…”These are a few of my favourite things.” If you’ve landed on this page seeking procrastination, then please read on for a pick ‘n’ mix from the worlds of culture, news, fashion and food over the past week.
The latest blog to capture the imagination of the blogosphere has to be Food On My Dog. The concept is all in the title and the pictures are hysterical. Tiger, the star of the show, is a staffordshire bull terrior, who specialises in balancing a variety of culinary delights on his head. Thanks to his owner Andrew Small’s daily offerings, Tiger is fast becoming an internet sensation after receiving over half a million hits and, should you have a desire to witness your favourite snack photographed, you can even send in a request. Any fears that Tiger is being unfairly treated are swiftly dismissed by his owner who insists “he hasn’t complained yet.” By the look of things he’s having a great time…
Whoever thought to combine facts and tea is a genius. This range of six ‘Did You Know’ mugs, each priced at £7.99, provides interesting facts to brighten up your tea breaks. DID YOU KNOW that dogs, like humans, are either right or left handed? Bet you didn’t.
Luminescent Waves at La Jolla Beach, San Diego
You may look at this image and assume it’s been photoshopped, that waves glowing an electric blue is simply not possible, but scroll down to the video below and you’ll realise that this phenomenon is 100% natural. La Jolla beach in San Diego is one of several coastlines around the world that host a phytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum, causing an algae bloom known locally as “Red Tide” due to the reddish-brown appearance of the water during the day. Maybe not ideal for sunseekers but, come nightfall, visitors are treated to a spectacular light show as crashing waves are illuminated a vivid blue, attracting photographers, surfers (see below) and tourists from around the world.
I’m admittedly a little slow on the uptake with this one. For anyone who’s ever struggled with the decision between sweet and salted popcorn, try Pret A Manger’s ingenious fusion of both flavours for a treat that is guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. And to top it off they’re only 123 calories, allowing you to snack away guilt-free.
I do not pretend to be an authority on fashion but these are something pretty special. Prada’s S/S 2012 range of “hot rod” heels turn American tailfin cars – 1950s eat your heart out – into a thing of beauty. From the collection’s bold Cadillac-based colours to the shoes’ flame-sculpted instep and exhaust pipe heels, throw on your leather jacket and channel the T-Birds for a spot of Grease Lightning (if you can afford the hefty price tag…)
For £70 these may be a little self-indulgent but the idea of an inbuilt foot massager in a pair of slippers sounds rather perfect to me. Magnetic insoles work to sooth and gently massage the base of your foot, aiding circulation and relaxing your body at the end of a hard working day. The slippers are made by Holistic Silk and come in a variety of colours and patterns for both male and female wearers.
Everyone is talking about director Tom Hooper’s upcoming adaptation of the classic Victor Hugo novel Les Miserables. The story of Jean Valjean has already garnered fame as a musical thanks to its 26 year run in the West End and with filming due to start in March 2012, and a release date set for December 7th, it has cemented its place as one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. The latest twist in the tale is the casting of West End star Samantha Barks. Her fairytale success story recently made headlines when the film’s producer, Cameron Mackintosh, surprised her during the curtain call of her nationwide tour of Oliver! to confirm that she had been cast as Eponine, beating off competition from Hollywood heavyweights Taylor Swift, Lea Michelle and Scarlett Johansson. I think this picture says it all…
And Finally…
Meet Stephen Fry’s nephew, George, who has learnt the hard way never to fall asleep at the table.
deardoodle 