Digest of Wonder: Tree-Climbing Goats, Mummies, and Dirty Projectors Covers

Today’s post is going to be short on talk, but will feature a medley of wondrous images and hyperlinks for you to enjoy.

Here are some things from the internet that have recently inspired wonder in me. May they also bestow feelings of amazement upon you.

Tree-Climbing Goats of Morroco – Seriously. You have to see this. Also on Youtube.

10 of the World’s Most Amazing Mummies – Another great post from Atlas Obscura. Incredible.

Solange Knowles covers Dirty Projectors – First she ostensibly gets her sister Beyonce and Jay-Z into Grizzly Bear. Now this.  Somehow, every time a big hip-hop or R&B star (especially a Knowles) flirts with indie rock, which has been happening lately, my dream of one day stealing Beyonce away from Jay-Z seems slightly less absurd. [UPDATE: check out this article from August. Jay-Z on indie rock]. But seriously, Solange’s version of “Stillness is the Move” is so good and based around the same sample as Dr Dre’s xxplosive. Thank you, Pitchfork. (note: Pitchfork’s mp3 was taken down, but this one should still work). Also, if you haven’t seen it, the Dirty Projectors’ incredible original “Stillness is the Move” has a lovely video. I’ll be seeing you Montrealers at the Dirty Projectors show this Sunday at Le National with our good buddy Tuneyards. Should be epic.

In other news, my herbal detox is going well. I’ve pretty much gotten over feeling hungry all the time, but the other night I had a very impassioned dream in which I ate an entire plate of nachos. That was all that happened. Notably, the nachos had pesto on them, which is something I will have to try after this cleanse is finished.

Also, look out for an Adam & The Amethysts Montreal show or two in the coming months, because, why not?

Cave of Giant Crystals

If you’re considering a vacation this winter, why not head down to Naica, Mexico? You can catch some rays, hang out on the beach, and oh, I don’t know, SPEND TIME IN A SUBTERRANEAN CRYSTAL FORTRESS FILLED WITH 36-FOOT-LONG, 50-TON-CRYSTALS.

Giant Crystal Cave

Granted, it’s 900 feet below ground and has a temperature of 50C. Except with the humidity (90%) it’s actually 105C, and even in special cooling suits, you can only hang out for 30 minutes or so.

From the Atlas Obscura:

“Millions of years ago, volcanic activity filled the mountain with anhydrite, a waterless form of gypsum. As magma eventually cooled, the anhydrite began dissolving, enriching cave waters and allowing gigantic crystals to form. Amazingly enough, the size of the crystals has no limit.”

And it’s quite easy to slip and impale yourself on a giant crystal. Luckily, just stepping foot in the enchanted cave is sure to grant you everlasting life. And you’ll need it, because it’s one of the most dangerous places to go spelunking anywhere.

Giant Crystal Cave

For more information on this beautiful and deadly place, check out these links.

Speaking of natural anomalies, A&A will be butting heads with nature, playing an outdoor show on October 17th on the magical Toronto Island of all places. Here’s some more info. I’ll keep you posted about this in the coming days.