This episode of scienceTASTIC is so spirited all that's missing is some jazz hands. Mike dazzles us from the start with an ocean-exploring surfboard, Mark takes it to the next level with the news that Venus is (geologically) alive, and Joe adds a bit of panache that can only come from a new element with a terrible, terrible name. We also provide moxie, pep and pluck in the form of  China-built US railroads, near-death experiences caused by farts, and turning t-shirts into body armor. Thankfully those round out the show, because, frankly, I'm out of synonyms for "pizzazz."

What we didn't get to: the benefits of water on the moon, creepy Asian robots, and TVs with surround vision.

(Links to the stories we cover are always available at www.sciencetastic.net.)