5 February 2025

If You Have Never Wanted to Visit Armenia, You Will After You Watch This


Did you know that the name Armenia is derived from Aram, who in the Old Testament of the Bible is the son of Shem, himself the son on Noah? Yes, that Noah. 

You won’t be surprised to discover, then, that the country itself is literally dripping with history.  Some of the old churches – in various states – are simply awesome to ponder in terms of their sheer solidity. These places of worship were meant to last and must have been staggering features of engineering and architecture at the time they were built as they still have the ability to stagger even now. 

In this wonderful video, there are glimpses of the people and the capital city of Yerevan.  The country looks unspoiled by tourism – and perhaps that is the way that the Armenians would prefer it to stay.  I think this might go on my bucket list and an unobtrusive visit worked out!  In Armenia is a film by Silvio Sbrana.

Mice, a small story


Deep underground in a dark subway tunnel live a group of mice.  They find a gold ring, and this seems to have a strange effect on one of their fellowship, I mean, group.  Meanwhile, a short distance away and own and his servile rats are watching and waiting.  The owl send his minions to take possession of the object.  Wait! Is this Lord of the Rings with mice? You be the judge but I found this animated short by Isart Digital students hugely entertaining. Of course, one must realise that in the end the world of men can intrude at any given point – and quite abruptly too for that matter. There may not be a sequel planned to this one, boys and girls!

The glorious 3D animation is provided by: Jade Baillargeault, Nazli Doale, Dimitri James, Quang Daniel La, Morgane Lau, Mélanie Pango and Manon Pringault.  The equally fabulous music and sound design: Thomas Tillard, Alexandre Tron and Maxime Vatopoulos.  Just love this!

The Continued Relevance of QR Codes in 2025

QR codes have evolved from a niche technological tool to a key element in industries worldwide. While they were first popularized in Japan in the early 2000s, their global adoption took some time. However, recent years have seen a massive resurgence, with QR codes becoming integral to contactless interactions and digital engagement, especially post-pandemic.

Why QR Codes Are Still Relevant in 2025

The QR code's resurgence can largely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses adapted to new social distancing and contactless service requirements, QR codes emerged as a simple and efficient solution for sharing information safely. From digital menus in restaurants to touchless payment systems in retail, QR codes became essential for facilitating transactions, accessing services, and sharing information without physical contact.

Today, QR codes are a permanent fixture in daily life, far beyond just being a tool for contactless communication. They've evolved into a powerful promotional tool that businesses use to enhance customer engagement, track consumer behavior, and cross-promote digital content. Whether linking to websites, offering discounts, or directing users to social media profiles, QR codes allow businesses to connect with customers quickly and effectively.

The Convenience of QR Codes

One of the biggest advantages of QR codes is their simplicity. With a quick scan using a smartphone, users are immediately directed to the intended content—whether that’s a website, an app download, or a video. The versatility of QR codes allows businesses to embed various types of information, such as text, links, emails, and even payment details.

The creation of QR codes has become increasingly accessible with advancements in technology. Today, many free online tools allow users to generate QR codes in seconds, whether for personal use or business purposes. This ease of creation makes QR codes an even more attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.

The Future of QR Codes

Looking ahead, QR codes are set to remain a vital part of digital communication. With the continued growth of augmented reality and mobile wallets, QR codes are becoming more integrated into our daily lives. As smartphones become even more central to daily tasks, QR codes will continue to provide an efficient way for users to access the digital world.

In conclusion, QR codes have proven to be far more than a passing trend. Their adaptability to new technologies and their expanding role in both personal and business contexts solidify their place as a crucial tool in 2025 and beyond. Whether used for marketing, payments, or sharing information, QR codes are here to stay.

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26 January 2025

A Rather Lovely Thing


The title of this animated short by Cesar Martinez could well be the name of a Stephen Fry novel (does he still write them?) – it has that ring to it. And for some reason I thought “I bet Stephen Fry would like this” as I was watching it.   An American might say ‘go figure’ to that and I might reply ‘go watch’.  It’s all about experiences and how – whether they are good or bad – they can lead to inspiration.  This animated short, all said, is a rather lovely thing.

The Giant Ichneumon Wasp – Stump Stabber Extraordinaire

What is the fastest, tallest, heaviest, lightest? We love to compare members of the animal kingdom in these terms.  One word you may hear too is longest but when it appears in a question it is normally asked in terms of total length.  In that case, the Giant Ichnuemon Wasp, found in the USA, is nothing much to write home about being just two inches long.  However, if the question was “which insect has the longest ovipositor known to science?” then the female of this species would be the answer. And holy egg laying organs, it’s some length.  Our sibling site, the Ark in Space, has the story.

Image Credit

Famine


It has to be said that you don’t get many science fiction dystopias like this one for your money. Instead of humans or robots (or both) this particular city is inhabited by bugs – and we get the feeling straight away that this is not going to be much like anything that Disney or Pixar might produce (parental guidance is probably advised). It tells the story of a time of dearth in the city – food is massively scarce and the city is on its last legs, proverbially speaking.  One small bug is, through circumstance, accused of cannibalism and he must clear his name, while at the same time revealing the real cannibal killer to the city’s population.

With lots of nods to cinematic genres, including the noir of the thirties (and I found this reminding me of M in some ways too) this is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.  Famine was created by Red Kite Animation and GMAC (Cineworks 2005) in association with Scottish Screen and BBC Scotland.

Behind Minnehaha’s Frozen Falls

Minnehaha Creek in Minnesota would be just another creek, really, if it was not for the beautiful fifty foot waterfall that just happened to form there when the last glacial period ended about 10,000 years ago. In the winter the falls can freeze up completely, creating a magical motionless image of once liquid water frustrated by the elements. Yet there is more to it than meets the eye...

GCSE English Language Paper 2 Question 4 Scaffolded Exercises

 

GCSE English Paper 2, Question 4 presents several challenges for students. Firstly, it is the only instance where Assessment Objective 3 is explicitly taught (comparing writers’ ideas and perspectives, and how these are conveyed, across two or more texts). Additionally, the question can be overwhelming due to the large volume of instructions, not to mention its placement within the exam. There are more details about this resource here.

I have carefully considered how best to engage students with this question and how to structure their responses. These scaffolds are particularly useful for lower ability sets, though they can be effective for any level. They serve as an excellent starting point for tackling the question. When I initially created this resource, I essentially started from scratch, resetting my approach to the question. The results have been very positive, with noticeable improvements in the marks my students achieve on this particular question in the exams.

19 January 2025

The Tufa Towers of Mono Lake

Mono Lake in California is a strange place to say the least. However, unlike many bizarre places in the world this strange environment is caused by us.

In the early nineteen forties the city of Los Angeles was growing quickly. The Second World War was in full flow and when it came to the environment it was felt that some things could be neglected. The LA Department of Water and Power began diverting the lakes streams three hundred and fifty miles to the south. The damage to the environment would be untold. Paradoxically it would leave the area eerily beautiful – like some alien backdrop from an episode of Star Trek.  At some points in the year a soap-like layer forms on the top of the lake.

18 January 2025

Superman Awakens

Superman: Awakens is a non-profit, fan-created film crafted with heartfelt dedication to the iconic character and made freely available for everyone to enjoy.  Yet it is also the film that we’ve been waiting for, for so long!  Never mind, we might have to do with this, but it’s five minutes of the Superman we all know and love.

Created with Unreal Engine 5 and powered by the advanced Lumen technology, this project demonstrates impressive speed and capabilities that will leave you gobsmacked. It's evident that the entire team had a fantastic time bringing this vision to life. The story and direction were masterfully handled by Antonis Fylladitis, while Stavros Fylladitis contributed exceptional design, assets, and coordination to the project.

SWIPE - a Five Minute Movie

When a group of delinquent teens are pulling straws, you know that the kid with the short one is in for a whole heap of trouble.  As such, SWIPE relies on a familiar trope – as one of our young friends has to go into a store and steal to impress his friends.  However, he is about to learn an unexpected lesson.  This short film was written, directed and edited by Anthony Sneed.  It stars Nick G Hunter, Lorenzo Rogriguez and Alina Phelan.

Nick G Hunter in SWIPE

Nick G. Hunter is an American actor recognized for his performances in various television shows and films. His notable credits include Danger Force (2022), Diary of a Future President (2020), This Is Us (2019), Invite Only (2019), How Does It Start? (2019), Top Chef Jr. (2018), and Disney's Be Your Best Snackdown (2017).

If the actor playing the mother is familiar, her name is Alina Phelan, an accomplished actress known for her appearances in popular television series such as Grey's Anatomy (2005), How to Get Away with Murder (2014), and Lucifer (2016).

12 January 2025

The City with the Largest Population in the World: Welcome to Chongqing


Chongqing: if you are not from Asia or a geography enthusiast, the name may not mean a great deal to you.  However, this city in southwestern China now boasts the largest urban population in the world – and it has an infrastructure and architecture that clearly demonstrate that… an awful lot of people live there.  In fact, the figure currently stands at 32,054,159. (picture credit)

Chongqing Chongqing That is quite a number.

Watch the Big Bang but Don’t Know the Theory? Take a Look at This…


…because it may just clear up a few things for you about the original Big Bang Theory.  Where Sheldon might blind you with science, this animation, designed by Mike Luzzi and directed by Dan and Jason at Hornet Inc will make it simple. Well, simpler because even at its most basic it is quite a lot to take in – at least in one viewing.  However, as Einstein said: If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.

Out of a Forest


At certain times of the year families get together, sit around a table and eat and talk. Such is the case with this extended family of rabbits but there is danger lurking in the background…

This is Tobias Gundorff Boesen’s Bachelor film from The Animation Workshop. It is set to the song "Slow Show" by The National, who were kind enough to allow him to use their music (well it makes for a very memorable promo after all!). It is a non-commercial short film, intended for festivals – and it has won many!.

It was shot in the forests surrounding Viborg, Denmark. Boesen’s main inspiration was Victorian literature, and "Boxer" by The National. It was painful to finish, as shooting stop motion in the forest at night for longer periods turned out to offer a lot of problems. I think (or hope!) that you will agree that is was worth all the effort.  Plus I love the surprise ending!

The Voice in the Hollow


The Voice in the Hollow is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant short film by Miguel Ortega and Tran Ma. Rendered in Unreal Engine 5, it is set in an African-inspired fantasy world, the story centres on two sisters navigating a complex relationship marked by little love but quite a deal of mutual envy. Their bond is tested to the breaking point when one of them encounters an ancient and malevolent force in the heart of a mysterious jungle which offers her everything she ever wanted...

The film showcases some incredibly atmospheric storytelling, combining rich visuals with haunting sound design to immerse us in its eerie and enchanting world. The themes of sisterhood and jealousy are explored with depth, making the characters' emotional journeys compelling and relatable. The animation and production design, reminiscent of handcrafted artwork, add a layer of authenticity and beauty to this dark fable.  I though that the makers had used a real African language but it turns out that it is (a very authentic sounding) conlang – akin to, say, Elvish in Lord of the Rings.

While brief, the film leaves a lasting impression with its blend of myth, emotion, and suspense. If you are a fan of folklore-inspired narratives and evocative short films then press the play button – you won’t  be disappointed…

22 December 2024

Frost Flowers: Beautiful but Rare Wonders of Nature

Frost Flowers
Back in 2012 we published a feature about frost flowers - you can read the original here (which includes all the science!).  Created in the autumn or early winter, the frost flower is a morning phenomenon.  Ice is pushed through in extremely thin layers through the stems of plants, creating and astounding whirl of beautiful patterns.  We thought we would take a look and see whether any new frost flowers had been caught on camera since then.  We weren’t disappointed.  So here is a collection for you, embedded from the photographers' pages on Flickr.
Ice Flowers

21 December 2024

Bad Night for the Blues


If you are having one of those Christmases where you have the nightmare relatives around (you have to do your duty) then spare a thought for Chris (played by Kieran Lynn) who has Aunty Glad (Jean Boht, a marvelous British institution if ever there was one) to cope with for an evening.  You may think, to begin with, that Chris is not a terribly good nephew – doing his once a year duty to an aunty who surely deserves more. Yet on their entry to the South Norwood Conservative Club Christmas Dinner, Aunty Glad helps herself to the wine and a monster is unleashed…

Bad Night for the Blues is one of those car crash comedies that, despite or because of the nature of the lead character, makes for compulsive viewing.  If you are offended by strong language, then it is advisable not to watch! Bad Night for the Blues is a Slinky Pictures Production for the BBC Film Network and UK Film Council in association with Vision+Media. It was directed and written by Chris Shepherd.


The Saga Of Biorn


Boxing Day always meant Norsemen for me! The main reason was because in my youth there were only three TV stations in the UK and the biggest, BBC1 always used to insist on putting The Vikings on their airwaves the day after Christmas.

Now, this isn’t Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis et al, but it is a Viking tale nevertheless and one of our Boxing Day treats for you at Kuriositas.

Biorn is an old Viking warrior who, to get to Valhalla, must die in battle. Unfortunately every conflict he enter seems to end with the quick dispatch of his opponent. Until, one day a convent is attacked by a giant troll!

This is immense fun, brought to you by the combined talent of The Animated Workshop. Does Biorn succeed and get to Valhalla? Watch and see!

Drink Along with Martin - Animated Christmas Card


I knew I would have to acknowledge the coming of Christmas at some point so it is with some relief that I can do so by sharing with you this wonderful animated Christmas card which popped in to my inbox a short time ago. It is from London based animation production studio Trunk and it celebrates the most important aspect of Christmas to any self-respecting Brit – drinking.

Created by Layla Atkinson, this awesome animation features Martin who I am guessing is a rabbit (with an English accent no doubt). He likes to drink, but not just alcohol – anything that can pass between his leporine lips does so. Plus it comes with a soundtrack by the gone but fondly remembered Bow Wow Wow. Altogether this makes for one of the more unusual Christmas cards I have received this year -so thank you to Layla and all the folks at Trunk. Enjoy – and remember to drink sensibly: the contents of a potty does not qualify.

14 December 2024

24 Days of Torture

If you're already feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush, imagine being an advent calendar. It never occurred to me before that these little festive companions endure a level of abuse and neglect that would make any charity advocate for their rights. OK, maybe not, but this animated short, directed by VIK & NES, reveals a hilarious yet surprisingly dark truth.

In this animated tale, we follow Christopher, an advent calendar, as he desperately tries to protect his precious chocolates throughout the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Each day, the window opens, and one of the little treats is snatched away, often with no regard for Christopher's feelings or well-being. The calendar, who has become attached to each individual chocolate, faces a range of comical but increasingly dramatic challenges as the days unfold. From mischievous children to overzealous adults, Christopher does everything in his power to keep the chocolates intact, but with each passing day, his resolve weakens.

The short cleverly highlights the daily "torture" advent calendars face during the holiday season in a lighthearted, yet thought-provoking way. It’s a humorous take on something we usually take for granted, reminding us that even the simplest holiday traditions can have a hidden struggle behind them.

8 December 2024

The Monastery Built on a Volcanic Plug

Yes, that’s right. A volcanic plug. Take a look at this amazing place. Taung Kalat, located in central Burma, thirty miles or so from the ancient city of Bagan towers above the earth like some sort of giant’s sand castle. Atop it there is a Buddhist monastery which rests upon the precipitous volcanic plug.

Yes, that’s right a volcanic plug. It sounds dangerous but at this stage in its life, Taung Kalat poses no threat. A volcanic plug (sometimes called a ‘neck’) is formed when magma, on its way up through a vent on an active volcano, hardens inside the vent. While the volcano is active this could well lead to the mother of all explosions and it would, you have to admit, be a shame if this beautiful monastery was to be catapulted in to the stratosphere. However, the volcano is thought (perhaps we should say hoped) to be extinct.

If You Have Never Wanted to Visit Morocco, You Will After You Watch This

There will be times, as you watch Morocco Arise, that you wonder how exactly the shots were done (or at the very least edited) but things move on so quickly that you have little time to reflect on the technical feats on display here.  Created by filmmaker and global nomad Brandon Li, this is more than just a love letter to the country, its landscapes, people, architecture and cuisine – it’s a declaration of undying adoration. 

Royal Ontario Museum - Nature's Symphony



This promotional video created for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is truly a masterpiece of creative storytelling. It's one of those rare pieces of marketing that you simply have to see to believe. The concept defies conventional expectations, presenting an opera-singing chimpanzee as its central character - a surprising choice that instantly grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression. 

The three-minute video is packed with jaw-dropping visuals that seamlessly intertwine with the music, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. These visuals are not just eye-catching; they are thought-provoking, aligning beautifully with the theme, “We live on in what we leave behind.” 

This poignant message speaks to the ROM's mission of preserving history and knowledge for future generations. Produced by Revolver Films and shot by Director of Photography Paul Meyers, the cinematography is nothing short of stunning. This promotional video is a bold and innovative approach to museum advertising, standing out for its creativity and depth. It’s a brilliant example of how art, performance, and storytelling can come together to communicate a powerful message.

7 December 2024

Russ Tamblyn's Dance Moves still Astonish almost 70 Years Later

 

Sometimes, you just have to sit back, chin down and mouth open, while you watch somebody do something that the vast  majority of humanity could never do even if given a hundred years in which to try.  So it is with Russ Tamblyn's dancing.  Tamblyn's star rose in the 1950s with performances in blockbusters such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and West Side Story - although he has always seen himself as an actor who danced rather than the other way around.  True enough - I have vivid memories of watching him in The Long Ships  - one of Hollywood's many forays into viking myth - and loving his performance in that film.

This clip, however, shows Tamblyn's moves off to perfection.  It is from his 1956 movie The Fastest Gun in the West.  He does almost everything with them except use them as shovels!  His energy is seemingly unlimited, his joie de vivre contagious.  Little wonder that some people of a certain age say they don't make them like they used to!  That applies as equally to Tamblyn as to his dance moves. 

1 December 2024

The Devil in the Cathedral: the Lucifer of Liège

Cathédrale Saint-Paul (Liège 2017)

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in the Belgian city of Liège was founded in the tenth century.  As one might expect from a Catholic place of worship it is full of representations of the men and women from the history – Biblical and otherwise – of Christianity.  Yet as the pulpit is approached, a striking white marble sculpture arrests the eye: a beautiful young man in an agony of thought. Which venerable icon of the church might this be?  A martyr? A disciple? Or even an angel? It is the latter but this angel is notorious, despised, fallen. It transpires that there is a sinner – and a significant one at that - in the midst of the saints.

The Lucifer of Liège

24 November 2024

The Debutante by Leonora Carrington - Animated

A spirited young woman convinces a hyena from London Zoo to attend a dinner dance in her place, an idea that demands both creativity and unexpected acts of violence. Inspired by a story by artist Leonora Carrington, Elizabeth Hobbs brings this striking tale to life using paint and collage.

The Debutante is a film by Elizabeth Hobbs, produced by Animate Projects with the support of the BFI, National Lottery funding, and with thanks to the estate of Leonora Carrington.  This animated short very safely passes the Bechdel Test even if I’m uncertain whether inter-species dialogue counts.  Never mind, it’s fantastic.  The animation suits the narrative superbly (it's as crazy as the story).  I also very much liked the voices used, particularly the knowing tones of Joanna David, who you might know from her appearances in Miss Marple, Foyle's War, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Midsomer Murders, The Darling Buds of May and Rosemary & Thyme.

Strangely, I was only vaguely aware of Leonora Carrington until recently, when I read the hugely engaging novel about women surrealists by Kathy Hopewell, Swimming with Tigers.  The sheer serendipitous synchronicity of stumbling across this glorious animation on Vimeo, having just “discovered” the artist made me scratch my head a little, at least until it turned into an olive.  

Although Carrington is not in Swimming with Tigers, events from her life do form the basis of some of its goings on.  You can read my review here and visit Hopewell’s website here.