My world on the web
I used LibraryThing extensively for a long time. Then moved to GoodReads. It’s about time there was a potential competitor → Literal
A story that truly deserves the adjective “extraordinary” in many ways: who the book collector was, the volume and variety he collected, that he read and summarized the books…and that some of that index survived. → ‘Extraordinary’ 500-year-old library catalogue reveals books lost to time Thanks, Reader K! ※ Linked within that story is another worth reading: How Christopher Columbus’s son built ‘the world’s first search engine’
A conversation last night reminded me that I am unrepentant about (most of) my 80s rock listening…then and now. Michelle Kwan’s cover of “Sweet Child o’Mine” on a guzheng nails not just the iconic song, but one of the era’s best solos. Also: a worthy cover by bluegrass musicians Thunder and Rain & Postmodern Jukebox doin’ it New Orleans style & Scary Pockets makin’ it funky & a wistful version by Taken by Trees.
Where jazz has its standards, it feels that the (post)modern standards are songs we have ingrained in our memory to a point where we apprehend every bend and squeal, even if it is not performed.
It is interesting to think of these songs in association with algorithms and the choice of what is played and performed. Has nostalgia replaced originality or is all music copied as people like Chilly Gonzales demonstrate.
Here I am again reminded of a comment from William Gibson:
I have no idea what era of music we're even in, now. Do we still *do* that, eras of music?
— William Gibson (@GreatDismal) January 21, 2013
Abandoned? Post-apocalyptic? Or not…the Chongqing Metro Station in the Middle of Nowhere.
The speed at which all this is happening in China makes me wonder why we speak about ten year plans in Melbourne, Australia.
In part this scenario of a station in a field reminds me of the discussion of the development of infrastructure before people in Stockholm:
In contrast, places like Vällingby, a Swedish suburb outside Stockholm built in the 1950s, were sited around a new Metro station. Building rail infrastructure through built-up areas is extremely expensive, but building it through farmland, before new neighborhoods are built, is comparatively cheap.
I’m not surprised by the top three. Are you? → Exclusive: Data Reveals … The Books We Most Often Try To Read But Secretly Give Up On
I feel that their is a bit of myth and (mis)judgement around Austen’s work. One of the best things I did, although I would rather reread Mansfield Park or Emma than Pride and Prejudice.
On another text, I started reading Game of Thrones. Then I watched the show and gave up going back.
Today is International Podcast Day, celebrating the power of this powerful, still under-appreciated media art form. For some solid recommendations, check out these lists: Bryan Alexander: Listening to in 2018 && WIRED: 27 of the best podcasts for curious minds in 2018 && Esquire: The 15 Best Podcasts of 2018 (So Far) && Vulture: Best Podcasts of 2018 (So Far). I’d love to hear what you are listening to.
