The Vampire Squid is one of my favorite cephalopods (though how can one choose when they’re all so interesting?).
As if it weren’t cool enough, this creature has intense bioluminescence due to being entirely covered with photophores. It uses disorienting flashes of light to ward off predators.
Found on Ugly Overload
Beau and Alan Daniels “create cutaway, ghosted and phantom view medical illustrations, realistic and stylized.”
No wonder they have an impressive portfolio of commercial work. I may be partial to medical illustration in general, but I think these are rather wonderful.
See More.
Yu Sugawara is a wonderful modern surrealist painter who plays with the fusion of form and meaning.
The titles are often single words that guide the mind into a context and are quite poignant in light of the image.
“Landlord:”
“Shy:”
“Writing:”
See more of his intriguing works in the galleries.
I was in line at the drug store, and came across this little fellow in the checkout lane. Advertised as a lovable, hugable creature, this poor koala contains so little stuffing that he appears to be suffering from a terrible eating disorder. Here he is, lying down:
He just caves in on himself when he tries to sit up.
And now for the worst part…the spine:
Let’s hope koalas like this one don’t infiltrate the media, or koalas in the wild may start depriving themselves of Eucalyptus leaves in hopes of attaining an impossible ideal. My maternal instinct got the better of me, and I spent the dollar to bring him home.
This election has encouraged more artists, manufacturers and enthusiastic people to try their hand at creating a unique Obama product, and the trend is not unique to America. This Obama mask has become a top seller in Japan.
According to the report, “people are using this mask for business and pleasure.” Supposedly it captures that Obama energy, though I’d be more inclined to say it captures a unique and enthusiastic creepiness.
I’d like to get to Kenichi Hoshine’s exhibit at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery.
His images are hazy, obscure and minimalistic, yet somehow intimate. They leave me searching for stories behind the shadows.
See a lovely write up and exhibit images here.
I’m truly grateful to have friends who instantly think of me when presented with various oddities and ridiculous products. Steph sent me this link the other day. Thailand Unique specializes in “insect and reptile liquors,” though there are all kinds of creatures in the mix.
Scorpion vodka comes in regular, Banana Flavor, and “Sun Yellow:”
Snake wine:
Cobra whiskey:
And one that almost seem too cute to be suspended in liquor. He seems sadly resigned to his place in the vodka bottle:
I’m sure these are meant to be conversation pieces, and they are indeed interesting (probably the closest thing you can find if you’re seeking to decorate with specimens preserved in formaldehyde).
See more here.
I can pretty much guarantee that if I get married, my wedding will be slightly eccentric (in a classy and meaningful way, of course).
One thing I’ve always wanted to do is design and/or make my own dress. But here’s one thing I never envisioned…a light up dress!
Although I wouldn’t want to glow this brightly on my trip down the aisle, I’m now wondering if a much more subtle LED network could be included in the pattern of the dress. Something that resembles faint, twinkling stars in a night sky.
Oh, bless that Ikea…every now and then they come out with the most bizarre plush creatures ever mass produced. I wish I had picked up their “roadkill” cushions that surfaced a few years ago. Here’s one example:
I’m calling this next one a Bed Bug because my Entomology skills are somewhat lacking, and I can’t place exactly what it’s supposed to be (feel free to enlighten me).
Looks like you can feed it and zip its mouth shut! Isn’t that marvelous? I wonder what the target marketing demographic for these products would be. Children? Oddity bloggers?
Life outside the blogosphere has been demanding much attention lately, but check back later for new posts. I hope to resume posting tonight…
SheWalksSoftly 