Serenity

The Liyuan library, designed by Li Xiaodong Atelier looks my ideal library. Sleek, simple, cozy with the windows covered by sticks on the outside of the glass to diffuse the light.

How Many Slaves Work for You?

Slavery Footprints allows you to take a survey and based on personal consumption choices and see how many slaves make your lifestyle possible. I could justify this as .00006% of the world, however, it still sucks.

Walmart IS Evil

25th largest equivalent GDP in the world, from a company without morals. This is one reason why the US deserves to fall. We're too stupid to not buy from this company. And yes, I am that snob that refuses to give them my money.

Also: Walmart is the reason you have shitty, falling apart, replaceable goods.

Things I Want #12,970

It's just so.....pretty. And cheap! Christmas present for me!

Perils

http://thephotosociety.org/reality-check/

For years and years, being a photographer for National Geographic was a dream. I think a big part of why I went to school for archaeology was a half-brained notion this would pan out. Seeing as how it has happened not once, but twice, that a seat belt has broken while tilted over a volcano, I am beginning to think not following that path was a wise idea.

Mashups

Super creepy art pieces by Christine Chin. Absolutely love them.

Pace Against a Marathoner

Can you keep up with a 4:46 mile marathoner? Subway walls allow people to try for a short time. Imagine it for 26.2 miles.

Rehabilitation

http://www.good.is/post/prisoners-transform-through-knitting-behind-bars/

The men were reluctant at first, complaining that knitting was too girly or too difficult. But Zwerling assured them men had invented the craft, then gave them a five-minute knitting lesson she swears can teach anyone. Suddenly, Zwerling says, the men “found the zen,” and got hooked. Now, every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., they come to class, leaving their crimes and the hierarchies of prison life behind.

I get that most people normally think of little old ladies knitting, but that is wrong. Knitting is very peaceful, something to concentrate on when your brain is going a million miles a minute. As said in the article, zen. I love this idea.

NPR Voices

How NPR personalities sound to artist Gaelen Kelly.

I really love Diane Rehm, Kai Ryssdal, and Carl Kasell. They completely fit my idea of what they should look like.

I Hate U2

Bono says, "I do try to avoid it. If I hear our songs on the radio I tend to turn them down. Not because I don't like them or believe in them. Actually, my voice annoys me. I always think I could have sang it better.

Me too, Bono, me too.