Small Thoughts

Ancient chicken doodles found on harddrive Data archeologists found evidence of a advanced civilization in the remote highlands of a ThinkPad today. Among the artifacts recovered were a number of highly stylized sketches of chickens. Data archeologist Dr Shlee Mann speculated that these were ceremonial items. Used for rites to encourage crop fertility. He points to connections with other cultures, "We've found crop circles in South West Wales that match the style of these chickens. Obviously the work of ancient alien visitors to earth."

Who needs to spend money on art when the bills are so beautiful? Robert Deodaat Emile Oxenaar has been designing money for the Netherlands since the mid 1860s. There is a nice interview with this talented designer and teacher here at the Creative Review . You can also find a Wikipedia entry for Oxenaar, but sadly it is lacking information at this time. Like all currency, the Oxenaar bills are beautifully detailed. But, these have something more than your run of the mill anti-forging guards. Oxenaar admits to sometimes adding in personal details, names of friends and relations woven into the design. The sunflower bill burns with the clear light of those amazingly long, sunny Scandinavian summer days. In the example of the lighthouse, the colors are strong and clear, confident and honest. It reminds one of how important lighthouses were historically to sea trading powers like the Netherlands. Oxenaars designs draw us into a private view of his beautiful homeland. Sometimes it is the sm...