THE SHIFT IS SLOW, FOOD.

Surprisingly, such a well designed document from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Now lets see this information designed even better. VIEW PDF.

The primary cause of this wastage is inadequate engineering and agricultural practice knowledge, deficiencies in management skills, poorly engineered infrastructure in the form of electricity and potable water systems, and storage and transport facilities which are often not fit for purpose. Further wastage results from the commercial practices of modern supermarkets that demand cosmetically perfect foodstuffs and encourage the more-affluent consumers to purchase excessive quantities...As the value of food crops increases over time, it might be expected that the current practice of discarding large quantities of edible and nutritious fruit and vegetables on purely cosmetic grounds will become less economically viable. However, governments should not wait for food pricing to trigger action on this wasteful practice, but instead proactively pursue food policy initiatives that change consumer preferences, dissuade retailers from operating in this way, and lead to increases in the quantity of these ‘defective’ items in the retail markets. In this regard it will be necessary to shift a deeply embedded marketing and consumer culture and make changes to thinking on the management and care of foodstuffs, which will need to be implemented throughout the wholesale and retail distribution chains, as well as in individual households. READ MORE HEREIN.

Seeing the Sphere

Stennis Space Center in Mississippi

Researching Science on a Sphere (a company that produces these projected-upon-globes for museums) I came across this image. A metaphor for the times, earth appears protected and out of reach, behind bars.

I particularly like how the Science Museum of Minnesota has chosen to deal with the boundary of our SOS. Similar to this photo from the Smithsonian, you'll notice http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/2896818750/ the surrounding is intentionally intimate. Children sit close, a room is designated as a theatre to hold the sphere. Our new SOS space is gradually coming together to include a cabinet-of-curiosities. We're proud to be making this experience accessible for all, in bold and brand new ways.

Going Big

Great Camp

While on the Lake Bemidji State Park Trail between two parts of Big Bass Lake, I noticed the similarities of Northern Minnesota and New England. Particularly New Hampshire. The history of Adirondack architecture has always fascinated me and I am sorry to have not explored it when I was living in Vermont. Today I saw an island with a house perched on it and I wondered about its quality. Its livability, or current habitation. The thought of boarding up a house for the winter is saddening to me. The value I have for Place is perhaps stronger than most. To not have taken part in the unique New England architecture is perhaps a saving grace for me. For I may have never departed. One reckoning I have is the varying sacrifice it requires to build a beautiful rustic home in different regions of the country. Breathtaking historic architecture is scarce in Northern Minnesota. Overall, it seems that excessive design is not welcomed here. Its exciting to imagine living in an era where famous movie stars can hire construction of marvelous rustic cabins, Great Camps, as their temporary vistas. Knowing that I thrive in sharing my time with a multiplicity of Places, near and far, that lifestyle appeals to me. But here, it seems there is a greater reward for modesty. Owning a practical home in a beautiful land, that was built by your friends and neighbors with all the money you could spare, is unique if not for its simplicity and is a dream my fellow Minnesotans can admire.

IN FILM

A weekend with MCAD friends in North Adams, Massachusetts

I love how my new camera provides image stills for each video I capture. It makes my friends look like famous actors in an indie film. And makes me feel like a professional documentary videographer! Dreams!

NYC Maloof Money Cup

Despite the clashing candor of its title, The Maloof Money Cup is breaking new ground for the playful progression of this inherently limitless passion called skateboarding (read; sport). By re-appropriating urban skate features from around its home city—as well as reclaiming a space that once showcased artists such as Andy Warhol—this event is distinguishing skateboarding with high-class appeal.

I'm thankful for this candid look at the development behind New York City's latest monument.

broadcasting out

been dealing with homesickness for my past lives and would like to share a very typical taste of portland with you here

An AEPDX Meeting from Juliet Zulu on Vimeo.

at times it is very difficult for me to put into words why i love portland so much. there is beauty everywhere. not just outward. beauty is in the energy there. this video is no exception.

URBAN OUTCRITTERS

Very impressed with Space 15 Twenty, as I happened upon it's Where the Wild Things are pop-up store in the Urban Outfitters foyer yesterday. More evidence can be seen here. My favorite part was the integration of raw wood material and crusty old afghans in the form of shanty structures. Inside the quinzee-like dome were mountain models—also made of raw sticks—painted with snowy white tops. Miniature monsters lurked throughout the display of high-fashion replicas of characters from the storybook. Shamefully, I have never been in tune with this children's book nor the storyline, but I could not be more excited for the film to blow the minds and hearts of an eclectic generation y!



All this exposure to the production design of cinema, advertising, retail and human beauty (vanity?) is really exciting for me while staying in Los Angeles this month. I'm going to continue my research and will keep trying to get a hand in it all!