tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76606251722959706042012-02-15T11:12:35.606-06:00MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.comBlogger4891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-68194442541648984522012-02-14T12:33:00.000-06:002012-02-14T12:33:09.486-06:00

Delsaux's photography is breathtaking. His Star Wars series is a rare combination of humorous and gorgeous. There is no direct link to the Stars Wars collection, click on his site here, then click on "Work", and make your way to "The dark lens". It's pretty easy to find.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-14769587432892687962012-02-05T12:53:00.004-06:002012-02-05T12:57:48.587-06:00

26. Updating your blog instead of working on your novel. The other 25 here...  (laden with profanity)

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-18703164611345762892012-01-21T23:15:00.002-06:002012-01-21T23:19:03.365-06:00

This beautiful photo series by Belgian photographer Frieke Janssens called 'The Beauty of an Ugly Addiction' was inspired by a real-life smoking toddler.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-59525900876177418702011-12-20T19:06:00.000-06:002011-12-20T19:06:16.652-06:00

Su-Mi's little critters are almost terrifyingly cute, and they're for sale!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-25840827917853327472011-12-05T22:59:00.000-06:002011-12-05T22:59:20.487-06:00

Incredibly beautiful and fascinating Walmart infographic by Frugal Dad. Source: http://frugaldad.com

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-60899771165416085592011-12-01T10:27:00.000-06:002011-12-01T10:27:53.147-06:00

Be sure and check out my new swag store at printfection! I'm very pleased to present the four designs above available for purchase on Alternative Apparel t-shirts, plus mugs and water bottles.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-30020684862420123322011-11-29T09:10:00.000-06:002011-11-29T09:10:42.164-06:00

I'm glad I wasn't on that boat. Inspired by this link on Komboh's site.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-73225098038042356012011-11-20T10:35:00.000-06:002011-11-20T10:35:01.061-06:00

Oh my, my, my, do I love these illustrations. The almost orgasmically cute drawings are from a book called De Perlette, the story of the life cycle of a drop of water (or so I'm told; I do not read French.).

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-15505381692022173332011-11-10T16:13:00.002-06:002011-11-10T16:17:00.593-06:00

Kill a good hour with your kids by doing Google image searches for "strange underwater creatures," "ugly underwater creatures," "beautiful underwater creatures," or "frilled shark." Eeeeew and oooooh, you and your kids will go. Many photos will take you to cool web sites like The World's Ugliest Sea Creatures, which are a lot of fun if your kids don't get nightmares easily. Advantages of this

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-18957928190420741962011-11-05T17:21:00.000-05:002011-11-05T17:21:01.304-05:00

Jason Hackenwerth creates these cool organic art pieces from balloons.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-67326328947406809992011-11-01T10:21:00.000-05:002011-11-01T10:21:07.332-05:00

This is just amazing and fun and magical, The Little People Project—Abandoning Little People On The Streets Since 2006.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-6894381491890854742011-10-24T14:49:00.000-05:002011-10-24T14:49:14.089-05:00

Three random links for your enjoyment and edification: 10 Things To Stop Caring About Today. (article) Money Faces. (pictures) Silly GIFs of Animals Being Jerks. (GIFS)

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-59475349304802168302011-10-16T10:38:00.000-05:002011-10-16T10:38:38.729-05:00

I just read the first 18 pages of William Goldman's "Marathon Man" and—wow— have not been so blown away by anyone's writing since "The Shipping News." I'm practically holding my breath reading, the sentences are so long, the action moves so quickly, and it is so dark and tense and funny at the same time. "'There is definitely a lump on your wife's left breast,' the doctor had begun, and

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-23746998262065093562011-10-04T09:17:00.000-05:002011-10-04T09:17:43.341-05:00

Another cool image found while Googling something entirely different. I first thought this was a screen grab from a video game, but it is a real live photo of a storm drain in Japan. There are more photos at the link. They're stunning. I want to visit Japan's sewers!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-4741999627937382472011-08-18T17:00:00.000-05:002011-08-18T17:00:22.134-05:00

I didn't think it was possible to love salt any more than I already do, but these gorgeous photos made it happen.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-71141105588862853322011-08-15T17:33:00.005-05:002011-08-15T19:51:22.670-05:00

In the creepiest "things found on google whilst googling other things" ever, we are introduced the wolf fish, which, despite its nightmarish looks, is supposed to be as cuddly as a kitten—or at least not "particularly" dangerous. It's also being overfished, according to an internet source, though this seems improbable unless people are using ponies as bait. Click the link to see the rest of its

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-25673957964257760342011-08-14T19:51:00.000-05:002011-08-14T19:51:08.920-05:00

Dear Children Who Come Over To Play With Our Kids: 1. Your most valued contribution to playing at our house is that you occupy our children for a short while, giving us valuable solitary time with which to play the Google guitar and check out what's happening on LinkedIn. 2. You are here to play with our children, not with us. 3. Therefore, we don't want to see your Beyonce dance. 4. We don't

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-29118782031985036852011-07-21T10:26:00.000-05:002011-07-21T10:26:47.562-05:00

Nothing says "Spot, I really loved you, man," like a good taxidermy job.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-36831804387795700212011-07-18T12:25:00.000-05:002011-07-18T12:25:54.978-05:00

Cross-Stitch Stop Motion Animation, ever hear of it? Well, you have now!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-79783206118254775892011-06-29T15:32:00.000-05:002011-06-29T15:32:37.612-05:00

Come out and see me tomorrow (Thursday) night at Prop Theater, where I'm opening for Daaimah Mubashshir's show The Untangling at the Junction, along with Barrie Cole. It'll be a fun an exciting evening starting at 7:30pm, 3502 N. Elston. It's my stage premiere and should seriously not be missed!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-87989736972644832602011-06-20T14:06:00.000-05:002011-06-20T14:06:25.702-05:00

It gets worse for our fading starling. The link takes you to a series of photos of Little Star Star's final moments. The starling has to the equivalent of a single Cheeto for this eagle, who is capable of snatching a 15 pound fawn off the ground. (Another in the series of cool things I find while googling other things.)

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-7240490578825418842011-06-19T20:00:00.000-05:002011-06-19T20:00:36.604-05:00

The funniest site I have visited ever.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-4890904606606507382011-06-08T12:28:00.000-05:002011-06-08T12:28:22.084-05:00

This is a site dedicated to defining buzzwords used all over the media, but rarely outside of it—words like interlocutor, demagogue, debt ceiling. Who knew an interlocutor was someone who takes part in conversation? Hey, lookit me! I'm an interlocutor!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-51801768477156371102011-06-03T16:36:00.000-05:002011-06-03T16:36:57.934-05:00

I cannot even begin to wrap my head around Brian Dettmer's book sculptures, but dang are they amazing.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-89373795212005333132011-05-26T10:02:00.000-05:002011-05-26T10:02:59.173-05:00

This collection of brilliantly pointless fliers makes me want to create some. But they are truly brilliant, because I can't think of any of my own.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-26905679737642898062011-05-17T15:27:00.002-05:002011-05-17T20:23:20.320-05:00

Are you bothered when you see a lot spelled alot? Izzatso? You're probably not bothered as much as Allie, who has graced us with this funny post.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-8282374667182541432011-05-15T15:42:00.002-05:002011-05-15T15:42:58.811-05:00

Sadly, I understand this sort of protectiveness over one's Diet Coke.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-67237293133484223112011-05-06T10:02:00.001-05:002011-05-06T10:06:44.790-05:00

Some of the best Obama memes of the week from Daily Kos. Funny.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-4728573803939135082011-05-03T22:31:00.000-05:002011-05-03T22:31:15.219-05:00

The tradition of finding cool things whilst googling unrelated things brings today's semi-random find (I googled "vintage book"): "OZ for IPad," a lovely modern-vintage melange of original 1899 illustrations with the sleek aesthetic of the iPad (not that I would know, don't own one) for an interactive version of the Baum's story. You can preview the application in this video.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-21095655241280782322011-05-02T15:47:00.002-05:002011-05-02T15:50:19.197-05:00

This Tumbler page goes on and on and on, as does my happiness scrolling down it.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-49424952816395537482011-04-18T14:31:00.002-05:002011-05-04T11:16:55.107-05:00

I finally created a YouTube page of my favorite videos. To make the list, the songs have to be great and/or distinctive both visually (video) and aurally (you know, the song). As with any rule, I made an exception: Sinead O'Connor's cover of House of the Rising Sun which has no video component. You can click on the songs individually below. Appreciate the liner notes. I spent minutes on them. 1.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-66291134182101137072011-03-29T05:06:00.002-05:002011-03-29T07:43:22.834-05:00

I was feeling sad/guilty about digging up the red bud tree I planted too close to another red bud tree. For the past three years they have both grown ferociously, their limbs weaving ever tighter into one another. One of them had to go or both would die. Hacking away with a saw and shovel, pondering the cruel choices of life, the propulsive expansion of nature, the way our minds create

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-19835783782392879002011-03-28T10:57:00.004-05:002011-03-28T11:06:50.601-05:00

After arriving home from a family outing to Rango, I noticed my cell phone was missing. It was a miracle to notice this within an hour of leaving the theater, rather than say, two weeks later, but that is a different post titled “I Hate Cell Phones.” This post is not about hate—it is about hate’s opposite, though I have not yet figured out what that is. I called the theater to see if I had left

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-31249610323055153232011-03-23T15:03:00.002-05:002011-03-23T15:06:40.725-05:00

Think twice before you agree to pose wearing your friend's Etsy creations. You might end up mocked on the interweb.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-51894497929028051682011-03-20T17:45:00.000-05:002011-03-20T17:45:12.856-05:00

"Eerily Beautiful Mugshots From 1920s Australia" on NPR, including this one of Eugenia Falleni, who went by the name Leon Crawford.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-87528237864031130482011-03-17T09:23:00.002-05:002011-03-17T09:23:50.238-05:00

Panoramic images of destruction in Japan.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-82918919960490953252011-03-16T15:54:00.001-05:002011-03-16T15:55:27.395-05:00

What do you say when a friend asks your opinion of their artistic endeavor—you hated it—and you find yourself gasping like a fish dying on a line trying to think of one positive thing to say besides "Well it finally ended, that was good." According the Cary Tennis, your answer is: "I loved it!" He explains here.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-41005005441181523012011-03-14T11:05:00.002-05:002011-03-14T11:05:51.025-05:00

Here's your funny photo session for the day.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-54508302558816619652011-03-13T09:52:00.000-05:002011-03-13T09:52:45.989-05:00

Toggle over these photos to see parts of Japan before and after the Tsunami.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-40565248989464406162011-03-08T13:37:00.000-06:002011-03-08T13:37:07.261-06:00

These three hummus commercials featuring Yiayia made me laugh: Yiayia On Fashion, Yiayia On Relationships and Yiayia on Parenting.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-57566279601333196712011-03-07T07:46:00.001-06:002011-03-14T11:06:23.803-05:00

Irina Werning has her subjects re-enact their childhood photos. Another one I need to try at home.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-231704937917972562011-03-04T09:09:00.001-06:002011-03-04T09:12:34.972-06:00

Mitoza is hard to explain, you just have to play around on it for a while. Very cool though takes a while to load.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-13558374378858279032011-03-03T11:00:00.002-06:002011-03-03T16:23:08.061-06:00

This is why I will never live in Nevada.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-23385529031480516842011-03-02T09:38:00.000-06:002011-03-02T09:38:39.060-06:00

An interesting Behance article on email etiquette has two interesting takeaways for me. First, a neutrally worded email is perceived as negative. You have to go out of your way to show positivity. I have been using exclamation marks lately, despite having been brought up with a literary education that regards exclamation marks as the devil. Second, the article espouses emoticons "until

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-10862329562927120432011-02-25T14:21:00.000-06:002011-02-25T14:21:07.693-06:00

I really like Stuart Kolakovic's illustrations.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-61696926591150788102011-02-21T20:18:00.002-06:002011-02-21T20:18:58.202-06:00

This is silly and dumb, and ergo must be seen: 10 Famous Men Wearing Mom Jeans.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-27635340596483823132011-02-15T10:16:00.000-06:002011-02-15T10:16:54.505-06:00

The original recipe for Coca-Cola has purportedly been cracked and includes orange oil, alcohol, nutmeg oil, lemon oil, coriander, neroli and cinnamon. But don't take it from me, read it on This American Life.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-35035657501099246152011-02-13T22:44:00.000-06:002011-02-13T22:44:33.487-06:00

I thought I had the whole Asian-retro-cute aesthetic going on, but illustrator Fiona Hewitt takes the prize.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-52986216221754686472011-02-11T15:03:00.001-06:002011-02-11T20:09:11.784-06:00

This is so much fun! A collection of levitation photos with notes on how each shot was accomplished. Gotta try this at home.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-40984550719513386532011-02-10T09:56:00.001-06:002011-02-10T22:35:38.112-06:00

First, a reminder I'm reading at Women and Children First Bookstore (5233 N. Clark St., Chicago) next Thursday the 17th at 7:30 pm. Click here to view a flier for the reading. Four contributors to "And Baby Makes More: Known Donors, Queer Parents, and Our Unexpected Families" are reading essay excerpts. Additionally, Windy City Times is running my guest essay about known donor matters for in

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-88086094531770275792011-01-31T17:59:00.001-06:002011-01-31T18:00:05.580-06:00

If you like those lines of dominoes knocking each other over and Rube Goldberg type systems, you'll like this video. Though nothing's the same as OK GO's This Too Shall Pass, which my 2-year-old begs to watch over and over.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-74356186434407577832011-01-30T09:17:00.000-06:002011-01-30T09:17:59.314-06:00

Handy map tells you what your state excels at. Illinois excels at being average. Yeah, baby—in your FACE!

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-21728298212338517902011-01-28T10:56:00.000-06:002011-01-28T10:56:51.680-06:00

I'll be reading from the anthology "And Baby Makes More" at Women and Children First, 5233 North Clark, at 7:30pm on February 17th. Come and check it out! You may even win a free book. Click on flier above to enlarge.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-13950176333518635692011-01-27T09:49:00.002-06:002011-01-27T09:50:48.531-06:00

Everyone loves long exposure photography whether they'll admit it publicly or not, so I present you with somebody's collection.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-41088948452360179742011-01-25T09:38:00.000-06:002011-01-25T09:38:26.672-06:00

Nina Paley posts a Mimi & Eunice (pronounced me-me and you-ness) cartoon on her web site every day, PLUS there is an archive, so be warned: don't go there unless you have time to get sucked in.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-35184987126352040012011-01-24T12:53:00.000-06:002011-01-24T12:53:11.766-06:00

The cutest onion packaging you will ever see.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-28580019828636382642011-01-20T21:22:00.003-06:002011-01-20T21:33:45.371-06:00

My friend Stephanie turned me on to this blog, a collection of childhood photos showing the earliest hints of  gayness. I'll have to submit that picture of me at age 5 in combat boots and a military sweatshirt.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-35617437076402478402011-01-18T14:00:00.000-06:002011-01-18T14:00:23.048-06:00

This video is extremely difficult to watch, and I don't recommend you bother unless you really really want to see an autopsy performed. On the other hand, if you always wanted to watch an autopsy, this is your lucky day.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-59604554533030039672011-01-11T17:46:00.000-06:002011-01-11T17:46:39.491-06:00

2011 is the year of the rabbit don't you know and this collection of rabbit New Year's cards makes me very very happy.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-49802161270998167082011-01-10T11:53:00.000-06:002011-01-10T11:53:54.773-06:00

Try these exercises first. I laughed out loud a couple times, particularly this bit, since we had to pay $250 to get a dime out of our mini van's CD player: "Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that. 1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. 2.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-72858774025409645512011-01-07T22:28:00.000-06:002011-01-07T22:28:56.796-06:00

Love dollhouses? Murder? Unexplained death? Meet the handiwork of Frances Glessner Lee.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-20134115817706843352011-01-06T20:10:00.000-06:002011-01-06T20:10:01.826-06:00

If you like the feel of certain words in your mouth, here is a list of cool words that are fun to say.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-55646896831809518872011-01-03T18:14:00.000-06:002011-01-03T18:14:35.653-06:00

I love this product. It is a gum experience not matched since Freshen Up, The Gum That Goes Squirt. First Ice Breakers Ice Cubes (that seems to be the name) are shaped in cubes, which from a put it in your mouth sensation perspective, is oddly satisfying. Second, the cubes are coated in some gritty something or the other, also an oddly satisfying grit to the tooth sensation. And the little blue

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-90067281455419796462010-12-29T14:10:00.000-06:002010-12-29T14:10:19.915-06:00

Just this week I was mailing out three thank you notes, wishing there were collector's versions of the Forever stamp instead of the boring brown bell stamp we are stuck with (this stamp does not scream creative professional). Today, my wish was granted! Starting January, all stamps will be Forever stamps, and they'll have collector's versions! Article here.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-42834978976064997732010-12-26T22:58:00.000-06:002010-12-26T22:58:51.556-06:00

Ever want to try something different with your hair, like etching the periodic table onto it? Cha! Look no further.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-3705815165404294642010-12-19T09:02:00.000-06:002010-12-19T09:02:25.002-06:00

Christoph Niemann again.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-33685042228417297512010-12-16T10:00:00.002-06:002010-12-16T11:36:21.055-06:00

Despite its Yelp rating of only 3.5 out of 5 stars, I was greatly enjoying my shiskabob when a tense conversation at the next table insinuated itself over my way. She: My desktop is at home, so I'm working at home rather than my office that I'm still paying for. He: Move the desktop to your office. She: Can't. He: Why? She: It's complicated. He: It's not complicated. It's a computer. She: It is

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-89402040715467510582010-12-09T09:40:00.003-06:002010-12-09T09:44:48.195-06:00

I fantasize about being an adventurous food person, savoring the nuanced texture of sauteed wattle or slugfish tentacles for instance. Instead, I threw up after the teeniest sip of bird nest soda. I get a thrill/envy reading about foods from other cultures, particularly China, where every part of an animal is considered edible except feathers. Examples here, 12 Delicacies Most People Wouldn't

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-41731562163608327332010-12-02T08:47:00.000-06:002010-12-02T08:47:31.216-06:00

Ever wish someone would explain the financial crisis in cute little pictures? A very impressive video here.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-19948662132839217572010-12-02T08:38:00.000-06:002010-12-02T08:38:59.485-06:00

There's a blog for everything.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-72756871692264969872010-11-26T21:23:00.000-06:002010-11-26T21:23:12.247-06:00

If you like Jessica Harrison, or even if you don't, you may like Shary Boyle. I do.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-92227537211658962082010-11-24T11:56:00.006-06:002010-11-24T17:16:53.554-06:00

It's funny to notice whilst researching prospective agents/publishing opportunities the specific subjects they are not seeking. I particularly like the ones that add "please," like they are at their wits' end. Please do not send stories about cats that live outdoors.  No stories about September 11th, the Y2K bug, or tsunamis. No stories about "good" children always making the "right" decision. No

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-33984921185601752962010-11-21T13:51:00.000-06:002010-11-21T13:51:53.881-06:00

I never had any particular desire to be an astronaut until I saw these pictures.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-55364883309680240502010-11-15T14:40:00.000-06:002010-11-15T14:40:20.717-06:00

Ideas With Ideas is in a new office space now. I am office sharing 900sf in a former dairy in il superwonderful Ravenswood Corridor! Come on by and let's talk business at the conference table.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-12786505992526151452010-11-14T22:48:00.000-06:002010-11-14T22:48:47.437-06:00

I love the photos of this factory in Russia.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-10838334120308061682010-11-12T11:08:00.000-06:002010-11-12T11:08:44.967-06:00

Are you just happy to see me or is that . . . fifteen presidents with ham?

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-75836268107796426802010-11-10T20:44:00.000-06:002010-11-10T20:44:16.505-06:00

I had the pleasure of working with Daaimah Mubashshir on the poster for her new show Aquaniesha Fox Does The Hanky Panky, 10pm next Wednesday, November 17th at The Playground, 3209 N. Halsted, Chicago. See outtakes and other photos from the shoot at my Behance portfolio.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-23002309702616182272010-11-09T09:21:00.003-06:002010-11-10T09:06:49.097-06:00

We have a rabbit like this in our backyard only it is brown and doesn't have red eyes or shoulder hooks. Much more of Williams' art here.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-17350423577216145692010-11-08T09:18:00.000-06:002010-11-08T09:18:00.449-06:00

Dainty porcelain figurines from Jessica Harrison. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Christmas is coming, if you want to buy me one.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-20039753358899947222010-11-07T06:49:00.001-06:002010-11-07T06:50:22.276-06:00

I enjoyed Ron Charles' review of Freedom in the Washington Post, both his written one and his silly video version.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-74217498081079442972010-10-30T13:11:00.000-05:002010-10-30T13:11:54.798-05:00

No, the title's not a typo. Watch the videos here. Funny.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-83922581374516210462010-10-29T23:40:00.004-05:002010-10-31T15:34:01.309-05:00

Watch the video here.  The Dashwoods kick ass.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-67429552156451927172010-10-27T22:46:00.002-05:002010-10-27T22:46:34.526-05:00

I don't really know what to say about this.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-59892067475321867372010-10-23T21:12:00.007-05:002010-10-24T08:11:03.724-05:00

A woman beat the crap out of me today. After making me strip naked, she tied netting across my face. She stepped on my hands. She slapped me, pulled my muscles from my bones, and peeled off the top layer of my skin. Then she tried to up-sell me a $19 body oil treatment. All this took place at King Spa and Sauna in Niles, Illinois, and it cost 90 bucks. In addition to their often unpleasant yet

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-1855403346747725262010-10-21T11:34:00.000-05:002010-10-21T11:34:14.714-05:00

These are amazing. Be sure and watch the video,

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-16568307444387972972010-10-14T12:24:00.000-05:002010-10-14T12:24:41.574-05:00

Yesterday, because I was not wearing my glasses, I bought a hunk of camembert at the grocery store thinking it was brie. I didn't realize this until lunchtime today. Luckily, I've always lived by the motto: When life gives you camembert, eat it. Plus who can forget the line in Wallace and Gromit where Wallace takes a bit of the moon and says "Hmm? Camembert?" But what is camembert, and what is

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-81034431496083228392010-10-12T10:47:00.000-05:002010-10-12T10:47:06.411-05:00

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake bring you the history of rap. Blondie not included.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-23531880833836977642010-10-05T17:31:00.000-05:002010-10-05T17:31:20.177-05:00

Cool pictures of abandoned soviet military hardware.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-22585815779978737862010-10-03T08:48:00.001-05:002010-10-03T08:49:03.165-05:00

Pushing the boundaries of what can be done with a dollar bill . . . . . .  and Jello . . . . . . plus a kid in England who does 24 different English accents.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-18671028001911534912010-09-23T06:08:00.000-05:002010-09-23T06:08:00.444-05:00

Fire tornadoes? Check. Volcanic cyclones? Yikes! link found on boing boing

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-58573169159552518862010-09-22T06:02:00.000-05:002010-09-22T06:02:00.142-05:00

Love doggies? 3 minutes and 36 seconds to kill? Check out OK Go's video, White Knuckles.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-90632519139244694772010-09-20T20:03:00.000-05:002010-09-20T20:03:21.714-05:00

The Chicago Tribune has an amazing slideshow of non-atomic clouds.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-52223950210274045302010-09-17T15:34:00.001-05:002010-09-17T15:35:24.508-05:00

Terrifyingly beautiful atom bomb images at the New York Times, a photo collection you won't want to miss. I like how the "V.I.P. observers" think a pair of goggles is protecting them. (link found on fark)

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-60507515258259374082010-09-13T19:03:00.001-05:002010-09-13T19:06:37.277-05:00

"I'm going outside to look at our cute little animal," announces my daughter. "I'm not sure it's going to be so cute today, honey." "Why not? Ewww—you're right." (Photo taken with my Nikon D90. )

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-41874360603757996082010-09-12T21:30:00.022-05:002010-09-12T23:40:14.218-05:00

For the debate about who is happier—couples with kids (CWIKs) or couples without kids (CWOKs)—I undertook unscientific research at the zoo this afternoon by observing 1.) strolling couples unencumbered by children, shoulders jostling as they gazed into each other's smiling eyes, taut stomachs, casual weekend wear still fashionable and 2.) couples shoving toddler-laden strollers, bags under eyes,

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-84968150264462456892010-09-07T21:13:00.001-05:002010-09-07T21:28:33.378-05:00

Fire? Bad. Fire Tornado? Really bad.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-85775594324781537202010-09-05T17:39:00.010-05:002010-09-05T18:33:58.687-05:00

While our children ran up and down the aisles shrieking with joy, I asked the salesperson at the appliance superstore which of the three silver dishwashers she showed us was the most durable. She said: "Durability is not a consideration with these dishwashers. They all last 5-15 years. You want to pick the dishwasher with the features that match your lifestyle." She thinned her eyes at me then,

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-10152256389954468392010-09-02T22:40:00.016-05:002010-09-02T23:01:44.246-05:00

At my gym, wedged between a stream of Pink and Kelly Clarkson are little advertisements for the gym's add-ons, one being working with a trainer. "What gets measured, gets improved," says Mr. Bland-o blandly. I've wondered whether this is true. In high school physics they taught us you can't measure something without changing that thing. They were teaching us about the improbability of measuring,

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-66917782913890940982010-08-30T20:14:00.005-05:002010-08-30T20:20:06.021-05:00

I love a good infographic, you know, one that tells a story in less than 5 seconds.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660625172295970604.post-59938163422289738902010-08-26T21:57:00.002-05:002010-08-26T21:59:24.984-05:00

I'd be surprised if clicking on this link didn't make you just the teeniest bit happier.

MARY BOWERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598425236727464000noreply@blogger.com