This short video from Robert Stevenhagen kind of made my morning. Apparently it relates to an upcoming production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
Steffen Schaeffler- The Emperor’s New Clothes – Excerpt from Pascal Blais Animation Studio on Vimeo.
If you’re interested in something far less comical, Stevenhagen also directed this stop motion animation short film about the Plague:
You think you’re tough? You’re not. You know who’s tough? THIS GUY:
Richard Proenneke lived alone until he was 82 years old, in the high mountains of Alaska…in a log cabin he built by hand.
I recently caught a PBS special about his process and was blown away.
The first part (and it looks like the second part) is on youtube, but it wasn’t until a little later that things got mind-blowing.
Alone in the Wilderness documents the entire building process. Proenneke builds every part of the cabin with natural materials (save for a sheet of plastic on the roof), and no power tools of any kind. Even hinges are made of wooden fittings. He whittles his own utensils and bowls, puts together a stone fireplace…eats what he catches and gathers (with the very occasional simple grocery shipment).
This man is so intensely efficient that it’s almost comical to the modern day technology-saturated member of society. I found myself laughing in astonishment as he built a wall by noon, then went off to clear two acres of moss for the roof. He carried almost everything on his back, too.
Proenneke’s work and life are a true testament to unadorned human capabilities. I highly encourage you to watch this intriguing look at one natural, self-sufficient life.
I tend to post about taxidermy gone wrong (since I find it the most entertaining). But someone who is quite aware of my odd sensibilities sent me this commercial for Ojai Valley Taxidermy. It’s so wrong…it’s right.
Thanks, Ryogue!
Sorry health nuts, but this looks delicious (I bet it’s still wonderful with healthy cereals and your favorite alternative cooking spread). I will be trying it for sure…
The instructions are very entertaining, too.
Since you guys don’t mind the occasional humorous diversion (as indicated by the positive response to F*CKIN’ TEA), I thought I’d give you a history of dancing you’re not likely to soon forget:
Now, I want to make very clear that I am completely in favor of chair-restricted aerobic activity…just not this video. I do give them credit for horrendously documenting such a variety of dance styles though.
Let TAPPERCIZE show you how it’s done (really, hit the play button and watch at least a little of this. It’s better than chair dancing):
I’m deviating from my usual blog fare for this little gem. NSFW due to language, but the subject matter is about as safe for work as it gets.
Absolutely hilarious! Send this to all the men you know who may feel that drinking tea is a tad effeminate.
“DON’T SLURP! IT’S RUDE!”
Hey Dad…I have the wonderfullest thing for you today:
Every word of last year’s Fathers Day post remains true…
Today I’d like to like to honor my dad, who is truly one of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever known. This man has been a stellar role model of compassion, responsibility and integrity, who continues to inspire me on a daily basis. I owe so much of who I am, and anything I may achieve in the future, to his love and guidance.
It’s a rare person (and a rare parent) who can seamlessly blend rationality and emotion, regulation and freedom, wish and possibility. He selflessly provided so much, yet taught me to take nothing for granted. From him, I learned to hope for great things…yet never balk at working hard to get them. I learned that love is not only words, but the genuine desire to make someone’s world a better place, honoring their needs with equal (if not more) importance than one’s own.
Dad, not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate the hell out of you! May I go forward in this world with the values you have taught me and make you proud…
I like this card. I think I could still do this and my dad would barely feel it! (by Dear Nic)
Dad…you’re #1…and the World’s Greatest.
No coverage of Ryan Matthew would be complete without mention of The Science Channel’s Oddities, the reality/documentary series based on Obscura Antiques (previously covered here).
Oddities chronicles some of the acquisitions, sales, custom projects, product hunts and colorful characters that comprise a day in the life of the Obscura team (Mike Zohn, Evan Michelson, Ryan Matthew).
I’m delighted that this program brings attention to one of my favorite places of all time, and sheds light on the captivating alternatives to decorating one’s home in department store standards.
Here’s a clip that actually shows some of Ryan’s cat skull/skeleton work, which I posted about yesterday.
Season 2 just wrapped, but you can still catch the episodes on the Science Channel.
See a bunch of clips, TV schedule and more info here.
Since yesterday’s post was in honor of my late mother, this one goes out to my father who introduced me to legions of fantastic monsters, aliens, villains and robots.
Last time I visited him in LA we enjoyed some Ray Harryhausen. Here’s a complication of stop-motion animated goodness from the master himself.
Dad, you know I think of you fondly whenever I see something explode, zoom through space, rise from the grave or battle.
Precious moments. 🙂
With recording devices (even mobile phones) banned at customs, and the staggeringly small number of people who have ever willingly traveled to North Korea, the country remains shrouded in mystery.
All visitors are carefully monitored and led by guides, who frequently speak of the country’s achievements. Great airs are put on in shockingly empty public spaces, often lavishly decorated with displays of abundance.
It is as if the entire world exists (and is scripted) for the single person currently touring it. Charlie Crane managed to get a rather surreal photo set.
The stillness and pristine order are disconcerting, like a giant movie set no one is using.
See the rest of the photo set here.
I HIGHLY recommend you watch The Vice Guide to Travel’s North Korea episode. It is on Netflix instant, or you can access it by clicking the link below.
The Vice Guide to Travel: North Korea (WATCH THIS!)
This film will blow your mind. I guarantee it. I spent a good half of it with my jaw dropped, and if you read this blog regularly you know how much it takes to shock me.
SheWalksSoftly 