No, these aren’t some funky statues that prove that Starbucks is really with it and catering to Doctor Who fans. I believe these are in fact cosplayers who have gone to get a drink. Good thing the people in there are drinking coffee so they can keep their eyes open…

[via elleandtheoubliette]

Haven’t posted a gratuitous image in awhile so here’s a little bit of yum yum for the eyes.

[Via GayGeeksNSFW – beware, it's seriously not safe for work. Or for under 18s.]

Someone quick get me a pair of these socks.

I thought I was over my socks phase and I’m trying to be super stylish (meaning no crazy socks)… but, you know, winter is coming… and it gets cold in Melbourne… it doesn’t have to be worn outside… I can release my inner Wonder Woman at home, no biggie!

Gah, it must be bought! Sometimes I wonder if our merchandise category should be renamed ‘Just take my money’, seriously that’s all what I feel like when I do these sorts of posts.

I’m thinking Wonder Woman or the Captain America ones with wings. What do you think? For more styles check out SuperHeroStuff. Browse through and tell me your favourites.

{Source: Superherostuff.com}

Mardi Gras is better known as Carnaval in Spain. The celebration also goes by the names of Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday and it actually stems from Christian origins. It’s all about celebrating with rich, fatty foods before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. During Lent, Christians must either fast or give up some sort of luxury for a period of time. Traditionally, the celebrations involve dressing up in fun costumes, dancing around, playing games and generally enjoying yourself. Of course, the Sydney Mardi Gras has now been overtaken by the gay rights movement – rather ironic don’t you think? A Christian celebration that has been appropriated by non-Christians. Interesting how the tables turn huh? (*cough* Christmas *cough* Easter *cough*)

Anyway, I was lucky enough to go to Tenerife, one of the small Canary Islands. This set of islands sits just off the coast of Africa, but is officially owned by Spain. Locals, however, seem to consider themselves more Canarian than they are Spanish. Regardless, the town was very Spanish by culture  – and the Carnaval celebrations simply went off!

The celebrations literally goes on for weeks. I actually arrived late, having landed on the Tuesday itself, but I still caught the parade and fireworks that day.

But the party went on every night following. Ash Wednesday saw the ceremonial burning of the sardine (“entierro de la sardina”) where they burned an effigy of a sardine and shot more fireworks in the air, symbolising the burning away of the repression of the past.

Besides the food, the music, the party, the colour, the fun, there was one feature that made the whole Carnaval absolutely awesome. The number of beautiful, beautiful men. And beautiful, beautiful men with their shirts off.

Yes, there was so much eye candy, I feel like my eyes are going to need fillings. And travelling with a straight female cousin was the best – “ooh look at that guy” was said far too many times.

There was actually a “gay area” as well during the festival and on Friday night, it was absolutely wild.

At first, we went there and it was filled with kids – boys who looked no older than 16 at the most were there, shirtless and making me feel just a bit paedophilic. So we migrated to the side and over time, the crowd got a bit older. More like our age – men in their 20s looking hot and having a good time. And then as time went on, it seemed the crowd continued to age and by the end of the night we were definitely surrounded with men who looked at least in their forties. I’m not sure if this is the way it normally happens, but it was an interesting phenomenon to witness. Regardless of the age of the crowd though, the party was always happening and everyone was dancing. And Spanish men – gay or straight – really know how to dance!

What was also cool about the gay area, however, was that it wasn’t like a segregated gay section – there were plenty of straight people there, and we met many gay people in other parts of the city (yes, the Carnaval covered the whole city). It was just that this was the place known for being the gay area – and therefore gays felt more comfortable. And, of course, they played the best music so we stayed there most of the time for that reason. That said, my straight female cousin managed to pick up more than I did! She is a gorgeous little minx though.

Basically, Carnaval was this wild, crazy and incredibly awesome experience. I highly recommend it to anyone. And while we were there, we stayed in a little hotel called Hotel Horizonte. The prices were reasonable and the room wasn’t terrible. We had our own bathroom and the reception people were great. It was only about a five minute walk to any of the major areas of the city – which is also just far enough away that you aren’t disturbed at night if you want to sleep. It was actually kind of perfect and so if you’re going to stay in Santa Cruz, stay there.

Also, if you’re going to Tenerife, go stay in Santa Cruz. It’s further up north, so you’ll have to take a bus that takes about an hour from the airport, but it’s worth it. It’s a much more local city and you’ll get a more Tenerife experience. Of course, if you are looking for a more touristy experience, with beach resorts and pampering, then the southern city of Los Cristianos is probably more your style.

But if you’re planning on going to the Carnaval for 2014, then you’d better book fast and book in Santa Cruz – because that’s where it all went down. And it was awesome.

And here’s just a few more pictures, just because:

Faith in geek community restored. We aren’t completely overrun by obnoxious trolls. You guys got any suggestions for our undecided cosplayer?

[via Reddit]

I think I have found the cutest cosplayers alive… ever.

Look at them!

Everyone of these makes me go ‘awwww’.  I think they are a family of cosplayers judging by their Tumblr… and I say that’s the right way to raise your kids.

Now I know we shouldn’t play favourites, but who do you think was especially good?

{Image Credit via Tumblr}