The Week: March 8, 2013

It is sunny in my damp little corner of the world. The hippies are already congregating in the park, beating their damn drum incessantly. And this Sunday, despite we’re all going to collectively be an hour late to something. In short: spring is coming. Personally, I can’t wait (except for the damn hippie drum circle).

I’m going to go find my sun dresses and earplugs. You enjoy these links.

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A talented father draws fun little pictures on his kids’ sandwich bags every. single. day. The gallery of his work is delightful.

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This just may be the greatest headline, ever: “Beards Keep You Young, Healthy, & Handsome, Says Science.” (Via my friends Ruth and Justin, who know how to appreciate some good facial hair).

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2,500 years ago, in the ancient Etruscan town of Poggio Civitate, burial customs were not extended to infants. The remains of deceased infants would be placed on a refuse heap and, well, that was that. It sound heartless, but the bigger story here is how cultural norms change over the centuries. (Via the always fascinating Candice).

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I’m kind of desperate for Mad Men to start up again. Consequently, these pics from the upcoming season made me positively drool. Fear not: there are no real spoilers in the images. Except for the fact that ROGER HAS SIDEBURNS. (Via the lovely Deanna, who is responsible for me staring at Jon Hamm’s crotch when I should be working.)

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This poem by Adrian C. Lewis broke my heart: “This is The Time Of Grasshoppers, And All That I See Is Dying.”

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A New York Times photographer heads to the sewers of Mongolia’s capital city of Ulan Bator in order to capture photos of homeless children rumored to be living there. Instead, he uncovers a dark underworld of homeless, alcoholic adults.

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A hilarious flowchart outlines when, exactly, it’s okay to say something is gay (hint: if it’s in the pejorative sense, the answer is NEVER).

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My friends Mike and Dan are getting married. I’m stupidly excited for them. And yes, the giant green beer balloon is my doing. Obviously. (I realize what a terrible use of helium that is. But it was already at the store, filled and waiting. Forgive me, but the damage was done, and no one else was going to buy a green beer helium balloon.)

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Feeling a little stumped when it comes to your story writing? Check out these 22 rules from some of the brightest minds at Pixar.

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A beautiful and heartbreaking account of a father’s death in a U.K. hospital highlights just how messed up our U.S. healthcare system is by comparison.

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That’s it for me this week – I’ll be on the road next week, but there should be new posts up every day – keep an eye out for them!