Category: oddities

Pig Necklace

October 19th, 2008

Due to my compulsive habit of collecting online images, I’ve literally amassed thousands of intriguing unlabeled pictures.

I have no recollection of where this comes from…I can only assure you it actually exists (and might even grace the neckline of some individual). The size of this piece alone renders it an effort to wear.

Observe the gleeful satisfaction on the pig.

To the best of my knowledge, this is not an art project laden with social commentary on Capitalist decadence. Nevertheless, I’ve seen satirical art pieces far less poignant than this creation.
Jay Walker Library

October 11th, 2008

American entrepreneur Jay Walker, founder of Priceline.com, has the library of my geeky dreams. This 3,600 square foot, three level wunderkammer is a treasure trove of artifacts.

If I am a good girl, maybe I’ll get to spend eternity here in the afterlife. I see the beauty of sparse, uncluttered spaces with perfect Feng Shui, but I tend to feel very comfortable in places that are cozy and thick with history. Every square inch of Walker’s library contains a story, literally or figuratively.

Walker’s home was actually built to accommodate this library (an idea I frequently daydream about). Rare historical artifacts line every shelf, wall and table. I can’t begin to cover the scope of it here, but all oddities lovers should check out Wired’s fantastic article.

Absolutely the most intriguing collection I’ve seen since my trip to the Mutter Museum. Too bad it’s not open to the public. Anyone want to petition Jay walker for a private tour with me?
Chen Changwei: People Belong to Dog

October 6th, 2008

You really have to see this way to (allegedly) “add stunning originality to your art collection”

Artist Chen Changwei breaks with tradition, reinventing the Chinese zodiac in a series of surrealist busts in the time-honored tradition of pâte de cristal.

“People Belong to Dog,” $12,250.00 (yes, you read that right)

And check out this Special Edition:

“People Belong to Elephant,” $76,500.00 (oh yes, you read THAT right too)

Are there actually people walking this earth who can throw down 76 and half thousand dollars for an elephant bust? Shouldn’t there be professionals to counsel these folks on better spending choices?

Source
Potion Week: War Water

October 5th, 2008

Ooh…some bad karmic possibilities with War Water.

To gain protection or to launch magickal attacks/psychic warfare. Rub some on your body to overcome the bad wishes of others & to defeat any adversary. Place some in the front of the house where an enemy lives so that it must be walked over when leaving or entering the property.

Imagine the concentrated hatred of launching psychic warfare! That can’t be healthy. The protection aspect would be nice though.
The Wellcome Collection

October 4th, 2008

The Wellcome Collection in London houses some of the finest medical curiosities on display anywhere in the world. Exhibits focus on the connections between medicine, art and culture.

Models, portraits, prosthesis, specimens, hybrids, instruments, tools and other odd relics line the display areas.

A personal favorite:

Check out their impressive list of past exhibitions. I plan to spend a whole day, if not more, in this museum next time I make it to the UK.
Potion Week: Lucky Hand Root

October 4th, 2008

Today I bring you, Lucky Hand Root.

This legendary root is truly a remarkable botanical curiosity. It is now very scarce & hard-to-get. It has a reputation for bringing good luck & protecting its owner from all harm.

There wasn’t much about this plant online, but I did find this old ad:
Potion Week: Goofer’s Dust

October 3rd, 2008

I love the name of this product: Goofer’s Dust. The dust appears to be a lovely shade of blue, too.

Use this uncommon dust to defeat your enemies. Simply throw some on their yard or property to send them into a whirl of confusion and bad luck.
Dehydrated Water

October 2nd, 2008

I absolutely love the fact that someone made this, decades ago.
Potion Week: Garrapata Extracto

October 1st, 2008

I was going to save this for a special love potion Valentine’s Day post, but I decided to go ahead and put it up.

Garrapata Extract is, as far as I can tell, “tick juice.”

According to the source: This powerful extract attracts your love and makes them cling to you as a tick does.

One must wonder if that effect is actually desirable. Tempting, perhaps, but we’ve all seen those “be careful what you wish for” Twilight Zone episodes about wishes and potions.

Tick juice: $5.95. Tick Juice Antidote: $1,000,000.
Potion Week: Blood Inks

September 30th, 2008

Various blood inks are used in spell writing and for inscriptions on talismans.

Bat’s Blood: For spellwork directed toward discord, tension & havoc.

Dove’s Blood: Used in love spells.

Dragon’s Blood: Used for power and spell strength.

Hm…and I thought my Pilot Retractable Gel Ink Rolling Ball pen was fancy.