Inspiration: Bamboo Bottle

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Normally I don't look towards products for "inspiration" but recently I was on a quest for non-plastic, eco friendly water bottle. I was using an old Voss water bottle (because of it's glass construction, I think they are all plastic now) but it felt extremely vulnerable to a knock that would cause it to break in my bag. Now, nothing is impervious to the unthinkable (broken h2o bottle in the bag) but I wanted to get close. My internet search yielded several glass options but none seemed to protect the bottle (and yes, going plastic like Kor was another option but I was really bent on glass). However, after a little searching I came across the bamboo bottle co..  Apparently released in 2010, there's some chatter out there about the bottle...it's too heavy, too hard to screw the lid on, if you don't put the lid on and turn it upside down after you fill it you won't know if it leaks, too big for a cup holder...ect. I see those things as a non-issue. I think I'll be able to get the lid on in such a way I can get it not to leak. I guess time will tell there.   As of now, it seems to be the perfect solution. The renewable bamboo shell protects the recyclable, removable glass insert. That's what I wanted. Glass. It's not for cold, hot, or beverages other than water, so I feel I don't have to worry about bottle condensation. I will agree, it's a bit bigger but not obnoxiously big. It's actually a bit smaller than the Voss bottle I was using. And that was the goal for me, replace the Voss bottle while gaining a glass bottle that was protected from the occasional knock.   And this feels like the bottle. I realize I've had it for about less than 48 hours but thus far I'm really pleased with it. I can't help but look at it and wonder where we'll go next (if I can be so facetious as giving the bottle a persona). Check out the site for more details if you're thinking about a new bottle. I should probably state I'm not being paid to endorse this or market the bottle in anyway, I simply felt compelled to share. And it's Friday, so we need something fun to talk about.     Have a good weekend. Be safe out there.

2011: A Year In Music

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Another year, another list. If your reading this I hope you had a most fantastic 2011 and are already off to a wonderful 2012. I have so many things to be thankful for and thankful I am. If we shared anything together in 2011 here’s to you *tips hat* hopefully we can make more of it in 2012. Until then, I’d like to take a moment to reflect back on the music that rocked my speakers more than once in the past year.  If you’re reading this for the first time I want to take a moment to point out that this is my list. It’s not a genera list, categories list, top 40's list, critically acclaimed list (I’m not really analyzing any of this, beyond a comment), radio list, podcast list or anything that can be boxed up, organized, and/or logically placed. Ok. Good. I just wanted to be clear on that. I read a ton of things and come across loads of music all the time (as we all do) so some of it never makes it out of my downloads folder, while other music goes directly into iTunes. Whether it sticks with me or not, time is the only way tell, and looking back over the year is a good way to start. This is what hit me as the notable...         10. Gem Club, Breakers Really chill, slow, and all-in-all nice. It lives up to it’s “dream pop” label but I really enjoyed the chill vibe. There’s a lot I could kick this list off with but I feel this is a good start.         9. The Black Keys, El Camino Can’t deny The Black Keys. Their customary rock gets me every time. It’s solid. I don’t think there’s anything startling about this choice.         8. Dakota Suite & Emanuele Errante, The North Green Down Ambient music moves my mornings. I love it. This is everything I’m down with, calm, subtly complex, and lenient with piano. Everything I enjoy.         7. Ben Howard, Every Kingdom Just some great folk rock. Really can’t go wrong with it. Upbeat, heartfelt. Go listen…         6. Bon Iver, Bon Iver A lot of people didn’t like this album. It got slammed a bit for being too “adult contemporary” rather than “indy” (which people are arguing that "indy" is the new "adult contemporary" but that’s not something I even care to go into). My point being here is, I find it really moving, and this is my list, so deal with it. The debate can be found on other blogs. Keep making music Bon Iver, keep making music.         5. BVDUB, Resistance is Beautiful I start most mornings and end most nights with BVDUB. I can’t say enough about how much I love this ambient music. So good. I could have went with any of the albums... “Then” or “I Remember” or “Songs For A Friend I Left Behind” or even “Tribes At The Temple Of Silence” and it would please me - all of the albums are great. Big year for BVDUB. They must never stop working to crank out so much music...or I don’t know how to read album release dates. That might be it too. I don’t care though, it’s all wonderful.         4. Wilco, The Whole Love This was a bit unanticipated for me. I’ve never been a massive Wilco fan but this album really grew on me. I’ve liked their music but they were never my “go to” band of any given moment. Yet, after a couple of plays, I was happily into this album. It made a lot of noise on critic lists so it’s probably no surprise to anyone to see it on a list, but it’s a bit unexpected that it’s on mine. I’m happy it is though.         3. Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire If you know me, you’d think because I’m a huge Ryan Adams fan I’d just give it the top spot by default but this year was full of the "unexpected" so I thought I'd honor that theme and put the really unexpected but really important album for me where it belongs, the number one spot. That isn't to say that this album isn't choice to listen to. In fact, poetry like this is magic to the ears.         2. M83, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming I learned of M83 a few years back though the intro to the skate movie “Fully Flared.” The music thrilled me. “Saturdays = Youth” defined 2008 for me. “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” could have easily taken the top spot but I wanted to place the unexpected choice there instead. That’s not to say M83 couldn’t be there. In fact, I thought it was going to be there, but then I went to see a M83 concert and was introduced to what became my number one pick. Both are inspiring. Both are amazing. 2011 was a good year for music.         1. Active Child, You Are All I see The album by Active Child hit me hard. It’s an amazing album and I don’t think anyone out there is producing a sound like it. It’s poetic, moving, and really wonderful to listen to.         Honorable Mention - Dwain Martin, Just Now While it wasn't on the speakers all the time, the music of family is always close to the heart if not on the playlist. Can't go without a mention. Mad props Dad!     It's been a great year for music. Looking forward to another one.     Happy 2012 friends!    

Happy Holidays!

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It's been forever since I've been able to get a post in. Really been busy times behind the desk of I.U. and that makes it tough to find a moment to write. Hopefully your holidays have been filled with family, friends and cheer. Maybe something like this...                                  Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year!

Inspiration: Made by Hand

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Things have been busy at the helm so I haven't been able to post as much as what I would have liked but I wanted to get these videos out there. There seems to be a huge surge in things being made by hand with an emphasis on quality and the maker. I love this. I see more and more small businesses getting attention on the web and many of those are either in the arts or manufacturing. These two videos caught my eye in particular from a site called This is Made by Hand  From the Made by Hand site: MADE BY HAND WAS CREATED out of the belief that the things we collect, consume, use, and share are part of who we are as individuals. For example, the food that we eat says something about each of us, as do the tools we use and the chairs we rest on. Objects that surround the space we dwell in tell stories, and not just about us. Where did they come from? Who made them? How were they made?   And from the Vimeo page: Each film aims to promote that which is made locally, sustainably, and with a love for craft. Based in Brooklyn, the project takes its influence from the handmade movement here and elsewhere. We hope you find the spirit of it inspiring.   About the videos: Made by Hand is a new short film series celebrating the people who make things by hand — sustainably, locally, and with a love for their craft.    

Made by Hand / No 1 The Distiller from Made by Hand on Vimeo.

   

Made by Hand / No 2 The Knife Maker from Made by Hand on Vimeo.

    I'm really into it all. Great stuff. Hopefully more to come soon. Like I said, the helm has been pretty busy...but more should drop...until then, have a good one out there.

Inspiration: Almost There - The Muir Project

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I would like to meet these people. 

Almost There - The Muir Project from The Muir Project on Vimeo.

  About the project:   During the summer of 2011, a group of multimedia artists spent 25 days hiking the 219 mile long John Muir Trail. The intent was to capture their experience on the trail and bring it back to the general public in the form of a gallery exhibit including photographs, video installations and hands-on displays that allow visitors to truly get a feeling for the beauty and majesty of the trail without the burning lungs and blisters. Alongside the exhibit will be a feature length documentary chronicling their adventures on the trail.

For more visit themuirproject.com     So inspiring...more to come...

Inspiration: Nature

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Two really inspirational videos about getting outside for a midweek-post.    And this one is a bit more intense but good none-the-less...     On another note the GVSU Fall Photo Meet Up has been canceled in advance due to rain + cold + wind....you know...Michigan fall.   More to come...  

Shows: Victoria Veenstra, The Conversation Series

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Victoria Veenstra has work in The Green Lion Gallery. Located on 150 E Fulton in Grand Rapids, MI, Victoria will be showing work with Renee Zettle-Sterling.

Victoria's work, The Conversation Series, is a "chromagenic pinhole photographic series exploring the ebb and flow of conversations in monochromatic time between careers and life demands. A vusal quandary to the question 'what would a superwoman say if she had coffee with me today?' "

Really great work so make sure you stop by if your in the area. The gallery hours are simple enough, Fridays 5pm-9pm and Saturday 12pm-5pm, with a closing reception August 27, 7-11pm.

Sorry no images for the blog this time around, only a show card but that just means you'll have to come out to see the work in person and that's never a bad thing.