The wildlife.

Photo by Liger

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Yet another interesting series, this time by photographer Robert Voit. Most of us drive past these trees not thinking twice that they are completely at odds with the environment around them. Some of them are on the verge of being comedy and straight out of a theme park. No, they are not natural, unless you consider man-made cell phone masts something of nature. Well, technically man is a part of nature, and man created cell phones, and therefore cell phone masts are in fact somewhat natural. That’s a whole different story. Can you tell what’s fake in the photos above? … If you can’t, we’re worried. These strange artificial trees include faux cypress, pine, palm and, in Arizona, cactus. [Photograph: Robert Voit courtesy of Amador Gallery, New York]

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Being that THING is currently working on a pattern project, when I saw these chocolates I wanted to buy 300 of each! These Mast Brothers Chocolates have a vintage/retro wallpaper-style to their packaging that I love. Not only do they have cool looking packaging, but it seems they are one of only a handful of artisan chocolate makers in the United States that hand make their own chocolate. I tip my hat to them!

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Wow. I’m having flashbacks to the massive piles of clothes at St.Vincents in Downtown LA when I look over the amazing new work by French artist Christian Boltanski done as part of the Monumenta series held in the Grand Palais in Paris. The international contemporary artist is invited by the Ministry of Culture and Communication and is held once a year. Part of me can’t stand that I’m not in Europe to step into this installation. The other half of me is upset that I can’t put on some gloves and rifle through the finds for great sweaters and shirts! This is just a glimpse from a collection on Flikr.

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I’m sure most of you know by now that the company Polaroid has discontinued their Polaroid film, but it really just hit me today, because I went out and got yet another Polaroid camera from a garage sale and really wanted to go out an use it in this beautiful rainy day. I’m so sad. I loved listening to the sound of the film coming out from the camera and the anticipation of watching the image slowly appear from nothing. I also, for some strange reason, loved the smell of the chemicals coming from the developing film, although that was probably not such a great idea.

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I did, however, find this website SavePolaroid.com which is trying to find another company that can possibly take over the production of the film or save Polaroid from dying altogether. They have created a PDF package in which you can take action to help save it. Not sure how far ahead this whole thing is, but I guess it’s always worth a shot to try and do something if you are a Polaroid enthusiast.

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American Apparel nail polish

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I’ve never been a huge fan of American Apparel… not because I don’t like their stuff, but more because they don’t fit me as well as other brands. They do have some great guy briefs (for men, not girls), socks, tights, and leggings. Many of you might know they sell vintage and new eyewear, magazines, bags, and full-on coats. All made here in L.A. The latest is a new line of nail polish which will likely be swept up without question by the heaps of hipster followers world wide. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be buying some too, so I’m not knocking the line. All of the colors are inspired by the AA headquarters downtown. One in particular, is said to be a knock-off of all-sold-out Chanel’s Jade, which has already been knocked-off by Essie’s Mint Candy Apple. AA claims “a minty green color called Office was matched to the color of an accounting notepad found on the seventh floor of American Apparel’s headquarters.” Whatever. Suburban moms will likely stick to their Essie and the cool kids on the block can buy the same color in their preferred AA packaging. Everyone’s happy. [the Frisky]

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THING has stickers!! Wooooohoooo!!! You can now make everything a THING! If you would like to get some free stickers, please visit our THING site and register with your address and we will ship them out to you! We will also be making some in black, at a later time, for all of those who have major magenta phobia.

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I was reading over one of my favorite blogs, Book By Its Cover, when I came across this AMAZING handmade book by Michele Chun and Miya Saito of Sometimes Books. It’s a limited edition series of 25 all handmade in pink and white cardstock. Great concept, great idea = great book. I hope there’s a sequel.