The Second Pass: Need A Book Recommendation?

If you need a book recommendation, look no further than The Second Pass. The site was designed by my friend Strath and the content is all about books. Old and new.

There are recommendations and links to all things books - reviews, publishing, design, magazines about books, and newspaper reviews....

Enjoy!

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading

Back home from NYC, and I know I have a lot to post - later in the week.

In the meantime, when I was in NYC I met a friend of my cousin who works for this cool organization called TED. They are known for organizing a series of 15 minute lectures with thought leaders in Technology, Entertainment, Design and many other topics. All the talks are available for viewing, and I highly recommend checking them out.

Here is an example by Stephen Hawking to start off - he is talking about where we come from, jokes about UFOs, and the human instinct for aggression and selfishness. His wit and candor are astounding......

Learn Something New: Take An Improv Class

My friend just completed an improv class and I went to his final show at the end to support him. While I have never taken a class like this, it seemed to me like a great skill set to have.

You learn to be a better listener, more present, less shy, able to react quickly - all things that are very valuable in many situations no matter what you do in life..

He takes his classes here. So check it out, it is nation wide, and even go one weekend to see a show.

My 70's Fantasy

This is a Mercedes 450 SL. I have a fantasy of owning this car. They were made 1971-1980.















And in my dream, I look like this, but with a tinge less blush, about 15 lbs heavier and bigger boobs (as in more like me, but super foxy)

Thanks to Chloe for keeping the dream alive!!!!

MoMA New Website - Are You Artsy Fartsy?

Do you like modern art and design? If so, MoMA in NYC is the place to be see the best of the best ( at least the most famous). They have redesigned their website to be more, well, modern. Check out the explore tab at the bottom, there are some good things to discover there.

Also, on the bottom left there is a link to PS1 - The offshoot of MoMA that supports newer artists, and has amazing dance parties in the summer.

Think Big By Looking at Big Think

I just discovered Big Think by accident. What a gold mine! This is a site with some amazing experts giving thoughts on a wide range of topics from ideas to economics to comedy to religion. Anything that features Joseph Stiglitz, Paul Krugman, Ricky Gervais, George Soros, Robert Stern (Dean of School of Architecture at Yale), and many others can't be bad!

Enjoy!

Ode To Costco - Where I Love to Go Go

I got to go to Costco today. Which is something that I love doing. In fact, I love it a little too much.

I have a whole process - swing by glasses, jewelry, books, amazing meats and then get to the good stuff. They roast the best chickens in the world and it is their best selling item nationwide. Not surprising given the succulence and good price (6.50$) of the birdies. Then, I buy a few things I don't really need or will go bad and head to have a hotdog and drink for a 1.50$ to wrap up the experience.

I worked there one summer when I was in high school. My dad hit up the original owners (it is a Seattle company) who were his patients (he is a dentist) and good friends. They treat their employees well and with a lot of care and consideration, which I believe has remained as they have expanded. My role was pre-technology - I was a "caller". I moved all product from one cart to another calling out the SKU numbers. I was buff, needless to say....

So Costco gets a huge plug/hug from me, and I think everyone at work will love the enormous cupcakes I bought for our offsite. If you ever want to go, give me a call......