The surprising roots of heavy metal

Heavy metal is a musical genre that's often maligned by critics and mainstream listeners as being stoopid and all flash, no substance. But hardcore fans -- even casual ones like me -- find music that's heavily layered, lyrically complex, physically complex, and ultimately, challenging. 

VH1 Classic's "Metal Evolution" is an excellent series that documents heavy metal and hard rock, and well worth watching. Of particular worthiness is Episode 1, in which host Sam Dunn traces the roots of metal and hard rock to classical, blues, even opera music. 

It's a fascinating study suggesting that in its base form, heavy metal isn't too disconnected from "heavy music," as classical music often strives to be. 

So this blind guy is driving a car ...

As you probably know, Google has been safely testing cars that drive themselves.

Why? The reasons are many but include dramatically reducing traffic congestion, saving gasoline, reducing the need for everyone to own a car -- and allow blind people to keep some of their independence. 

'Bitchin' Kitchen' is my kinda cookin' show

I'm not much on cooking shows but "Bitchin' Kitchen" is lots of fun. 

You never know what Nadia G is going to say, sing or show. But I love her quirkiness, her taste in food and her love of good music and Tim Burton-style kitchen. 

The clip above is edited tightly to focus on the recipe, so you only get a glimpse of her personality. But the tasty-looking food is just an appetizer for a show that not only makes cooking fun but watching cooking fun.