Juxtapoz... Just Becoz

I just think the cover art for this book is beautiful and intriguing... that's all.

Like It Like a Motifo

I think I might have been one of the early-comers to fridge words - before they diversified into 'Shakespearean' and 'Poetic' types, I had one of the early versions that I was given as a housewarming gift when I moved into my first share house in 1999.  The problem(s) with fridge words are that they are rarely (if ever) played with the by the house occupant and they give your fridge a look not dissimilar to how it would look in the instance of a nasty ant infestation.  It has taken ten plus years, but there is evolution in the fridge magnet world that has the potential to beautify a kitchen for a fraction of the price tag of stainless steel appliances.  Via Funfurde comes Motifo, available in 'warm colours' or monochrome with a range of iconic images rendered into pixel form.

Verdict: Pixel This or Pixel Something Else?

Plasticine Horror - Advertising

A little aside.  It's not a fancy Scandinavian product or anything... it's just an ad that I first saw in the UK in 2003 and that I still love.  Arguably my favourite ad ever, for Dulux Paint colour matching 'technology'.  Unfortunately, can't embed it, but here is... enjoy.

Hands Off My Pop-Up Book, Kid

This is my second post on the topic of complex, non-kid friendly pop-up books, but I really really like them.  Growing up, we had a Wind In The Willows pop-up book, and we loved it even though ultimately all the tabs were ripped and there were seams in places the publisher hadn't intended.  'Popville' may only be appropriate for children under the age of six months (with their hands tightly bound to their sides) and over ten... or sixteen, but the colours, the execution, the idea... all beautiful.  Here is a video that proves it.

Hopefully, I have more luck navigating the complexities of international publishing rights this time, but either way, it's in my Amazon cart and with the exchange rate the way it is... this little gem WILL be mine.

Verdict: Pop or Flop?

Say It With Alanis Morrisette

I worked with a guy once who used to make annual mix tapes and label them 'Stu's Hits' in thick black permanent marker, adding the year at the end ... just like 'Hits of 1990' or 'Summer 88' (which are real titles from my real one-time music collection).  While we all have the technology, it's like we haven't thought about continuing the 'mix tape' tradition with the thoughtful exchange of USB flash drives to mark an occasion, such as a birthday or a road trip, but for the love of all things retro, somebody HAS come up with a way to bring the mix tape love back.  I for one would be happy to start the ball rolling with a little gift to someone like you that today would feature 'Sunny Afternoon' by The Kinks, 'Little Birdhouse In Your Soul' by They Might Be Giants' and 'Phantom Limb' by The Shins... just becoz.

Verdict: Open Folder to View Files or Safely Remove Hardware?

Something Eggciting...

I've recently rediscovered the deliciousness of a boiled egg, toast and salt and pepper.  Thus I have also recently discovered the relatively average design of your average egg cup.  Average.  And then there are these delightful things from somewhere cool and Scandinavian.  While any biped would agree that that is WAY too much salt for one egg, great to have three grooves for eggs, shells or salt and pepper... whatever your wish... though buttery soldiers still need their own plate.

Verdict: Idea Omelette or Perfectly Poached?