Ample Sanity

Bullseye

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:09:17 GMT

"Ideas pull the trigger, but instinct loads the gun." Don Marquis

Positively Melancholy is an enjoyable personal discussion of design, fashion, photography and life. (via)

The One Minutes a collection of one-minute videos where the contrasts and parallels of our vast, complex humanity can be glimpsed upon in little one-minute chunks. (via)

Have you checked Universal Everything lately?

I love it when someone comes up with a real-life mashup, and Waskman Design Studio has a beaut. So who's up for a nice Blogcation, hmmmm?

Can't wait. "9, you shall protect the future."

"In the images in White's series, both figures are blossoming into womanhood, though each along a different path." Interesting. At The Morning News: Teen and Transgender Comparative Study. (via)

Jesus never lived in Michigan. If he had, he'd have spent his time fishing.".

MP3: False Alarm.

Recipe: Stuffed Turkey Peppers.

Retail Therapy: UrbanOutfitters: Blindbox Heroes and Heartbreakers by Kidrobot. Life-Size Dachshund Lamp. Healthy College Cookbook.

Revisits: Dr. Amoeba's A to F of Seduction. Gorillas Don't Blog. Bruno Bozzetto, Life.

Listening To: Portugal, The Man.

Found Sentence: I wish my wife tweeted more, because based on the number of ideas I have for anniversary presents, I really need to get to know her better. ∞

Vision

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:09:30 GMT

The Cold War Kids music video "I've Seen Enough" is interactive and very cool. Thanks, dwt.

Heading to the eye surgeon to see about getting my caddy repaired. Cadillac just sounds cooler than cataract. The same with roof-top chicken pops (shingles). After, Mark is taking me out to the rez for a little culture fix. The rez is actually Seneca, and i'm Chiricahua, but geographically, it's a case of beggers and choosers. Generally, the Chiricahua are a proud people. And quite adept horse thieves. I, however, have the keen eye of a bat, and the only vision quest I've ever experienced was Leary-related. I did get the cheekbones and heavy eyelids though. I'm still waiting on the horse.

Okay, so i'm outta here. You go do something equally enjoyable. Although, knowing a few of you as i do, you might want to wait till you get home.

Return

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:52:51 GMT

"When you look closely people are so strange and so complicated that they're actually beautiful."

After Michael Jackson Died.

Totally fallen in love with a band of peculiar, rather lonely looking fellows. Jake Waldron crafts extraordinary "hidden world" mixed media sculptures.

I keep coming back to the beautiful art piece, Mumbling Resemblances by Kendra Binney. I suppose i should do more than stare longingly, before they're all gone.

Artist Leanne Biank has a wonderful blog where you'll find many terrific crafty tips and ideas.

An image a day shoos the doldrums away. Pixelbloggen (via).

Very interesting. Have a gander at the idea-filled Buckminster Fuller Challenge. ( via)

Bryan Adams Photography. Yes, that Bryan Adams.

Rima Staines (illustrator, painter, maker of things, & teller of tales), whose online home is a phantasmagoria, a museum of myth known as The Hermitage, also has a delightful blog.

Angels & Demons, the science behind the story.

Send your name to Mars.

Mp3s: Winsome Smile. Bobby Womack Mixtape.

Recipe: Parmesan Breaded Scallops.

Colorful & Schwangy Retail Therapy: Jimi Wallet (details). LOMO Holga kit CMY edition. Diana+ Deluxe Kit.

Revisits: Tiny Art Director. National Archives Experience: Digital Vaults. Hypertextopia.

Listening To: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Memory.

Found Sentence: The average age most people consider "old" is 68, according to a recent study. The study may have been skewed, as those over 68 kept telling the pollsters to get off their lawns. ∞

What do you need to get back to?

Satan's Fourth Mouth

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:39:09 GMT

"We urge your Honor to commit Madoff to prison for the remainder of his natural life, and when he leaves this earth virtually unmourned, may Satan grow a fourth mouth, where Bernard L. Madoff deserves to spend the rest of eternity." link
Unfortunately, no amount of misery and pain imagined on this earth or below it could match the misery Madoff has caused. Justice is not possible where there is no conscience.

Furious Vulvas and Other Exciting Things

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:43:56 GMT

Love me those visible threads, and when they're artful, even more so. Hudson Valley Seed Library has these wonderful Art Packs with artwork by Hudson Valley artists. They celebrate the beauty and interpersonal connections inherent in heirloom gardening and seed-saving, and reflect the region's vibrant creative culture. They are printed with earth-friendly inks on sturdy stock made of recycled paper. The shape and layout of each art pack was crafted by artist Sarah Snow ( don't you simply adore her collage?) of Treeo Design (such snazzy wrapping papers). It was Treeo who did custom box designs for Bluestocking Bonbons (vegans amp; environmentalists, check their "about us" page). Naturally, I simply had to check out the Furious Vulvas! Luscious bittersweet chocolates filled with sweetly peppery pink peppercorns and Hawaiian alaea sea salt that is naturally reddish pink because of the intense amount of healthy minerals in the volcanic Hawaiian soil. Well, really, who would not want to wrap their mouth around such a delectable vulva? And look -- Raspberries de Pizan: Fresh raspberry puree with a touch of balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper enrobed in bittersweet chocolate. A taste of heaven in a beautiful box. Raspberries de Pizan are named after Christine de Pizan (1364-1431). a Venetian born intellectual whose criticism of a popular book because of its extreme misogyny initiated what was called the querelle des femmes, widely seen as the beginning of modern feminism. In 1405 she wrote The Book of the City of Ladies, a passionate celebration of women's intellectual power.

Mp3s: Someone's Got It In for Me. End in Flames. Vintage Girl.

Heckuva Found Sentence: Rather than force a project I hate into something else, better I find a project I like and try to make it great. ∞

By the way: Mark just finished his 62 mile ride to raise money for cancer research. He and the bike have both recovered nicely enough from last week's jarring hit by an elderly driver. The bike required only a new wheel, and all of Mark's bruises and scrapes are on the mend save for a nasty 5 inch diameter oozing mess on his left calf. Antibiotic ointment + medicinal scotch and water help immensely.

Brodner on Michael Jackson: Titanic Talent

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:44:55 GMT

Of all that's been said, or will likely be said, Steve Brodner's response in words and image to Michael Jackson's death says it all, and says it best.

Water, Cello, and Socks

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:50:46 GMT

"There is no life without water." Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

The story of the last great supply of fresh drinking water on earth: Providing Earth with 20 percent of its surface fresh water and its third largest industrial economy, the Great Lakes are a unique and precious resource under assault by toxins, sewage, invasive species, evaporating water and profound apathy. They are also one of the planet's great preserves of exraordinary wilderness beauty and a bounty of unique species. Filmed over a full year with a battery of specialty cameras and techniques, Waterlife provides an unprecedented view of an incredible ecosystem rarely seen by the city dwellers who form most of its population. Related: Great Lakes United.

Create your own musical composition using Contrapunctus.

At Infoshots: "The Story (so far) of Twitter", and a view of the infographic making the rounds.

PseudoPodium. Articles on news, ideas, and life.

Get live updates from your friends on Twitter and Facebook. Easily and quickly share links, pictures and video with your friends. Group your social contacts into lists like family, co-workers and best friends. Seesmic Desktop.

Dive Into Greasemonkey is a book about programming with Greasemonkey, a Firefox extension for customizing web pages. This is a free download, available in a variety of formats.

FileSocial allows you to share any file through your Twitter account.

MP3s: O Mary Don't You Weep. At The Drawing Board.

Recipe: Tates Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Retail Therapy: What a delightful print: Choice Is Not An Option.

Casual Games: Use Boxman. Generic (free download). Storm (free download). Smile for Me.

Revisits: Bill of No Rights. Zapato Productions intradimensional.

Listening To: Portland Cello Project.

Found Sentence: Now and then, I'm struck by the utter meaninglessness of life. Then the sugar kicks in and I'm back to putting socks on cats. ∞

What will you be telling yourself today?

We need to talk

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:40:08 GMT

Over the years you have brought yet one more element of joy in my already blessed life, and for that I love you dearly. My affection for you is not generic nor lightly given. My respect and admiration for you quiet, but unwavering. I would name you all, ibut fear of forgetfully leaving someone out would hurt me terribly. I should hope you know who you are -- your names are repeated often enough in posts, sidebar, or comments. Time, my loves, is the most valuable commodity we have. I no longer track visitors in any way -- the number of you doen't matter. What does matter is that you take time from your day and busyness to give to me. I'm a stranger to you. Yet here I sit, rattling my cup, begging to be loved... and you do exactly that, with your smiles and humor and generosity. Which brings me to this.....

As I mentioned the other day, the first time i heard House of The Rising Sun, a much-loved friend sang it to me. And now, the most recent time i've heard the song, another dear friend has sung it for me. Carl Henry, your generosity overwhelms. Thank you.

I share with you all the gifts Carl Henry has given me. The music is in the sidebar. The fellowship, in the heart. Enjoy.

Missing Her. Again.

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:51:20 GMT

"Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid." Robert N. Rose

The United States grew up On The Water and remains a maritime nation to this day. Don't miss: A Disaster in Song & Sea Songs. Related Links: Blow the Man Down, John Groves Studio, Whale, The Old Salt Blog, Andrea Gail, Songs of the Sea.

54 years spent living by, in, or on the sea. Early on, seaport to seaport; gulls, waves, whales, ships. Later on, dad built us a small home on the Chesapeake Bay. A quick walk out our back door into the water. Whenever i picture my late father, he's on the beach preparing to set out in his boat, bring in the fishing nets and the day's catch. These days i have the gulls and two great lakes to compensate, but it isn't the same. Salt water has a way of seeping into your bones and soul.

Drunken Sailor (Piraten)

"They that go down to the sea in ships; and occupy their business in great waters; these men see the works of the Lord; and His wonders in the deep." Book of Common Prayer

Vibes

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:17:31 GMT

"Half the fun of travel is the aesthetic of lostness." Ray Bradbury

Visuals and Vibes from the Philippines: Plus63. Very nice. (via)

"This bit is mine and you can't have it", the photo seems to say.

Hunch "is a new way to help people make all kinds of decisions." This site works quite well for what it is intended to do -- help you make decisions from a database of popular choices. Drawback: limiting oneself to the popular is, to my mind, herd mentality; while the herd sometimes heads in a great direction, the problem is that it generally overlooks hidden gems along the way. (via)

BabelWith.me. Communicate with anyone, anywhere in up to 45 languages. (via)

Generate Your Own Twitter logo with Twitlogo.

MP3s: Heart of Clay. The Sky Is Crying. Soulsavers. Song Up In Her Head. Leader of The Band.

Revisit: Taste, a short story by Roald Dahl read by the imcomparable John Lithgow. (podcast)

Listening To: Taken by Trees.

Found Sentence: I do not want a Taco Bell Fruitista Freeze. Fruitista sounds like a gay South American revolutionary or some sort of fructose-laden fascist. ∞

What will you be tomorrow?