Relax, Just Do It

Hey all you Curiouser Than Usual people. Are you feeling a little tired? Run down? Anxious? Stressed? Who isn't, right? Well in just 15 minutes you could be feeling a whole lot better thanks to a quick and simple 15 minute face reflexology massage. I tried it the other night and I felt amazing. You just use your fingers to apply firm, gentle pressure in little circles on the pints displayed on the diagram, starting with 1 and working your way to 15 spending 1 minute on each. Easy.

Chippy-Monster

Here at Curiouser Than Usual we are devoted to the offbeat things in life, but have a soft spot for cute things as well. Here's an example of the latter. Who is also a bit of a chippy-monster. Have a wonderful Thursday.

Your Fashion Planner

Here is exactly what you should be looking like this season. I for one am thrilled that the tartan shirt is still there because I am going to wear them until I'm 87 years old (whether they're 'in' or 'out') and quite frankly, I may need another one. Well, "need" is such a subjective word. Anyway, happy shopping. Talk soon.

A Forgetful Mystery

I am currently enthralled in my latest read, Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. I have no idea who the murderer is, nor where the novel is going really. But I do know that eventually one of these "elephants" will talk and remember something. Then I'll be on the case. And despite the rather hideous cover illustration it really is beauty. Get a copy and start discovering what lay just on the edge of your memory.

Got Milk?

I was at a party a while back and someone had milk. Like actually brought some. Awesome. Thought I'd share.

Something That'll Make Your Nan Proud

This year's trending for fashion-minded folk is all about tasteful fluorescents and toned up bleakness. The kind of this that would've made an eighties throwback working in an architectural firm in the late nineties go "Oh yes, darl, that's delightful."

If I'd been shown some of these things seven years ago I would have died on visual-impact, yet they carry a strangely hopeful appeal. Sort of wear something trendy, but throw one hideously over-coloured item in the mix. See how you go.

This may take some trial and error. If I hit the fashion jackpot I'll post an outfit. 'Til then, go mix and don't match, and perchance a quick trip to your nan's for a few last minute additions. Such as a faux silver/gold leather clutch, or neon orange silk blouse.

The Deez Knees

I went to see Darwin Deez perform the other night in Melbourne at the HiFi bar, and they didn't disappoint. In between songs Darwin and his Deez would jump around on stage to strangely choreographed dance breaks. He even rapped at one stage. If you haven't really heard his fabulous low-fi tunes go and have a listen. This photo was taken just before he started performing. Note the wonderfully hideous knit he sported. I want one.

Great Scott!

I have been watching lots of the Classic movies on YouTube Movies, many of which star Cary Grant. So, I naturally started stalking him on Google and the like and very quickly found out that he'd lived with Randolph Scott Jr. for 12 years. Nothing suss. Just two polo playing, tennis shorts wearing successful men shacking up together for company. And just before they were threatened by their respective film studios to either move out or get fired they had this photo shoot, and then quickly went and got married. Here's the shoot.

On a side note, I want their clothes. And maybe Randolph's hair.

Royal Wedding Fatalities

Some more friendly dead shots with a Royal Wedding theme. Enjoy.

Illuminati Canberra?

The Illuminati pyramid symbol.

I was casually looking at Australian history the other day, as you do, and I came across this map of Canberra, our beloved capital. At first nothing struck me as odd at all, but as I stared at it I discovered something quite unusual when I turned the picture upside-down. A pyramid, the base of which runs across the bottom of Lake Burley Griffin, and the pinnacle of which, is in fact Parliament House.

The pyramid cuts off just before the point, (where the eye would be), and the 13 front steps of Parliament house and it's oddly colored blue circle on the ground become the eye. Out from this 'eye' spreads the shining rays of several streets. Thus, it's illuminating. This creeped me right out. So sleep well Australia, you've got a very big group of people looking after you.

So Long, It Was Fun L.A.

Jonathan Jackson, an artist who has decided to leave Los Angeles and make a new life for himself in New York, has also decided not to lead L.A. on anymore. It's over, and he's declaring it with several enormous billboards plastered on major routes around his original love (L.A.), calling the work 'Adios L.A.'.

If you want to find out more, click the link here. Adios Jon.

Playing Charades Online

Did you know that YouTube has lovingly given us hundreds of movies for us to watch online for free? I had no idea. Just click this link and get cozy behind your MacBook because you are going to watch something this afternoon, after you put out that washing and have some lunch. Okay, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/ytmovies

Perrier Melts The Consumer's Heart

Perrier's new campaign is amazing. A clever blend of photography, Photoshop and pure talent, this campaign is set to heat up the cool, calm and carbonated water industry. Check out the pics and grab a bottle today. I know I did. Damned advertising, gets me every time.

Drink up.

Philadelphia Grand Jury & Jay-Z

I think this is amazing, somewhere between adorable and actually cool. I'm not sure, but you need to see this.

Something Good Might Come Of This

Two Door Cinema Club has been one of top 10 bands since they appeared on the scene, yet just recently I bought the deluxe version of their album. The second CD is full of remixes of their original songs, as well as the band version of their new single 'Kids'. I'm in love. It got me on to other Two Door Cinema Club remixes and cover renditions on YouTube. Here's the best of what I found.

The piano cover.

The Original (In case you haven't heard it yet).

Get Awkward And Say Cheese

If you haven't already (you probably have) you seriously need to stop whatever you're doing, unless you're driving a plane, and have a look at this website. I can't stop laughing. These photos are hilarious. Awkward, yet strangely nostalgic. They're from Awkward Family Photos, a website devoted to showing you the most awful of all family portraits. Get on it. Here's a couple to whet your appetite for the grotesque and bizarre.

Gives a whole new meaning to "teddy bear picnic".

I guess not everyone stops to help on the scene of a car accident. Some see it as a bit of a chance for a new family photo.

All that hair! I am seriously looking at this picture the same way this boy is looking at the camera. Eek.

His wife is totally in his head already. Happy life ahead brother.

Go and have a laugh all on your own here: http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Scandal Galore

I was at VegeBar the other day for lunch and decided to pop across the road to the bookshop and I found a very battered copy of The Sanfield Scandal, a green penguin mystery dating back to the 40s. I'm really enjoying it. It has a very Agatha Christie feel to it, though the male author makes it less pretty and more direct. Nice. See if you can scrounge up a copy.

A Curious Sound

The other night I went and saw the Jezebels with some very fun friends and it was one of those gigs where you end up liking the pre-band entertainment more than the actual band you went to see. Though, don't get me wrong. I thought the Jezebels were rather good. Very good in fact. If I had that tiny little lady's voice I would never have to worry about voice projection in any situation ever again. However the first support act was really fun. Kind of like a blend of Sia's We Are Born album and Muscles' electric synth-pop sounds. Loved it. Check them out on the link here.

I think if they got a little bit more money behind them and put it into a slightly better recording quality they'll go far. Not long boys.

At The Bottom Of My Garden

I put a small glazed water bowl in my garden a year or so ago and all it has done is breed mosquitos for the most part. But the other day I was rummaging around and found this big frog in the bowl! In fact, I could actually hear him/her croaking at night for weeks, (I think because it croaks that means it's a boy, but I'm not sure. Didn't look that closely). So there you have it. Go check out a puddle near you.

Clean Out Required

I have a messy car. Yes, I'll admit that. But I love it, and when it gets a bit ridiculous I clean it. Like when there's a few too many apple cores in the cupholders, or when guests can't actually put their feet on the floor due to the build up of what looks like post-tsunami detritus. Well, this photo is of my car too. I was actually just transporting/transplanting it but it just looked like my car had got so dirty that it was sprouting papyrus. Thought I'd share.

Calendar Girl

This is the current picture on the 2011 Emily the Strange calendar that hangs on the little piece of wall between my wardrobe and my window. I don't even really like Emily the Strange, since Emo kids took her over and made her their queen, but nonetheless I like the illustrative work and there she will hang. Enjoy April.

Shleich Fun

Make your own. Found these on Flickr. Or Ebay. Somewhere online. But we could totally make our own.

Paleontologists Never Die

I went and saw The Last Dinosaurs play at the Northcote Social Club the other night and they did not disappoint. Much better than then other bands that preceded them. Much like actual dinosaurs were much better than the drivel that preceded them. Here's a close up pic just because you're following this blog. Stay curious.

The Hawks Slaughter Melbourne

My first AFL match of the season was amazing. Not only did my beloved Hawks come back from a hideous first two quarters and 25 behinds, they won by a delightful 40 points. Yes, we're amazing. Thank you. Here's a pic from down on the ground. have a great week everyone.

Autumnal Roast

Recently, on way through the city on my way to Torquay, I popped in at VegeBar and had the best vegetable roast I have ever had. So, since then I've been thinking about it until I finally just decided to make my own. Here's the recipe. Make it. You'll love it.

You'll need: 4 or 5 Carrots

6 Potatoes

1 large Sweet Potato

1 Butternut Pumpkin

Chop up all of your vegetables (about 1 inch square) and chuck them into a pot of boiling water until they're par-boiled (15 min or so).

Mix up olive oil, thyme, four cloves of garlic, and a huge dollop of active Manuka honey. Pour this mix all over the vegetables in a pan.

Roast for 20-30 min until slightly black around the edges.

Accompany with a blob of hummus and tzatziki (seperately) with toasted turkish bread pieces. Garnish with a little green salad.