In this age of Lana Del Rey think pieces and urinal-based consoles, it's easy to be cynical about video games. If you find yourself in need of something to reignite the sparks between you and your console, then you should check out a one-night-only group video game at The Museum of Natural History this Thursday. And it's starring none other than The Magnetic Fields' sardonic wit Stephin Merritt. more ›

Just in time for lunch, here's fresh video of an entomologist feeding his lab's bedbugs with his own blood. Call it gross, but wouldn't you do the same thing for your pets if they were starving? Watch as Louis Sorkin lets his beloved BB's crawl all over his arm and feast to their hearts' content. Besides providing a vivid glimpse into the life of a professional bedbug wrangler, the video also gives you the opportunity to see the parasites up-close and personal, so you have a frame of reference if you think you've got a problem. And you will have a problem. more ›

The Museum of Natural History tried something new this year: an ice skating rink. Opening in November, their Polar Rink is made up of "scientifically engineered" artificial ice which isn't getting very good reviews. One reader tips us off to the dull blades and sub-par synthetic skating surface, declaring ever so bluntly: "the Polar Rink SUCKS BALLS...goddamn it's a piece of crap. The super-dull rental skates don't help (and btw - THERE ARE NO LOCKERS, so you either take your chances with your bag stowed under a bench, or skate with your shit with you.) SUCKS. FAIL. DO NOT WANT." The folks over at Yelp seem to agree, the rink got 7 (of 7) one-star reviews over there (the lowest possible rating), with most complaining focused on the plastic-like surface that makes it impossible to do much more than shuffle around for a few defeating moments. more ›

The Museum of Natural History opened their first ice skating rink yesterday in their 149-year history. To help celebrate, children from the St. Joseph’s School came by to help christen the artificial ice with their blades, and later President Ellen Futter threw the switch to light the place up, "transforming it into a magical winter playground surrounded by trees covered in twinkling lights...with magnificent views of the Rose Center." Also, check out that 17-foot-tall polar bear! more ›