Yule Laugh

What not to do with your Xmas tree:

Mambo Santa Mambo

A new tune for your holiday mix.



Hm. I've never tried tequila eggnog.
Do we have to add the worm?...

Merry Christmas, y'all !

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Flying Monkey Cake

Just what the elf ordered for your holiday
... if you happen to be an anorexic giant.


The Flying Monkey bakery in Philly invented these 'pumpple' cakes by baking a two layer cake with an entire apple pie in the top half, and a pumpkin pie in the lower one.

An entire pumpple cake weighs 15 pounds
stands more than a foot tall
costs $75
and will run you 1,800 calories a slice.

Maybe we'll start with just that $8 slice?

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Meer Kat Napping

When the Mama MeerKat's away...
...the animal-grabbing delinquents come out to play?

The KC Zoo did notice one of its meerkats was missing, but "They didn't know whether it had been taken by "a person or a predator," which is why
they did not file a missing-meerkat report."
But justice was served, anyway:

''Santhuff admitted he'd jumped into the exhibit, stole the meerkat and stuck it in the stroller, and said that Bradley pushed the stroller out of the zoo and kept the meerkat at his mother's. Bradley's girlfriend, who had accompanied the boys to the zoo, corroborated this version of events when she was questioned by police. "She couldn't believe the two were actually going to take the meerkat so she walked away"

1. They hid a cage in the stroller in advance.
- (premeditated !) -
2. They took it home to their trailer park. (ha !)
3. They bragged about stealing it on Facebook.
4. The ungrateful critter bit them. (lol)
5. They abandoned it after less than a week.

Geniuses.
Their folks are so proud they made the paper.

*here's the article: MeerKat (kid? cat?) -napping

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Find Your Exact Opposite

At least on this planet.



As kids, we were told that digging a hole could lead us to China.
Now you can check and see if its true!

Use the link below, mark your location, and it instantly shows you where the antipodal (ænˈtɪpədəl) point is from your house to the other side of the globe.

Pretty cool, eh?

But don't cry if you end up in the ocean. I did.
Most do: less than 4% of land is antipodal to land.

Lucky folks in Beijing can dig to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
New Zealand is opposite Spain, and Ecuador -> Indonesia.
But in most places, if you dig you'd better do it in scuba.

*note: The marker stays in the center - slide the top map.
link: Interactive Antipodes Map (new window)

Happy Digging!

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definitions: 'Antipodes' (wikipedia)
for ThemeThursday's 'MAP' day
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Donut Lasagna

A specialty of Top Chef Casey Thompson.

Along with the usual lasagna ingredients, she adds brie, spinach, nutmeg, and cream. Then assembles it by laying the noodles on a flat surface, and spooning some of the filling on each, then rolls'm up and places them on edge in a casserole dish. Cheese on top, voila!

Casey says:
" ...I always like a little something different during the holidays; I don't always stick to the rules."

No kidding. Whats even funnier?...

In Nov. she was asked what item she least likes to cook,
and she picked lasagna ! (video from 11/2010 below)



The full recipe & article is here (Star-Telegram) but before you rush out to get the ingredients let me warn you that her special version clocks in w/ an impressive 753 calories, 29 gr fat per serving.

* Tonight is ep #3 of Top Chef All-Stars
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No Place Like Dome

Watch it cave in -with- actual sound.
... There's snow-where to hide!



Make sure you have the sound on ... }~whump~{ !

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Whale Of A Song

Tired of those pre- Christmas tunes already?
You won't hear this in any mall...

Below is "The Pequod" from Tony Garone's "Ahab" show,
'a musical interpretation of Melville's Great American Novel'

'We sail in the morning on a whaling ship
On the wharf we'll be called to service by the rig
And the ship we'll be sailing to the open sea
Goes by name of the Pequod it must surely be!

Now a Christmas is coming but we'll be away
And a whale we'll be hunting so we cannot stay
May our harvest be plenty and our barrels full
And may God bless our journey too!'... etc.

Hate the holidays? ...
No cheery sentiments at all in Ahab's title song.
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That's a Wrap

I think this cat is gifted...

Bo Knows Broadway

But no one mentions if these acrobats can act?

"Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark" is actually on Broadway at last...

According to reports, what they saw was a 3+hour show that was halted by technical delays... getting all of the action down pat has been a great challenge. The first show had five delays, falling stage wires, and even had Spiderman himself hanging over the audience at the end of Act I.(!)

To hear the New York Post say it, having Spiderman on Broadway will garner a lot of unintentional laughs, and massive audience frustration. Michael Riedel called the night an "epic flop" - "dull score and baffling script" - to say nothing of the kinks.

On the other hand, Aint It Cool News posted a review from a fan who said it was hardly that bad. Although the show still needs tweaking, reviewer "DarthDooku" was hopeful... (article)

Is this just a vanity project for Bono?
(Him wanting to best Paul McCartney & Billy Joel on Bway?)

Or did someone think this up as a ploy to get boys to ante up for theater willingly?



Craig Ferguson's version:


Singing & Swinging about a comic just seems strange.

(see more @ CBS's 15 min clip about the show)
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Jingle Bird

Welcome to December ;-)


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Fowl Weather Gear

Just in time for winter...

For the past several months, a small group of knitters in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, have been knitting sweaters for featherless hens rescued from British poultry farms.

The group has even staged two "knit-ins," in which members assemble at a local needlecraft store and craft sweaters -- known in England as "jumpers" -- en masse.

"In the winter, the hens need a little bit of help keeping warm," said organizer and store owner Amy Leader.

The two knit-ins have attracted considerable media attention, which is why several weeks ago she received a phone call reminiscent of an old Monty Python sketch.

"I heard that you're knitting chicken jumpers," the woman said, explaining that she represented a charity that rescued farm chickens. "Would you give me some of them?"

"Do you have a daughter?" Leader asked.

The woman replied that she did.

"It's you I'm making them for!" Leader cried.

The knit-ins have been as good for just about everybody involved. For Leader, they've meant attention for her shop and a chance to incorporate beginners into the circle.

"What's really lovely about a chicken jacket is it doesn't have to be perfect, because -- come on -- it's for a chicken."

There are plans for future knit-ins -- what with the cold weather and holidays coming in -- and that leaves open the possibility of seeing chickens running around England wearing red and green jumpers.

"Maybe we can make little Santa hats for them," Leader said. "The possibilities are endless, aren't they."

It would appear so...

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Meanwhile, check out the 'Chicken Police' !

A bit hare-brained, yes?
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Frozen Waterfall

My 'Sleet Roof'

Unmodified photo taken through my bathroom window.

Reflected blue from inside added color to my b&w roof.

I like this unexpected effect.
And so its my final entry for
my 'Art Every Day'.* Done!


But I think I'll try it again when its real snow;
fluffy snow & blue-ish will = cotton candy-ish?
_{*see the other's art via twitter #aedm2010}

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Meanwhile... Need more ice?

add a chip of ice to chilled water, voila!
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The Deathly Snores

Off to see Harry's new 'Hallows'?

Better bring a book, or a Nook.
Because the film is too long.

But you'd never guess that from those breathless promos, like the one below:

Best Harry Potter film yet!**If you ignore all the others.
Thrilling**Except for that big lag in the middle
Awesome!**Except for the cheap location shots
Action!*Sure, except again for that big lag
Epic!**Maybe when the other half comes out?



The movie-goers that I feel sorry for are the old folks.

You know, the ones who've never seen a Harry Potter movie, and decide to take the grandkids to this one. After 2 and 1/2 hours (plus 7 previews!) their butts will be flat, yet they'll still be confused.

My advice? Get'm to hold off seeing 'Deathly Hallows Part 1' til next July, just before Part 2 comes out.

I know, its impossible for the HP obsessed. But try.
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Feeling Better Than This Guy

I'm still on the mend,
but at least my brain is working, unlike this guy:

He loaded a $300 inflatable raft with camping supplies, two burritos, a bag of vitamins, a Bible and a mannequin of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"This trip was a campaign," Hopper explained. "I wanted to bring more attention to social diseases."

Yup, that's what it says.
Feel free to read that twice, I did.

After 5 days stranded on an island a mile off-shore he finally used his cellphone -doh!- to call for help.

And just in case you were worried,
he also brought along a red tablecloth and some duct tape.
No extra food mind you, but he did have a tablecloth.

Here's the entire article; it can't help but make you feel like a sane genius in comparison.


Still lol-ing about him bringing
that giant Schwarzenegger doll along...

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In Stitches

No 'Art Every Day' this week.
Lazy? Yes, but that's beside the point.
Its because I managed to slice my hand open.

So, until I'm back in the grove,
have a look at the 'SLICE IT' phone app.



My fav app is still 'Trism', but this one isn't bad.
And its easy to do, even with a damaged digit.

(btw, Do they make 'Scribblenauts' for the iPhone?...
because that one can drive ('draw'?) you 'nauts'.)

*see the other's art
via twitter #aedm2010
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Colorful Character

aka Glam Garb Game Guy?...

I was browsing through the online version of the Daily Mail looking for an art inspiration when I came upon this crazy image.

Its actor
David Arquette
all dolled up in purple and yellow (& gimmicks) for a Laker's game.

So look below to see him as my left-handed 'Art Every Day' in digital pastel for day 15 of 30.

*see the other's art
via twitter #aedm2010

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eta: a trailer for his upcoming film:

A colorful flick with very B-&-W bad guys?
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Spin In The Wind

Actually, its an indoor windmill.
Made out of a cardboard box.
(a model for a later design)
So it will sit, but not even spin.

And for you observant types...

'Yes', it is a box from a case of Chablis.
(sigh) 'No', there isn't any left, (sorry)
But since its Friday...
'Yes', later we'll go get another. ;)

As its my only art for the day,
it becomes my 12th day of art, of 30.
this November's 'Art Every Day' month
See the other's art bits via twitter #aedm2010

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To see a livelier windmill, watch her go:

And she did it with no scrapes, I'm impressed!
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Chill Out

'Night Waves', my 'Art Every Day' for day 11 of 30.
Made with the new online program: Flame Painter.

From my first time using this program - I do like the way the hues mix and spread as your hand moves. Its fun to just relax and let the colors flow.

* _{Find other's art via Twitter hashtag: #aedm2010 (or search twitter)}

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Plus a few soothing waves for your day as well:

Nine minutes of waves, trees & breeze.

Since this is also ThemeThursday's 'relax' day. Aren't you envious of the person who got to film the video above? Its chilly here today, so you know I am...

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Covered Bridge

'Covered Bridge' - This is my digital sketch of a covered bridge I saw in Pennsylvania. I loved the style of it, but I've left out a few struts in the interest of an uncluttered image, and time. Hopefully I'll have time later to add in the stream & supports, etc.

Speaking of 'left', again this was using my non-dom hand.
I did use the line tool, and it is 'cleaner' that way.

But is it worth being neat, if I lose the free-hand look?

Its my 'Art Every Day' piece for day 10 of 30 _{Find other's art via Twitter, hashtag: #aedm2010 (or search twitter)}

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A bit of extra fun:
A bridge appears in less than 60 sec.

'Auto Draw' is a screensaver that 'draws' items from your pic folder onto your desktop. Here's a video of it 'drawing' someone else's covered bridge. With added harp music.
Because harpists hang out on bridges?...
(Must've been her day off when I was there)
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X Marks The Water

Last weekend I was standing on a railroad bridge (I know, naughty, naughty!) looking down at the muddy water. And I loved the look of interlocking 'X's made by the shadow of the trestle. I had no idea that the underpinnings looked like that, since I was too chicken to hang over the edge.

But I couldn't resist taking this photo.

Now its today's daily dose of 'Art Every Day'.

*See other's art: Twitter hashtag #aedm2010, or Search

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Speaking of 'X's... here's how to
play the X-Files theme (rem that?) w/ 'Synthesia'
Like doing it with a 'Guitar Hero' keyboard :)
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*If you're new to Synthesia, here's a quick demo:
p.s. Its playing 'Dreamy Piano', if you like the tune.
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Wylde Cat Life

'Wylde Woman with Cat'
{left}

is a coloring page, drawn & donated by Tammy V. for this November's art month. ('click' to go see her)
- Thanks Tammy!

I used a detail from her image to make...

'Wylde Cat'
My 'Art Every Day' piece for 11/8

Yes, again with my left hand.
But just coloring in this time.
Hey, had a busy weekend. ;-)

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A little extra fun: 'I Love The Cat Life'sung to the tune of 'I love the night life'

Whoever re-wrote these lyrics must have a cat...

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*Not quite wylde enough? Need more wild-cats?
Click for mentalfloss's page of rare cats

including this beautiful Margay Cat

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Sunshine Cinema

We've all seen movie trailers...
But this time the films are in the trailer?

Based in the UK, 'Sol Cinema' is a tiny, solar-powered movie house that seats eight adults or up to 16 kids if they're really, really friendly.



Their facebook page claims them to be the
World's Smallest Solar Powered Theatre.
Can't imagine anyone inside this tiny theater disputing it.

Think they'll host the premiere of this upcoming flick?:

Claustrophobia
?

* artwork is mine, for
'Art Every Day' November.


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Leaf Away With Me

'Leaf on Water' - I walked by a leaf on a puddle today. All around it was a strong reflection of the sky. That became the challenge for my left hand today.
(I'm normally right-handed)

Is the blue 'shimmery' enough to be water?
Or does it just look like I distorted a blue sky?

I used the highlight/hold-shift function to slide color in the leaf, and used the rudimentary 'airbrush' function for the water. Perhaps a bit too rudimentary, since its hard to get a genuine 'dappled' look that way. Then again, I wanted to capture the impression of it, and not necessarily duplicate the reality... :-/
My 'Art Every Day' Month piece for 11/6

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Plus a video of the season; love the images he chose:

Paolo Nutini singing 'Autumn'
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An Egyptian Stroller

What you get from watching a PBS special on the Pharoahs, and not seeing even one of them walk...*

I do like the colors - why stick with desert tan, right?
Not sure if I like the texture, let me know what you think.

*Done with my left hand, using Microsoft Paint (!)
and texturized/reduced via Photoshop Elements.

My 'Art Every Day' piece for 11/5

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Just for fun - MTV video of The Bangles 1986 hit:
'Walk Like An Egyptian'
I'm sure that's really how those early types strolled...
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Flying Art

My Modern ScareCrow, done for a local art fest.

Didn't win, but it does spin nicely in the breeze.

And no crows landed on it.

*did the construction before H'ween, but just did the pic today, so I can enter it as my daily dose in this 'Art Every Day Month'... ;-)

Find other's art via Twitter, hashtag: #aedm2010 (or search twitter)

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And if you'd like a Thursday Travel Tip, here's mine:

The contest was held near La haska, PA, at a place called Peddler's (tho no one has a cart) Village. And now's the time to make holiday plans. Every store there is unique, no chains, so they get a lot of shoppers at gift giving time.

Its like a giant outdoor mall, {store map} with cobbled paths and quirky decorations. Plus lots of food, lodging, a kid play center, and a great variety of wares.


Half of the units are grouped around a big sloping 'village green', so disabled travellers beware. The closest Int'l airports are Newark & Philly; just click on the map for more info and reviews.

*And don't forget to tap her palm tree above if you'd like to enter phhst's most recent travel contest!
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