Overly Positive

Do you really think I could keep doing these weekly pick-me-ups without posting a picture of a sad panda at some point? Come on now, it’s just way too easy to pass up.

The daily grind may be getting to you, the classes and homework might be torching your productivity, but not to worry – there’s still plenty to be happy about around the Internet. Check out these articles for some feel-good action:

Twitter to Put Smackdown on Fakers (via The Escapist): Twitter’s probably the fastest rising star in the social networking crew of applications, but with no real way to verify identity, it’s been plagued with a variety of fake accounts that in some cases have resulted in unpleasant legal action. So now, Twitter’s got to act, and they’re working on a way to verify identity to prevent people that like to impersonate Kim Kardashian from cluttering up the service.

Global Cooldown on Global Warming (via Fark): That crazy stuff you might be hearing about global warming might not be in the spotlight for a while. Scientists have pulled a 180, saying that the world is instead in a global cooldown that will last a little while. Good news for anyone annoyed by terribly obsessed environment folks everywhere – at least until 2020, when warming should pick up yet again.

Video Games to be Taught as Part of Curriculum in NYC School (via Gamepolitics): Ever get caught playing your PSP or Nintendo DS in class, students? Well, things are looking up for you, because at least one New York school is trying to put games into its education. The class will integrate games such as Spore and Little Big Planet while also employing traditional board games in order to teach children about the digital experience and get them into technology early. Oh, the lure of tech is a siren’s call, so anything anyone can do to put the needle in early is fine by me.

And finally…

Blade Runner Sound to be Added to Electric Vehicles (via The Escapist): Remember that cool futuristic sound that the flying Spinner cars made in Blade Runner (and if you haven’t seen the movie, I’m now aghast)? Well, to alleviate safety concerns that hybrid vehicles make less noise due to engine turn-offs, Nissan is integrating the sweet-sounding Spinner call into its design. I drive a Prius, and while I do delight in its ninja-like capacity for silence, I definitely wouldn’t mind having sound as long as it’s cool. Blade Runner counts as cool.

So there you go, folks – have fun with your Monday!