I think one of mankind’s most defining characteristics is our affinity for nostalgia. We tend to look back just as much as we look forward. We tell stories of days gone by and rifle through boxes of photographs – diligently captured moments for us more visually inclined types. We document and protect with the hope of preserving what is great about the moment at hand and the story it makes.

While enjoyable, this tendency has the potential for trouble. The potential to keep us from growing, to hinder our exploration, to mire us in the messiness of the past, and to keep us from ever winning another World Series.

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We’ve come to the end of another Hand Turkey season. And just like all of the years past, the entries we’ve received have been phenomenal! But alas, as with all contests, not everyone can win the prizes (because then it’d be more like little league and less like a contest).

The Rule29 team has spent many hours digging through this year’s hand turkeys in search of the finest examples submitted.

So we’re happy to announce this year’s winners!  Read the rest of the entry >

They say that all great things come in fives, right? Pentagons. Fingers. Toes. A six-pack that your friend already helped him/herself to. Maybe a cube if geometry wasn’t your thing in school. The 5th annual Rule29 Hand Turkey competition!

Yeah, you heard that right.

It’s back.

Hands down, this has been one of our favorite promotions in the office. Each year we’re floored by the turnout of all the entries – all you artists out there deserve a big hand! And we know you’ve been chomping at the bit all year to hand over your best examples of gobblin’ creativity again.

The rules are the same, submit your entries through the Tumblr before Thanksgiving – and we’ll scour the submissions, analyze the comments, and select our finalists when we get back in the office on Monday, the 26th. We’ll be handing out iTunes gift cards for first and second place ($50 and $25, respectively). And the kids winner will be getting a $25 card as well! (So be sure to mark your age if you’re a young one.)

We also have a surprise prize this year as well – but we’re still fine-tuning the details, so keep an eye out for the scoop soon! (Hint: Our Facebook and Twitter pages may be a good place to keep an eye out for the announcements. Just saying.)

If you’ve entered before, we can’t wait to see your entries! And if you’ve never entered, don’t be afraid to try your hand at one!

Download and get started! Now!

Learn more, see previous years’ entries, and enter at ByAShowOfHands.com

(Enough hand puns?)

100 miles without dying. That was the goal. Simple enough, right?

When I saw the opportunity to participate in a century ride (that’s 100 miles for those unfamiliar) to support World Bicycle Relief and Cubs Charities, I instantly had the desire to sign up.

I know you’re asking yourself, “What could have possibly driven this asthmatic, unathletic artist-type to possibly do such a thing?!” Well see, last summer I decided to “get into” cycling. I picked out a nice, tame bicycle and began my biking journey. I biked and biked. And biked. But I needed a goal – something to keep me from giving up on it come winter. 100 miles seemed like a good idea. Read the rest of the entry >

Ever since it launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has been changing the way we view our universe. Views of nebulas and galaxies have sparked the imaginations of countless individuals. Classic images have sparked several “Top Images” lists. But did you know the telescope orbiting over 400 miles above our heads has taken over a million observations in its 22 year career?

As you can imagine, there are thousands of Hubble images that have yet to see the light of day. That’s where the ESA’s Hubble’s Hidden Treasures contest comes in. Through May 31, 2012, you can dig through the Legacy Archives and find what you believe is the nest best image from Hubble. There are plenty of tips and tricks to get the best out of the raw data stored in the archives.

Learn more about the contest here.

Even if you have no intention of entering the contest – I hope you take a moment to look through some of Hubble’s great discoveries. At the R29 headquarters, we often talk about the idea of wonder and what inspires that sense within each of us. I think it’s no secret that looking up toward the night sky is a continuous source of wonder for me. Despite the ocular limits that I am faced with – the Hubble telescope allows me to look out into space and be amazed by all that is out there.

I can’t be the only one that feels this way, yeah? What’s your favorite Hubble image? Mine has always been the Pillars of Creation.

And best of luck if you decide to enter the contest!