This Too Shall Pass

I know OK GO's amazing Rube Goldberg Machine music video has been all over the internets already, but I didn't get around to watching it until today. And, holy cow. Just, holy effing cow:



You can read an interview with four of the designers of the machine here.

Going Brogue

Lately I've been scouring the city for the perfect pair of lady brogues, and HERE THEY ARE! Just not in the right city. Le sigh.

[via Turned Out]

Eyes of Mars

Marion Cotillard collaborated with Franz Ferdinand on 'Eyes of Mars' - a sultry music video/ad for the Lady Dior campaign. The song is totally forgettable, but Marion's gorgeous, so who cares!

The time has come

Amazing.

The Art of the Steal

Yesterday was one of those perfect, cusp-of-spring days here in New York. The rehearsal I had scheduled was canceled at the last minute, which suddenly freed up my afternoon (side note: isn't it great, that sudden rush of 'Wait, I have the whole afternoon to myself, where do I even begin'?).

So I took a long walk through Central Park, and then opted for a spontaneous afternoon movie. I ended up seeing 'The Art of the Steal,' which turned out to be a fascinating exposé about The Barnes Foundation in Lower Merion, PA and the scandal/conspiracy behind its impending move to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Of course, the documentary isn't perfect; it's very, VERY partisan and heavy-handed at times, as many entertaining docs tend to be. But the larger thesis of the film is an interesting one that sheds light on the exploitation of art and culture under the heavy influence of money and power. Not a bad way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday.

70 Million | Hold Your Horses!

This music video for '70 Million' by Hold Your Horses! is basically a super-fun and clever crash-course in Art History 101.

[Thanks Ben]

The Boxcar Children

Ever since I was a kid, I've had a thing for mystery series. In the 8th grade, I think I went through every book in the Agatha Christie-Hercule Poirot collection; then in high school, it was Laurie R. King's Sherlock Holmes-Mary Russell series.

But it all started in the 2nd grade with The Boxcar Children and these awesome book covers:


[Images here]

No.

Ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes on, er......hm. What DOES one call this. For now I'll just call it the most useless piece of clothing ever made. On the bright side, it's only $7,472! Clearly, the designer kept the recession in mind, as well as satisfying our refined sartorial palates.

A "one of a kind statement piece," indeed. If by 'statement' you mean, "ARE YOU FOR SERIOUS."

[via UO]

Piano Table

This here is the design object of my dreams. Dining room table with ample space for all of life's necessities (baguettes, olives, hummus, wine, laptop, and magazines), and a built-in electric piano.

[via Boing Boing]

Temple Grandin

At a very early age, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism. Today she is a professor, author, and consultant in animal behavior and livestock facilities. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as a master's degree and Ph.D in Animal Science.

HBO Films recently premiered a biopic that chronicles the early part of Temple's life. Starring an absolutely wondrous Claire Danes, along with Catherine O'Hara, Julia Ormond, and David Strathairn, 'Temple Grandin' is just...wonderful. I have to admit, I was bracing myself for an over-the-top, over-sentimentalized movie; but everything is very matter-of-fact, with just a dash of quirkiness and humor - exactly how the real Temple seems to be.

I can't emphasize enough how fantastic Claire Danes is in this role - she practically buzzes with frenetic believability. There are a few questionable artistic choices, but they're completely overshadowed by the inspirational, powerhouse performances. I definitely recommend it.

And if you'd like to hear/see a bit of the real Temple Grandin, here are a few links:
[TED Talks] Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds
[NPR] Temple Grandin on 'The Best Life for Animals'