My dad sent in the following: “Nora the cat is my neighbor (belongs to Burnell and Betsy). Recently she played with the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra. Fun.  Love,  Dad.” My dad is a cat name dropper. How fun is that?

A million thanks to Ed Bronstein for sending this in!

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With some many requests for more BuckyBall giveaways, we decided to mix it up some. This time out, we’re looking to reward those who’ve learned to do something with their balls. It’s simple, make a video within the next 7 days, send it to us, and we’ll send you a free set! Give it as a gift, keep it for yourself, whatever makes you happy. But the fun doesn’t end there: We’ll reward the top 4 videos with $50 each. We’ll also put them on our YouTube channel and whichever has the most views at the end of a week, earns an additional $100!

Don’t have BuckyBalls yet, but want to get in on the fun? Fair enough. We’re slashing prices 10% for the first 20 Zoomdoggle readers who order a set at www.getbuckyballs.com. Just use promo code “Zoomdoggle” and watch the price drop.

Now for the fine print:

1. Videos should feature BuckyBalls in action… but just BuckyBalls (no faces, backgrounds, or props, just hands and balls).
2. Videos should be shot on a solid, dark background (ideally black), watch our video for reference.
3. Videos much display at least one shape being made or trick being performed and must be at least 1 minute in length. No editing required - a single continuous shot will do.
4. Video should be the shot and uploaded at the highest resolution possible. Anything better than cameraphones or webcams should be fine, but the bigger the file the better.
5. Lastly, by uploading a video, you give us the right to use it in any and all BuckyBall promo materials including but not limited to YouTube and TV.

Once you’re ready to go, push the “add” button on the BuckyBall Drop.io to send it to us. Then drop us a note with your name, adress, and the title of your video at getbuckyballs at gmail dot com and we’ll drop your free set in the mail, watch your creation, and smile warmly, content in the knowledge that others are loving our balls almost as much as we do.

LINK: Getbuckyballs and Drop.io.

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Yup. Thanks to Emma W for sending it in.

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WHERE: Boston, MA - Launch Location TBA @ 11:59PM Tonight
WHEN: Saturday, July 11th, 12:30PM - 4PM
WHAT: A bit of a tradition really. Last year over 400 participants, making up over 43 teams, stormed Boston, hustled through a series of challenges, fun, and finds organized by the ever mysterious Banditos. Just like last year, this will be a “passport scavenger hunt“. Unlike last year, there will be a photo component, so at least one person on each team will need to have a digital camera or cameraphone. All the items on the list exist within less than a 5 mile radius from the starting location, so there is no need for alternative transportation. You will be able to complete all the missions using sneakers and brainpower! NOTE: It is not necessary to come with a team already made. Team size will be created based on overall turnout. You are welcome to bring your friends, we won’t be separating people, but will add you to larger teams so that everyone has the chance to meet others and work together. Registration after the jump.

LINK: Misteriosos.

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Starting April 3rd Stéfan Le Dû began his Stormtroopers 365 project. The goal? A new picture (or series) of troopers trooping around every day for a year. Troopers at the beach? Examining cats? Bathing at breakfast? How fun is that?

LINK: Stormtroopers365 via Laughingsquid.

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LINK: Armorgames.

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WHERE: New York’s Brooklyn Bridge Park
WHEN: Every Thursday from now to Aug 27th
WHAT: The Brooklyn Bridge Park’s annual movie series. Pull up a blanket. BYOP (READ: Popcorn, see also ‘I should’ve gone to the bathroom before planting my butt in this crowd of thousands’). And enjoy. This year’s series theme is capers, thrillers, and heists and they’re kicking it off with my all time favorite: Raising Arizona. See you there.

LINK: Brooklynbridgepark via Gothamist.

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A bit of fun marketing from a foreign school supply company. I dare you to watch it and not smile.

LINK: via Adrants.

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Arts and crafts are fun. Arts and cons? Even better. “Whether you were one of his victims or not, now is your chance to tell him how you feel. Send your letters, drawings, poems, photographs, posters, collages doodles and other Madoff correspondence to madoffmail@gmail.com. On every three-month anniversary of Madoff’s prison term, we’ll send your submissions to Madoff’s prison cell in a MadoffMail care package.” Check some of the goodness they’ve already collected below.

There’s tons more after the jump and a gallery show of selected submissions planned for later this year. I’m loving it. What will you send?

LINK: Madoffmail via Joshspear.

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BONUS: Over the past year they’ve collected all kinds of sweet Mario Swag. They’ve stuffed it into the “? Blocks” below and they’re giving them away during the event.

Want to win a box?
For every $5 donated to Child’s Play during the event you’ll receive an entry in on of their 4 Donor Drawings. The 5th goes to someone on twitter: Help them promote the event by telling all of your friends on Twitter! Just include our hashtag #mariomarathon and you’ll automatically get an entry for the last box in the Twitter Drawing. How fun is that?

LINK: Mariomarathon.

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LINK: Eternalmoonwalk.

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A good friend of mine has just invented something really fun, a remix of Clue (or Cluedo in the UK where I’m from).  It’s a PDF “add on” for the existing game.  A board game remix if you like.

Killer Kloo Doo is an 8 page PDF written by the UK author, David J Rodger, containing rules for two different ways to play Clue. Rodger says “Clue is a great game but now you’re adults and have played it enough times, you know the tricks for deduction and the sense of challenge diminishes; which is a shame because Clue is a timeless classic: you WANT to play it more.”

That’s all about to change. Add an ordinary pack of playing cards, and Rodger’s Killer Kloo Doo rules and what was once a tired game suddenly is filled to the brim with bribery, devious servants, difficult challenges and the risk of cold-blooded murder (of your character in the game).  It’s a simple idea but effective. How fun is that?

LINK: Download the Killer Kloo Doo PDF HERE.

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Really, the guy is begging for it the way he’s standing.

LINK: via Buzzfeed.

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J Grier says “stare at the lobser’s eyes for about 10 seconds and the plate will fix itself. Freaky fun, right?

Anyone else got any fun ones? Send ‘em to icantbelievemyeyes at zoomdoggle dot com.

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“Remember how in the original G.I. Joe animated series from the mid-80s, no one ever died? The Joes would defeat the Cobra forces decisively in the end, but neither side would sustain a single casualty? In preparation for the live action movie later this summer, I compiled a video slide show of the weirdest escapes from mortal peril in the old cartoon. Included: escapes using parachutes, hang gliders, absurd disguise, a net-throwing spear, a bubble-blowing spear, and an anthropomorphic dog.”

Sorry, there’s no embed. In fact, Adrian’s made it into a video slide show - there’s 8 clips in all - all of which can be seen at Slate (where Mr Chen is interning). Click the link (or the pic) to see the set.

LINK: Slate.

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LINK: Townme.

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As for the rules… Don’t speed. Obey the local laws. That’s about it.
Scoring is on a 100pt scale, with judges using the following wonderful maths:
Odometer [50pts]
They take your odometer reading at the start and finish lines. Choose the shortest routes between checkpoints. Points are awarded on a sliding scale: the lowest reading gets 50pts, while progressively higher readings receive progressively fewer points.
Team Style [40pts]
Style is judged by originality of the costumes and attention to costume detail, plus metaphorical consistency between the costume and the team’s rally vehicle. The 30pts are split evenly between personal costumes (15pts) and vehicle (15pts).
Freelance [10pts]
Whether jumping a canyon or robbing a bank, spectacular feats of daring-do will earn your team up to 10pts.

Winner takes prize. Cash. Lots. Bonus: This time around tickets come three ways. There’s the Wheelman (entry, plus briefcase stocked w/ bottle rockets, smoke bombs, condoms, and chaw), the Captain Chaos (the above, plus hotel/casino suite, steak dinner, in-room stripper, surprise bonus), and the Jason Statham (all of the above plus a shot of pure human adrenaline-seriously-sure to keep you alert).

LINK: Rentalcarrally.

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Find more free online flash games at Fupa.com

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First you see it, then you don’t. Chewing is overrated anyway…

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It looks like the squares bulge out, right? Now hold something up to the screen (a straight edge from a piece of paper or something)… everything is perfectly flush. I love these things. Tons more mind-bending, optical illusion fun after the jump.

LINK: Mollisusions.

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LINK: facebook via Boingboing.

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Sports Games

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Being Nintendo obsessed I’d considered doing something similar… but let my Mii do the work instead.

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Ready for the funnest bag you wish you saw this weekend? One part messenger bag, one part cooler, the Dolores can hold “at least 12 cans of PBR” has an attached bottle opener, is completely water-proof, and shouldn’t arouse suspicion even on a job interview. That’s refreshing. Yup.

LINK: Timbuk2.

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Yup, pug on pug on stroller. How fun is that? Pug life.

LINK: via Neatorama.

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So, besides the Internet, what does someone do to entertain themselves on planes for that painfully long? That’s where the fun begins. Check one of the many, many highlights below:

NOTE: I sent him some BuckyBalls as well - seeing as they’re portable infinite fun it only made sense - but haven’t found them on the site yet, but there’s a prize in it for the first person who does.

LINK: Markonairtran.

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WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 8:00pm - 11:30pm
WHERE: Crash Mansion, 199 Bowery, NYC
WHAT: If you haven’t gone to the URDB to post set or post a world record of your own, now’s your chance to write yourself into the history books in front of a live crowd and/or watch others go for the glory. The night will begin with the World Premiere screening of Loud People, a hilarious new short from URDB record setting legend Todd Lamb. The lineup of world records is shaping up to be our best ever (including a little something special from Zoomdoggle’s Jakehimself), and we’re thrilled that Blast Off!!! will once again represent as our URDB house band for the evening. Sign-up is on facebook. Need more inspiration before throwing your hat into the ring? Sleep easy knowing that, if you earn a patch, you’ll be amongst some pretty good company:

LINK: Facebook.

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Stephen Powers, better known as artist ESPO, writes in to alert us to his latest accomplishment:

“Enclosed are the first two lines of a love letter spanning 50 walls and roof tops to be painted in West Philadelphia facing the Market-Frankford Elevated train. The letter is meant for one with meaning for all, and in a larger sense, will be for West Philly from West Philly.” How fun is that? In addition to the walls, he’s opening a sign school to teach local young adults the basics of sign design and mechanics. A film based on the project will be directed by Joey Garfield and produced by Ghost Robot.

LINK: Firstandfifteenth.

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LINK: Diefailwhale.

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On the surface this would seem to be a fun enough game to play at the register (made even more enjoyable by the cashier’s attempt to sing them off keyboard cat-style), but read the description on YouTube… if anyone can tell me how this promotes “a positive view of sexual health” you’re a better man than I.

LINK: via Youtube. Thanks to Patrick Dunn for sending this in.

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Two players hold yoga balls and charge. Good times? Might be more of a spectator sport. Hard to tell.

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The first few are ok… but after the one gutter, the strikes are pure joy.

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LINK: Mentalfloss.

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Essentially what happened is this, Nerdroid and Emmy both drew pictures of Bill Cosby without showing each other, then exchanged them. What they found was amazing: Two Cosbies, drawn independently of each other, had turned out to be almost identical (sweater, gibberish, jell-o, you get the idea). Wondering if they’d tapped some collective Cosby consciousness, they asked a bunch of other people to draw Cosby too, and that’s where the fun starts. NOTE: This is all explained far better on their blog (by way of words, and illustrations).

Read about the experiment and their findings HERE.

And/or check out the hundreds of Bill drawings HERE.

LINK: Nerdroid. A million thanks to Mike S for sending this my way.

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Here’s how this works: Do you have a messy apartment? Not an “I need to tidy up around here” spot, I’m talking full-on “I don’t even know who the naked guy eating beans is, but he actually classes-up the joint so I let him stay” living situation. Now you get the idea. Anyway, if you’re living in that kind of squalor it’s time to pick up the camera, send some pics to My Apartment Map and cross something. Whoever’s got the most votes come July 15th is taking home $1000. For everyone else, might I suggest looking through the madness… Somehow, ranking the rankness (read: staring at pictures of pizza boxes piled in bathtubs) can make even the darkest, overpriced studio seem that much warmer. How fun is that?

LINK: Myapartmentmap.

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LINK: Flasharcadegames.

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How come watching is making me drool? No really.

LINK: via Buzzfeed.

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On the hunt for a new look? There’s no funner way to find it than Nerd Boyfriend. Sort through the stars of yore, the click the links below to hunt down the gear to make it possible. NOTE: I grabbed the last two, but it’s not all shirts, slacks and safari hats. Just 90%. What can you say, people dressed well back in the day.

LINK: Nerdboyfriend.

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When Red House needed a new commercial, they like YouTube comedy due Rhett and Link take the helm. I’d buy there; I hate racism in an otherwise comfy sofa.

LINK: Redhousefurniture.

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With so many URL shortners to choose from, how to know which one is best? Yup, I can’t tell either. But I do know this: Some links are just begging for a fart noise (and a fun picture, but just for a second or two before redirect). FartURL shortens, and adds the sound. How fun is that? Make one. Send one. Smile. BONUS: You can hear when co-workers click across the room.

LINK: Farturl. Thanks to Bryan Bowden for sending it in.

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WHEN: Friday, July 17, 2009, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
WHERE: Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
WHAT: Another NewMindSpace banger: “Capture the Flag is a massive, adrenaline-pumping, urban game played on the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Two teams hide flags in their territory and attempt to capture the enemy flag using buses, taxis, bicycles, longboards or their own two feet. Join us as we dash through the ‘burg, evade the enemy and score a point. 1000 glowing necklaces will be distributed at the meeting point to mark the teams. After the rules announcement and 10-minute planning time, the game will commence! May the best team win.” Free to play, sign-up is on facebook, more details to follow.

LINK: Facebook.

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Did you know you can take ordinary, stomache-turning, extra-value fast food, and turn it into super high-end, gourmet treats? Neither did the companies that made it. But you can. These photographs show extreme makeovers of actual fast food items purchased at popular fast food restaurants. No additional ingredients have been added except for an occasional simple garnish. How fun is that? Tons more after the jump, as well as step-by-step so you can following along.

LINK: Fancyfastfood via Laughingsquid.

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LINK: Armorgames.

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LINK: Billiatweets. Big thanks to Big Dan for sending it in.

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If I understand correctly, you take the rings that the seperate blank disks with when you buy a pack of 50 (or even an actual CD, but you’re going to have to tourch it even more and blow much harder), apply heat, and blow. Note, the resulting bubble only looks like a condom, but should not be fit over the penis for any other reason than comic releife. I might have to try this later today.

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