Dancing Donald Continues to Make Headlines

Typically news sources don't report on individual's Christmas cards.

But when your card features the bloated head of a somewhat loathed presidential candidate, apparently it's news.  

The Lynn Family Christmas card, which depicts our humble hero Donald Trump* in all his egotistical glory, caught the eye of mLive. Apparently it's unusual for the Democratic Chairperson to send out greetings quoting the Republican party.

This isn't the first time a Lynn holiday greeting has made headlines. Back in 2012, their Occupy 2012 card** made it into the Detroit Lake Tribune in Minnesota who credited them for being ordinary citizens trumpeting a love for their country. 

I'm not sure I'd call Frank + Jenny ordinary, and I'm not sure the Trump Card showed the same "love and support [of] their homeland", but it sure poked fun of the big headed goon currently leading the GOP. And perhaps bringing down Donald is the best way to support this country, because... if.... well... God help us all. 

Vote smart people. And have a very humble holiday. 

*the Dancing Donald card is a fivefeettall creation. 
**Also a fivefeettall creation

[Selling] the Illusion of the American Dream

I was a dream killer the other day when I burst the Shinola bubble for several coworkers. 

Shinola is an "upscale retailer of bespoke watches and bicycles, plus a line of leather goods and curated gift items." They present themselves as a Detroit-based company dedicated to producing American built products

But in truth, they did not rise out of the ashes of Detroit. 

The watches aren’t actually manufactured in Detroit. They are assembled there from parts made overseas by their partner, Swiss-based watch manufacturer Ronda AG.

In fact, Shinola isn't even really a Detroit company. Bedrock Brands owns Shinola. Bedrock Brands is based in Texas, and although they have no website, the privately-held conglomerate was created by the co-founder of Fossil watches, and owns other brands like Filson.

So that asks the questions, how do you feel when you learn there’s corporate dollars behind your “grassroots” heroes?

Honestly? I find it disheartening.

Shinola products are beautiful, albeit overpriced, but I'm willing to look past an upcharge when I think I'm supporting a local start-up, Americans building a quality product from quality materials... you know, hardwork and the American dream, yada yada yada. 

But in this case, it’s really just a brilliant marketing ploy. They hired expensive designers, spent millions on real estate in NYC (for their Tribeca-based retail), dropped more on fancy ad campaigns and partnered with other popular “authentic brands".

Was it worth it? Shinola's initial offering of watches sold out before they were even assembled.

It is true that Shinola has brought jobs to Detroit. It is true they are operating a watch factory out of a former GM space. It is true they they are investing in industry in this American city. I respect that. I just struggle with the image they are presenting ...and how quickly people are eating it up.

What do you think— do the practices and procedures of the company behind the products you’re buying matter to you when you make a purchase — especially for high end, "authentic" goods?

I think, if they want people to respect the integrity of the brand, then they should have the integrity to be honest about the company’s roots and funding.

And for them to present themselves as a luxury brand, operating under the tagline “Where America is Made" strikes me as incredibly phony, and like they're taking advantage of Detroit's image and situation. 

My first encounter with Shinola “in the wild” was at Eastern Market in Detroit, at a urban pet shop(pe) called 3 Dogs 1 Cat. They were selling Shinola dog collars. Starting at $70. For a strip of leather and a buckle. $70. And I remember thinking… if I was struggling in Detroit, and I was going to rob a store to make ends meet, this would be the type of place I would rob. Because, shame on you. Shame on you.

Primary Source: http://fourpins.com/style/shinola-detroits-misguided-white-knight/

A Diet of Nuts and Kale?

So I realize my diet may be a mystery to some. Let me explain. I am in fact a vegetarian. I eat a hamburger every 100 weeks for the interest of BOTW on this blog. And I eat a tiny bit of meat when I travel internationally— when I feel it's an important part of experience the culture of the places I'm visiting. The rest of my days, as in 98.7% of my life, I'm a fairly strict veg-fiend. 

I've recently decided to back off cow's milk, and try to source eggs from a local farmer. I am not, however, going vegan, as I will never give up Cheese. 

I bring this up now, because moments ago I finished Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. It was a quick read, one meant to motivate you by scaring the cookies right out of your cupboards. 

I found this book to be: 
20% common sense
20% over-the-top organic label pushing
20% written by psychotic drill sergents
40% reaffirming in my position as a vegetarian

If the World followed their advice, we'd be an army of anorexics eating nothing but nuts and kale. The most frustrating part was, that in their obsession with get skinny, get skinny, get skinny (being skinny is the best, you guys), they never mention exercise (aside from one small paragraph on page 188—and apparently if everyone did yoga, we'd achieve world peace).

Basically what they do, is pressure you to replace your current diet with expensive organic name brands. If it doesn't meet Skinny Bitch approval, don't put it in your mouth. Health is Wealth Chicken-free Nuggets, Now&Zen UnSteak, Amy's Organic Tofu Scramble, or LightLife Smart Bacon. MmmmMmm, now doesn't that sound yummy?

I have been a vegetarian for 5 years, and I have never found a need to imitate meat, I simply don't eat it. No tofu, no seitan, no tempeh, no pressed faux chicken patties. Why fake it? It's not going to taste nearly as good—in fact, it's likely to taste like paste. Instead I replace meat with beans, mushrooms or potatoes. 

I don't think Skinny Bitch was a wasted read. Like I said, it reminded me of the reasons I decided not to eat meat in the first place, and it urged me to be more conscious about the things I do eat. If you're unfamiliar with the meat industry, the unethical motivations of the USDA, and the basic distinctions between phrases like "all natural" or "organic", then I do highly recommend. It is important to know that all food is NOT created equal. 

I do agree with Freedman and Barnouin, you should know what you're putting in your body. But there's smart and there's extreme. And we want to be skinny bitches, not crazy bitches. And only crazy bitches give up cheese.


***If you looking for really great reads on what you should eat, and reasons why you should support the American meat industry, I recommend Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser and In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Both are great as audio backs. Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. is a good rule to start with. 

Ireland is Old

I don't think here in the US we understand what OLD is. The United States is 238 years old. Columbus found America 522 years ago. 

It took over 140 years to build the Duomo in Florence (Italy). One building. It took 49 years to carve the doors of its Baptistery. It was completed in 1436. Before North America had even been discovered (by the Europeans). 340 years before the United States became an independent country. And the Duomo is still standing.
I don't know anything about the Pyramids, but my guess is, they're older. And they're still standing too. 

My point is, Boston, I love you, but you're a baby. 

Driving around Ireland, I was struck by how old everything is, and I feel this way every time I go to Europe. Here, in this country, we'll never understand and appreciate history, because we have none. Buildings we build today, won't be here in 340 years. 

At first, when we'd see the ruins of a crumbling castle we'd rush to pull the cameras out, "ohmygod, a castle!". By the end of the week, it was a non-enthused pointing, "there's something old." Not that we didn't appreciate and admire it, it was just everywhere. Ireland is living amidst their history.

17th Century Churches are now bars, Dower Houses are hotels, and Castles can be wine museums.

It's amazing to watch Europeans function amongst these buildings without their jaws dropping every time they turn a corner. These buildings are just normal, they're just there. They've always been there, and they probably always will.*

We'll never be as old as Europe. And because we don't build for generations, we'll never be as cool. 

*I understand that many of these buildings wouldn't be standing without conservation efforts. The point is, they're worth saving, and they recognize this enough to do so, without simplu bull-dozing city hall and starting over. 

UnPhotoshopped and But Not Uncredited

You can't trust anything, especially a photograph. As someone who spends a good portion of her day in PhotoShop, I know just how true this is. 

In that vein, American Eagle's sister lingerie store Aerie has launched a new marketing campaign focusing on Natural, Un-retouched beauty. The series, called Aerie Real, claims, "The Girl in the Photo has NOT been Retouched: The Real you is Sexy."

The girls pictured are beautiful, full of life, personality, and even have an actual curve or two. While I fully support this campaign (I'd never poo-poo something promoting a healthy body image), it is still clearly a planned marketing effort than a path to change the world. And it's certainly receiving a lot of attention – not bad for a brand most people have probably never hear of.

I wish that brands and magazines photographed "regular-sized" women, not as a ploy to sell more bras but because that's what people look like. What if a brand featured "average consumers" and didn't take credit for it, didn't acknowledge it and didn't point it out in exchange for their pat on the back? What if it was the natural, right thing to do?

 

Coloring History

Sanna Dullaway, a self-taught colorizer, has been colorizing famous photographs from history. As the photos make their way around the internet, they are receiving both praise and criticism. 

I appreciate the work, but understand how this may be seen as changing and tampering with history. 


The color adds such life and expression to the imagery, the realism is startling. But in some cases, it also changes the meaning and tone of the photograph. And for some iconic photographs, this may change how we see historic events. 


I can't imagine the skill and patience it takes to do this—to notice the subtle differences in skin tone and the wrinkles and shadows of fabric. 

I think these images are a delightful project and a thrill to look through, but that for historical record purposes, the originals must stay as is! It would be an inaccurate representation of the past if we were to go through archived imagery and photoshop out elements, such as cigarettes, and i think this falls into a similar category.  


But it's still impressive, and I am glad we get to see the photos like this! See more of Dullaway's work here and on this imgur site. 

So Long Happy Ending

The cynical side of me is comforted by these images...

Dina Goldstein's Fallen Princess series shows us familiar princesses in somewhat bleak circumstances, the future that may have been. It's the classic fairy tale with the modern day ending. 

A domesticated, Snow White handles a new family of nightmare dwarves; a captured Ariel is peered at from behind glass; Little Red Riding Hood.... isn't so little anymore.


Fairy Tales didn't originally end with sunshine and unicorns. The Brothers Grimm initially depicted a much bleaker outcome. 

So the question remains... is it damaging to young girls to teach Disneified endings to the legendary tales? Is it better to set forth a more realistic example of the challenges in the real world?

Personally, I think there's no harm letting kids imagine that anything's possible. Let's have optimistic children who aren't yet jaded by the reality around them. There's plenty of time for them to have their hearts broken and dreams dashed. While they are still young enough to enjoy the sing-song, fantastical world of Disney, I say we let them. God knows they'll outgrow it soon enough. 

Besides, chances are, they haven't yet read Jane Austen, and Mr. Darcy is just waiting to set an unattainable standard. Let's leave Pocahontas be. 

You can read further discussion with the artist, Dina Goldstein here.

A Real Life Ending

It's a sad twist in a story of innocently happy art. 

Michael Den Beste, a 33-year-old Calvin + Hobbes enthusiast from Portland, OR developed a gorgeous set of mash-ups that place the iconic and beloved characters of Bill Watterson's famous comic strip in real settings. The results were stunning and made these memorable drawings from my childhood meaningful again. 

The response to Den Beste's work was overwhelmingly positive, however, after this Gizmodo article and other national coverage came out last week Mashable announced yesterday that Den Beste was hit with a violation of copyright and the images were removed from his site.

I understand the right to artistic property, but I feel Watterson should be honored by Den Beste's creations, which have moved so many. Watterson stopped drawing C+H in 1995 and tributes such as Den Beste's make him current and bring his work to new audiences. I think asking Den Beste to cease his project is a mistake and Watterson should be flattered that he's inspiring talented new artists. That said, I am a fan of Watterson and C+H and do not want to cheapen his work in any regard. 

You can read exchanges and a bit of debate in the comments of the Mashable article, where Den Beste expresses his disappointment at how this project ended, but also chooses to explain and honor copyright laws in a very dignified and well-meaning manner.

Tater Temptations

In an exercise of self control (and in effort to lose a pound or two) I decided to give up potatoes for Lent. .... I'm going to give that a second to sink in. 

So now, in addition to depriving myself of the well-respected hamburger, I'm without the consolation of my beloved tubers. And this, right smack in the middle of Potato Lovers' Month!

As a means of filling the void, I've decided to take this time to try some things I haven't tried before. So far, this includes brussel sprouts and roasted fennel. Consider the void unfilled. (But I gotta say, I don't hate brussel sprouts!)

When I gave up meat 3 years ago, it started as a 30 day experiment. It's success has led to what I consider full-fledged vegetarianism and burger idealism. One might consider it  self-inflicted torture, I simply consider it a personal and unique relationship with food. 40 days from now, I have no doubt I'll be on the tater-train again. But my faith in my own self-control will be renewed, and hopefully I won't rely on the thick-skinned tubers to get me through my days!

Is a Detropian Society the Future?

In 1930 Detroit was the fastest growing city in the world. today it is the fastest shrinking city in the US. There are 100,000 abandoned properties in Detroit.

The UICA has extended it's showtimes for Detropia until October 4th. This elegant and poignant film showcases the pluck and determination of the Motor City as it struggles to survive postindustrial America. We witness a middle class now faced with a collapsing economy, and are left with the brutal warning for the entire nation. 

This isn't a story about Detroit, it's a story about America, and I highly recommend seeking out a theater showing it near you.

Outsmarting the Olympic Po-Po

On my commute home I pass a home with topiaries shaped like people—two adults and a child— that they decorate to suite the season and holiday. Not unlike the geese people dress up on their front stoops. 

Though this is way too cheesy and ridiculous for me, I'm often impressed by the creativity shown in their landscape dressings. My personal favorite was when the topiary family was all hula hooping. 

Today, the family held up the Olympic rings (also made from hula hoops). As I drove by, my first thought was "uh-oh, don't let the Olympic branding police* catch you."

Did you hear about the butcher who had to remove a bunch of sausages in the shape of the Olympic rings? Or the florist's shop who had to take down their tissue paper window display. Apparently these violated a law governing the use of Olympic words and images. 

Once again, Coca-Cola is the official Olympic sponsor. Apparently you can't buy, sell, or even carry Pepsi within the Olympic Village. 

When did the Olympics become**a bidding match—an opportunity to cash in on glory? The spirit of the Olympics should first and foremost be one of passion, strength and pure love of sport. 

I applaud this work, done by London design firm Rizon, stating their position as "Unofficial Supporters of Sport, not Sponsorship." 

Hooray for Nike, for recognizing that the Olympics aren't about corporate sponsorships and deep pockets, but about national pride and individual greatness. Their perfectly timed release of this campaign, is a worthy celebration of everyday athletes.... and a sly maneuver past Olympic regulations. Right in the face of rival brand, and Olympic sponsor, Adidas.

I'm not an Olympic fanatic, (and if you just read my Color Run recap you've realized I'm also not that (athletically) competitive), but even I realize that this is a noble tradition and there's an integrity to the event that should be upheld. 

Here's to USA swimmer Missy Franklin who's won 4 medals, and who turned down millions in endorsements so she could remain an amateur and swim for her senior year. This is what it should be about–Missy is swimming because she loves to swim, not because she wants her face in the cereal aisle. I applaud her AND her parents, for allowing her to stay 17 long enough to have a senior year. 


*avoid the branding police with these tips from CNN Money!
**and when did Olympic logo design become so ugg-o?

The Glamorous Life of a Twenty-Something Working Girl

The other day, a colleague said to me, "If I didn't have kids, I'd want your life, it seems pretty glamorous."

I smiled coyly, and said "Well thank you, it certainly doesn't suck." But in my head I repeated a single word. Glamorous?

I thought of that this morning as I scrambled to get out the door, already 20+ minutes late for work. And again when I came home to matching piles of kitty vomit on the drafting table and my bedroom floor (and later discovered a bonus batch in the closet). 

Yes, the glamourous life of the steadfast bachelorette. Full of laundry and dishes, bills and lawn care. I compost. I weed. And on rare occasions, I have to stick my hand in the drain to see if the disposal is stuck. So much for that perfect manicure. 

But in subtle ways she has a point. I eat out whenever I want, which is often. I buy clothes for myself rather than kids who grow out of them too quickly to even realize it. I don't need to make appointments at the dentist simply to get some alone time. Any spit-up on my clothes is my own. And this very evening, instead of coming home from work and making treats for a school trip, I came home from the bar and dyed my hair pink.*

So my life may not be glamourous, but it sure is fabulous. 


*This has been a struggling work in progress. So, for the record, Manic Panic worked great! We'll see how it holds.

Dice in the Mirror

I was recently told that the opening credits to Boardwalk Empire were the best credits ever.

I respected that opinion, but I didn't agree. They're beautiful and intriguing, but in the course of my viewing history, I've been more enthralled. Most recently the title sequence that has fascinated my most is United States of Tara. I just think they are well crafted visuals. And they set the complex dynamic of the show up beautifully.

This conversation got me thinking about various TV themes. As you may know, I'm slightly.... involved with my TV watching habits. And I thought there was something to be said here—because while Boardwalk Empire doesn't really do it for me, there are some intros that I simply can't flip past.

Opening credits have the opportunity to say and do a lot. Whether it's the morbid curiosity of TrueBlood and Dexter. The haunting melody of the X-Files. Or the ability to set the scene with two simple notes on Law & Order.

That said, here's some of my favorite themes/credits*:
M*A*S*H. The somber melancholy of Suicide is Painless is impossible to ignore. I think it is the perfect opening cue for this series.

Cheers. Come on, we all want to go where everybody knows our name. Back in the early '90s when the show was syndicated, my dad and I used to watch this show every night after dinner. There's something wildly comforting about Gary Portnoy's theme song.

Weeds (season 1). Very often this song crawls inside my head and makes itself comfortable for days. I know Little Boxes isn't an original creation for Weeds, it's just such an appropriate set-up to this less than appropriate show.

Fresh Prince. I love a theme that re-sets the show premise up week after week. There's just no way to not dance and sing along to this. It's a perfect 1990 time capsule. I mean, seriously— Will Smith? Dig it. 

Mad Men. This show is praisable for some many reasons. But what I love about the opening credits is how they reincarnate the visual identity of an era. The song is eerie and the man's downward spiral has you nervous and enraptured all at once.

Dawson's Creek. It's not a particularly great opening. But the second we all here "I don't want to waaiit....!" we know we can settle down for an excellent 46 minutes of television. When they replaced the theme song in seasons 3 through 6 for the dvd release, they pretty much ruined the whole series.

Step by Step. Hello TGIF! It's just so nostalgic. The clarity with which I remember this opening is somewhat frightening.

The Nanny. Not going to lie. Still know all the words to this song too. Another great show-setter-upper. It used to crack me up when they would pan the camera over to Gracie and she'd be too short to be seen. Oh man, the '90s were so clever. 

Big Bang Theory. Bringing us back to today.... Here's a theme that might actually teach us something. But first I must learn all the words. I'm still working on it. 

Dudes, I could do this all night. But please, let me know what your favorite title sequence memories are! I know I'm not the only TV junkie (/lunatic).


*Keep in mind, I'm not saying these are the best ever, just ones that over the years I have formed a connection to.

Spirit of 2012.... According to the DL Tribune

Ok, so the card I designed for my parents made it's way to Minnesota—to a friend of their's that my dad met in New Orleans while doing work with Habitat. Said friend sent the card to the Detroit Lakes Tribune, and the paper wrote this article about it.

(Read the full article here) "Patriots come in all sizes, shapes and forms. Some wear the uniform of our military and bravely carry our flag in foreign lands; some are school children who recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning; some Democrats and Republicans serve in our congress; some are ordinary loyal citizens of all beliefs, liberal, conservative and middle-of-the-road, who love and support their homeland year in and year out in their daily lives; and some are like Frank and Jenny who trumpet their love of this country with calls to action like their “Occupy 2012” statement. I can picture them walking now and I see them as “The Spirit of 2012.” "

I'm so glad the card made it out of Grand Rapids, and that someone understood and appreciated the sentiment and message! You know, I seriously may be more excited about this than I was about winning an Addy last year.

"Whether you agree or disagree with Frank and Jenny’s agenda for 2012, you have to admire the spirit and optimism of the greeting. "

Thanks to Tim and Cheri for sending the card in, and Thanks to Lynn Hummel, for recognizing one small step in a long race.

French Fry Taste Test Round 2

There was recently big buzz in the fast food world when Burger King updated their french fry recipe—I presume in response to Wendy's successful introduction of natural cut fries earlier in the year. It was the first time the chain reformulated their fries since 1998, when they transitioned to "extra crispy" fries. The new fries are thicker, and supposedly retain heat longer.

So, in light of this new introduction, it was time to redo our face-off. Same judges, three contestants: McDs, Wendy's and Burger King. And the consensus was mutual.

Right off the bat, Burger King loses the right to call themselves fast food. Their drive-thru took about 5 times longer than the other too. But this is about taste, so I will digress....

When dealing with a fresh french fry, Wendy's wins on taste. They're still serving their natural cut fries, and while not technically healthier for you, they taste more like an actual potato. Mmmmm. Burger King tastes distinctly coated, and even a little chemically (perhaps like a heat retention coating should taste?)

However, over the course of the meal, as the french fries cool, Wendy's quickly loses it's appeal—their fries get mushy as they cool. Burger King's fries definitely retain their heat, they stay crispy and over time, lose the chemical taste. So the rankings actually flip. McDonalds just sort of hangs out in the middle of all this. They taste like a salty McDonalds fry—exactly what you expect from the fast food mogul.

So fast food now has a strategy. If you're eating on-site, go with Wendy's (or McDs if you're all about the Big Mac). But if you intend to go through the drive thru and have a 15 minute drive before you actually eat, Burger King's heat retaining chemicals would actually be a benefit here.

Yes, boys and girls, fast food really is that complicated.