In contrast to this happy couple, these two don’t look quite so cheery. However, all four of them share a love of plaid. And I really like both ladies’ footwear. Via Old Chum.

I was reading the actual paper version of the NYT this morning and was basically assaulted by the scent of perfume as I paged through one of the sections. Couldn’t figure out where the odor was coming from until I bent my head down to sniff an advertisement for…perfume. Blech. And then I was reminded of some razors I bought over the summer. They emitted a very pungent strawberry scent as soon as I removed them from the packaging. Again, I couldn’t initially figure out from where the aroma originated. And how had I missed the two little berries on the label? Something about this seems to have crossed a line. I’m still mulling over why it offends me. I did a little homework and found a story in the Times offering up various explanations (most of them pretty obvious, but still weird) as to why the last unscented bastion in our bathrooms has now succumbed to the forces of marketing.

If you’ve been to Dumbo you may already be familiar with the LAND storefront studio and gallery. LAND is a program of the League Education & Treatment Center, which features the work of artists living with disabilities. It is an amazingly fertile environment, run by the fantastic Matthew Murphy. If you’ve passed by, you’ve also likely stopped in front of the large windows and smiled to yourself after seeing Dean Millien’s menagerie. He calls the series “tin things” because they are all (expertly!) made from aluminum foil. I first saw these a few years ago, and promised that one day I would assemble a post, because my affection for them has never wavered. Dean has been making these creatures since he was a child, and you can tell! With amazing accuracy and humor, he manages to capture both the essence of the animals’ gestures as well as their underlying anatomy. The pieces pictured here are quite small, but he works in a full range of sizes. Pay a visit to the gallery and check out the larger than life-size gorilla! And, while you’re there, definitely make sure to peruse the work of all the other exceptional artists.

I love Bibliodyssey! I never know what I am going to find there, but it’s invariably interesting and always always edifying. This time around it’s these 15th century drawings of weaponry. Even though I come from a long line of pacifists, that won’t keep me from appreciating Martin Merz’s draftsmanship in these weird, dangerous and quite unusual images. For a little bit more history go here. And click on the various links to learn even more.