From BBC news, a gifted artist with Asperger's syndrome who always felt like an outsider inks beautiful, intricate, color-saturated drawings that represent his sensation of living in a messy, often impenetrable world. (video)
A poignant story written by Daniel Wakin for the New York Times describes a musician's respect for the rare instrument that lent it's 300 year old tones to his extraordinary career. Now the irreplaceable cello is to be auctioned by closed bid so it can lend its unique voice to another talent.
You could be tagged the nostalgia king/queen of your book club for suggesting Diane Keaton's new memoir after reading the linked review from The Economist.
Architectural models, prototypes, custom implants and manufactured products are about to undergo radical change as 3D printing becomes more cost effective. This is disruptive a game changer according to Lisa Harouni's TED Talk. She predicts this will revolutionize manufacturing because it will allow the individualization of products and let products be created on demand. The level of detail achieved using 3D printing is amazing. This talk offers an excellent introduction.
Scientists equipped with robotic devices that can operate in deepwater are actively searching for ancient shipwrecks. Their recent success enhances the historical narrative written about the achievements and advanced craftsmanship of early civilizations. For Nature, Jo Marchant describes one remarkable discovery that yielded "...evidence of an astonishing array of contacts and trade between the different cultures of the Mediterranean and Near East in the late Bronze Age."
I'd like to see another warning added to the list that flags film content: Depressing subject. Anyone who has recently lost a loved one, has relatives or friends who are seriously ill, is struggling with a chronic illness, or has been diagnosed with PTSD, would appreciate being forewarned about a movie for which the promos sidestep the predominant theme. Films like The Descendants in which the death process is integral to the storyline cannot be considered "entertaining" fare no matter how fine the acting. Baby Boomers (or recent war veterans) might appreciate a "heads up" since promotional trailers and titles are usually for general audience consumption. If a consumer heads to the movies to munch popcorn and toss off reality for a couple hours, the movie they see should be one they are prepared to watch.
Have you seen Mark Powell's detailed drawings all studies of aging subjects, executed on the backs of envelopes?
Wealth seeks havens in troubled times and art auctions are currently the beneficiaries of troubled times. The Wall Street Journal reports that the most coveted art in 2011 brought upwards of $20 to $30 million dollars at auction.
World famous musician Neil Young was reported by the Rolling Stone to speak in favor of preserving music at peak vinyl quality rather than in current digital form.
