De/Scribe

The Week in News: In Rhyme

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:57:00 -0400

I have no idea how long I can keep this up, but I thought it would be cool to summarize the week’s news in rhyming mode.

Week of May 19,2013

A big tornado swept through town
and made the Oklahomans frown.
But a little dog found on TV
Made the lady frowny-free.
Except for Wolf, he swung and missed,
and got served by an atheist

—-

Obama’s speech made a lot of fuss
About the national security apparatus
“Drones won’t kill civilians,
Only Arabs by the millions.
But Gitmo’s bad and has to go.
Hey, have you seen my prom photo?”

—-

This dude in London went to town,
Speaking hate and throwing down.
His hands were bloody,
His eyes aswirl.
Beaver Cleaver he was not.
But that don’t matter, he got shot.

—-

Washington bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
Structures failing all around.
Where’s that funding?

explore-blog: Happy birthday, Saul Bass, greatest graphic...

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:11:10 -0400

explore-blog:

Happy birthday, Saul Bass, greatest graphic designer of all time.

"Keyboard Cat is a video of Schmidt’s cat, Fatso, wearing a shirt and playing an electronic keyboard..."

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:44:59 -0400

“Keyboard Cat is a video of Schmidt’s cat, Fatso, wearing a shirt and playing an electronic keyboard with its pause.”

- Those who can’t spell, prosecute on behalf of memes.

"So remember: 12:01 a.m., May 26. The schedule after that will be approximately as follows: the first..."

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:32:00 -0400

“So remember: 12:01 a.m., May 26. The schedule after that will be approximately as follows: the first animated GIFs from the first episode will appear at 12:01 and a half, people will complain that Netflix is down at 12:02, spoilers will begin appearing on Twitter at 12:03, angry tweets about spoilers at 12:04, think pieces about how this distribution model affects spoilers at 12:05, think pieces about how this distribution model might result in the return of Firefly at 12:06, listicles of 10 more shows that Netflix should revive at 12:07, complaints that these episodes “suck” at 12:08, complaints about haters at 12:09, questions about why people who are so into Arrested Development refuse to watch Community at 12:10, and 25 pictures of cats watching Arrested Development at 12:11.”

- One more month, folks. The above schedule sounds about right, from NPR’s Monkey See blog.

"Before we begin, I just want to take a moment to talk about the attack in Boston yesterday. Now..."

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:57:51 -0400

“

Before we begin, I just want to take a moment to talk about the attack in Boston yesterday. Now obviously our thoughts and our prayers are with everybody there. And as the President said, we don’t know who did this, but they will be found and they will be brought to justice.

But whoever did this obviously did not know shit about the people of Boston. Because nothing these terrorists do is going to shake them. For Pete’s sake, Boston was founded by the Pilgrims — a people so tough, they had to buckle their God-damned hats on!

It is the cradle of the American Revolution! A city that withstood an 86-year losing streak! A city that made it through the Big Dig, a construction project that backed up traffic for 16 years! I mean, there are commuters just getting home now!

Even their bands are tough! It is the hometown of Aerosmith, who in their fifth decade are still going strong! Even Steven Tyler looks fantastic… for a 73-year-old woman!

But here’s what these cowards really don’t get: they attacked the Boston Marathon, an event celebrating people who run 26 miles on their day off until their nipples are raw, for fun! And they have been holding it in Boston since 1897 — and do you know how tough you have to be to run in a whalebone corset?

And when those bombs went off, there were runners who, after finishing a marathon, kept running for another two miles to the hospital to donate blood.

So here’s what I know: these maniacs may have tried to make life bad for the people of Boston.

But all they can ever do is show just how good those people are.

”

- STEPHEN COLBERT, The Colbert Report (via inothernews)

hypervocal: Now that we know that The Bluths will come back to...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:50:28 -0400

hypervocal:

Now that we know that The Bluths will come back to your TV on May 26, it’s time to gear up for the return of Arrested Development. Netflix knows a thing or two about the art of the tease, aka making Mama horny, Michael. Back in December, AD fans blue themselves over these fake movie posters made by Netflix, and now we’re treated to these brilliant prop-based teaser posters for the upcoming 15-episode return. MORE POSTERS HERE, SO GOOOOOD.

The perfect tease. Count me as a hop on.

Must-have. This would make my daily commute far more...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:21:58 -0400

Must-have. This would make my daily commute far more interesting.

You got me. (via DesignTaxi)

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:48:00 -0400

You got me. (via DesignTaxi)

Photo

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:55:00 -0500

ohryankelley: Harlem Shake Peanuts This is the only Harlem...

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:35:22 -0500

ohryankelley:

Harlem Shake Peanuts

This is the only Harlem Shake video I will ever watch (from now on).

(via: absurdlakefront)

Olly Moss’ new Oscars promotional poster is pretty epic....

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:39:30 -0500

Olly Moss’ new Oscars promotional poster is pretty epic. See how many you can guess.

graceyu: Lovely little lies from graphic designer, Lauren...

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:28:32 -0500

graceyu:

Lovely little lies from graphic designer, Lauren Hom.

Sign here if you love these.

when we're forced to accommodate all client requested changes without question

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:26:44 -0500

thisadvertisinglife:

My life. Constantly. :(

atlurbanist: Atlanta’s got great dining choices. Even...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:58:00 -0500

atlurbanist:

Atlanta’s got great dining choices. Even downtown.

Take a look at this video of locals recommending their favorite places in Atlanta. It comes from TravelChannel.com and the recent Atlanta episode of Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover.

I loved it all — except for the one dude at the 1:49 mark in the video, who warns you to not go downtown. Because of course, there’s nothing good there. Which reminds me of the references to the downtown’s “dining dessert” by Creative Loafing and Atlanta Magazine writers.

My neighborhood takes a lot of heat from locals. Yes, downtown doesn’t look anything like Poncey Highland or East Atlanta Village or any of the other wonderful neighborhoods that are more easily embraced. Yes, downtown is in need of improvements (fewer dead spaces, more residents). But like it or not, Atlanta, this red-headed step child is still part of your family.

My best wishes to White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails, Lunacy Black Market, Peasant Bistro, Alma Cocina, Naan Stop, Arepa Mia, Blossom Tree and all the other cool, locally-owned spots that have taken a chance on a downtown location. I’ll keep putting in a good word for you guys when I can.

I’ll respectfully disagree with some of my more-refined-palette writing co-workers that downtown doesn’t have standout food. Alma, NaanStop, and Blossom Tree are some of my favorite lunch spots. (Though to be fair, both CL and Atlanta have written positively about several of these places.)

scenereport: intelligentinsanity: Creatures from the...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:20:17 -0500

Goblin S

Hatchetfish

Hatchetfish

Benthocodon

Mertensia ovum

Telescope Octopus

Unidentified Anglerfish

Unidentified species

scenereport:

intelligentinsanity:

Creatures from the Mariana Trench - Part 1 (x)

The hatchetfish though.

Here is a gallery of other living things I probably have more in common with than I have with Kim Kardashian.

Tim Burton’s Finding Nemo, everybody!

"The bigger tragedy in this redesign is the typography that accompanies the icon. It looks like an..."

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:28:44 -0500

“The bigger tragedy in this redesign is the typography that accompanies the icon. It looks like an Adobe InDesign document that couldn’t load the fonts. At best it looks like a default system font and at worst like a pedestrian attempt at corporate typography.”

- Armin Vit, on the new American Airlines logo.

Well at least someone with clout is saying this. Too bad several respected brand-centric designers are swooning. I don’t mind the icon—it’s the typography and livery that burn my eyes.

Garden Fresh by Agan Harahap The photo series exhibits a...

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:10:38 -0500

Garden Fresh by Agan Harahap

The photo series exhibits a diverse set of animals casually walking through various sections of a supermarket, as though they themselves are shopping for ingredients for their next dinner party.

Mmm, just in time for dinner. Gorgeous work.

Best Music of 2012

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:28:43 -0500

For the first year, I’ve been keeping up with the musical Joneses and have come up with one of these lists of the best albums released in 2012. I’m also including a good jumpin-in point if any of these interest you. Rock on…

Electric Guest: “Mondo”

By far my most-listened to album this year, and the one artist I recommend to anyone I talk to. The debut album from Electric Guest, “Mondo” doesn’t have a bad song. It’s funk-electro-pop that will dare you to dance. Fitting from producer Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) and the brother of one of the Lonely Island guys (main singer Asa Taccone).

Sample: This Head I Hold

Of Monsters and Men: “My Head Is An Animal”

Sure, you may have heard “Little Talks” on the radio and in indie circles, but have you heard the rest of the songs from this Icelandic band? A menagerie of instruments score the folksy, fun ballads of the male and female lead singers with a blast of energy that will melt the ice around your heart.

Sample: Mountain Sound

The Lumineers: “The Lumineers”

Another indie band that exploded this year—”Ho Hey” is #3 on iTunes, and they’ve graced Billboard and were featured in an ad for Dick’s Sporting Goods, of all places—the rest of their songs are just as good. If you thought Mumford and Sons needed to chillax and be more personal, The Lumineers are for you. Acoustic, folksy, with a little bit country and a little bit talk’n’roll.

Sample: Stubborn Love

Alt-J: “An Awesome Wave”

This one snuck in late. These British rockers take “alternative” seriously and serve up a mesmerizing, experimental rock album complete with ethereal vocals, instrumental interludes, and dubstep. Worth a listen for the crazy and catchy nature that slowly grabs onto your brain.

Sample: Tesselate

K’naan “Country, God, Or The Girl”

Me? Rap? K’naan has never been that simple. Originally from Somalia, this now-Western rapper doesn’t really play by the rules. He can spit verses like the best of them, but also infuses more pop sensibilities, guitar riffs, choirs, and, yes, fun that puts the “hope” in hip-hop.

Sample: Waiting is a Drug

Honorable Mentions:

fun. “Some Nights”

First Aid Kit “The Lion’s Roar”

The Mynabirds: “Generals”

Lord Huron “Lonesome Dreams”

Best Films of 2012

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:01:42 -0500

The following is my personal list of the top five movies of 2012. (Officially, this list has no order. Unofficially? Sorted a bit by enthusiasm.)

Argo

I didn’t really like Ben Affleck’s other directorial debuts. Sure, they were well-made, but maybe because I’m a long way from Boston, the didn’t knock me over. Argo, on the other hand, is more my wheelhouse. A geopolitical thriller with a coating of sci-fi and the entertainment industry? Yes please! From the visual style that matches the times and even certain famous footage to the absurdity of the whole plot to extract U.S. hostages from Revolutionary Iran reflecting in equal parts harrowing and humorous, Argo nails it. (The credit scenes have some added bonuses, including interviews with famous figures of the time, so stick around even after the diplomats are safe and sound.)

The Avengers

Bruce Wayne can brood once more, and Spider-Man can only stutter, because the best superhero movie this year was the one no one thought would work. After a slow setup, once the film kicks into gear any Joss Whedon doubters (anyone? Bueller?) were silenced for good. Like his other film this year, Cabin in the Woods, Whedon injects his style and humor into a movie that would be campy as hell. But between the hilarious, jam-packed script and great actor rapport—can Whedon direct the next five Iron Man’s?—with these souped-up misfits, I had the most fun of 2012 with the Avengers, all three times I saw it. And that’s the sign of a superpower.

Silver Linings Playbook

Is it a portrait of insanity or a beacon of hope? A drama? Romantic comedy? Nothing is ever straightforward in Silver Linings. Pat has just been released from a mental institution following a tragedy involving his wife and has trouble adjusting back in the real world. Living with his gambling father and dawdling mother while jobless and trying to reacquaint with friends isn’t enough: he’s trying to stay positive and get his wife back when a neighbor (an ace Jennifer Lawrence) enters the picture with a mission and problems of her own. While the ending is a little too neat, this is still a compelling, surprisingly funny, and hopeful movie about material that’s rarely any of those things.

Wreck It Ralph

The student has become the teacher. With Pixar in a bit of a slump since Toy Story 3, it’s up to their parent/sister/crazy-uncle company Disney to pick up the slack. Now that John Lasseter is overseeing Disney’s animated films, is it any surprise he’s slipped some of the old Pixar magic into this film about a reformed video game bad guy? Aside from the nostalgia factor, Wreck It Ralph is a fully-realized world with incredibly clever (and true to the story) animation and a surprisingly well-done, punny script. Need more evidence of Pixar seepage? The credits take part of a page from Wall-E. Yeah, it’s Disney, so you’ll get some licensed music and the warm and fuzzies in the end, but this is still a fully 3D film in a world of pixelated shlock.

Looper

While not as…dense as Inception, Rian Johnson’s Looper is the most impressive sci-fi film in a while. It’s a movie about time travel where the main characters stay where they are; it’s futuristic but takes place in alleyways and farms; it’s got a ton of killing but is about the virtues of life. One more contradiction? Joseph-Gordon Levitt is supposed to look like Bruce Willis in his earlier days. Sure. Questionable prosthetics aside, Looper gets on this list for its sheer creativity and excitement, as well as the fact that Johnson creates a fleshed out world and brings everything full circle, true to concept. Looper deserves repeat viewings, at the very least to close the loop and make sense of it all.

Honorable Mentions:

[This was a tough fight, but the only reason any of these just missed it was largely due to their endings. All three of these are top-notch movies, though.]

Moonrise Kingdom, Safety Not Guaranteed, Beasts of the Southern Wild

laughingsquid: Bird Living

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:09:27 -0500

laughingsquid:

Bird Living