technic fission redwood: Mole Day

"The wonderful thing about working is that the more you do it, the easier it is to do, and the less likely

  it is you'll get stuck."   Anna Held Audette

Off today to finish the scarecrow so I can get it delivered before I leave.  It should take me most of the day, and I plan on pinning on most parts!  This is to a permanent installation for sure.  I just hope it fits in the car for delivery.  And because I will be forced into shoes up north, I need a pedicure.

Happy Happy Mole Day, all of youse!   I had to admit that having a day for a mole seemed a bit excessive and I went running to the dermatologist to get checked in preparation.

Had a whole bunch of 'things' zapped off and found out there was nothing to worry about.

So then I thought it must not be that kind of mole, it must be one of those IRONIC holidays like Pi day so I started celebrating for this guy:

(I couldn't bring myself to put up a picture of the guy with the star shaped nose, it would so get in the way of the cake I'm going to bake.)

Then I found out:

The "mole" is one of the most basic units of measurement in all of chemistry. Generally speaking, one mole of any substance — be it an atom like hydrogen, or a molecular compound like water — is said to comprise 6.02 x 1023 atoms or molecules of that substance. This numer is known as Avogadro's number, in recognition of Amedeo Avogadro , who conceived of the constant.

In commemoration of Avogadro's number, chemistry enthusiasts celebrate annually on October 23 from 6:02 am to 6:02 pm (though the nature of Avogadro's number means alternate observance dates — like June 2 — also exist). Chemists have been celebrating mole day unofficially every year since 1991 — you can learn more about this year's celebrations — including this year's theme of "Molar Eclipse" — over at the National Mole Day Foundation.  Amedeo has an unfortunate look which I am attributing to the etching artist.  One hopes he didn't actually look like this.

Lorenzo Romano Amedeo Carlo Avogadro di Quaregna e di Cerreto, Count of Quaregna and Cerreto 

the set up table

the forced perspective

next set-up on asphalt colored paper

the shot

 another set-up, followed by a more complicated shot

Michael Paul Smith is a model maker, collector and photographer has been creating inspired forced perspective shots using his small-scale vintage cars, making them look as real as a movie set – or reality for those who remember.  Smith creates his photographs using a trifecta of items: vintage automobiles from his extensive die-cast car collection, a model diorama of his own creation, and real-life as his backdrop. The results are deceptively realistic, and that’s surprising considering he only uses a cheap $250, 14-megapixel Canon SX280.

I've loved this ad every time I see it, and then yesterday Mary Beth sent me the YouTube link to it!  Genius, love those squirrels working away until their worker's revolt!