Tag Archives: History

A watermelon is never simply a watermelon

Contrary to what you might think, watermelons looked very different (and probably tasted better) in the Renaissance compared to today. Why exactly? Farming practices have changed and genetically modified food has modified the humble watermelon out of its original state of being. Take a look at this renaissance painting by Giovanni Stanci, courtesy of ChristiesContinue reading “A watermelon is never simply a watermelon”

Auckland: Reclaiming the city for pedestrians and cyclists

I got something in the mail the other day. A planned new cycleway running down one of the main streets of Auckland CBD, Nelson st and then criss-crossing all over the city. This is music to my ears as Auckland has to be one of the noisiest and congested cities in this part of theContinue reading “Auckland: Reclaiming the city for pedestrians and cyclists”

British Roundabout Porn and The Battle of Hastings

In Britain there is a unique subset of people who are fascinated and obsessed with roundabouts. Not your average concrete roundabouts with some paving or a few weeds in the middle. But rather your fancy, pond or windmill in the centre roundabouts. A few years back, the Time Team revealed that a key point in theContinue reading “British Roundabout Porn and The Battle of Hastings”

Ethical Fashion Part 1: The Definitive 2015 Report

What is the true cost of the clothes we wear? This is a question posed in the much-needed expose documentary about fashion and textile production in the Third World – True Cost, watch the trailer here: Watching this documentary about fast fashion, it got me thinking about where I source my clothing from. I amContinue reading “Ethical Fashion Part 1: The Definitive 2015 Report”

The story of a mysterious mermaid in Milford Haven 1795 A.D.

The 18th century was a time of British exploration, rapidly growing technology and restless souls wanting to travel. Many people from the well-to-do class including a woman called Mrs. Morgan wrote of her adventures and then had it all conveniently bundled, printed and distributed as Mrs. Morgan’s Tour of Milford Haven, published in 1795 and thenContinue reading “The story of a mysterious mermaid in Milford Haven 1795 A.D.”

What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor

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”

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?”