What Comes Next_
Thoughts on AI, predictive text, technological metaphors, and the string of thought.
🕴️Dude descending a staircase
A fascinating glimpse into the life of artist 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 offers a fascinating glimpse into history, highlighting 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
A fascinating look at 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’
Exploring the concept of blogs as modern-day "cabinets of wonder," a fascinating comparison to 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
A fascinating look at the timeline of food inventions and 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.
🎻We cannot know what to expect
Michael Bérubé discusses the evolving expectations of children with Down syndrome in response to Peter Singer's views.
🌾Between common and professional
An insightful exploration of the interplay between tradition and innovation in the shaping of North America's landscape by early European settlers.
🎭Follies
Reflecting on the cultural impact of Florenz Ziegfeld and his legacy in entertainment.
🎨Remember (I was torn between), by Jay Kelly
Southern California artist Jay Kelly creates uplifting and beautiful collages that meld various artistic styles into cohesive works.
🐔Chicken à la Queens
A halal poultry store in Queens creates unexpected connections among diverse communities.
📅Church - for when you can’t buy booze
This study explores the impact of blue laws on religious participation and behavior in society.
🎤Ella Fitzgerald, One Note Samba, 1969
A friend asked me for a suitable Ella Fitzgerald recording for her wedding, leading me to choose her rendition of "Too Marvelous for Words."
🖌️William Blake, life mask
Exploring the enduring legacy and artistry of William Blake through his life mask.
🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 1!
A vivid account of the tumultuous reaction to the first public performance of the noise orchestra in Milan in 1914.
🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 3!
William Carlos Williams reflects on George Antheil's "Ballet Mechanique" and its impact on experiencing the noise of life.
🥳Pillow Fight Buenos Aires
A lively flash mob of teenagers gathers for an epic pillow fight in Parque Palermo, showcasing the joy of spontaneous community events.
🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 2!
An exploration of audience reactions to Edgard Varèse's "Hyperprism" and the dichotomy between concept and substance in modern sound compositions.
🦃On Thanksgiving
Sarah Vowell offers a humorous observation about the irony of Thanksgiving celebrations and American independence.
🦃Wild Turkey, by John James Audubon
Audubon's art often required his subjects to be hunted first, illustrating a complex relationship between nature and preservation.
🦃Frank Zappa with his parents at home
As Thanksgiving nears, we reflect on the home and the importance of those who inspire our creative journeys.
🎨The out-of-left-field kind of science
Robert Tjian reflects on the importance of passion-driven science over large-scale projects in fostering transformative discoveries.