What Comes Next_
Thoughts on AI, predictive text, technological metaphors, and the string of thought.
🥦Food stamps and farmers markets
Exploring innovative ways to tackle hunger and obesity among food stamp recipients through incentives that promote fresh produce.
📸Adieu, Polaroids
A reflection on the bittersweet end of an era for Polaroid and its iconic instant film, highlighted by the artistry of Charles and Ray Eames.
🚗Adieu, S.U.V.’s
An analysis of the cultural dynamics surrounding the decline of S.U.V. sales amidst fluctuating gas prices.
🤔The price of irony
A thought-provoking exploration of the nature of irony and its impact on moral reasoning.
🎨Visitors and collectors
From a new study, insights into the parallels between viewing and purchasing art, revealing that both experiences can provide similar satisfactions.
🥽Glasses for the masses
Addressing global vision disparities with innovative, user-adjustable glasses.
🧱Off H Siddiah Road, Bangalore, India
A thought-provoking reflection on the juxtaposition of old and new, captured in this photo featuring old bricks and minimalist graffiti, offering a glimpse into urban evolution.
🎮Where difficulty thrives
As a non-gamer, I find it interesting how the challenge of difficulty in video games parallels discussions in literature.
🌐The Web before the Web was the Web
Exploring the parallels between urban life and online communities, this excerpt draws intriguing comparisons between the vibrancy of New York City and the Internet.
🗺️Tundra quilt, by Leah Evans
A beautiful representation of our landscapes, this quilt captures the essence of estuaries and agricultural fields, reminiscent of Gerard Manley Hopkins' vivid imagery.
🎶Have yourself a Sufjan Stevens Christmas
My favorite songs on Sufjan Steven's 5-disc album, "Songs for Christmas Singalong," beautifully blend hymns with a touch of Christmas spirit.
🎄Sinatra songs and the Salve Regina
A sublime cultural moment captured in Walker Percy’s reflection on Christmas, blending the everyday with the transcendent.
🌭Ben’s Chili Bowl, by Christian Tribastone
I was drawn to this charming painting of the iconic D.C. eatery, Ben's Chili Bowl, which holds a special place in the history of U Street's vibrant cultural scene.
🕰️A time for branding
Inspired by Tanner Woodford's exploration of branding through time, how might a medieval peasant's clock of logos look?
🎨Mr. Rogers goes to Washington
Reflecting on the timeless message of Fred Rogers and the role of art in cultural change.
🎬Non-stupid romantic comedies
A reflection on the enduring charm of romantic comedies amid a sea of mediocrity.
🕴️Dude descending a staircase
Marcel Duchamp captured in a multiple exposure image, reminiscent of his iconic work, “Nude Descending a Staircase.”
🇺🇸Passport census
A reflection on the representation of American diversity through its passport imagery.
🐱AsLOLn
Combining LOLCat humor with Narnian whimsy in a delightful mashup.
🐱LOLCat-tharsis
In a thought-provoking exploration of internet culture, a Psychology Today editor draws an intriguing parallel between LOLcats and the clever dogs in New Yorker cartoons.
🎭One hand, one heart, two tongues
A discussion on the bilingual revival of _West Side Story_ and its efforts to redress cultural biases.
🚑Baby on board
A compelling exploration of how innovative engineering methods can overcome the challenges of delivering effective medical equipment in the developing world.
🏆Golden idol fails to deliver on promise, again
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has secured a legal victory over the heirs of Mary Pickford regarding the sale of her Oscar statuette.
🎶Hymn 101, by Joe Pug
One of my favorite songs from the past six months captures a unique vibe.
📜Texting in cuneiform
Reflecting on the tactile experience of ancient cuneiform tablets, this piece explores their significance in understanding life in Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon.
😺The MagnifiCat (srsly)
An exploration of the cultural implications of the LOLCat Bible Translation Project, considering its balance between humor and reverence.
🌀The stream-of-consciousness discipline
An exploration of how modern technology influences writing, contrasting the unfiltered flow of Kerouac's prose with the editing capabilities of contemporary word processors.
🎨Franklin’s Footpath, by Gene Davis, 1972
Celebrating the vibrant artistry of Gene Davis, known for his iconic striped color paintings.
🌳Nabokov on the translator’s art
An exploration of the complexities of translation through Nabokov's vivid metaphor.
🕌A xerox on the face of eternity
A reflection on the stories surrounding iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and their designers, alongside a contemporary debate about architectural copyright.
🎭Not as I do
An examination of hypocrisy reveals its emotional grip, despite not invalidating the stance of the hypocrite.
🔄Accept, fuse, rehabilitate
Quoting Walt Whitman.
🎨Ontbijtje, by Robert Amesbury
I had the joy of witnessing Rob's artistic journey as he melds old Dutch traditions with contemporary visual culture.
🎥This old webcam
Exploring how artisans can share their craft while attracting more work.
✍️Copies
A celebration of beautifully handcrafted French signage, showcasing its unique charm and artistry.
⚖️The tiniest culture war
An exploration of the polarized perceptions surrounding nanotechnology and its societal implications.
📚Bringing back the New Deal for writers
The Federal Writers Project highlights a call to revive such initiatives for modern journalists affected by economic downturns.
🧀Cheese and ashes
Reflecting on a memorable cheese experience shared with a friend, especially highlighting Morbier's unique features and flavor.
🌀Spiritual Shopper
Quoting Kathleen Norris on the mishmash of religious experiences devoid of depth and context.
📝Wallpaper
How a gas station in Adrian, Texas transformed restroom graffiti into a positive and creative community expression.
📚On the migration of books
Orhan Pamuk reflects on the meaningful connection between his reading journey and his father's library, evoking thoughts on the books we cherish and share.
🎶The birthplace of the blues
Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn collaborates with Malian bluesman Ali Fakra Toure in the vibrant setting of Timbuktu.
🏺Blogs as ‘Cabinets of Wonder’
Are blogs basically just Renaissance collections of curiosity?
👜Heaven on earth in plastic
A curious find at a café connects the practical to the eternal.
🎭Network ≠ community
Exploring the nuanced impact of recommender systems on cultural diversity and individual experiences.
📚If you offer it, they will come
Reflecting on the resurgence of literary interest, John Parker examines the appeal of classic literature amidst modern cultural critiques.
🎨More stuff that’s good
Quoting Ira Glass on the diversity of creative work.
🖨️The Ghost of a Printing Press, photo by Chris Norris
Exploring the remnants of a once-magnificent printing press, Chris Norris captures a piece of history in this photograph.
🍽️A timeline of food
When certain dishes first came to be enjoyed.
🌿Spice souk, Deira Creek, Dubai
I appreciate the ungrounded spices in this display, showcasing their natural form.