A list of curious facts
One: Each year, museums in the US mark the beginning of spring with a special exhibit called ‘Art in Bloom’. Floral artists from around the world compete to create gorgeous arrangements inspired by art. This year, the Cincinnati Art Museum featured 64 entries—including a stunning white rose tribute to Odoardo Fantacchiotti’s ‘Adoring Angel’ (see lead image). Also lovely: This tribute to Vincent van Gogh's ‘Undergrowth with Two Figures’:
But our personal fave is Daniel Koller’s arrangement inspired by a late 19th century painting of the Goddess Durga:
You can see more of the winners over at the Cincinnati Art Museum. (Smithsonian Magazine)
Two: Did you know that Steven Spielberg was accused of plagiarising the script for ET from Satyajit Ray? The story goes that copies of Ray’s script for ‘The Alien’ made the rounds of Hollywood—where a young Spielberg likely saw it. Although Spielberg denied it, the likes of Martin Scorsese backed the allegation:
Due to some dirty politics played by unknown quarters, Ray’s Hollywood dream had to be shelved. I have no qualms in admitting that Spielberg’s E.T. was influenced by Ray’s Alien. Even Sir Richard Attenborough pointed this out to me.
The story of this creative heist is far too convoluted to recap, we recommend reading the full account over at Homegrown. Also read: The Hindu essay by Aseem Chabra who broke the story—only to be accused of scheming to ruin ET’s Oscar chances—and to earn Ray’s anger: “He felt my article had earned him a reputation he scarcely deserved. I was heartbroken.”
Three: In the sleepy Japanese town of Kawara, Pokémon-style trading cards have turned middle-aged men—‘ojisan’—into local legends. Kids now collect and battle with cards featuring real-life uncles: ex-train drivers, soba chefs, even the mayor. The game aims to bridge the growing generational gap between the town’s residents.
The sweet bit: Defeated characters don’t die—but rest in the "'Yuzu Room'—a nickname for the old primary school nurse’s office—where they remain until the end of the game.” The Guardian has more on this charming phenomenon. (Tokyo Weekender)
Bonus fact: Did you know some people often ‘rawdog’ airplane flights? No, this isn’t about mile-high unprotected sex. It’s a bizarre term for sitting around doing nothing—as in not staring at a screen, reading a book or even talking to someone. This shocking behaviour has spread to daily commutes—where it’s earned itself a new equally sleazy name: ‘bare-backing’. Some fellow train travelers are outraged: “You’ve commuted enough times. Why are you sitting there without a phone, without a book, just looking at me, looking at what’s going on? Just do something!” Lol! (Fortune, login required, New York Post)
