Just like it says, Popcorn Shorts is about the kind of things we think are really interesting, but don’t really need a large article to explain them. From the sublime to the ridiculous, check in here for crunchy bits of info you’ll love to munch.
Godzilla vs. Portland
(Godzilla.com, Jan 2026) “The Godzilla vs. America project launched as a city-by-city comic anthology and has previously sent Godzilla crashing through places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Kansas City. Each installment spotlights creators with strong ties to the featured city, treating local culture and landmarks as part of the story rather than just background scenery. Portland continues this approach, leaning into the city’s reputation for creativity, oddball charm, and deep comics talent…”
Or check coverage from “Here is Oregon” at https://www.hereisoregon.com/experiences/2026/03/godzilla-just-stomped-into-portland-and-the-city-fired-back-with-a-llama.html
It’s time to talk about your ENCABULATOR
Our Shop Manager, Chad D., knows the ins-and-outs of just about any automotive technology you can imagine but the subtleties of the Encabulator are a stretch even for him. The encabulator and the more advanced turbo encabulator are actually old technologies, but the specifics are difficult for even the most seasoned Technician to understand. Our Tom Dwyer Service Advisors do their best to explain the most complex repairs to you simply, but if you’ve ever stood at our desk and wondered what we were talking about then this educational training video is for you.
What is the encabulator? This world famous fake machine gets new life, Ampyx Cyber
“Turbo Encabulator” the Original, Dave Rondot
Unmasking “The Mask Magic”
Magicians work years to perfect their illusions and they’re famously protective of their secrets, so you can imagine how infuriating it is when someone starts sharing those secrets all over the Intertubes. On such person is “The Mask Magic” (an odd name, but he used it because “The Masked Magician” was taken by a guy who exposed big magic secrets on FOX a few years ago and was later outed). “Mask” made some enemies in the magical world but how do you fight an anonymous guy on YouTube? Through the modern magic of the Internet. A magician reached out to a friend who specializes in OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) to track him down. The result is an incredible look at how much of your info is available, how it can be used, and how anonymity on the Internet is an illusion in itself. Really, a stunning and illuminating way to spend 10:32… it will change the way you use the Net.
LIAR! LIAR! Yes, we mean you.
We all lie, but how much? About what? How often? To who?
(from TheConversation.com) “Does a personal connection increase or decrease the likelihood of sticking to the truth? Are lies more prevalent on text or email than on the phone or in person? An emerging body of empirical research is trying to answer these questions, and some of the findings are surprising. They hold lessons, too – for how to think about the areas of your life where you might be more prone to tell lies, and also about where to be most cautious in trusting what others are saying. As the recent director of The Honesty Project and author of “Honesty: The Philosophy and Psychology of a Neglected Virtue,” I am especially interested in whether most people tend to be honest or not…”
