chip kidd.

Do you know who Chip Kidd is? Probably not, since most people are not that interested in book designers. But, if you haven't seen this Ted talk, please watch it! Not only will it make you realize how fun and important book design can be, it will also entertain you.

I was embarrassed to have not seen this Ted talk before my friend Trevor, who is not a book designer, but a rocket scientist (no big deal), sent me the link on Twitter. So. If a designer AND a rocket scientist promote it, it must be worth watching, no?

{Video via YouTube.}

be stevie nicks.

I hadn't heard about Tavi Gevinson until today, but man do I like her now!

(Incidentally, I also love Stevie Nicks, so I loved the conclusion to this talk.)

P.S. Another favourite Ted Talk. And this is genius, and funny!

{Video via YouTube.}

birth of a book.

As you know I love books and have a vested interest in their continued production. Take a look at this gorgeous video from Glen Milner that shows how books were once (and sometimes still are) made.

Video via The Telegraph.

funniest video. this year. (so far.)

This video had me laughing so hard I couldn't speak for several minutes.

NSFW because your coworkers will look at you strangely when you snort and cry. And also because there is farting in it ... not ideal for coworker relations.

Video via UCB Comedy.

happy friday.

Since it's been such a busy week, I didn't get to my usual Friday post. I do want to say, have a wonderful weekend, though! I'm looking forward to a drink with girls tonight, lots of cozy time at home while it rains and toast with jam.

And ...
What I wish my desk looked like all week instead of what it actually looked like.

{Above is some beauty to get your weekend started: Lost in Motion from Krystal Levy Pictures on Vimeo.}

the joy of books.

Just watch.

cozy up.

Two videos that are making me feel cozy these days, and cozy is good, since there is snow coming down in the North Shore mountains right now. I saw the above video a few days ago and cannot stop thinking about it. If I were in that canoe, I think I'd be exhilarated and scared at the same time (maybe just because birds can be scary). The video below is a song I am totally obsessed with and matches the weather, sort of. Stay warm, lovely friends.

P.S. Murmuration is a fantastic word. Much like this one, from a post of yore. mur·mur·a·tion [mur-muh-rey-shuhn] noun 1. an act or instance of murmuring. 2. a flock of starlings.

tribute.

Most graphic designers swear by their Macs. This cute, little video is a tribute to the beautifully designed computer that let's designers make ideas real, on the day the man who designed them has gone.

tree of codes.

I love being part of the process of book making, but my book making doesn't look like this! Above is a video of the making of Jonathan Safran Foer's Book of Codes. He basically made a book from another book. (Mind a little blown? Ya, me too. Check out the finished product, here.)

wearing men's shirts.

I came across this video yesterday (well, Nick sent it to me). I love the idea of wearing men's shirts but since most men aren't anywhere near my height, men's shirts tend to fall below my knees, in a not-so-attractive way. This video shows how to convert a guy's shirt into a dress, a skirt and a halter top and is just a really cute video to begin with. Though I'm a bit suspect about how well the dress would stay up, all the ideas are pretty cute! I gave it a try last night and it's a bit harder than it looks but with a little practice, perhaps Nick's side of the closet will become mine too!

{Video via YouTube.}

the future of books?

Since I make books for a living, and especially since traditional books are changing every second right now, I'm always intrigued by the capabilities of digital books. Digital books, seem to me, to be in their toddler stages right now, so I'm really excited to see how they are going to 'grow up.' (Also, as a side note, I'd really like to still be making books, in any form, in ten years so it's a good issue for me to follow.)

I was sent this video from a former colleague. I think this is really exciting because it shows just where books might go in the future. I think it also shows that though the traditional book is going to change, that may not be all bad. What do you think? Not ready to give up your paper and spine books yet?

sexy little song.

It's been a while since I've had a song obsession. Every once in a while I find a song that I just want to listen to on repeat until I know every word and melody, much to my roommates' chagrin. Past obsessions include 'Islands in the Stream' by the Constantines with Fiest and 'Window Seat' by Erykah Badu. I think I've found a new obsession in Jill Barber's 'Tell Me.' It's a sexy little song, with a sexy little video to go with it. It makes me want to wear winged eyeliner and go on a spy caper in Berlin. Not bad for a Wednesday!

and now for something completely different.

Since yesterday's post was pretty heavy, I thought I'd leave you with something light and laughable. Nothing is funnier than a giggling baby so here are three hilarious YouTube videos to brighten up this Thursday. (You've probably seen them but they're too good not to watch again.) XO

reverence.

Nick's sister posted a Facebook status the other day asking for great TED talks. It made me think that I should post my absolute favourite TED talk of all time in my little corner of the web here. Isabel Allende is an amazing woman, even if I've yet to finish one of her books. This TED talk is truly inspiring and makes me cry almost every time. I love that Isabel is funny, flirtatious and totally in command of herself and her sexuality, all the while being a strong feminist (they are not mutually exclusive, friends).  I listen to it every few months and think about it often. If you've ever had any doubt about why feminism is still relevant, this talk will convince you that it is. I promise though, it is one of the funniest TED talks I've ever heard and will engage everyone, even if you shy away from the f-word.

While discussing things I feel strongly about, I have to mention the federal election on Monday. There has been a lot more discussion about the youth vote this time. I have to throw my two-cents in. Please vote! It's so important even if it feels futile sometimes. I especially feel that it's important for young women to vote because we couldn't in Canada just 100 years ago. What's the old adage ... use it or lose it?! Just sayin'. Happy Friday, friends.