A list of intriguing things
One: Japan-based artist Jumpei Mitsui is one of just 21 LEGO Certified Professionals in the world. His latest achievement is a brilliant recreation of one of the most famous Japanese woodblock prints: Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.”
Two: These are ‘inverted cat eye sunglasses’ by Gucci. And they sell for $755. FYI: They’re selling for Rs 49,500 over at Haute24. Better hurry… only 2 pieces are left! What? You don’t wanna? Why?
Three: Balenciaga released its fall 2021 collection in the form of an online video game titled ‘Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow’—the first ever produced by a fashion brand. Fashionistas are excited. We were underwhelmed, but our tastes are very far from haute. Far easier to just watch a run-through of the game (below). But you can take a spin right here.
Four: How about the most intriguing archaeological discoveries of 2020? Gizmodo has a list right here. Our favourite on the list: Chickens and hares were worshiped by ancient Britons.
Five: This is Amorphophallus titanum which means “large misshapen penis” (you can see why). Its more popular name: Corpse flower because it smells appalling. But happily, it only blooms once in five years. This “horticultural celebrity” is also an endangered plant species, and scientists are scrambling to save it. New York Times has that story if you’re interested.
Six: Staying on the subject of vile things, this innocuous looking fruit is called noni aka “vomit fruit,” “dog dumpling” or “starvation fruit.” It tastes of sharp cheese, lemon, and vomit. And it is popular around the world, from Mexico to Polynesia—where shamans use it to chase away evil spirits. FYI: lots of Indian outlets sell Noni juice (from Andaman islands). Reason: It’s also recommended as a Ayurvedic health supplement.