I love gadgets. Whether they’re nuts and bolts or made of code, litlle gizmos that do cool stuff are a constant source of delight.
But.
Pile one on top of the other, and another on top of that, and  they stop being so cool. How many websites have you seen with so many little flashing boxes and [...]

Parrot – Jardim dos Louros, Funchal, Madeira, originally uploaded by Joao Maximo., used under a Creative Commons license
I dunno why. Maybe because it’s summer. Maybe it’s a tribute to all those parrotheads out there who are getting their margaritas on.
Or maybe because they are just so screamingly unlikely. I mean, a big tropical bird that [...]

I’ve ruined an otherwise very pleasant day by watching the Illinois General Assembly drill big holes in the ship of state’s hull. I need a tonic and so do you. So please enjoy these kittens riding a robot vacuum cleaner:

Image by timparkinson, used under a CC license.
I think what I like about fungus is the direct example it provides of new life arising from rot. True, fungus often looks bizarre and even disturbing, but you can’t deny it has a complex (and very often gorgeous) structure. That these new forms are sustained by decaying [...]

Image by bradipo, used under a CC license.
The Green Man shows up all over medieval European architecture (although this one is in Central Illinois). He’s a sort of vegetable deity, associated with rain and fertility. Mythical vegetable gods can be found everywhere from Mexico to Tibet.
Stories of male gods who go through a cycle of [...]