A list of intriguing things

One: The master of surrealism Salvador Dalí is best known for his melty watch paintings (see: ‘The Persistence of Memory’). But his sculptures are just as nutty and fun—like the ‘Lobster Telephone’ (see: lead image). Co-created with his patron Edward James, it is supposed to be a commentary on “secret desires of the unconscious.” Because, of course, everyone’s id wants a lobster phone (though ours prefers a fully loaded smartphone version). 

The only high-tech version available is at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida—which allows you to talk to the great man. OK, the AI imitation of the great man:  

Ask Dalí, a new installation based on a copy of Dalí's iconic Lobster Telephone sculpture, allows visitors to pick up the crustacean-shaped receiver, ask a question, and hear Dalí's response. The artist's voice, speaking in heavily-accented English, is made possible through generative artificial intelligence.

You can ask him profound questions about life and love—or about crustacean art, we assume. You can see how it works below. The backstory on the sculpture is here. (NPR)

Two: You can literally walk in the footsteps of dinos in Colorado—which is home to the world’s largest track of Sauropod footprints. There are 134 footprints covering 106 yards. Sauropods were massive creatures with 100-feet-long necks. So their feet were equally large—roughly 30 cm wide. More striking is that they make a 270-degree turn—because we all need a change of direction? The good news: The US government recently bought the land—so they will be conserved for posterity and open to the public. There are only five other dino tracks in the world. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Three: On to our favourite subject—stupidly overpriced fashion. This one is the ultimate Birkin—the Sac Bijou Birkin released in 2012 by Hermès. It has bling beyond Ranveer’s wildest dreams—2,700 diamonds laid in rose gold or white gold—and costs a pretty penny: $2 million. Even the Ambani bahu Radhika Merchant had to make do with a cheaper $250,000 sterling silver Kelly bag. (see her flaunt it here). 

Here’s the amusing bit: The Sac Bijou isn’t a handbag—it’s allegedly jewellery, specifically, a bracelet. We’re not exactly sure how that works given its size—too large to slap on a wrist and too small to be useful (god forbid!). To admire its uselessness, see the clip below. (Sotheby’s)