'Booya!'. Some of you might have said this at some point during the morning, knowing that today is indeed Friday and that after work ends today there is free time to be spent doing 'whatever you want'! Yes, indeed, it is Friday, and here on the Off Topic forums we are taking it upon us to bring you something cool and inspiring to get the day moving quickly.

Some of you might be the artistic types, some of you science inspired, and some of you might just want to look at random cool stuff. Whichever your preference, today we might have something for you to really dig your teeth into.


'That cool random link of the day':
It is commonly known that Dolphins are considered to be one of the most intelligent species on this planet next to humans. It is also commonly known that dolphins have been interacting with humans in the ocean for hundreds of year. Many also theorize that dolphins are able to feel empathy, and act according to those feelings - a claim that is heavily supported by this article. What happens when an unlucky surfer is caught by a great white shark and a pack of dolphins happen to be nearby? The following article tells this amazing tale:
http://www.rd.com/dolphins-save-surfer-from-shark-attack/article77866.html

For the artists:
It is well known that Photoshop can be used to create some breathtaking effects and images. With a high level of know-how, even the most mundane and boring everyday images can be altered and made to look like something from a distant futuristic planet. The question is, how can the average and new users of Photoshop accomplish such effects? We came across this cool list of tutorials for how to create 'dark and futuristic' effects on your images:
http://psdtuts.com/tutorials-effects/40-dark-and-futuristic-photoshop-effects/

For the science inspired:
Mother nature, even the universe itself, is known for being able to create some of the most devastating disasters man could possibly imagine. Not too seldom do we see pictures and coverage from areas struck by cyclones, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions. Headlines usually flow around the world, and even local news stations will depict the catastrophic results of nature gone wrong. With this in mind, we wanted to remind you all that nature is also capable of creating wonders and beauty that, if given the chance to study, gives birth to awe and reverence in its observers. Even a mundane thing like clouds can display effects thought to belong solely to 'photohopped' images by creative artists. How, you wonder? Well, NASA shows us how with the following story:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/25aug_nlc.htm

And with that we wish you an enjoyable Friday and weekend!