THINGS I TRIPPED OVER ON THE INTERNET TODAY, OCTOBER 25
Thing #1 - Sapeurs, La Sape, and Ugandan Eleganza
Men's Sapeur inspired looks from SS 15 look book via Wikipedia
Sapeurs, or the Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes (Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People) refers to men in Uganda who live to get dressed up in Kinshasa and Brazzaville in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo. And ‘m hear for it. Women are referred to as Sapeuse but I feel like it’s not as disarming as when men do it. But I’m gay, so what do I know?
Like a lot of things, it’s a direct response to Colonialism, as houseboys would use the connections of their “employers” to access the high fashions in France and then sport the looks in the streets as a way to declare status. Eventually though, the fashion became a way for Congolese people to show their pride in where they came from and stand apart.
Google it and fall in the rabit hole that is La Sape. You’re welcome.
Thing #2 - Fences made with beehives to scare off elephants
Elephants are like living bulldozers and have a habit of overgrazing areas that they’re restricted to and also are prone to invading farmland for tasty, well-watered veggies. SO, farmers and conservationists have figured out that elephants hate getting stung and that they have super-sensitive skins and trunks. SO, if people plant these hives around cropland, and everybody is happy.
Love. That.
Thing #3 - Hedgehog Highways are real
In Britain, hedgehogs are wild and wander around being cute, eating slugs and beetles. Their population has plummeted, because humans are the worst, so people have been building wildlife corridors, or “hedgehog highways” that allow them to travel unmolested and unhindered by fences and roadways. Some people even build them special gateways, ladders, a stairways. Which makes me think humans aren’t all that bad afterall.
Thing #4 - A documentary on the making of Tremors
I remember being completely terrified/obsessed with the movie Tremors that starred crazy worm monsters that loved eating humans and rubber tires. And it was made by the folks behind Short Circuit! Graboids for life.
Thing #5 - A beautiful movie about skinwalkers starring Sean Bean
The studio behind two of my favorite animated movies, The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. are bringing a new film to life that focuses on more Irish folklore, and this time it’s about a tribe that can transform into wolves at night. And it’s so gorgeous and charming and I can’t wait to watch it.
