Spitballing Indy

posted April 14, 2015 #

This New Yorker article is about the mythology of spitballing - throwing out random ideas and seeing what sticks. But, really, the article is mostly a summary of this transcript from a conversation in 1978 in which Steven Spielberg and George Lucas discuss how Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom should come together. It's actual, effective, spitballing and it's fascinating to see the entire process laid out. Good ideas, bad ideas, lost ideas, horrible insights - they're all there.

The whole thing ties in nicely to this insight from Lena Masek. Working out ideas is the thing, even the greats like ole Spielberg and Lucas do it.

posted April 14, 2015 #

Imposter Syndrome: be honest with yourself about what you know and have accomplished & focus less on the difference. http://t.co/VTjS5KdR6Y

posted April 14, 2015 #

The debut LP from @bopenglishmusic is better than whatever you're listening to right now. https://t.co/1HGrGJK08E

The Ruins Of Industrial Gowanus

posted April 14, 2015 #

I'm a sucker for photographs of buildings falling apart, particular interior shots. These images from Patrick Schnell are right up my alley, documenting the fleeting ruins of the industrial area of Gowanus, Brooklyn. They are particularly impactful for me as I live around the corner from this area and see the change happening every day. It really is sad to see these giant buildings of industry be torn down or gutted for more generic living spaces but such is the passage of time I guess. It's unfortunate to see them go but it's nice to see someone is documenting their departure.

via Bryan

How to choose between rem and em

posted April 13, 2015 #

don't think I ever properly educated myself on the usage

Brand By Hand

posted April 13, 2015 #

Maybe it's just the currently flavor but I am enjoying this Brand by Hand experiment that takes recognizable brand marks and reworks them into a more flourished, hand painted style. As this article points out, it's oddly humanizing for the companies but I can't imagine any one of these organizations coming out of the gate with such a look. Are there any startups or big brands out there embracing this kind of look?

Black Science, Vol. 1

posted April 13, 2015 #

This morning I finished off the first volume of Image Comics Black Science (How To Fall Forever). It's one of those exemplary pieces of graphic novel sci-fi that dumps you right into the story and reveals pieces of the whole the further you venture. As one reviewer put it, there's no "plot armor" at work - meaning, no character is safe from total obliteration. I tend to gravitate towards stories like that because there really is more on the line when your main protagonist could eat it at any moment.

Beyond the story, it's also drawn incredibly well and covers a lot of different worlds - so there's plenty of crazy aliens and alternate worlds. Kind of like Sliders but minus all of the cheesy aspects - so, nothing like Sliders.

Typefaces: Optical Ilusions

posted April 13, 2015 #

Anyone that's ever really dug into playing with type (let's say, 300% zoom in any graphic program) realize that typefaces aren't a rigid structure. So, this piece from Tobais Frere-Jones that explains the Optical Illusion That Tricks You Into Thinking That Typeface Letters Are the Same Height isn't news per se but it is educational, informative and chock-full of nerdy typeface gifs.

posted April 13, 2015 #

More @birdcloudusa from the other day. I'll give it a rest now and next time these are shared they'll be in print!? http://t.co/SvrbdcrpgT

posted April 12, 2015 #

just 575 days to decide http://t.co/fLRpArVago

posted April 12, 2015 #

#WhyImNotVotingForHillary she will take my guns. 0bama tried do but couldn't because i pray hard. Hilary is witch &can do spell

posted April 12, 2015 #

Wasn?t a giant fan of Mumford & Sons till now. http://t.co/7LZSd0SJaR

posted April 12, 2015 #

What is a human if not a bundle of sensors?

posted April 12, 2015 #

periscope is an extremely good app http://t.co/xpYeEvWEBE

posted April 12, 2015 #

No http://t.co/ZbyGsIB3pg

posted April 12, 2015 #

How do we NOT have Gov programs for these desperate people?! If you feel charity in your heart today, consider this. http://t.co/tMFNCcGKGi

Robert Durst sends bizarre letter to reporter

posted April 10, 2015 #

oh Bob

Friday Videos - April 10th, 2015

posted April 10, 2015 #

Big week this week - namely in the release of that Makeup and Vanity Set record, Wilderness. I promise to stop talking about it so much but I'm happy to announce that the first run of the vinyl has already Sold Out. That's a helluva accomplishment in my opinion and I'm hoping we push forward to a second run. If you need further convincing beyond my gushing, read these reviews - that should do it. And now, on to the videos...

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared 4 - I know this made the rounds last week but I'm still obsessed with it. The previous episodes were good but this is next level greatness.
Penicillin Baby - Stick It Out - Nashville band that's been good for some time but they've just released this weird video and are going on tour. Hoping for good things from them.
Stairway To Stardom (1988) - Horowitz & Spector "Boiled Chicken" - This is but one entry in the spellbinding collection of Stairway to Stardom courtesy of Network Awesome. Many thanks to Paige for the existence of this wonderful little spot on the Internet.
The very BEST of TAMMY Chelcie Lynn - I posted an out-of-context clip from Chelcie Lynn last week and soon learned that her hilarious redneck character is, indeed, intentional. I'm a bit bummed to be in on the secret but happy there's so much more of her absurdity to see.
Real Life Batsuit: Combat Armor - This guy built a real life Batsuit and uses this video to show it off. I'm all for earnestness and accomplishing personal projects but there's something about this video that is perfectly amusing. I'm sure they are aware of a man fast punching at a person's stomach is a classic comedy trope. Well done Bat fan.
Ethnic Zorigoo ft Zaya - Mongolian throat rapping. It's a thing and I love it.
mooney's minutes - nice dose of Kyle Mooney from 2013. You needed a little awkward in your weekend.

If you haven't seen this teaser for Eidolon, get into it. Joey did a great job. Speaking of teasers.. how about this True Detective Season 2 preview... not sure what to think!

Have a great weekend, whenever you read this.

20 Animals Licking Glass That Have No Idea How Silly They Look

posted April 9, 2015 #

this is... DELIGHTFUL

Jessie Baylin, Dark Place

posted April 9, 2015 #

When Jessie Baylin released her 2012 album Little Spark I was immediately smitten with it. It's just the right combination of upbeat pop and serious melancholy. After listening to it on regular rotation for a few years I wondered what a follow-up would be like... presumably not quite as forelorn. Fortunately, with the release of Dark Place, her latest full-length album, all my fears and doubts are laid to rest.

The album was produced, arranged, mixed and musically performed by Richard Swift, another artist I have an undying crush on and is also at his strongest mixing pop and melancholy. Songs like Creepers (Young Love) are clearly the more accessible introductory style singles but the album is brimming with quiet pieces that still demand your attention through Baylin's expressive voice.

The styles run the gamut from doo-wop inspiration to crunchy garage rock to ambient reverb-y spaces. All that is to say, it's a great record. Go see her play 3rd and Lindsley for her album release celebration - she and Swift deserve some accolades for it.