(work via ARTST.com)

It takes a special kind of person to actively pursue a messy career, be they a port-o-potty cleaner or a technician on an oil rig. Messy artists, you know, ones who cherish a sloppy line here and a paint splotch there, their canvases falling apart at the weight of their paint, belong in those ranks. And while the simple beauty of a clean line is certainly something to be cherished, so are the messy splotches of these dirty artists.

Angels With Dirty Faces

(images via Mike Booker)

(image via Mark Welsh)

(image via Paul Leli)

“The eyes are the window to the soul,” goes the famous Proverb. So when a messy artist takes to messing up those eyes, and the rest of a person’s face, what we find staring back at us is scary. Grotesque faces can really be terrifying. They can evoke pity, anger, sadness and confusion. Whatever feeling provoked in the viewer, however, one thing can be sure — as long as the viewer is feeling SOMETHING, the artist succeeds. And be sure that a messily painted face is near impossible to leave a viewer cold and unemotional.

Smudgy Stars

(image via Paul Leli)

(images via Paul Leli and Lichiban)

(images via Paul Leli)

And when that messy face is someone familiar, like a celebrity? Those emotions get all mixed up with conflicting feelings of familiarity and adoration and disgust and interest and whatever else that particular celebrity makes you feel. Depicting famous people in a demented manner is a great way for artists to grab hold of the neck of our pop ‘n celebrity-obsessed culture and shake it and squeeze it while yelling “Hey! Look at me! I can paint pretty well!”

Abstract Mess

(images via Listen04)

And when you remove the faces and the celebrity and you’re left with gooey primitive sludge… what feelings are evoked then? Without the complicated emotions that are borne out of a demented, terrifying face, you’re left with the same feeling both children and cave painters share — JOY.

“Our real discoveries come from chaos, from going to the place that looks wrong and stupid and foolish.” -  Chuck Palahniuk

Rolling Stone Home Gathers No Moss

(images via: Dornob and Inhabitat)

Slovakia-based Nice Architects has a nice idea for future mobile-homers: the Rolling Stone eco-capsule. Though not connected in any way with a certain English music group, a certain American pop culture magazine or a song by a certain singer named Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stone stands on its own when it comes to being environmentally friendly, self-sufficient and generally cute & cozy.

Concept Caravan Captures Cubist Chic

(images via: Balleride and Core77)

Those who wouldn’t be caught dead in a classic, Harvest Gold motor home might find the svelte & stylish Mehrzeller much more appealing. German for “multi-cell”, the Mehrzeller caravan concept maximizes interior space while displaying an organic, polygon exterior that resembles natural mineral crystals. The Mehrzeller hails from Graz, Austria, birthplace of another svelte & stylish object: California “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ford Airstream Evokes the Thirties

(images via: All Hydrogen Cars and Fotki)

The 2030s, that is. Actually the Airstream concept Ford’s been showing off lately looks both ways: its eco-friendly hybrid hydrogen fuel cell is most futuristic while the silvery style and iconic name harken back to the good old dust bowl days when hydrogen power was all the rage… until that idea went down like a lead zeppelin.

The Fold-Out Foldoub Trailer

(images via: Treehugger)

Dutch designer Niels Caris has created a foldout trailer called, naturally, the Foldoub Trailer. Tow, park, push a switch and the whole kit & kaboodle opens up like Godzilla’s big pop-up book of home design. On the downside, the Foldoub Trailer has no kitchen, bathroom or storage… which could be a problem if you’re parked 50 miles past the “100 miles to Next Gas & Lodging” sign.

252° Living Area Maximizes Your Mini

(images via: Busyboo and Yanko Design)

The 252° Living Area springs from the creative mind of French designer Stephanie Bellange. Small enough to be towed by a Mini, the 3-wheeled trailer features supporting feet that spread automatically once the trailer’s outside shell is opened. The interior parts follow, much like the petals of a blossoming flower.

Colim Modular Camper

(images via: Trendbird and Luxist)

The Colim Modular Camper is a car, a trailer and a motorhome all in one. Park at your campsite, then tour the sites in the two-seater convertible module. The interior lives up to the exterior’s promises as well, with flowing, organic surfaces and eye-pleasing colors - not a splinter of plastic wood anywhere. The Colim Modular Camper is eco-friendly as well, with a solar panel on the roof and a hybrid engine nestled under the hood.

Put It On My T@B

(images via: Squob and Design Applause)

The T@B XL takes the classic teardrop trailer concept and lifts it into a new level of luxury. T@B’s (pronounced “Tab”) lesser models are anything but trashy but the twin-axle XL definitely rules the roost. Sleekly styled, the XL still stretches 22 feet from stem to stern and is expected to be priced in the $60K range. That is, if manufacturer Knaus Tabbert manages to emerge from bankruptcy - times are tough for the purveyors of luxo-goods.

Car Trailers For Motorcycles

(images via: Carscoop and American Custom Trailers)

You’ve seen cars towing motorcycles, but how about ‘cycles towing cars? They may be scaled down a mite but these very cool trailers still evoke the spirit of pinstriped, big-tired muscle cars. Mustangs and Corvettes are featured but the manufacturer, American Custom Trailers, also takes custom orders.

Have Tent, Will Travel

(images via: Gear)

The Sylvan Sport GO trailer looks like a comfy pop-up camping trailer at first glance but the more you look, the more you see. Indeed, versatility is the Sport GO’s middle name. Weighing in at 800 lbs., the camper morphs into an ATV hauler, a camping gear hauler, basically whatever you need it to do. Calling it the Transformers of pop-up campers would be an understatement, though the Sport GO seems to be the non-combative type. Here’s a video of the Sylvan Sport GO in action:

The Sylvan Sport GO, via PCTV1

GM Goes Mobile Bigtime

(images via: World’s Fair Community and Gizmag)

This intimidating mobile home concept from General Motors Advanced Design Group shows the beleaguered corporation isn’t bankrupt - at least when it comes to provocative ideas. The GMC PAD is sort of a Winnebago on steroids that sports 6 wheels, an enormous full length (and width) windshield and a curious articulating feature that extends a step-like device out from the, er, fuselage to ease entry and exit. The PAD runs on a diesel-Electric hybrid system and its innovative resource management technology ensures onboard fuel and water supplies will last weeks, even months!

Tumblin’ Tumbleweed Homes

(images via: Find A Property)

The Tumbleweed Tiny Home Company has got a good thing going. These tiny perfect houses come mounted on wheels, so by law they’re considered travel trailers and thus a building permit isn’t required. Tiny they are, however: could you live in 65 to 140 square feet of space without padding the walls?

Capsule Caravan Really Gets A Round

(images via: Design Art Book)

The Capsule Caravan may look lke an oversized M&M but there’s nothing nutty about what’s inside. British designer David Tonkinson engineered the ovoid trailer to separate into distinct Comfort and Service Pods to keep men and machines apart. Conceived as a way to take in summer music festivals by day while resting comfortably by night, the Capsule Caravan is one of the sharpest trailers around - and that’s saying something as it’s one of the smoothest designs going!

The Hot Line

(images via: Hulger)

Concept cellphones aren’t always feature-packed and futuristic - sometimes they’re just the opposite. Maybe UK-based designer Vladimir Rachev misunderstood when someone requested he create a cellphone tough as iron. Maybe he wasn’t listening; lost inside his own bizarre, twisted world. In any case, the Iron Phone addresses the worst fears of harried housewives speed-ironing while waiting for that all-important phone call. Happy now, Vlad?

Collect Call From Armadillo

(images via: The Design Blog)

The unique style of Jonathan C. Smith’s 03-Phone is said to be inspired by the banded body plan of an armadillo; ditto its coppery color and matte metallic sheen. The phone features a jog wheel that allows the structure to collapse in upon itself, making it much more compact and easy to store in pockets or purses.

Let’s Do The Twist

(images via: Sizzled Core)

The Cryptex phone doesn’t use buttons or a screen because, well, these are the things people expect their cellphones to have and that would be just too easy. Operating the Cryptex requires a whole new way of looking at cellphones, plus a hefty helping of haptic technology and wrists of steel. Twist any dial to turn the phone on; twist the number dials one at a time to make a call. It’s hard to imagine anyone waiting for this phone, except Chubby Checker who’s anxiously waiting for a commercial gig.

Transformers Too

(images via: Slashphone and Tristooges)

The so-called Blackberry Terminator 9900 and the Parkoz Hardware Transformers Cell Phone have yet to be seen in the same room together, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Regardless, this is one VERY mobile phone that might not get held up - though considering its complement of machine guns, YOU might be!

Here’s a short video of the Parkoz Hardware Transformers Cell Phone “ringing”:

The Parkoz Hardware Transformers Cell Phone, via Parkoz

Conduit Can Do It

(images via: Cool News)

Tirshathah Hunter has crafted a concept phone that looks almost too good to actually use, though the LEGO generation would surely love to get their hands on it. The Conduit breaks down into three discrete devices: a slimline cellphone, a camera phone and a PDA including stylus. The pieces can also be positioned in such a way as to support a flexible roll-up screen.

Too Board To Chat

(images via: Camera Phones Plaza)

As cool as this Maple wood camera phone concept is, it only won the Silver at the 2008 International Design Excellence Awards. Kudos to Korean designers Hyun Jin Yoon and Eun Hak Lee for leafing well enough alone and not barking their disappointment to the judges. The compact slider-style phone features backlit numerals activated by touch-sensitive sensors on the back.

Morph’in = More Fun

(images via: Techfre and Nokia)

Even the big phone-makers dabble in concepts from time to time, as the intriguing series of Morph cell phone concepts from Nokia demonstrates. The most notable Morph is the wrist-worn version that functions both as a beauteous bangle and a slick cell phone. Integrated electronics and self-cleaning surfaces employing today’s hot buzzword, nanotechnology, add a dash of futuristic elan.

Crazy 888

(images via: Cell Phones Etc and Slashphone)

Nokia has more than one trick up its sleeve, thanks to the Nokia 888 concept phone designed by Turkish design student Tamer Nakisci. Crafted with the Nokia Benelux Open Design Awards in mind, the 888 concept responds to the need for flexibility by being, well, flexible. It can even be worn like a wristband for true hands-free operation. The phone is powered by liquid batteries and is packed with advanced features such as a bendable touchscreen, a touch-sensitive body cover and speech recognition capability.

Here’s a video of the Nokia 888 in action (and reaction):

The Nokia 888 Design, via Mobile2move

The Multifaceted Phone

(images via: Mobbit Info)

The above little number - covered in little numbers - is the CUin5 mobile phone concept by Branco Lukic; one of “non.object” series. Conceived as a “super practical” phone, the CUin5 features a numeric keypad, mike & speaker on each of its faces. The face you touch first activates while the others lock down.

Check out this video of the CUin5 - wait ’til the 35-second point, it’s worth it:

Non.object\’s CUin5 concept cell phone, via Digitaldreus

Snakes On A Phone

(images via: Cell Phones Beat and Hand Cellphone)

The BenQ-Siemens concept phone also follows the snakelike, wrap around the wrist ethos that many cell phone designers are following. In theory, making the phone easier to carry and more secure to hold involved having the phone hold on to YOU.

Black Box Fades To Black

(images via: Camera Phones Plaza)

Also from BenQ-Siemens is the Black Box - a very intriguing concept phone whose touchscreen changes its layout depending on what functions the user selects. Sadly, the Black Box is doomed to remain a concept as BenQ-Siemens has folded their European operations. At least it can be said they went out with a bang.

The Loose Leaf Phone

(images via: Yanko Design and Gigaset)

Enjoying the benefits of modern technology while still being environmentally conscious is sort of like having your cake and eating it too - it’s not so easy, in other words. Leaf, an innovative new concept design from Siemens’ Gigaset Eco Visions series, is made of recyclable eco-plastic and sports an invisible OLED display hidden behind a translucent lens encasement. It looks like a leaf - and you’ll feel all warm, fuzzy and eco-friendly while you’re using it to order in some organic, vegetarian fast food.

Not Coming Zune?

(images via: Zunescene and Concept Phones)

Did Apple dodge a bullet when Microsoft canceled the promising Zune 3 concept phone? Depends on if you’re an Apple fanboy or in the Zune platoon. Either way, the Zune 3 is - was - an impressive piece of engineering. Those familiar with the Zune 80 would feel right at home while enjoying added features such as built-in IE and WiFi. The scratch-resistant, touch-sensitive glass that completely covers the front of the shell is especially impressive.

Glassy Glassy Is Classy

(images via: Trends Updates and Ubergizmo)

Designer Mac Funamizu explores some tantalizing technology with the Glassy Glassy transparent phone concept: the screen, graphics and numerals aren’t visible until the phone is turned on. While one might be concerned about the survivability of a glass phone in real life situations, the basic tech employed in the Glassy Glassy is quite workable and should show up on everyday cell phones of the future.

The Bender Of Cell Phones

(images via: Textually and Yanko Design)

Cheers isn’t just a place where everyone knows your name, it’s a new and unusual concept cell phone that runs on alcohol! Well, in a way it does, and not like Futurama’s Bender does either, from the future though he may be. Cheers (the cell phone) draws its power from an alcohol cell that is said to be more energy efficient than regular batteries. The design of the phone is meant to ape that of old-time hip flasks, so it’s recommended you keep your phone and your flask in different pockets. Driving while talking on Cheers may be legal but it could draw unwelcome attention from assorted badge-wearing types who might wonder why you’re drinking through your ear.

Thinking of holding off on the purchase of a new cell phone until one or more of these cool concepts hits the retail shelves? Think again - concept cell phones work well as test-beds for new technologies and sounding boards for innovative new designs. You might not see these exact phones in the store some day but their futuristic features are well on the way. Buy now or bide your time - it’s your call.

A man walking on water, a bunny the size of a dog and a fetus floating in a starry sky – none of these things can actually be real, right? In an age when almost anyone can effectively manipulate images in Photoshop, it’s easy to scoff at every incredible photograph that you see on the internet. Don’t let your cynicism get the best of you. Some are the result of sheer dumb luck, others from hours of careful preparation and some exist because reality is simply stranger than fiction, but these 15 images are 100% authentic.

Walking on Water

(image via: marianitoz)

Speedboat driver Joe Peroceschi walked on water… sort of. After windy conditions caused his boat, Smokin Joe, to flip during the Budweiser Drag Boat Nationals race on Wappapello Lake in Missouri, Peroceschi appeared in photos to be momentarily running across the surface of the water. In reality, he was about to get hit by a competing boat. Miraculously, Peroceschi survived to walk again.

Faux Photoshop, Literally

(image via: Stupid Videos)

Using a couple cardboard props and a checkered background, this photographer imitated the look of a photoshopped image in progress, seemingly using the eraser tool on himself. Impeccably lined up with the background, it’s difficult to tell at first that this isn’t an image in the process of being edited.

Trippy Illusion in a Parking Garage

(image via: de-war.de)

Driving through a parking garage and seeing words floating around might lead you to think that perhaps someone put a little something in your drink. Graphic designer Axel Peemöller painstakingly painted distorted letters on the walls, floors and beams of a Melbourne, Australia parking garage so that when you stand in the right spot, they seem to hover in mid-air.

A Jumping Shark and Some Surfers

(image via: BoingBoing)

A CNN photographer just happened to snap a photo in the right place at the right time, capturing a spinner shark jumping out of the water in New Smyrna Beach, Florida just yards behind two oblivious surfers. Don’t believe it? CNN has video showing additional images and testimony of witnesses.

Johan Lorbeer’s ‘Still Life’ Performances

(image via: ahboon)

Like Li Wei, Johan Lorbeer puts on seemingly gravity-defying public performances, hovering above the ground with one hand against a wall for hours at a time. He’s surrounded by puzzled onlookers who just can’t figure out how he does it. His secret? A fake arm connected to a harness. His real arm is hidden inside his clothes.

Andre Agassi and Roger Federer: Tennis on a Helipad

(image via: The Guardian)

Surely, those guys aren’t really playing tennis that high in the air, right? Well, yeah – and ‘those guys’ are Andre Agassi and Roger Federer. The too-crazy-to-be-real setting is actually a helipad at the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Good thing these two tennis greats aren’t afraid of heights.

Can a Bunny Really be This Insanely Huge?

(image via: Blogsters Guild)

This photograph is one of many that have been circulated around the internet to instant cries of “Photoshopped!” But, believe it or not, rabbits this big do exist. Seriously. There’s video. These giant rabbits are bred in Germany by Karl Szmolinsky – as a source of meat for the North Korean population. You can’t make this stuff up.

Truck Chased by Missiles on the Highway

(image via: CannesLions)

Without the little inset photo, in which you can see the tethers, this photo of a truck being chased down a highway by missiles would be pretty hard to swallow. But, the missiles are just harmless balloons. The ‘Missile Car’ was an entry in the 2009 Cannes Lions International  Advertising Festival.

Japan’s Futuristic Flood Prevention System

(image via: Neatorama)

A science fiction movie could easily be shot in Japan’s underground flood tunnels. The reflective floors, endless rows of towering pillars and eerie lighting makes the G-CANS project look like something out of this world. It consists of five concrete containment silos that prevent overflow of the city’s major waterways and rivers during rain and typhoon seasons.

Apocalyptic Street Scene

(image via: Metanamorph)

Street artist Edgar Mueller is a master of optical illusion, creating chalk drawings on pavement and other surfaces that transform the space into something altogether different. This post-apocalyptic scene of a German street disintegrating into a churning sea is just one example of Mueller’s many jaw-dropping street scenes. Mueller’s work relies on the viewer to stand in just the right spot to see the illusion.

Storefront Security Gate as Fender Guitar Amp

(image via: Music Radar)

A guitar store in Southampton, England found a brilliant way to not only make its security gate more attractive, but announce what it sells in the most gleefully attention-grabbing way possible. A Fender logo adorns the gate and a sign above the store is complete with controls turned all the way up to 11.

Invisible Car Art by Sara Watson

(image via: The Telegraph)

What appears to be a ghostly apparition of a vehicle over Sara Watson’s shoulder is actually a Skoda Fabia spray-painted to blend in with a parking lot and art studio entrance. Watson, a student at the University of Central Lancashire, worked on the paint job for three weeks. “People have been stopping in the street to look and coming up and almost bumping into it, so it’s had the desired effect.”

The Impeccably Camouflaged Orchid Mantis

(images via: 37signals)

It’s hard to tell at first whether you’re looking at a flower that looks like a mantis or a mantis that looks like a flower. In fact, the orchid mantis is a rainforest insect whose legs resemble flower petals and coloring perfectly matches that of the flowers it is often found hiding inside.

Three Eagles Fighting Over a Fish

(image via: thelastminuteblog)

What looks like a somewhat cheesy patriotic digital image created by a computer is a real photograph of three eagles fighting over a fish in Homer, Alaska taken in March 2008 by photographer Jose Hernandez. This incredible image was one of the winners in the National Geographic 2008 International Photography Contest.

A Fascinating Peek Inside the Womb

(image via: World Famous Photos)

A fetus, still in its gestational sac and attached to the placenta, floats eerily against a starry background. But this is no collage, no matter how unreal it seems. It’s an actual living fetus taken inside a pregnant woman’s uterus with an endoscope. When Lennart Wilson showed it to LIFE Magazine’s editors in 1965, they demanded witnesses to prove that it was real. It remains one of the magazine’s most iconic cover images.

Julien Babigeon is a French graphic designer going by the name Skooly DK. What does Skooly DK mean? How did Julien get that name? “Don’t ask me why. It’s a little bit complicated.” The most-likely tangled and twisty origin story of Julien’s “Skooly DK” moniker is an apt metaphor for his art–vintage, strange, hard to describe and, at the end of the day, simply awesome.

Music Makes Him Lose Control

(images via: ARTST)

If we start to unpack the box marked “Who Is Skooly DK,” sitting at the very top will be a stack of LPs. Some of his most inspired designs and some of his more innovative techniques have been applied to album covers, gig posters and other music-related materials.

There’s a reason for that–in the artist’s own words: “I can admit that i really love to work on record covers… i’m a big music lover.” Skooly’s diverse work can be seen on covers for Ninja Tune, Dutch Rhythm Combo and Birdy Nam Nam, among other acts and artists.

Old Skool

(images via: ARTST)

When asked to describe his artwork, Skooly DK is at a loss for words; there are too many inspirations, too many thoughts and ideas and THINGS just going on in each picture for him to point his finger at one or two influences or overarching concepts.

But when pressed further, Skooly comes up with an answer that begins to cut to the bone of his work: “I’m really inspired by vintage advertisings, american types, pop art, op-art, psychedelic shapes and punk stuff.”

From fold lines and stains to color schemes straight out of the late 70s, Skooly’s work, while fresh and new and as crisp as any late ‘aughts design work out there, is firmly rooted in the idea of vintage.

There’s an instant likability factor to Skooly’s work that comes out of that vintage old school-ness; nostalgia as a foot in the door. And that’s the key to an upper hand in the art world in the viral video era–have a hook and make ‘em think they know your stuff, and you’re golden.

Alliteration Is Always Amazing

(images via: ARTST)

It’s true.

But beyond that, Skooly’s on to something here–alliteration plus snacks plus cartoons plus a coat of vintage paint equals brilliant design. This bite size (pun intended) punny word game art is simple and great; it’s the kind of poster begging to be shared on Twitter or Facebook, the kind of poster you want to send to three friends.

Space Face

(images via: ARTST)

If there’s a bridge over the gap between the art and music of the 70s and 80s and the art and music of today, it’s probably in outer space. After all, Mars is apparently the home to both David Bowie and Lil Wayne.

Skooly DK’s space-inspired artwork follows the same path–vector graphics techniques and computerized colors collide with old school cut-out techniques and moldy old photographs, making something entirely new.

Perhaps these pieces are Skooly’s way of staring into his future… and his past–forward and backward, all at the same time.

“Whoa.”-Keanu Reeves

To see more of Skooly DK’s work, head over to his profile on ARTST.

Beyond Imagery, Almost Imaginary

(images via: Oogle Tutorials, PSD TUTS+ and LunchoverIP)

Many works of photoshop art pump up the details in a source image to the point of sensory overload - and that’s a good thing. The selection above applies a little ’shop shock & awe, just enough to nudge the subject into that odd area just beyond reality.

How Swede It Is

(images via: Allt Eller Inget)

The cool thing about photoshopping, or digitally modifying photographs if we want to be technical about it, is that our brains naturally want to believe what our eyes are seeing. The content may be wrong but the look is right. Sweden’s Erik Johansson is a master of this technique, as the above montage and his other works clearly illustrate.

Little ‘Shop of Horrors

(images via: Session Magazine)

Like Erik Johannsson, Pierre Betielle is another expert photoshopper who feels he’s his own best subject. The French photo finagler takes the visual medium and forces it into extra-large territory, with we viewers along for the wild ride.

It’s Just A Paper Cut

(images via: Web Designer Depot, Instructables and WetCanvas!)

Incongruity in imagery - the above samples say it all. As scary as some of these images are, what’s more frightening is wondering who thought up the concepts, and why? The above set focuses on our hands, so sensitive to the slightest touch or the merest paper cut. Regarding the latter, welcome to what must be a New Order of pain… how does it feel?

2-for-1 Fail Combo

(images via: Osmoothie and The New York Times News Blog)

You can’t appreciate the good until you’ve seen the bad… An entire nation doesn’t put its foot in its mouth too often but the Islamic Republic of Iran isn’t just any nation - they’ve done it twice, thanks to a couple of ambitious yet amateurish photoshopped images that have received wide dissemination. The first, above, supposedly depicts 4 missiles launched in unison and many reputable news organizations rushed it to press. Not so fast, newsies - according to AFP, “The fourth missile (the one second from the right) has apparently been added in digital retouch to cover a grounded missile that may have failed during the test.” A missile fail and a photoshop fail, that’s today’s 2-for-1 special.

Rally? Not Really

(images via: Daily KOS and UPI)

Oops, they did it again. Iran’s serial president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is wildly popular in his home country: 62 percent of the voters can’t be wrong, right? Such a political rock star should have no trouble whatsoever in leading huge rallies, yet there’s trouble in Persepolis… not enough warm bodies in the background. Call in the Revolutionary Photoshop Brigade!

(images via: Daily KOS and UPI)

Unfortunately the powers that be must have grabbed some Mystery Shoppers instead of the expert ’shoppers they were looking for. The result just adds further fuel to the fire that’s swiftly burning away any residual legitimacy in those who pull the strings, er, hold the reins of power in Tehran.

Ve Vill Photoshop You!

(images via: Vogue)

The Persians have no monopoly on photoshop disasters. Slipshod ’shopping is so common, in fact, that someone put up a website - called Photoshop Disasters, if you must ask. Take the prime example above: “As a Russian,” says Natalia Vodianova, “I love drama.” Not to mention comedy, it would seem.

Pictures Worth 1000 Words

(images via: Worth 1000)

Now back to the good stuff. Best known for its popular photoshop contests, Worth 1000 has been amazing and amusing appreciators of fine photo manipulation since 2002. The site, founded by Avi Muchnick and Israel Derdik, runs a number of discussion forums that offer both experienced ’shoppers and newbies a valuable resource for tips and techniques. Unlike some other, more freewheeling forums, those at Worth 1000 are actively moderated and filtered providing a high degree of troll control.

RGGUARKUP… Gesundheit

(images via: Abduzeedo)

Portuguese digital artist Roberto Gamito, who goes under the nom de ’shoppe “rgquarkup”, is a rising star on the photoshop scene. Gamito’s compositions evoke an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that some may find romantic, others disturbing, and Goths a combination of both - in other words, perfection.

That’ll Be One Starbuck

(images via: Slashfilm)

How does one pay for a Vente Frappuccino at the cantina, anyway? With a Starbuck, of course! Mark Brooks whipped up this tasty bill, er, Darth, for the 2007 Star Wars Fan Days event. By the way, Mark, what do you think Lord Vader would do if he caught you counterfeiting Empire currency, hmm?

Hauser Goin’, Eh?

(images via: Damncoolpics)

Koen Hauser has racked up a significant body of work - with the emphasis on “body”. Hauser’s compositions resemble Motor Trend car cutaways, without the cars. What’s perhaps most odd is that his subjects look so calm and collected - while the rest of us are freaking out!

(images via: Damncoolpics)

Above are some other works by Hauser; no anatomical cutaways this time but certainly disturbing in their own right. Or wrong, as the case may be.

Tricks Of The Trade

(images via: Abduzeedo)

Wondering just how the masters of manipulation work their mojo? The above montage gives an inkling, care of Joan Charmant. A software engineer by day, Charmant twists reality by night: “I started photo montage in 2004, when I stumbled upon UFO pictures and wanted to see how hard it would have been to fake.” Not all that hard, if you’ve got the right software and an active imagination!

When filming horror, sci-fi and fantasy movies, set construction is often necessary to achieve a believable effect. But, some real-life locations are a surprisingly perfect fit even when the movie is set in the distant post-apocalyptic future or on another planet. From gritty abandoned power stations and mental hospitals to a town so impossibly perfect it played a film set, these 12 locations have played prominent roles in movies like ‘Terminator’, ‘12 Monkeys’ and ‘Resident Evil: Apocalypse’.

Danvers State Hospital, ‘Session 9′

(images via: Opacity)

Perhaps the most famous abandoned place in America, Danvers State Hospital served as a fittingly bleak, creepy setting for the 2001 horror movie ‘Session 9′. In an unusual twist, Danvers didn’t just stand in for a fictional asylum, but actually appeared as itself. The hospital was closed in 1992 but stood abandoned until its demolition in 2005. It was reportedly the inspiration for H.P. Lovecraft’s Arkham Sanitarium, which in turn inspired Arkham Asylum in the Batman comic book series.

Aldwych Tube Station, ‘V for Vendetta’

(image via: IGN, Wikimedia Commons)

Disused since 1994, the Aldwych Tube Station in London is relatively well preserved, making it an ideal location for film shoots. Built on the site of the Royal Stand Theatre, it opened in 1907 and was used as a public air-raid shelter during World War II. In the movie ‘V for Vendetta’, based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, the Aldwych Tube Station acted as the setting for the final climactic scenes. Other films shot there include ‘Patriot Games’, ‘The Good Shepherd’ and ‘Atonement’.

Griffith Observatory, ‘Terminator’

(image via: James Cameron Online)

When a naked Arnold Schwarzenegger first emerged into the past to find Sarah Connor in 1984’s ‘Terminator’, it was in front of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. It was also revisited in 2009’s ‘Terminator: Salvation’ as a ruin. The observatory, a popular tourist spot set against downtown LA, also appeared in Rebel Without a Cause, The People vs. Larry Flynt and the Transformers movie among many other films and television series.

Westport Power Generation Station, ‘12 Monkeys’

(images via: Urban Atrophy)

While many notable locations were used to film ‘12 Monkeys’, the creepiest was undoubtedly Westport Power Generation Station, an abandoned power plant used to create some of the interior shots set in the post-apocalyptic future from which the movie’s protagonist, played by Bruce Willis, originates. Located in the Baltimore Bay, this power plant bore spray-painted “The Army” tags on its walls until its demolition.

Seaside Florida, ‘The Truman Show’

(image via: SeasideFL)

Truman Burbank lived in an impossibly perfect town, where picturesque little pastel houses with impeccably white picket fences and thriving rose bushes stood against a stunning ocean backdrop. And, though it played a film set in the movie ‘The Truman Show’, Seaside Florida is a very real place. It’s a master-planned community in the Florida Panhandle an is often cited as the first New Urbanist development.

Toronto City Hall, ‘Resident Evil: Apocalypse’

(images via: Joey DeVilla, Torontoist)

Toronto stands in as fictional Raccoon City in ‘Resident Evil: Apocalypse’, the second movie in a series based on a popular video game. Torontonians will recognize their home town in virtually every segment of the movie, from the Prince Edward Viaduct to Nathan Philips Square, where Toronto City Hall was nuked along with the rest of the city.

Frank Lloyd Wright Ennis House, ‘Blade Runner’

(images via: jplouis, architettura.supereva.com)

Not many pre-existing buildings could fit the dark, futuristic vibe of 1982 classic ‘Blade Runner’, but the Ennis House fit the bill perfectly. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Ennis House in north Los Angeles is constructed mostly of pre-cast concrete blocks with a design based on ancient Mayan temples. The blocks were cast to serve as a backdrop on a studio set for Deckard’s apartment.

The Stanley Hotel, ‘The Shining’

(images via: ecoan80)

On a sunny day, the bright white exterior of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado hardly seems like it could serve as inspiration for one of Stephen King’s greatest horror novels. But, it was during a stay there in the 1970s that King conceived of the basic idea for ‘The Shining’. The hotel is purportedly haunted, and King is said to have had some paranormal experiences during his stay. Contrary to popular belief, King did not write the novel while staying at the Stanley Hotel, nor was the Kubrick-directed film version of the story shot there – though parts of the 1997 television series were.

Battersea Power Station, ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’

(images via: Wikimedia Commons)

At one time, the Battersea Power Station was a gleaming symbol of human progress. It’s Europe’s largest brick building and boasted a lavish, Art Deco interior that has since deteriorated significantly. It appeared in the Beatles’ movie Help! and is also pictured on the front of Pink Floyd’s album Animals. As the years wore on, the station fell into disuse, though it remained one of London’s most iconic landmarks. In addition to ‘Children of Men’, ‘Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life’, ‘MacGuyver’, ‘The Dark Knight’ and an episode of ‘LOST’, the Battersea Power Station was used as the external façade of the Victory Mansions in Michael Radford’s 1984 film adaptation of George Orwell’s novel, ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’.

Cherokee Nuclear Power Plant, ‘The Abyss’

(images via: Historic Decay)

Many of the scenes in science fiction thriller ‘The Abyss’ were filmed in eerie, claustrophobic underwater chambers at the Cherokee Nuclear Power Plant near Gaffney, South Carolina. Millions of gallons of water were brought in to fill existing unfinished structures on the site, making it the largest underwater movie set in the world. It was abandoned in 1983 after the Three Mile Island accident, but is now back under control of Duke Power and Southern Company, who plan to redevelop the site for one of the first new nuclear power plants in over 30 years.

Alnwick Castle, ‘Harry Potter’

(images via: johndal, zoewanamaker)

Children may never really be able to visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but Alnwick Castle in England stands in quite well for the younger set. The castle was featured as Hogwarts in the first two ‘Harry Potter’ films, most notably during the broomstick flying lesson scene and the scene in which Harry and Ron crash land the Weasley family flying car. Other locations that stood in for interior and exterior Hogwarts settings include Oxford University, Gloucester Cathedral, Durham Cathedral and Christ Church College.

Brandeis-Bardin Institute, Star Trek

(images via: memory-alpha.org, Universal Locations)

Trekkies will recall the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, a religious retreat in the hills above Simi Valley in Southern California, as Camp Khitomer in ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country’ and Lore’s Borg compound in the ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ episodes ‘Descent’ and ‘Descent, Part II’. It was also the setting for Marilyn Manson’s video for ‘The Dope Show’ and appeared as the Rock & Roll History Museum in ‘Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny’.

Hands Off My Mac Laptop, Mack!

(images via: Radtech)

Long the watchword for toughness and featuring a bulldog mascot to show it, Mack Trucks exude rugged durability with their no-nonsense functional style. Applied to Apple’s MacBook, the concept becomes MacTruck. The manufacturer, Radtech, states that the MacTruck laptop case is made of “ultra-tough 5052-H32 Aluminum alloy shell that’s rugged enough to drive a truck over!” They didn’t say what KIND of truck so we’ll have to take their word for it. In any case (sorry), the MacTruck features an intriguing design that leaves the access ports unblocked, meaning your precious MacBook stays protected even while you’re using it.

Hey Pizza Case!

(images via: Human Beans)

Now laptop cognoscenti can carry their laptops in Italian style… Italian-style pizza boxes, that is! The PowerPizza laptop disguise hides your portable comp in a corrugated cardboard container “made from genuine Italian-style pizza box” - without all the oily residue and leftover mozzarella to jam the keyboard. Instead, the PowerPizza box is lined with a cushy layer of foam and a red-ribbon type tiedown to keep your laptop from sliding around and sticking to the top of the box. Don’t you just hate when that happens?

A Paper Case For The Paper Chase

(images via: Inhabitat)

Cardboard doesn’t have to be cheap and, er, cheesy. British designer Giles Miller has come up with a very green laptop case that looks brown. Crafted from 100 percent recycled corrugated cardboard, the Corrugated Cardboard Laptop Case even has a recycled name. Giles takes advantage of the cardboard’s fluting to add in custom design tweaks like logos and initials to give the otherwise plain-looking laptop case a personalized touch. All in all, a very nice case and well worth saving for a rainy day… no, wait.

A Carpet Bag For Carpetbaggers

(images via: Design Crack)

Giles Miller of The Farm also makes a laptop case from recycled carpet, assumedly cleaned and vacuumed after laying for a few years on the floor of a British pub - though wouldn’t that aged spilled pint’o'lager aroma be nice? The image above shows one of Millers’ carpeted cases; this one looks more like an old geezer’s bathrobe than a carpet but that’s just me.

Sleeve Laptops Alone!

(images via: Redmaloo and Core 77)

These fitted felt laptop sleeves from Redmaloo can comfortably hold 13, 15 & 17-inch laptops and are hand made in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff! In contrast to a certain bright yellow towel, however, Redmaloo’s laptop sleeves come in a wide range of colors and fold out into a cozy workstation with integral mousepad. Umm, wow!

Floppy Laptoppy

(images via: Techeblog)

If you’re a longtime computer user you’ve probably got a few - a few dozen even - old floppy disks moldering away in your junk drawer. If you’re a true geek, you’ve got 42 of ‘em… just the right number needed to craft the geekiest laptop case EVAR! The individual floppies are attached to one another via metal rings at their corners - sort of like chain mail for e-mail.

Here’s a video of a Floppy Laptoppy under construction - watch and take notes:

The floppy disc laptop case, via mezonBiz

A Little Laptop ‘Lectricity

(images via: The Gadgeteer and Fractalspin)

If the Wichita Lineman look is what turns you on, then the High Voltage Laptop Bag should set off some sparks. Resplendent in army olive green set off by screaming orange High Voltage lettering, this is one serious bag. It seems there should be a companion version in State Trooper navy with neon yellow police Caution tape accents but sadly, there is not.

The Generator: I’ll be Black… Silver, Orange or Green

(images via: Zatz Not Funny and The Blue Marble)

The ominously named Voltaic Generator is a sophisticated solar-powered laptop charging case sent back through time to change the future for one lucky lady… ok, it’s not really from the future but that rap helped The Shermanator score so who am I to quibble? Actually, the Voltaic Generator has nothing to do with turning girls on; but everything to do with turning your laptop on. The solar panel side can generate up to 15 watts of clean electricity with its 20% efficient cells. After 5 hours under the sun, the integral Voltaic battery is fully charged and ready to deliver the juice to your laptop through a custom configured adapter. The case, webbing, mesh and lining are all made from 100 percent recycled PET soda bottles. Very cool… sexy even.

Thrilla In Manilla

(images via: Madame Herve)

Shuky of Australia makes a variety of very cool laptop bags, the most interesting of which resemble paper manilla envelopes - right down to the looped string closing of the flap. The manilla-styled Par Avion series bags come in several sizes and a choice of 5 different colors. The 3D look Samba bags come in 2 color combinations and feature a leather carrying handle.

You Cedar, You Want’er

(images via: Geeksugar)

These eco-friendly cedar wood laptop cases from Monacca are a balanced complement to today’s metal and plastic laptops and netbooks. Made from alternately press-laminated, thinned cedar wood from Umaji Village, Kouchi Prefecture in Japan, these Kaku laptop cases weight less than 2 pounds yet are surprisingly strong. Both the Pink-trimmed and Mocha cases cost over $400 each, however, so it’s not recommended you rely on their strength alone to safely navigate airport conveyor belts and harried baggage handlers.

The 9-5 Corporate Laptop Sleeve

(images via: Stickers and Donuts and Barry’s Farm)

The 9-5 Laptop Sleeve is about as geekish as it gets - well, except for the case made of floppy disks mentioned earlier in this post. Known by those in the know as the Dilbert Laptop Sleeve after corporate America’s long-suffering cubicle denizen, this flannel-lined eyebrow raiser is covered in heavy duty vinyl (sorry, not polyester) and is foam lined for protection against errant pointy-haired bosses - are there any other kinds? - and evil feline HR directors.

The Casual Friday Laptop Sleeve, Part 1

(images via: Voxphoto and Makezine)

We guys love our well-worn t-shirts and it’s a sad day indeed when a fave, much like Jerry Seinfeld’s treasured “Golden Boy”, doesn’t make it through that fatal 1,000,003rd spin cycle. All is not lost, however! With a few strategic stitches (beg your wife or GF to do it if you’re too manly to sew) you can give Golden Boy new life as a laptop carrying case! According to the inventive creator, you end up with “a soft pouch with three compartments, plus a pocket for the power brick. Keeps the dirt off your shiny white laptop and confuses potential thieves.” Right on, because who wants to swipe your dirty laundry - or anything wrapped in it.

The Casual Friday Laptop Sleeve, Part 2

(images via: PugnoM)

Everything gets better once the feminine touch is applied, amirite? The above t-shirt-based laptop sleeve shows what happens when a gen-u-ine girl starts from scratch, using a NEW t-shirt (Golden Boy wouldn’t have a chance). The former shirt collar becomes a handy storage pocket for the power cord and the designer has plans to make subsequent versions with reinforced pockets and optional carry-straps. Girls… is there anything they can’t do?

A Case For House

(images via: Zedomax and DesignerSleeves)

We know a few laptop owners whose machines qualify as biohazards - Dorito crumbs and spilled Pepsi make an ideal growth medium. Even if your laptop IS clean and bacteria-free it might pay to cloak it in a deceptive “bio infectious” sleeve. You never know when you might run into a germ-phobic thief. Practically speaking, these neoprene designer sleeves come in 4 graduated sizes and a multitude of cool designs are available. Thick, slick and durable, you can even sneeze on them… a protective measure in and of itself.

Keep Your Documents In My Document

(images via: ThinkGeek and Slashgear)

To close, we have the ultimate laptop case: a big My Document folder, just like the one on your virtual desktop. Only bigger. It’s cute, it’s geeky, and it even comes with a removable cursor pin that’s cleverly “8-bitted” for effect. The versatile case can be used to carry regular paper documents if you’re a purist or have OCD.

Have laptop, will travel? Then you likely own one of the above 15 laptop cases or sleeves. Maybe more than one - dude, you’re scaring me.

While most homes these days are all about standard faucets, modern design is taking over with sleek curves, elegant edges and smart shapes. And since the future is all about interacting with water in the funniest, yet most stylish possible way, here is an amazing list with probably the best faucets you’ve ever seen so far.

1. Ring Faucet by Sun Liang

Edging away from the conventional, with his Ring Faucet, designer Sun Liang allows the water to flow in a circular fashion. And although it may not look that perfect after a few months worth of mineral deposits, the flatness of the design sure makes you think of the smoothness of a waterfall.

2. Glowing Ripple Faucet

Designed by Smith Newnam and the gang at Touch360 Studio, Ball Ripples is a really cool and modern bathroom faucet that combines a clean design with the purity of the water. Fitted with an array of electromagnetic sensors, to control the faucet you maneuver an electronically-secured metal ball that will turn red or blue to tell you how hot the water is.

3. Ondus Digitecture Wall Mount

This is Ondus Digitecture, a sleek digital faucet by the Germans from Grohe. Renowned for their exclusive designs, Ondus has a slim wall mount panel with a touchpad control, digital temperature readout and handy holders for whatever you need. It looks like the KITT of faucets, but we’re a bit disappointed it doesn’t have a turbo boost button. Looks gorgeous!

4. Hansa Latrava

Former head of Mercedes Benz design, Burno Sacco teamed up with the wicked chaps at Octopus Design to create a luxurious faucet. Although totally different from designing cars, with its sheet of flowing water that mocks its edgy origination, the shining proves nothing short of cool.

5. Triflow Tap by Zaha Hadid

Designed for British manufacturer by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this Triflow Tap is a seductive addition to any modern environment. Charting the fluid geometry of water in motion, the glossy tap boasts a patented three-way technology that sends filtered water through a dedicated waterway, separate from the hot and cold water streams.

6. X-Touch Mixer Faucet

Designed by the Italians from Newform with a pretty traditional design, the X-Touch Mixer faucet does away with antiquated analog knobs and uses a bunch of buttons instead. Buttons that help you set the temperature of the water to suit your needs. Precise and informative, obsessive compulsives will definitely love one of these in their showers.

7. Luna Faucet from Graff

Looking more like a Samurai sword rather than a bathroom fixture, the softly curved from Graff is a masterpiece of plumbing that exudes elegance. Available in polished chrome and brushed nickel, the 3 feet tall wall mounted faucet adds enduring inspiration to your bathroom design and easily becomes the main focal point.

8. +Shifter faucet

Car enthusiasts can now go frugal with water, thanks to the new . Drawing inspiration from a car’s gearbox, the exquisite concept by Shen Di, regulates the amount of water that we use. Sleek, minimal, and following an ultra-luxurious theme, this futuristic copper finished design is a clever little idea for the green-minded.

9. Fountain Tab

Can you imagine that some people come up with ideas to simplify the daily morning routine of teeth brushing? Dubbed the Tab and designed Jinsun Park & Byungmin Woo, this cool faucet looks like a cool water fountain, but the main feature is to keep cups away when you need to gargle. Less clutter thanks to a bit of over complexity is not a bad idea afterall, don’t you think?

10. Articulating Karbon Faucet by Kholer

With its sculptural and artistic edges that betrays the clever engineering, this by Kholer is a cool addition to the functional kitchen of your dreams. Designed for large spaces and to be used hands-free, you can pull it down into the sink when needed or you can tuck it away when not in use. Adding a tinge of enjoyment to your daily routine, the expensive ($925+) Karbon Faucet certainly knows how to look practical.

11. Bola See-through Faucet

The Bola see-through faucet is a modern design created by Agustin Otegui, the see-through faucet proves fascinating with a practical purpose that does not fail to impress. Crafted with special lights that illuminate the falling water, the plan was to create something nothing short of breathtaking. An amazing design exercise that looks clean,modern, yet simple, this hollow faucet looks perfect to take the burden away after a long day at the office.

12. The Faucet Buddy

The Faucet Buddy is a fascinating gadget that you can attach to your current faucet in an attempt to monitor your water temperature as well as how much you have used. Designed by Baek Uyeol following a sleek theme, this particular add-on features a LED screen that not only makes it easy to read, but also makes the whole installment uber-cool. Perfect for the geek at home, eh?

13. SmartFaucet by iHouse

High end technology and sophisticated design combined, that’s what the SmartFaucet by iHouse is all about. Designed to recognize the user and immediately adjust the temperature to their commonly used preferences, it features brightly colored and attractive LED lights that change according to the preferred setting. Capable of allowing you to check email or a calendar,the SmartFaucet more than high on technology.

14. ThinkGeek LED Faucet

LED Faucet lights are amongst the most popular in faucet technology and make for some strange sink, basin and faucet designs. But if you don’t believe us, look at this amazing faucet designed by the wicked folks at . Meant for those that want to harness the fascinating power of an LED controlled temperature monitoring system, the lights change according to the water temperature, and are great as a safety measure. It’s weird to wash your hands with some blood-red water, eh?

This article was written by Alex of Home Design Find. To learn more about home design trends, advice, and ideas please subscribe to our feed or email updates.

Adan Banuelos is a Tucson-based artist and designer working in multiple mediums, from drawing to sculpting to screen-printing and everything in between.

Childhood In The Gallery

(images via: ARTST)

Banuelos’ art is a realm where squirt guns, candy and sneakers can mingle with brass knuckles, switch blades and low-riders. Says Banuelos, “My artwork is mainly inspired from childhood memories. I like to analyze emotions and desires as they evolve from childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood.”

His Father’s Son

(images via: ARTST)

When asked who he most looks up to in the art world, Banuelos proudly says his father. His dad, an immigrant from Mexico, might’ve had a huge impact on Banuelos’ style but he never became a full time artist; he’s a janitor. Says Banuelos: “My dad was, and still is, a very talented, self-taught muralist and sign maker. He always had side jobs and spent most his free time in the garage and job sites. I loved watching him paint. I learned a lot about lettering and composition.”

Great Art By Design

(images via: ARTST)

It’s no accident that the design acumen of Banuelos’ paintings, sculptures and T-shirts is a cut above the rest; after years of art school under his belt, Banuelos now works for CreativeMachines.comdesigning and fabricating museum exhibits. He welds, does wood working and crafts machine parts for
exhibits that have been seen in museums all over the world, from Norway to Egypt to New York and even his native Tucson.

You can see more of Adan Banuelos’ work at his profile on ARTST and on his website, AdanBanuelos.wordpress.com.