Although Heath Ledger’s Frankie Valli solo (on bleachers!) in 10 Things I Hate About You is exceptional, I prefer the scene where pugnacious Patrick Verona lights his cigarette with his bunsen burner(!) My appreciation for silly science things stems from my previous life as a science nerd (behemothic-I-want-to-make-a-glow-in-the-dark-tomato-plant «TRUE STORY» proportions).
I recently passed by foursided, a picture-framing gallery in Lakeview, which had the most glorious vintage science posters in the store window. My eyes twinkled. One poster featured a ring stand-hugged flask that floated above a bunsen burner (cliché image, I know), while the other poster discussed vision and wavelengths (lots of colors!). Often featuring magnificent hand sketches and an elusive sans-serif “science” font, vintage science illustrations are gorgeously quirky. Apparently there are others that share my fascination with vintage science illustrations, because I FOUND A LOT OF NEAT THINGS. Here is a selection of my findings, in science lesson form.
1. FACT! Flexor muscles allow you to bend your joints. These tins serve as the ideal hiding spot for little trinkets, and as a good reminder of the often overlooked flexor muscles. Tiny Tins (Flexors) from aminyitray on Etsy, $10
2. FACT! Fuzzy bugs are more pleasant in sketch-form, rather than alive-crawling-on-your-leg-form. Fuzzy Wuzzy Insect Pendant from Schmutzerland on Etsy, $27
3. FACT! KING PHILIP CAME OVER FOR GOOD SEX. Do you remember biological classification? No? Silly child. Well, perhaps you should get this BALLER SHIRT WHICH HAS A VINTAGE IMAGE OF MAJOR PHYLA. For those of you who are concerned about how others will respond to your new shirt, FEAR NOT! It comes in two color combinations! Light blue (shown above), and brown (shown below in a clo-clo-close-up image of the shirt) Tree of Life shirt from isotope on Etsy, $18 (Note: isotope has lots of interesting vintage science shirts, so I highly recommend that you take a peek.)
4. FACT! Reindeer = Caribou. These cards don’t feature an authentic vintage illustration, but after sifting through lots of science encyclopedia images, I couldn’t resist including these cards. Also, I like reindeer. Reindeer Antlers letterpress cards from Springtide Press on Etsy, $18
5. FACT! Vena Cava is a fashion label that occasionally makes pretty things, but generally bores me. DOUBLE FACT! De-oxygenated blood travels through the superior and inferior vena cava. TRIPLE FACT! The aorta is the largest artery in the body. Aorta and Vena Cava ring from aminyitray on Etsy, $40
6. FACT! Girls and boys who use skull-adorned pocket mirrors are excellent at hand to hand combat. Skull Pocket Mirror from badgeland on Etsy, $2.49
7. FACT! Without the Moog synthesizer, we would be without many hottt electronic tracks. Note detail below! Moog Synthesizer Schematic shirt from isotope on Etsy, $14
8. FACT! Biology purses are cooler than rolling backpacks. Biology Book Purse from prettytheory on Etsy, $40
9. FACT! Wearing a necklace that shows an injured hand proves that you are not afraid of blood, bitches, and hand to hand combat. Wounded Hand Pendant from aminyitray on Etsy, $25
10. FACT! The experience of reading any book can be improved if you use a tuberculosis, diphtheria, and tetanus bookmark. Yum. Bacteria Bookmark from DamageNoted on Etsy, $1.75
Final note: If you really like vintage science illustrations, you will love this Flickr pool.
Is it weird that, though I am perpetually boyfriendless, I love Valentine’s Day? On Valentine’s Day I feel no sadness in my singularity, and view it as an excuse to do my favorite childish things: eat chocolate, wear pink, and make crafty cards. I think of it as a day to celebrate the concept of love in general. Loving your friends, your family, your Winnie-the-Pooh. I hope you feel the same way, but if not, maybe some of these sweet things will help get you in the mood (listed clockwise):
1. For the Key to your Heart: I found these lovely little Kamibashi dolls ($10) and key chains, which were featured in New York Time’s ten Valentine’s Day accessory picks.
2. Old Fashioned: Found these old fashioned Valentine’s on the site of a favorite S&D sponsor. Way better than a tear-off Hannah Montana card. (Perpetual Kid, $5)
3. New Fashioned: ReadyMade recommends using your lunch hour to make Valentine’s out of office supplies. We say, what better way to spend your lunch hour and not spend any money. If you like the miniature Valentine look, let me remind you of Tricia’s fabulous tiny things post (Twenty-two Pocket Sized Treasures), where she featured a The World’s Smallest Post Office, where you can send The World’s Smallest Letter for a mere $8.
4. Some Like it Hot: MarieBelle’s Aztec hot chocolate (mmm, eccentric!) was apparently on one of Oprah’s favorite things lists, and if it’s Oprah’s favorite, then it’s mine.
5. Heart of Gold: I Heart Guts could come in handy for several occasions. Maybe give a uterus to say congrats to a pregnancy, a brain for graduation, or, of course, a heart for Valentine’s Day. This lovable organ comes as either a Heart of Gold ($27) or the regular-old red thumper ($17).
6. Frog or Prince?: Put this plastic little froggy in water, and he turns into a handsome prince. Instant gratification, and no sticky kisses required. (Urban Outfitters, $6)
7. For Your Sugar (Fix): Yum, cupcakes! The more freshly baked, the better. Add a conversation heart for true holiday spirit. (From Baked, the hip bakery in Brooklyn and Charelston)
8. Neruda’s Love Poems: Whether you have a literary (or Latino, for that matter) lover, or you just going to spend Vday eating ice cream and reading love poems (not actually recommended), Pablo Neruda’s Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair is one the best collections of love poetry (a largely intolerable genre) available. Best in its original Spanish, it can be enjoyed in either language with this edition. (Penguin, $13).
9. lo-li-ta: Wouldn’t you love to pull this little Hello Kitty Pouch with Pom Pom ($13) out of your purse on Valentine’s Day? Filled with chocolate & conversation hearts, of course.
10. To Get You in the Mood: Finally, download tons of free Valentine’s Day fonts and dingbats at dafont.com, completely free, and completely cute. Just stick with Times New Roman for papers. (Featured here, Love Letters.)
After various adventures (click if you are curious), I have returned! With! Something! Exciting! As an ardent doodler, my notebooks are littered with squiggles and fat birds (affectionately nicknamed my little “obese birdies”). I will be writing lines of text in my awful handwriting, and SUDDENLY I’ll start thinking about something silly. Like petit fours. Too weak to resist the doodling twitches, I find myself abandoning a block of text, finding a clean plot of paper, and stamping my claim. As a result, it’s a lovely treat to come across a tighttt doodling tool. Yes, these pens are worthy of the extra Ts.
The Kuretake Pocket Color Brush Pen is perfect for doodling! My greatest beef with marker pens is that they often have weak tips. Although it is possible that I exert an abnormally excessive amount of force (I have small hands and weak arm muscles…PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS PULL-UPS? FAIL.), I feel like marker pens should at least be able to survive my abuse. I’ve played with my pink Kuretake brush pen for a while (thank you JetPens!), and the tip is still in perfect condition (WIN). I even subjected it to….
THE STICKERS AND DONUTS WRITING IMPLEMENT TEST SHEET (SO FRESH, SO THOROUGH)!!!!
Maria crafted this official test sheet, and it is exciting to finally debut it! As you can see, I am hardly the artist. ALSO OF NOTE, I should have added “so far” after “Things I Have Eaten Today.” Fear not: I am hardly anorexic; this list simply logs my intake from 8-1pm that day. The most notable bit of this great test sheet is the water test! I subjected my last new pen to a torturous waterboarding test, and felt it necessary to again execute the same test. The Kuretake brush pen line is supposed to be water resistant, and this test confirms it. The blob is only minimally fuzzy, despite all the water I threw at it. SUCCESS.
Kuretake Pocket Color Brush Pen – $1.50 per pen; 6 color set ($9); 12 color set ($18) at JetPens.com!
Maria’s Note, 1/24: As per your requests, a blank, full-page version of the “Writing Implement Test Sheet” is available for download here.
Yesterday, Maria shared her Christmas loot. Past-Tricia thought, “Gee… I guess it would be appropriate to share what I received this holiday season as well.” Below is a selection of items that present-Tricia is currently enjoying.
Saucony Jazz sneakers – I’ve never owned Saucony sneakers, or worn sneakers with thumb-size soles. The soles honestly frighten me. I’m already not very graceful, and I forsee a lot of awkward plummets. I like these sneakers, though, and I’m going to test them out/power through the gigantic soles.
Imperfect Articles T-shirt (Mine is by Rob Davis and Michael Langlois) – This is the best T-shirt I have ever owned. Based in Chicago, Imperfect Articles is an exceptional shirt company that amalgamates fine art and fashion. The shirts feature the designs of upcoming and established artists, and are incredibly limited edition (only 30-50 pressings!!!). Given that each shirt is hand-dyed, screen-printed, and numbered, these shirts are truly works of art. I love how each shirt has a background story and is so unique. The work on my shirt (19/50!) is Teenagers from Mars, which features the lyrics to the Misfits song “Teenagers from Mars” in ARABIC!
Tea Forte – I’ve always admired the design of Tea Forte bags. They’re too perfect!
The Forever War by Dexter Filkins – Ever since my nectar-sweet friend Tina told me about Dexter Filkins, I’ve wanted to read The Forever War. Not only did I receive a copy, but it is signed by Dexter Filkins! And he wishes me good luck in the future. At the pace I’m going, I need a lot of luck. VERDICT: this is a wonderful gift.
Saraid Oxford by Jeffrey Campbell - My first pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes! I have a wee penchant for Jeffrey Campbell shoes, because they are really neat. The designs are impeccably detailed and fun. One of my closest friends wore a splendid pair at graduation, which provoked me to more seriously consider getting a pair. I’m not sure where you can get mine, but I’ve provided a link of the shoes in black & white.
DeLonghi Espresso machine – I used to be a barista, and one of my favorite aspects of the job was the opportunity to practice making latte designs. I’m rather excited about this espresso machine, however, I’ve already invested a few hours in trying to figure it out, only leading to my FAILURE. I’m horrible at reading directions. In this particular case, when I start reading, I get too excited and can’t focus on the directions!
Snowshowers Jelly and Solid Perfume – I easily get sick of scents, but I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of Lush‘s Snowshowers. I am currently, and forever more, obsessed with the scent. A blend of champagne, orange, and cognac, Snowshowers is extremely refreshing! And I’ve recently learned that Lush Jellys are great. You can put them in the freezer to make them wobble like firm tofu, and pinch off a corner when you’re in the shower. I am new to Lush. I wonder if this enthusiasm is normal to a new Lush convert.
Hey, what did YOU get for the holidays? Here are some presents I received that I thought you might enjoy!
Original Snow White Poster — I love Disney’s Snow White for three reasons: (1) it was start of animated full-length movies, (2) they drew everything by hand, not computer, (3) Dopey. Anyway, this poster commemorates the film as it was viewed at its release. I love the way the characters are drawn on this poster, though it strikes me as a bit odd that they are drawn differently in the film than the original poster.
Assorted Artist Trading Card Pack — I haven’t had much experience with ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), but this little 12 pack of ATC paper is lovely. I am sure I will just use each little 2.5 x 2.5 card as a canvas. I also love that there are several different paper types for different mediums (bristol, watercolor paper, etc).
Assorted COPA Soaps — Specialty soaps to the rescue! I received these last year, and was so sad when they ran out. It’s nice to make showers a special time rather than using $2 America’s Choice soaps. These are so soft & smell so good & wholesome.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
Lingonberry Preserves — The Dane in me loves such eccentric (at least to most Americans, unless they live near an Ikea) preserves. Tastes great on waffles or pancakes.
Cable Knit Hobo (Pink Purse) — I love bags made of unique material, and this one looks just like it could be part of your sweater or part of your purse.
Moleskin Mini Notebooks — I love these Moleskin notebooks because they are so tiny! They’ll fit in a pocket or a purse very easily, and you can use it to keep lists or doodles or story ideas.
My name is Tricia, and I think Britney Spears is superb. Perhaps I am biased (B and I are birthday twins), but Britney rarely fails at executing handsomely exhilarating pop songs. “Toxic“? Glorious. This gift guide is full of exceptional things for the pretentious Britney Spears hater, the Britney Spears supporter, and anyone else who obsesses over iTunes genre classification (like me!). Hopefully, you’ll find something here that will make your wee music lover’s heart flutter. Remember! You can go straight to the appropriate vendor by clicking on the products above!
1. What distinguishes Newbury Comics from other music retailers is its impressive selection of autographed CDs. Incredibly affordable, these CDs are dosed with exclusiveness, and are perfect for the music collector.
2. One of the best movies I have seen recently is Control. Based on the life of Ian Curtis, this film masterfully captures the turbulent, charred life of the Joy Division-frontman. Sam Riley is an impeccable Ian- he timidly swaggers at the right moments, and illustrates both Ian’s mental discord and ceaseless struggle between youth and adulthood.
3. I used to be a headphone killer. Well, I might still be a headphone killer…I’m not sure. Prior to getting a quality set of headphones, the maximum lifespan of any headphones I owned was THREE months. As always anticipated, the sound would only come out of one ear, which beckoned a final era of complete silence. I’ve had my current headphones for two years, and am now convinced that headphones are worth investing in. Especially noise canceling ones.
4. What is a stylophone? A magical pocket-sized synthesizer! The extraterrestrial pings in David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”?! STYLOPHONE! If I haven’t convinced you yet, please watch the video below of a stylophone medly. (For the last ten minutes, I have been joyously giggling in response to this kid’s YouTube videos.)
5. SCENARIO!
Friend: I want to listen to Lil’ Mama “Lip Gloss”!
Me: I want to listen to MIA “Paper Planes”! But we don’t own DJ Million Dollar Snake Babies’ Lipgloss + Paper Planes mix!
Friend: Well, thank goodness you gave me this tight iPod DJ Mixer.
END SCENE.
6. Music sharing, FIVE ways!
7. Devoted S&D readers already know that I am a huge fan of silkscreened music posters. An additional reminder! S&D previously featured artists, The Bubble Process, is still having their poster sale. $10 for every poster! They’re going quick, so buy now for the best selection! Go!
8. My headphones cord is excessively long. *So* long, that I always get caught in the door. If only I had this cute monster to gobble up the cord.
9. In high school, I loved Phantom Planet (RIP). Fourteen year old me (past Tricia) spent A LOT of time sifting through the band’s website pictures. Pictures which frequently featured the band and their lovely Orange amp. As a result, my teenage behavior has trained me (present Tricia) to associate Orange amps with Phantom Planet. These miniature Orange amps are perfect for the traveling entertainer.
10. This little Volkswagon bus is a RECORD PLAYER in disguise. Underneath the bus is a needle, which helps guide the bus around the record. The speaker is built into the bus! The sound quality may be tepid, but the whole set-up is incredibly adorable. Kitties.
11. Perfect for the music and design lover, Cover Art By: New Music Graphics explores the CD/album art industry.
(Remember, you can click on the different knick knacks to learn about each item.)
Shop all the Gift Guides: Shop for Woody Allen, Michael Scott, the domestically disabled, and more!
Everyone thinks I’m younger than I actually am. I don’t know if it’s my dashing good looks (ha!), the bright colors I wear, the ridiculous accessories (bright blue and pink heart necklaces, pink paisley rainboots, two colored stockings), or the toys I own. Probably, it’s the toys.
I enjoy toys a lot, all the better if they serve some other adult function, like erasing or holding cotton swabs. Of course, good vs. evil unicorns may serve no extra purpose, but they are ironic in a +10 kind of way. For those who enjoy them, toys also make great stocking stuffers!
CLICK on this gift guide to see more about each product!
(Pages open in new window.)
Writers use everything from paper to pens to keyboards to typewriters, which is why it’s so much fun to get them gifts: there’s so much to choose from. They usually love irony and sarcastic humor, which makes them prime targets for gifts like shot glasses containing the faces and quotes of alcoholic writers. They’re usually quirky and unique, so it’s not weird to get them a USB drive or pencil sharpener with a face on it.
What are some of my favorites from the above list?
I love the NaNoWriMo Merit Badges (if you don’t know about National Novel Writing Month, check out the web-site! it’s a super-fun way to spend the month of November, and at the end you can proudly say: I wrote a novel!).
I also love the story wallet, a collaboration between Poketo and McSweeney’s 826 writing centers for kids. (The kids made the stories, Poketo made the wallets.)
If you want to get the writer in your life actual books, especially if they are an artsily-inclined writer, try Penguin’s Book Sets or McSweeney’s literary magazine subscription.
(clickity click on the products in the picture below for more info)
A gift guide for the friend who is trying to be domestic, but can’t quite seem to grow up. Pirate toast, cupcake sandwich bags, paper doll plates that can go right on your world map placemat.
I actually own the Amy Sedaris cookbook, which is half humor-filled and half-actual-recipe-filled — the book would make a great pair with a smaller item on this page like the sandwich bags.
Every Thursday night, I almost always watch The Office. It is almost a necessity- on most Fridays, my co-workers and I discuss the previous night’s episode. AT the Office. Har har. Although this season has been kind of a bore, I thought Michael Scott would be the perfect model for a gift guide. Everyone has a friend who is (occasionally) immature, to the level of lameness. Here is a collection of oddities that might please your immature friend. FYI- I am currently quite embarrassed by my Firefox browser history. THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU, MY FRIENDS.
1. Baby Catapult. Perfect for Tobey attacks. Catapults from Fred Flare, $10
2. In Michael Scott’s mind, the only way to keep Stanley away from Utica involves mustache disguises. Self-adhesive Mustaches from Fred Flare, $10
3. My favorite Michael Scott + alcohol moment is when Michael parties with Ryan in NYC. “Ryan told me to always tell women you work in finance.” The Beer Belt from UO, $18
4. COCK MAGNETS. Big Cocks Magnet Set from Perpetual Kid, $11.99
5. According to the vendor of this boob pan, you can also use this pan to make boob jello. I only hope the boobs are large enough to encase a mini stapler. Boob Cake Pan from bachelorette, $11.99
6. In season two, Michael discovers a mysterious piece of poop in his office. This calendar is filled with turds. Literally. A turd a month. Monthly Doos 2009 Calendar from Perpetual Kid, $12.99
7. Without liquor, these shot glasses are simply tiny miniature glasses (a description one of my camp kids once used). Fill it with a little jose cuervo ESPECIAL, and naughty pictures appear. Peepshow Shot Glasses from Perpetual Kid, $19.99
8. This is, hands down, the lamest towel I have ever seen. I think Michael Scott would get a giggle out of this towel. Furthermore, the couple’s faces are just too goofy. Butt Face Towel from Prank Place, $14.89
9. “Dickweed” is such a silly word. Slang Pint Glasses from UO, $8
