Baltimore’s Book Thing
Every weekend, the Book Thing opens its doors and people from all over Baltimore flood in to rummage through its vast and perpetually replenished selection of free books. The non-profit establishment accepts donations of unwanted books from the community and redistributes them to those that want them. Surprisingly, there is never a shortage of good stuff. I’ve found amazing children’s books, a good cross-section of classic literature, science fiction, contemporary novels, photography books, science books, and even a book on making wine at home. It’s a great public resource, especially during these tough times when many people don’t have extra cash to spend on things to read.
Tagged: Baltimore, Book Thing, childrens books
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Lately I’ve been inspired by a lot of artists that use a lot of different textures in their work. I got a book about insect physiology from the Book Thing in Baltimore, and I’ve been using it to get ideas for various biological forms and patterns. The first one here was from an electron microscope photograph of a corn moth’s antennae. The second one was just a freeform thing that was playing with. Read more
I know several people in Baltimore who have built their own beehives and even small apiaries within city limits in back yards and rooftops. For those who don’t have enough time to make their own, here’s this slick, pre-made one by Philips.
Laser cut wooden jewelry by Sonho
Sonho makes sweet, unique charms that separates itself from the rest of the laser-cut jewelry out there. These pendants are handmade in Baltimore using birch, brass components and a whole lot of cuteness. Read more
Also by GERRY MAK
20-foot-tall Inflatable Self-Portrait by Takashi Murakami
Taking the idea of an ‘inflated ego’ to the next level, Takashi Murakami created this 20-foot-tall inflatable self-portrait for his solo show, Murakami-Ego, in Doha, Qatar.
Illustrated guide to the Assad clan
In case digging through years of news reports is too tedious for you, Andy Warner just posted a nice illustrated guide to the Assad family to help you understand a little bit of what’s going on in Syria right now.
Fantadrom: a Soviet-era cartoon
I’m not sure what kinds of substances Russians had access to in the waning days of the Soviet Union, but I want whatever the makers of the Fantadrom cartoon series were taking.
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I love whales. We’re actually nearing whale migrating season here in Sydney and I’m dying to see some seafaring creatures pass the harbour; so that’s most likely why I appreciate Sergey Ryzhov’s work even more. His latest canvas work titled Surreal Adventures displays dream-like, colourful whales swimming in this artistic journey. It’s completely mind-bending, stillness.
Firekites, from small town Australia (Newcastle to be exact), are my new musical obsession, and have been since early yesterday when their song Autumn Story randomly burst into my headphones and latched itself deep into my inner ear iPod. I wish they’d been around when I last lived in Sydney; it would have been well worth the two hour drive north to see them play. The whole album (The Bowery) is beautiful, but this song especially rings out with poignancy. I love the subtle sound of the fingers sliding across the guitar frets, the gently whispered vocals, which hint at secrets and cheeky serenades, and the sense of soulful introspection that tangles itself elegantly amongst its minor chord tapestry.
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An intelligently told, morally complex tale with a raft of unexpected twists, Gone Baby Gone is one of the most original films of recent times. Most films give you a sense of their narrative arc and it is easy to recognise the major plot points. Read more
Only in Japan? Well, maybe. Though Oklahoma may be a close second on the radar. Apparently, in this time of recession, Japanese men have taken rather fondly to inanimate objects rather than the real thing as a less expensive way to, err, fulfill their needs. Well, ok, each to their own, so long as their own is made from rubber and latex. Read more
We got the inside word from Josh Diamond of New York experimental group, Gang Gang Dance, on the music that is moving him right now and he started off by propping the beautiful Ryuichi Sakamoto track, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: ‘It’s just an amazing piece of music — serene, austere (in a heavy, beautiful way), emotional, a great mix of electronic sounds, patient, and a wonderful melody, with a quality of yearning for a better place. Every time I listen to this song, it puts me in a trance’. Read the rest of Gang Gang Dance’s Secret Playlist.
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Three piece, cLOUDDEAD, who formed in Cincinnati at the tail-end of the last millenium, fuse traditional hip hop beats with indie, electronica and psy-rock overtones. Doesone and Why?’s layered, poetic vocals cover the personal, political and social elements of their lives; and, above all, their flatout rejection of traditional musical boundaries makes them a quirky and unique act.
We love the range of prints created by graphic-tee fashion label, the-affair. Each limited edition print is produced on beautifully soft American Apparel t-shirts, which is why we’re stocking a selection of their t-shirts in the Lost At E Minor online store. Read more
WE'RE POSTING / SOME OF THE BEST
A little infectious lollipop rock anyone? Feel free to embarrass yourself singing along at the stoplight. If the other drivers give you that look, roll down the windows and spread the love.
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How ’bout this Jose Manuel Hortelano-Pi guy, huh? Quite the illustrator, yessiree Bob. From Spain, too. Spain is great! Read more
Communication prosthesis by Sascha Nordmeyer
This ‘communication prosthesis’ by designer Sascha Nordmeyer is hilarious and awesome. I want to wear one to a job interview.
Nerd-attack! Man, this TARDIS zipper robe is so much cooler than any Star Wars crap people are hawking this days. This is for the true gangsta nerd.
Baltimore Mural by Josh Van Horne
My friend Josh Van Horne, a local Baltimore artist, did this amazing mural in our neighborhood that depicts the history of this warehouse-laden area.
We love the re-Issue of the original Raised by Wolves and Furni digital watch collaboration, which comes with a built-in phone book, stopwatch, countdown timer and multiple alarm features with melody setting. Read more
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