Archive for May, 2009

Let the pun begin

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Samuel Johnson described the pun as “the lowest form of humour.” Ambrose Bierce thought it a “form of wit to which wise men stoop and fools aspire.” For a form so loathed by some, it has certainly endured – even flourished – in both art and literature.
A verbal pun is defined as a play on [...]

Everything old is new (and trendy) again

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

La Bergère, a Dutch hospitality group, is developing a new hotel in Maastricht. The theme: “style, sex and soup,” corresponds to design, attraction and authenticity. Their vision is to decorate the hotel using furniture, objects d’art and knick-knacks purchased from everyday consumers.
The creators are asking people to rummage through their attics, garages – wherever, and [...]

High-altitude sickness

Monday, May 25th, 2009

While flying to Bhutan on a crystal clear day, we flew past the summit of Mount Everest. That was it – that one brief encounter – and I was mesmerized. The power and the majesty of its 29,035 feet were undeniable.
Since then, I have climbed the South Col route of Mount Everest and summitted many [...]

Quality control: “How’m I doing?”

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

The curious g blog is just over three months old. Using the infamous catchphrase of  Ed Koch, former congressman and longtime mayor of New York, this is an opportune time to ask for feedback.
As some may remember, I began this blog because 1) I am endlessly curious and 2) to explore the reasons for blogging [...]

Come on – get happy

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

What are the happiest countries in the world and why are they happy? According to Forbes.com, to make this determination, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) conducted a Gallup World Poll in 140 countries last year. The focus: “subjective well-being, defined as life satisfaction. Did people feel like their lives were dominated by [...]

Going Green: Demystifying Absinthe

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Absinthe became legal in the states back in 2007 (ending last minute stops at Gerry’s on Old Compton Street when in London.) For those who enjoy the occasional nip, absinthe bars have popped up everywhere. Yet, the spirit itself has remained romantic and mystical, in part because of the famous absinthe drinkers, but also due [...]

An artist, boldly going where no one has gone before

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

The fun thing about being curious is finding the unexpected: Starting at one place and winding up at a completely different one, while making new discoveries along the way. It’s a buzz.
While researching graffiti art, I found this indescribable architecture. The prolific artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was an Austrian-born painter, architect and sculptor. Hundertwasser’s unique and [...]

The Art of Travel Research

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

For everything you’d ever want to know about DIY travel planning, this article is for you. The NY Times Frugal Traveler has provided the blue print from researching your destination to arriving there. Choose your locale and… bon voyage.
How do you plan a trip? Are you a DIYer or do you pass it off?

The kinder, gentler, more profitable “generosity”

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

“Generation G” has been classified as the new trend for business mindsets where “giving is the new taking and sharing is the new giving.” It sounds as trivial as the fashionistas of the world claiming that gray is the new black. Except at least that’s benign. If the very definition of generous is “showing a [...]

Just curious: It’s just an illusion

Monday, May 4th, 2009

While working on a logo project, I needed to do some color studies. I was checking through my swatchbooks, but I wanted something more. I came across these patterns. These are static images, but the interplay of color and shape play fun tricks on the eye. I most likely wouldn’t go for this effect on [...]