have nothing bad to say about this hotel: it’s heaven…’*

See more hotels in the Mr & Mrs Smith Maldives collection or browse all Mr & Mrs Smith hotel offers…

* Copy compiled by Stephanie Mikkelsen

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The GOODS from Homer St. Cafe & Bar

Vancouver, BC | Homer St. Cafe and Bar is proud to announce the debut of its new brunch menu, available on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Rooted in familiar, wholesome ingredients, Homer St. Cafe’s honest approach to brunch features locally sourced, elevated comfort foods delivered with playful panache. Revitalizing everyday classics, this new “wow” option for Sunday diners marks a welcomed boost to Yaletown’s brunch scene.

Characterized by both sweet and savoury selections, the brunch menu is carefully crafted by Executive Chef Marc-André Choquette (Chef MAC) and Restaurant Chef Tret Jordan. Featuring brunch-time takes on Homer St. Cafe’s signature rotisserie meats, the new Sunday daytime menu centers around the house-made pork sausage and pork belly, both which are roasted in the signature Rotisol Grande Flame Olympia Rotisserie (the only one of its kind in Canada to be used in a restaurant). Guests can also look forward to refined favourites, such as a maple chicken cobbler with poached egg, or the baked steelhead trout with beef brisket and poached egg. For diners seeking more of a lunch option, Chef MAC and Chef Tret embraced their savoury sides with tempting dishes like the pork and hazelnut terrine with pickled vegetables and apple mustard, or the fried oysters with mustard aioli and pickled cucumber. And for those with a sweet tooth, the decadent fried nutella and banana monte cristo sandwich is sure to satisfy. Rounding out the brunch menu are handcrafted classic cocktails, from a signature mimosa to the House Caesar. Thanks to Bar Manager JS Dupuis’ creativity, Sunday sippers can enjoy the Port of Mumbai, made with Bombay Sapphire, grapefruit, and lavender honey, while the inventive House Caesar features house-made, chicken-infused spirits and spicy clamato.

Set in two of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings, the Homer and the Beasley in Vancouver’s Yaletown district, Homer Street Cafe and Bar incorporates the original character of the heritage space with a decidedly contemporary aesthetic. Sunday diners will enjoy the bright and airy – and decidedly “brunch-like – feel in a variety of settings, including the open concept “Chef’s Bar” and a semi-private dining room, replete with reclaimed factory windows, bespoke seating, and antique tiling.

Homer St. Café and Bar is located at 898 Homer Street and open for brunch on Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Reservations can be made online at opentable.com or by phone at 604-428-4299. For more information visit www.homerstreetcafebar.com.

This photo, captured by Redditor vamonos_pest, reveals that Sam’s Club is selling Jack Daniels by the barrel. For about $10,000, they send you an empty barrel and a bunch of bottles of Jack. Ten thousand dollars? Good Lord that’s a chunk of change. In the comment thread, someone’s pointed out that Costco has it for [...]
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Note: Larger, legible version of the chart HERE. But go HERE first to take a Myers-Briggs personality type assessment to find out whether you're a ISFP or ENFJ or whatever. Ever wonder which Harry Potter character most closely matches your own personality type? Of course you have. I bet your Facebook profile says you went to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry too. Do I know you, or do I know you? Just take the Myers-Briggs personalty assessment, see which character you are (after altering your answers to get the character you want to be), then change your profile picture to a picture of that character and personality description. Me? I'm a BAMF. "That isn't even a real personality." *flips table, punches hole through wall* OH NO?! Thanks to my buddy Dave, who tried to tell me he was a Sirius Black even though I know for a fact he's more of a Neville Longbottom.

This is a series of what texts might look like if your cat had opposible thumbs a cellphone. It’s pretty funny. Sure, they’re no Texts From Dog, but you can’t hold everything to that standard or you’ll always be disappointed. The relationship between Mittens the texting cat and his person is a little perplexing — [...]
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