So basically, the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in Australia have invented a truckload of good things. Insect repellent was one – out of necessity in Australia no doubt. Polymer banknotes was another, and so was WiFi. But probably their most esoteric and weird invention was a word to describe a smell. Petrichor.Continue reading “What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor”
Tag Archives: History
What The Heck is Electronic Mail? Asks Ad From 1977
Global technology company Honeywell is still alive and kicking in 2015 but in 1977 the idea of electronic mail was certainly novel and almost unfathomable. It’s so fascinating to see how previous decades, what’s unimaginable in our daily lives becomes commonplace. And everyday objects that were commonplace fade to black and become pieces of quaintContinue reading “What The Heck is Electronic Mail? Asks Ad From 1977”
Treasures to Love and Adore: Smith Journal
In the magazine publishing world nowadays, it takes a good deal of creativity and originality to be able to stand out and make revenue. This Australian magazine is built upon solid foundations of authenticity. From cover to cover it’s high quality. What makes it so great is there is a subtle harmony of beautiful designContinue reading “Treasures to Love and Adore: Smith Journal”
Ancient Mineral, Art or Book?
San Fran based artist Alexis Arnold has managed to reimagine National Geographic magazines with the use of Borax crystals for a strange geological marvel of colourful striations. Glittering crystals are alive and growing on the gradients of colour, turning them from mere functional books to something akin to living art and also uncannily like aContinue reading “Ancient Mineral, Art or Book?”
Technobiophilia and why our digital lives don’t need to be frantic
According to Author Sue Thomas who wrote the book Technobiophilia: Nature and Cyberspace there’s an intimate relationship between the language we use online: clouds, rivers, streams, viruses, and bugs and the way that we use our devices to reconnect with nature. According to Thomas, technobiophilia is the ‘innate attraction to life and lifelike processes as they appearContinue reading “Technobiophilia and why our digital lives don’t need to be frantic”
Lapland Over Four Splendid Seasons
Lapland straddles the northern-most regions within Sweden and Finland. Yet this place is more than merely the legendary hideout of Santa, it sparkles all year round with serene natural beauty. Whatever the reason and whatever the season, you should go there. Spring The spring in Lapland is brief and boisterous, with many creatures all clamouring toContinue reading “Lapland Over Four Splendid Seasons”
The World of Tomorrow – Yesterday: The World’s Fair in 1939, New York
This bright bold fold-out map from the World’s Fair in 1939 along with postcards, pictures and a documentary speak volumes about a new optimism following the bleakness of the Depression and a blind faith in technology and all of the hopes and possibilities of the future. Click image to see larger detailed version. Watch anContinue reading “The World of Tomorrow – Yesterday: The World’s Fair in 1939, New York”
Tangible Things: How Do Cultures Measure the Past?
Tangible Things is a fascinating MOOC by Harvard University about material culture. Now finished, you can still cruise through the videos. You will be taken on a journey into the living, breathing history of material objects. Sound boring? It’s anything but! It may well change the way that you view mundane things like chairs, rocks andContinue reading “Tangible Things: How Do Cultures Measure the Past?”
The Paris Metro After Dusk
The Paris Metro is a beautiful work of art that has been depicted in many films and photographs over the years. Although many daily commuters would argue that it’s a stinking cesspit instead! It looks a lot more attractive than many other subways across the world and I enjoyed travelling on it when I wasContinue reading “The Paris Metro After Dusk”
Babelicious Fashion Trends From The Summer of ’69
These images remind me of my mother and her wild friends, they wore these bohemian outfits when they were teens. The swinging 60’s looks like such a playful time for fashion. Here are some images of teens doing what they do best – leading fashion trends for all of the oldies to follow. IContinue reading “Babelicious Fashion Trends From The Summer of ’69”
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