Last week the Guardian UK debuted images of a highly anticipated new work: a bronze sculpture cryptically titled Sphinx by Young British Artist Marc Quinn. It depicts a woman of ubiquitous beauty, supermodel Kate Moss, slithering hauntingly into yogic posture (specifically, Dwi Pada Sirsasana).

Homer Simpson in prayer: “Dear Lord, the gods have been good to me and I am thankful. For the first time in my life everything is absolutely perfect the way it is. So here’s the deal: you freeze everything as it is and I won’t ask for anything more. If that is OK, please give me absolutely no sign. [pause] OK, deal. In gratitude, I present you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, please give me no sign. [pause] Thy will be done. [eats food]. “

Last year’s tsunami claimed 300,000 people’s lives. However, the Moken – or sea gypsies (explore National Geographic’s interactive feature on them) – of Thailand, have a tradition which warns that when tides recede far and fast then a man-eating wave will soon head their way: so they should run far and fast. Last December they did – and survived. (Full story at The Observer.)