Five things on Friday #54

Things of note for the week ending January 10th, 2014.

Sweet...

I’ve made a list…

1. The Solar-Powered Wall Socket

Window Socket of WIN

I blogged tumbled this at some point last year, it’s still an awesome idea though. Create a solar plug socket anywhere; on a train, on a plane, in a hotel room, anywhere there is sunshine. This is awesome. SO AWESOME.

More.

2. The Secret Garden of the Mind

Open Your Mind

This photo doesn’t do the art justice; but this ‘deconstruction’ of a sculptured bust really speaks to me. I can’t place it. Is it the interpretation of the mind [breaking out of the confines of the skull]? Or is just the simplistic beauty of nature hidden away deep inside our heads? I don’t know.

I post a fair bit of art from time to time, but it’s rare that I see something that I’d like to own myself. The above is one of those rarities. That is all.

3. The Eye of Sauron.. sorry, SATURN

Hurricanes on Saturn

This is stunning. Just. Stunning. If, you’re like me, you’ll probably be wanting more.

4. Thor is the new Superman

Thor is fun, the way Superman should be; his cape is a bright, hopeful red and you want to hang out with him. The Superman in Man of Steel is a guy you want to keep your distance from, more coldly alien than the Asgardian who just arrived here. They’re both immigrants to Earth, but even though the Man of Steel Superman was raised here, Thor feels more connected to humans in his movies, more their champion. More their Superman.

Read the full article and see if you agree. I know I do.

5. Still

Peace Incarnate

To me, this is peace incarnate.

 

 

 

Saw TED

And these two things stole the film entirely –

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That aside, it was surprisingly amusing. Mark Wahlberg has great comedy timing and Mila Kunis is great in just about anything. Yes it’s puerile, but who cares? Sometimes you need a bit of switch-your-brain off humour…

Verdict: worth seeing,

Bonus points: we saw it at the Everyman Cinema, Maida Vale, which was WITHOUT DOUBT the best cinema experience I’ve had this year. Amazing venue, fantastic decor and absolutely lovely staff.

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This is how cinemas should be done.

That is all.

 

Why I love Conan O’Brien

“It is our failure to achieve our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique”
– Conan O’Brien, June 12th 20011

I’ve already shared this both on Twitter and on Facebook, but it was happening upon an old article that I’d read a while ago did I then decide to post this video up here. It’s 20mins long, but worth every second; take some time out and appreciate Conan O’Brien.

If you’re done here read these excerpts from ‘The War for Late Night‘ by Bill Carter, c/o Vanity Fair. It tells you everything about why this speech means so much.

Then, once you’ve done that, check out this ‘kinetic typography’ video (a mere 2mins 45secs) of Conan’s farewell monologue from The Tonight Show.

The man is an inspiration.