There’s a fantastic set of 1970 “Finnish Islands” photographs by Bill Ray in the LIFE Photo Archive. I’m especially fond of the portraits, I wish I knew the stories behind the people.

“International Year of Astronomy 2009” poster by Simon Page

I’m in love with Page’s set of stunning retro style astronomy posters. Word is, prints will be available soon.

I’ve been trying out the ShakeItPhoto app which turns iPhone snapshots into faux polaroids (complete with shaking action!). I was always fascinated with polaroids when I was a kid. I thought about buying my own polaroid camera, but another novelty is the last thing I need. At only 99¢ this is a nice compromise. (Found the app via Janice.)

“Space Garden” by APAK

The APAK team has been hard at work with lots of new goodies in their etsy shop including a new set of three limited edition ”Space Garden” prints.

I love APAK’s artwork for its adorable style, but most of all, for the characters and narratives living within their imaginative worlds.

“An American tourist onboard a camel” from the LIFE Photo Archive

This week’s find from the LIFE Photo Archive was photographed in Giza, Egypt in 1963 by Grey Villet. I feel like this would be the kind of image you’d find in a dictionary below the definition of ‘awkward’.

Happy Birthday to Hello Kitty! Today the world’s most iconic cat of pop culture turns 35. I grew up in love with Sanrio’s other characters (such as Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pochocco, etc.) more than Hello Kitty herself, but these days I have my share of Kitty bling too. It’s hard not to adore a character that’s continued to promote values of sharing and friendship for over three decades.

“Zombie Cuisine” by Patrick Moberg

Here’s some zombie munchies in honor of Halloween. (Found via Graphic Everywhere.)

“Mother and Daughter” by Kent Williams

Kent Williams posted up process photos from his latest large painting . Amazing piece, Williams makes it look too easy.

“Shop Decoration - Cats” from Tokyobling Blog

If Tokyobling’s spectacular photos and candid commentary on Japanese culture don’t make you fall at least a little bit in love with Japan, then I don’t know what will.

Hopefully I’ll have the chance to spend some time in Japan someday. I recently attended a presentation on campus from JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching programme) and it’s something I’d love to consider doing after graduation. For now, I’ll just enjoy the photos.