Results tagged "Society and Culture"

Only a few weeks shy of his birthday, I think it is safe to declare that we have a 2 year old on our hands. And, although I remain in stance that none of it is really the 2yrold’s fault, I have to admit that the bar has been raised on the tolerance scale. He’s independent. Scary independent. So independent that I am beginning to think that he’s actually turning 19 – not two. He’s stubborn…. like his parents AND he’s determined. This morning as we were walking at “the park” he took it upon himself to start RUNNING AWAY FROM ME. Fast. Running AWAY FAST. My legs are longer, so I have an advantage, but swooping to catch the 38-40″ 30something pounder  – running like he has wheels for legs sure made me look like the Wiley Coyote. Before I blow myself up with dynamite. But I refuse to lament. I will not be those people… “It’s only going to get worse”, “Just you wait” or “You didn’t sign on for this”… Because I did. We did. We signed on for all of it. And although my lower back aches from spontaneous movements of swooping, catching and trapping — oh and that cracking sound — those are my knees… We’ll take it all. Bring it on 2yrold. Bring it ON!

In other news, I’m proud to announce that Amanda, our sharp-tongued San Franciscan Guest Bird – aka Brilliant Sulk, finally came up with the city I am in – MUNICH, 1997, Girl in Black – thanks to all that played!

Throwback posts:
Yum
Where am I?
America’s Sweetheart

In the North East, autumn is truly the commander of all seasons. A complete and total unpredictable monster of a season that holds beauty and gale force winds in it’s grip–only to release when one least expects. Complete and total wash-outs turned to reds, yellows, oranges against the bluest possible sky. And temperatures that require layers–Ts covered by fun big sweaters and scarves acting as jackets. And then there are the boots. A designer’s delight. Comfort food to singe the slight chill in the air and sleepy from Budhi’s warm rice wine… A reprieve before the cold.

Almost 10 years ago (yikes!) I worked at a company that was deep out
in the New Hampshire woods… a company that developed ground
penetrating radar equipment and software. I will give you a second to
think about this.

The radar tools were used worldwide for things
like major infrastructure projects, highway repairs, and my favorite –
archeology and hidden treasures. I was titled the “Graphic Presentation
Specialist” and spent a lot of time looking at pictures of digitized
rebar. It was my job to make radar look sexy. I have always had a
slight interest in science, so this was it wasn’t too mundane for me…
most of the time.

My co-workers were all scientists–geologists
mostly… and when I needed approval on the latest product shot I would
have to go on a scouting hunt through the woods to find the individual
in question.. Once found, they were usually dressed head to toe in
protective jump-suits, not as a precaution–just because they wanted
to–testing equipment in the dank woods. Headlamps were also big in this
office… when at their desks, they all seemed to need the extra
light–despite the mind-burning fluorescents in the ceiling.  Gas masks
were also in abundance, although I don’t recall ever seeing or catching
a wiff of any hazerdous chemicals. These were all regular people…
just really smart and into the world underground.

There were some
creepshows– the guys that lurk around unibomberesk. But for the most
part everyone was really friendly and upbeat. They had organized runs
after lunch–big groups of geologists running on the country roads
talking about rocks and rebar. I’m not going to lie–it was amusing…
And, it was a good job. They had awesome beneifts and, because we were
owned by a larger Chinese oligarchy, the 401K was-a-rollin. I probably
would have stayed with the company longer than I did (about 1.5yrs)..
but I began to laugh at the rebar jokes… I began to recognize the
flaws in the digitized software accounts of cracked concrete… I
started to think that the lights weren’t bright enough–can I borrow
your headlamp? It was time to move on… and so I did.

In
2001–after 9-11 and during the clean-up of, I was watching the news.
Still living in New Hampshire — although no where near the woods, I
was of course somber about the course of events when… WAIT – in the
background there… That man… I know him… Hey that’s STEVE from
GSSI–he’s holding a peice of Ground Penetrating Radar equipment!

To date, the company is still going strong, and I will always have fond memories.

Suffolk to Change Signs on County Road 39… read more here: http://www.27east.com/story_detail.cfm?cat=shnews&id=184588

Yay Vandals! Success! Unfortunately if you are caught, there are about 50 town workers that cleaned the signs (in the cold) ready to pounce.

In other news… Breakwater Design Studio now has it’s very own Facebook page… we never thought we’d see the day. Take a look, become a fan… we’re super fun!

1. It’s cold out… so we dream… thanks Luxury Travel…
2. Custom made 404′s – YAY!… I am such a geek…
3. For the Birds @ Ace Jet 170 – Tweet is right… 
4. Expensive, but oh so cool wrapping paper at Design*Sponge–for the OCD wrappers…
5. Also @ Design*Sponge – the Bar Stool Roundup… It’s the RULE– There’s a Stool, there’s a Stool!…
6. Martha, Snoop and some “All hood” potatoes…. is nothing sacred?…
7. The Hamptons certainly are not… The Real Deal…
8. Our continued obsession… Dubai…
9.  10 turkey tips @ Serious Eats… Gobble. gobble.
10. AND… Driving Dogs (gotta love Long Island) – move over Toonces! 

Hank has returned to his Water Mill field for the annual Pumpkintown celebration. Kids, wear your sneaks, puffy vests and sunscreen (for the nose). Parents, be prepared to stand around while your Golden Pear purchases make you vibrate. Passers by, be prepared to sit still among pumpkin rubberneckers taking in the scene. Our son Will is not yet old enough to enjoy Pumpkintown, but we are rather intrigued….

This year Hank returns with his Maze of Maize. This idea a–mazes me… I’m sure it’s fun… but as a product of the ’80′s (aka warped mind) and not originally from an area that celebrates dried stalks…  I can’t help but get thrown back to a more simpler time when….. we avoided the corn.

In other news…  The Town of Southampton Rocks, but that doesn’t reall mean anything (Read More…), and a Designer’s procrastination… The Pattern Foundry.

Jeff Koons at Versailles… what a brilliant combination. I bet Louis XIV would have loved his work… Just imagine the Opening that Marie Antoinette would have thrown. Opulence (and delusion) in it’s greatest form. We love it.

Alaska is in it’s limelight. For real– when was the last time that Alaska was mentioned so many times in a given day let alone a half hour. We [try to] refrain from political stance on this bloggedy-blog, but given unavoidable current events and the Newbie-Infamous Running Mate,  think…. how many times a day did you wonder/read about/hear/smell/take an interest in Alaska before 2 weeks ago?