Friday, January 11, 2008

The Power of Cute

Throughout personal and historical tragedies alike, the populace has been comforted (or at least strangely amused) by the design of saccharine-sweet cuteness. From kittens chasing butterflies to ponies rollicking in buttercup fields, cuteness can often save the day and provide distraction in the gloomiest of circumstances.

Which is exactly why, here at Antharia, we have a chat when things get interesting: Happy Kitty Bunny Pony! Chanting this during times of annoyance is an instant cool-down method. Where did this phrase come from? Behold:

Happy Kitty Bunny Pony: A Saccharine Mouthful of Super Cute is not only a silly pick-me-up, but it's also a clever collection of print and advertising images from the Charles S. Anderson Design Company. If you're a art kid, design dork, or you just need to see some wide-eye, long-lashed bunnies, you might get a kick out of this book. Aside from having images of terrible cuteness, the book's peppered with commentary from Mike Nelson (you know, the Mystery Science Theater 3000 guy).

For me, this book is a must in any office or household. I humbly bow down to the power of design and its ability to alter mood based on The Cute Factor. Try it and you'll see - the next time something gets on your nerves repeating "Happy Kitty Bunny Pony" out loud (to yourself, like a crazy person) can do a world of good for your disposition.

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