Unusual Life

Hidden passages have a long history of appearing in fictional novels and films but an even richer past in reality dating back to Egyptian tombs passages for Christians to worship in hiding from Romans. Over the years hidden passages have been used to arrest kings and evacuate popes, hide shogun warriors, facilitate guerrilla fighters, enable drug smugglers and conceal serial killers.

In recent times, however, many more modest individuals have created (or discovered) secret passages in ordinary everyday households and there are even companies dedicated to designing secret doors, rooms and passages in middle-class houses. In some cases the discovery of a secret room is a wonderful find but it can also be a twisted nightmare.

Hidden rooms today usually serve one of two purposes: security or fun. Sometimes a hidden door is used to disguise a safe or a ‘panic room’ where residents can hide in an emergency.

Creative Home Engineering offers modern-day solutions to those who want to add a hidden room or secret passage in their own home.

Via Neatorama

The French city of Nantes recently became host to extremely strange and fascinating sculptural display: “Les Machines de l’Ile Nantes”, designed by François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice.

Via Dark Roasted Blend

Flicker set of abandoned swimming pools.

Amazing photos of Magic Buses in Pakistan

Today is National Corn Dog Day

Frozen in Grand Central Station

A Singapore-based retailer pulled a line of cheeky Jesus branded cosmetics from its shelves after complaints from irate Catholics, the local newspaper reported.

The cosmetics, called “Lookin’ Good for Jesus”, is made by American makeup company Blue Q. It was sold in three Topshop outlets in Singapore.

Jesus cosmetics prove too cheeky for Singapore

Valentine’s Day is the time to tell your sweetheart just how you feel, even if you’re feeling queasy and slightly itchy. With these ten different 3″ to 5″ Valentines you can give a Tickles Tapeworm Valentine to the cafeteria lady or a Dig Dig Head Louse Valentine to your barber. Envelopes included.

Parasite Pals by Archie McPhee

Saudi Arabia’s religious police have banned red roses ahead of Valentine’s Day, forcing couples in the conservative Muslim nation to think of new ways to show their love.

Weird food restaurant in LA.

Simpson’s Quotes

Simpson’s Punk Rock

The Simpson’s perform Shakespeare

Last exit to Springfield

Yeah, Christmas is over, but the good folks at Jones Soda have yet to sell out of their holiday gift packs.

Last year, they had Turkey Gravy and Broccoli Casserole. This year, they have the 2007 Christmas Pack and Chanukah Pack.

Christmas features Sugar Plum, Eggnog and Ham. Chanukah has the holiday favorites Chocolate Coins, Jelly Donut and Potato Latke. I wonder what the New Year’s flavors are?

Mmmmm Good!

(Add holiday music soundtrack HERE.)

The Yule Log

Return of the Yule Log

Virtual Fireplace

10 cool trees