The Friday Roundup . . .

in flagrante delicto

I’m sick of writing this frick  . . . oh hey!  How long have you been there?  Ah, no matter.  But don’t just stand there; take a load off.  I’m going to read you a post (using your eyes), and you’re going to want to hear every word . . . actually, there’s nothing really critical in this post, so if you have things you need to do . . . it’s just design.  The world will keep spinnin’ is all I’m sayin’.

By the way, this image of a snow plow sign has absolutely nothing to do with this post.  Misleading?  Unethical?  Real magazines often put misleading images on their cover as to entice potential buyers.  I think we all know who the worst offender is.  Yep, the New Yorker.    Take the May 11, 2009 issue (below).  It’s a beautiful image isn’t it?  But imagine how I felt when I realized that’s all it was.  No real-life superhero story.  No expose on shrooms in the workplace.  Zilch.

I composed myself, then I composed a very thoughtful, rational letter  (although I did use ALL CAPS for emphasis) explaining my grief and requesting a refund.

Continued . . .

Oh brother, this guy’s a moron

I was so excited to write today’s post, because I’m announcing the winner of the Win-a-Hook contest sponsored by the Art of Fine Storage.  I was blown away by the contest’s overwhelming reader response; I never in my wildest dreams expected so many of you to throw your hat in the ring, and frankly the possibility that some of you will be reduced to tears has put me in a bit of a spot (a wet one).  But life’s tough, and I’m sure you’ll get over it, so without further adieu, the grand prize winner is Ton . . .

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

WE INTERRUPT THIS POST TO BRING YOU A MESSAGE FROM THE EMERGENCY BLOG SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.  EBSA HAS CONFIRMED A LEVEL 4 TORNADO IS NOW HEADING DUE EAST TOWARD THE CHICAGO LOOP.  THE STORM IS PROJECTED TO REACH COOK COUNTY BY 5 PM.  MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT . . .

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR EVACUATION DETAILS RIGHT AFTER THIS MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR AUSSIEBUM

Have you ever felt like your underwear was boring, dowdy and all-around unflattering?  Then try Aussiebum’s comfortable yet crowd pleasing line of briefs, boxers and more.  Aussiebum’s lift and push technology will ensure you feel sexy when you realize your one night stand made off with your kidney.  Aussiebum – available online or at fine retailers.

PROCEED QUICKLY TO AN INTERIOR ROOM OR BASEMENT SPACE.  DO NOT STOP TO GAZE OUT THE GLASS WINDOW WHILE YOU CONTEMPLATE NATURE’S POWER; NOW IS THE TIME TO GET AWAY FROM GLASS.

AND NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED POST ALREADY IN PROGRESS.

So congratulations ladies!*  You deserve those hooks.  Please send your mailing address to strangeclosets@yahoo.com.

New York – that’s a handsome word.  Seriously, check out how it’s so vertical, strong and symmetrical

My first flight . . . oh man, if tomorrow is my last flight this will be super ironic. The fact that I wrote that will make it even more ironic. And more yet again ad infinitum.

Speaking of New York, I’ll either be on the plane or inshallah, safely in the Big Apple when you read this post (do you think I can find a comb there?).  I’m scheduled to meet a number of intelligent, interesting and talented people and also a few old friends.  Because I’ll be so busy, I may post on a reduced schedule and when I do post, they may be shorter in length.  Settle down, it’ll be fine.  Perhaps I’ll post a photo, possibly a diatribe, but I may not have time for the polished prose and intellectual stimulation to which you’ve become accustomed.

This is my dining room. Want to see my dining room on drugs? Keep reading.

Design Vocabulary – It’s Back Baby (Ta-DA!)

When I first started writing Strange Closets I posted a regular column called . . . wait for it (it’s pretty great) . . . Design Vocabulary.  I know, ding-ding, right?  Design Vocabulary was meant to be a vehicle for me to educate myself about important design concepts and notable designers and hopefully learn you somethin’ while I was at it.  Guess what?  You don’t have to guess?  It sounds boring?  Well you’re right . . . and I agree, learning is boring.

But I think you might be interested in designer Serge Mouille’s work, which includes this line of stunning light fixtures.  I’ve been coveting them forever and think they could be a key component in my mission to sex up the dining room (yes I’ve tried the other stuff).  Additionally I’d like to replace my beige upholstered Parson’s chairs with the sure-to-be-comfy white plastic Verner Panton classics (also shown below).

Continued . . .

Mouille lighting images from Brooklyn-based Gueridon

Image from Design Public

What do you think?  Would making that change elevate the room?  Perhaps make it a bit sexier?  Also, does anybody know if its possible to purchase a Mouille knock-off?  I would NEVER buy such a product, but if you have a URL or something, please feel free to send it over.

I think there’s a name for his condition

I’ve got a little yarn for ya.  Last weekend I met some high school pals in Coal City, which let’s face it, is the greatest name for a town ever.  Normally I’d tell you the full story, but this one, which involves moonshine, hot cars, a waterfall, an albino, a cult, Charlie’s Angels and a woman named Flo, is boring, so long story short; I got a tattoo.

What do you think?

Photo from Google Images

OK, that was a joke, but I am thinking about getting inked (that’s slang for getting a tat).  What do you think of tattoos?  Sexy?  Scary?  Some people believe they’re sinful, but I’m not sure I’m buying that one; what’s wrong with decorating your temple?  My problem is that I can’t decide on a symbol; nothing’s less dapper than an un-phat tat).  Everything seems so arbitrary when considered too intensely.  It’s like saying fork repeatedly; pretty soon the sound seems non-sensical.

Y’know that saying, “he’s a lover, not a fighter”?  Well I’m neither so anything that says tough guy is out.  That means no flaming hearts, skulls, snakes . . . also no dice (literally).  But I am quasi-delusional in my optimism, generally cheerful and a big comic book dork, so I have a few ideas:

Seriously, I like this one, but it says absolutely nothing about me, and c'mon, I'm in my mid-thirties

Schwing?

Random Stuff – the Ikea Lights, Etc.

Because no Friday roundup would be complete with a Rebekah Zaveloff mention, she tipped me off that Ikea has excellent lighting options for next to nothing.  I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced way to light artwork, bookshelves, etc., and I think these look pretty cool.  Thanks Rebekah.

I sort of like these pillows I found on Etsy.

My friend Marla was so excited when she read this article about Chicago’s green rooftops.  Gorgeous image from National Geographic.

Thanks to friend of the blog and the excellent furniture designer Randy Kramer for turning me on to the Carbon Bar in London.

So . . . uh . . . go make it your own.  Hey, I just came up with that (I needed a good tag).  Own it man!  Yea.  Monday’s going to be here before you know it.  What do I need to do in NY?

* Congrats to Tasha and Carol, really cool people who tied for first.  I just can’t choose my favorite.  Nice try to the many others (Dawn, Sam) who entered the contest, but better luck next time.  Sam, you may continue to comment so long as they continue to be so complementary.