Fusenews: Turnips and Controvery

• The problem with the world as I see it is that we simply do not have enough gargoyles. When was the last time you attended a gargoyle unveiling and said to yourself, "Now that’s one fine looking stone guardian" anyway? Well, here’s where it all becomes infinitely clear that the Brits defeat us thoroughly in the realm of all things gargoylish. According to the BBC News, "Schoolchildren competed to design the nine carvings at the Bodleian Library after the originals crumbled away. Oxford-based Mr Pullman, known for the His Dark Materials trilogy, cut the ribbon at the ceremony at 1000 BST. As there was no historical record of the original designs, they have been replaced by images including those of fictional characters. Some of the characters include Aslan, the lion from The Chronicles of Narnia, and Tweedledum and Tweedledee, from Through The Looking Glass." And others.  There’s even audio with the article from one of the competition winners.  Thanks to mom for the link.

• I wouldn’t report on this except that I love Jason Segal (who has somehow become the de facto king of all things Henson) and the title made me snort.  From Cynopsis Kids:

The new Muppet movie project will, according to Studio head Dick Cook, be titled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made .  The movie features a screenplay by Jason Segal (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall).  The movie plot, an old concept originated by Jim Henson, finds Gonzo directing a Hollywood movie and not managing its budget very well.

• Oh no he didn’t!  Jonathan Hunt says that When You Reach Me isn’t the best book of the year.  The funny thing is that he prefaces his belief that it will get an Honor at most by saying, " Oh, to be sure, it’s one of the best books of the year–arguably the best fiction, certainly."  So as backlashes go, this is one of the tamest I’ve seen.  Check out his post to see his reasons, Monica Edinger’s stirring retort, and the multitude of debates raging.  I’d love to see what Jonathan’s fellow Heavy Medalists Nina and Sharon have to say about this one as well.

• One man’s spanked doll is another man’s treasure.  That’s how the saying goes, right?  When I drew a natural conclusion that Lauren Child’s version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a natural successor to Dare Wright’s Lonely Doll series, Stephany over at Crooked House grabbed that ball and ran with it.  She likes Child’s newest, but also discovered something along the way.  "The dolls themselves were made by R. John Wright and when I googled him, I discovered that you can buy a limited edition version of the Goldilocks and the Baby Bear used in the story — for a mere $1225.00. But get this, Betsy: he also offers a replica of Edith, the doll featured in The Lonely Doll . She’s got ‘the finest’ real human hair . And she’s on sale for $1225.00."  She goes on to describe even more dolls out there as well.  Actually, I’m rather fond of this Edith doll.  She looks wary.  Like she doesn’t quite trust your intentions (as well she shouldn’t).

• Read Twilight?  Want a larf? Cracked.com (which is notable for being notably superior to its paper equivalent) has come up with a post justifying why the series is, "the ‘Manos: The Hands of Fate’ of literature."  Even if you’re a fan, I suspect you’ll find this incredibly funny on a first go.  I know I did.  Thanks to @LizB for the link.

• Daily Image:

It’s Charlie and the Turnip Factory.  Go here for a larger version.

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