Physicist Neil Turok discusses his theory that the big bang is just one in an series of universal expansions and contractions. glc... Turok, 2008 TED Prize winner. From the TED video: tjc

He has shown that the Big Bang may be explained as a violent event in a pre-existing Universe, and not at the beginning of time.

After winning his 10th consecutive primary on Tuesday, Illinois Senator Barack Obama increased his slim lead in the delegate count over New York Senator Hilary Clinton, prompting Republican primary leader Senator John McCain to go on the attack. Although I think Senator Obama's momentum is a key factor here, I feel its a little too early for this, which is another reason why I can't stomach Senator McCain. jmj... Note though that Obama regularly directs attacks in his newest speeches towards McCain, failing to even mention Clinton's name. His Tuesday night speech being no exception. Obama is certainly playing his part in furling the fire. On a different Obama note: Slate's Jack Shafer does a little research into the Barack Obama speech stealing claim. glc... And Radar gets conflicting reports on the McCain sex scandal claim. tjc

Much like my article last week regarding the difference between a film adaptation and a film remake, Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney fame discusses what constitutes a cover song. jmj

I'll ride coat tails. This time with the link from the NPR blog to what is quite possibly the greatest cover tune ever. Hyperbole anyone? For real though, it's pretty good. If only for its stark contrast to the original. The Slip up at the :50 mark only seems to add to it somehow. Though I'm partial to John Mayer's cover of Radiohead's Kid A. glc

In case anyone else is missing football, here's a decent mock draft to curb your withdrawal. Howie Long's son first overall? tjc

Last week, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) sponsored its second annual Think Pink week in a effort to raise breast cancer awareness across college campuses and communities. In all, the campaign involved 995 women's college basketball programs, 50 men's college basketball programs, 20 conferences, and 31 athletic programs other than basketball. jmj

Remember when pi (π) equaled 3.2 in Indiana? Me neither, but it apparently did at one time until a Purdue professor set the record straight. (via mental floss) tjc

Jim HIll Media, who specializes in all news Disney related, takes a look at Walt Disney World's new campaign to attract young urban professional and hipsters to their resort starting with an ad campaign in GQ. Something tells me Disney's fifth theme park in planning, Night Kingdom, may also be part of this overall business model. glc

Speaking on the aforementioned hipster, The Morning News circa 2004 sets the record straight on what exactly is a hipster in this day and age. I think an edited and updated list may be in order though because i didn't see any mention of Pabst Blue Ribbon. But don't worry, PBR sponsors the Hipster Olympics! glc

For those who think exercise it a waste of time, here are 13 scientifically proven health benefits of exercise. (via life remix) glc

Battleship starring Brendan Frasier, The girl from Little Miss Sunshine in Candy Land, and a bunch of Friday night recluses in Magic, the Movie. Board games as Hollywood fodder from the NY Times. tjc

Engineers at Hyder Consulting are planning to build the tallest building in the world, by a rather obnoxious amount. Almost one mile high. Talk about an extended elevator ride! (via BLDGBLOG) glc