What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
Everyone has these moments or even long periods of time when they feel derailed, set adrift from where they want to be.
Lost.
But there’s ways to lift yourself out of that.
Walking: as a resistance to traveling fast, a remedy and rebellion from moving at the speed of modern society at the speed of computers. Walking without headphones and listening to rustling leaves, ineffable hushes of wind and planes cruising far away. Walking to feel the bones of your feet kissing the earth, all of the muscle fibres snagging and stretching out like the rays of a sunrise. Walking to feel your breath coursing through your body in a new way, all mauve and soft blue as a linen sheet flapping in the wind at dusk. Walking in humbleness and recognition of how small, vulnerable and fragile you are. Walking just how our ancestors did.
Talking: Holding yourself up to a mirror of someone else you love who knows you in all of your exquisite complexity, who shares a tiny part of the mystery and history of you is a real delight. Talking with an old friend or a new one is like having a conversation with the deepest parts of yourself. You know those weird things you think and do are not so weird and different after all.
Laughing: There’s immense joy in seeing how ridiculous life is, how ridiculous people are and how silly and insane the whole world has become. With AI, the wars going on all over the place, the destruction of nature, it might on first glance not seem like the time to laugh but it is. Find things to laugh about despite it all, laugh as a big fuck you to sorrow and sadness, as a way to say no to the passage of time and all that entails. Laugh at silly things, at totally inappropriate things…at whatever the hell you want.
“There is something in the human spirit that will survive and prevail; there is a tiny and brilliant light burning in the heart of man that will not go out no matter how dark the world becomes.”
Rocks have moved and been shaped by tonnes of ocean waves, skies and clouds have melted and reformed thousands of times over.
I’m glad you loved like you did, with a fearless and joyful heart.
I’m glad you’ve swum in the ocean many times, hugged many people and animals. Climbed many hills and looked upon the world with the eyes of an excited child.
I’m glad you laughed a lot, heartily and often.
I’m glad you know what life is, how precious it is.
Learn about a mysterious #Egyptian goddess, the worst names in history of give to a child, comforting Lo-Fi music, baroque church pulpits in the same of dragons and much more, it’s edition #121 of interesting things.
Oh these made me chuckle and also cringe a bit for the children in question. I have no idea if they are simply figments of people’s imaginations or actual real names (other than a couple of the famous rappers in there). I suppose nobody can really know.
Similar sort of sound and vibe….but she’s got something completely unique and all her own too.
The videoclip features her centered in the middle of shot with a collage of streetscapes in the background. This coupled with the luscious and hypnotic drum loops – really reminds me of the 90’s classic Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack. I am now rather obsessed with her!
Anuket (or Anukis, her Greek name) is a Nubian goddess, represented as a lady with a crown of feathers or reeds, with a sceptre, and the well-known ankh of Ancient Egyptian culture. Her name means “she who embraces”, and she was venerated in Sehel and Elephantine.
Anuket, in Egyptian religion, is the patron deity of the Nile River. Anuket is usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown of reeds and ostrich feathers and accompanied by a gazelle. She was initially a Nubian deity.
“Two-faced” emblem of Anouket (Anoukis) – painted wood (tamarisk and shea) – 19th dynasty (around 1295 – 1186 BC)
from Deir el-Medineh – Department of Egyptian Antiquities of the Louvre Museum – N 3534
by acquisition of the Salt Collection in 1826 (Salt n
The term Monster derives from the Latin monstrare (to show) and monere (to warn).
In ancient times, it was believed that babies born with structural abnormalities foretold disasters like droughts or famines.
Monstrare is also the root of the word demonstrate, showing how, historically, monstrosity was associated with knowing something or, perhaps more accurately, with the means of knowing it.
How do nature’s experiments with form demonstrate something crucial about the origins of life?
How “monsters” came to define us as human beings
In one important time in history, monster also meant creative, experimental, and ever-changing. Looking past the negative connotations of monstrosity invented in the last 150 or so years, I believe that we are given a powerful insight into the ways in which our ancestors revolutionized the science of life.
Gustav Baumann, a master of the American arts and crafts movement, was renowned for his exquisite woodcut prints. Born in Germany in 1881 and moving to the United States as a child, Baumann melded old-world craftsmanship with new-world themes. His works, often depicting Southwestern landscapes and communities, are characterized by rich, vibrant colors achieved through his innovative techniques in color woodcut printing. Baumann’s deep connection to nature and the American Southwest, particularly New Mexico, imbued his art with a unique blend of realism and mysticism, capturing not just the visual splendor of the landscapes but also the spirit of the places and people he depicted. His legacy extends beyond his art, influencing generations of printmakers and continuing to enchant viewers with his serene yet vivid interpretations of the American landscape. Via Marysia on Twitter
Closed-caption audio descriptions that sound like band names
“I like libraries. It makes me feel comfortable and secure to have walls of words, beautiful and wise, all around me. I always feel better when I can see that there is something to hold back the shadows…”
~Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
Words fail me with this…I simply had to share it
Even with sharing it, I hold no responsibility for your imagination hahaha.
Baroque pulpit of a hungry serpent/supplicant in Lower Silesia, Poland
“Besides this earth, and besides the race of men, there is an invisible world and a kingdom of spirits: that world is round us, for it is everywhere, and those spirits watch us, for they are commissioned to guard us.”
Mix up some tongue-in-cheek references to a space-age baby Jesus with funky, intergalactic spacey electro and you have a wonderful euphoric album. Worthy of a listen simply for this mind-bending photo in itself, however I was overwhelmed by how good this sounded! Even though some asshole at Pitchfork didn’t agree and was really quite scathing about this album, no matter it’s great!
Did you enjoy this collection of weird stuff? let me know what you think of it below. Thank you for reading my dear friends!
The Lewis Chessmen are a treasure of Viking and Scottish history and have elicited awe and wonder since they were first discovered. They were likely to have been made in Trondheim in Norway from walrus ivory. This kind of bone was hard to come across at the time (1150-1200 A.D). The craftsmanship of these tiny chess pieces is a marvel in itself. It would be difficult to replicate that sort of level of detail using today’s technology of power tools let alone some chisels and knives. This makes the pieces dated from the medieval times even more impressive.
The Lewis Chessmen are a treasure of #Viking and #Scottish #history and have elicited awe and wonder since they were first discovered. They were likely to have been made in Trondheim in Norway read more
The Lewis Chess Men were discovered in the 19th Century were discovered in a sandy cove on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. In the early medieval period, when the chess men were dated from – this area was the stomping ground of the Vikings.
The Carta Marina by Olaus Magnus in 1527-39, is the earliest map of the Nordic countries that gives details and place names.
There was 92 pieces found in the hoard on the Isle of Lewis, including eight kings, enough for four chess sets. Although some pieces from the four sets were missing (128 pieces are contained in four chess sets). Nobody knows where they are, it’s a mystery.
The Queen and King of the Lewis Chess Men
Each walrus tusk could contain 3-4 pieces of different sizes within it. It’s estimated that about 4 walruses (or eight tusks) would be needed for each chess set. The design itself is made in a Scandanavian style with short, stubby and comical appearance. Each of the pieces are have interesting and comical facial expressions.
Walrus hunting in the Middle Ages
The rules of chess have remained largely the same, since it was invented as a war game in India in the 6th Century A.D. However the design of the pieces themselves changed greatly as the game went from India to (what is now) Western Europe.
In the original Eastern game of chess, elephants were figures of power. However this was changed to the bishop chess piece in medieval Europe, reflecting the status of bishops as powerful feudal figures. The feudal hierarchy of medieval Europe: those who rule, those who pray and those who work are reflected in the positioning and relative power of the chess pieces.
The Bishop of the Lewis Chess Men
The queen chess piece is intriguing. She holds her hand to her face. This gesture has been imbued with a broad variety of meanings depending on who looks at them, but we still aren’t sure. Some people have suggested that the look on her face is neurotic. Some experts compare the hand on her face with the depictions of the Virgin Mary at the time, after she loses her son to crucifixion. As chess is a war game (and reflected the war-like life of the medieval world), perhaps the Queen’s look reflects the sad and mournful look of a woman who has lost her family to war. That was a very real likelihood for women living in medieval times – whether they were royalty, nobility or field workers.
The Queen of the Lewis Chess Men
Having a chess board and mastering the game was considered to be a knightly accomplishment in the Middle Ages. Other knightly skills held in high favour included falconry and swordsmanship. The clergy also enjoyed the game and this was a leisurely activity undertaken by all noble people.
The Knights of the Lewis Chess Men
How exactly the chess pieces ended up on the sandy cove on the Isle of Lewis, who they were made for or where the missing pieces are is a complete mystery.
Standing stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, where the Lewis Chess Men were found in the 19th Century
Did you know that Mars was once coated in a green magma ocean? This week you can read love letters that never reached their destined recipient, learn how to make a Zen waterfall in your loungeroom, Jetson’s-style futuristic bubble cars and much more – it’s edition #120 of interesting things!
Scientists now think Mars was once covered in a global magma ocean, and eventually, gravity began to separate the different stuff within this gooey ultra-hot blob into layers. Via Inverse
Over 100 letters sent by wives, parents and siblings to their loved ones in the French navy – but never delivered – have been opened and studied for the first time since they were written in 1757-8.
I cannot wait to possess you – love letters never received
“I could spend the night writing to you … I am your forever faithful wife. Good night, my dear friend. It is midnight. I think it is time for me to rest.”
So wrote Marie Dubosc to her husband, the first Lieutenant of theGalatée, a French warship, in 1758. She didn’t know where Louis Chambrelan was, or that his ship had been captured by the British. He would never receive her letter and they would never meet again. Marie died the following year in Le Havre, almost certainly before Louis was released. In 1761, he remarried, safely back in France.
“I cannot wait to possess you” wrote Anne Le Cerf to her husband, a non-commissioned officer on the Galatée.She perhaps meant “embrace” but also “to make love to you”. She signed “Your obedient wife Nanette”, an affectionate nickname. Imprisoned somewhere in England, Jean Topsent would never receive Nanette’s love letter.
I love these kinds of educational videos that map the history of as weighty topic like plants and make it totally entertaining and also beautifully made
Via the always interesting and insightful blogger Existential Ergonomics:
“When asked to write a birthday or Christmas wish list as a child, we inevitably ask for a bike, a doll, Legos, or the latest and greatest things we saw on the television. While some adults carry the consumption mindset into adulthood–asking for clothing, makeup, electronics, and more–many have lived long enough that their priorities have shifted. They realize that the greatest gifts cannot be bought.
“What are these priceless gifts? A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and love of a true companion; a thoughtful gesture, a sincerely written letter, or a hand-crafted gift, or; an offer to babysit, help with chores, and give the recipient some time to themselves. I would be thrilled to be offered any of these gifts.
“However, the greatest gift of all? For me, that is good health.” Read more
Little Willy. Found lying on a patio desperately trying to absorb the sun’s heat into his dying little body. Starving, flyblown, fleas, lice, and constant diarrhoea that had dehydrated him so much his eyes had sunken. After a very tense 48hrs he’s still critical, but transformed.
Little Willy the sweet hedgie has a second chance at life Little Willy the sweet hedgie has a second chance at life
Future Flow- We Shape The Future
A wonderful, uplifting and atmospheric drum and bass song
Magpies have bucklet-loads of intelligence and cheekiness and they serenade people who feed them with their melodic cacophony. In contrast they swoop and terrorise people who are mean to them. They are one of my all time favourite birds of the corvidae family in Australia.
Jetsons motorpods are pretty mindblowing
No idea about the context of this photo! however, we can still enjoy this impressive aesthetic and engineering feat.
I clicked to play just based on this cool 90’s style crab playing vinyl but I kept listening because of this refreshing atmospheric D&B mix that was like diving into a cold ocean pool.
Let’s make miniature bok choy and fried tofu
This channel (which I have shared before) is hypnotic and relaxing. This looks like a big meal for a tiny squirrel, or maybe a large mouthful for a gigantic human of our sizes.
The Real versus the False Sublime by Robert Greene
One of my favourite writers and thinkers of all time on how to tell the difference between the real and the false sublime. I can’t wait for his new book!
Did you enjoy this collection? let me know what you think of it below. Thank you for reading my dear friends!
“Describing something is like using it – it destroys; the colours wear off, the corners lose their definition, and in the end what’s been described begins to fade, to disappear. This applies most of all to places. Enormous damage has been done by travel literature – a veritable scourge, an epidemic. Guidebooks have conclusively ruined the greater part of the planet; published in editions numbering in the millions, in many languages, they have debilitated places, pinning them down and naming them, blurring their contours. Even I, in my youthful naiveté, once took a shot at the description of places. But when I would go back to those descriptions later, when I’d try to take a deep breath and allow their intense presence to choke me up all over again, when I’d try to listen in on their murmurings, I was always in for a shock. The truth is terrible: describing is destroying.” ― Olga Tokarczuk, Flights
A darkly funny, quirky and insightful book that combines compelling short stories of wanderers and voyagers, with personal anecdotes and philosophical forays. Read my review
What happens when humans burn too much waste and destroy the planet? Modern Art.
Photographs of the aftermath of environmental devastation aren’t normally considered art. However photographer J Henry Fair has reimagined the decaying and suffering environmental landscape in the aftermath of human abuse in his mesmerising book entitled Industrial Scars.
Fair wanted to poignantly and powerfully draw attention to the devastation wrought on the earth as an indirect result of the rampant consumerism of society and our ever increasing need for more stuff. Industrial Scarsreveals birds eye views onto oil drilling, hydro-fracking, open cut mines and coal-ash waste. It reveals writ large the end-game of agricultural production and abandoned mining operations.
The result is photography that is paradoxically beautiful and yet devastating when we view it. Toxic scars in the earth from this angle could be seen as luminously beautiful abstract modern art. The bird’s eye perspective on the scorched and torched earth provide a unique glimpse into the shapes, colours and aesthetics of the ruined landscape. Fair’s photography is meant to be consumed here not mindlessly, but mindfully of the true and harsh reality of the hidden industrialised world.
The overall message is clear – Fair is dedicated to umasking the hidden costs of our choices on our planet.
Wellington’s annual Chinese New Year Festival went ahead in early 2020 despite the paranoia (some of it very warranted) about COVID-19. Wellington’s waterfront became a sea of dancing colours on the water with with luminous koi fish, the expected red dragons dancing as well as more traditionally Kiwi symbolism which was certainly nice to see. This included Māori wahine having a hongi and underneath of the eaves of a marae. The night was really beautiful and the atmosphere was buzzing and bustling. It was one of those rare Wellington evenings where there was virtually no wind at all and all was peaceful, balmy and summery. The vibrant colours of the lanterns against the changing, glittering city skyline, mountainscape and ocean made this quite a magical occasion to remember!
Content Catnip 
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