Ektopia

Big Brother State is another one of those info-animations but this time it’s all about the ever-present surveillance cameras. Again, check out What Barry Says to see how great this style can be. [via]

Does Today Suck? is a day by day diary (and year long project) of notable historic events and birthdays and then marks the day as being bad or cool. Good fun and informative; definitely one for the sidebar I think. Here’s what I have to say about today - Friday the 30th of March 2007. One day of work left before the weekend. Good day :-) [via]

I covered Nosepilot back in 2005 and hadn’t got around to checking back since then unfortunately. I say unfortunately because the site has changed somewhat since then. That crazy animation remains there for viewing but now there are a load of paintings and drawings with varying styles. What stands out so much is that all of the paintings and drawings were at one point for sale (and many still are) for ridiculously small amounts of money (the majority are less than $10). Much of the art isn’t really my kind of thing but there are so many different styles that you can’t help but see some pieces that you like. So, if you do find something you like you’ll be getting a real bargain. [Cheers Thomas]

Miniature Earth is a thought provoking slideshow full of world statistics based on there only being 100 inhabitants on the planet. [via]

Custom Toy Lab is a pretty neat new(ish) site. It’s been set up to be a support site for toy customisers around the world. Images are uploaded of their creations and then they can be scored by the Custom Toy Lab community. If you like custom toys I’m sure you’ll like it here.

Recording The Beatles looks like an absolutely stunning book. If you’re a bit of a music geek and you like the Beatles, like me, then you’ll most likely find this book very interesting. “Never before has there been such an absolutely thorough and definitive look at how the Beatles’ albums were recorded. Years of research and extensive interviews with the group’s former engineers and technicians shed new light on those classic sessions. With a detailed look at every piece of studio gear used, full explanations of effects and recording processes, and an inside look at how specific songs were recorded, Recording The Beatles is a must-have for any Beatles fan or recording engineer.” It ain’t cheep at $100 (plus another $52 shipping to the UK) but I would imagine it’s well worth it. Plans are in place for a cheaper version soon though and maybe it’ll get a worldwide publishing deal so that would save on the shipping too. [via]

Chloe Early’s art juxtaposes elegant high-diving athletes before abstract urban landscapes beautifully. She has a show coming up (25th May - 24th June 2007) at Stolenspace, which I’ll be doing my best to get to.

Love Beck? Love Jeremyville? Love Jeremyville’s 2005 Sketchel project and book? The chances are that you also be interested in the Beck Sketchel. It’s been released in conjunction with Beck’s latest CD and can be purchased direct from Beck or from direct from Jeremyville.

Here’s a video slideshow of some Japanese scarecrows! Wow! Imagine these all in a single collection somewhere; what an exhibition that would be. [via]