monorogue, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

In vein with the hologram photos earlier, another odd, though more common medium. Usually I am, admittedly, prejudiced against 3D modeling, but something about Japanese artist Almacan’s work appeals to me. Maybe it’s that the medium suits the subject matter. His part Escher part Giger constructions are, undeniably, very 90s, but tonight I don’t particularly mind. Too busy being delighted by all the propellers and wishing I were watching Videodrome, or Tetsuo, for that matter.

More Almacan images here.

robotgirl, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

First saw this image in DrTenge’s livejournal and had to have MORE. It’s so classically cyberpunk from the actual image to the medium.

What i found through some quick googlemancery is a fairly large private collection of holographic photographs belonging to one Guillermito, apparently an admirer of technology in art and vice-versa. In a touching testimony he says “I think they are a perfect balance between esthetics and technology, between science and art…Buying fine art holograms is throwing money out of the window, financially speaking. You really have to love them. Because, basically, nobody cares.“.

We care, G. We care.

You can browse his online gallery here.

russian_7-stg_woman-miner-s, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

A delightful page dedicated to Unidentified European Instruments found during a search for old gypsy photos. Click on, dear readers, for wonderful vintage pictures of musicians wielding strange guitars.

Also stumbled upon during the quest:

• a recount of someone’s return to Bucharest and a few curious photos they took on this journey
• Gaultier’s Russia-inspired winter 2005-2006 collection [improbable beaded hats – yes!]
  
• typical nu-gypsy dance extravaganza photos. I’ve actually been to a performance like this as a kid in Moscow.

Not a single actual vintage Russian gypsy photo was to be found, however. I’ll resume this later, in the meantime there is a launch celebration to attempt.

Necromance East, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

Mister Christopher Bischoff has just reminded me that I’d been meaning to do a little feature on Necromance.

A long-time Angel City resident, i have the fortune and pleasure of living very close to this delightful shop [Now two shops, to be exact, as Necromance has expanded] and have been frequenting it since i was a wee lunchbox-toting spookling.

Owned by an exceptional and fashionable lady named Nancy, Necromance first opened its doors in New Orleans long ago and LA is very lucky to have it here today. The window displays are always brimming with eye candy – antique writing cabinets adorned with bones and dried flowers, candles beside aged porcelain dolls and taxidermied deer. You’ll be lured in by the faint trickle of 1920’s music, vintage glass, charts of mysterious anatomical regions and dim glare of strange medical devices alongside exotic beetles. Inside the shops’ incensed walls you’ll find a menagerie of…amazing stuff. It’s impossible to list all they offer here, but their online store will give you something of an overview.

It isn’t all collectibles and home decor, either. Victorian mourning jewelry, postcards, books and, yes, black toilet paper are some of the practical items Necromance offers. If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles i advise you march right over to Melrose Avenue and pay tribute to this gem. Until such time you can peruse and purchase online at Necromance.com

*images courtesy of Necromance.com

Meguro Parasitological Museum, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

? Try to think about parasites without a feeling of fear, and take the time to learn about their wonderful world of the Parasites.? so states the official website of the world’s only parasite museum in Meguro – a relatively quiet neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. Most of the Coil-staff was on a Tokyo adventure in September and paid individual visits to this wonderful place between fits of devouring strange candy and exhausting their funds in fancy boutiques.

Boasting 45,000 parasite specimens immersed in formaline, the museum is a privately-founded and now government-aided establishment. With its parasite-positive atmosphere the museum lives up to its slogan and is a popular date spot. It’s easy to see why! Milky white samples float peacefully on night sky-blue backdrops in neat, glass jar rows. Friendly interactive displays show diagrams of various relationships between animals and parasites which inhabit them. A long ribbon hangs near a case displaying an impressive tapeworm, nearby sign encouraging the visitor to play with the ribbon to understand the tapeworm’s length. Don’t fear – this is an educational adventure, friends!

The museum isn’t particularly large, and won’t take more than an hour to conquer. Admission is free and photography is allowed. I highly recommend you pay our little friends a visit, even if you’re only in Tokyo for a few days. You’ll be glad you tore yourself away from the hostess bars, gluttony and experimental toilets in favor of learning!

Men! At a loss about where to turn for l33t style tips, discussion and more with like-minded humans? Wipe your tears with your finest Naoto kerchief, for the day your fashions woes end is here!

I was recently introduced to StyleZeigeist.com by a friend whose name i haven’t stopped cursing since for getting me addicted. Though it’s predominantly male-populated, I’ve been cruising the SZ forums, shocked, impressed and curious. The users appear to be a cluster of painfully well-dressed and well-informed persons, mostly male, sharing tips, photos and designer news, with minimal snippiness and hair-pulling [for the most part]. Though much of what’s discussed here may not suit most wallets or reason, you’re sure to get inspired. I highly recommend this site to newbs and seasoned fashionistas alike.

A few member looks below. If you’re one of the gentlemen in these photos and would like to be credited, let me know.

Laika the spacedog., originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

We are approaching the 50 year anniversary of Laika‘s flight!

Her story has always resonated with me. Still deciding how this should be celebrated and suggestions are welcome. Anything reminiscent of a furry party will be disregarded. I’m considering a Laika sanctification ceremony. In the meantime, a transcription from my personal journal follows.

If anyone deserves to have a religion devoted to them, it is you. An army of zealots and their children, whispering your name before bed, thinking of your sacrifice. An innocent, a martyr offered to science in the real world.

To Laika!

To Science!

Vaslav Nijinsky, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

In recent days I’ve descended into a Vaslav Nijinsky vortex, my obsession with abnormal psychology drove me to find every bit of information i could. Easily one the most influential dancers and another brilliant creator whose genius turned to madness, his diaries are a keyhole glimpse into a fascinating mind detaching itself from the world.

I retired into myself. I retired so deep into myself that I could not understand people. I know that everyone will suffer reading these lines, because I know that people will feel me. I’m a strong man, not a weak one. I’m not sick in the body. I feel a piercing stare from behind. I feel people want to harm me, but I will not fight and my enemy will be disarmed. They may wound me, but they will not kill me. I’m not afraid of suffering, because God will be with me. I know how to suffer.

Mammoth Crocs, originally uploaded by sabor.tijuana.

Finally! UGGs and Crocs weren’t sufficiently powerful on their own, so there is now this delicious blend of both!

Sloppy and sweaty! mmfft.

The herds of peroxide-silicone-fried chicken-flesh types [velour leisure suits proudly stuffed into UGGs or flopping around lost duckling-style in micro-shorts and Crocs] now have another option for comfort and Hawt Glamour Fashion! Rejoice. Rejoice while you can…

Alphaville, originally uploaded by Coilhouse.

made in 1965 by French New Wave pioneer Jean-Luc Godard, this futuristic film noir became an instant favorite for me.

Darkly satirical, set in an Orwellian alter-reality Paris and filled with collages of stark dystopian imagery throughout, it had me hooked at totalitarian robot-controlled city.

Filmed on Godard’s conservative budget, Alphaville makes its financial limitations known with bypassing flashy special effects in favor of brazen heavy-handed symbolism i have no choice but to adore.

Political oppression, brooding super-detective, eerie villains, style, an awkwardly disjointed romance and nods to a variety of classics – impossible to resist!

Sometimes reality is too complex for oral communication. But legend embodies it in a form which enables it to spread all over the world.