“The 2008 crash is probably the most serious economic crisis we have faced since the Great Depression. Stock markets from around the world fell as much as 20% in a single week, dozens of banks either failed or were rescued by government and private institutions, and companies started laying off employees as a consequence of the reduced demand. We know how we entered into the crisis, but we don’t know when or how we will be getting out of it. Considering that issue, we decided to do our little bit to help cheer everyone up by redoing the logos of some renowned companies …. after the crisis.”

(original source unknown—thanks, Guy)

…and they’re written on subway walls and tenement halls, all around the world. Here’s a selection of delightfully stenciled and graffiti’d truisms—from the U.K., the USA, Colombia, Argentina, and who knows where else… enjoy.

(thanks for the ‘car bad—bike good’ image Derek).

Search millions of photographs from the LIFE photo archive, stretching from the 1750s to today. Most were never published and are now available for the first time through the joint work of LIFE and Google. Try a search, here. (thanks, Adrian)

Images: Mata Hari (1876-1917), Dutch dancer and spy for Germany during World War I; Mustachioed man wearing steel helmet w. built-on chain screen to protect soldiers’ eyes from fragments of shell, rock, etc. during WWI; Class in pole climbing in course for telephone electricians during vocational training at University of Michigan, also during WWI; architect Buckminster Fuller (one of my heroes) in 1970.

No question, the eyes have it—here’s to Bette (born one hundred years ago) and those enduringly penetrating gazes. Catch Kim Carnes’ memetic 1980s hit tune on YouTube here.

…and she’ll tease you

she’ll unease you

all the better just to please you

she’s precocious, and she knows

just what it takes to make a pro blush

all the boys think she’s a spy

she’s got Bette Davis eyes…

An endearing little message full of love and tenderness… (found here).

…in 1911, Orville Wright (watched anxiously by his older and heavier brother Wilbur) achieves the first powered flight.

Notably, neither had a pilot’s license…

Churchill, Manitoba

It’s that time of year again… and seasonal greetings are pouring in by the hour. This lovely photo of two Churchill polar bears is from good friend and client Mike Grandmaison, just back from a northern photo shoot. Quoting his e-card (and apropos to the season): “Sometimes I just don’t know whether I’m coming or going.” Cheers, Mike… and stay warm!

I’m heading back to Europe for the next few days… and I suspect this “message on a T-shirt” will once again ring all too true…

Freiburg, Germany

This diagram is meant to demonstrate the difference between a man and a woman when asked by their respective partner, “Shall we go for a drink?” Makes me glad that I’m a man… (most days, at least). On further reflection though, might this also imply that men prefer to drink naked?

Thanks, Silvie :-)