Tick, Tock, Tilt

Here is an elegant solution to the slightly annoying problem with daylight savings time: changing all of your clocks. Now all you have to do is give this clock a tilt to set the hour. Here's the link. Extra credit: What's the angle (with respect to the horizontal) that is required to achieve this?

Pritzker Prize 2009: Peter Zumthor

I generally avoid covering the already hyper-publicized Pritzker Prize for architecture (sometime touted as the "Nobel Prize" of Architecture) here on my blog, but this year is different.  This year Peter Zumthor has been recognized, and that is something to be discussed.  His body of work embodies the kind of work I wish I could say I have left behind after a life time of excellence.  I have admired his work from the first time I studied one of his projects in architecture school.  Simplicity of form, respect for his materials, loving attention to details.... for me THIS is what Architecture is all about.  

NY Times Article

BMW Concept Car: GINA

Here is a video about an amazing concept car by BMW that uses a flexible skin as its outer surface instead of metal. The result is really interesting.

The Walrus is Paul.

So we are thinking about a trip to London this summer, and have consequently been thinking of all things British.  Here is a really cool video of some of the "traffic" on Abbey Road.  I can't wait to do the "Abbey Road" myself!   

Hollowbody Perfection

Paul Languedoc is the soundman for the band Phish, and he also makes some ridiculously amazing guitars. Trey Anastasio has been playing Languedoc's guitars for most of his career, and now you can too. For a mere $10k, you can take home one these sweet puppies. Check out his website at: www.languedocguitars.com. 

Restaurant Week Boston: Aquitaine

On Friday night we happened to be out with two of our chicest friends in the South End (you know who you are). After we got out of what was an un-remarakle "art" show, we were STARVING! Well, we were in one of the busiest restaurant neighborhoods in the city during what we soon found out was "restaurant week". This is not good news when trying to find a table without reservations. So after a little wandering, and a few very full hot spots...we go into Aquitaine. Aquitaine is a romantic French bistro on Tremont know for is great food and sophisticated atmosphere. At first we were told there were no tables to be had...but after a little eye batting, and a fortuitous cancellation WE WERE IN! The drinks were unique and delicious. The roasted beet salad was amazing. Then the main entrees came! I had a fantastic tagliatelle with chanterelle mushrooms, which was some of the best pasta I've ever had (I know lofty statement). And because it was restaurant week...we of course had dessert. Chocolate torte and profiteroles with chocolate sauce are not to be missed. I can't believe we have lived in this city for almost six years and haven't been to Aquitaine before. This won't be the last time, for sure! Yummm.

Film Review: "Helvetica"

I had been made aware of the wonder of the Helvetica font from a graphic designer friend years ago.  His feelings about this simple and versatile font ranged from that of reverence to an all out fetish.  I was told of the symmetry, versatility, and beauty of the font.  As time when on I found a pattern with all my graphic design friends.... whenever asked about fonts they talked about Helvetica like it was some sort of cult.  They talked about the font like it was more of something you believe in, instead of just a typeface.  As a fellow designer I understand the power of print, but didn't hold Helvetica in the same elevated status.... I just didn't get it.  What do I know.  

Then came, "Helvetica", the documentary film by Gary Hustwit.  The film sheds some light on the development of one of the most successful and prolific fonts of the last 50 years.  The film artfully points out how this simple typeface can be the voice of everything from street signs to The Gap and virtually everything descriptive and stylish in between.  Once you are tuned into this fact you feel like you just can't escape from the ever-reaching grasp of Helvetica.  This is a great film for anyone interested in the power of design to shape our graphic world.  And, no, to rent the DVD do you not have to sign up for some graphic design cult or drink any font-cult koolaid. 

*Check out some film stills showing off how the font is everywhere at the right.

http://www.helveticafilm.com/