Monday, August 30, 2010

The Undead Book

Books currently "developing character" in my bag: A Confederacy of Dunces (John Kennedy Toole), Chief Culture Officer (Grant McCracken), Wikinomics (Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams).

“Death of” media predictions have persisted for some time and in reference to many different types, notes a recent New York Times article. For example, TV was supposed to kill the radio and the movies, and the internet was supposed to kill TV. However, as the article goes on to detail, none of these forms of media have ever truly died, but rather, have evolved to fulfill other roles or, particularly in the case of vinyl, re-emerged to fulfill new niches.

Yet, a question still remains as to how literature will evolve. Certainly we see obvious indications as to the future of non-fiction print, the increasing prevalence of online news sources, the decline of the literal newspaper, the popularity of topical blogs. Such media has well begun carving out its future existence as widely available, short-burst bites of information. Nevertheless, and at least for me, the future of long-form non-fiction and fictional literature remains less certain. I say at least for me because, though some may roll their eyes and say “obviously, they’ll be translated to ebook formats to be read on the iPad or Kindle,” I, honestly, want nothing to do with those formats or products.

Now, I am not saying that the iPad or Kindle are non-functional or pointless products that I would never use, but they are products that I would prefer not to use to engage myself with a book. A couple summers ago I went on a Cross-Canada train trip for roughly a month. Going from Toronto to Vancouver, back to Toronto and then to Halifax with a number of spots in between, takes a lot of days aboard a train, and unless there are Aussies aboard doing it too, reading material becomes your best friend for the long stretches between great views, destinations, arrivals, departures, and daylight.

The novel that most notably accompanied me on this trip was Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. As a piece of literature it provided an amazing escape from train induced boredom (which, despite the views, is bound to happen), but more importantly, as a solitary traveller, it became an appreciated companion. Physically, its appearance and development matched my own, the less I shaved, the more creased its covers became, the more thoughts I had while reading it, the more notes were jotted down inside its cover. It became less a book in my bag than it did a partner, accompanying me on my journey and developing its own character along the way.

It seems unrealistic to me that an iPad or Kindle could ever provide such appreciated (and durable) company. The sterile, glowing screen aside, even if I were to decide to bring one on any form of rugged adventure, I sincerely doubt that I would view a broken or chipped screen as proudly (or, at least, indifferently) as I would a ripped, coffee stained cover.

I guess the point to be made is that literary print, as it exists and has existed for centuries, remains a much more flexible format than those that are vying to be the next link in its evolution. Looking back at the aforementioned examples of TV and Radio, in their evolution their ease of use and application has been increased. Radio has gone from large, immobile, wooden units to personal devices that tune into digital signals (which can also be personalized). TV has gone through very similar transformations. Books, on the other hand, have always been a highly personalized experience (personalization being a decidedly central concern of all media evolution). If anything, those products trying to push the medium forward seem more like a step back. I’d rather lose a single, beat-up paperback worth $10.00, than my entire library contained on a pristine, plastic device worth $500.00 alone.

Of course, and as the article further points out, the real question in literature’s evolution is not necessarily “is the print format dead?” But rather, “is our attention-span?” Certainly, having all your social media available on the same medium as your book is not conducive to dedicated reading time.

So, books, what’s next?

Friday, August 27, 2010

March of the Bags




A new project, by Californian environmental group Heal the Bay, builds a bridge between humourous viral videos and environmental campaign awareness.

The Majestic Plastic Bag is a mockumentary, narrated by Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, that parodies various nature documentaries as it makes believe that plastic bags are an indigenious species of Californian wildlife. The short video details the epic journey of a plastic bag, from the grocery store to its final, migratory home in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a clump of consumer waste, ranging in size estimates from the state of Texas to the whole of the contintental United States, and located in the North Pacific Ocean.

The film was made to function as a viral video, funny and easily shared, so that it might also raise awareness about the push to have Calfornia's congress pass bill AB 1998, a piece of legislation that would significantly reduce plastic waste (such as banning the use of plastic bags) in the state.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Song of the Week

Great, just... great.

Broken Bells - High Road

Monday, August 23, 2010

Nerds on High

Miles Davis, as seen on Nerd Boyfriend.

A short and sweet post for this dull and dreary Monday.

Back in the spring, a friend had turned me on to a simple but fun, little, men's fashion blog called Nerd Boyfriend. The premise of this blog is beyond simple, it consists entirely of a single, iconic photo of a famous male figure (whether actor, musician, scientist writer, adventurer and so on), and then beneath that photo are thumbnail picture links to clothing websites where you can buy articles of clothing similar to those worn by the icon in the photo.

Similar to The Sartorialist, in its celebration of an individual's style, Nerd Boyfriend is differentiated both by this online retail association as well as its focus on legends rather than the stylistic recognition of the anonymous individual.

Aside from its name, there is little else to know about Nerd Boyfriend, seriously, the blog has no other sections or offers no other information about itself or who runs it. Even the name is an odd choice, upon searching on Google, the blog's description is listed as "shopping guide and style blog for the fashionably nerdy male," ok, clear enough, and true enough considering some of their past photographic selections (Woody Allen). Yet, if one were to visit today, they'd be greeted by a fantastic photo of Miles Davis, the man who defines the word "cool" and is anything but "nerdy."

Either way, it will shortly be an addition to my links at the side, as a site that I visit regularly.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Among the Clutter

Thrift store on St. Laurent, Montreal, 2010.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

You've Got Mouse



Mice exist, deal with it.

Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to deal with it inhumanely, as we have been doing for the last however long time.

For those who’d rather avoid pinched fingers, mess, smells or murderous guilt, the new OneDown mousetrap design, entered into the 2010 International Design Excellence awards (and winner of the gold prize), on behalf of the DSK International School of Design, does precisely this. When set on its side, the bottle shaped trap allows the mouse to enter through its mouth. Once in, the mouse’s own weight causes the trap to roll upright, on its rounded bottom, indicating that it has made a catch. From here, one can simply empty its contents outside and away from the home.

Now, the comment may be posed that, by doing this, it just gives the mouse a chance to come back. This is true, but, with far more mice in the world than people, it is more than likely that another mouse will make a visit anyway. If you really want to keep mice away altogether, a cat is still tops in design and function.




This trap design was not quite functional... and was never as fun as the commercials made it look.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Shades of Hell

Three versions of the same song (well, kind of, the third is a sampe of the first)... Which is your favourite?

Either way, enjoy!

1. (Original) The Clash - Straight to Hell


2. (Cover) Lily Allen - Straight to Hell


3. (Sample of Original) M.I.A. - Paper Planes

Monday, August 16, 2010

Tailored Back to the Future


Last week, at a local pub, I had a conversation with a fella about “old-world” professions, such as cobblers and tailors, and their (often diminishing) translation and presence in the modern world. The conversation, largely focused on the admirably persistent cobbler that still operated a shop a block away, was concerned with a question of whether we should, as a society, be dismayed over the loss of such practices, or recognize their greatly lessened necessity and be comfortable with their products more streamlined production.

Now, two things, first; though tailors were discussed, it would be wrong to put it, as a profession, anywhere near the modern status of cobblers. Despite the “mall-ification” of mainstream fashion, with designer brands and template “fitted” clothing, tailors are still a very essential, everyday profession. Second; New York based tailoring company Second Button has quite adequately addressed the above questions and taken an entirely novel approach to re-translating an old-world profession into the new world of fashion.

How Second Button works is a person would first custom order a shirt through the company’s website, selecting from five different styles (classic, alternative, western, military, utility), and then from a variety of details, buttons, fabrics, and colours. Upon checking-out online, you are prompted to enter your measurements, if you do not know them, visit a tailor or follow the site’s how-to videos. Shortly thereafter, the customer would receive their bespoke shirt for the relatively (considering the services involved and high degree of customization) inexpensive price of $70-$85.

Second Button takes its name from the issue its founder had taken up with the placement of the second button on most men’s shirts, and the difficulty in its look when the top button is left undone (either showing off too much chest, or running right up into the neck.). To this end, the company’s primary mission is to produce comfortable, customized shirts, with an impeccable male neckline when worn casually undone.

The one conceivable minus to Second Button, is that despite the innovative reinvigoration of the ancient craft of personalized clothing, under the site’s FAQs it is noted that all shirts are precisely tailored in Hong Kong. Issues regarding working conditions aside (as I cannot say whether or not there would be any here), the obvious issue to be legitimately concerned with is that this does little to revive this old, and necessary, profession on a “main street” near you. Very little can compare the face to face service of a locally dedicated (and talented tailor), so it is always recommended to find one in your own town and start building that relationship.

Now, how do we revive the art of cobbling?

Friday, August 13, 2010

Sterling-Cooper Lands Mattel


In a promotional tie-in, that kicked off the fourth season of the TV sensation MadMen (now in full-swing, having premiered Sunday, July 25), toy-maker Mattel teamed with the show’s production company, Lionsgate, to release four, very limited edition, MadMen Barbie dolls. Being translated into doll form, sharp suits, high retro fashion and all, are the characters Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), Roger Sterling (John Slattery), Don Draper (John Hamm), and, most appropriately, Betty Draper (January Jones).

Though every TV show, movie, video-game, and their aunts seem to have collector’s edition action figures/dolls tied into their promotional/product strategy, the MadMen partnership with Barbie stands alone in that it is a very well suited one, no pun intended. As Robert Thompson, professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University put it in a New York Times article, “Mad Men’ represents so beautifully the universe that created Barbie.” This is particularly evident when considering that Barbie was introduced to the world in 1959, and the first episode of MadMen takes place in 1960.

Further bolstering this is simply taking into consideration the character of Betty Draper, the conflicted and seemingly soul-less, Barbie-resembling, ‘50s/60s housewife. Not to overly simplify the Betty character, but she does often come across strikingly doll-like, blonde outside, hollow plastic inside. One wonders if perhaps this partnership better serves MadMen and the themes it presents, rather than Barbie and the, continuously, under-fire image of females that it represents.

Nevertheless, this strategy continues to cement MadMen’s place as a modern, pop-cultural phenomenon, and though I would never fork over the $74USD to purchase any of the dolls anyway, I do find it unfortunate that the Betty Draper doll doesn’t come with an air-powered rifle and her neighbour’s doves to use as target practice (remember that? Wow! Craziest/funniest way to end an episode).


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Charge!


Photo of another work by Andrew Dunn Clarke, Function 13, Toronto, summer 2010.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Design Advancement in Frog-Leaps and Bounds




How does someone in Shanghai reduce the power cord clutter in their workspace? Does someone in Seattle have an interesting way of organizing this chaos? And, what are the many ways in which bikes are used for work worldwide?

A new site, Frog Mob, aims to make an instant ethnographer out of all who visit it. Through crowdsourcing people’s creative solutions to common obstacles, a visitor can instantly research how these problems, circumstances, or obstacles may be addressed by various cultures.

Essentially, a topic is created on FrogMob, and then visitors are prompted to submit simplified pieces of media pertaining to the topic, primarily photographs and a brief note. In regards to submissions, FrogMob maintains the following rules:



"1. Keep it visual. A primary goal of this study is to get as many photos as
possible.
2. Be original. All photos must be your own: no stock photography
or published database images.
3. Make it conversational. Whenever possible,
talk to people. Save notes/quotes along with your pictures.
4. Keep it
simple. No reams of notes or audio/video recordings to help us streamline
analysis and synthesis.
5. Make it quick. All photos and insights due back
within one week.
6. Share your findings. Upload and tag your photos to the
active frogMob.
7. To see examples, please view the synthesized results of
past frogMobs"


Beyond the stated ethnographic intent, FrogMob also aims to provide inspiration to designers and manufacturers to aid them in the creation of products and services that are of greater benefit to the user/consumer, on this, FrogMob states that:



“At frog, design research is a tool we use to make sense of human behavior. It
helps us to find those nuggets of insight that lead us to create products and
services that make people’s lives better. With this in mind, we are opening up
our design research process. And we want you to join in.”

Despite the prospects that FrogMob holds for intellectual inspiration and design research potential, it is still in its infancy, with only three topics to date (the third, power solutions, is still open for submissions). Nevertheless, its functionality is still there for anyone looking for creative solutions for the existent topics, whether it be cluttered power cords or the ways in which people effectively take part in social contexts, despite differences in place and time. Moreover, the future potential for crowdsource-inspired easing of humanity’s daily experience, certainly makes it a website to watch and continually check in on.


Sunday, August 8, 2010

Horses Got Issues Too

Post-protest, Montpellier, France, Spring 2009.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

An Inopportune Education

Monty Python's value of academia.

In a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, author, and research fellow at MIT’s Sloan School’s Centre for Digital Business, Michael Shrage extols the virtues of applicable skills over levels of higher-education in making oneself more attractively employable. Though stopping well short of stating that post-secondary levels of education are worthless, Schrage describes an ever widening gap between success in the classroom and success in the career path.


“...Education is a misleading-to-malignant proxy for economic productivity or
performance. Knowledge may be power, but "knowledge from college" is neither
predictor nor guarantor of success. Growing numbers of informed observers
increasingly describe a higher education "bubble" that makes a college
and/or
university education a subprime investment for too many attendees.”

Such an assertion, as that made by Schrage, is not wholly unbelievable. Up until even the mid-90s, job prospects for post-secondary grads were not bad by any stretch of the imagination. Now, however, it seems almost rare that a Canadian University grad will not complete an additional form of training or education beyond their initial undergrad. Furthermore, what it is particularly telling, and is entirely related to the notion of an education “bubble,” is that much of this additional training will be done in what are often more practical and applicable College programs, particularly those that are more closely tied to a field of choice. Within the education realm, Schrage posits that:

'...alumni networks may be more economically valuable than whatever one studied
in class. "Where you went" may prove professionally more helpful than "what
you
know."’
Of course, and not in disagreement with Schrage’s argument, perhaps it’s not the institution, but the student that is creating this unemployable “bubble.” Whereas the boomer generation, which found employable gold in the cultivation of a bachelor degree, may have been more prepared to apply their education to their existent skills and make their own way in the world, this (aka. my) generation maybe less independently trailblazing, and more expectant of things to come through simply following the same educational process as their parents. Heck, even the former President of my alma mater used to tell crowds of first years during Welcome Week that among the more important things they’d learn at school is what they learn outside of the classroom. Though these words may have been more in reference to important life lessons and relationships, they could also very easily apply to getting involved in extracurricular activities that hone your skills and give you something to talk about later.

Either way, this is something to seriously consider, especially for those of us looking towards our careers and especially for those of us looking towards our careers with a decent bachelor of the arts background and making our way through MBA programs (both of which are referred to somewhat gloomily in the second paragraph... doh!).

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Social Network's "Creep"



Scala and Kolacny Brothers - "Creep"

If you haven't yet seen the trailer for The Social Network directed by David Fincher, then you haven't yet heard this amazing cover of Radiohead's "Creep." reminiscent of the opening of the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" the use of the choir offers such a different sound perspective on the song (and creates an odd sense of discomfort when they drop the F-bomb in the chorus).

Check out a number of their other choral renditions of famous songs, such as Coldplay's "Yellow" and U2's "With or Without You."

Monday, August 2, 2010

Enjoy the Sorrow


At a four-movie, dusk ‘til dawn show at East Hamilton’s Starlite Drive-In, I once again, and quite happily, saw Get Him to the Greek. In what has been a very dismal cinematic summer (thank god for the arrival of Inception), the quasi-sequel/spin-off comedy Get Him to the Greek has been a hilarious saving grace.

Staring Russell Brand, reprising his role as Aldous Snow from Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), and Jonah Hill, not reprising his role from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek is about Hill’s character’s struggle to get “off the wagon” again Aldous Snow from London to a live show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles (and convincing him to revive his washed-up career along the way).

For those who remember Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you may recall a number of faux-rock singles performed by Aldous Snow and his band Infant Sorrow, such as “We’ve Got to Do Something” and “Inside of You.” What is great about Get Him to the Greek is that not only did the makers continue with this idea, but the entire film soundtrack does, in fact, double as an Infant Sorrow – Live at the Greek album, enticing the audience to believe that Infant Sorrow, and front man Aldous Snow, do actually exist.

The album is comprised of a number of Infant Sorrow’s supposed classic hits, such as “Going Up,” “the Clap,” “F.O.H.,” and the ill-received “African Child.” And, to ensure the correct sound (90s inspired Brit-rock), the album is actually a collaboration of established contemporary British rockers such as Carl Barat of the Libertines and former Pulp front man Jarvis Cocker. As well as influences from Russell Brand, and Jason Segel - who wrote the songs that were featured in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and make appearances in this film.

Not unlike Flight of the Conchords, these quirky songs sound great while giving a sort of cheeky wink to the listener. Yet, what is particularly interesting with this album is that despite being, at face value, a fictional band with false singles made for the soundtrack of summer comedy and all tied into a clever marketing strategy, it’s actually a much more enjoyable listen than a good amount of what’s currently heard on mainstream radio.

Unfortunately the Infant Sorrow live-shows were a very limited engagement, however, to further suspend your disbelief (and gladly so), check out the Infant Sorrow website. Or simply buy the album here.



Infant Sorrow "Going Up."

Sunday, August 1, 2010

You Must be This Terrified to Ride

A bizarrely scary Inspector Gadget carnival ride, Nimes, France spring 2009.