Oddity Central

Oddity Central

Mysterious Boiling River in Peru is So Hot It Boils Animals Alive

Posted: 29 Feb 2016 04:29 AM PST

There is a mysterious river flowing deep through the Amazon rainforest in Mayantuyacu, Peru, that can literally boil small animals almost instantly. While water temperatures along the 6.4-km-long river range between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, in some parts almost reaching the boiling point of 100 degrees. That's hot enough to cause third-degree burns in a matter of seconds.

The local Asháninka people have known about the mysterious Boiling River for centuries, referring to it as 'Shanay-timpishka', which translates to 'boiled with the heat of the sun'. Ancient legend has it that the hot water is unleashed by a giant serpent named Yacumama (mothers of the waters) and a large boulder shaped like a serpent's head lies at the river's headwaters, as a testimony to the primitive tale’s veridity.

For the rest of the world, however, this natural oddity was just that – a legend. Apart from a few references dating back to the 1930’s there was no scientific documentation of the boiling river and most geologists simply dismissed its existence based on the fact that it would take huge amounts of geothermal heat to boil entire sections of a river, which would be impossible because the Amazon basin is located 400 miles away from the nearest active volcano. Except for a few tourists who visit Mayantuyacu each year to experience the traditional healing methods practiced by the Asháninka people, the civilized world was oblivious to the existence of a real boiling river.

Boiling-River-Peru

Floral Designer Creates Living Jewelry That Grows While You Wear It

Posted: 29 Feb 2016 01:04 AM PST

Designer Susan McLeary is taking the jewelry world by storm with her incredibly stunning accessories made from living plants. She uses real succulents hand-picked from her family-owned greenhouse to craft intricate headpieces, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other pieces of  bio-jewelry that literally grow on you.

Loyal Dog Spends Two Weeks on Doorstep of Owner Who Will Never Come Home Again

Posted: 29 Feb 2016 12:42 AM PST

A German Shepherd recently won the hearts millions with a stunning display of love and loyalty reminiscent of the legendary Hachiko. According to eye-witnesses in his Houston neighborhood, the dog spent weeks at the front gate of his apartment complex patiently waiting for his owner, not knowing he had been killed and would never return.

Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Stunning John Lautner-Designed Home Donated to LACMA

Posted: 29 Feb 2016 10:52 AM PST


A famous Los Angeles mansion that starred in "The Big Lebowski" will be open to visits from the public, thanks to its owner's generous donation to LACMA, the Los Angles County Museum of Art. The house was designed by well-known L.A. architect John Lautner (1911-1994) in 1961, an artist mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright. James Goldstein, a colorful local character in his '70s (he won't share his real age) who fits the idea of the eccentric millionaire to a T and who is known as the "NBA super fan" that attends more than 100 NBA games every season, acquired this house in 1972. Read more…

Home of a Starchitect: Cabin at Longbranch by Olson Kundig

Posted: 28 Feb 2016 02:49 PM PST


On the site where his grandmother's house once stood in the woods of Longbranch, Washington, architect Jim Olson of Olson Kundig has built his dream cabin. A serene getaway in the mist overlooking the Puget Sound, the cabin has been continuously remodeled since Olson first began working on it in 1959, with the architect updating and expanding it about once per decade. Read more…

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The Best Steampunk Watches

Posted: 29 Feb 2016 03:03 AM PST

The Best Steampunk Desgined Watchs

Steampunk as a fashion statement is something of a hit or miss in my eyes. One thing it’s perfect for? Watches, pocket or wrists. The exposed mechanical design, the coloring (often gold with dark brown) and the shape provide a fantastic blend of modern and antiquity, which is what steampunk is all about.

Multi Function Steampunk Watch

Steampunk isn’t only about the look. It’s about functionality, and this Inspector Gadger looking watch gives you the feeling like you can conquer the world, if you just master it’s functions in time. More details can be found here.

Steampunk Wristwatch For Her

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This watch is absolutely breathtaking, the color combination is amazing, if you are looking for a great steampunk watch for a woman I believe that this super chic Steampunk watch can do the job. You can find more details about this watch here.

Skeleton Wrist Watch

There’s something unique about watches that look exposed and broken up from the inside. This skeleton watch is made from top quality vegetable tanned leather, is hand dyed and stamped. You can get this one for $89.

Personalized Steampunk Watch

If you want to feel like H.G. Wells thinking about when it’s time to move forward or backwards in time, this classy, stylish steampunk pocket watch does the job of making it feel like 19th century Britain. Available for $190.

Devon Steampunk Limited Edition

You can go Steampunk and still making it look modern. Maybe it’s the shape or the edges of this design making it feel like a different kind of steampunk, but from every angle, it looks one of a kind and special, so if you have $25,000 to spare… you can buy this one.

Steampunk Phthalocyanine Wristwatch

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 A true beauty of a watch, which gives this sense of something brewing and happening under the glass at all times. Something you’re not quite capable of explaining or describing, but you know it’s there. You can find more information on this beautiful watch on his instagram account or vk account

Personalized Skeleton Steampunk Watch

Remember the “H.G. Wells|” watch? Well this comes from the same design team. A little bit more modern looking, a little bit flashier, but just as special. This handmade watch retails for $190

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter. For more cool Steampunk related articles check out our 24 Cool Steampunk Weapons from Another Era and 19 Artistic Steampunk Masks and Helmets.

LEGO Pinball Machine Gets You From the Shire to Mordor

Posted: 28 Feb 2016 01:09 PM PST

LEGO Lord of the Rings Pingball Machine

Master builder Jonas’ latest creation is the epitome of geekiness, as it brings together Lord of the Rings and LEGO, in the form of a fully functional pinball machine.

Jonas, who isn’t exactly at his first LEGO build, has put a lot of thought into creating this pinball machine. Over the course of 12 hours, he used more than 2,000 LEGO pieces to put together this Lord of the Rings-themed contraption that not only looks great, but it can also help you pass the time.

“Odd-mashups are way more interesting than mashups you would expect. But the real reason for the mix with Lord of the Rings was simply that I hadn’t built something from my favorite movies for ages,” explained Jonas in an interview with Jennifer from The Brothers Brick, when asked why did he choose Lord of the Rings as this pinball machine’s theme. “Furthermore I planned the pinball machine in a pretty large scale, so I had to watch out to have the right amount of bricks in the right colors available. After collecting bricks for Middle Earth creations over the last few years, choosing to use that color palate would be a safe bet.”

Included in this arcade masterpiece are some of the most iconic locations from Middle Earth: Hobbiton (the ball shooter lane), Helms Deep, Ortanc, Weathertop (one of the bumpers), Fangorn, Minas Tirith, and even the Black Gates of Mordor that have taken the role of flippers.

In fact, Jonas pointed out that getting the flippers right didn’t actually present a challenge to him, but the pin turned out to be problematic. The play features, while difficult to implement, are now Jonas’ favorite part of the final creation:

“I mostly tend to build creations that focus highly on the aesthetics, colors and details. To push me out of that comfort zone I decided to build something that had to have real working features. A pinball machine seemed to be something that could be fun to build and fun to play with later.”

Since he has tackled various themes in his builds, ranging from Star Wars and Star Trek to District 9 and Deadpool, I must admit that I would like to see more such geeky pinball machines. The LoTR LEGO arcade was created specifically for the Iron Builder contest on Flickr, but I don’t think that such a talented builder needs incentives like this one all the time to produce remarkable contraptions.

It’s really amazing what some people can do in such a short amount of time with so many LEGO pieces. The project must have been thought out beforehand, but it’s still very impressive that Jonas has managed to put together a complex arcade machine in just 12 hours. This should really be seen as a proof of determination, as I think that Jonas’ pinball machine exemplifies more than just his creativity.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about the LEGO Discworld characters, or the LEGO Doctor Who set that went on sale in December.

[via The Brothers Brick]

17 Cool Bookends For Your Inner Geek

Posted: 28 Feb 2016 11:42 AM PST

Cool Bookends For Your Inner Geek

There’s something already geeky about people who love books, so why not go all the way and add some geeky style to your library with the right kind of bookend figurines or designs to show the world what you’re really passionate about?

DC Collectibles Comics Superman & Batman Bookends

If you’re looking for a sturdy way to help your books stay on the shelf, there’s not much better than the combination of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight doing the job. Available for $217

Deadpool Bookends

There’s something special about Deadpool, and there’s something unique about this Deadpool bookend, handmade out of wood, and is as awesome as the comic book character is. Available for $65.

Pac-man Bookends

Pac-Man is from a different era, and it seems like the art of doing things yourself comes from a different too. Learn how to make this sweet looking bookend here.

Dinosaur Bookends

And if there’s one thing that doesn’t belong in this period, it’s dinosaurs. Learn how to do these Dinosaur bookends here.

8 Bit Heart Metal Art Bookends

For those not looking for something too specific but simply love 8-bit graphics turned into something useful in real life, this heart bookend is the perfect solution. Available for $39.99.

Thor Hammer Bookend

With Mjolnir keeping the books from falling, you can be sure they’ll stay in one place, unless someone worthy decides to mess with your sense of book order. You can get more details here.

Artballoon Bookends

For those who think more about the cuteness and the humor instead of the geek factor of the thing keeping your books from falling off. Available for $48.

Marvel Bookends

This is a different kind of Deadpool bookend, coming with someone who has a lot in common with him, Wolverine. This time, it’s about doing it on your own instead of simply buying it. For the full instructions go to instructables.

Dragon Bookends

One of the better ideas for a gnarly looking bookend, as Dragons always have that “keeper of the gate” look to them when it’s done right, and these are done absolutely right. Available for $19.

 Build On Brick Bookends

LEGOs might be small, but they’ll hold your books in place for a very long time. Available for $11.99.

Doctor Who Bookends

These are certainly for the more avid, instead of just casual fans, and will make you smirk with joy each time you look at them before picking out a book. Available for $79.99

Bookends Darth Vader Star Wars

For those who like to feel a little bit creeped out when looking at their bookshelf, knowing that Vader is always watching you, even when you sleep. Available for $64.

NERD Text Metal Art Bookends

Not sure if this is about motivating someone or accepting your true self. Either way, it looks good. Available for $62.99.

Doctor Who Tardis Bookends

 While it’s risky relying on the TARDIS to hold your books, this one isn’t going anywhere or anywhen. Available for $114.47.

Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker Bookends

While there are quite a few Star Wars bookends out there, you’ll be hard pressed to find this AT-AT bookend, handmade and crafted to form a rare collectible item for true fans to appreciate. No Luke is going to come and help it tumble down with a wire. You can buy it for $2087.

Game of Thrones Iron Throne Bookend

Made out of the swords of fallen enemies of the Aegon the conquerer, the Iron Throne as a bookend is dependable as it is immovable. Available for $54.99.

 Portal Bookends

Valve might or might not ever make another Portal game. They probably won’t, being too busy running Steam, which is working out quite well for them. This is a nice way to remember a wonderful idea, and wonderful series. Available for $29.99

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter. For more cool bookends check out our Star Wars Lightsaber Bookends and Glorious Lego Alien Bookends.
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