Thursday, June 17, 2010

Far From Equilibrium - Sanford Kwinter


Far From Equilibrium: Essays on Technology and Design Culture by Sanford Kwinter has been mostly gracing the top of my desk (having been fully read) for the past few months. I have had a hard time coming up with a responsible way to synthesize my thoughts on the collection as the writing topics are typically so varied and well researched/thought out that I had to read it a few times to feel comfortable. I have been lugging it around in my backpack, with the promise of letting a friend borrow it, for the last couple of weeks however I find my enjoyment of the introduction itself truly frightening. To the point that I feel guilty for reading it. I shake my head vigorously, "Yes!" I think to myself, "criticism, good criticism is severely lacking and most of society feels better off for it, possibly due to fear or guilt of honesty". I mean, how in this day and age, can you not agree with a criticism on the lack of good solid criticism? How can one expect to improve without it? How can a movement, a design theory, a process or a designer expect to quickly grow if not to hear or witness responses to their designs?

Enough on the criticism though, the collection itself is a series of loosely arranged essays spanning the past two decades over a series of topics, mostly criticism of contemporary (or avant garde if one is comfortable using such a term) architecture and exhibitions, along with some forays into theory. Written in the language of a designer, it is playful and precise, darting through movements and upending intent with the skillful hand of someone who thinks they know the way out and is willing to go it alone but is offering compatriots a chance for salvation if they explore together.

Interjected into the essays is a series of foldouts (images and essays) which at times I admit confused and befuddled me until I stopped trying to think so linearly and got down to the serious task of reading the darn thing.

From the textured cover to the staggered typeface used to set the cadence of the essays I found the detail spent deliriously wonderful. This is bookmaking at its best, the contents just add to the enjoyment.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Blue Pike Farm Opens This Thursday!


Let me just tell you that I have been waiting for Blue Pike to have its farmers market open again for what felt like the longest, coldest and darkest winter on record. Very little hyperbole right there, I swear!

The market at Blue Pike Farm opens on Thursday, June 17th, 4-7 P.M.

OMG! That's this week!

We'll have internationally known author and filmmaker, Tiff Lauffer on hand to autograph her acclaimed children's book, "The Porch Dream.' Maybe we'll even persuade her to read a chapter or two at 5:30, so bring the kids.

Also on hand will be Kevin Kelly, "The Bake Shoppe" with his award winning confections and other goodies.

Joining us this season is Green Pastures Poultry with free range chicken eggs and frozen Kosher chicken's Arilla will be on site June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26. I've gotten some inside info on how these birds cook up and they are delicious. Look for a story in the Plain Dealer about these special birds on June 23. Buy one or two birds this week at the BPF market so you have them ready in advance of the PD's story.


PLUS we'll have strawberries from Wolfe's Family Farms and 5 new Amish cheese selections from Middlefield Cheese and pork products from New Creation Farms.

Bring your waders and other fly fishing gear and land our new Romaine lettuce, "Flashy Trout, and marry it with a great looking leaf lettuce "Merlot."

Lot's of great early season greens, "Mars" onions, garlic scapes, lettuces, radishes, cheeses, Lambs Quarters, Purslane and more.

Save the date: June 24 for the Annual BPF Stawberry & BarBQ Festival. Wild Bill's BQ will be here with his award winning ribs and Strawberry Cobler from Lucy's Sweet Surrender. See the attached flyer.

A call or email in advance ( by Monday night) will hold an order of ribs for you so you don't miss out. When they are gone, they are gone. See you then.

photo from localharvest.org