octopus lamps by vladimir tomilov

These ultra cool designs of Octopus lamps are by Vladimir Tomilov, and l wouldn't mind one or two of these lights myself.  They remind me a bit of the aliens in The Simpsons (Kang and Kodos), but that probably says more about my warped viewpoint than about how the lamps look.  These little beauties are much, much sleeker and groovier (if the kids still say that).  More photographs of them are here, and Vladimir can be found here.

toodle pip

sunken moses bridge in the netherlands

Although l reckon this will definitely flood at some stage, l do think it's a great design, and it looks fantastic. It's for crossing the defensive fortress in Halsteren (The Netherlands), and was designed by Ro Koster and Ad Kil. Because of the parting of the waters, it is known as the Moses bridge, and more pictures and information can be found here. Great stuff.
Saying that, although l really do like the look of it, never trust an architect (as my mother used to say). What is the point of designing something like this if it does end up flooding all the time. I'll have to check up on it in the future and maybe re-assess my verdict then. Time will tell.

toodle pip

suzi lelievre artwork

I like this artwork by the designer Suzy Lelievre, especially the dice, which is such a simple idea but looks so new and original. More of her stuff can be found here.

toodle pip

olly moss posters for captain america

Very good indeed. I like the German one the best.

toodle pip

wine bar talk about help for heroes and predeterminism

Had a good night in The Wine Bar this evening, met up with Old Joe, Ritchie, Joe Lynch, Larry and The FPO and argued about various subjects, but mainly Help For Heroes and Predeterminism /Predestination.

Although troops who have been wounded should have the best possible care, l hate all the Help for Heroes talk around the troops as l feel that it serves as a propaganda tool which has the effect of more people joining the Army. I would not mind this so much, but most of the people joining up would have had a poor education, be working class, and more than likely be from the inner cities, with no great career or University places looming ahead of them. Obviously some poshos go to Sandhurst or join as officers, but at least they will be making more of an informed choice and have a lot more options in life available to them. There is also a lot of bravado involved, going with your mates and 'looking forward to some action'. The reality is a lot of ruined lives. We might as well go back to having the old Lord Kitchiner 'Your country needs you' posters.

As for the philosophical talk, some around the table were believers and did think their whole life was already mapped out, which l found amazing. To me, life is just a series of random events which we can try and control and make the best out of, but then that is it, no Heaven, Hell or judgement. The sweet relief of death. Only joking at the end there (the sweet relief bit), but life should be lived and enjoyed as much as possible, just try to be good and not hurt anyone else. Easier said than done and l have been a right bastard in the past, but at least l am trying to be better. As for death, when l have too many aches and pains and life becomes not worth the effort, l would have no problem with killing myself, as l would rather choose my own death rather than slowly dying in a nursing home or hospital. Pass me the extra morphine l say.

toodle pip

cool set of drawers

Very clever indeed

wayne coyne's house

This is amazing looking and it's the kind of thing I really like, kind of 'A Clockwork Orange' look about it. Wayne Coyne (from The Flaming Lips) calls this his home. Makes a change from all the bland shite that is always shown on Cribs, here's a man who knows his own mind, even if that mind may be a little off kilter. That's the kind of stuff I would like in my bathroom, wait until I win the bleeding lottery!

Respect to him and toodle pip