FUN stuff
1.100 Bits of Positive News from 2023
The wonderful folks at Gapminder, a group dedicated to identifying systematic misconceptions about important global trends and proportions, uses reliable data to develop easy-to-understand teaching materials to rid people of their misconceptions. After the year we had, we really needed this one.
Found on Gapminder
An Instagram account dedicated to the art of vintage yearbooks. As a former high-school yearbook editor, this just hits all my buttons.
3. How to Discover Your Own Taste
The Ezra Klein show explores what it means to have taste and how you can develop your own sense of it when you constantly have the internet telling you what to like and think. That’s right kids! Don’t listen to us, taste is subjective. Decide for yourselves.
4. The Camera That Will Capture Arizona’s Landscape for 1,000 Years
Perched atop Tucson's desert landscape, the Millennium Camera, a visionary project by Jonathan Keats of the University of Arizona, embarks on an epic 1,000-year journey to capture a long-exposure image of the evolving world, aiming to set a new record and outshine Regina Valkenborgh's eight-year-long photo. This ambitious experiment, blending art, science, and philosophy, invites us to ponder the future, challenging us to envision and shape the legacy we leave for the generations of 3023.
Found at PetaPixel
5. It’s My Party and I’ll Read if I Want To
This headline is everything, is it not? Reading Rhythms is a new social gathering initiative (party?) that transforms bars and rooftops into vibrant reading hubs, where book lovers in Brooklyn unite for a novel experience: reading in silence together, followed by engaging discussions. The project has quickly amassed a fervent following and a lengthy waitlist. Who thinks this is the most Portland thing to come out of Brooklyn, raise your hand.
Found in the NYT (apologies for the paywall)
6. Luna Luna
“Thirty-six years ago, Luna Luna landed in Hamburg, Germany: the world’s first art amusement park with rides, games, and attractions by visionary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and David Hockney. By a twist of fate, the park’s treasures were soon sealed in 44 shipping containers and forgotten in Texas—until now.” I’ve been dying to check this out since it was announced before COVID but now that I am not in the LA area anymore, I am hoping someone down there will check it out and report back, or perhaps it will travel? Portland would love this too!
Found on Domus
7. Hendrick’s Gym
As a former Account Director for Hendrick’s Gin, I am always delighted to see what the folks over at Quaker City Mercantile have dreamt up for the brand, and this “dry January” was no different. In an ad spot featuring brand ambassador Erik Andersson clad in 70s-style workout gear, Hendrick’s Gin, becomes Hendrick’s Gym. I especially love the bespoke cap for the Hendrick’s bottle in the style of a water bottle cap. Very clever.
Check out the hilarious spot on Gin Raiders.
8. Bhutan Mindfulness City
I once asked my great-Uncle Mel, who is now 98, which of the 85 countries he had visited in his life was his favorite. Without hesitation, he said Bhutan. Since then I’ve had a fascination with the place where Gross Domestic Happiness is measured, and tourism was strictly capped by a high daily visa fee. Now, the tiny nation in Southeast Asia between Tibet and India is partnering with architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to build what they are calling a “Mindfulness City.”
The project stands out for its unique integration of Bhutan's spiritual heritage and environmental mindfulness within its urban planning, offering spaces like a Vajrayana spiritual center, temples, and meditative walks that encourage reflection and connection. This project goes beyond economic development to embody Bhutan's commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, making it a pioneering model for holistic, mindful urban living, and a place I am now even more excited to visit.
Found on DesignBoom
“ In a society that prizes youthfulness above all, the signs of ageing (sic.) can be regarded as something to fear. But since advancing years affect us all – indeed, we are getting older with every day that passes – isn’t it preferable to celebrate and cherish the experiences, the perspectives and the sense of calm contemplation that maturity affords?”
My grandmothers have been key in helping me develop my sense of style, and have provided so many life lessons on aging, that mostly amount to “Fuck it. You Do You.” One of them views age as a hall pass to deliberately dress more creatively, while the other, at 93, maintains her Jackie-O-like sense of perfection in tailored Theory suits, and wedge heels - yes even on her daily 2-mile a-day walk. I love reading about women (and men) who are embracing aging in their own ways. If you do too, this article, and it’s accompanying photos and quotes from a variety of very interesting people is a great read.
Found on More or Less
Photograph by Tim Walker, from “The Granny Alphabet”
And last but not least, Abbi and Illana reunite. I have to hand it over to the Miralax ad crew, this endorsement is sheer perfection.
Found on Hey Alma
Putting together this list reminds me that great (and not just sh*tty) things are actually happening in the world and it brings me so much joy!
Have something to add? Email me at sam@doublehi.co