(via teaandstrumpets)
And now, something completely different.
This yad was used in its lifetime for reading the Torah without touching it. But its most common use was for daily clarification:
“What is it that you want?”
“I want,” (picks up utensil, points at thing) “that.”
(Source: grandviewmercantile.com)
I am fascinated and bothered by this. The carving on the top makes it even worse/better.
“Unusual “quack” electrode therapeutic magneto medical machine from the mid-1800’s. This type of device was used by leading physicians throughout the U.S. and Europe and was also sold for in-home use. When a patient gripped the two electrodes while turning the gears, it would send electric shocks through the body - the faster the crank was turned, the more electric shock was delivered. The machine was used to relieve several conditions including palsies, paralysis, tumors, rheumatism, sprains, inflammation, incontinence, and toothaches. This interesting piece comes in a wooden box with wonderful patina, a locking key, and fascinating history!
Condition: Scratches and wear throughout indicative of age and use; small old “carving” of a house with sidewalk on top.”
(Source: grandviewmercantile.com)
Love Thy Librarian
A quick bit of research, a phone call, and a ten minute speed-walk lead me to an enthusiastic librarian and my first encounter with Modernist Cuisine. Judging by the eerily similar current activity in my brain to that of a first date, I think it’s safe to say that I am smitten with a five(six?)-volume text book on the topics of science and the kitchen.
It’s just-like-so-crazy, you know? It’s like he understands me. He’s so eloquent. Innovative. Creative. Unique. Clean. He smells really nice, and his looks? My god, he’s got to be the most beautiful cook/textbook I’ve ever seen.
My mind is hastily making plans to see him again.
On the topics of food and form, I cut into my kiwi today to find that it had something to show me:
Then I rammed a dull metal spoon through its heart, and ate it.
CANT- Dreams Come True
I’ve been frustrated. Maybe I’m not looking in the right place, but lately my music searching has been clogged by too much dull and unmoving “electro-pop-synth-dance” nonsense. My attention span is diminishing to seconds. ”Remix” is becoming a dirty word.
However, there have been two fantastic exceptions by artists I was counting on to keep this area of music special, showing that it is capable of cohesive, complete, and inspired pieces. The first being the massive and colorful “Hurry Up We’re Dreaming” by M83. The second, “Dreams Come True” by CANT.
I’d like to focus on the latter, as I don’t think enough people have heard it yet. CANT is the solo project of Grizzly Bear member and awesome-faced Chris Taylor. (He’s also very talented, but look at that face!)
This album continues to surprise me, there is so much that makes it incredibly attractive. The influences are far reaching, which might be the reason why I am so impressed. Someone decided to weave together Radiohead (“The Answer” “Rises Silent”), the artists forced on me by my parents, and something uniquely their own, managing to prove that they work like a smooth-synth-and-woodwind ride on the soul train. I can’t get enough.
The opening track “Too Late Too Far” is a perfect example of the complexity and the genius behind how well it’s executed. Something great happens at 2:20: I can’t stop thinking of Prince/Michael Jackson, Phil Collins might as well be singing at 3:30.
“The Edge” is so smooth. What is it about slow jams? Those soulful lyrics of heartbreak and tainted love? Taylor doesn’t disappoint with a heartfelt breakdown: “I’m going down/losing my touch/start asking why/stop acting so tough.”
Then, of course, we remember we’re listening to a part of Grizzly Bear with “Bang”, but, wait, what is that? Who just dropped that beat? Oh yeah, that’s right. We’re not in Yellow House anymore.
The album finishes, simple, intimate, with romantic piano chords and buzzing ambient sounds in the backdrop. “And it’s all come down to this/now it’s gone, somehow exists…” I appreciate albums that end this way, wrapping up the collection like an end to any other great moment, leaving those affected a bittersweet time to reflect, thinking, “Yeah, that was really nice.”
Way to go, Awesomeface Taylor.
Magic.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
