Thoreau, when he spent two years on Walden Pond to live simply, wrote,
“Most men, even in this comparatively free country, through mere ignorance and mistake, are so occupied with the factitious cares and superfluously course labors of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by them…He has no time to be anything but a machine.”
Thoreau had to abandon work and friends to live simply, but he was not against it. He just had no choice at the time, given the technology at hand. I think we–and information workers like programmers, designers and writers especially–are capable right now of living a fantastic life that marries the wild vitality that Thoreau experienced at Walden with the better parts of civilized living.
” via: Happiness Takes (A Little) Magic | The Wirecutter“Nemeses” (featuring John Roderick of The Long Winters) by Jonathan Coulton.
This came up on shuffle recently and it’s just so catchy, I can’t get it out of my head. Clever as heck too.
Plus, the guest artist on the track is the awesome John Roderick from the band, The Long Winters, who are responsible for one of my favorite songs of all time.
(Source: clevermoniker)
This is a great little mini-doc with restaurant genius, Mr.Chow on striving for perfection and succeeding.
His advice? “Every detail is a universe.” …and even then, you may only get a chance at a masterpiece. Sounds like a chance worth taking to me.
(via The Fox Is Black)
I just found this video posted by Scout Books, showing their process in today’s most common fashion: well-shot video of the machines dancing around to a delightful indie soundtrack. I love these videos, but I love this video especially because I’ve used this company before! Story time…
Back in May of 2011, when my best-friend/design-comrade Kyle Koch and I were gathering the final touches on our joint thesis, we knew we want to make a little thank-you/swag item for those who came to see and critique our work. Being designers who both take a lot of notes, and Field Notes fans to the core, we wanted to make our own little notebooks.
Our main criteria was that the books be “as environmentally friendly and American-made as possible.” So we were delighted when we found Scout Books. Scout fit both of our criteria, being that they are printed in Portland and are 100% recycled. They also had a really streamlined process for getting our design on the books. Not to mention, Scout had an affordable price for our modest collegiate budget.
In the end, the books not only looked great (see photo below), but we had plenty to pass out to critics, potential employers, and friends. In fact, I think we both still have some left over. But they’re durable little guys full of grid paper, so we’re glad to have a few still in need of some use! Should the chance arise, I’d order from Scout again, so be sure to check them out if you’re in the market.
Oh man, Mast Brothers Chocolate… this is one of the first places I would visit if I ever get Home-Alone-2’d to New York City. American made, fine quality chocolate from Brooklyn. Can’t beat that.
Wanna see them in action? Check out this mini-doc and bask in their awesome beards:
(Source: cavalier)
Winter approaches; and with the cold of winter comes the need for heartier breakfast fare. Sure, a weekend 2-egg veggie omelet is good in the summer, but as the temperature drops below freezing, a man (or woman) wants some carbs. Pancakes, belgian waffles, and french toast… all are valid winter breakfast items. But they alone are not enough. For on top of every good waffle, falls a good syrup.
Where else to get that syrup than from The Best Made Co? Certified organic, Grade A medium amber, glass bottled in half gallon jugs. As always, Best Made Co. products come from the U.S. of A. and this particular item is harvested and bottled in New Hampshire. At $68 for a half-gallon, it’s clearly a purchase for those wanting a premium syrup experience this winter, but knowing Best Made Co. it will not disappoint.
…and don’t forget, Christmas is also on its way, so if you have a resident foodie friend or hearty woodsman who enjoys pancake accoutrement, this could make a great gift!
That time of the year fast approaches… And our downtown doesn’t look half bad when it does.
via: oneofthosesituations:
(Source: themostcuriousofcats)
