This weekend I'll be one of the ubergeeks attending Minnebar, which should be a nice collection of idea -sharing and -generating geekiness (clearly). So, you know, if you're in the Minneapolis area and are way in to SEO, building synthetic worlds, ajax, css, agile design, or large groups of people with more gadgetry than you can shake a stick at then try to clear your Saturday for this *outtacontrol* event. Matt'll be there, too, doing his live-action version of every song from Evita.
A capella.
Should be fun!
You know what I haven't done around here in ages? A long time ago in a far away land I used to do a monthly recap of things: I enjoyed / was inspired by / loved / that rearranged my DNA in a good way. There's definitely not a shortage of any of those things in the house of Andrews this month... so, you know, LET'S!!!
This month we've already covered Dansko clogs (so hot), Timbuk2 bags (The Create-A-Bagonator1 compels you!), and Crumpler bags (gear bags this hot oughta be made in Australia... er, wait...), but trust me. There has been enjoyment of pleeeeennnnty of other oddities as well. Shall we begin?
+ The Spectaculars, a Minneapolis-based group is definitely, well, spectacular. Last week I saw them perform at the 7th St. Entry and they totally knocked my high-heeled, sassy, knee high boots off. Unfortunately their album doesn't at all reflect their live kick-assedness, but that totally hasn't stopped me from listening to it a whole lot. If you can catch them live, do it. Hopefully it'll be on a night when the drummer hasn't had one too many burritos cuz the guy fucking flies. Seriously, w.o.w. Also, I'm secretly organizing a covert operation to photograph them both live and in the studio, cuz, well, those shots are gonna kick some serious ass. You just wait and see... I'll figure out a way.
+ Since we're on music, I've been listening to Massive Attack's collection called, er, Collected endlessly. The tune 'Live With Me' repeats on my speakers all. day. long. It's a must-have for your collection (plus, isn't 'Angel' on everyone's best-of list somewhere? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?).
+ Bath and Body Works' Coconut Lime Verbena Purely Silk Body Lotion. Fucking-a man, fucking-a.
+ One more scent for you today (although Philosophy's Falling In Love should totally *NOT* be missed either), is Origins' Ginger Souffle. I seriously want to take a bite out of myself after slathering this stuff on every morning. Mmmmmmmmm, how about a little bicep for breakfast?! The essence spray, roll-on stick, and shower gel are all a little bit of heaven too... but the souffle has the power to make you, your loved ones, or your Friday night date salivate.
+ The movie Amelie is on my short list of Most Beautiful Movies Ever Made™. The cinematography is so breath-taking you could pause it at any moment and take a life-changing photograph truly honestly deeply (the same is also true for En Vogue's Free Your Mind video ... no kidding).
Books and magazines make my world go 'round too. A few notables from the recent weeks...
+ Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, by Kevin Carroll. The entire time this book is in my hands I'm smiling. Plus, you know, it's one of those books I wish I wrote first. Fuck it, I'll write my own anyway. Yay for doing what you love!
+ Wise Women, by Joyce Tenneson. These photographs of older women are *ridiculously* gorgeous, magical, moving, and powerful. As if you needed further proof that I'm the biggest sappy pants ever, the photographs in this book have made me cry in the happy way on more than one occasion. Here's another one of those books I wish I had done first. Fuck it, I'll do one of these photo-collections anyway. Yay!
+ Making and Breaking the Grid is one of my trusty bibles when it comes to design. Not because of all the info on the grid (totally useful, by the way), but because when I'm searching for ideas all I have to do is open this book to, well, any page at all. Tons and tons of idea generators in here and an excellent reminder at how organic design really is.
More good stuff coming next month!
1 I just realized that "Bagonator" sounds an awful lot like "Baconator", which happens to be trademarked by my good pal Joe. The "Baconator", for baconating fries of course. Um, so, yeah. I'll just leave it at that.
Comments
Minnebar... been hearing a lot about Minnebar. The boss (#45 on the participant list) is pretty excited about it (he hopes to get the word out that we're doing exciting things down in the warehouse district). Personally, I'm hoping you'll be contributing some pics to their flickr group so the curious like me can see how it turned out.
Say hello to Jim Cuene if you see him.
Wish I could go to Minnebar. Damn you, rational priorities.
You had me at ginger souffle though.
Dost my ears deceive me - you mean, like, you guys have real lives? Like, really real lives based in reality 'n stuff? Eric, you should totally crash the party anyway. We can carpool! Ha ha ha...
I have to be honest tho... I'm just in it for the Evita show. Dude can kill when it comes to karaoke is all I'm sayin'.
Hard to believe, ain't it? We don't just exist to entertain you with witty and insightful commentary.
Though really, there's nothing we'd rather do.
It was fun and it was great to hang out a bit afterwards. Hope you have as much fun as I did! Now where is that photo walk you promised?
It's coming it's coming... I'll probably post the .nfo Tuesday.