Who doesn't love TED? It's full of inspiration, ideas, and entrepreneurial spirit that hopefully moves us forward as a global civilization. The latest augmented reality mapping technology showcase by Blaise Aguera y Arcas is particularly fun and exciting. I love where technology is going where we can really make use of all the data and mapping them in a way that helps us navigate the world. Literally. Granted it has a tinge of Big Brother/stalker to this technology (which could warrant an entire philosophical debate) but for now let's just think about how potentially useful and fun this could be. Just watch the video:
2/16/2010
Fun TV Bosses
I am a fan of TV comedies set in the workplace - mainly because it's a great opportunity for writers to poke fun at Corporate America and allow all of us to laugh off our daily stress with reminders of how goofy and silly it can all be. And often, these workplace comedies allow us to appreciate our real jobs.
It's all about perspective right?
Guyism.com has a fun post on "7 TV Bosses Who Would Be Fun to Work For," with reasons why, and the list is quite good. My favorites from the list are Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock and Jimmy James from News Radio. They're both quirky and power figures - you understand they have the qualities that made them powerful and wealthy and worked hard to reach their accomplishments, but they're so good at it they often make it look easy. They may test you in ways you never expect and at the same time support you in ways you never realize. And don't you just love some of the crazy things they come up with.
I do have a few other bosses I'd like to add to the list:
Veronica Palmer, Veridian Dynamics, Better Off Ted
OK, the truth is working at Veridian Dynamics would be hell, and Veronica would be one of the intimidating bosses anywhere, not to mention manipulative and unrelenting. But look, she always has a smile on her face and she has such excellent power outfits, and if you can earn her respect like Ted has, then that crazy ultra-corporate life MAY be manageable. If I had to work at a big, faceless, money-driven, ethics-lacking corporation, at least let me work for a kooky, intimidating yet oddly appealing boss who will bat for you when her conscience does kick in, even if that's only once a year. At least she doles out crazy funny sayings on a regular basis to keep you entertained, or scared. Besides, better her be on your side than have her be the head of a competing department. Not to mention she at least is someone who values intelligence and strength, so you know where you stand. [image via abc.go.com]
Jack Gallo, Blush Magazin, Just Shoot Me!
Blush Magazine just seems like one of the greatest places to work - this is of course in the pre- Great Repression era where corporate perks in the fashion/publishing industry were rampant for all to enjoy. Add on top of that, a boss in Jack Gallo who may seem like your regular business mogul who only cares about a good game of golf, besting Donald Trump, and having a young sexy trophy wife, but deep down he is a man who truly sees and develops the talents of each person he employs, and in fact builds real friendships with them. So much so that his personal assistant dreams of having Jack as his own father. And I sure would love to play with all the crazy gadgets he's always testing out. [image via tveo]
Murphy Brown, FYI, Murphy Brown
OK, Murphy Brown is known for not being able to keep a secretary or nanny, but, if you're Eldin Bernecky, she would prove to be the best boss ever. So secretaries and nannies need not apply, but if you're an artist, she's the boss goldmine. After all, Eldin went from a house painter to her artist-in-residence who got to execute his artistic visions just as he wished. And he basically got to live at her expensive townhouse for free. Granted he had to deal with her PMS and other personality quirks, but I think he got a pretty good deal out of the bargain. If I were an artist, I could only dream of finding a patron who would enable me to fulfill my artistic dreams, and get free lodging out of the deal. And if you love kids, you have the option to pick up the nanny gig on the side. [image via babble]
It's all about perspective right?
Guyism.com has a fun post on "7 TV Bosses Who Would Be Fun to Work For," with reasons why, and the list is quite good. My favorites from the list are Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock and Jimmy James from News Radio. They're both quirky and power figures - you understand they have the qualities that made them powerful and wealthy and worked hard to reach their accomplishments, but they're so good at it they often make it look easy. They may test you in ways you never expect and at the same time support you in ways you never realize. And don't you just love some of the crazy things they come up with.
I do have a few other bosses I'd like to add to the list:
OK, the truth is working at Veridian Dynamics would be hell, and Veronica would be one of the intimidating bosses anywhere, not to mention manipulative and unrelenting. But look, she always has a smile on her face and she has such excellent power outfits, and if you can earn her respect like Ted has, then that crazy ultra-corporate life MAY be manageable. If I had to work at a big, faceless, money-driven, ethics-lacking corporation, at least let me work for a kooky, intimidating yet oddly appealing boss who will bat for you when her conscience does kick in, even if that's only once a year. At least she doles out crazy funny sayings on a regular basis to keep you entertained, or scared. Besides, better her be on your side than have her be the head of a competing department. Not to mention she at least is someone who values intelligence and strength, so you know where you stand. [image via abc.go.com]
Blush Magazine just seems like one of the greatest places to work - this is of course in the pre- Great Repression era where corporate perks in the fashion/publishing industry were rampant for all to enjoy. Add on top of that, a boss in Jack Gallo who may seem like your regular business mogul who only cares about a good game of golf, besting Donald Trump, and having a young sexy trophy wife, but deep down he is a man who truly sees and develops the talents of each person he employs, and in fact builds real friendships with them. So much so that his personal assistant dreams of having Jack as his own father. And I sure would love to play with all the crazy gadgets he's always testing out. [image via tveo]
OK, Murphy Brown is known for not being able to keep a secretary or nanny, but, if you're Eldin Bernecky, she would prove to be the best boss ever. So secretaries and nannies need not apply, but if you're an artist, she's the boss goldmine. After all, Eldin went from a house painter to her artist-in-residence who got to execute his artistic visions just as he wished. And he basically got to live at her expensive townhouse for free. Granted he had to deal with her PMS and other personality quirks, but I think he got a pretty good deal out of the bargain. If I were an artist, I could only dream of finding a patron who would enable me to fulfill my artistic dreams, and get free lodging out of the deal. And if you love kids, you have the option to pick up the nanny gig on the side. [image via babble]
2/11/2010
3D IMAX Movie Experience
It took us FOREVER, but E and I finally went and saw Avatar, of course in 3D IMAX. We knew the movie would be a visual spectacle, so we wanted to maximize that experience, be as immersed in Pandora as possible. I was a bit skeptical about the 3D but it really did add levels of dimension to the visuals. The odd angle and huge size of the glasses were hard to get used to though, and with my lack of bridge I kep thinking they were going to slide off my face.
E was SO very entertained by how I looked in the humongo 3D glasses we had to take some pics to commemorate. The frames were beyond Martin Scorsese large - they made me feel like a miniature person. And well, I looked it too.
Asides from the goofy glasses, Avatar was truly a gorgeous and deeply engaging visual feast. I was bored by all the stereotyped, undeveloped characters and frankly disappointed in the uninventiveness of the storyline, and this despite my already low low expectations about the plot given what I've already heard. Really, Mr. Cameron, I can't help but feel you just got lazy and cheaped out on writing a story worthy of the visual and imaginative world you've created. It is literally a rip-off of Pocahontas/Dance with Wolves. As a filmmaker, how would you be ok with that?
But I must thank James Cameron for the rich, lush, and wonderfully detailed Pandora - although I suspect much of the credit belongs to the animators. I loved being in Pandora and watching the wonderful na'vi, the creatures, and landscape that I didn't want the movie to end. I was even okay enduring through the cheesy and oh-so-expected storyline and blatant rip-offs of Native American cultures. To me, Cameron has redeemed himself from the sappy dopey storyline of Titanic with the visual feast that is Avatar.
Oh and by the way, there are a couple even goofier pics of us in the glasses...E LOVES them...so here's the links if you're curious:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szuann/4350142151/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szuann/4350888372/
E was SO very entertained by how I looked in the humongo 3D glasses we had to take some pics to commemorate. The frames were beyond Martin Scorsese large - they made me feel like a miniature person. And well, I looked it too.
Asides from the goofy glasses, Avatar was truly a gorgeous and deeply engaging visual feast. I was bored by all the stereotyped, undeveloped characters and frankly disappointed in the uninventiveness of the storyline, and this despite my already low low expectations about the plot given what I've already heard. Really, Mr. Cameron, I can't help but feel you just got lazy and cheaped out on writing a story worthy of the visual and imaginative world you've created. It is literally a rip-off of Pocahontas/Dance with Wolves. As a filmmaker, how would you be ok with that?
But I must thank James Cameron for the rich, lush, and wonderfully detailed Pandora - although I suspect much of the credit belongs to the animators. I loved being in Pandora and watching the wonderful na'vi, the creatures, and landscape that I didn't want the movie to end. I was even okay enduring through the cheesy and oh-so-expected storyline and blatant rip-offs of Native American cultures. To me, Cameron has redeemed himself from the sappy dopey storyline of Titanic with the visual feast that is Avatar.
Oh and by the way, there are a couple even goofier pics of us in the glasses...E LOVES them...so here's the links if you're curious:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szuann/4350142151/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szuann/4350888372/
2/07/2010
Juxtaposition
I stumbled upon Judy Olausen's work the other day and fell instantly in love with her photography. This one particularly titled "Sheriff" of a stern, meticulous, weathered, old lawman outside a jail cell juxtaposed with his antithesis - a soft, furry, innocent little kitten being held in his hand. It is a lovely image that speaks volumes. Apparently it is part of a book called "Rescued" that unfortunately is yet unpublished.
Thank you Judy Olausen for sharing your work online. Your work is inspiring and so memorable.
[via Judy Olausen Photography]
2/06/2010
Climbing the Diamond
Fifty Classic Climbs of North America from Mark Smiley on Vimeo.
Here's a great video on a 1,000' climb on the Diamond on Longs Peak, Rock Mountain National Park in Colorado. The climb starts at 14,000 feet above sea level, adding another level of physical challenge to the very vertical climb. It's also one of the 50 top classic climbs in North America - I love that the Smileys are planning on climbing all of them as a team.
1/22/2010
climbing in your undies
I don't even know what to say about these ad images. They are pretty darn silly. But they do catch your attention. They are for PACT underwear, a line of organic and sustainable underwear that's also socially conscientious. And these ads sure made me do a double take. What I noticed first was the amazing rock and their lines. They really caught my eye. (What can I say, I've climbed enough rocks to have an appreciation for great rock and their features.) Then lines of the rock led me to the nearly naked guy in his PACT undies. And I laughed. So I just had to go and look for more pics of people climbing in their undies. And here's one more:
[Images via fuseproject and PACT]
Oh, and a funny video:
1/13/2010
New Year's Resolution
I am not a resolutions person. For me, setting and keeping resolutions is as painful and unrealistic as going on a diet. When I was younger and idealistic I tried, and quickly realized how foolish the effort was. So never again. I chalked it up to part of learning about myself with nothing to show for it.
Strangely enough, I found myself wanting to and actually setting a resolution for 2010. Maybe as I'm aging I'm reverting back to my former self. (Well, as I think this thought, the image of Benjamin Button as a 70-year-old infant jumped into my mind, so I sure hope that's not the case.) Regardless of the reason, I made a resolution, actually said it out loud to Elijah so he can keep me accountable, and am finding myself following it. Not only that, it's been fun! And I'm going to use the blog to track the progress.
The resolution is simple: eat more vegetables. By this I mean trying new vegetables, cooking them in new ways, and having vegetables be the primary part of a meal versus just sides. I want vegetables to be the heroes in my life. Now this is really part of a natural progression for me, as I am finding that I have less and less interest in meat, especially not large quantities of it at any given time. Yet I was still finding myself thinking of vegetables as an afterthought to what I eat, and therefore was just not having enough of it. So making it a resolution makes me more proactive about planning and engaged in thinking about what I eat.
In any case, so far so good. And I've really been enjoying it too. So far I've had some fantastic meals with these vegetables as the main ingredients: brussels sprouts, tofu (ok, not a vegetable, but vegetarian), cauliflowers, carrots, and celery. And coming up I have winter melons, sweet potatoes, kabocha, mushrooms, and potatoes. And I have plans to try cooking with endive.
I will try to document these things as best as I can and share them. It's hard for me to remember to take pictures while I cook but I'll be more mindful. With the Internet as my source for recipes, there are just so many exciting possibilities.
Cheers and bravo to vegetables!
Strangely enough, I found myself wanting to and actually setting a resolution for 2010. Maybe as I'm aging I'm reverting back to my former self. (Well, as I think this thought, the image of Benjamin Button as a 70-year-old infant jumped into my mind, so I sure hope that's not the case.) Regardless of the reason, I made a resolution, actually said it out loud to Elijah so he can keep me accountable, and am finding myself following it. Not only that, it's been fun! And I'm going to use the blog to track the progress.
The resolution is simple: eat more vegetables. By this I mean trying new vegetables, cooking them in new ways, and having vegetables be the primary part of a meal versus just sides. I want vegetables to be the heroes in my life. Now this is really part of a natural progression for me, as I am finding that I have less and less interest in meat, especially not large quantities of it at any given time. Yet I was still finding myself thinking of vegetables as an afterthought to what I eat, and therefore was just not having enough of it. So making it a resolution makes me more proactive about planning and engaged in thinking about what I eat.
In any case, so far so good. And I've really been enjoying it too. So far I've had some fantastic meals with these vegetables as the main ingredients: brussels sprouts, tofu (ok, not a vegetable, but vegetarian), cauliflowers, carrots, and celery. And coming up I have winter melons, sweet potatoes, kabocha, mushrooms, and potatoes. And I have plans to try cooking with endive.
I will try to document these things as best as I can and share them. It's hard for me to remember to take pictures while I cook but I'll be more mindful. With the Internet as my source for recipes, there are just so many exciting possibilities.
Cheers and bravo to vegetables!
1/09/2010
Snuggie's Highs and Lows
I will always remember my first encounter with the Snuggie - on cable late one night channel surfing. Between the ads of chat phone lines with very friendly ladies and offers from competing mattress kings, I caught the Snuggie commercial - the new indispensable product for anyone who's economical yet desires a warm, comforting companion that doubles as a blanket while lounging around the house. From that moment on, oh Snuggie, you've captured my attention and I've experienced so many highs and lows with you.
So it was, I thought of the Snuggie as one of those silly unncessary products that somehow get made and marketed. Really was it better than a regular blanket? So every time I saw the commercial on TV I would make fun of it and shake my head.
And then the Snuggie was spotted at the Inauguration and broadcast on the news, in blogs, everywhere. It was so cold in DC at that time the use of Snuggie looked like a smart idea. At that point America, myself included, changed its mind about the Snuggie. It is useful and maybe even classy enough for the presidential inauguration!
The Snuggie, silly and dorky as it was, had earned a place in my heart. I was bombarded by its presence and it was dumb but funny enough for conversation, and therefore, memorable.
So much so that at our office Christmas party's white elephant gift exchange, when a Snuggie appeared I laughed and found that I wanted it! I wanted it so much I almost started salivating. And when a second Snuggie got unwrapped that evening I became doubly excited. I really really wanted that Snuggie. And I came close. I stole one of the Snuggies from a person but alas it was not meant to be. It got stolen back. Everyone, well maybe not everyone in the room, but many people wanted the Snuggies. It was a hot item. Almost as hot as the case of beer. Oh just imagine chilling on your couch with a Snuggie and drinking a case of beer...
In any case, that was as close as I ever got to owning a Snuggie. I reasoned with myself that if I really wanted one I can buy one online easily enough, and felt better that I didn't go home that night with one. And of course I never did buy one for myself. I have a perfectly comfortable down blanket that I use for lounging on my couch since it is so frigidly cold in my living room. Regardless I had found Snuggie had crept its way into my heart as an object of desire. A fleece blanket with arms that comes with a book light! And inexpensive! How useful.
And today I was happy to read a FastCompany piece on the Snuggie. I've come a full circle - proof from a third party that the Snuggie is, after all, not so useful and magical. Its performance and durability appears to be lacking. Thank you FastCompany, you've brought me back around to sanity.
1/06/2010
Dusty and His Beer
Animals do the darnedest things. For example, I found out on New Years Day that Dusty is fond of Coors Light.
Here he is, guarding his beer. His look says, "I'm watching you. Don't try anything funny cuz I'm ready to pounce."
After he sensed there was no threat to someone taking his beverage, he relaxed and snuggled with his Coors. Looks like they had a heart-to-heart exchange.
Here he is, guarding his beer. His look says, "I'm watching you. Don't try anything funny cuz I'm ready to pounce."
After he sensed there was no threat to someone taking his beverage, he relaxed and snuggled with his Coors. Looks like they had a heart-to-heart exchange.
11/19/2009
carrot love
I know this link has been posted on multiple sites, but I just LOVE it, and must share.
Go to the Magpie Studio web site to learn more about the project - it has a nice environmental message. What I love also is this pic from the project:
The image of the child feeding the rabbit is all too precious. Seeing this great carrot display, what I would love to see is a continuation of the project, where you release a bunch of rabbits on the carrot rabbit and photo-document or even video-document what happens.
How long would it take for the rabbits to consume the carrots? Do they start on the perimeter and work their way in or do they just jump into the middle and start eating? Do they get distracted by other things around them or does the sight and smell of a field of carrots keep them occupied?
So many questions. I guess I would have to build my own carrot field and find a host of rabbits to find out myself. Maybe some animal behaviorist or rabbit expert might find this an interesting experiment and join in the fun. Oh the possibilities!
[via Magpie Studio]
Go to the Magpie Studio web site to learn more about the project - it has a nice environmental message. What I love also is this pic from the project:
How long would it take for the rabbits to consume the carrots? Do they start on the perimeter and work their way in or do they just jump into the middle and start eating? Do they get distracted by other things around them or does the sight and smell of a field of carrots keep them occupied?
So many questions. I guess I would have to build my own carrot field and find a host of rabbits to find out myself. Maybe some animal behaviorist or rabbit expert might find this an interesting experiment and join in the fun. Oh the possibilities!
[via Magpie Studio]
11/17/2009
Blog I love: lets.rebuild.
I was searching for Herman Miller furniture one day, and stumbled upon lets.rebuild. And I've been a fan ever since.
The site doesn't just sell Herman Miller furniture - it's so much more than that. lets.rebuild. regularly lists and sells "upcycled, recycled, vintage, mid-century, danish modern, and custom built furniture as well as things genuinely worth having - in the Triangle area of North Carolina." I don't know if Ryan Helsel, who owns the blog, is the one who restores and works on the furniture or if he collects, and sells them, but I'm thankful that he's there to share these beautiful and smart pieces to the world. Even if I may not be interested in a piece, I still love the beautiful photography.
Here are some of my favorites from lets.rebuild.:
This piece reminds me of a chair I had - wooden stiletto legs, pale yellow, vinyl, mid-century. Except mine had a very boxy shape. Mine got redone in a beautiful orange wool fabric and now belongs to a friend. I hope this piece also got the same love.
[via lets.rebuild.]
The site doesn't just sell Herman Miller furniture - it's so much more than that. lets.rebuild. regularly lists and sells "upcycled, recycled, vintage, mid-century, danish modern, and custom built furniture as well as things genuinely worth having - in the Triangle area of North Carolina." I don't know if Ryan Helsel, who owns the blog, is the one who restores and works on the furniture or if he collects, and sells them, but I'm thankful that he's there to share these beautiful and smart pieces to the world. Even if I may not be interested in a piece, I still love the beautiful photography.
Here are some of my favorites from lets.rebuild.:
This piece reminds me of a chair I had - wooden stiletto legs, pale yellow, vinyl, mid-century. Except mine had a very boxy shape. Mine got redone in a beautiful orange wool fabric and now belongs to a friend. I hope this piece also got the same love.
[via lets.rebuild.]
Our Autumn Trip to New York
E and I took a 9 day vacation to New York, starting in the City, then up to New Paltz, then up to the Finger Lakes. I really missed the fall season and the changing of colors, and E had never been to New York, so we thought it would make for a great trip.
And of course, any vacation wouldn't be ours unless there was some climbing involved. So we got to climb at the Gunks, which was such an amazing place. I only wished it wasn't so cold and rainy so we could've gotten more climbing in.
It was such a beautiful trip - we got all kinds of weather and had lots of fantastic food (of course! It was New York!), and got to see old friends. Will definitely be back out to the Gunks again.
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