Something else to file in the "well, it took you long enough, Maau" bucket.

I knew there were book covers for the Seussian "Call of Cthulhu", "The Tomb", and others.  However, I failed to realize that there are entire books.

I've got several tabs right now dedicated to pouring over this person's entire dA gallery because, if you visit their page you'll see, there's so much to drool over!

Not only the Seussian H.P. Lovecraft stories, but also some Bioshock, Silent Hill, Skyrim, Evil Dead, Peanuts, Doctor Who, Dune, Masters of the Universe, and far, far more.

Seriously, GO LOOK!
http://drfaustusau.deviantart.com/gallery/

Also, if anyone can find a way to get their Seussian works into print, besides sending them money through dA for individual prints of the pages, let me know!  I think they could also pull off a pretty amazing giant coffee table book of all their art.

One Fish
Two Fish
Undead Blue Fish

#TentaCthulhu
#EvilDead
#DuneFanCritters

Hat tip to:
+Hari Bhanu for the original link back in October, which I idiotically did not follow up on then.
+JD James for the most recent post to the dA page that +Charles Strebor tagged me in to.
And everyone else who'd been tagging me into the posts of the book covers.

Bet you can't guess what my original search term was!

Want to know how to get edible googly eyes?  Then go here:
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2008/one-hundred-percent-edible-googly-eyes/

In the meantime, sushi photos were found here:
http://www.allgoogly.com/2009/05/rancho-sushio/
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/383904924_4d720a4696.jpg?v=0

Loki came from here:
http://www.vunie.com/wp-content/uploads/best-funny-pictures-loki-with-googly-eyes.jpg

+Geek Native has this awesome pictorial:
http://www.geeknative.com/38161/this-is-what-happens-when-you-take-giant-googly-eyes-to-a-convention/

And Archie McPhee's current selection of googly eyed products:
http://mcphee.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=googly+eyes

#GooglyEyes  

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Via +Peter Schmidt - #SpiderBuddy

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This made me all sad and stuff.

Via a comment by +Brittany Constable on +Katey Springle Lempka's reshare of that adorable Princess Hulk +Kyla Myers shared (https://plus.google.com/u/0/113896907556049130248/posts/gKZZ67Dzb94), I found these.  There's more than just superhero costume tutus at the store (Pirates are superheros!  Work with me here!).  You will find dragon tutus, traditional tutus, and some truly adorable crowns, perfect for any child (as I didn't see any adult sizes, but maybe it's worth asking for a custom commission?  The owner DOES state that they will make any size!)

The site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/goodygoodytutus

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+Scott Cramer, weren't we trying for a stealth landing this time?

+Simon W, I think his tuneup went a tad awry...

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Meteorite Landing in Russia
#RussianMeteor  

Here's more info about this amazing phenomenon from +Pamela Gay :
https://plus.google.com/109036978092446954908/posts/8AvWNzJWoBK

It's that kind of day.

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Resharing the gorgeous Steampunk sculpture love.

I hope y'all enjoy!

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Austin Vintage Creations

While browsing for something completely different, I ran across this profile on +deviantART:
http://artisme.deviantart.com/
The owner runs an Etsy store titled Austin Vintage Creations, located here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TandBDavis

The first stunner was the complex use of beautiful, vibrant colours, and the amazing amount of detail.  

The second stunner was the range of amazing photographs artisme has in their gallery.  So many different subjects, almost all of them atypical views (IMO), and every one I looked at was gorgeous.

Artisme's duck sculptures, of course, were my gateway drug, but I must strongly suggest you check out all the other work as well, and if you're interested in purchasing, I've included the link to their Etsy store.  They indicate they do custom orders as well (hint hint, nudge nudge).

#Duckathon  
#deviantART  
#SculptureArt  
#Steampunk  

That moment when...

There I was, almost asleep, one large cat sleepily purring at my side, one small cat perched on my lower back, when I feel this cold squish moving around on my rump.  

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!  The startlement is immediate. And panicky.

Slowly, logic kicks in.  Bits, did you chew a hole in my pajamas or something?  So, naturally, I gingerly reach back to see what it is, hoping it's not a case of kitten-vomit.

Nothing.  My hand finds a small damp spot, but no root cause.  Determined not to roll over until after it's time to wake up officially, I try to fall back asleep.

Cold, damp squish on the middle of my back.  What the... no, wait, now it's on my shoulder.  Ew, it just brushed my neck!  

I stifle a yelp as it hits the back of my thigh, just below my shorts, and finally manage to isolate the cause.  There, at my fingertips, is &Bits' favourite mousie, dunked in his water dish for all those Extra Mousie Flavours. 

He noses my hand, picks up the mousie and drops it back into my palm.  Ahhhh, how wonderful!  He has discovered a new way of asking me to play Fetch in the middle of the night!  I can hear Tribble-The-Cat laughing at me behind her whiskers.  Which means she's probably hidden her Black Plastic Spoon where I won't find it until morning, embedded in my side.  Again.

Oi.  Life with cats.  <3

Perhaps it's time to pay them back by opening up the boxes of packing peanuts?

Image Source:  http://wallpapers.jurko.net/pic/1564/

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There, +Carrie Canup, I will admit to being a nerd.

<3

And sometimes, a dork too.

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I'm a #nerd, how about you?

http://dftba.com/product/12e/Nerds-Like-Us-Poster--Black via https://www.facebook.com/EpicLabTime
#science   #sciencememe  +Memetic Engineering +Mz Maau +Feisal Kamil 

So, here I was, feeling lousy, gobbling ibuprofen, and in general, pretty miserable and irritated with the world in general, when this showed up in my inbox.  Hat tip to the amazing woman who always seems to know when to make me laugh so hard I can't breathe.  <3

Puerile sense of humour FTW!

*****************************************
Like everything in life, farts have a time and place. However, I never realized that in the wrong time and place, flatulence had enough power to alter my course in history. Well, it can if it’s the third date with the man of your dreams. And, if it makes his eyes burn. If God destined us to be together, I was one SBD away from foiling His plans (that’s “Silent But Deadly” for you prudes).

It was about five years ago. I was trying to lose a few pounds so I was staying away from carbs. That’s when I met my husband, Rob. On our first date, he booked the next two. He liked me. I liked him. Things were looking real good.

He picked me up in a Cobra, Mustang and his pathetic attempt to win me over with a car totally worked. I’m not shallow, but since I spent most of my twenties picking men up because I didn’t want my hair to frizz in their non-air conditioned jalopies on 3 wheels and a 15 year old spare, I welcomed his fancy sports car with open arms.

We arrived at the restaurant and Rob was ordering food I hadn’t allowed myself to eat in years. I didn’t want to be “that girl” so I ate, drank, and oh, was I merry. Later we shopped a bit. Rob surprised me by buying an expensive pair of shoes that he caught me eyeing. Was this love?

That’s when it happened. Gas strikes in two different ways – uncontrollable toots or sharp, shooting pains that feel a lot like dying. I thought I was dying. Not to make a scene, I told Rob I suddenly wasn’t feeling well and probably needed to head home.

On the way home in his Cobra, he tried to hold my hand and ask me lots of questions, but I wasn’t having any of it. The pain was so bad it felt like I was being stabbed with a bunch of tiny forks. Then I realized …

My God, help me. I have a horrendous fart on deck. I’m in trouble. Big trouble.

The more I held it in, the more pain would shoot through my stomach and down my legs. I was even having to raise myself off the seat, gripping on to my door and the dashboard.

“Seriously, you need to hurry – I’m in a lot of pain.” I managed to say through gritted teeth.

“Wow, it’s that bad? What’s wrong? Do I need to take you to a hospital?”

How do you tell a man you just started dating that the reason you’re writhing in pain is because you have to fart?

Well, you can either tell him, or like me, let the fart speak for itself.

People, hear me. There was nothing I could do. As impressive as I am with sphincter control, this was out of my hands. Slowly, it eeked out. The more I tried to stop it, the more it forced it’s way through the door. However, to my pleasant surprise, there was no sound. I sat silently, sweat accumulating above my upper lip. Ok, maybe I got away with it. Maybe I’m home free. Then it hit me. Not an idea, a cloud. A horrific, fart cloud. Not in a, “am I smelling something?” sort of way. More like a “is someone dead and rotting in your trunk and am I in hell?” sort of way.

Suddenly, I panicked. “Roll down the windows!” I screamed (yes, I literally screamed it like I was in a horror movie).

“What? Why?” Rob asked, starting to freak out because I was freaking out.

“I can’t roll down the windows, unlock it! UNLOCK IT!”

“What’s going on?” Rob yells back to me, “Why are you …” then it hit him. I could see it in his eyes. Was it surprise? Horror? Water started to accumulate at the base of his eyelids, “Oh my God, I CAN TASTE IT!” he screamed.

“Roll down the windows!” As I screamed, the toots started to flood out uncontrollably. I scratched and clawed at the window like I was being kidnapped. Rob, unable to see either by fart cloud or panic, kept turning on the windshield wipers instead of unlocking the window.

It was chaos. We were acting like we were under siege by gun fire. We were under siege alright, just not by gun fire.

Finally he was able to hit the right control and he rolled down our windows. We both gulped in fresh air. I was horrified, yet happy to be alive, then remembered I just farted on the man of dreams, then sorta wished I was dead.

We sat silently for the rest of the way home. Although the shooting pains had subsided, I now desperately needed to use the bathroom, in an urgent, explosive kind of way.

He pulled up to my apartment and before he could come to a stop I had already jumped out, “Ok, thanks for dinner, sorry about the fart, love the shoes!” and ran in to my apartment like I was running from the cops.

I burst through my door and ran straight for the bathroom, where I was finally able to unleash and make noises that no one should ever, EVER, hear coming from another person.

Then I heard it. Rob’s voice. Right. Outside. My. Bathroom. Door.

“Anna? You left your shoes in my car and your front door was open. Where do you want me to put them?”

“Get away from the door!” I scream like Reagan from The Exorcist.

“Ok, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

toot toot splatter ungodly noise

“I’m fine, Rob – just leave the shoes there. I’ll call you later okay?”

“Okay, are you sure you’re …”

“I’m fine! Get away from the door!”

This man! I mean, I love him, but take a freakin’ hint!

Finally, I heard the front door shut, and the Cobra engine zoom away. I thought that was the last I’d hear from him. I didn’t think it was possible to ever see a man again after he screams he can taste your fart after only knowing you for 48 hours.

But, to my surprise, I did. A couple days later, actually. Now we’re married and he’s laying on the couch while I type this … “It was your rack that saved you,” he just lovingly reminded me.

Well, thank you boobs. You saved us. You saved our destiny.

This would be why Bits never fights Tribble over the boxes to sit in. Any time I sit down, I'm practically guaranteed lap occupation.

#MaausTroubleWithTribble
#TribbleAndBits

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Hey +Adam Boenig - What if I don't want to?



#Tentacthulhu

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"Feeling OK, Goldie?", art by Axel Medellin Machain.

http://axelmedellin.deviantart.com/

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#DeathStar #ImperialBattleStation...Thingy

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Ever have one of those ideas that seemed really funny at first, then took waaaay longer than it should have to get finished?

Hey look, I intercepted an Imperial communication!

#starwars #funny #imperialmemo #deathstarHR  

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A simple reminder that things are not always what they seem, and, while it is unfortunate that someone feels they need to hide things from their partner(s), it's not always because it's something bad.

PS: I was already kind of hyper, now I'm in super-giggle mode.

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I refuse to make any apologies for sharing this. I only request that you watch it all the way through.

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This made me grin a bit.

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"Run Away! Run away!"

#peanuts   #montypythonandtheholygrail   #holygrail   #geek  

(sauce=http://missqueenmob.deviantart.com/)

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Your #TentaCthulhu  of the day arrives by byakhee +Scott Anderson.

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ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn

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I'm so here.

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I know a lot of you will enjoy these as much as I have.

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"We fall in love when our imagination projects nonexistent perfection upon another person. One day, the fantasy evaporates and with it, love dies." (José Ortega y Gasset)

Yes, I am in a positively Anti-Valentinian mood, sorry to bother you with that, but when I saw those

Puritan Valentine's Day Cards

in +Bill Collins's stream... sorry, got the better of me...

More cards on:

http://www.collegehumor.com/article/6870031/puritan-valentines-day-cards

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I have to say, this is awesome. The costume came out very well, I'd be curious to know how much was handmade versus purchased props (I've seen at least one maker-type who was demi-specializing in custom-sized Slave Leia 'metal' costume pieces, I'll have to find their website again).

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Une Leia qui a oublié de s'épiler !!!

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Thanks to +Melissa Bryan, I now know I want the Companion Cube heart.

Oh yes.

Noms!

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Anatomically Correct Steampunk Hearts!

I have fallen in love with these necklaces.  And how appropriate with Valentine's Day right around the corner.   :p   They are fantastic!  *squee*

Weighted Companion Heart - http://goo.gl/OcIwX
Mechanical Zombie - http://goo.gl/k6aXV
My Heart Ticks - http://goo.gl/xWcRg

Or just visit the shop.  It's full of awesome: http://www.etsy.com/shop/monsterkookies 

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I know y'all can be frightfully creative, when you want to be, after all, y'all helped me name the little guy.

So, would any of you be interested in assisting with further developing Ermi's backstory and abilities?

Thanks to +Mar Mai and +Mary C., we've got what I feel is a great beginning.  What do you say?

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Introducing +Mz Maau's cuter than heck pink friend Ermintrude Oishii McSparklepants, the Stoliphant with Pachydreams  drawn by the awesomely talented +Mar Mai (authoress of The Dragon Tutor http://goo.gl/8Ws1u ) who also drew a small little comic of Mz and Ermintrude's first meeting the other night --> http://goo.gl/gxFx3 

Mz asked if I would be so kind as to add a few small items for Ermintrude (mustache, cane with a hidden black titanium spork and a spiked collar) and place it into a Character/Model Sheet combo of sorts.

So here it is, hope you likes it +Mz Maau!! <3 ^_^

ZOMG.  +Charlie Hoover, how could you share tentacle USB sticks and NOT share this?!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ef4f/?srp=6

Whimpers

Edit:  Source:
http://www.tentaclekitty.com/
http://tentaclekitty.deviantart.com/

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Good day to you!

(Courtesy of +Tim Shinn and +Aaron Coakley)

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И да благославит вас Бог!

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+Allen Simpson just saved my cookies today with this wonderful feel-good post.

There is, at least a little, hope for the future after all.

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In a generation the things we stressed about so much will be laughable. It's happening already. Death-throes are all I can call what I see in some of the behavior out there...

http://marissalosesit.tumblr.com/post/24449793023/shit-i-cant-make-up-convo-between-my-7year-old

Convo between my 7year-old students today
(Names have been altered slightly, just in case.)
Josie: I have a new crusshhhhh
Matt: Me too! On a boy!
Pearl: You're a boy with a crush on a boy?
Matt: Yeah he's really cute.
Pearl: Oh.
(pause for a bit)
Matt: Boys can like boys. I just an't marry him because boys can't marry boys.
Me: Yeah they can. You can marry whoever you want.
Matt: Really?
Josie: YEAH my tia has a wife so now I have a titi and a auntie.
Matt: Okay. Then maybe I'll marry him.
Dave: (from across the room) No you can't you're seven.
(Age was apparently the only foreseeable problem anyone of my elementary schoolers could see with gay marriage. I almost cried out of happiness. Later, when I was asked if boys could kiss anyone they wanted, I replied "only if they want to kiss you back." And Josie responded "Yeah! Your body your life.")

A fire fighter is working on the engine outside the station when he notices a little girl next door in a little red wagon with little ladders hung off the sides and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle. The girl is wearing a fire fighter's helmet. The wagon is being pulled by her dog and her cat.

The fire fighter walks over to take a closer look. "That sure is a nice fire truck," the fire fighter says with admiration.

"Thanks," the girl says.

The fire fighter looks a little closer and notices the girl has tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's testicles.
"Little Partner," the fire fighter says, "I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster."

The little girl replies thoughtfully, "You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren.

Ba dum tish!

Today, we're aiming for a different point of view.

Preferably with coffee.

If you dig this image, go check out Sanja's other works, you won't be disappointed, most likely!
http://sanja.deviantart.com/art/points-of-view-4670118

I do believe the cookie population is spiraling out of control.  For the good of humanity, I shall have to obtain a Cookie Hunting License and do my part to help reduce this population to a manageable number.

Cookie overpopulation is serious business, y'all.

#OmNomNom  
#ThingsThatMakeMeGiggle  
#BitsenWillEatThat  

Image Source, with Additional Instructional Photos for Edible Googly Eyes:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpolowin/2833911483/in/photostream/

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These are fascinating works.  Unfortunately, tracking down a home for the artist seems an impossible feat.  You can find these located here:
http://www.artnet.com/artists/tin/artworks

And a Google Image Search for "Artist Tin" will reveal more.

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Tin

Via +Jeff Godun on an extended share, here's an interesting little article about octopi.  (Octopodes?  Octopuses?  Your choice!)

http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2013/apr/30/octopus-footed-void/

There's a lot of good in this article, though I might highlight this section the strongest:
The Vampire squid—which is actually an octopodiform and not a squid, and looks like an apparition from an impossibly ancient dream—is harmless to humans. But the tiny blue ring octopus, which lives in shallow waters around Australia, is one of the most venomous animals in the world despite being only a few inches across. The mimic octopus, which was only discovered in 2005 in shallow Indonesian waters, can rapidly morph its body to resemble a flounder, a sea snake, a lionfish, and almost anything else it sees. Its cousin Wunderpus photogenicus, discovered in 2006, is not so flexible but the contrast between its white stripes and the rich red-brown background of its body is nature’s answer to the op art of Bridget Riley.

Compared to this reality, our cultural imagination is massively impoverished. Octopuses are more likely to appear as an item on the menu, as a scary monster in a creaky horror movie, as a participant in Japanese soft porn, or as an item of World Cup infotainment. Appetite, loathing, and lust have certainly played big parts in human imaginings of these beasts. But we should take a cue from the Minoans who portrayed them in images that, even after 3,500 years, almost sing out loud in celebration of their strangeness and beauty.

Octopi are but one of many brilliant, sometimes "strange", creatures on this planet.  IMO, all living things deserve a good chunk of respect and appreciation, just for the amazing path that led to their existence.  If we want to thrive among the stars, we would do well to learn that you do not need to be humanoid to be important or special.

/ranty-rant-rant
#Tentacthulhu  

Per +Michelle C's limited share, life is a piece of cake, so choose your weapon wisely!

Me, personally?  I'm opting for several cases of each, and at least one trebuchet for launching.  I know right where to put it, too.

#ItsAHardCakeLife  

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ZOMG. This is brilliant!

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You can thank me later :P

#geek   #rpg   #roleplaying   #gelatinouscube   #dnd   #dungeonsanddragons   #webcomics  

(sauce=http://goo.gl/Tm8Bt)

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Your only guaranteed reshare of the day. A fantastic look at the storm we enjoyed earlier.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful day!

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A storm wave breaking over the mountains. Perfect reminder that even the air we breathe is an ocean of gas.

Apparently, Google still thinks I'm a teenage boy.  I clicked on "Explore", and the majority of the posts are teen-related.

Oi.  Now I feel like I need to bathe in bleach again, that's more than squared, and this is almost as bad as having a 15 year old tell you you're hot!

#AntiMILF  

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Oh oh oh! One last one and then I'll leave you alone for a while.

From +Steampunk Jewelry (they have so many neat things) comes this #Steampunk #StarWars AT-AT

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Victorian Steampunk Walker
#Steampunk #Starwars

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Also, this.

runs away giggling

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Hark!  A List!  23 Nifty Bits!

01)  A little birdy coughgooglecough told me it was +Charles Strebor's birthday today.  Charles happens to really dig the number +23, and he's a terribly nifty, positive guy, so in his honour, I am presenting a list of 23 nifty things.
02)  Airships, they're terribly nifty.  I wish they were in vogue again.
03)  Midnight pancakes, even if it did result in oil smoking in the pan and all windows and doors being thrown open to prevent the fire alarm from sounding needlessly at 3AM, are wondrously nifty.
04)  Speaking of midnight pancakes, +Dirk Reul and +Ninja On Rye (and everyone else), are you up for group midnight pancaking on February 3rd/4th?  <--- Nifty Idea?
05)  Meeting a new neighbour who doesn't smell of Axe and chloroform.  (And seems genuinely polite!)  This was a fantastically, niftily, unexpected occurrence.
06)  Actually managing to complete 7 loads of laundry was unbelievably nifty.
07)  Discovering that Clamp has interrelated a whole slew of their manga/anime series?  Nifty peachy keen!  <3 <3 <3
08)  Realizing that several series you'd thought you had completely read now have several more series for you to prowl through?  Heavenly nifty!  Thanks, #07!
09)  Sipping orange juice whilst waiting for the sunrise is always nifty.
10)  Getting tagged on a reminder of a good friend's birthday before finishing this list because the cats are battling the technology for dominance of the Maau?  Hysterically nifty.  
11)  The corollary?  I'm so terribly glad that people like +Lacerant Plainer remember how bad my memory can be.  I find most reminders to be pretty darned nifty.
13)  Easter eggs in one's life are indescribably nifty.  Especially nifty is when you're the one adding them in!
14)  The calm of nifty is recalling, in peaceful fashion, those that love you in return.  Ia!  Ia!  Cthulhu Fhtagn!
15)  Happily purring lapcats and loungecats, even though they restrict movement of the arms whilst trying to type, are fluffily nifty.
16)  Knowing fabulous people all around the world?  Exceedingly nifty.
18)  Knowing people grumpier than I?  More nifty than a peanut butter nebula.
19)  Peanut butter is the cream of the nifty crop.
20)  Even on pancakes, especially at midnight, with a solid dollop of deliciously nifty orange/clover honey mixed in.
21)  Nights and days cold enough to warrant the Giant Green Fuzzy Robe of Wondrousness has gone to Nifty Plaid.
22)  Seeing someone take your concepts and express them in an art form of their choosing is amazingly, gobstoppingly, nifty.  Thank you, +Mary C., +Scott Cramer, and +Matt Tuomala.
23)  Knowing that I can hope realistically that some of you will play along by listing your own nifty things, though, is quite possibly the niftiest thing of all.

Image Source is here:  http://www.airshipsonline.com/airships/hma23/index.html

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So.  Much.  Love.

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Family Stroll by wovenlines.deviantart.com

Return of Sir Octopus, who I last mentioned a long time ago:
plus.google.com/110422080214945443369/posts/aDyMQamfxgD

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I'd been fairly intent on not posting anything New Yearsy or Resolution-like, but thanks to +angelique b and +Danny Cordero, I've had to change my thinking.

Here's one resolution I might actually try, because the absurdity appeals to me.

"Yes!  The cats woke me up 3 hours before my alarm again!"

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so...i'm keeping to my resolutions....are u???

Ok, creative folks.  The new guy needs a name.  Any suggestions?

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Good day to y'all!

Hope everything is well. How about listing at least one thing you would like to see/get/have happen in December?

For me? Organization, organization, budgeting, and random gifts and cards sent out to people.

Back to offline I go, I've got cats to herd, data to process, and my wife to murder and Gilder to blame for it. I'm swamped!

♥♡♥♡♥♡ to all y'all! Have fun storming the castle!

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What did Tarzan say when he saw a herd of elephants coming over the hill?

He said "There's a herd of elephants coming over the hill!"

What did Tarzan say when he saw a herd of elephants coming over the hill, and they were all wearing shades?













Nothing.... because he didn't recognize them!


Photo:African Elephant herd in the Serengeti by Markus Lilje
for the #elephants  and  #ephelants  fans ;)

Courtesy of +Andrew Clifton-Brown, this happened.

I always knew cows would be trouble.  This right here justifies the many screaming, petrified sprints through cow pastures as a child.

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There are a couple of reasons I'm resharing this post.
1) Thank you to +Scott Cramer (who originally introduced me to these many moons ago as well as mocked up the one I was using as a banner until Saturday), +Halfdan Reschat, +Keke Davis, and +Hari Bhanu, all for tagging me on these (because I'd lost track of the source and was feeling guilty).
2) The art is beautiful, even if the subject matter isn't your cup of tea.
And...
3) I'm terribly flattered that these lovely images remind so many of you of me. It would indeed be a gorgeous world to live in (though I'm pretty sure I cannot pull off green hair without looking ill, I have the same problem with blue).
4) +Halfdan Reschat's hashtag, #PostAllTheArt is brilliant. Please use it for good.


So, please enjoy, and thank you.

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Otto and Victoria by Brian Kesinger
I know I spent all yesterday sharing a whole bunch of art for my #PostAllTheArt day but, but, but... OCTOPUS!!!

Find more of Brian Kesinger's brilliant art at briankesinger.deviantart.com.

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+John Arnold is, (un?)fortunately aware of my weakness for hair colour.

This shot, I'm particularly fond of, not just because of the pink hair, but the overall style.  The accessories (top, tights, bow) all lend to that borderline gothic lolita look I will admit to having a penchant for.

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Thank you, +Heather Evans, for this post that I, a random stranger, am resharing.  I laughed. 


A lot.

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PSA:
I would just like to say, to all the engineers, and metal workers, and possibly even chemists:

Can we please stop abbreviating Anodized Aluminum as An/Al?

I'm only allotted so much childish giggling per day, and I am currently way over quota.

Finished work with That Project on schedule.


#LikeAMoss

I'm obviously not a rolling stone.

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Responding to #DirkWhipsHisFluffyEarsBackAndForth with #Duckathon.

Via +Cubbie

#SleepySaturdayGames

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A vision of strength and courage.

And I still can't get over how fabulous autumn hair colours work for +C. Corey Fisk!

#Winning
#HairColourForSentientBeings

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I'm tired of being frightened and angry at seeing myself in a photo/mirror. It's time to accept that this is me, and has been me for a decade. 

I'm still a decent hobbyist photographer, even if my tools are severely limited. (A webcam and careful prop placement.) Right. I have a dozen or two role models and an understanding audience. Let's do this thing.

#365 #Selfy  #SelfyEverydayProject

(If you've been tagged, which I don't generally do ... well, you probably know why.)

These are two photos that I like, well enough. And then there's one that shows what severe disability looks like -- no muscle tone, overlarge dentures, the blotchy skin tone... but hellla great hair, courtesy of Colin.

You have no idea how hard it's being to it share rather  than rearrange the photos so that the "honest" one is small and in a corner. Colin can tell you that I'm actually crying right now.

Right. Hitting Share now.

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This #Tentacthulhu is brought to you by +Lacerant Plainer

Gorgeous work, +Jacob Dix!

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Life Of Its Own

#Mobilography

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My apologies if this has been posted here already, going through notifications on mobile, and can't get to the community right now.

Hat tip to +Carrie Canup for the find.

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#elephants

I've been wanting to share +Brian Blakesley's latest found-item works for the last couple weeks, but couldn't decide on which lamp I wanted to feature, because I adore almost all of them.

So, in the interest of parity, I'm giving you a selection of my favourites.

You can find more information on them here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MechanicalDragon

#SupportIndie
#ItsCrafty  

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... for they will most likely poke you back in distinctly uncomfortable places.

Via +Allen Hildebrandt for #Tentacthulhu

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Caution: Do not poke the Deep Ones!

Your #Tentacthulhu  post of the day:

+Ltd. Art Gallery is hosting Tentacles! An Art Show, guest curated by +Bonnie Burton, starting May 4th, 2013 (May the Fourth Tentacle be with you?) through June 1st, 2013.  Over 40 artists weighing in on the #Tentacles  theme!

Colour me extremely jealous, as I'd love to be in #Seattle  for the event.

+Ltd. Art Gallery is located here:
http://www.ltdartgallery.com/
307 E Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 457-2970

The event post can be found here:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cekrbftudahumlqali11mhah3v0

The tip-off is courtesy of +Skye Delaney, +Scott Cramer, and +Laughing Squid:
http://laughingsquid.com/tentacles-a-squiggly-art-show-curated-by-bonnie-burton-at-ltd-art-gallery-in-seattle/

The image source:
http://ltdartgallery.tumblr.com/post/48811678183

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I'm not sure there's much out there that would make me feel as tiny and edible as this critter.

#EepAndAwe

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18-foot-long saltwater crocodile, rises like a nightmare of mythic proportions from Australia adelaide river.

In the interest of sharing rabbit holes, here's the current one:
http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/index.php
Which has led, among other places, to this:
http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/prelimnotes.php
And now, this:
http://www.rocketpunk-observatory.com/
Whose writer now resides here:
http://www.rocketpunk-manifesto.com/

First off, I'd like to say that the introduction to www.projectrho.com was entirely +Juan Ochoa's fault.  He did some finger-pointing at +Winchell Chung as possibly being a contributor, and I know there's a variety of those here on the Plus who would have some fascinating things to say on the subjects of:
1)  Realistic, hard science fiction space flight
2)  Long-term biological effects (I'm talking over several generations or more, here) on earth-based species living in low-g/zero-g environments
3)  Optimal and utterly sub-optimal places for colonization
4)  Communication methodologies and other such things
5)  Social and economic pressures

So, I'm tagging some of you on this post, and I'd greatly appreciate if you could tag in anyone else who has thoughts, and the desire, to expound on the subjects at hand.

Please note that there is an underlying project driving this interest, so if you would NOT like to be credited in some form or fashion for usable responses, let me know.

Please also note that, provided civility is maintained, nerd-raging is encouraged, as there's some concepts I'm having trouble grasping, and I would love to see some exhaustive explanations and defenses of certain points.

#Science #HardSciFi #RealisticSpaceTravel 

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Via +Mike Clancy, I love everything about this, except the white furniture. The lightest I can safely own is charcoal grey. BUT! How awesome would that tree sculpture be in one's living room?

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Carved Wall Art / Sculpture

http://www.custommade.com/carved-wall-artsculpture/by/chrysaliswoodworks

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=<. <=


(To forestall the inevitable comments, right now I don't think I want to ever again.)

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Thanks to +Carrie Canup, I've seen so many pretty things on this site. Must pay off bills before looking at it again.

#Tentacthulhu

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Kraken Decanters

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elstwhen?ref=pr_shop_more

Interesting

To the #SerialDucker, whoever you are, thank you for adding to the #Duckathon collection in this abode.

I originally was stacking the duckies on Tribble as she slept, but she woke up at ducky #6, and became increasingly wiggly, so this is the best I'm doing for the nonce.

#DuckMail

#CrazyCatLadyGames  #172:

Dangle Cat1's tail in front of Cat2 whilst Cat2 is feeling playful.

Don't forget to practice your innocent expressions and exclamations!

(Image source:  ICHC
http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/2/9/129102428437701057.jpg)

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The cute is inconceivable!

Thank you, +Eoghann Irving!

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Princess Bride Inspired Artwork

This lovely illustration by Patrick Ballesteros imagines a group of kids playing at The Princess Bride.

http://patrickballesteros.blogspot.com/2012/11/as-you-wish.html

This is your #VideoTennis initialization post.

Theme: Dinner Parties
(Blame it on +Kimberly Chapman's post here:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108316670838828910396/posts/F18sat2Gx2q
(As a side note/question:  Would you be interested in a dinner party service for singles as a way to meet over the joy of cooking?  Would you pay for such a service?)

Rules for this round:
1) Video Tennis comprises of a series of responses between all players written in or composed of YouTube links, fitting the theme of the particular round of Video Tennis.
2) You can call bullsheet on another player if you feel they're bluffing, or violating the theme in some way, or provided an inadequate response to your own serve.
3) Trash talk is encouraged, as long as it is all kept in good fun. This is a playful game. The minute you get serious about it, you're out.
4) The game ends when this post hits 500 responses.

Special Rules:
For this round of Video Tennis you must also:
5) Write your responses almost entirely out of links. Artists' names, "blah blah remix", "Feat. whositsbob", etc. will not count as part of your sentence. You will be allowed 1 unrelated word per YouTube link.
6) You may add in additional verbiage if it is a whole line (or multiple whole lines) from one of the included songs' lyrics.
7) Your response must be plausibly related to dinner parties. Not necessarily food or set-up, but you must be able to defend it as dinner party related somehow.
8) The YouTube link does not necessarily have to be for a song.
9) Style and creativity matter make it more fun!

On that note, I shall start off:
Flames on the side of my face
My defense (you don't have to defend at the time you post your link, only if you're challenged on your link) is that Clue was one giant Mystery Dinner Party.

The video attached to the post, however, was a result of an impromptu Birthday Dinner Party via Hangout for +Kimberly Chapman, and I promised to publish it, as much as it embarrasses me, so here you go, enjoy my drunken rendition of Happy Birthday!

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For those of you fascinated by cultures, here is a growing list of posts on a very entertaining group: Australia.

Enjoy!

(Does anyone else think +Paul Snedden should hashtag these? Just me? Ok.)

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Teaching the G+ World about Australia

In November 8, 2011, I shared an article that I called "Be it ever so humble". It was a map of my home, Australia - the one that I am resharing now.

That post itself wasn't anything special in my eyes. It got a total of 7 Comments, 7 +1s and 4 Reshares - that wasn't so bad, but it did something far more important as well. It gave me an idea.

The idea was to share more things about Australia to the G+ World, showing you all the unique little things that this country great.

I've now created many more posts in this series. Here they all are - this is my way of Teaching the G+ World about Australia

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

November 8, 2011 - Be it ever so humble (http://goo.gl/e1PH8)

November 15, 2011 - Tourist Q&A (http://goo.gl/jybJS)

November 20, 2011 - Australia - it really is a big nation (http://goo.gl/9HjB8)

December 6, 2011 - Aboriginal Tribes (http://goo.gl/PHKBH)

December 7, 2011 - How Google insulted an entire nation (http://goo.gl/hDTer)

January 5, 2012 - Cricket (http://goo.gl/z6WFt)

January 6, 2012 - Bob Hawke (http://goo.gl/Gt0Ee)

January 12, 2012 - Australia Day 2012 (http://goo.gl/M0tNe)

January 17, 2012 - The World According to San Francisco (http://goo.gl/bfyoc)

January 20, 2012 - Queenmania (http://goo.gl/ki9Uc)

January 24, 2012 - Mt Druitt (http://goo.gl/fwZH2)

January 26, 2012 - Advance Australia Fair (http://goo.gl/JCgnW)

January 26, 2012 - Australiana (http://goo.gl/K0jOz)

January 27, 2012 - You know you're Australian when (http://goo.gl/onvVq)

February 2, 2012 - Europe fits inside Australia (http://goo.gl/WkOFr)

February 8, 2012 - Mates (http://goo.gl/VtYmH)

February 15, 2012 - It's already tomorrow in Australia (http://goo.gl/s6Fs8)

February 15, 2012 - Australian cities most-expensive in the world (http://goo.gl/6svQt)

February 19, 2012 - You think your education is tough (http://goo.gl/a4Ydf)

February 22, 2012 - The Melbourne Cup (http://goo.gl/qr5Oe)

February 24, 2012 - Google Street View - Great Barrier Reef (http://goo.gl/wP9os)

March 8, 2012 - Australia is alot bigger than you think (http://goo.gl/DV3tn)

March 10, 2012 - We are one (http://goo.gl/Dh8MS)

March 19, 2012 - Sydney Harbour Bridge (http://goo.gl/0h4a8)

March 26, 2012 - A NSFW Map of Australia (http://goo.gl/WjOWw)

March 26, 2012 - The Shire (http://goo.gl/Rtz3S)

March 28, 2012 - A Guide to Australian Biscuits (http://goo.gl/0bxQ6)

April 4, 2012 - Aussie Bums (http://goo.gl/Hdbnk)

April 17, 2012 - Sydney Harbour in the rain (http://goo.gl/s0HpW)

April 25, 2012 - ANZAC Day (http://goo.gl/IxKhU)

April 25, 2012 - Two Up (http://goo.gl/G0enp)

April 30, 2012 - Rules for Surviving in Australia (http://goo.gl/970Ub)

May 3, 2012 - Views of Sydney (http://goo.gl/YzJeO)

May 8, 2012 - Koalifications (http://goo.gl/6LNAF)

May 9, 2012 - Australian Reptiles (http://goo.gl/NxMLb)

June 3, 2012 - Drop Bear Inn (http://goo.gl/vfjsz)

June 10, 2012 - Obligatory Attendance of Children at School (http://goo.gl/d7WEf)

June 14, 2012 - How to eat Vegemite (http://goo.gl/HZO42)

June 14, 2012 - Tamworth - Country Music Capital of Australia (http://goo.gl/YOfRa)

June 15, 2012 - Weet Bix (http://goo.gl/fyL4R)

June 26, 2012 - Mining Boom (http://goo.gl/j1SnG)

June 27, 2012 - We're a Weird Mob (http://goo.gl/onBli)

June 28, 2012 - Meanwhile, in Australia (http://goo.gl/DKebh)

July 3, 2012 - Thongs (http://goo.gl/zkrWv)

July 4, 2012 - A 12yo's perspective of Australia (http://goo.gl/zV0sc)

July 18, 2012 - Australian inventions (http://goo.gl/ECe1N)

July 28, 2012 - Sydney Harbour Photowalk (http://goo.gl/v2yiF)

July 31, 2012 - Sydney Google+ers (http://goo.gl/kKFcc)

August 2, 2012 - Olympic Kangaroos (http://goo.gl/Uofbx)

August 3, 2012 - Stuart MacGill (http://goo.gl/QqQcr)

August 5, 2012 - Australian's don't drink Fosters (http://goo.gl/dnLlM)

August 6, 2012 - Pindari, the baby Koala (http://goo.gl/AEYI1)

August 10, 2012 - Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi (http://goo.gl/sasCQ)

August 17, 2012 - Tim Tams (http://goo.gl/kaV2c)

August 20, 2012 - Perma-post created (http://goo.gl/RXv5q)

August 20, 2012 - New Zealand was part of Australia (http://goo.gl/UHApU)

August 26, 2012 - Squeaky (http://goo.gl/bH3BU)

August 29, 2012 - AC/DC - An Australian National Treasure (http://goo.gl/UlyRv)

September 1, 2012 - A slab of Aussie Rock (http://goo.gl/DB4rV)

September 5, 2012 - Australians are f*ing awesome (http://goo.gl/TqezM)

September 7, 2012 - Europe still fits inside Australia (http://goo.gl/Rs22y)

September 17, 2012 - Wombats - the Formula One racing car of Australia (http://goo.gl/a8dYo)

September 19, 2012 - Nature's Crazy (http://goo.gl/CyBcj)

September 24, 2012 - Australia - Gangnam Style (http://goo.gl/6mkD2)

September 29, 2012 - And you thought are spiders were big (http://goo.gl/f1KpE)

October 2, 2012 - Skippy the Bush Ninja (http://goo.gl/vDJqd)

October 6, 2012 - Bathurst: The other race that stops the nation (http://goo.gl/KExU7)

October 12, 2012 - A galaxy Down Under (http://goo.gl/YCT9K)

October 16, 2012 - Roo Mail (http://goo.gl/h86Pq)

October 22, 2012 - Qantas the Parking Kangaroo (http://goo.gl/fa7F8)

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I've been a bit quiet, that offline business getting in the way again.

Just so y'all don't think I've forgotten you, I'm resharing this little bit of space whilst I try to talk myself out of releasing the Packing Peanut Monster upon the kittehs.

So, what colour is the sky in your world these days?

Mine? Pale pink, with subtle sparkles.

Mmmmm... Sparkles...

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Merging NGC 2623
Image Credit: Hubble Legacy Archive, +European Space Agency, ESA, +NASA; Processing - Martin Pugh
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap121019.html

NGC 2623 is really two galaxies that are becoming one. Seen to be in the final stages of a titanic galaxy merger, the pair lies some 300 million light-years distant toward the constellation Cancer. The violent encounter between two galaxies that may have been similar to the Milky Way has produced widespread star formation near a luminous core and along eye-catching tidal tails. Filled with dust, gas, and young blue star clusters, the opposing tidal tails extend well over 50,000 light-years from the merged nucleus. Likely triggered by the merger, accretion by a supermassive black hole drives activity within the nuclear region. The star formation and its active galactic nucleus make NGC 2623 bright across the spectrum. This sharp cosmic snapshot of NGC 2623 (aka Arp 243) is based on Hubble Legacy Archive image data that also reveals even more distant background galaxies scattered through the field of view.

Since it seems to be Fail Friday, I'm going to leave you with a couple of links for making stuff at home, with or without kids.

This nifty link is a quick playdough recipe, utilizing Kool-Aid for colouring.  It's edible, though I never liked the taste of home-made playdough due to the salt content (yes, I DID try to eat it as a kid).
The related links also include one on how to make clay, if you're sculpy-inclined.
How to Make Playdough with Koolaid Recipe

The second link here is a how-to to make a non-newtonian fluid with borax and Elmer's Glue.  If you're interested, there's also a link on making silly putty in the related videos section.
How To Make Goobeldy Goo

Enjoy!

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Now this is a #GingerThursday I can support in full.

Speaking of, do any of you practice the fine art of building gingerbread houses/structures?

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Gingerbread Serenity

#gingerthrusday  
#browncoats  
#firefly  

from: http://goo.gl/oy75g

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You were going to get a different kind of link, and a long rant on science, faith, and how, for the love of little green apples(!!!), they are NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE!  STOP DISSING THE SCIENCE!  

But I haz a grumpy now, and writing a rant is best done when thinking clearly and logically.

So, instead, have this Tardis Mug, via the invaluable +Keith Cramer.

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Chameleon circuit technology creates the illusion of a 16 oz travel mug, but this mug can actually hold the equivalent of a large lake. Actually ounces may vary and have not been actually measured.

At $10.00, this is a steal.

http://goo.gl/hs6pg

The Trouble with Tribble - Black Spoon Edition

Attached to this post is a picture. A rather ordinary picture of what appears to be a rather ordinary black plastic spoon, sitting at the feet of an apparently ordinary pair of white kitteh paws.

However, this spoon is no ordinary black plastic spoon. And those are no ordinary white kitteh paws. This black plastic spoon happens to be Tribble's favourite play toy. She's had it for at least 3-4 months now, and if she tosses it somewhere she can't get to (it takes a minor miracle to find the perfect spot she can't reach), she will wail piteously until I can dig it out for her. She especially loves tossing it in the bathtub to bat around, it tends to sound (and look) a lot like a racquetball match being played.

Somewhere, previously, I'd mentioned that Tribble enjoyed playing fetch. Prior to her recent surgery, that fetch was usually played with herself. She'd toss the object, then tear after it, take it back to the beginning point, and toss it again. Since her surgery, she's decided to include me more and more often. This has led to my going to bed, and rolling over on multitudes of cat toys, unexpectedly. Lately, her favourite fetch has been with this black plastic spoon. The box that the spoon, and Tribble, are seen sitting on happens to be one I lazily set next to the couch for piling drinks, blank CDs, and whatever else I find on. Tribble has just worn out my arm, herself, and her spoon, by 2 hours of fetch. She throws the spoon up on the box, jumps up after it, and meows at me. I throw the spoon, she tears after it, captures it, takes it to the bathtub to play for a few minutes, and then brings it back to the box. This has now resulted in everything ON the box now being ON the floor.

But thankfully, so is Tribble, sprawled in the I'm so passed out position in front of the door. <3

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Reaching for the stars

PS: finished photo post here:
https://plus.google.com/110788009395345981353/posts/GbAmGd84zyz

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Rough edit. There's a bunch of hot spots and stuff I need to clean up, but I'll do it later. Too much backlight in the office right now for me to see them clearly.

Milky way rising from the East. Garland Prairie area, northern Arizona.

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I fully support this product.

Via +Michael Griffith

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via +Occupy Bacon's FB Page

Via several recent vectors, I have been reminded that I have yet to get my very own +Tentacle Kitty, and, much to my dismay, they are no longer available on +ThinkGeek. 

But wait!  With a brief few moments of searching, I have found the new and improved purchase location!
http://www.tentaclekitty.com/shop/#!/~/product/category=0&id=16450213

Granted, it's second edition, and I feel silly for missing out on first edition, but I'll be happy once I can finally share tentacly glomps with my very own #PinkAndFluffyTentacleKittyOfQuestionableRepute .

And if you're like me, you can ALSO follow +Tentacle Kitty on +deviantART here:
http://tentaclekitty.deviantart.com/gallery/
Or her Tumblr here:
http://tentaclekitty.tumblr.com/
(Or on Twitter and Facebook, if you also please.)

#TakingTimeForTheImportantThings   #Tentacthulhu  
#IWantDozens  

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I am having fancritter squees.

Courtesy of +Jane Rakali

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Damn, this periodic table is beautiful
In May 1949, LIFE Magazine published a stunning series of images to accompany an issue dedicated largely to The Atom. You can check out the feature in its entirety here (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_04EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68#v=onepage&q&f=false), but the reimagination of the periodic table of elements as a colorful spiral is easily one of the most striking graphics of the lot. [Click here to see it in hi-res] 

Here in its entirety is the caption that accompanied the original graphic:
The irregular spiral above is a systematic arrangement of the 92 natural elements, the four new elements so far created by man and eight more elements which is theoretically possible to create. It is called the periodic table of the elements. The sequence begins with hydrogen (at the center of the spiral), which is the first and simplest element. Under its name appears its chemical symbol (left), its atomic weight (right) and a larger numeral which gives the total number of electrons in its atom. It is on the basis of this number that the elements are arranged in sequence: after hydrogen, with its single electron, come helium with two, lithium with three, beryllium with four and so on around the spiral.

The colors and construction of the table express another kind of relationship among the elements: the repetition, at regular intervals, of the chemical properties of the first few. Characteristics are thus repeated periodically in the progression form the simplest to the most complex. The table is so organized that elements whose chemistry is almost identical are grouped together in blocks of connected by solid arrows (all the inert gases–helium, neon, etc.–fall in the single gray block at the left). Broken arrows relate groups of elements which are similar in most respects but differ in a few of their properties. All related elements are given different shades of the same color. The key to this similarity among elements is found in the arrangement rather than the number of the electrons in their atoms. Only the electrons in the outer shell affect an atom's chemical nature. Therefore all elements whose atoms have identical outer shells are chemically related, regardless of the total umber of electrons which each of them may possess. For example, lithium, sodium and the other elements in the red segment at left all have one electron in their outer shells and are therefore similar though they differ in the total number of their electrons. Each complete circuit of the table starts with one of these elements and ends with an element in the adjacent gray segment whose atom's outer shell is complete.

This table, like all attempts to reduce the basic phenomena of nature to a simple pattern, falls somewhat short of its objective. For one thing, there are variations in the sequence of elements which do not fit readily into its graphic form. For another, it is not so much a simplification as an orderly presentation which specifies the relationship between elements but leaves much about them to be explained... Yet in expressing this relationship the table reveals the extraordinary symmetry and order which underlie the universe.
___________________________________________
[source]: http://io9.com/damn-this-periodic-table-is-beautiful-510648468  Thanks to +Winchell Chung for the find!
#periodictable   #science  

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Because #PinkAndGreen , with a dash of #Pinhead .

This still, over a day later, makes me giggle.

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Somehow this is actually a bit unnerving...

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Based on the number of plusses on the original post, y'all have probably seen this already, but it's a pink cat!

I had to reshare it.

Had to.

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Pink? Check. Cat? Check.

"It's like I have a fifth sense. ESPN or something..."

Life with teenage girls.

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Love to the original post, please, especially because you will most likely really enjoy the comments there:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/113892930288843949176/posts/f4GzKZNbQCL

#Tentacthulhu  

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My latest and greatest tablet drawing

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Everybody, on the count of 3, 1...2...



#Squee!

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My robot from my Draw Me A Robot interview yesterday.

You can blame thank +Eva Halloween by way of +Sarah Mangan for this post.

It's taken a bit of digging (and far too many open tabs with really cool stuff found along the way), but I finally found the source.  Unfortunately, it does not appear that this particular work of wearable art is for regular sale, BUT...

Vecona has amazing clothing.  Seriously amazing.
Vecona's site:
http://vecona.de/
And
http://www.vecona-vintage.com/

The photos themselves have been tagged with where they were found, and all but two are from Vecona's site.  The other two are from some similarly amazing photographers:
http://www.viona-art.com/portfolio/archive/steampunk
And
http://dageraaddonker.unstable.nl/

There is also a Vecona Tumblr, here:
http://vecona.tumblr.com/post/2976632549/i-think-you-liked-the-octopus-dress

The Rest of the Sources:
http://vecona.de/index.php?page=gallery&gallery=43
http://vecona.de/index.php?page=gallery&gallery=37
http://vecona.de/index.php?page=gallery&gallery=1000003

I'm quite sure there's additional fashion shoots involving this dress, but I seriously have to finish closing out tabs before I allow myself further distractions.

#Octoqueen   #Vecona  
#Tentacthulhu  
#Steampunk  
#Fashion

Tiny, little, itty-bitty PS:  I'd totally love a version of this dress done in black and pink, with silver accessorizing. Totally.

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I concur!

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Yes!

This gorgeous lady was kind enough to allow me a couple of photographs. Not only was she poised, confident, and beautiful, but incredibly gentle, allowing a random stranger to squee and take photographs, with the only connection being a shared affinity for pink hair.

#LovelyPeopleInTheWorld
#YesIReallyDidSquee

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Ow.

#Whovians

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In the category of "pretty awesome" is this. I'd love to see these some day.

Thanks, +Allison Sekuler!

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Art meets Science: Rebuilding the Coral Reefs

On #Earthday  , don't forget that more than 70% of the Earth is covered by water, and under that water, coral reefs play a critical part in our ecosystems.

Coral reefs are the largest living structures on Earth - home to about 25% of all marine species. Coral reefs bring about $9.6 billion dollars per year into the global economy from tourism and recreation, and another $5.7 into the economy from fishing, and it's estimated that about 500 million people worldwide have some dependence upon coral reefs.

But coral reefs also are one of our most threatened ecosystems, due to a number of factors including over fishing, sedimentation, pollution, and climate change.  It has been estimated that if remediation efforts aren't put into place now, we will lose up to 70% of our coral reefs within the next 40 years. 

In a wonderful collaboration of scientists and artists, Jason deCaires Taylor, has created a number of underwater installations meant to highlight the fragility of the coral reefs, while providing skeletons on which corals can continue to grow and a place for divers to explore away from naturally occuring reefs. Hundreds of such permanent sculptures now have been placed under the sea in a series of installations, off the coast of Grenada in the West Indies and in the Museo Subacuático de Arte off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. The images below show just some of Taylor's works, from The Silent Evolution,  _Phoenix,_  _Urban Reef,_  and Vicisstudes.  

Taylor describes his works as "constructed to be assimilated by the ocean and transformed from inert objects into living breathing coral reefs, portraying human intervention as both positive and life-encouraging."

His underwater sculpture park in the West Indies has been listed as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World by +National Geographic , and you can see a wonderful NatGeo video of his work, and the ways they have attractive life, here: http://goo.gl/Cv07n 

So on this Earth Day, let's celebrate the diversity of life everywhere: on the ground, underground, in the air, in our plants, and even underwater.

#Earthday   #ScienceSunday  

---------------
sources:

Jason deCaires Taylor's website
http://www.underwatersculpture.com/

+The Nature Conservancy   http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/coralreefs

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://coralreef.noaa.gov/

Museo Subacuático de Arte
http://www.musacancun.com/

+Universe Today 
http://www.universetoday.com/65588/what-percent-of-earth-is-water/  

photo credits: Jason deCaires Taylor http://www.underwatersculpture.com/

My dear little Bitsen is such a thoughtful boy, he just about gave me kittens this morning, and he looked so proud!

Hark!  Demi-Sappy Post Ahead!
Read at your own risk!

One year ago today, courtesy of +Charlie Hoover's post here:
https://plus.google.com/108821717261017099757/posts/S6yyw3uj12k
I met Carrot.  It was beautiful fate, leading to much laughter, hijinks, sad and glad times, and everything in between.  (Almost everything, anyway.)  +Carrie Canup has become family to me in the way that only good friends can, and I'm terribly lucky to have her in my life, pointing out the sparkly tentacles and science jokes all while producing effortless, tasty pies (example is here:  
https://plus.google.com/114849831678812551299/posts/iKdapNM1Rcm )
and beautiful music (my personal favourite is here:
Not A Geek
and her channel is here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/thesultrycarrot )
(Not to mention the many other brilliant talents she has.)

Carrot and I discussed doing anniversary-type things a few weeks back, but to be perfectly honest, I'd managed to forget (I really need to make better use of the many calendars I have set up!), until she popped this post earlier this week:
https://plus.google.com/114849831678812551299/posts/WiVyBLHL4tE
In exchange for her blackberry nomtart, I was to make context donuts (there are so many references for this, simply do a Google Plus search on "context donut", it's faster than me listing them all.)

Then, +Kimberly Chapman posted this:
https://plus.google.com/108316670838828910396/posts/VmviW51JPoi
Knowing how much Carrot loves purple, and penguins (the context donuts were purple, doncha know?), I resolved to make her a penguin with context donuts.  And, unfortunately for my pocketbook, off to Michael's I went for more Sculpey and other supplies.

Pengisan and his context donuts were mostly fashioned during a hangout last night, so I don't have any photos of the beginning steps, but I made up for that in the finishing steps today.  The album attached to this post is everything fit (YMMV) to publish on his development, including waking up today to him being knocked off his "safe" shelf and his left flipper broken.  (Tribblenaught, your time will come!)

So, please enjoy the #CarrotVersary / #MaauVersary hijinks, and here's hoping you have just as many opportunities to enjoy and appreciate those in your life.

<3

#Pengisan  #ContextDonut   #ItsCrafty  
Beastie Boys - She's Crafty

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One year ago today, there was Suddenly Carrot. My life would not be the same without her.

(Dammit, she beat me to it!)

((Wait... what conspiracies?!?))

#CarrotVersary

(((I might owe this one to +Charlie Hoover and Red Dwarf... <3, +Carrie Canup!)))

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Today is me and +Mz Maau 's Anniversary. 

This lovely, be-glittered lady came crashing into my world and I'm all the better for it!  We've spent many a late night discussing this crazy world, its inhabitants and generally being silly, snarky and snazzy.

Hope its been just as fun for you!

I made you blackberry cobbler, and I believe it is worth the amount of pan scrubbing I have ahead of me!

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#LotR fans should enjoy this.

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I finally finished the leather map of Middle Earth for +Maddie Jane and have to admit, it came out AWESOME!  =D  Now I need to create one of Tamriel!

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In the same vein, here's this. Any additional comment I make will be a rant, so am withholding.

All my 2.99s, +Halfdan Reschat, for posting this.

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A Comic About Gender by chotpot.tumblr.com
"People are butts about gender sometimes! So here is a comic talking about how it really isn't a big deal!" - Chot (aka. RainbowBruises)

(Source: goo.gl/4QpBu )

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Via +Carrie Canup.

I'm posting this to Artwork, but I suspect the gif was derived from a documentary.

Enjoy!

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A moment of cuteness.... lol 

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Via +Brett Bjornsen, all my drool goes to this.

(Source:  Aliens Vs. Coffee machine - Amazing Sci-Fi Animation by Henrik Bjerregaard Clausen )

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Or both.

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Another of today's cakes and one that reminds us resistance is futile. Or cute.
http://www.geeknative.com/35961/hello-kitty-borg-cake/

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Pasties are a strange thing. I've never been able to decide if I like them or not.

Regardless, +Eoghann Irving's post made me laugh, so I'm passing it on.

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There Is Such a Thing As Taking A Meme Too Far!

And you can rely on Etsy to get you there. I present Grumpy Cat Pasties.

I just....

I...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117095168/burlesque-pasties-nipple-tassel-grumpy

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Today, you get Cthulhu and MLP. One of my favourite combinations.

<3

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While this guy was finished up a week or two ago, I've been too busy with holiday stuff to actually get some pictures of him.  

+ started as a Fashion Style Rainbow Dash
+ sculpted Apoxie clay tentacles and claws 
+ airbrushed with acrylics, with hand-painted pearly tentacles and eyes
+ sealed with a matte sealer, with glossy eyes and tentacles

#cthulhu  

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Thanks to +Mike Clancy, I now have all sorts of ideas simmering away in my brain.

Per +Kimberly Chapman, recipes for shots here:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/emofly/how-to-make-delicious-caramel-apple-jello-shots

Also, from Mike on the OP:
Mike Clancy
Comment from +Sabrina Benton :  "A chef friend gave this advice if you are going to try this, partially freeze the apples, cool the caramel so it pours but is not boiling, refrigerate immediately. Otherwise you cook the apple!"

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Great take on a caramel apple :)

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Oh hai!

I'd like to introduce someone to you.  Everyone, please say hullo to +Tara Mulder!  She's so far been pretty interesting, and it would be awfully lovely if you'd check her out and maybe give her a test drive in your circles as well.

(It was either the ducks bucking the relational stereotype, or Ada Lovelace.  Tough call, I know, but seeing as it isn't Ada's birthday or anything today, the #Duckathon  post-post won.)

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Important duck update

I have some shocking news regarding the article I posted yesterday (http://goo.gl/EJNGs) for  #duckathon .  The one regarding the NZ teenager who wrote a letter to the editor, about how homosexuality (through "logic" that she explains in her letter) will lead to ducks achieving superiority over human beings.  From her letter, "Ducks always nest in pairs and if we allow same-sex marriage, then the ducks will have evolved further than we have."

It turns out that this girl's reasoning was flawed and based on incomplete information.

See, it turns out that the Mallard Duck and the Blue-Winged Teal Duck engage in male and female homosexual and bisexual behaviours.  These behaviours include courtship, sexual activity, pair-bonding, and parenting.  This has been observed and documented in the wild, the semiwild, and in captivity.  Mallard Ducks do live in New Zealand, among other places, so this girl has no reason to be ignorant of this, as it is hardly new research.

Documented duck same-sex pairings sometimes last far longer than the opposite-sex pairings, and male pairs specifically can account for up to 19% of all Mallard Duck pairs (not counting "experimentation.")

Same-sex pairings have been observed among other species of ducks also, including the Wood Duck , and the Chiloe Wigeon.

If human intelligence and evolution has been held back by accepting homosexuality, then the idea of ducks "get[ing] you in the end" doesn't take into account their pair-bonding including same-sex couples.  Clearly they are held back as much as our species has been (with homosexuality being the defining feature of how advanced a species is), so their species cannot have overtaken ours yet.

Humanity is safe from having duck overlords... for now.


Information is from Biological Exuberance by Bruce Bagemihl, Ph.D.  From the introduction:
To help narrow the field, certain parameters have been chosen:  only examples of homosexual behavior or transgender that have been scientifically documented, for example, are covered in this book (such documentation includes published reports in scientific journals and monographs, and/or firsthand observations by zoologists, wildlife biologists, and other trained animal observers, corroborated by multiple sources whenever possible).  Not only does this limit the number of species to be included (many more cases undoubtedly occur but have not been so documented), it establishes a uniform and verifiable platform of data on which to base further discussion.

Sources are provided after sections on each species.  I have to say that a lot of papers have been published on this behaviour in ducks.  I own the book, rather than looked this up online, so there may be far more documentation now.  Then again, ducks may have evolved into a purely heterosexual species since 1999, when my edition was published.

Image is from http://goo.gl/XPEyf

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I have trouble remembering this some days.

Hat tip to +Damian Trasler for the reshare.

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Don`t let yourself provoke!

Tribble-The-Cat update, in a rare moment of calm.

#MaausTroubleWithTribble

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+Carrie Canup - Imagine this with raspberries...

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BLUEBERRY MUFFIN TORTE – Layers of blueberry muffin cake, white chocolate & brandy torte, topped and filled with blueberries. The recipe will be available in my next recipe book; Britton Bakes for Christmas. You can preview and order my recipe books from my website www.karenjbritton.wix.com/brittonbakes
If you wish, you can also visit my Facebook Page, or follow me on Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/brittonbakes 
https://twitter.com/BrittonBakes

There was a book, much like this, in my childhood. A very prized possession I no longer have in person, but always there in spirit.

If you're so inclined, share your favourite #ElephantJokes, by comment here, or in your own post.

Give yourself a moment of childish joy, and let the stress diminish, if only for that moment.

♥

I'm rather quasi-certain I'll get glares and harrumphs from +Dirk Moeller over this, but he wanted rainbows, so...

On the other paw, I'm quite certain this will give someone out there a squee.  Especially once I add the Feline Glitter Inspection Team photos to the album.

#YouCanHazASquee  
#Glitterati  

I hearts you, you curmudgeon you, +Dirk Moeller!

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Contrary to what you might believe the young elephant needs lessons on how to use it’s trunk. The following 5 images illustrate such a scenario. Junior enters on stage holding Mom’s tail. He goes to the feeding station for a top-up. Mom wants to wean him and get him to use his trunk to eat grass. She shoves him into the trunk-tutoring position. The lesson proceeds but junior finds the pliable appendage is as easy as eating rice with a rubber band…….he leaves in a huff but is hastily restrained and later brought back to the teaching stage.

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I'm afraid +Kelsey Swanson has found most of the keys to my locks. Eek!

#Tentacthulhu

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All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

But I couldn't resist making just a few more tentacles while I was waiting for various laundry bits and such to finish running.  Some you saw with the last batch, but there's a few new ones...an industrial-like one, a couple day-of-the-tentacle style (cough cough +Simon W), a hot pink (cough cough +Mz Maau ).

They'll go up when I'm back from my trip, until then they'll have to hang out on my workstation and try to eat our cats.