CMYKaboom!

Inspiration Machine 49

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:49:00 +0000

(Due to the upcoming holiday weekend, Inspiration Machine & Link Kaboom will each run a day early this week.)

Clockwise from top left: Corey Hamilton, ipushthebuttons, Diyana Kamaruza, misspaq

1. Make a cat's cradle.

2. Learn your moon sign.

3. Whisper secrets to your houseplants.

4. Learn sign language.

5. Learn how to spell your name in katakana.

6. Make macaroons.

7. Do a cannonball.

8. Spit up in the air, then RUN!

9. Do a somersault.

10. Climb a tree.

Wardrobery: 06/17/09

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Top: Gadzooks (defunct); Cardigan: Etsy; Skirt: H&M; Shoes: Frye; Prayer Beads: eBay

Had a very nice weekend playing Dungeons & Dragons, hanging with friends on roofs, playing Rock Band and doing some desperately needed yard work. And when I say desperately, I mean DESPERATELY. Me and Fiance Kaboom extracted the following items from our backyard:

• four 50lb. bags of shrubbery
• 2 giant screens (from doors?)
• a broken table
• an old ladder
• a RUG?!

The old tenants had apparently been very busy, indeed. Due to the excessive rain we've been getting, it's been virtually impossible to do any lawn care for some time. As a result, the backyard had become a veritable jungle, teaming with all sorts of strange, exotic fauna over 2 feet in height (I am really kicking myself for not nabbing a photo). There was so much shrubbery, it broke the weed whacker and defeated the manual lawnmower, forcing FK and myself to use the only other weapon in our arsenal: a machete. Yes, as in MACHETE. Given to us by a friend as a souvenir from Benin, Africa. We usually keep it in a convenient place in case the zombies come, but the backyard took priority.

Top: Gadzooks (defunct); Cardigan: Etsy; Skirt: H&M; Shoes: Frye; Prayer Beads: eBay

Like the shoes? They're made by Frye, and are my first clogs. And yes, I believe my hippy certificate is on its way to me in the mail. I really like them, they are quite comfy, but I have discovered one rather awkward result of wearing clogs: inevitable squishy noises. It sounds a little like my feet have gas.

Bet you didn't expect to read THAT today.

Anyhoo, what was the best part of your weekend?

MY DAILY COVET: Rainbow Love

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:02:00 +0000

In honor of this weekend's Gay Pride Parade in NYC (which marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots), I am doing a rainbow-themed My Daily Covet this week. The LGBT community has come a long way from those less accepting times, and still has even farther to go.

1. Friends/withYou Friendship Flag Print by Kid Robot

2. My Little Cthulhu by papercraft

3. Philipp Keel's Simple Diary™ by Taschen

4. Large Pirate Cupcake Organic Cotton Unisex T-Shirt

5. "Legalize Gay" Girly Tank by American Apparel

You can show your solidarity to the cause of equal rights to all partners by donating to the Courage Campaign here.

Link Kaboom 30

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Ron Mueck

1. Ron Mueck: This hyper-realistic sculptor's larger than life pieces depict the terrible and beautiful aspects of the human experience. Poignant, powerful, and flawlessly flawed.

2. How An Indie Musician Can Make $19,000 in 10 Hours Using Twitter: Not only is Amanda Palmer wicked talented, she is swiftly becoming a social media genius.

3. Interview with Grace Bonney of Design Sponge: Design Sponge is one of my absolute favorite blogs, and this great interview by The Design Files provides an in depth look at the brains behind the blog.

4. Top Ten Ways Women Entrepreneurs Boost Productivity: Susan L. Reid asked 250 female entrepreneurs "What's the Number one thing you do to boost your productivity?" These are the top ten.

5.Burger King Ad Vets Criticism: Burger King's new fellacio-implying ad has shocking everyone this week. What do you think - tasteless or hilarious?

6.Sea of Shoes Does U.O.: I've spent many an hour oogling the fantastic footwear choices of this high school haute-seeker. Now her own shoe collection is available as a capsule collection through Urban Outfitters.

7.Q&A with Designer Michelle Siwy: My favorite pair of jeans are by Siwy. In this interview with ShopBop, designer and founder Michelle Siwy talks about inspiration and how she makes such fantabulous jeans.

And finally, in honor of Micheal Jackson, who passed away yesterday, my favorite Jackson 5 song, featuring Bill Cosby...

Inspiration Machine 48

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: misspaq, aragost, Gina Marr, Miss Lulu & The Teaspoon Shortage

1. Keep a bowl of wishes by your bed. Every morning, take one, and do everything you can to fulfill that wish that day. At the end of the day, return the wish into the wish bowl.

2. Pick a weekly color palette, and try to dress to it.

3. Hold hands.

4. Remember to make yourself happy.

5. Eat locally.

6. Make yourself a sacred space.

7. Make your own teepee.

8. Build a firepit.

9. Adopt a tiger.

10. Dress like a tiger. Inside and out.

Wardrobery: 06/17/09

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:35:00 +0000

top: Victoria's Secret; cardigan: thrifted; jeans: Express; boots: thrifted; necklace: Laura Burnham

I almost never wear jeans in the summer. But it's sooo rainy, that they are still a major component of my wardrobe. Same goes with the boots - though there is something nice about it being cool enough to still wear some of my favorite seasonal duds.

I have been trying to come up with ways not to feel too grumpy about the weather. I believe an exorbitant umbrella purchase may be in order.

CMYK Mixtape 06/09: Marooned in June, Under a Blood Red Moon...

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:05:00 +0000

"Featherbed Rocks" by David John Harris

June has been a torrential downpour of obligations and rain, rain, rain. It's as if we were all living in a submarine, peeking out at the rays of light shining in through the sea.

I suppose this mix is "submarine music" - something to guide you through the underwater world, like a Jacque Cousteau club mix, if you will.

Anyway, hope you enjoy.

The Playlist:

01. Billy Bragg - To have and to have not

02. Bob Dylan - Beyond Here Lies Nothin'

03. Mirah - Cold Cold Water

04. The Hidden Cameras - Breath on it

05. The Dodos - Horny Hippies

06. The Decemberists - The Rake's Song

07. Jeff Hanson - Night

08. Sally Shapiro - Miracle

09. Stars - Set Yourself On Fire

10. Grizzly Bear - I Live With You

11. Ume - The Conductor

12. Modest Mouse - A Different City

13. The Dresden Dolls - Half Jack

What have you been listening to this month?

Link Kaboom 29

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:33:00 +0000

AJ Fosik,
"Always to Dust"

1. AJ Fosik: This artist's eclectic, electric totems have me swooning - by far, some of the most original work I have seen in a while.

2. 2,500 Bird's Nest Found: First of all, how cool is it that there's an animal called a "Gyrfalcon"? Secondly, the fact that the falcons have been nesting in the same place for the past 2,740 years proves the fact that there is some property whose value IS recession proof. Move over birds, I'm moving in.

3. Mos Def sells album as T-Shirt: Mos Def is offering his new album in the form of a t-shirt: Once you purchase the shirt, you also receive a download code for the new album. Just another example of an artist taking the new media by the reins.

4. Abandonedtheaters.com: A remarkable photo montage of theaters left to decay. Haunting and poignant.

5.10 Fantastic Futuristic Materials that Actually Exist: WebUrbanist takes a look at 10 materials that remind you we must be living in the future.

6.Copyright 101 for Designers: Amy J. Everhart gives a great rundown on the basics every designer should know about copyright. A must read for anyone in the creative field - know your rights!

7.The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland: Catherynne M. Valente's first chapter of her ongoing online story will leave you thirsting for more.

And finally, I have been tickled pink by these coffee commercials, made by none other than Jim Henson! So violent!

Inspiration Machine 47

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: misspaq, Karla Jean Davis, aragost, eclectic gipsyland

1. Feed yourself with the same sensibility as you would a child.

2. Make a play date with your inner child.

3. Surprise your friends with flowers.

4. Collect rain water in jars. Use it to water houseplants, rinse hair.

5. Write the story of your life in 100 words.

6. Make your own mud mask.

7. Make a list of all the dirty words you can think of.

8. Compose your own underwater ballet.

9. Jump up as high as you can.

10. Sit in stillness, in gratitude and happiness for you life.

Wardrobery: 06/16/09

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Wardrobery: 06/16/09

Tops: thrifted, Skirt: thrifted, Shoes: Pixie Market, Necklace: accumulated

My favorite part of this outfit is definitely the skirt and the shoes. I thrifted the skirt a few weeks ago, it fit perfectly, and still had it's tags. It's this mock-houndstooth pattern I find just too wonderful: I hereby dub it, "puppy-tooth."

Also, I am a big fan of these new sandals. These are my, "I can't afford the Ann Demeulemeester's I am in love with because I am getting married and still need to eat" shoe. I got them from Pixie Market, and they are so similar in style to my beloved AD's, but for a teeny fraction of the price. I may be able to do without the high-heeled version. MAY.

Wardrobery: 06/15/09

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Tank: Target; Top: Free People; Cardigan: Etsy; Slacks: Zara; Shoes: Zara; Necklace: Laura Burnham

Hi! Did you know that August 29 is only 75 days away? I do - and I can feel each one of them PRESSING on my skull. Yeah, the wedding is right around the corner, or anatomically speaking, jammed somewhere between my stomach and my throat. There is still soooo much to do, and it's really sinking in with me and Fiance Kaboom just how much we have to get done. However, this weekend we made some lists and plans, so hopefully we'll make some real progress in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the weather on the east continues to be baffling. It's unseasonably cool, and I've heard rumors it was hailing in New Jersey yesterday. I am anticipating a plague of locusts, maybe a tornado or two before things settle down. All this crummy weather has meant my beach trips are on indefinite hold, which is pretty darn disappointing.

However, one great thing about the weird weather is it is not unbelievably hot in NYC, as is often the case this time of year, which allows one to break out those great "in-between" pieces - you know, those things too warm for summer, but too cold for winter. I have been piling on the light sweaters and cardigans in anticipation of the chillier spring days, as exemplified in this outfit. It's a rather nice feeling to do this: you feel bundled like you would in the winter, yet without feeling frigid or underdressed.

Tank: Target; Top: Free People; Cardigan: Etsy; Slacks: Zara; Shoes: Zara; Necklace: Laura Burnham

This was also the first time I got to rock these harem slacks I got from Zara. I picked them up during the winter, but it was far too chilly to wear them at the time. They are satin, and feel like warm water is sliding down my legs all day. It's too wonderful.

Wallpaper Chase

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:08:00 +0000

The grass is always greener, I suppose. First, we lived in an apartment, and I coveted a house desperately. Now we rent a house, and whereas I should be happy as a clam, I am not. Because now I want to OWN a house, so I can fill it with wonderful, permanent things that I will never have to worry about moving again, like wallpaper. Sweet, sweet, wallpaper...

Not helping my house-lust is the fact that I am absolutely, positvely smitten with the wallpaper of Grow House Grow!, an independent wallpaper company owned and operated by Brooklyn resident Katie Deedy. Between balancing two bartending jobs, Deedy hand prints these magnificent wallpapers, based on such whimsical inspirations as historical figures and stories.

A picture of the artist, in studio:

To see more of Deedy's fantastic creations, visit Grow House Grow! by clicking here.

Link Kaboom 28

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Asianposes.com

1. Asianposes.com: I know it SOUNDS like a porn site, but it's not! Instead, Steve posts informing articles and pictures of some of the hottest photographic poses the hip Asian girls are doing. I am smitten!

2. SPIN Liner Notes: Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer: Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending this lovely charity event at the Housing Works Bookstore. Neil & Amanda collaborate on singing songs and telling amazing stories. SPIN has compiled some of the best moments, for you to watch too.

3. DIY Leggings on Burda Style: Lets face it, money is tight these days. So how about we all start MAKING fantastic leggings, instead of shelling our hard earned greens buying them? Let's do this.

4. Not-So-Great Expectations: NY Times writer Judith Warner contemplates the desire, and subsequent inability, to be perfectly ambitious. A mom's point-of-view, but a message I think we can all take something from.

5. Sustainable Seafood Guide: Love fish, but flabbergasted as to which are environmentally conservable? This little guide is just what you need.

6. Blind Search Taste Test: With the innumerable search engines on the world wide web these days, it can be a little daunting to determine which you prefer. This blind search query brings up the results of 3 different engines, and then let's you vote on which you think is working the best.

7. Underwater Peoples Records Showcase Compilation : I've been jamming out all week to the low-fi paradise that is this album. Just the kind of thing you want to listen to as you sizzle next to a pool. Best part, it's a free download!

And Finally, this music video by Nyle is simply stunning. Taken in only one long, perfect take, it actually makes the song appear before your eyes (and ears).

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

Have a nice weekend, lads & lasses!

Inspiration Machine 46

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: verhext, aragost, Fairytale Vegas, Kunio Monji

1. Take a milk bath.

2. Make your own aerobics video, and give to friend's as a gag gift.

3. Wander through your house donned in a beautiful house robe a heels, whilst eating bon-bons.

4. Acquire a crystal ball.

6. Start participating in hand written correspondence.

7. Carry a cloth handkerchief.

8. Plate unusual objects in gold.

9. Paint your front door your favorite color.

10. Try to have at least one adventure a day.

A Reluctant Bride Gives Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:24:00 +0000

"vintage button bouquets in action" by lilfishstudios

I am totally blown away by the responses I have received in response to my last post about the bridal role - who knew so many eloquent, sympathetic lasses read my blog! Your personal stories and comments mean the world to me, and it's incredibly good to know I (we) are not alone in feeling awkward in this unique cultural position.

Seeing as there seems to be so much interest in this subject, I am going to make an effort to be more forthcoming about the upcoming wedding, and my experiences and lessons regarding it.

Thanks again - you guys are fantastic!

Cyn~

A Reluctant Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:29:00 +0000

"The Bride" by Olga Vasilkova

It occurred to me recently that I am just a few months shy of getting married, yet no one reading this blog would have any way of knowing it. Truth be told, I have been very reticent about posting regarding my upcoming nuptials, and lately I've been picking my brain as to why that is.

Thinking about it, I suppose there are several reasons. One being that I tend to be less personal and more expository in my blogging habits; something I consider neither a good nor bad thing, just a personal preference - I created this blog to show others the things that inspire me, not to dwell too much on who I am exactly. But I suppose the brunt of the reason I have been quiet in this area is that I am a reluctant bride. No, that does not mean that Fiance Kaboom! is hauling me down the aisle, kicking and screaming, with a great gnashing of teeth. I am extremely happy about our marriage - I think it's an important step in our relationship, and an important marker in both of our lives.

So it's not the marrying that has me disconcerted, but the fact that between the time of engagement and marriage, I have been put into this position where I am expected to play the role of the, "Bride To Be." This is something I had not foresee, and frankly am not very comfortable with.

I know there are many, many girls out there that have fantasized about planning their wedding since they could tie their shoelaces, but I have never been one of them. My childhood dreams were always centered around becoming a runaway, starting a rock band, becoming the next great American painter and kazoo player. And if and when I wondered about my future romantic counterpart, I was much too obsessed worrying about the intricacies implied in the idea of ever being able to meet a soul mate than what exactly I would be wearing when me and this rare bird would tie the knot (IF we tied the knot). I never possessed any bridal fantasies - it always just seemed like so much stuff and nonsense in a world full of excitement and adventure.

Now that I find myself in the role of the betrothed, I have discovered our society projects a very clear image of what a woman about to get married should act like and be concerned with, and frankly that list of things deeply concerns me. I watch women on bridal television programs pouring 3-month salaries into dresses they will only wear once, going into near hysterics over the tonal values of hydrangea in their floral arrangements, and frankly, I feel a little queasy. the I think our society puts too much importance on the event of a wedding, and that often all the pomp and circumstance can take away from the true meaning of the day, the personal pledge between two people to be the other's physical and emotional partner for the rest of their lives.

This feeling has not been helped with the matter both me and Fiance Kaboom! have had to proceed in regarding the wedding itself. My family is first generation Italian immigrants, and have very firmly set ideas of what they expect in a wedding. Due to my reticence to make a big deal of anything involving the wedding, I have acquiesced in their wishes to have a much more traditional wedding than I may have chosen for myself. So I find myself filling bridal shoes I never quite anticipated for myself, and predictably chafing.

I know I am alone in my reactionary feelings toward traditional bridal roles - countless websites and articles about couples breaking away from the typical wedding protocol being thrust upon them confirm this fact. But I also wonder how many girls are in the same position I am - basically, trying to fill the traditional bride role, but being a little disillusioned and uncomfortable with it at the same time. That is a side you don't really read much about in the wedding magazines (magazines which I refuse to go near with the aversion of a vampire to garlic).

So this is how I have been feeling, and it bothers me that my natural reaction has been to turn away from writing about it, rather than dealing with it in the online forum available to me where my input could help someone sharing my same concerns, or even help me deal with some of these issues about being a reluctant bride.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw it out there. What are your thoughts about the bride role? Are you comfortable with it? If not, how did you deal with it, or how do you intend to deal with it in the future?

Link Kaboom 27

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:36:00 +0000

"I Have You Now" via FFFound

1. "I Have You Now" via FFFound: I can't get enough of this clever little picture. Also, I find the idea of Darth Vader on a moped simply delightful.

2. Fire Starter: Remember that Billy Joel song "We Didn't Start the Fire" (how could you forget!). Wikipedia has a list of all the historical references mentioned in the song. Wow your friends! Baffle your mom!

3. Allergic to Grilled Cheese: This article is chock full of healthy euphemisms. What is your opinion on "grilled cheese"?

4. Burt's Bees Gives Away 1000 Balms: From now until June 20, Burt's Bees will be giving away 1000 lip balms on their website. Go get yours!

5. Conan & Luigi: This week, Conan switched channels, and consequently changed sets. However, the new backdrop looks strangely familiar...

6. Who Pooped?: This microsite for the Minnesota Zoo is all about poop. It's incredibly well designed, and thoroughly amusing.

7. BIG GAY Ice Cream Truck: What has New York ice cream been missing? Bacon toppings, of course.

And finally, loving this music video for Bob Dylan's song, "Beyond Here Lies Nothin" by Australian director Nash Edgerton. It really transforms the song into an experience. To learn more about the video, click here for an interview with Edgerton.

What's peaked your fancy lately?

Inspiration Machine 45

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: yyellowbird, Gina Marr, Kate Doodles, yyellowbird

1. Give yourself a round of applause.

2. Make strawberry shortcake.

3. Invest in a trampoline.

4. Attempt to invent a brand new, never before seen facial expression.

5. Find an old picture of your mom/dad, and try to replicate the photo, with you standing in as them.

6. Go find Girl Scout cookies.

7. Love greenery, but lacking in the space department? Plant a window box garden.

8. Spread the love.

9. Coordinate a neighborhood yard sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to a local charity.

10. Find a way to celebrate the spirit of summer each and every day this season.

Outlaws of the Border

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:06:00 +0000

I am drooling over the pieces from this new clothing/record label, Outlaws of the Border. Formed by husband and wife team, Lindsay Jones and Gautier Pellegrin, these duds turn some mean structural tricks, whilst maintaining that subtle, graceful casual elegance I find so entrancing.

Not only are the structures found within the pieces moving, but the combination of materials is simply delightful. There's nothing to bring out the chunky-wonderfulness of a knit than a subtle silk, or anything quite like the surprise of a satin under a sensible wool. I could incorporate these pieces a million wonderful ways, and always find a rare joy.

To see more of this collection, click here.

Words of Wisdom: Vivienne Westwood

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Vivienne Westwood is as much an icon as she is a fashion designer. Coming up from modest beginnings, this self-taught seamstress has become one of the most recognized fashion designers of all time. Her punk influenced designs have successfully ridden the curves thrown by generational subculture with the grace of a swan, the fortitude of a royal tank.

Her words speak of a vibrant past, and a eccentric, anarchistic approach to creativity...

“There's always a polemic in my clothes.”

“I think it is terribly important to have opinions, and to think. We live in a world of action without thought.”

“For me Margaret Thatcher has always been one of the world's best-dressed people. Her politics were appalling, but her look gave her incredible presence.”

"We wanted to step off our island and add the color of the third world. We got gold cigarette paper and stuck it around our teeth. We really did look like pirates and dressed to look the part."

"We lived in a tiny 4-wheel box-like thing made of wood that attached to the car. We parked it at the beach so my children could benefit from the sea air. Eventually, I went back to teaching - but it was mostly on and off."

"The muscular, athletic type is not representative of the human race, who are varied in their physique."

"It is not possible for a man to be elegant without a touch of femininity."

"I was still interested in the youth rebellion but never-the-less I stopped being a victim. Stopped trying to attack the establishment realizing that it takes too much of your energy."

"I think some people would love to be able to make the clothes I make - and of course, I do influence them, but they keep simplifying, and minimalism doesn't quite work."

"I think dress, hairstyle and make-up are the crucial factors in projecting an attractive persona and give one the chance to enhance one's best physical features."

"I am attracted to people who make this effort in knowing what suits them - they are individual and stylish."

"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well."

"Even though it was the 70s, we found old stocks of clothes that had never been worn from the 50s and took them apart. I started to teach myself how to make clothes from that kind of formula."

"...since I always had my own little shop and direct access to the public, I've been able to build up a technique without marketing people ever telling me what the public wants."

“I'm not trying to do something different, I'm trying to do the same thing but in a different way.”

Link Kaboom 26

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:50:00 +0000

"Finger Painting" by Jorge Colombo, New Yorker Magazine

1. iPhone Art Graces New Yorker: Is there anything these phones can't do? Using an iPhone app called Brushes, Jorge Colombo creates lovely expressionist landscapes. The New Yorker has featured one of his digital wonders on their cover this month, and shows the entire remarkable drawing process.

2. Albertine Workspace: Offers affordable, custom made dresses. O I am SO THERE!

3. The Douchiest Phone Message in History: Note to guys, when hitting on the ladies, don't do ANY of this. Good lord...

4. How We Read Online: I am a self-admitted lazy online reader. This article makes me feel better to know that I am not alone, as well as offering some great tips on keeping that text punchy and approachable in an online environment.

5. On The Hunt For Fabulous Fiction: Looking to bulk up your summer reading list? This mouthwatering list of new fiction by NPR is a great place to start.

6. Dung Bricks: It is what it sounds like. But before you turn your nose up, what if I told you the Ecofaebrick is 20% lighter and 20% stronger than traditional clay bricks, and a completely renewable as long as there are cows around? An excellent, awesome accomplishment!

7. How To Delete/Cancel Your Myspace Account: Let's face it - Myspace is over. And if your account has become similar to mine, a veritable refuse bin of band emails and spam, you may want to end your relationship with this social network disaster, only to discover how to do so is not very transparent. Here's what you need to know to cut the cord.

And finally, Bat For Lashes continues to awe and delight with their superb music videos. Here's the newest one for the song, "Pearl's Dream." Enjoy!

Bat For Lashes - "Pearl's Dream"

Inspiration Machine 44

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: fofurasfelinas, shutterblog, Allison Sommers, Miss Lulu & The Teaspoon Shortage

1. Collect antique teaspoons

2. Remember that everyday, in every action, you are changing the world.

3. Blow kisses to beautiful days.

4. Go to your local hangout, but with the intention of making it a great adventure.

5. Wear mismatched shoes.

6. Instead of smoking cigarettes, invest in a bubble pipe.

7. Make your own granola.

8. Practice laughing every day.

9. Become a collector of bad jokes.

10. Lose yourself in the moments.

May Mixtape: I Just May...

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:08:00 +0000

"Björk Karaoke" by Gina Marr

May is such an odd time of year. It has growing pains, stands around like an awkward teenager, never sure if it's one thing or another. I kind of like it for that reason - it's cool, and warm, and full of seasonal surprises. And it means summer is right around the corner.

Here's that music for that lush time in between.

The Playlist:

1. Interpol - Evil

2. Bright Eyes - Coat Check Dream Song

3. Patrick Wolf - Overture

4. Black Eyed Peas - Like That (Feat Cee-Lo, John L)

5. Beck - Youthless

6. Animal Collective - My Girls

7. The National - Slow Show

8. Spoon - Paper Tiger

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

10. Datarock - Give It Up (Kissy Sell Out Remix)

11. MF Doom - Lightworks

12. The Fiery Furnaces - Up in the North

13. Belle And Sebastian - Another Sunny Day

Words of Wisdom: Eleanor Roosevelt

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. In that time she carved out the position we consider today that of the First Lady, as a diplomat to public service and social reform. Not satisfied to hide in the shadow of her husband the president, Eleanor was an active political force in her own right, an intelligent, eloquent female who worked ferociously for those that could not speak out for themselves. To this day she is considered the measuring rod that all first ladies are held up to, and she continues to be an inspiration and aspiration for active females the world over.

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. "

"A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."

"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity."

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."

"Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world."

"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people."

"I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on."

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it."

"If someone betrays you once, it’s their fault; if they betray you twice, it’s your fault."

"My experience has been that work is almost the best way to pull oneself out of the depths."

"It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself."

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself."

"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."

"One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else."

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built."

"Perhaps nature is our best assurance of immortality."

"Probably the happiest period in life most frequently is in middle age, when the eager passions of youth are cooled, and the infirmities of age not yet begun; as we see that the shadows, which are at morning and evening so large, almost entirely disappear at midday."

"You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give."

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

"Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one."

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

"You must do the things you think you cannot do."

"What is to give light must endure the burning."

Link Kaboom 25

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Silvestri) — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:01:00 +0000

"claudiag01," Gina Marr's Inspiration Set

1. Gina Marr's Inspiration Flickr Set: Gina's collection of photographs, art, and articles will add inspiration to even the drabbest day.

2. Can Positive Thoughts Heal Another Person?: An interesting article about whether thoughts can affect your physical body, and the bodies of others.

3. No to Sri Lanka:
Encourage Sri Lanka to preserve human rights through your wallet. Avoid shopping at these vendors to encourage Sri Lanka to have an immediate cessation of hostilities against theTamil population.

4. 40 Useful and Creative Infographics: These informative graphics are amazing examples of how creative design can take flat information into a new realm entirely.

5. Germany Bans Very Long Names: Germany has had enough of multi-syllabic monocre monstrosities. Beware!

6. Infinite Summer: The mission, should you choose to accept it: read all 1000 pages of David Foster Wallace's acclaimed novel, Infinite Jest, between June 21 - September 22. Are you up to the challenge?

7. 9 Practical Ways to Help You Stay Focused: Some simple steps to help you stay on the straight and narrow.

Finally, an amazing little wonder of a music video, Nyle's "Let The Beat Build" shows how a song comes together from virtually nothing.

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.