Scientific American takes a look at why we love stories, and how we learn to tell tales as a way of sharing and passing on wisdom. Read more here.

Just when you thought Clint Eastwood might hang back a little, he decides to direct and act in a new feature. Gran Torino, coming out this December, features Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, an iron-willed veteran living in a changing world. At 78, Clint's still going strong.

During the Cold War, spies carried hollowed-out coins to transport messages, microfilm and even poison darts to be used in the event of capture. Now you can buy your own spy coin replicas here. (International super-secrets not included.)

Pitchfork has a great rundown of the best tunes from one of the best decades. Check it out here and see which of your favorites from the Kinks, Beatles, Stones and Beach Boys made the list. Then it's time to load up the iPod and get your baby boomer on.

From handling a tire blowout to building a fire in the wilderness, Popular Mechanics runs down the things any guy (or gal) should know how to do. See some of life's essential skills here.

Legendary Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Paul Newman died yesterday at age 83. His food company, Newman's Own, has donated more than $220 million to charity since its founding. Newman had many roles in life, from acting and directing to being an entrepreneur, race car driver and philanthropist. Here's to a life well-lived.

A man should know his meat, according to Esquire.com. This article is a full-on education (or refresher) on all things steak, from cuts of meat to ways to prep and cook a fine piece of protein. Enjoy.

Via Squob -- The Mehrzeller caravan concept takes the idea of the camper and re-invents it into a wild-looking polygon shape. "Mehrzeller" means "multi-cell," and this pioneering new design is backed by BMW, among other big European industry names.

Do you tend to be a logical, detail-oriented thinker, or the more imaginative, big-picture sort? This link at Australia's Herald-Sun asks if you see the rotating dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise and provides an interesting look at the difference between right and left brain thinkers.

Via boingboing -- Leatherman has introduced its 25th anniversary Argentum collection, with special editions ranging from $12,000 to $40,000. They're decorated for show, but built to be functional.

See more here.