Behold: The Titan-Arum, or Corpse Flower (All Photos By Gail)
On Wednesday, June 27th, I took a three-hour lunch break in the middle of a work day so I could take the train up the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx to see the Corpse Flower bloom. I had been following the NYBG’s Instagram feed for a couple of days while it was on bloom-watch, and knew that once the plant blooms you have about 24 hours to see it before it wilts. Considering that these plants bloom only once every 2 to 10 years, I knew it would be worth the hassle to get up there and, as you can see by these photos, it was!
Do you fantasize about owning a Plush Bear that’s as tall as, and likely (hopefully) much, much rounder than you are? If so, then your search is over, and all you need to make that dream a reality is 1,300 American dollars! Here’s what I can tell you about the World’s Largest Rilakkuma Plush:
“Brought to you by San-X Japan, Rilakkuma is loved for his cuddly cuteness and tendency to to be lazy. Rilakkuma is big in Japan, big in America, and now . . . BIG in your house! This gigantic jumbo plush measures in at 6 feet tall and weighs 24 lbs. He’s so big, you could probably just use him as a chair. But if not, he definitely makes the comfiest BFF ever. Includes signature zipper and blue polka dot material inside.”
Resembling a soft-serve ice cream swirl, the upper portion of this sculpture consists of the world’s largest crystal ruby, at 30,090 carats. Artist and Devo front man Mark Mothersbaugh had the gem carved to poke fun at both fine jewelry and fine art. A ludicrous send-up of both disciplines, the sculpture, Ruby Kustard (2009 – 14) evinces Mothersbaugh’s longtime interest in using humor as a means of cultural and institutional critique. Continue reading Mark Mothersbaugh’s Ruby Kustard Sculpture→
Since we last saw/heard them here on The Gig, Chicago’s dark-wave powerhouse Solemn Meant Walks have paired down from a quartet to the formidably talented duo of Ami Gloria and Andrew Sole. They’re back this week with their latest video for “Said The Night” and it is really something!
Vocalist/songwriter Ami Gloria reveals that the mysterious and enchanting video was shot inside the astonishing House on the Rock, a regional tourist attraction in Spring Green, WI. “It’s widely known for having the most creative, thematic rooms,” she explained. Built by the eccentric outside artist Alex Jordan Jr, the house itself sits atop Deer Shelter Rock, a column of rock approximately 60 feet across on the top, which stands in a forest nearby. The video starts with Ami in the Infinity Room, which features over 3000 windows and juts out 218 feet from the house, with no supports, and only the forest below! Also featured in the video is a room full of twinkling lights that houses the world’s largest indoor carousel — and that is but one of many fantastic features of the house. “The House on the Rock is truly exhilarating and captivating to all minds,” Ami enthused, “and it’s a must-see attraction for anyone wanting an experience of the magical and mystical underworld!”
Aurally, Solemn Meant Walks recall the classic, sonically seductive sounds of Siouxsie and The Banshees or Sisters of Mercy. Ami offered a bit of insight to her very personal lyrics, “In the chorus, I sing, “And now, Said the Night, all walk inside of me. At night, oh you walk and wander, what’s inside of me” — which is something of a monologue that describes the spiritual connection between souls that are the same, and what it’s like to undertake a higher purpose through a spiritual journey.” “Said The Night” can be found on the band’s 2014 debut album which can be downloaded at This Link right now, while also being available on iTunes, CDbaby, Spotify, Youtube and wherever fine music is procured! Watch for a new album from Solemn Meant Walks coming soon! Enjoy!
On my last day in Atlanta, I took a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, which has been open for just one year and is the largest aquarium in the world. Seriously. Here are some of the cool sea creatures I saw on my visit.
