This Is 1 Mean Lookin' Race Machine

Linkin Park designed a Mercedes racecar livery. Yes, seriously

Or at least someone working with Linkin Park did. Either way, the end result looks pretty good, and it helps that the AMG GT3 is a fantastic design on its own right. The car has all the right proportions, so the addition of black lightning bolts, thick red stripes, and the band's logo/shield draped over the silver base could hardly do anything to hurt the appearance. Strangely, this is not the first Mercedes-AMG/Linkin Park mashup; the band did the soundtrack for a C63 promo video last year.

(AutoBlog.com)

The Big Fundamental Calls It A Career

Spurs' immortal Tim Duncan retires without a whimper

Born in St. Croix and schooled at Wake Forest, Teemy—as he was adorably called by his French-born teammate Tony Parker—was not a man made for highlight reels and social media. He was, though, a man made for his city. San Antonio wrapped him in its no-nonsense arms and squeezed tight, especially after he refused a tempting free-agent offer to abscond to Orlando in 2000. It seems so logical now that the Alamo would trump Disney World, but not back then. Duncan had no Parker or Manu Ginóbili beside him, and his fellow twin tower David Robinson was getting long in the tooth.

But Duncan stayed, and four more championships (he won his first with the Admiral in 1999) followed. Though there was nothing remotely regal about his demeanor or, for that matter, his island wardrobe, Duncan’s championship record puts him in the company of kings. He trails (of course) 11-ringed Bill Russell (and a slew of other Celtics from their dynasty years) and, more relevantly, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, both of whom have six. He retires with the same number of championships as worthies named Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, which seems about right.

It’s hard to argue that Duncan does not belong among the top 10 players of all time, his frontcourt versatility nonpareil. Feel free to join the protracted chat-room disquisitions on whether the 7-foot Duncan was a center or a power forward, but it comes down to this: He was both. He was not the first player to seamlessly blend the positions (Elvin Hayes and Bob McAdoo preceded him, and Kevin Garnett came along later), but Duncan is certainly the best combo four and five—call him a nine—that the league has ever seen.

(SI.com) 

A Thought To Ponder

(CavemanCircus.com)

And We're Kinda Ok With it

10 Sneaky Ways Las Vegas Casinos Take Your Money

Casinos are windowless traps

• What time of day is it? Where is the nearest exit? Good luck finding some daylight at many mega-casinos like MGM Grand or Caesars Palace. These palatial facilities may be beautiful in a kitschy sort of way, but are designed to keep you numb to the outside world. While some newer Vegas casinos like the Cosmopolitan are getting away from this type of design, many still hope to leave you in casino purgatory with a maze-like design of games, shopping, and restaurants, where there's nothing else to do but give up your cash.

Dirty hidden fees, part one

• Many casino hotels charge what are called "resort fees" -- daily charges tacked on to the hotel bill for "resort amenities" rather than just including them in the cost of the hotel room -- which is just a way to bump up what you thought was a reasonable bill. Imagine you've taken a beating at the tables for a few days and then the casino hits you with another $50 upon departure. "This is one of the worst," says Anthony Curtis with LasVegasAdvisor.com. "The fee should be transparently included in the rate. Only a few casinos no longer charge the resort fee."

The club you don't want to be a part of

• Joining the players club at casinos will earn you "cash back" or "player points" -- the more you gamble, the more perks and points you get, redeemable for things like merchandise, free room and meal comps, or cool jackets. But remember the big picture -- these clubs are designed to keep players at the tables and slot machines longer. Curtis argues that players should always join the clubs to get something back, but the casinos wouldn't offer these programs if they weren't getting the better end of the deal. Don't defy logic by losing hundreds of dollars to earn points that score you a beer koozie.

Complete list (Thrillist.com)

This Is Too Funny

(CavemanCircus.com)

Trends Vs Fads - Foods Edition

What Is The Difference Between Food Trends And Food Fads?


According to the biweekly business magazine, trends are identifiable and explainable. For example, it’s no secret that soda sales have declined over the past few years in the U.S., due in part to an increase in warnings regarding sugar and artificial sweetener consumption. As a result of these numbers, multiple brands have entered the category, offering more-nutritious alternatives (think: different types of flavored waters, such as coconut, maple and watermelon). These products pick up steam slowly and are consistent with lifestyle trends, such as pledges to consume healthier foods and beverages. Yes, that officially makes kale a “food trend” as well.

On the other hand, food fads are unpredictable and often take the market abruptly and by storm. These typically one-off items gather hype in a matter of weeks or days — sometimes even hours — through word of mouth, the internet and/or various social-media channels. These items may attract viral attention and long lines but are characterized by a brief shelf life that may see them linger around for a little while before fading into obscurity. You won’t find anyone waiting patiently at the crack of dawn for a Cronut anymore (though, in all fairness, that particular fad has somewhat transcended time).


(FoodRepublic.com)

I Concur

(BroBible.com)