A Typeface of Slimy, Squirming Letters

A new digital typeface by Ari Weinkle is a creepy, squirming collection of alien-like letters—even its name “Feelers” makes your skin crawl. Weinkle created the font after becoming intrigued with the light and texture features in his 3D-modeling software, first drawing up the typeface in 2D, and later rendering them in 3D and adding motion. The result is lifelike wiggling letters that, from afar, look …

We Vault Captures the Elegance of Equestrian Vaulting

To some, horseback riding is enough of a challenge; for others, it’s just one part of their performance. These gymnasts are specifically equestrian vaulters, an ancient sport that filmmaker Sharif Hamza explores in his latest short film, “We Vault.” Donning custom body suits, the vaulters first practice their acrobatics on stationary equipment, later taking their graceful moves to the tops of their equestrian companions. Using …

A 390-Year-Old Bonsai Tree that Survived an Atomic Bomb

Washington DC’s National Arboretum will honor its oldest artifact this week: a 390-year-old bonsai tree from Japan. But perhaps more impressive than its age is the tree’s history—which was fortuitously revealed in 2001. The miniature white pine is actually a survivor of the 9,700-pound atomic bomb that hit Hiroshima and was quietly donated to the museum in 1976 by bonsai master Masaru Yamaki. “I find …