This is a remarkably well produced (and utterly, utterly fake) video portraying a concept of what the mythical device so craved by gadget freaks and Apple fanboys around the world might look like. The chances of Apple making such a device are certainly between slim and none, but I have to admit, the thing does look pretty choice.

It’s nice to see large companies stepping up now and then to help protect our environment. Toshiba has announced a new program called TERRE (Toshiba’s Environmental Recovery and Recycling Effort) that aims to ensure that old laptops and LCD screens are safely and responsibly dismantled. With the rapid advance of personal computer technology, old systems are becoming obsolete more quickly. Often people simply toss out the components so that they can buy the latest and greatest. Unfortunately toxic chemicals are used to make PC components and these chemicals end up leaking out into the environment as the parts rot away in landfills. By participating in Toshiba’s recyling program, consumers will be sending their old monitors and notebooks to professionals that will safely dismantle and dispose of the equipment. They have a step-by-step guide for the process that culminates in telling UPS where to pick up your device. There is no cost for shipping and you even get a free 128 MB USB key to go along with all the zen-mother earth feel goodiness…

The new album from the Flaming Lips, “At War with the Mystics” is due for release this Tuesday, April 4 but you can hear the whole thing on their official website now. I have only listened to about 5 tracks so far and won’t even attempt a review after that little exposure, but you can check out the AP review over at Newsvine. Also, iTunes is offering a free advance track of “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” when you pre-order the album from the iTMS. I am really excited about this new album. I have held The Flaming Lips in high regard ever since ABCTaylor, Djammes and I rigged up our house in Kalamazoo in order to play the 4-disc simultaneous-play concept album “Zaireeka.” I think that’s the only time I’ve ever experienced true quadrophonic sound and it was incredible.

There are a lot of television pilots out there that never ended up seeing the light of day, but thankfully our savior the internet has dredged up a gem that has to be seen to be believed.

“Heat Vision and Jack” is a pilot created in 1999, which tells the tale of a super-genius ex-NASA astronaut and his talking (?) motorcycle. The pilot was directed by Ben Stiller and stars Jack Black as astronaut “Jack Austin”, who’s sidekick talking motorcycle, named “Heat Vision”, is voiced by Owen Wilson. That combination of talent alone should be more than enough to peak your interest, and trust me: you won’t regret the 30 minutes of bliss this video provides.

So here’s the basic premise: Jack Austin, NASA astronaut, is exposed to intense rays from the sun when his space capsule strays two close to the core of our solar system. Upon his return home, it’s discovered that during the daytime on earth, the suns rays transform him into a super-genius. Intrigued by this revelation, NASA decides to remove Austin’s brain: the only really logical thing to do in such a situation. Austin of course attempts to flee the scene by calling his roommate to pick him up on his motorcycle. In the ensuing action, Austin’s roommate is shot by an “experimental ray”, which merges him with this motorcycle, aptly named “Heat Vision”.

And so it goes that Heat Vision and Jack flee to the wide open roads of the United States, in a very “Knight Rider” inspired manner. It’s worth it to note that the pilot’s creators were definitely playing off the cheesy “dark-hero” tv programs of the mid 80s. Knight Rider, the A-Team, The Hulk, you see these inspirations popping up throughout the episode: from the plot lines and acting to the hilarious special effects, it’s clear their intent was to pay homage to these classics.

Have a watch on youTube, and remember: knowledge is power. FOR REAL!