For those who haven’t checked it out, the Weekly Checkup is a good way to get the flavor of my new blog (The Skeptical Hypochondriac) that promises riveting content, occasional humor and eternal life.

Hey, why doesn’t Facebook do anything interesting (except sell ads) with their aggregate data? Why can’t I see the most popular stories being linked to or the trending topics, etc? I get it’s a social network, but I am talking about aggregate stuff here, without necessarily saying who linked to it (tho that would be a decent way to find new connections).

What gives?

Most popular links. Most popular photos that anyone can view. Most shared videos. Where is this stuff?

Really, really bad if this trailer is any indication. Even if the rest of the movie is perfect, these scenes could bring it to its knees. Wow. Even the movie poster on this page is torture.

Last week I got to see an advanced preview of a new movie written by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida and directed by Sam Mendes. It’s called Away We Go

It is a fantastic movie. It’s one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a long time and maybe the best romantic comedy I’ve ever seen. Who would expect less from two incredible writers and one of Hollywood’s hottest directors. Think the sensibility of Squid and the Whale applied to a romantic comedy slash road movie. And it works.

Here are a few predictions related to the movie.

It will sweep the Independent Spirit Awards next year. Eggers and Vida will win best screenplay. It will launch John Krasinski (of The Office fame) into another level in terms of the quality of movies he’s offered. You’ll never look at Maya Rudolph the same. And you will be hearing all about an amazing singer/guitarist named Alexi Murdoch (who was recommended to Mendes by Krasinski).

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new blog, this is probably a good introduction.

Flu Complacency – Not This Guy – The Skeptical Hypchondriac

The BBC actually had a headline that warned against flu complacency. Wow.