Sunday, November 6, 2011

Toads?

I want to see if I can write about something completely random and make it sound interesting. I admire the writers at http://www.cracked.com/'s ability to do this, so I'm going to exercise my writing muscles and go for it! So in desperation, went to Wikipedia and clicked random article.

Unfortunately, my random article was " ジャイアニズム ~お前の物は俺の物~ (Gianism ~omae no mono wa ore no mono)".  I have no idea how to even write about that. I'm really not THAT talented.
So I clicked a few more times before I found something easy.

So meet the Marine toad. He's coming to invade your town.





Marine toads, or Bufo marinus is also known as the cane toad. The marine toad is fairly large in comparison to other toad species. It varies in color, but can be found in gray, light green, green-brown, forest green, and beige. Its bumpy skin contains poison glands. A marine toad tadpole is poisonous to many animals if ingested. The marine toad lives almost completely on land, only venturing in the water to breed. The marine toad has a moderate tolerance to salt water, and can be found in some coastal estuaries. 


But theres a dark side to the marine toad.



bum. bum. bum.


Seriously, this thing is ridiculous. I kinda of was impressed with how good this thing is at surviving and just obliterating everything else.  Marine toads use little discretion in choosing their meals. They gobble up small rodents, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and if they please, pet food and household garbage. Basically, if you leave anything outside, the marine toad will eat it and then probably give birth to 50 other toads in your backyard just to laugh at you. The marine toad has no natural predators, because the marine toads appetite is so large, it has been introduced to many regions as a form of pest control, most notably against the cane beetle. The marine toad now can be found in Australia, the Carribean, The Phillipines, Fiji, New Guniea, and the United States. Its ability to adapt and reproduce is allowing its population to slowly expand in these areas.
I found a really creepy section at the bottom of the wikipedia article. "Uses". Apparently the marine toad is sold as scary merchandise. I don't know why.



why.

3 things you should know about Breaking Bad.

1. A show about drugs doesn't encourage drug use.
When I became fascinated with this show, I had to look on the internet for more information about it. Random facts etc. etc. Breaking Bad focuses on a cancer patient and overly qualified high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, making methamphetamine to support his family. Throughout the show, he is tangled up in the complex and dangerous world of the drug trade. When my Mom first saw me watching this show, she immediately expressed a little concern. She thought that if I got too into watching Breaking Bad, I would think meth is cool. This show actually does the opposite; it makes me terrified. After reading the book Methland, I was already probably too familiar with it. The dangers Walter faces trying to support his family are constantly a part of the plot line, making a life of crime not too appealing.

 2. The character of Walter White could combat Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris is kind of a cliche "tough guy", but do you see what I'm trying to say? Basically, Walter White can only be summed up in one word: bad ass. Throughout the beginning of the series, Walter has a sort of reckless abandon that makes for excellent television. Diagnosed with progressive lung cancer, Walter doesn't see much of a future for himself and kind of does whatever he pleases, only restricting himself when he needs to do whats best for his family. He is an incredibly book smart character (and sometimes displays hidden street smarts). My favorite clip to display how awesome Water White is comes from season one.




3. Bryan Cranston is a great actor.
What immediately drew me to the show was the acting that brings Walter White to life. Bryan Cranston was hired to play the role. Cranstons other notable role on television was playing Hal, the dad on Malcom in the Middle. I'd have to imagine that being kind of an interesting audition. The dad on Malcom in the Middle is such a lighthearted character, quite the stretch from the image Walter White is supposed to portray. The versatility of Cranston is definitely what landed him the role. The best displays of Cranstons acting don't come from his dialogue at all. In fact, the momemts where you are most tuned into the show are where you are focused on the subtle changes in his face in reaction to something.